Supporters of Operation Smile have been stepping out in style. Their latest event was called “Dancing for a Smile,” which took place at the Lladro boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The highlight was a peek of the new limited edition sculpture called “Elegant Foxtrot,” as well as live performances by professional ballroom dancers.
The Lladro shindig comes just a few weeks after Operation Smile’s 30th Anniversary Smile Gala up the street at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Malibu’s Brooke Burke-Charvet and husband David Charvet joined local beauty Roma Downey and her husband, reality TV king Mark Burnett.
Roma’s involvement goes back to her “Touched by an Angel” days. She and Mark co-chaired the event along with Sue Naegle, Dr. Randy Sherman and Jennifer Salke.
Stars graced the red carpet and then headed inside for a VIP reception, special gourmet dinner and awards presentation. They were welcomed by master of ceremonies and “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush, who has also been involved in Operation Smile for many years.
Smile ambassadors Roma and Mark presented the Universal Smile Award to Brook and David. Operation Smile co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee handed the Founder’s Circle Award to Julia and Stephanie Argyros, Krista Jajonie and Daneia Sanadiki. The award recognizes supporters who have made outstanding contributions as a family or group.
Operation Smile chief medical officer Randy Sherman and Martha De Laurentiis presented the Wallis Annenberg Award for public service to philanthropist Jill Grey and pro wave riders Matt Meola, Torrey Meister and Alek Parker presented the Corporate Humanitarian Award to beach company Sanuk’s founder Jeff Kelley. One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the surprise announcement of a $1 million dollar gift by Julia Argyros, bringing the total raised to more than $2 million dollars. Now that would put a smile on anyone’s face!
There’s something about Ben
Funnyman Ben Stiller is in line to receive the prestigious 26th American Cinematheque Award. The A-list event will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Nov. 15. Expect to see plenty of co-stars from Ben’s projects over the years as well as a retrospective of his career.
Ben’s kept us laughing with blockbuster comedies like “There’s Something about Mary,” “Meet the Parents,” “A Night at the Museum” and “Tropic Thunder,” which he not only starred in but co-wrote and directed as well. He is currently working on “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” along with longtime Malibu locals Sean Penn and Shirley MacLaine.