Quick reviews of recent events
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Road to the Red Carpet @ House of Blues 2/22 It was a packed event. Imagine this: The searchlights beam in the brisk night air. Your car pulls up. The valet opens your door. You step out, revealing your glam choice of attire for the evening (sure to be a crowd favorite). You look ahead. The red carpet beckons you and the Paparazzi fawn over you. My, my. Are we in Hollywood? Why no. It's the first annual “Road to the Red Carpet” fundraiser for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. And it was wall-to-wall with the Who's Who of Cleveland, complete with black tie, long gowns, sparkling jewels and beautiful people, Dahling.

A genius idea – for the Film Commission – to add a little sparkle to Oscar’s night with a Cleveland version of the Hollywood event. It was a chance to relax, enjoy great food by the HOB, visit with old friends, make some new acquaintances, and watch the Academy Awards on jumbo screens in every room. The silent auction provided items to bid on that included a walk-on role for My Name is Earl, lunch with Hollywood directors and many other Hollywood-inspired items. And by all counts, the event was a true success. Roughly $150,000 was raised to support the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. It was refreshing to see that the Commission has “fans” coming out in mega numbers (over 600 attendees!) to support its mission: to create good-paying jobs in Ohio in the film industry. The event was a fantastically glam alternative to watching the Academies at home with a bowl of popcorn.

From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com
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