It is time for the fundraiser that brings smiles, laughter and toys to the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Stars will come out to show their support for the 17th Annual Mattel Party on the Pier on September 25 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pacific Park on the Pier. The party brings families together for fun activities while benefiting a phenomenal cause.
Party on the Pier started back in 1999-2000 with the same mission in sight; raise money to provide resources for research to help patients of UCLA.
For the past 17 years, Mattel Party on the Pier has provided unrestricted funding to launch high-priority programs and support innovative research discoveries that benefit children being treated at UCLA and around the world.
Recent support has been directed towards clinical trials for teen and young adult patients in the pediatric hematology and oncology division.
Funds also go to the development of new therapies for pediatric patients suffering from leukemia and lymphomas, and to support research in pediatric cancer predisposition and precision medicine.
According to the press release, “Last year, Mattel Party on the Pier netted over $800,000 for the hospital and helped launch high-priority programs that benefit boys and girls being treated at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and around the world.”
Danielle Dietz, Assistant Director of Development, Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA, said, “We love working with Pacific Park, the Pier is so iconic and just a great place for kids to be. We hope to continue this wonderful partnership with them in the future. I just hope the kids have as much fun as they did last year.”
Dietz shared that there will be a few new additions such as new kid’s fun lounge where kids will be able to enjoy some unique activities with free complimentary glitter tattoos and face painting from Skechers, custom cookie decorating hosted by Ralphs and a Wall of Hope for Patients Courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.”
This year the event will have carnival games filled with Mattel toys, brand new kid’s fun lounge and a VIP area hosted by the Toys “R” Us Foundation featuring lunch donated by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Dietz said, “Stars from Nickelodeon, YouTube, and Disney will play with the fans, sign autographs, and pose with kids in the new Celebrity Selfie Station. “
There will be appearances by, Dove Cameron (Live & Maddie), Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family), Raini Rodriguez (Austin & Ally), Jillian Rose Reed (Awkward), Barbie, and many others.
It is always impressive and heart warming to see celebrities support Mattel Children’s Hospital. What is more striking is the vast amount of people who crowd the pier to show the love and support they have for this cause. Last year the event sold out with a crowd over 2,000 guests and was able to raise over $1 million dollars.
Dietz said, “We are always thankful for the support and love we receive. This is the first year that supporters nationwide are invited to text Mattel POP16 to 24700 starting September 25th to help provide funding to launch high priority programs and innovative discoveries that benefits young children.”
Gather your friends and family and buy tickets for the Mattel Party on the Pier.
Tickets are $150 for adults and $75 for children ages 3-12. Children under the age of 3 enter for free. To purchase tickets visit: www.partyonthepier.ucla.edu.
By Marina Andalon
marina@www.smdp.com
