Maria Shriver joined Special Olympics Southern California on Sunday to celebrate the largest fundraising event of the year for the organization her mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded in 1968. The event known as Pier del Sol included nearly 35 of LA’s top restaurants in a giant international food court of sorts with games and live entertainment. All told the event raised more than $425,000 that will go toward 14,000 athletes. Stephen Berman, founder and CEO of JAKKS Pacific, received special recognition for his personal and professional contributions. Since 1997, Pier del Sol has raised nearly $8 million.
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Maria Shriver with two Special Olympics Southern California Athlete Global Messengers at the VIP Brunch. Photo courtesy Southern California Special Olympics.

Special Olympics athlete Michael at the basketball game booth. Photo courtesy Southern California Special Olympics

San Gabriel Valley athletes compete at the water guns booth. Photo courtesy Southern California Special Olympics
Tags: maria shriver, special olympics