Malibu’s Julia Roberts was one pretty lady as she celebrated her 50th birthday by helping to raise $2 million for the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Neighbor Tom Hanks was on hand to present her with the amfAR’s Courage Award as she flashed her megawatt smile at Ron Burkle’s posh Greenacres estate in Beverly Hills.
It was an appropriate tribute indeed as Coldplay’s Chris Martin made a surprise appearance topped off by a new ditty called “Julia’s Smile.”
Late night sensation and music fan James Corden couldn’t help but chime in.
A host of A-list locals joined in on the fun including Sean Penn, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, along with Diane Sawyer, Melanie Griffith and Sophia Bush.
After a VIP cocktail reception with a bit of bubbly and small bites, it was show time.
James Corden hosted the festivities while Tom Hanks presented the pretty woman with her award.
A bidding frenzy broke out with guests vying for a lunch with Julia, with the winner walking off with a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon while amfAR gained an additional $110,000.
The Oscar winner proved worthy to the amfAR cause, saying, “If we don’t take our foot off the gas, by 2020 we can insure that no child will be born with HIV/AIDS.”
How to top off an evening like this? Easy. Just call in the Duchess. Fergie rocked the house with a late night show stopper that hit just the right note for a great cause.
URGENT CARE UPDATE
Locals Herb Alpert, wife Lani Hall and music manager Lou Adler say they are thrilled at the turnout in support of their recent Urgent Care benefit at the Smothers Theater at Pepperdine. The concert featured Herb and Lani along with some of the most classic tunes from Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66. The program started with “What Now My Love” and “Human Nature,” followed by “Moondance.” “Besame Mucho” and an impressive Tijuana Brass medley including “Rise,” “Whipped Cream,” “Lonely Bull,” “Flea,” “Mexican Shuffle,” “Taxi and “Honey.” The Brasil ‘66 medley featured “The Look of Love,” “Something” and “The Dreamer.”
Lani and Herb donated 100 percent of the proceeds to help Malibu Urgent Care upgrade into a first class facility.
Lou Adler said Urgent Care is a badly needed resource for the community and could be even better.
“Dr. Jill Furguson and Dr. David Frankle and their excellent staff have served us well,” Lou Adler explained to Malibu Seen. “Giving them more support will help them continue to serve Malibu in emergencies and everyday needs. All of us should help.” Thanks to the Pepperdine benefit, Urgent Care has an important financial leg up. The benefit raised close to its goal of $500,000.
Now that’s something to toot your horn about.