Making a splash for charity

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the AIDS Services Foundation will

present the fundraising event “Splashback to the Starlite Drive-In,”

with a sneak preview Sept. 23 and the main extravaganza Sept. 24.

Both events will be held on the Festival of Arts grounds.

The organization was founded by Al Roberts, board president, his

life partner Ken Jillson and a few other people. A couple months

later, “Splash” was born as a means to raise funds.

As a board member and event chairman, Jillson wears many hats at

the event, which he originated in his backyard pool.

“The first Splash was in September 1985; it was nine minutes

long,” Jillson said. “Our goal was to raise $25,000. It was on a

Sunday with no set, props or sound system. Still we raised $33,000.”

Jillson said the show consisted of six people performing

synchronized swimming.

“Obviously, people just loved it,” Jillson said. “In 1988 ‘Splash’

was 30 minutes; we raised $98,000.”

Each year performances grew in length, and the money raised

increased as well.

“1993 was the big turning point; we moved it to the night, had two

shows and started building a story point of view,” Jillson said. “We

had an ice rink and flew Nathan Greene, who was 8 at the time, on a

wire. We added all the magic, elements and characters. It was a whole

new look, beautiful and professional.”

Jillson recalled “Splashback to Disco Beach” in 1997 as a

highlight.

“We had grandstands in the backyard and capacity went up,” Jillson

said. “Mike and Nancy Brown were key people, very helpful; they made

sure we had 350 people each night. I’m sure we made $400,000.”

2000’s “Splashing under the Big Top” marked the final backyard

performance; it earned $850,000.

“Another key element of magic and mystique was added --

voice-overs,” Jillson said.

Stars who have contributed include Gregory Peck, Lauren Bacall,

Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Kirk Douglas, Bea Arthur, Whoopi

Goldberg, Penny Marshall, Carrie Fisher, Dolly Parton, Henry Winkler

and Dolly Parton.

“These people all volunteered whether they danced or recorded

their voices -- they were extraordinary volunteers who made it happen

to get it to 20 years,” Jillson said. “When you look who was

involved, it blows people away.”

“Splashback to the Starlite Drive-In” was conceptualized a year

ago, right before last year’s show.

Cocktails, casino games and a silent and live auction will

accompany dinner, donated by Sundried Tomato owner Mark Jacobi,

followed by the all-new show.

“Saturday night, the live auction items will blow people’s socks

off, and we have a super-neat silent auction,” Jillson said.

David and Shelly Kim donated a new Harley Davidson Sportster;

Marilyn Monroe’s mink stole complete with certificate of

authenticity; and $25,000 for a sponsor table.

“People for whatever reason have been touched and have stepped up

to the plate big time,” Jillson said.

Other donated items include an autographed Fender Stratocaster

guitar played by legendary Blues artist B.B. King, two first class

tickets on American Airlines, a six-course gourmet dinner and wine

for 10 at Sundried Tomato.

“Everyone volunteers, so nearly all the proceeds go to ASF,”

Jillson said.

Ernie Schmider is adding to the theme by loaning some ‘50s and

‘60s classic cars, which will complement the drive-in theater theme.

Jillson said people keep volunteering, and they are committed to

keep it up until the disease goes away.

“That’s our commitment,” Jillson said. Roberts said it amazes him

how giving and charitable people are.

“I’ve never seen so many people donate so much money as they have

this year, maybe because it’s our 20th year,” Roberts said. “I’m very

thankful.”

Board secretary Dr. Jorge Rodriguez is an HIV/AIDS specialist and

a co-chair of the event.

“I’ve been on the board for 15 years. It’s a shame we still have

to have it after 20 years,” Rodriguez said. “I’m glad people are

still responsive after 20 years, even more generous than before.”

He is worried that the problem of HIV/AIDS has been out of the

headlines.

“I’m seeing as many people become HIV positive,” Rodriguez said.

“It’s more dangerous now because infected people who are receiving

treatment are transmitting a virus already resistant to medications.

Now they have less options in treatment, and that’s a very serious

problem.”

Tickets are $50, or $100 for reserved seating, for the sneak

preview Sept. 23, which starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets to the main event are $250 for individuals, with donor

programs ranging from $1,200 to $15,000 for 12 VIP guests. The event

runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

Festival of Arts is at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For donor programs,

call Mary Landon at (949) 809-8760. For tickets, call (949) 791-5018.