Inger Miller and Jill Hawkins of Miller Hawkins Productions to Co-Chair Five Acres’ Ninth Annual Swingin’ on a Star

(ALTADENA, Calif.)— Five Acres will host its ninth annual Swingin’ on a
Star – Up, Up and Away on Saturday, June 2, 6 p.m. at The Ambassador
Campus in Pasadena. Inger Miller and Jill Hawkins of Miller Hawkins
Productions, LLC are this year’s event co-chairs and will provide vision and
leadership for the child and family services organization’s largest annual
fundraiser. Miller and Hawkins’ association with Five Acres began in 2006 when
they moved their events company from Downtown Los Angeles to Altadena. One of their goals was to find a nonprofit organization to support and give back to
their community. They selected Five Acres as their exclusive charity and have
donated their services to the Altadena-based nonprofit over the last six years.
Miller and Hawkins have been volunteer event consultants at every fundraising
event in support of Five Acres’ various programs.

“Dynamic leadership is key to the success of all of Five Acres’ fund-raising events. Five Acres is grateful to have seasoned professionals like Jill and Inger leading
our signature event this year,” said Cathy Clement, chief development officer
of Five Acres.

Having been a part of past Five Acres events as committee members, it’s a natural transition for Miller and Hawkins to be this year’s event co-chairs.

“We are honored to raise funds with this exciting event so that Five Acres can work to ensure a bright future for children who have faced many life challenges,” said Hawkins.

This year’s event theme, “Up, Up and Away,” focuses on the jet setting age in the 1960’s when worldwide travel was about the exclusive first class experience. “My
mother was a TWA flight attendant for 40 years and was the inspiration for our
theme” said Miller. “We knew this theme could exude from every element of the
event.”

“From conception to completion, it’s nice to have that creative control to execute a theme that’s ours,” said Hawkins. “We can implement elements that we know work. Our end goal is to take it to another level. It’s not just about bringing more
money than the previous years but also driving awareness about Five Acres to
expand its exposure and bring involvement from the community.”

Event tickets are available at $250 per person and include live music, cocktails and dinner. The event will feature special guest and emcee, Kent Shocknek, morning news anchor of CBS 2 News. A “duty-free store” will feature premium items and a live auction will offer unique items and experiences. Swingin’ On a Star – Up, Up and Away sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $1,000 to $20,000. Event proceeds will benefit Five Acres’ programs that prevent child abuse, keep families intact and ensure safe, permanent and loving family homes for vulnerable children.

Miller and Hawkins credit their community involvement to their upbringing. They support Five Acres and their high school, John Muir. “We are lucky to have a successful business in the community and the only way success can perpetuate itself is by giving back,” said Miller.

With 40 years of combined experience in production of corporate, private and social events, Miller and Hawkins have been able to keep event costs down while still executing their vision for Five Acres’ Swingin’ on a Star, Up, Up and Away.

“We couldn’t raise sponsorships but we knew we could count on our best vendors to keep our costs low. It brings opportunities and introduces them to Five Acres which goes back to helping one another in the community,” said Miller.

Vendors of Miller Hawkins Productions have joined Swingin’ on a Star as event committee members, supporting the fundraiser by donating their services. They include: Marcela Blakey of Simply Stated Stationery; Pauline Parry, President and Owner of good gracious!; Michelle Nowak, Senior Event Producer, Good Gracious!; and Karla Ross of Karla Ross Productions.

Crown City Combo, Signature Party Rentals and Douglas ‘The Crooner’ Roegiers from Villa Sorriso have also donated their services for this event.

“We’re here for Five Acres,” said Hawkins. “We’re about serving the community and we invite the public to see the good that is Five Acres. They hold a legacy in Altadena and it’s because of the great support of friends, family and the community.”

For more information about this event visit www.fiveacresswinginonastar.com or contact Jasmine Abghari at 626-798-6793 ext. 2244 or jabghari@5acres.org.

About Five Acres:

Five Acres is a child and family services agency that strengthens families and prevents child abuse through treatment and education in community-based and residential programs. Originally established as an orphanage in 1888, today Five Acres offers an array of services including a residential treatment center, a non-public WASC-accredited school, mental health services, foster care, adoption services and domestic violence prevention. For more information on ways to help, contact Kristina Sarenas at ksarenas@5acres.org or (626) 798-6793 ext. 2279.

About MHP events:

Miller Hawkins Productions LLC is a full service event coordinating company, specializing in the detailed production of corporate, private and social events. Based in Altadena, Miller Hawkins Productions www.mhpevents.com celebrates its 10th year in operation. The team consists of two principals, both Pasadena natives: Olympic Gold Medalist in the 4x100 meter relay at the 1996 Olympic Games, Inger Miller and 20 year veteran of the event production industry, Jill Hawkins. The events company was built on the premise that all clients should be guests at their own event. Their clientele range from corporate meetings, trade shows and conferences, to high end weddings and galas. Miller Hawkins Productions was honored as 2009 “California Small Business of the Year,” “Top 40 under 40” by Pasadena Magazine, along with other nominations in several categories from Catersource and Event Solutions.