Angel Food

Proving again that a parking lot can be a chic gathering place, Project Angel Food presented its annual awards benefit behind its West Hollywood headquarters and raked in $400,000 to feed people disabled by HIV/AIDS.

Recognized at the gala for their support of the organization were actor Eric McCormack, star of NBC-TV’s “Will & Grace”; his wife, Janet McCormack; and television producer-philanthropist Loreen Arbus.

More than 600 guests swept along a red carpet to the party scene, where the asphalt was camouflaged with black AstroTurf, the dinner tables were topped with pots of fruit and sunflowers, and the stage--where headliner Jennifer Holliday performed--was framed with sculpted hedges.

“What we love about this organization is its immediacy,” said Eric McCormack, who plays Will on the popular TV sitcom. “It puts smiles on the faces, and meals in the stomachs of people who need it right now.”

Arbus, whose gift of $150,000 earlier this year marked the largest individual donation in the organization’s 13-year history, said she wanted to “support the basic needs of life.”

“Since 9/11, more than ever I am wanting to put food on the tables of those who would otherwise not be able to eat,” she said.

Using food prepared at its facility, the organization’s 100 volunteers bring one large luncheon daily to 1,200 HIV/AIDS patients in Los Angeles County, said John Gile, executive director.

Guests included TV star Camryn Manheim (of ABC’s “The Practice”) who said that Project Angel Food was a favorite charity. “I could just burst into tears talking about this compassionate organization,” she said. “It says everything good about humanity.”

Guests dined on South American-themed fare while they watched the awards ceremony and a concert by the Tony Award-winning Holliday, who thrilled partygoers with a gospel rendition of “America the Beautiful” and her famous “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from her Broadway role in “Dream Girls.” Nancy Lovett and Dante Di Loreto were co-chairs.

*

Mancini Musicale

“I want to talk to you as a singer,” Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey told the crowd gathered to honor Phil Ramone, legendary recording industry producer-engineer, at the Mancini Musicale at UCLA’s Royce Hall.

“Phil and I have been quietly working for the past year on my preparation to play Bobby Darin” in a film, Spacey said. “And I’ve got to tell you what it’s like to be in a studio with Phil Ramone--it’s like having a great chef, a rich interpreter, your daddy, a psychiatrist ... this is what he’s probably done for every artist he has worked with in his extraordinary career.”

Then Spacey, head cocked and fingers snapping, broke into an a capella version of “I Found a New Baby,” a la ‘50s pop idol, Darin. “Without Dr. Phil--the real Dr. Phil--I wouldn’t have had the guts to do that,” Spacey said.

The actor’s appearance at the Aug. 17 benefit that raised $220,000 for the Henry Mancini Institute was a surprise to Ramone, who was there to receive the Hank Award. The award-- given annually to an artist who, besides having a successful musical career, regularly mentors aspiring musicians--is named for Mancini, composer of such pop standards as “Moon River.”

“I’m choked up,” said Ramone, an impresario who has worked with Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel and Paul McCartney. “This honor is one of the greatest thrills I’ve ever had.”

About 350 guests paid $275 each to dine on the Ahmanson Terrace before enjoying the musicale featuring the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra under the baton of artistic director Patrick Williams. Included on the program: a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald by singer Patti Austin and a performance by jazz pianist Gerald Clayton.

Each year, the institute presents scholarships to emerging professional musicians who, for four weeks, train with Williams on the UCLA campus, said Ginny Mancini, president. “We must nurture the next generation of musicians or we won’t have any good music at all.”

*

Women of Action

Los Angeles attorney Nancy G. Haffner received a standing ovation at the seventh annual Women of Action Luncheon benefiting the Israel Cancer Research Fund. And not only because she was an honoree.

Haffner was in the middle of her acceptance speech at the Beverly Hills Hotel when a phone call came from actress and breast cancer survivor Diahann Carroll--on the bill to receive the group’s Lifetime Achievement Award--who, only days before, had canceled due to another commitment. Haffner stepped away from the podium as Carroll’s apologies were piped into the ballroom.

Afterward, she returned to the stage to pick up where she left off, when the 450 guests rose to their feet to applaud her sportsmanship.

Also honored for community leadership were urologist Jennifer R. Berman and her sister, therapist Laura A. Berman--co-directors of the Female Sexual Medical Center at UCLA--and business management consultant Julie C. Miller.

The Aug. 14 event raised $80,000 for cancer research.

The goal of the Israel Cancer Research Fund is to provide “critical cancer research by Israel’s scientists,” Jaqueline Bell, board chairwoman of the fund’s Los Angeles chapter, told guests.

“Why Israel? Because Israel has the highest population of scientists and physicians in the free world, but not the financial means to support their research,” she said.

“It is crucial that we support them so this precious medical resource will not be wasted.”

Event co-chairwomen were Norma Fink and Joyce Harris.

*

Coming Up:

* Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House presents 11th annual Mac Tonight benefit Sept. 14 for its residential facility for families of children undergoing treatment for cancer. The event, which will feature burgers and fries served under glass, will be held at the McDonald’s Production Center in the City of Industry. Tickets: $175. Call (323) 644-3000.

* The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego plans a Monte Carlo gala with the theme “Austin Powers Gets Monte Carlo Mojo” on Sept. 14 at its oceanfront site in La Jolla. Tickets: $500. Call (858) 454-3541. Ext. 121.

* AIDS Services Foundation Orange County presents its “World’s Fair: Paris” benefit dinner, auction and parade Sept. 14 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Tickets: $125. Call (949) 809-5700.

* Center Theater Group celebrates its 36th season opening with a benefit and special performance of “Mamma Mia!” on Sept. 20 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Festivities include cocktais, dinner and the performance followed by a dessert reception and ‘70s dance party in the Grand Hall. Tickets: $300 and $600. Call (213) 972-7660.

*

Information for Social Circuits can be directed to Ann Conway at ann.conway@latimes.com or by calling (800) LATIMES, Ext. 65952.