Pier Del Sol "A World of Wonder" - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Highlights from the 17th annual Pier Del Sol's "A World of Wonder" at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, October 13, 2013. 

This signature event is Southern California’s largest fundraiser that benefits Special Olympics athletes and was started by California’s First Lady and Honorary Chair, Maria Shriver and Special Olympics Board Member, Anita Green. Since its inaugural year, Pier del Sol has raised more than $8 million to benefit Special Olympics Southern California athletes. 

The event featured an amazing outdoor brunch prepared by more than 35 of LA's top restaurants, unlimited rides and games at Pacific Park, live entertainment, karaoke, arts and crafts, a Prize Drawing Extravaganza, a tide pool, and many more activities.

“Pier del Sol is a day that the whole family can enjoy, while giving back to the community and our Special Olympics athletes,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Each year, we bring out an entertaining new theme, and we hope the public will continue to come out and enjoy the wonderful cuisine, live music, and games on the historic Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park.”

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years. Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports training programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization. The Southern California Chapter covers a geographic region encompassing 11 counties and extends from San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield to San Diego.

Special Olympics Programs are offered at no cost to the athletes and their families. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Team In Training runners dressed in Halloween costumes pose for a photo after completing their training run at Ocean Front Walk on Sunday, October 13, 2013. Team In Training is a fundraising program of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which has trained over a half a million runners, walkers, triathletes, cyclists and hikers and raised over $1.3 billion to fund lifesaving research.

Bellydancer Sahar Sabry performs at the Third Street Promenade on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

Couples dance the Salsa at Santa Monica Place while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

A street performer who goes by 'The Pursuit of Happyness' holds a pose at the Third Street Promenade on Friday, October 11, 2013. 

Pothead the One Man band performs at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, October 11, 2013. Pothead hails from North Carolina and has been traveling the country street performing along the way. 

Joey Alvarez, from Santa Monica Pier Maintenance, applies an anti-graffiti coating on an Ocean-Themed mural on Tuesday, October 8, 2013. An anti-graffiti coating is a coating that prevents graffiti paint from bonding to surfaces.  If the surface is vandalized, the protective coating can be removed using a high-pressure washer, taking the graffiti with it.

(top) Stella, a 5 year old Boxer mix who was rescued by firefighers, kisses Santa Monica Fire Department Chief Scott Ferguson during a Recognition Ceremony honoring Stella and her rescuers on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. On September 14, at 07:20 a.m., the Santa Monica Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 2600 block of Hill Street. Firefighters found a well involved structure with an unconscious dog inside. Medics used a dog oxygen mask to revive Stella a female Boxer. After a visit to the veterinarian, Stella has made a full recovery. (above) Virginia Fort, Senior Campaigner from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), presents the Compassionate Fire Department Award to Santa Monica Fire Department Division Chief M. Bridges (right) and Captain J. Furrows on Wednesday, October 2, 2013.