HELPING HAND
Dedicated do-gooder Adlai Wertman hosted a fine fete for friend Alan Long at this year’s Spirit of Chrysalis Awards dinner. More than 750 folks made their way to the Wiltern Theater to thank Long for his generous support of the organization dedicated to helping the city’s economically disadvantaged and homeless through education and employment opportunities.
The Malibu rez and prez of Sotheby’s International Realty recently gifted the group with the largest donation in the organization’s 22-year history. He shelled out a whopping $1.6 million to help Chrysalis purchase its first permanent client services center in Santa Monica.
After presenting Long with this year’s prized plaque, guests enjoyed some gourmet grub and grooved to The Dan Band. The celebration raised $450,000 to help Chrysalis change lives.
THE GRADUATE
While we were all getting in the holiday spirit, Malibuite Martin Sheen was busy hitting the books. After an enormously successful run as President Jed Bartlet on the acclaimed “The West Wing” series, the actor took on a new role-of student.
Sheen signed up for a semester at the University of Ireland in Galway where his curriculum included courses in earth sciences, oceanography and computers.
It wasn’t the acclaimed performer’s first visit to the Emerald Isle, but it certainly proved to be his most memorable. “I feel more human here than any other place on earth,” Sheen said. “This is one of the greatest adventures of my life,”
REALITY BITES
Local entertainment titan Mark Burnett shows us once again why he’s the number one name in reality TV. Burnett is back with billionaire buddy Donald Trump and a new season of “The Apprentice.” The show moves to sunny So Cal, where 18 hungry hopefuls are vying for DT’s attention, a top job slot and a sizzling six-figure salary.
In the opening sequence, The Donald swaps his black NYC limo for a white convertible Rolls Royce. Cruising down the streets of Tinseltown, he intensely proclaims “I love L.A.,” with every one of his legendary locks remaining motionless in the breeze.
In addition to the obligatory photomontage featuring scenes of Malibu, Hollywood, the 405 and other iconic L.A. images, the new season is a family affair with everyone from daughter Ivanka to model wife Melania to little baby Baron getting in on the act.
The show continues to be a great escape. But it’s more than just a backbiting battle in Brooks Brothers suits and Donna Karan blazers. Let’s face it, if you are in this business, Donald Trump is a television producer’s dream. Just put him in front of a camera, roll tape and the show almost produces itself.
(Sigh). Why can’t I ever get hosts like that?
The Apprentice airs Sundays on NBC.