ZOOM ZOOM
Malibu’s Cheech Marin was getting racy as he zipped over to Flo’s V8 Cafe for the kick-off party of World of Cars Online. It was a blast to the past ’50s style as the landmark Bob’s Big Boy car hop diner was transformed into a Disney paradise complete with Cars memorabilia, jumping juke boxes and plenty of black and white checkered flags.
Cheech, who plays the voice of Ramone, joined Jenifer Lewis, who plays Flo, for a day of fun in the sun. Tori Spelling made it a family affair with hubby Dean McDermott and kids Liam and Stella in tow. After fueling up on a classic feast of burgers, fries and shakes, auto enthusiasts of all ages got to create their own specialty car, get up close and personal with the Cars characters and explore the latest virtual video world. All around there was no shortage of enthusiasm at this high-octane affair.
OPERATION SMILE
There will be plenty of Glee at this year’s Operation Smile gala with the cast of the hit TV show slated to take the stage for a special performance. The all-star event is chaired by Malibu’s Roma Downey and Mark Burnett along with Fox’s Jennifer Nicholson-Salke, mega producer Steven Bochco and Hollywood honcho Ron Meyer.
Legendary “Indiana Jones” star Harrison Ford will be honored for his good deeds on behalf of the organization. Earlier this year, Harrison donated his time, his plane and his piloting skills to help out on an emergency Operation Smile mission to Haiti. He responded to an urgent request for assistance and managed to get two and a half tons of medical supplies to three locations across the country.
In a scene that could have been right out of one of his action films, Harrison touched down on a remote dirt landing strip, delivering the goods. In addition to recognition for his heroic mission, Harrison will be feted for his commitment to environmental and conservation groups like Conservation International. He will be presented with this year’s John Connor Humanitarian Award.
Also on the honor roll is actor producer John Stamos who will receive the Universal Smile Award and longtime Operation Smile supporter Susan Casden who went on the organization’s inaugural mission to China.
Operation Smile was founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee with the aim of changing the world “one smile at a time.” Over the years, the organization has treated more than 150,000 children who were born with cleft lips, palates and facial deformities. Volunteers and medical teams have visited 50 countries around the world, providing free surgeries and transforming lives. The Operation Smile Gala takes place Sept. 24 at the Beverly Hilton.
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