A ‘STANDING ROOM ONLY’ SUCCESS
(Santa Barbara) Five-time Emmy Award winner Dennis Miller brought
his unique brand of sardonic humor to the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa
Barbara on October 25th, for a one-night-only performance benefiting
the Fallen Heroes Last Wish Foundation (www.lastwishfoundation.org).
The Montecito resident graciously donated his time and talent, treating the
delighted audience to more than an hour of his highly intelligent and bitingly
sarcastic stand-up comedy.
In a recent interview with the Ventura County Star, Dennis spoke of his support for the Foundation. "I'm a citizen living a cushy life in this country,” he explained, “and I owe it to the people who are out in crazy spots in the world fighting for us. I feel an obligation to them. When they fall, their kids should be able to go to college. It's an important cause."
The crowd was sprinkled with local celebrities, including actor Gary Sinise, Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum, and former Mayor Harriet Miller. After the show, Dennis graciously accepted an engraved crystal momento from the Foundation, inscribed with the words “Thank you for your generosity and kindness toward our fallen heroes’ children."
The hugely successful event was the first public fundraising effort for the newly created Fallen Heroes Last Wish Foundation. The non-profit organization was designed to assist the children of the soldiers who have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom with a financial gift to help in a time of need. CEO Dan O’Dowd of Green Hills Software, Inc. headquartered here in Santa Barbara, launched the foundation with $100,000 and is committed to match the contributions from the community until $500,000 is raised. The target for local fundraising efforts is to provide $5,000 for every minor age son and daughter of a U.S. service member. O’Dowd is personally financing all Foundation operating expenses, allowing 100% of all donations to go directly to the children. It is Dan’s desire to inspire other CEOs to form similar foundations for their communities across America.