Rosie Reaps Cash for Kids

Rosie O’Donnell’s first benefit for her For All Kids Foundation was a stunning success: Rosie corralled $3.5 million for her children’s charity. “All profit,” she told me proudly. Rosie still plans to make this an every-other-year event. “We’re lucky enough to be able to raise money in other ways--my Christmas ornaments, books and next year’s Barbie doll--and I think doing the ‘big one’ every other year gives people a rest and makes them more excited about coming.”

O’Donnell said she thought it was pretty terrific of Bette Midler to agree to participate in the gala on Bette’s 53rd birthday, and “I loved meeting Michael and Jane Eisner, and Bill and Melinda Gates. [They, along with Hillary Rodham Clinton, were honored at the event.] The Gates were especially impressive. So down-to-earth, what with having all the money on Earth!”