Reality Show Celebrities, Supporters Gather for Reality Rally

Jeffrey Marx (left) of "The Glass House" poses with Chopper the Biker Dog during Saturday night's celebrity reception for Reality Rally. Marx also chatted with "Survivor Borneo" star Richard Hatch (below).

Reality TV celebrities are gathering in Temecula this weekend to support the Michelle's Place Cancer Resource Center by raising funds in the Reality Rally event.

The event was created by Temecula resident Gillian Larson, who competed in the reality TV show "Survivor", to raise money for cancer research and patient support. Reality stars are required to raise a minimum of $400 each to benefit Michelle's Place, a Temecula-based resource center for breast cancer patients. Money raised from ticket sales and registration fees also go to benefit Michelle's Place.

The event raised more than $20,000 last year and is expected to raise much more this year.

Celebrities participating in this weekend's event represent a variety of reality shows, including Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, The Mole, Hell's Kitchen, Cupcake Wars and The Glass House.

The weekend festivities began with tonight's celebrity reception at Wilson Creek Winery. Reality stars gathered to meet donors and supporters and enjoyed Casino Night activities. Even though it was a late night, the competition is scheduled to begin early on Saturday.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, celebrities will be available to the public in a "Meet & Greet the Stars" event in front of City Hall in Old Town Temecula. Autograph programs will be sold for $10 so fans can greet the stars until 10:30 a.m.

The Reality Rally competition runs from noon to 4 p.m. It is patterned after the television reality show "Amazing Race," where contestants race through Old Town Temecula while competing in challenges. Teams of four include three volunteer competitors and one reality star. The event is free and open to the public.

Also included is a Kids Challenge Zone in the Temecula Civic Center from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Family entry fee is $10 for up to five people.

The weekend concludes with a Red Carpet Celebration Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at South Coast Winery. It is open to the public at a cost of $50. A "Breakfast With the Stars Celebrity Chefs Showcase" will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at Pala Mesa Resort. Tickets are $25 and the public is invited.

For more information, visit the Reality Rally website.

Michelle's Place provides support for cancer patients from its Temecula location.

Celebrities and guests had fun at the craps table during Casino Night.

Crowds gathered early for the kickoff event to Reality Rally.