Special Olympics Honors Santa Monica Pier's Pacific Park CEO

By Lookout Staff

October 17, 2017 -- Pacific Park CEO Mary Ann Powell, who first invited the Special Olympics to the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier 20 years ago, was honored earlier this month for her continuing commitment by the organization.

Powell was recognized for her service during the 21st Annual "Pier Del Sol," the annual fundraising event for the Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC).

The event featured more than 30 of Los Angeles’ top chefs and restaurants, entertainment, music, arts and crafts, games and unlimited rides at Pacific Park, amusement park officials said. "As the CEO and owner of Santa Monica Amusements, Powell understands and respects Pacific Park’s important role within the community, and as such aligned with SOSC in 1997 with the launch of Pier del Sol," park officials said. In 2008, Powell led a "one-of-a-kind" eBay auction of Pacific Park’s original Ferris wheel, netting $65,000 for SOSC, officials said. Mary Ann Powell (Photo by Misti Kerns for Pacific Park)

An Oklahoma real estate developer picked up the 90-foot tall, 122,000-pound Ferris wheel for $132,400 ("Pier Ferris Wheel Going, Going, Gone," April 29, 2008).

In 2012, Powell joined Southern California Law Enforcement to raise awareness and funds for SOSC while setting a new “Guinness World Records” title on Pacific Park’s iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel.

Powell, who has been a member of SOSC's board since 2010, also has worked with a number of local Santa Monica organizations.

They include Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT), Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, History Museum, Police Activities League and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This year’s theme at "Pier del Sol" was "Oktoberfest," where a beach top VIP Beer and Wine Garden "enhanced guests’ culinary palette," organizers said.

All proceeds from the annual Pier Del Sol event benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Southern California, which enriches the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs.

All Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes and their families. For more information, visit http://www.sosc.org

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is LA’s only admission free amusement park and offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza and beachside retail shops.

For additional information and hours of operation, call 310-260-8744 or visit www.pacpark.com