Millions for MS
In an event with so many celebs in attendance that it might have been an awards ceremony, “The Race to Erase MS” gala pulled in a cool $2.5 million.
It’s been 11 years since Nancy Davis learned that she had multiple sclerosis and nine since the glamorous daughter of Barbara and Marvin Davis launched the annual event to fund the Nancy Davis Center Without Walls. The center is a consortium of researchers from six universities to seek a cure for the autoimmune disease that most frequently attacks women between 20 and 40.
This year’s event, held May 10 at the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, included the proceeds from an auction conducted by Bill Maher, Tony Danza and Tom Arnold. Among prizes on the block: a stay at Olympic luge camp that Montel Williams (diagnosed with MS in 1999) snapped up for $16,000; a white Cadillac, autographed by 70 celebrity guests, that went for $45,300; an original sketch by LeRoy Neiman bought by Jon Lovitz. An “Ultimate Hollywood Party” to be catered by Wolfgang Puck went to high bidder Ray Romano, and racking up a winning bid of $32,000 was an invitation to Arnold’s bachelor party--he’ll wed Shelby Roos in June.
More than 1,300 guests packed the ballroom for the bash, which had a ‘70s “Peace and Love” theme, complete with neon peace symbols and caged go-go dancers. Sela Ward and Jay Mohr hosted the entertainment, a runway fashion show by Tommy Hilfiger (co-sponsor of the event with VH1, American Airlines and the Century Plaza) and performances by Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Donna Summer and Smokey Robinson.
In the crowd were Nancy’s sons--Alexander, Brandon and Jason--and her mom and dad (Marvin said he’s shed 80 pounds). So were Candy and Aaron Spelling, Debbie Allen, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Tilly, Jackie Collins, Shannen Doherty, David Faustino, Joely Fisher, Teri Garr, Kathy Griffin, Harry Hamlin, Melissa Joan Hart, Brooke Shields, Beverly Johnson, Lisa Kudrow, Ashton Kutcher, Cheryl Ladd, Bai Ling, Alex Michel (“The Bachelor”), Ming-Na, Holly Robinson Peete, Natalie Raitano, Tara Reid, Denise Rich, Lisa Rinna, John Ritter, Antonio Sabato Jr., Molly Simms, Sylvester Stallone, Paul Stanley, Cheryl Tiegs, Wilmer Valderrama and Roshumba Williams. Since its inception, the MS event has raised more than $16 million.
--Patt Diroll
*
eforeOle! America
The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts celebrated the contributions of veteran actress Carmen Zapata at its 22nd annual benefit, “eforeOle! America,” at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Zapata, president, producing director and co-founder of the foundation, an L.A.-based Latino theater, was presented with the El Angel Lifetime Achievement Award. Her 50-year career has earned her multiple honors including a knighthood in 1999 from King Juan Carlos of Spain.
In accepting the award--presented by foundation alumnus Andy Garcia and co-founders Margarita Galban and Estela Scarlata--Zapata said: “Only in America could three Hispanic women from very humble beginnings build a theater for a needy and deserving community that would last for 30 years. We are survivors, and we’re filled with love for our community and its rich Hispanic heritage. It’s our way of saying muchisimas gracias.”
More than 400 attended the event May 9 event, which raised $150,000. Honored for their corporate support of the foundation’s arts programs were the Walt Disney Co. and Farmers Insurance Group. James Albaugh served as event chairman with co-chairmen Richard Hartnack and Lynn Pike. KABC-TV’s Sid Garcia emceed the doings, which featured a sizzling “Habanera” by L.A. Opera mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzman and a flamenco by dancer Mari Sandoval. The evening ended with a conga line, a tradition at this affair.
Spotted among the movers and shakers were Bob Gomez, Jonathan Weedman, George Ramirez, Al Greenstein, Christina Sanchez-Camino, Lisa Baca-Sigala, Lourdes Marta, Pamela Villarreal, Ralph Perez, Rossina Gallegos, Michelle Bandoian, Denise Bernadin, John Echeveste, Vince Ramirez, Marian Shima and Jose Luis Dicenta Ballester, the consul general of Spain in Los Angeles.
--P.D.
