Thursday, October 20, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

23

Eye Street

Go boo for a good cause

Scary for Charity event on Oct. 29
BY STEFANI DIAS
Californian assistant lifestyles editor

sdias@bakersfield.com

alloween is a night for dressing up, embracing a new persona and having a good time. If you think your costumed character has a philanthropic nature, consider making plans for Scary for Charity, which takes place Oct. 29. Hosted by KGET-TV, Channel 17s Alissa Carlson, this night of food, fun costumes, silent auction and dancing at the Marriott Hotel is perfect for anyone looking for holiday frivolity. This would be a good date night for a couple or a night out with girlfriends, said organizer Wendy Armijo, co-owner of A&L Marketing and Advertising. At a new venue this year, the event also has a tie-in that might interest the party-hard crowd. The Marriott, which is selling tickets and promoting the event, is offering a special room rate of $69 a night for the Friday and Saturday (Oct. 28 and 29) of the event, offering a safe after-party alternative for those who dont want to drive home. So far the people Ive told have been excited. It makes it safer for them to have a great time and not worry about how to get home, Armijo said. With a hotel room or designated driver, guests can feel free to indulge in candy corn martinis or pumpkin screwdrivers. Along with festive cocktails, the horrifying hors doeuvres include deviled eyeballs (eggs), bloody meatballs, crunchy fingers (fries), vomit (pea) soup shooters, slimy slider sandwiches, Snow White (not really) poisoned candy apples and the less-frightening chicken-pineapple skewers and fresh fruit. Continue to treat yourself with the silent auction, which Armijo said includes a day of pampering at Beautologie medispa, a pair of tickets to Hearst Castle, a rafting trip for two via Kern River Tours and a four-pack of tickets to the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra concert of choice. Also up for grabs will be a signature shot glass (as supplies last) as well as cash and other prizes in the costume contests, awarded for funniest, scariest, best overall and best couple. Costumes get guests in the spirit, bolstered further by music from DJ Margo Saylor, a photo booth and staging that includes big scary monsters from Los

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WENDY ARMIJO

KGET-TV, Channel 17 anchor Alissa Carlson, seen here with Angela Barton and her sister, Shannon Taylor, will return as hostess for this year's Scary for Charity, which takes place Oct. 29.

Scary for Charity

When: 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 29 Where: Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $50; can be purchased at scaryforcharity.com or at the Marriott

Angeles and unique lighting. There are moving bats and ghouls for the wall and seethrough ghosts hovering around a graveyard, with light work done by Innovative Concert Lighting, Armijo said. Last years event drew nearly 250 people, Armijo said, and raised close to $7,000 for the Kern Partnership for Children and Families. It was more than any of their other events have raised at one time, Armijo said of the partnership, on whose board she serves. This year, Armijo said the goal is $12,000, with attendance expected to exceed 400. But we may end up with 500, she said, referring to the Marriotts capacity.

Sarah Ketchum and Joe Jimenez at last year's Scary for Charity.

The partnership, which was looking for a signature fundraising event, teamed with Armijo last year for the first Scary for Charity. The group was created to provide assistance to low-income and foster children in Kern County who have needs that cannot be met through government assistance. The board now also manages the Jamison Center, the first stop for children entering the foster system, so proceeds from the event will benefit the center as

KISS from left, Danny Spanks, Crystal and Kenn McCloud and Dave Burich rocked Scary for Charity in 2010.

well, Armijo said. Tickets are $50 and available online at scaryforcharity.com or at the Marriott. And dont be scared if you dont remember to

buy your tickets early. Some people like to go at the last minute, Armijo said. Last year, 50 percent of the people showed up at the door.