Fun with philanthropy

by Jonathan Higbee

Summer ends with a sequined splash as LalaPOOLooza, in its second year, reaches out to a new generation of do-gooders.

Pool party attire won’t have a chance to dry until fall if LalaPOOLooza 2008 has anything to do with it. On summer’s last night, guests of the Palm Springs fundraiser will give a wet and boisterous “farewell” to the season. Taking place around the Hotel Zoso pool, the show and its organizers promise plenty of gorgeous bathing-suit-clad guys and girls during a night of entertainment, with proceeds benefiting the AIDS Assistance Program and six other local charities.

Though they are working against a sluggish economy, organizers feel they have designed a night that can’t be missed. “We’re trying to create an event to attract money from different sources, people that normally wouldn’t give money,” says LalaPOOLooza mastermind Wesley Eure.

Now in his second year directing the event, Eure knows a thing or two about generating buzz with a unique show. His resumé—including starring roles on Days of Our Lives and Land of the Lost—landed him a spot on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. With LalaPOOLooza 2008, Eure plans to once again unite the community that cemented his stardom in the hopes of surpassing last year’s alms.

Lucky for the beneficiaries, the bar is high. LalaPOOLooza 2007 raised $80,000, and the results of its success are already tangible. “Last year we paid for 2,000 mammograms. The money we raised saved the lives of two women,” reports Eure. But with 85 volunteers—twice as many as in 2007—and an impressive assembly of talented guest stars, this year’s event will give its predecessor a run for its money, according to organizers.

“It’s Beach Blanket Babylon-meets-Aquacade,” says Eure, using theatrical terms to communicate what sets LalaPOOLooza apart from other charity events. True to its description, guests of LalaPOOLooza will enjoy a synchronized aquatic routine by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, local news anchors competing in a swim meet, ballet parkers (not a typo) and an extravagant hat contest, with the winner crowned Miss LalaPOOLooza 2008.

If the attractions sound out of this world, it’s with intention: The show’s theme centers around an alien spaceship in search of hot men and women. Likely to be abducted are a list of stars generously volunteering their time, including vocalists Austin Ray and Dana Adkins, Palm Springs staples Tommi Rose and Pinkie Meringue Shimmer (Miss LalaPOOLooza 2007), choreographer Palmer Davis and a special appearance by H.R. Pufnstuf, who, according to Eure, hasn’t been allowed outside the CBS vaults in 40 years.

When asked his favorite moment of LalaPOOLooza, Eure takes a second to reflect. “Handing over the checks to charities,” he answers sincerely. Eure and dozens of other volunteers are working hard to ensure that charities aren’t the only ones benefiting from LalaPOOLooza 2008. It is their goal to indoctrinate a new generation in just how rewarding a charity event can be.

LalaPOOLooza 2008 takes place Sept. 20 at the Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs. For tickets or more information, visit lalapoolooza.org, or contact Vivian Gonzales at (760) 360-7691.