Celebrities Walk the Red Carpet for Global Cause

Local celebrities and VIP guests strolled the red carpet Friday night at Agoura’s newest posh venue, the Sunset Room, as part of the Global Party 2011, an international fundraising affair held Sept. 15 and 16. Guests paid up to $1000 to attend.

Inspired by the adventures of the fictional character Phileas Fogg, the courageous explorer who tried to circumnavigate the world in 80 days, this lavish soiree, which was simultaneously held in cities like Amsterdam, Cape Town, Delhi, Dubai, Marrakech, New York, Rio De Janeiro, Shanghai and Sydney, was established for world-wide charities, including the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, ARK (Absolute Return for Kids); Give Them A Sporting Chance and Virgin Unite.

Actor Drake Hogestyne (Days of Our Lives) said he came because the event was all about the children. "I have a plethora of children myself, I have grandchildren, one of whom was born with a very serious heart defect, and she's doing great, so anything for the kids," he said.

Though the Sunset Room’s grand opening isn’t scheduled until mid-October, this grand affair offered a “who’s who” in Agoura Hills and surrounding communities a sneak peek at this topnotch establishment.

The Sunset Room is an elegant mix of restaurant, bar and nightclub owned and conceived by the renowned nightclub mogul, Chris Breed. Breed, called "King of Hollywood" by the Los Angeles Times, earned the title by opening a string of successful nightlife establishments over the past 18 years. Breed burst into the Hollywood scene in 1990, when he opened the legendary Roxbury Supper Club.

“[The event] is very close to my heart," said Breed. "The Global Party is going on in 80 countries around the world, there are 15 different charities, organizations around the world. And for us to bring this to the Conejo is a great thing...This is going to be a yearly event to raise money for charity. It is the biggest party being thrown [around] the world."  

Having honed his nightlife chops in high profile New York venues like the Palladium and Tunnel, Breed came to LA to pioneer a new style of club with a dynamic restaurant and lounge component. Following the success of the Roxbury, he helped open, and manage the Sunset Room restaurant and bar, Shelter nightclub, White Lotus supper club, Cabana Club, Sterling Steakhouse and his latest A-List spot, Green Door.

Sunset Room co-owner James Ashford said that all involved have been very excited about the evening and were happy with the large turnout. "We won't know until the end of the evening how much money we've raised, but this is a good opportunity for Agoura Hills to be a part of a global opportunity, to be known," he said. "Agoura is not very well known as far as being a part of the 'international scene' like Hollywood or Los Angeles."

Breed had expected 500 guests at the evening's festivities, and as evidenced by the entry line that wound throughout the parking lot, the club was filled to capacity.  

Party-goers mingled with notable personalities of the Conejo Valley community, and the Sunset Room was hopping as people enjoyed live entertainment by Darius Campbell and a DJ. Mood lighting set the tone, and it was standing room only at the bar.

Guests Carlie Nething, Twyla Monti, Lisi Moore, Nicholette Slipich and Antionette Altman expressed enthusiasm over their walk down the red carpet. “We wanted to experience the Sunset Room opening, and the Global Party sounded amazing,” said Altman. “We're here to support the cause."  

Hogestyn was thrilled to be a part of "the best party in the world."  

"This is a fabulous opening here,” he said. “Brian has a good touch and a good flare. It's going to be a big deal and a successful effort."   

Combining the most exclusive venues with the best luxury brands and worthwhile charities will ensure this party will be one to remember for a very long time and promises to flourish into an annual international event.