On October 19th, 2006 The Art of Elysium presented a new series of underwater photos, entitled “Quiet” by Michael Muller, at the launch party of the Esquire House 360º. The event was hosted by Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek and Eva Mendes and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, Samsung and Versace. The host committee for the evening included Casey and Summer Affleck, Allison Azoff, Olympic Swimmer Amanda Beard, Peter Berg, Matt Boren, Balthazar and Rosetta Getty, Kirsty Hume, Hugh Jackman, Donovan Leitch, Kimberly Muller, Brett Ratner, Mark and Brigette Romanek, Rebecca Skinner and Scott Thomas. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the photographs benefit The Art of Elysium and 50 percent of that will be marked specifically for a photography program. The United States Synchronized Swimming National Team gave guests an exclusive sneak preview of their routine in the Esquire House 360º swimming pool. So many people made this event possible and we are grateful to all involved!!

The Art of Elysium brought a touching Turnaround Play Workshop to a group of 32 teenagers at The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles’s 2006 Camp Family, Fun, and Friendship. The workshop took place on Saturday, September 16th, 2006 at a camp in Malibu. The family camp is designed to bring families who are affected by Epilepsy together for fun, fellowship, and education. The event takes place every year. This year The Art of Elysium brought 11 writers and actors to help a special group of teenagers write and act out short plays about what they are dealing with and what others should know about them. We split up into two groups, one led by writer/ producer Carter Bays, and the other led by actor/ writer Rob Reinis. The results were truly amazing - the plays were touching, imaginative, and funny. Each teenager was able to share their thoughts and experiences and have them incorporated in the plays. Following the writing and rehearsals, families and siblings gathered in a small amphitheater to watch the plays. The teens were met with cheers and applause at the end of their skits. The Epilepsy Foundation has expressed strong interest in The Art of Elysium coming out again next year for Camp Family, Fun, and Friendship. The Art of Elysium will also be providing regular artistic workshops throughout the year to teenagers of The Epilepsy Foundation’s teen support group in the upcoming year.

The Art of Elysium brought the arts to UCLA Medical Center’s NICU Reunion Celebration on October 8th, 2006. Every 2 years UCLA’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) celebrates the lives of the children who have survived intense medical treatment at their facility by bringing them together for an afternoon of fun. The Art of Elysium participated in UCLA’s NICU Reunion 2 years ago and were asked to come back out again for this year’s "Jungle" themed celebration. Over 100 children and their families came out to enjoy music, food, and creative activities. The Art of Elysium brought the art of face painting, mural painting, and "rainstick" making to children of all ages. Children were able to paint a special mural with paint brushes, sponges and their fingers. Many children made their mark with a handprint or footprint and wrote their initials or the date they were born. Others wrote a special message of hope. Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers! The day would not have been possible without you!

We want to extend a very special thanks to Nick Banning, Jeffrey Burke and Tim Hawley for hosting our first official Charity Poker Tournament on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at Hawley Studios in Culver City. Over $6,000.00 was raised for our programs! The night was a huge success and terrific fun was had by all. Approximately 40 people attended and enjoyed great cocktails, wonderful Mexican food, and a long night of Texas Hold’em. We congratulate BRENT WARE—our first poker champion! This amazing night would not have been possible without the support of the following people: Melissa Aardema, Allison Armstrong, Chevvy’s, Eileen Colavita at Spin Shoppe PR, Nancy Copeland, Geisha House, Ronda and Jack Hall, Hollywood Social Club, Marie Callenders, Allison and Lucius Polhill, Don Ralphs, Real Mex Restaurants, Santa Monica Surf Shop, Bill Scott at Encore Limousine Company, Hank and Ann Wright and Tong—our amazing dealer! Our second tournament is in the works! We will let you know as soon as the date is confirmed. Stay tuned! If you are interested in hosting a poker party, which will directly support our programs, please contact us at info@theartofelysium.org

The Art of Elysium participated in the annual “Trick or Treat” Halloween Event at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles hosted by The Chase Child Life Staff and Volunteer Resources on October 31, 2006. Each year the Child Life Staff turns each playroom throughout the hospital into a costume shop for all patients and siblings to come choose a costume to wear as they “Trick or Treat” throughout the hospital. The Art of Elysium provided ten volunteer make-up artists to help the children get dressed and put the finishing touches on their costumes. Our volunteer artists were very busy as they helped 82 patients and siblings turn into ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses. The Art of Elysium continued its Halloween celebration by participating with various community organizations and hospital disciplines in providing goodies to over 200 children and families as the “Trick or Treated” throughout the hospital. The Art of Elysium provided backpacks, donated by Office Depot, filled with Halloween crafts to each child participating.

We hosted our first annual Halloween Party for Teen Impact at Shady Acres Entertainment on October 31, 2006. Teen Impact is a program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles for teens with cancer or other blood diseases. Teen Impact gives teens with cancer a chance to make new friends, share life experiences and participate in fun activities. Fifty teens along with the Teen Impact Staff attended this exciting party filled with music, activities, food and face painting. The teens danced the night away to the sounds of Kelly Cole on the turntables. Shady Acres was transformed into a playful Haunted House as we hosted many monsters, witches, vampires and famous celebrity icons. We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff at Teen Impact, Shady Acres and The Art of Elysium Volunteers for making this event a memorable one for all of the teenagers who participated.