media contact:    DP&A, Inc: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Rancho Obi-Wan’s Saturday October 5 Fundraiser at Seattle’s MoPOP
Set to Be a Galactic Event for Star Wars Fans

World’s Largest Collection of Star Wars Memorabilia
Set to Make Major Announcement at Event
Featuring Auction of Rare and Sought After Items

Acclaimed Comic, Influencer and “Super Fan” Mark Daniel to Emcee

12 September 2024 – San Francisco / Seattle: “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…..” Actually, not far away, and coming up on Saturday, October 5, fans of the Star Wars universe are gearing up for an out-of-this-world experience as the acclaimed nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan (www.ranchoobiwan.org) home to the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection as confirmed by The Guinness World Records, hosts a special fundraiser at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). This rare one-night-only event includes food, drink, an exhibit of “Star Wars Inspired Guitars” and of course, opportunities to buy and bid at auction on rare Star Wars collectibles.  Special guest emcee for the evening is noted Star Wars Super Fan and online influencer Mark Daniel.  At the end of the evening, Rancho Obi-Wan will be making a major announcement about the future of the collection.

“The Force is strong with this event, and strong with our legions of fans from the light and dark side who support our mission,” said Steve Sansweet, who founded the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan in 2011. “Our mission is to inspire people by showcasing the collection and promoting a warm, joyous, inclusive environment for a fun, authentic fan experience, Rancho Obi-Wan presents collectibles and works of art, including fan-made pieces, to inspire others to be imaginative, creative, seek information and learn new crafts.”

The highly anticipated October 5 event at MoPOP marks a significant milestone—the first fundraiser held outside the museum’s Petaluma, California base since 2018.  Located just north of San Francisco, thousands of people have experienced the collection, which now comprises a fan base from 59 countries.

“Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is the perfect spot for this event,” Sansweet continued. “Their collection which includes significant sci-fi elements is sure to delight our attendees. Plus, where else can you take a monorail to a party.”

The evening promises to be a true celebration of Star Wars fandom, with a variety of immersive experiences planned. Attendees will be treated to passed appetizers, a grazing bar, and a dessert bar, all while mingling among iconic Star Wars props and costumes in MoPOP’s extensive galleries. The event will also feature a special exhibit from Rancho Obi-Wan, showcasing Star Wars-themed guitars that are sure to strike a chord with fans of all ages.

“Rancho Obi-Wan is more than just a collection: It’s a celebration of the creativity and passion that Star Wars has inspired in millions of fans worldwide,” said special guest emcee Daniel, the energetic and beloved host of Star Wars Celebration events. “I’m thrilled to be part of an event that brings this incredible community together.”

The evening’s program includes both a live and silent auction, offering attendees the chance to take home rare and unique Star Wars collectibles. Sansweet emphasized the importance of this event in preserving the museum’s vast collection.

“Rancho Obi-Wan is a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Wars, and this fundraiser is crucial in helping us continue to share that legacy with fans for generations to come,” he said.  “This collection is, truly, a global treasure of galactic proportions.

Among the items being auctioned off, and included in some of the ticket prices, are special “Rancho Obi-Wan Star Wars Experiences” such as: exclusive tours of private Star Wars collections, including those belonging to Rancho Obi-Wan’s Vice President, Gus Lopez, as well aslongtime Star Wars collectors 
Rancho Obi-Wan board member, Lisa Stevens, and Vic Wertz. These tours, paired with a Skywalker Vineyards wine tasting, offer a rare glimpse into the personal treasures of some of the most dedicated Star Wars collectors in the world. Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) known for its dedication to pop culture, provides the perfect venue for this galactic gathering. 

“Our museum is dedicated to providing immersive experiences that inspire and connect diverse communities, which made hosting Rancho Obi-Wan’s fundraiser at MoPOP a natural fit,” said Jacob McMurray, MoPOP Chief Collections + Exhibitions Officer.  “We’re honored to partner with Rancho Obi-Wan on an evening showcasing the beloved Star Wars franchise and to raise money for an important cause.”

As guests explore the galleries and participate in the evening’s events, they will also have the opportunity to take photos with life-sized Star Wars characters, ensuring that every moment of the evening is filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Tickets for the fundraiser are priced at $350, with a special rate of $300 for Rancho Obi-Wan members. For those looking to enhance their experience, add-on tickets for the exclusive collection tours are available for $550. All proceeds from the event will support Rancho Obi-Wan’s mission to preserve and share the world’s most comprehensive Star Wars collection. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit  https://ranchoobiwan.org/fundraiser2024/

Media Contacts: 

Julie Warren / Palm Springs Public Library / Julie.warren@palmspringsca.gov  / (760) 416-6731
Rebecca Olarte / Palm Springs Public Library Foundation / rolarte@pslibraryfoundation.org  /
David Perry / DP&A, Inc. / news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007

