Annual event brings children's need to forefront while entertaining.

Nearly 800 people turned out Saturday evening to enjoy the
warm weather, a gourmet dinner and the tunes of Earth, Wind and Fire at the 15th
annual Evening Under the Stars to benefit the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for
children’s cancer.

Children touched by the Michael Hoefflin Foundation reach out to the audience

Scott Schauer, executive director of the foundation, said
that more than $400,000 was raised by the evening’s efforts, with half of that
coming from a live and silent auction that featured 300 items.

The evening featured a presentation to children helped by
the Foundation, christened “heroes” and given golden statues as they crossed
the stage. Another group of children, the first to receive scholarships from
the Foundation, were introduced later in the event – a success story for the
organization, which started the scholarship program with College of the Canyons
in 2007.

Jonathon Gilson’s father Ian looks on proudly after his son received recognition

“We’ve had a few events where the money went into the
scholarship fund,” said Schauer, who noted that donors made some hefty
contributions to the fund during Saturday’s event. “After Saturday, we have
$100,000 in the fund and we’ll be able to award more scholarships.”

Nearly 800 people came to help raise money for children’s cancer

Auctioneers kept the crowd on its toes throughout the live
auction, which featured sports memorabilia, corporate parties, rounds of golf
and vacations. An English bulldog puppy went for $4,250, while a David Beckham
autographed jersey went for $3,750.

After the spirited auction concluded, the meadow stage at
Mann Biomedical Park lit up with Al McKay, an original member of Earth, Wind
and Fire, who led the full band in a series of the band’s signature hits,
including “Shining Star,” “After The Love Is Gone,” and “Fantasy.”

An English bulldog was auctioned off for $4,250

A guest at the Night Under the Stars considers silent auction items

The sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire filled the night, led by original band member Al McKay