![]() Walker and Houdini had been friends and when the magician came to California in 1919 to work on his two feature films for Famous Players-Lasky, “The Grim Game” and “Terror Island,” he and his wife Bess are said to have lived in Walker’s guest house. Walker, the property also included a four bedroom guest house. While the house, built in the early 1900s, and the property, with its caves, grottos, hidden tunnels, stone walkways and terraced gardens, is called the Houdini Estate, and pays homage to the legendary escape artist, magician, illusionist and stunt performer who died in 1926, most visitors are surprised to learn that Houdini never owned the property himself. ![]() “For the first 50 guests who make a $500 donation we will have a pre-event opportunity drawing and the winners will be invited to a special late evening VIP pool party and to spend the night of the event in the estate with breakfast prepared and served by a local chef the following morning,” said Pelayo. The evening will also honor special VIP guests, who could be you and two guests. Pelayo said the event planners have already lined up 12 chefs from local restaurants, a brewery, winery and several liquor makers, who will be donating their goods and services to help make the fundraiser as profitable as possible. “In the main event area magicians from the Magic Castle - Raven, Cydney Kaplan, Migz, Sirinda Sincharoen, Joe “The Great Joedini” Namsinh, and Raul Fernandez - will perform ongoing 15-minute shows for people to enjoy either before or after they take a tour of the estate.” ![]() “Upon arrival, guests will be checked in and begin their magical adventure by strolling the grounds,” said Pelayo. This past Monday, Pelayo and Arnold were joined by Kiwanians Carline Romela-Herisse, Ron Rothacher, Juan Guillen, Theresa Ayers and Mary Anne Been to meet with Lori Seyer, who serves as the property manager for the Houdini Estate, to plan out the evening. “We really wanted to do something special for this year’s celebration, as we start out next 100 years of service to our community,” said Cari Pelayo, who will co-chair the event along with local Kiwanis President Eddie Arnold. The event will give attendees the opportunity to escape from Burbank and spend a magical evening at the Houdini Estate nestled within dense greenery just off Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. Members and supporters of the Kiwanis Club of Burbank will get to experience all three along with sampling the offerings of gourmet food stations and exotic libations when the organization presents their annual gala fundraiser under the theme of “The Magic of Kiwanis” on March 25 from 6 p.m. The name Harry Houdini is synonymous with magic, mystery and the mastery of escapism. (Photos by David Laurell) - Event co-chairs need a big chair, and Cari Pelayo and Kiwanis President Eddie Arnold found one that was perfect for them as they visited the Houdini Estate to coordinate what will be a hypnotic evening.įirst published in the Jan.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |