Special Olympics Southern California's annual Pier del Sol fundraiser will return to the Santa Monica Pier this Sunday, Oct. 13.
The daylong event will start at 10 a.m. and feature food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.
"Pier del Sol is one of our premiere events of the year," said Special Olympics Southern California CEO Bill Shumard. "It's a great way to come out and spend the day in a casual atmosphere."
Pier del Sol has raised nearly $8 million for athletes since its 1997 inception, Shumard said. The event welcomed 1,400 to the pier in 2012.
"We're given the responsibility of raising approximately $12 million each year to fund our 14,000-plus athletes," Shumard said. "We use that money … to try and change more lives."
General admission tickets are $45 and include unlimited rides at Pacific Park, eight game tickets and a meal coupon for Pacific Park's food plaza. VIP tickets, available for $150, give attendees access to a brunch featuring food samples from more than 30 Los Angeles restaurants. Santa Monica-based Melisse, serving French cuisine, tops an extensive list of eateries.
Title sponsor and toy company JAKKS Pacific has donated more than 8,000 prizes for the day. Stephen Berman, JAKKS' CEO, will be recognized as the event's honoree.
