On Saturday, June 2 more than 500 local supporters of Rebuilding Together Peninsula gathered at Stanford Shopping Center for the biennial Dreams Happen Playhouse Gala and Auction. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening gala that culminated in the live auction of 14 custom designed playhouses and garden structures conceived by local experts. At the end of the evening more than $700,000 had been raised, $439,500 of which came over one fast-paced hour.
San Francisco-based Nibbi Brothers Associates' design, "Woodside Adventure" commanded $56,000, the highest donation of the evening. The longtime supporter of Rebuilding Together Peninsula was honored their design was such a hit with attendees.
"We love Rebuilding Together Peninsula and Dreams Happen and are so pleased that our playhouse and the event as a whole were so successful," said Mike Nibbi, project executive. "Woodside Adventure was a fun undertaking and the event is such an innovative way to give back to a great cause like Rebuilding Together Peninsula."
Teams of builders, architects, and designers from across the Bay Area donated their time and resources to creating the elaborate structures, which went for an average price of $31,393.
"Once again, we're absolutely overwhelmed by the support of the local community," said Seana O'Shaughnessy, executive director at Rebuilding Together Peninsula. "Not only was this the most successful Dreams Happen, it was also a truly fun evening for all. We'd like to thank our partners and all of the participants for their hard work. This donation will help fund our efforts for up to two years."
Hosted in the Center Pavilion at Stanford Shopping Center, the event was catered by a sampling of the center's acclaimed restaurants and music was provided by "The Cheeseballs."
Our guests loved checking out the structures while they were on display at the property. In fact, more than one million people were able to enjoy them while they were on site," said Julie Kelly, director of mall marketing at Stanford Shopping Center. "The designs invoke a fun, youthful spirit that is really contagious. We can't wait for the return of Dreams Happen in 2009."
Since its inception in 1993, Dreams Happen has raised more than one million dollars for Rebuilding Together Peninsula.
