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By Lookout Staff

October 7, 2011 -- Fun on the pier, great food, lively music and more – all can enjoyed had this weekend, as you support the Special Olympics.

The 15th Annual Pier del Sol Event – “Viva La Fiesta” – which starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, is a joint labor of love by Pacific Park, the venue of the annual fundraiser, and the Special Olympics Southern California.

“Pier del Sol is a day that the whole family can enjoy, while giving back to the community and our Special Olympics athletes,” said Bill Shumard, president and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Each year this event gets better and better. We hope the public will continue to come out and enjoy the wonderful cuisine, live music, and games at the historic Santa Monica Pier.”

Select ticket holders can savor a special VIP brunch created by chefs from some of the area's greatest restaurants, including including Melisse, Providence, Savory, Angelini Osteria, and Spago.

Arts and crafts, Karaoke, entertainment by Global Motion, World Dance Company and El Mariachi Alas de Angel will complement the rides and games at the park on the pier, and an auction will feature Twilight memorabilia, a ride in a Los Angeles County Sheriff's helicopter, Southwest Airlines tickets and more.

California's former First Lady Maria Shriver will be on hand, and Rob Friedman, event co-chair and CEO of Summit Entertainment – producers of the movies Twilight Saga and Hurt Locker – will be honored. Friedman has been a Special Olympics Southern California Board member for 16 years, and has served on the Board of Directors for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

“Rob has contributed to our movement at every turn,” said Shumard. “He’s an amazing fundraiser who is compassionate and cares for our athletes. His support has helped make this year’s Pier del Sol the most successful in its history.”

Since their inception in 1997, the annual Pier del Sol events have raised more than $6 million which has supported more than 10,000 Special Olympic Southern California athletes.

General Admission tickets cost $45 and include unlimited rides, eight game tickets, and a meal coupon for Pacific Park’s food plaza. VIP Coaster Tickets are $150 each or $500 for five tickets. VIP tickets include a VIP Brunch prepared by Los Angeles' top restaurants, unlimited rides, and 10 game tickets. Child VIP tickets are $50 (ages 5-12 and only available at the door).

To purchase tickets online, please visit www.pierdelsol.org For more information, contact Maureen Barclift at mbarclift@sosc.org or (562) 354-2605.

This event is presented by Cimarron Entertainment, Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, Liner Grode, Stein Yankelevitz, Sunshine Regenstreif, & Taylor LLP, Mindshare, the Walt Disney Company, Wells Fargo, and Westfield.