On the Town: Ghoulish fundraiser features costumed favorites from entertainment world
By virtue of being the media capital of the world, it is not unusual for well-known names and faces to show up at fundraisers and social events held in Burbank.
That said, last week’s fundraiser to benefit Leadership Burbank brought out an eclectic group of luminaries who ranged from the creepy Grady twins in “The Shining,” Mr. Peanut, and the late musical legends Elvis and Prince, to a cauldron-full of witches, devils, pirates, goths, ghouls and goblins.
These icons of both popular and creepy culture were brought to life by more than 300 of Burbank’s government, business and studio movers and shakers who took on these personas and gathered in the courtyard of Nickelodeon Studios to raise funds for the community-based organization.
According to the group’s board president, Nerissa Sugars, who co-chaired the event with Terry Walker, this annual Halloween costume party event stemmed out of the organization’s desire to go beyond the traditional chicken-dinner concept for raising funds.
Among those whose costumed creativity was recognized were Efren Jimenez as Prince and Kylie Lane as Holly Golightly, who took “best look-a-like” honors, and Rey Sanchez, who won in the “most likely to scare the dog” category for his portrayal of the beautiful Belle’s Beast.
Michael and Shayna Fiore took the award for best couple/group as Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from KISS, and Tom and Libby Vice won in the most creative category for assuming the roles of the late artist Bob Ross and one of his “happy little trees.”
Notables who enjoyed the ghoulish gathering included Vice Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, Councilman Bob Frutos, City Clerk Zizette Mullins, City Atty. Amy Albano, school board members Armond Aghakhanian and Steve Frinter, Gema Sanchez of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Burbank Leadership alumni and board including Albert Hernandez, Mike Thomas, Susan Sebastian, Jack O’Neill, Jamie Keyser and Barry Gussow.
The mission of Leadership Burbank is to identify, educate and motivate current and emerging leaders in Burbank to develop ideas and solutions that make Burbank a strong, sustainable and vibrant community.
Through a hands-on curriculum, leaders and emerging leaders have the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional skills, gain a deeper understanding of community dynamics and build a network of colleagues and associates within Burbank’s civic, government, business, faith-based and nonprofit groups.
DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
