IN BRIEF

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- The eighth annual Project Playhouse fund-raiser brought

in a record-breaking $350,000, which will go to building and renovating

shelters for homeless families in Southern California.

More than $250,800 of that total was from the auction of 11 playhouses

and one doghouse. The record-breaking figure is a 52% increase from last

year’s total.

The playhouses were designed and built by various businesses and

architectural firms. The houses, which ranged in style, sold for bids

ranging from $900 for “Buster’s Dream House” to $36,000 for “Magnolia

Manor.”

The auction party also drew more attendees than ever -- 1,200 people.

“The auction party would not have been the phenomenal success it was

without the outstanding support of the building industry community,” said

event co-chair Michael Schrock, who thanked all the volunteers and

individuals who designed the houses.

The houses were judged and participants received awards for their

architectural efforts. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Richard F. Crawford

Co. was presented with the Grand Award for the most outstanding

playhouse. “The People’s Choice” award went to “Victorian Enchantment” by

William Lyon Homes.