*
Artistic Fusion
Marking its premiere collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, the Long Beach Museum of Art launched its new exhibit, “Spontaneous Combustion: The Fusion of Art, Design and Fashion” with a cocktail party and style show that raised $50,000 for its education programs. Hundreds of arts lovers gathered at the oceanfront facility May 11 to tour the exhibit that features pairings of fashion and furniture created by graduating institute students.
“The show represents an interdisciplinary project,” an institute spokeswoman said. “Students of interior design and fashion got together and explored how they engage in similar kinds of thinking.” The result: 11 fashion ensembles displayed next to as many chairs, each employing the same textiles and mood. The exhibit continues through June 2.
Also on the party agenda: a fashion show by Los Angeles designer Kevan Hall, a graduate of the institute. Hall, whose clothing has been worn by celebs such as Celine Dion and Minnie Driver, showcased his spring 2002 collection.
Guests applauded as models floated by in ultra-feminine, body-skimming styles in hues that ranged from tangerine to taupe. “The colors were inspired by Christian Berard, a ‘30s artist and set designer,” Hall said. “I always look back to that period; it’s one I love.”
-- Ann Conway
*
Symphony’s Stars
The Pacific Symphony’s South America-inspired “Noche de Estrellas” (Night of the Stars) gala to benefit its music education programs drew 500 guests and netted $600,000.
Guests swept along a jungle-green carpet as they entered the Hyatt Regency Irvine for a gala cocktail reception and gourmet dinner staged in a ballroom replete with towering palms, brightly colored floral arrangements and gushing fountains.
Sitting at tables crowned with terra-cotta urns filled with roses, guests dined on authentic South American cuisine: spicy shrimp and mango ceviche, corn flan, chile-encrusted tenderloin and a chocolate almond basket filled with coffee creme brulee.
Entertainment at the May 11 event included the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and a dance troupe that performed an electrifying “Tango Spectacular.” Guests included gala co-chairwomen Janice Smith and Dotti Stillwell; orchestra music director Carl St.Clair and his wife, Susan; John and Sandy Daniels; Jo Ellen Qualls; Ellie and Michael Gordon; Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom; and Roger and Janice Johnson.
--A.C.
*
Coming up:
* The Builders Ball to benefit Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/Santa Clarita/Antelope Valleys will be held tonight at Santa Monica’s Hotel Casa del Mar. Tickets $250. Call (818) 897-0940.
* The fifth annual Plato de Oro dinner to benefit Homeless Health Care Los Angeles takes place tonight at Maple Drive Restaurant, Beverly Hills. Tickets $200. Call (310) 274-9800.
* Arianna Huffington will be the keynoter when the Anti-Defamation League honors Sheila Coop, Aimee Dominguez and Melphine Evans at the eighth annual Deborah Awards on Tuesday, May 21, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Tickets $300. Call (310) 446-8000, Ext. 263.
* Muhammad Ali and Rob Lowe will be the presenters when Michael Mann, director of “Ali”; Aaron Sorkin, creator of “The West Wing”; and Antonio “L.A.” Reid are honored at the American Civil Liberties Union’s Torch of Liberty Dinner Thursday at the Century Plaza Hotel. Tickets $300. Call (877) 225-8487.
* Community activist Paul Salata will receive Goodwill Industry’s inaugural “An American Tribute” award Thursday at the Grove of Anaheim. Tickets are $175. Call (714) 547-6308, Ext. 311.
* Kent Kresa will be the guest of honor at “A Celebration in the Garden,” the annual ball hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter of ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) on Saturday at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Tickets $250. Call (310) 556-2815.
* Actors Alfre Woodard and Blair Underwood star in A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” at a May 25 benefit for the Amy Biehl Foundation and Artists for a New Africa at the St. Regis Hotel Monarch Beach Resort & Spa in Dana Point. Tickets are $25 to $250. Call (866) 400-0020.
* Heal the Bay’s 11th annual “Bring Back the Beach” benefit dinner, which will honor Tony Pritzker, Antonio Villaraigosa and the Discovery Channel for its series “Blue Planet,” will be May 29 at 850 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica. Tickets $300. Call (310) 453-0395.
*
Information for Social Circuits can be directed to Patt Diroll in L.A. or Ann Conway in Orange County. Diroll is at pattdiroll@earthlink.net or (213) 237-7144; Conway at ann.conway@latimes.com, or (714) 966-5952.
