RED CARPET EVENT IN OCALA
I had chills that were multiplying and I almost lost control. But even though it was cold outside, it was still “Friday Night Fever” in Ocala, Florida, on November 21, 2008.
The reason for all the excitement? John Travolta held his Ocala Premier for the new Disney animated film, “Bolt” in which J.T. is the voice of the lead character, a little dog by the same name. Miley Cyrus also voices a character in the movie and she and John recorded a song together for the soundtrack, which played throughout the evening to the crowd assembled outside the theater waiting to catch a glimpse of John. I was one of those diehard fans willing to brave the cold to get a chance to see John up close and shake his hand. This would be my second brush with the famous actor. I stood in the rain and cold in March 2007, when John and Kelly held their first Ocala red carpet affair for the premier of his movie, “Wild Hogs”, about middle-aged men on a motor cycle road trip.
This year it was a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County which raised $55,000. John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, added an additional $10,000 personally for a grand total of $65,000. There was a VIP reception at Easy Street Fun Center that included a “meet and greet” with John and Kelly. Those tickets sold out immediately at $250 each for the opportunity to rub elbows with this movie star couple who call Marion County home. The gourmet delight gala was catered by Felix’s Restaurant.
Photo by Paula Rae
The crowd then walked the red carpet over to the Regal Hollywood 16 Theater for a private screening of the movie. Free tickets were handed out to 40 kids from the Boys and Girls Club. Two scooters donated by Ocala Harley Davidson, hand painted with the “Bolt” logo and personally autographed by John Travolta, were auctioned off. One went for $1,600 in the VIP tent while the other one was raffled off at $1.00 per ticket. I bought three tickets, but alas mine was not the chosen ticket.
When it was my turn to shake John’s hand, I looked into those beautiful blue eyes and said, “Hello Mr. Travolta, when are you going to appear on the cover of AARP magazine?” I have no idea where that stupid question came from. But to John’s credit, he merely said, “Well I don’t really know. I guess I’ve got another year to go.” Then I shook Kelly’s hand and said, “I think he should have been selected (People Magazine’s) ‘Sexiest Man Alive’, don’t you?” She smiled and nodded in agreement.
Then the Travoltas ascended the steps to a stage where the mayor of Ocala, Randy Ewers, presented them with a plaque honoring their service to the community amid the thunderous applause and cheers from their adoring fans. Cameras were flashing as the local media and news stations were covering the event.
I have it on very good authority that John intends to have another red carpet premier/fundraiser in Ocala when the weather will be warmer. He has an “action flick” co-starring Denzel Washington due to come out in summer of 2009. You can bet money that I will again be among the throng of worshipers lining the barricade to have my chance to see John Travolta up close and personal for the third time. I wouldn’t miss it!
Wendy Walters
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
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