by Jeff Katz

A Hollywood Affair

Roll out the red carpet, pop the champagne and get out the checkbook: It’s time for Oscar Night Sacramento. Now that the writer’s strike has been resolved (finally, new TV shows are on their way!), Hollywood’s biggest night can go on as planned, honoring the best in last year’s motion pictures.

But you don’t have to just be in L.A. to get in on the glam, as the annual Oscar Night Sacramento will turn the capital city into a star-studded town for the night. Benefiting various Northern California HIV/AIDS organizations, including CARES, Breaking Barriers and prevention and education programs, the Capital City AIDS Fund puts together the night’s event (this year on Sunday, Feb. 24), which includes a fantastic catered dinner, silent auction and everyone’s favorite, the MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam models.

Last year’s event raised $70,000 for the HIV/AIDS organizations. And given proposed changes in California’s budget, event co-chair Paul Curtis says 2008’s event may prove to be vital to those needing assistance. “This year is especially critical for Sacramento's party because of the severe cutbacks we are experiencing in HIV/AIDS funding at the state and federal levels,” Curtis says. “We are thankful that everyone in our community continues to support local HIV/AIDS agencies through Sacramento Oscar Night America.”

This year’s party kicks off at 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Sacramento. Throw on your tux and gowns, and bid on great auction items, including tropical vacations, while watching Jon Stewart hosting the awards on big screens around the ballroom. Individual tickets are $125 per person. A fun party tip that gets everyone in on the action is start a pool at the table, betting on anything from who is going to walk away with the statue to the number of fake tears and prepared speeches. Of course, donating the winnings at the end of the night is highly recommended.

Oscar Night Sacramento is a part of the larger network of national Oscar parties (46 in all, this year) to which the Academy officially lends its Oscar branding to help raise money for local charities. All of the funds raised at the viewing parties stay in the community. “We created Oscar Night America to let people across the country participate in the excitement of the Academy Awards festivities,” says Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis. “The fact that the viewing parties benefit local charities is an added bonus.”

For more information about Oscar Night Sacramento, or to purchase a ticket, visit www.capcityaidsfund.org.