KATHLEEN G.
PRUTOS / contriubted to the Daily News 4:08 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2009 The 11th annual SoapFest Charity Weekend on Marco Island will feature a chance to meet and mingle with daytime television stars to benefit local children’s charities. Eighteen actors and actresses who play parts on some of the networks’ greatest soap operas &mdash including “As the World Turns,” “All My Children,” “Guiding Light” and “One Life to Live” &mdash will be on hand. “Funds raised from SoapFest benefit several children’s charities, including the Marco Island Center for the Art’s summer art program,” reports festival director Pat Berry. “Another beneficiary is Eden Florida’s newly opened Eimerman Center which provides educational and outreach services for children with autism.” The master of ceremonies this year will be dapper, handsome, blond-haired, blue-eyed Walt Willey, well known as “All My Children’s” heartthrob Jackson Montgomery. Willey spoke from New York earlier this week about his commitment to supporting SoapFest’s mission to raise funds for children’s charities, his personal dedication to educating people about autism, and spending a weekend with devoted soap fans from across the country in beautiful Southwest Florida. SoapFest 2009 kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. with the opening of A Night of the Stars at Bistro Soleil, located in the historic Olde Marco Inn, 100 Palm St. Guests enjoy up-close and personal time with residents of Springfield, Oakdale, Pine Valley and Llanview. Celebrity guests will be available for autograph signing, photos and lots of surprises. Tickets are $100 and include bar and catered buffet by one of the area’s top chefs and a few special, limited VIP tickets are still available at $150 and guarantee seating with one of the stars.
The fun continues later that evening with the annual Celebrity Bartender Bash to be held at Almost Famous Mel’s, 657 S. Collier Blvd. It’s a Karaoke event showcasing celebrities singing their hearts out and serving refreshments to raise funds. This year’s new feature is a festive “bottle grab” game. Tickets cost $40 each. Discounted tickets are available when combined with tickets to the Night of Stars event.