What: Oscar Night Sacramento 2012, a benefit for the Capital City AIDS Fund.
When: 4 p.m. Feb. 26.
Where: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 1209 L St.
How much: $75 for lounge area with appetizers; $125 for dinner; Oscar fans are encouraged to arrange for seating at tables for 10
Information: www.capcityAIDSfund.org/ Oscars2012.html or (916) 448-1110.
Dress up: Black tie, movie garb, sleek gowns.
What's hot: The Oscar telecast on at least 20 TV screens for true fans.
Extras: Red-carpet Hollywood-style welcome; silent auction; entertainment by Raquela ("Tell It to My Heart") and Xavier Toscano ("Do It All Tonight").
Honorary co-chairs: Jeanne Reaves, president, Jeanne Reaves Consulting; Nancy Bui Thompson, SMUD board of directors; Chevo Ramirez, vice president, Wells Fargo Bank; and Phil Serna, supervisor, Sacramento County District 1.
Capital City AIDS Fund: The all-volunteer board works to provide scholarships and education in the community. Funds raised help many organizations, including Breaking Barriers, Sunburst Projects, CARES, Oak Park Outreach, Harm Reduction Services, Golden Rule Services, Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship, and Education & Prevention. Joyce Mitchell, CCAF president, raises approximately $75,000 for the beneficiaries.
Featured volunteer: Tyler Edwards arrived in Sacramento five years ago and has taken on the task of soliciting items for the silent auction, a major part of the fundraising of the Oscar party.
"The committee brought me in the week before Christmas," Edwards said. "So we are a little behind. Frankly, since then, we have received some winery private tastings and magnums. And a red ribbon pendant valued at $7,000."
Edwards, who sells real estate for Cook Realty, said: "I am new to the Capital City AIDS Fund and a volunteer, and I feel like I have found a home."
Edwards and partner Todd Lohse, president of the Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, have had to overcome the loss of a son. "It took time," said Edwards.
In the movie world, Edwards calls "The Wizard of Oz" his favorite. "When I look at the journey on that yellow brick road, when you come to pitfalls, you embrace them," he said.
Worst movie? Edwards and Lohse walked out of "Bridesmaids."
Who would Edwards pick to portray him in a movie? Robin Williams.
On Oscar night, Edwards will be busy working the silent auction, including thanking sponsors and contributors. Edwards says it is not too late to contribute to the auction; call the number listed above.
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