If you’ve ever dreamed of attending the Academy Awards in Hollywood, there’s no need to book a fight. Located in Naperville, the Hollywood Palms Theater's Oscar Telecast Event last Sunday evening, Feb. 27, 2011 had plenty of glitz, glam, and even a Red Carpet.

The annual event serves multiple purposes. Primarily a fundraiser to benefit Variety Children’s Charity, it also provides a venue to experience the social aspects of the awards show along with the chance to ‘dress to the nines.’

‘Sold-out’ are the words event planners Angelique Barthel and Jamie Martin of Hollywood Cinemas strive for and that was the case here. Event goers were also very generous as the amount of money raised for charity through ticket donations, raffles and silent auction items, ($9,200) was doubled from the previous year.

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and at least for a few hours they were mine to behold, as I enthusiastically accepted Hollywood Palms’ offer to host the event. As the host last year, I was familiar with The Diamond Gallery’s ultra sparkly jewelry they provide for my use during the telecast. How could I refuse?

As a film critic, former Naperville teacher and an avid fan of the Oscars, I was honored to help raise funds for a children’s charity and to present commentary for my ‘Super Bowl’ of events.

Naperville’s Mayor George Pradel and son Gary Pradel, (board of Loaves and Fishes) were in attendance as well as Zano’s Salon owner, Denise Provenzano and WIND am 560 radio host Carl Amari of the show Hollywood 360, alongside wife Michelle Amari.

The Hollywood Palms Theater literally rolled out the Red Carpet for guests by inviting event goers to pose for photos with photographer Steve Vukasovic. Upon entering the theater a champagne reception and complementary swag bag were also waiting for guests.

Becky Turack a Naperville resident commented, “My favorite part of the evening was getting dressed up and socializing with friends.”