“Chocolate Extravanganza” was the theme of the 6th Annual Sean’s Fund Dinner and Silent Auction. Every place setting had a colorfully decorated bag of Hershey’s Kisses and most auction items were paired with chocolate from as close as Trader Joe’s and as far away as Switzerland! Some of the more attention-grabbing items in the auction included Fred Carrillo’s artistic chess set with table, new Salomon skiis, and a foursome at Robinson Ranch golf course (our host). Besides great music from Drop Zone and a flourless chocolate cake demonstration from Judy Gilbert of Culinary Wonders, the highlight of the evening was probably the live auction for a Futurama print with a personalized autograph to come from the show’s creative genius Matt Groenig.
Sean’s Fund would like to thank our donors, volunteers, and wonderful guests who really got in the giving spirit. The dinner raised over $12,000 to help support the wonderful activities supported by Sean’s Fund, including financial aid for classes, camps and tournamnents, funds to compile chess-themed backpacks for kids at LA area hospitals the Painted Turtle Camp, and special events like the Sean Reader Master-Junior Simul.
The 2012 Sean Reader Master-Junior Simul boasted three International Masters and a Grandmaster, but their opponents had some pretty impressive credentials as well! This unique invitation-only opportunity brings together experienced titled players and Southern California’s most promising young players in a fun and very entertaining yet competitive event.