Stars Shine in the Day for Chapman

Barbara Eden was the only no-show--a publicist explained that the “I Dream of Jeannie” star had another engagement Wednesday night and couldn’t get her hair appointment changed.

But dozens of other actors and comedians were on hand for Chapman University’s first celebrity luncheon to kick off its annual scholarship campaign. The drive will end Nov. 16 with a $200-a-person student production of Academy Award-winning musical numbers.

School officials typically raise about $1.7 million a year to contribute to Chapman’s $15-million scholarship fund. Wednesday’s luncheon was part of that effort.

About 70% of the Orange university’s 3,300 students rely on financial aid, spokeswoman Ruth Wardwell said.

The schools of Music and Communications Art will extend Chapman’s celebrity network this year by presenting their first achievement award to singer Natalie Cole at the November musical event.

Some university contributors at Wednesday’s event were tickled to find themselves socializing with legends of entertainment.

“This is the most fun I have ever had at a luncheon,” said Pat Buttress, regional manager for Southern California Edison Co., who was seated next to Red Buttons.

“We’re going to get together at Motel 6 after this,” quipped Buttons, who had stuck a Warren Beatty name tag on his forehead. “I’m always getting confused with him, and I’m sick of it.”

Student Tom Durante, 21, said he was awed by the talent in the room, even though some of them were in their heyday well before his time. “You grow up watching Uncle Milty,” he said of veteran comedian and luncheon guest Milton Berle.

Berle and Buttons kept up a running repartee throughout the meal, with celebrities such as Charles Durning, Ann Miller, Cathy Lee Crosby and Brenda Vaccaro egging them on.

Chapman University President James Doti learned firsthand from Berle the perils of performing for a live audience. Doti began telling a funny story that he had just heard from Berle. But the comedian rolled his eyes and yelled out that Doti was getting it wrong.

Doti invited Berle to tell it his way, but the comedian declined. “You can die up there by yourself,” he said.