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Unforgettable Night

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The star attraction of “An Unforgettable Evening” was Elton John. But it was the spirit of Renette Ezralow that left the deepest imprint on Tuesday’s benefit for Research for Women’s Cancers, which raised $1.7 million for programs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

When Ezralow co-founded the group six years ago, she was already waging a battle with ovarian cancer. For 13 years, she and her family quietly faced her illness with dignity and valor until her death Jan. 12. For her many contributions, Ezralow was honored posthumously with the annual Woman of Courage Award at Tuesday’s event.

Natalie Cole--whose family signature tune, “Unforgettable,” inspired the title of the benefit--presented the award to Ezralow’s husband, Marshall. “Throughout her illness,” he said, “Renette never stopped helping others,” as was revealed in a poignant video tribute created by Bonnie Bruckheimer, the group’s national spokesperson.

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For his dedication to AIDS prevention and education, Elton John received the Courage Award from Cedars-Sinai and Saks Fifth Avenue, sponsors of the event. “What Elton has done for the platform shoe, sequin and eyeglass industries is only a fraction of what he has done for the well-being of men and women all around the country,” Tom Hanks said in his tribute to the entertainer. In acknowledging the award, John said, “I’ve always devoted myself to AIDS, but because of the epidemic of breast and ovarian cancer, I will commit myself to help finding a cure. I will always be there for you.”

Along with Hanks, Rita Wilson, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg served as honorary co-chairs of the event.

Event chairwomen included Anne Douglas, Marion Laurie, Kelly Chapman Meyer, Sandra Krause, Margie Petersen and Jamie Tisch. Dennis Miller emceed the evening, which featured rock musician John Mellencamp backed by a gospel choir. In the crowd were Saks execs R. Brad Martin, Lori Rhodes, Michael Macko and Tom Voltin; Linda and David Foster, Paula Kent Meehan, Jolene and George Schlatter, Lilly Tartikoff, Betty and Fred Hayman, Lisa Kudrow, Fran Drescher and Dominique Swain.

--Patt Diroll

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Art of Costuming

The style-conscious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s annual benefit, which fell on the night before the Oscars, was held at the Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar. “There wasn’t a hotel ballroom that wasn’t booked for Oscar weekend,” said Jim Watterson, who has been producing the “L.A. Fashion Gala” for 20 years. More than 750 packed the house for the March 23 show showcasing FIDM students graduating in Theater Costume and the Fashion Design Advanced Study programs.

Hollywood’s irrepressible booster and honorary mayor, Johnny Grant, emceed the event, which raised more than $125,000 for FIDM scholarships. The doings started with a cocktail reception followed by a Renaissance-catered dinner and a fast-paced parade of FIDM creations interspersed with costumes by this year’s Academy Award contenders.

Among the Oscar-nominated costumes on view was Harry Potter’s, worn by a thrilled 9-year-old, Kirk Bucy. An ardent Potter fan, Kirk has recently been treated for Ewing’s sarcoma. When Watterson heard about Kirk (his mother, Marcy Bucy, is the receptionist at FIDM) he instantly cast him as Harry. “He is so excited,” said his mom. “That’s all he has talked about since he found out.”

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Others attending included film designers Jim Acheson, Judianna Makovsky, Michael Kaplan and Sophie de Rakoff Carbonell; FIDM president Tonian Hohlberg; congressmen Ken Calvert, David Dreier and Howard “Buck” McKeon; and USO exec Elaine Rogers. Also, Maureen O’Hara, Robert Amonic, Michael Novarese, George Martin, Barbara Beno, Francine Bardo, Lonnie and Karen Kane, Craig Israel, John Martens and Stuart Kaplan, a weary Beverly Hills dermatologist, who said he had worked into the wee hours the night before, dispensing Botox and collagen treatments to Oscar-goers.

--P.D.

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Flying High

Aerialists and acrobats with iL Circo entertained the 700 guests who attended a dinner benefit netting $250,000 for St. Jude Medical Center of Fullerton’s endoscopy center for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

During the gala at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, it was announced that Russell and Mildred Knott of Fullerton had pledged $1.3 million to the endoscopy center. When the center opens at the end of the year, it will be called the Knott Family Endoscopy Center, announced Robert J. Fraschetti, president and chief executive officer of St. Jude Medical Center. “To say that we are grateful is insufficient,” he said. “This truly amazing gift will help St. Jude remain at the forefront of medicine.”

Julianne Haynes was chairwoman of the March 23 benefit co-sponsored by St. Jude and its Damas de Caridad support group. Guests included Christine Fraschetti, Joseph and Joanna Lawton, Walda Anderson, Bill and Pat Lenahan, Bob and Marilyn Clark and Al Crosson.

--Ann Conway

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CHOC Guilds

In a ballroom awash in a rosy glow, the guilds’ support groups of Children’s Hospital of Orange County celebrated the 40th anniversary of a benefit fashion show that, during those years, has raised nearly $4 million for the facility’s outpatient clinic and Kids Care Fund.

“Ruby Reflections,” which included luncheon and dinner shows on March 21 at the Anaheim Marriott, drew 1,500 guests and netted $175,000. Susan Carter and Beverly Singer were co-chairwomen.

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“The guilds have become the bedrock of our financial support,” said Helen Wardner, senior development director at CHOC. Since the guilds were founded 40 years ago, members have helped raise more than $20 million for the Orange-based hospital.

--A.C.

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Coming Up:

* Former Sen. Gary Hart will speak on “Combating Terrorism” at a dinner at Arianna Huffington’s Brentwood home Wednesday to benefit Operation USA, an L.A.-based international relief organization. Tickets: $300. Call (323) 658-8876.

* KOCE-TV sponsors Aristeia Award dinner Thursday at the Irvine Marriott. Tickets: $150. Call (714) 895-5623.

* Frankie Avalon will headline “April in Paris,” the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary’s Odyssey Ball 2002, which honors Dr. Armando E. Giuliano, on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Tickets: $375. Call (310) 315-6111.

* USC Town and Gown Junior Auxiliary of Orange County hosts its Stars and Stripes Scholarship Benefit on Saturday at the Diamond Club at Edison International Field. Tickets: $75. Call (949) 640-6466.

* The Starlight Children’s Foundation will honor artist Alexandra Nechita and businessman Robert H. Lorsch at its 19th anniversary gala Saturday at Hollywood & Highland. Tickets: $350. Call (310) 899-9191.

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* Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County presents “April in Paris Extravaganza” on Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach. Tickets: $200. Call (714) 283-1111.

* Members of the Social Service Auxiliary will honor Marjorie Hegener and George A.V. Dunning at their third annual Spiritus Award Ball to be held in the Salon Principal of L.A.’s new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Saturday. Tickets: $200. (626) 356-0339.

* The 11th annual L.A. Shanti Wine Tasting & Auction will be held April 7 at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. Tickets: $75. Call (323) 962-8197.

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Information for Social Circuits can be directed to Patt Diroll in Los Angeles or Ann Conway in Orange County. Diroll is at pattdiroll@earthlink.net; Conway at ann.conway@latimes.com, or (714) 966-5952.

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