OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photographer: George Whylie
Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Photo Courtesy of www.oscar.org
The 84th Annual Academy Awards take place in February for audiences around the world.
On Sunday, February 26th, 2012, 49 cities will host Oscar viewing parties during the ceremony. Oscar Night America (ONA) is a program that enables local charities to host Oscar viewing parties while at the same time raising money for their organizations. This year marks the 19th year in a row that this event has been taking place.
Not only does the Academy celebrate the talent of a diverse set of individuals, but they also reach out to do many year-round philanthropic activities in support of great and special causes.
ONA takes place in cities all across the United States such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, Denver, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Richmond, Raleigh, Palm Beach, Minneapolis, Providence, Springfield, Seattle and Tucson to name just a few. The parties range from black-tie galas to costume parties where the guests dress up as famous couples. Red carpets will be laid out to introduce local celebrities. Each ONA party will receive copies of the official Academy commemorative poster and the official Oscar show program. Only one charity party in a given media market may participate in ONA. Events are produced by local non-profit organizations, with the active participation of the local ABC-TV affiliate station.
In 2011, 51 charities held parties raising over $3.5 million and 17,332 guests attended. Benefitting organizations were the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, United Way, Starlight Children’s Foundation and The Ellie Fund (breast cancer support services).
Concept Marketing Development of Santa Barbara, California coordinates the program and since its inception, over $33.5 million has been raised for local charities keeping the money within the community where it was raised.
Make sure to watch The Academy Awards on ABC on Sunday, February 26th, 2012, televised live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center and broadcast in over 200 countries worldwide.
OSCARS
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