Keynote Event for the Third Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival

(Palm Springs, CA) – September 10, 2024 – The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation (Foundation) is excited to announce the addition of its keynote event “Beth and the Boys” an evening of stories, emotions, ideas and hilarity with Beth Lapides (creator of the legendary “UnCabaret” alt comedy show), Guy Branum (“Hacks,” “Bros,” “The Mindy Project,” “Chelsea Lately” and author of My Life As A Goddess) and Alec Mapa (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Ugly Betty,” “Half and Half”) to conclude its Third Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

This special ticketed fundraiser will be the closing event on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. benefitting the Foundation, following the FREE all-day book festival.  Tickets for the special event “Beth and the Boys” are $30 in advance for general admission seating. Tickets to the event may be purchased online at: https://tinyurl.com/5n78xz42.  All events will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 Baristo Road, Palm Springs.

The FREE full day festival will be from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., presenting six panels of 25+ LGBTQ+ and affirming authors and allies in conversation about their books and dynamic topics. Our panel moderators will lead the authors through discussions of their work, hearing from their point-of-view, taking on hard topics, differing opinions with keen insight, to the delight of their devotees and new fans!  In addition to the author panel discussions there will be book signings, a local authors table, typewriter poetry on demand, updates about the Palm Springs Library Renovation, and much more!  Attendees can register to attend the FREE all-day Book Festival event on Eventbrite. All those who register will receive a special gift at check-in on the day of the event. To register go to: https://tinyurl.com/mv8d4tyu

An event like this would not be possible without community support which includes the Palm Springs Public Library and the City of Palm Springs, Palm Springs Cultural Center, The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs (the official book seller at the events), Hilton Hotel of Palm Springs, Life-House Hotels, Palm Mountain Resort, Renaissance Hotel, Saguaro Hotel, Gays Reading Podcast, KGAY 106.5 |103.1 MeTVfm | GayDesert Guide | Oasis Marketing Group, CV Independent, The Standard, The Center LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, The Friends of the Palm Springs Library, The L-Fund, Palm Springs Writers Guild, Rattling Good Yarns Press, Stacked Deck Press, Koffi Palm Springs,  Palm Springs Play Café & Lounge and UC Riverside Palm Desert Low-Residency MFA program. 

To learn more about the Third Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival, the appearing authors, schedule of events and more, go to prideonthepage.org.

About Beth Lapides:

Beth Lapides is the critically acclaimed creator of UnCabaret, the show that launched the alt comedy revolution. She’s the author of the genre bending original audiobook “So You Need To Decide”.  And a master creativity coach, muse and consultant at The Infinite Creator. Oh, and you may recognize her from “Sex & The City”.  https://www.bethlapides.com/bio and https://www.uncabaret.com/

About Guy Branum:

Guy Branum is an actor, comedian and writer who has been seen in films including Bros and No Strings Attached and television shows including Chelsea Lately, Conan, Platonic, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration.  Guy created and hosted truTV’s Talk Show The Game Show and is also a seasoned television writer having written for a number of shows including Hacks, The Other Two, The Mindy Project, Punk’d, Awkward, Fashion Police, Q-Force, Connecting, and Billy on the Street.  Guy is also the author of the memoir My Life As A Goddess and has also written culture and political commentary for Slate.com, Pitchfork, The New York Times and Vulture. https://guybranum.com/

About Alec Mapa:

Alec Mapa is an actor and comedian who has entertained audiences worldwide in every imaginable medium with uproarious live performances and groundbreaking television roles.  Audiences first discovered Alec on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning production of M. Butterfly.  He has guest starred in over 40 television series and has gained recognition for his regular and recurring roles on the long running television series’ Half & Half, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives and frequent appearances on various iterations of RuPaul’s Drag Race.  Alec’s film credits include Connie and Carla, Playing By Heart and Marley & Me.  He is also an accomplished stand-up comedian with three comedy specials on LOGO and a Showtime comedy special Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy based on his award-winning solo show, Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy which hilariously, irreverently chronicled Alec’s journey to fatherhood via foster adoption.  A tireless fundraiser, Alec has toured the country on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign and The Matthew Shepard Foundation earning him the unofficial title of “America’s Gaysian Sweetheart.” http://www.alecmapa.com/

About the Palm Springs Library Foundation:

The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation aims to support the Palm Springs Public Library and to increase and broaden its use as a cultural and educational institution through financial support securing its place as an essential community resource. Ensuring local access to high-quality library services for generations requires more than just public funding. Although public funds make libraries possible, it is private gifts that make them flourish. As we embark on a major library renovation initiative, the Foundation will play a pivotal role as a key funding partner. Please look for future announcements on how you may participate. Learn more about the Foundation at pslibraryfoundation.org.

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