Gala Salute to MGM Stars to Highlight Benefit Circuit

Kudos to the charity mavens. The next few weeks on the benefit circuit are crammed with innovative, interesting, sparkly events.

At the top--The Friends of the Joffrey Ballet spotlight some other dancers, saluting MGM musical stars June Allyson, Leslie Caron, Ann Miller, Cyd Charisse, Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds, at a party March 28 at the Filmland Corporate Center. There will be film clips and lots of other goodies, compliments of Turner Entertainment Co. and MGM/UA, according to James Watterson who is Friends special events committee co-chair.

And there’s a gala show produced by Jerold Franks, who does the annual Thalians event.

Another special evening comes March 23 when, at the Tom Bradley Theater at the L.A. Theatre Complex, Tony Bill directs a dramatic reading of Studs Terkel’s “Hard Times--An Oral History of the Great Depression.” It’s a benefit for the Midnight Mission and Bill has lined up an outstanding cast, including John Lithgow, Tyne Daly, Barry Bostwick, Marsha Mason, Elliott Gould, Ned Beatty and JoBeth Williams. For those with $75 or $125 tickets, the organizers have thrown in a reception where one gets to mingle with the cast.

YUMMY--From those who miss New York deli (despite the longtime presence of Beverly Hills’ Nate ‘N’ Al’s), Marvin Davis is putting together the journey to the West Coast of Manhattan’s Carnegie Deli. The corned beef and bagels at the Beverly Hills branch will be imported--but reportedly Davis has put together a full slate of local celeb shareholders.

FOOTNOTE--A quick add to the success story of the United Friends of the Children, pictured with dozens of celebrities on the front page of last Tuesday’s View section. The volunteer group has been swamped with phone calls. One type--from other charities, asking how they turned out more than 300 TV and movie famous faces. Second--queries from celebrities and corporate heavy hitters on how they can help. Our friends at United Friends, stressing that their $2-million proceeds for aiding abused children at MacLaren Hall is only the beginning, said that after last Saturday’s event several celebrities (who wish to remain anonymous) took steps to become foster parents. And that generous people in the community, like clothing manufacturer Neil Breton, have stepped forward with substantial contributions.

UPCOMING POLITICS--Out here this week, Vermont Gov. Madeleine Kunin, talking to local Democratic rainmakers about a possible Senate run next year . . . The County Republican Party, the United Republican Finance Committee and the Republican Statesmen hold “A Salute to the Chairmen,” honoring State GOP Chairman Robert Naylor, County Chairman Robert S. Whitmore Jr. and Hal and Klara Katersky. It’s at the Westwood Marquis March 26. . . . Just two days after the expected presidential announcement from former Sen. Gary Hart, he’ll be here in town from Denver. On April 15, look for him at a reception at the home of Marvin and Barbara Davis, who have returned to the Hart fold. It’s $1,000 a head, very chichi. Then it’s down to the Hollywood Palace, for a major rally and entertainment by Billy and the Beaters.

ONLY IN L.A.--When Renee Taylor Monday night records excerpts for her audiocassette from her best-selling book, “My Life on a Diet--Confessions of a Hollywood Diet Junkie,” she’ll do it at Pips Rodeo in the Rodeo Collection, and the special toastmaster will be her hubby, Joe Bologna. Of course, it makes perfect sense.