YOU GOTTA HAVE FRIENDS
Matthew Perry is a friend indeed when it comes to raising money for the HELP Group. Together with “ER’s” Anthony Edwards, Perry showed off his warm, fuzzy side at this year’s Teddy Bear Ball. The stars posed for pics with young fans while their dads checked out the sleek and sexy 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Roadster that was up for grabs at the live auction.
But first things first. “My daughter is nuts for Matthew Perry,” said one camera-carrying pop. “My only job was to make sure she had her picture taken with him. Now I can enjoy the evening.” And so they did.
The ballroom at the Regent Beverly Wilshire was done up in grand style with bouquets of white roses, hydrangeas and sleek tapers arranged on the tables. The program got off to soulful start as a booming gospel choir belted out “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.” The auction featured a highly prized bichon frise pup as well as the red-hot two-seater, which brought in a cool $100K. Friends of the organization were thanked for making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children with special needs, and there was a big round of applause for and Bruce and Ande Rosenblum, who received the 2002 Spirit of Hope Award.
A BEAUTIFUL TIME
Well, the pundits were right on the money and our own producer Brian Grazer hit Oscar paydirt winning the coveted prize for best picture. But long before Whoopi flaunted her feathers on stage, the parties were well underway.
I started off at the Beverly Hills Hotel where Martin Scorsese threw a lavish benefit for his Film Foundation. To my amazement, the entryway was jam-packed with more paparazzi than PCH has Porsches.
But wait-the nominees were still down the street at the Kodak. Who were they here to see? Brad and Jen? Billy Bob? Madonna?
“Who are you waiting for?” I asked Rory Bennett from “ET.”
“Anna Nicole Smith,” she whispered.
“Anna Nicole Smith?” I replied. Well, I won’t tell Sharon Stone if you won’t.
Inside, everyone sipped champagne and watched the ceremony on the big screen. They ooohed at Halle Berry’s Elie Saab ensemble with its strategically placed appliqus, groaned at Gwyneth Paltrow’s Tyrolean garb and booed Julia Roberts bedhead.
Locals Harry Hamlin and Lisa Renna made the rounds, as did movie 10s like Bo Derek and TV names like Jack Klugman, Jamie Foxx and Robert Wuhl. There were dozens of Oscar vets in attendance-all under one roof. It was a place to see and be seen, to feel apart of the action and soak up celebrity.
But soon, it was time to shove off to the next party. I tried not to leave disappointed because I never did get to see Anna Nicole Smith. James Whitmore would just have to do.