In the parking lot of Barker Hanger, situated across from the Santa Monica College airport shuttle stop, Laker superstar Shaquille O’Neal held his “Shaqtacular VII,” fundraiser last Saturday. Recipients of the fundraiser are children enrolled in the Athletes and Entertainers for Kids program. The stay in school program includes children coming from foster homes, abuse shelters, hospitals and low-income neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles and surrounding counties.

“We offer hope and inspiration for underprivileged kids nationally,” said Gregg Licht, a member of the Board of Trustees for AEFK. “We service 500,000 children in the ‘Shaq Paq Stay in School Program.”

Inside the Barker Hanger bleachers were set up on each side of a sound stage and dance area, where children and their parents were scrambling for the best vantage point to see the upcoming show, featuring many of the children and celebrities.

O’Neal appeared onstage, wearing the American flag in his backward baseball cap, looming head and shoulders above everyone else.

He was introduced as the event host after the national anthem was played. O’Neal in turn, introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Emcee of the show.

“We are here helping the young children in California,” Schwarzenegger said. “Especially because it is for the children of this state, we have to work very hard that every child gets all the help they need.”

Penny Marshall and Olympian Carl Lewis, also made an appearance with Lewis being described by Schwarzenegger as “the greatest athlete of Olympic Sports.”

Lewis, carrying a mock torch made from brightly colored paper, ran around the performance area to light the “Shaqtacular Torch” at the podium.

The Shaqtacular VII games began and a myriad of different events were hosted for several hours. There were 106 companies sponsoring the event, and one company spoke of their involvement with AEFK.

Cradling his 8-week-old daughter in his arms, Jim Harmon said, “You have to pay $25,000 to be a sponsor and have a good sense of humor.

AEFK gives a tremendous contribution to the welfare of children, and it’s one of the best places to focus philanthropic efforts for the welfare of children.”

A VIP lounge and casino was set up for those patrons who contributed $2,500 per ticket. Gambling script worth $100 was given to each patron including a P.F. Chang prepared lunch and a musician strummed a guitar in an outdoor room of sofas and overstuffed chairs. Jacqueline Hauser, a promoter and manager of Hispanic concerts, said, “I’ve been coming to these events for five years.

It’s nice that regular people are mingling with stars and athletes. It’s nice that these athletes and stars realize how important it is that they give their time to these charitable events.”

The mayor of Santa Monica, Michael Feinstein, spoke of his admiration of AEFK. “We value youth and diversity in this city. Shaq is putting his money into social justice, and sets a fine example for all of us to follow,”said Feinstein... Student volunteers were everywhere during the event, yet SMC students were not represented at all.

“A lot of the volunteers come from Long Beach State, UCLA, USC, and Orange County Community College,” said Sadoux Kim, the Operations and Productions National Manager.

SMC students who see their own struggles with school and success mirrored in the lives of the children of AEFK and choose to volunteer, can acquire class credit and also facilitate their quest for scholarships at higher universities.

“Our average volunteer works about three-months for about 12 hours a week with a flexible schedule,” said Kim. “SMC students can volunteer for the organization and get class credit by contacting AEFK at (562) 438-5905. [We want] volunteers who are interested in nonprofit, marketing, education, children’s services, and general management.”