Irvine, California, July 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erin Williamson and Christina Loomis—two of Orange County’s most distinguished real estate professionals—recently hosted a star-studded music and wine festival raising awareness and funds for Peyton’s Project, a nonprofit organization aiming to improve the quality of life for children and young adults affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a rare terminal illness that causes progressive weakness and loss of heart and skeletal muscles.

Held at a sprawling Yorba Linda estate complete with its own vineyard, the event drew the participation of nearly 400 attendees, raising over $100,000 to move Peyton’s Project just a little closer to fulfilling its ultimate goal of finding a cure for this cruel disease, which primarily affects young boys.

Having known Peyton Marquez—the 12-year-old boy for whom Peyton’s Project is named—since he was a small child, this particular cause hits close to home for Williamson and Loomis, who count his parents as close friends and have personally witnessed the family’s perseverance and strength in the face of unfathomable hardship.

“It’s unbelievably tough to imagine the heartbreak of being told your child has a terminal illness, for which there is no cure, that will dramatically cut his life short, and that will force him to endure physical pain and suffering as it inevitably progresses,” Erin Williamson stated. “Yet the manner in which Bonnie and Ethan Marquez have stepped up to the plate on behalf of all parents and children who are affected by this devastating disease is perhaps the most inspiring thing we’ve ever witnessed. What makes the sad reality of a DMD diagnosis all the more grim is the fact that so many children afflicted by the disease can’t afford the equipment and medical care needed to alleviate their pain and ensure a reasonable quality of life. Peyton’s Project is changing that, one child at a time, and we could not be happier to support the cause.”

Leveraging their powerful network, Williamson and Loomis impressively rallied the community to assemble and unforgettable evening in just a few months’ time. First, they turned to a longtime client and friend, who was happy to offer up their spectacular three-acre residence for use as the party venue. Then, they set out to gather the food, drink, entertainment and prizes guaranteed to make the evening a success for Peyton’s Project. Along with 12 signed guitars, items like premium floor seats to concerts were auctioned off, with gift baskets valued between $50 and $250 up for raffles. And, in addition to a sit-down dinner with wine, guests enjoyed top-tier entertainment via DJ Ravi Drums, band Blind Innocence, and the night’s emcee, KTLA’s Henry DiCarlo. Not a bad deal for a $100 ticket.

“Our hearts are so full thanks to the success of this event, which did more for Peyton’s Project than we ever could have imagined thanks to the generosity of our many friends who purchased tickets and contributed items large and small for auctions and raffles,” Williamson remarked. “And in addition to raising much-needed money and awareness for this worthy cause, everyone had a truly wonderful evening.” 

To make a donation in support of Peyton’s Project, visit paypal.me/peytonsproject or https://www.gofundme.com/PeytonsProjectDMD . 

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Joe Burke First Team 949 988 3049 joeburke@firstteam.com