Sixteen-year-old Kapaau resident Annabelle Roberts recently had her wish to be a celebrated actress honored by Make-A-Wish Hawaii and EuroCinema when she received an honorary award during the 5th Annual EuroCinema Hawaii’s Film Festival Awards Gala held on Oahu.
The award was given Nov. 8 at Waikiki’s Moana Surfirder on behalf of the EuroCinema Hawaii board in light of Roberts’ passion for acting. The Hawaii Island girl has pursued her dream of being a celebrated actress despite being diagnosed in December 2012 with two chronic inflammation diseases Pars Planitis, Multiple Sclerosis, as well as other complicating factors that are causing her to lose her eyesight.
Roberts, who has competed in child beauty pageants since she was young, made her debut performance playing the part of a pageant contestant named “Carly” in the 2006 movie Little Miss Sunshine.
“There is a sense of magic in the world of Hollywood, where scripts become blockbuster films; actors transform into believable characters and talent and storytelling come together to inspire generations. We are thrilled to help Annabelle see her dream realized at the 2014 EuroCinema Film Festival Awards Gala,” EuroCinema Hawaiii President Jefferson Finney said in a prepared statement.
Make-A-Wish Hawaii collaborated with EuroCinema Hawaii to not only celebrate her accomplishments, but to honor her bravery through the power of a wish. From having her hair and makeup professionally done, ensuring she had a glamorous gown to wear by Hawaii Fashion Designer Ari Southiphong, to Hawaii Photographer Kevin Lubera and Videographer Susanne Kurisu bringing out the cameras — numerous local business partners rolled out the red carpet for this talented teen. She was also sparkling from head to toe, adorned in borrowed vintage jewels and stilettos donated by Jimmy Choo.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Annabelle for the accomplishments she has made thus far despite her tough medical diagnosis,” Make-A-Wish Hawaii President and CEO Siana Austin Hunt said in a prepared statement. “We hope this wish experience will empower her to maintain the beautiful outlook she possesses that truly gives her that star quality.”
Roberts shined on the red carpet as EuroCinema Hawaii’s honorary starlet for the evening. She was intimately presented with her honorary award by the board in recognition of her story and unwavering bravery, topped off with the final surprise of a continued celebration aboard a Mediterranean cruise.
The crowd rumbled in applause in support of Roberts when Australian Actor Brenton Thwaites escorted her onstage to accompany his acceptance of the 2014 Prince and Princess Kawananakoa Rising Star Award.
Thwaites played the role of Prince Phillip alongside Angelina Jolie in “Maleficent,” in addition to lead roles in “The Signal” with Laurence Fishburne and in “The Giver” with Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep.
Roberts is among 100 children Make-A-Wish Hawaii is granting wishes to in 2014.
Make-A-Wish Hawaii grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1982, Make-A-Wish Hawaii has granted more than 900 wishes to Hawaii children, through the generous support of our community and more than 300 volunteers. In April, the Hawaii organized granted its 10,000th wish.
Annually, there are more than 100 local keiki who are newly diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition who qualify for a once in a lifetime wish. In addition to fundraising and granting wishes to local keiki, Make-A-Wish Hawaii hosts more than 1,000 children annually from around the world whose one true wish is to visit Hawaii.
For more information on Make-A-Wish Hawaii, visit Hawaii.wish.org.