CELEBS HOP INTO BED TO MAKE DREAM COME TRUE
 Hopping into bed together for a good cause recently were actor Ian Ziering, La Salsa/Dream Foundation beneficiary Celia Vega, actress Elizabeth Peña. The festivities were held recently at La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill on the scenic Santa Monica Promenade to kick off a fundraising campaign for Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization that grants the final wishes of those facing terminal illness. After announcing details of the promotion, the “Beverly Hills 90210” alum and the Latina actress surprised Vega, a 61-year-old mother of six and grandmother of 14 with a beautifully appointed, queen-size bed. Immediately after the presentation, the stars joined Vega -- who had no idea that La Salsa and Dream Foundation would be granting her wish that day -- and her family for lunch at the popular Mexican restaurant.
The fundraising campaign is being spearheaded by La Salsa, which will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of its popular GrandeTrays nationwide to Dream Foundation. (In fact, La Salsa is granting Vega’s dream by underwriting all costs associated with the bed.) La Salsa hopes to raise enough funds during the month-long campaign to fulfill the dreams of at least eight beneficiaries.
Vega was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, at which time she successfully underwent chemotherapy. Then early last year, she received bad news, the cancer had returned. This time, though, it was stage 4 breast cancer, a form of the disease for which there is no cure. Throughout her ordeal, she has slept in a tiny cramped bed in her Southgate home. He dream has been to spend her final days in comfort in a Queen size bed.
“We’re delighted to, once again, partner with Dream Foundation to help fulfill the dreams of those in need,” said Amir Siddiqui, La Salsa’s COO. “We hope that the public supports this worthy program as they gear up for their Cinco de Mayo get-togethers.”
GrandeTrays feed up to eight adults and can be prepared with as little as 30-minutes advance notice. The items range from $19.95 to $34.95 and are available in three combinations: Taquito GrandeTrays, Taco GrandeTrays and Burrito GrandeTrays. The La Salsa/Dream Foundation fundraising campaign will continue through Cinco de Mayo (Thursday, May 5). Orders may be placed over the phone or in person.
One of the most formidable Latina actresses working today, Peña most recently supplied the voice of Mirage in the blockbuster animated film, “The Incredibles” and has starred in such popular films as “La Bamba,” Jackie Chan’s “Rush Hour” and “Down & Out In Beverly Hills.”
Ziering is best known for his role as Steve Sanders on the hit show “Beverly Hills 90210.” He recently completed work on his latest feature film, “Domino,” which is slated for release later this year.
Dream Foundation is the first and largest national nonprofit organization granting final wishes to terminally ill adults who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Now in its 10th year, Dream Foundation has granted more than 3,300 dreams to adults nationwide who are emotionally, financially and physically devastated by terminal illness. Dream Foundation’s mission is to ensure that no adult, whose life will end prematurely due to a terminal illness, must ever pass from this earth without realizing one final wish from the heart. Additional information on Dream Foundation can be found at www.dreamfoundation.org.
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