Eight hundred animal lovers, including Malibu locals, turned out at the Los Angeles Zoo for the annual Beastly Ball and raised more than $1.1 million. Guests included actress Pauley Perette, Valerie Bertinelli and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, as well as “Hot in Cleveland” star, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) Co-Chairman and national treasure, Betty White. The zoo has many local fans, including Holly Robinson Peete.
Safari-clad adventurers roamed the zoo grounds at dusk, meeting up with many of the fuzzy, furry, feathered and slithery creatures and their keepers.
As the critters snacked on dinner so did their visitors with delectable bites from El Cholo, Hard Rock Café, Taix French Restaurant, El Coyote, Celestino and the ever-popular Pink’s Hot Dogs.
After meeting the animals and chowing down, guests sat down for some music and a live auction. A backstage, behindthe- scenes zoo tour with Betty netted a record-breaking $55,000.
GLAZA President Connie Morgan and Zoo Director John Lewis were both on hand to honor Heather Mycoskie and Ken Ziffren. Heather and her husband Blake founded Tom’s Shoes. A portion of the company’s profits helps support African wildlife like endangered mountain gorillas. “Heather has a passion for wildlife and conservation,” said GLAZA President Connie Morgan. “Her work beautifully matches the Zoo’s mission to nurture wildlife and enrich the human experience.”
The evening’s second honoree was Ken Ziffren who received this year’s Tom Mankwicz Leadership Award.
All in all, animal lovers had a fiercely good time.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
It’s summer movie time and two fun flicks are right around the corner. Rom-com sweetheart Cameron Diaz stars opposite Jason Segel in the racy romp “Sex Tape.” The two decide to spice up their sex lives with a little video capturing the moment. The film comes out July 25. Another rom-com queen, local Jennifer Anniston stars in an edgy comedy called “Life of Crime.” Jen plays a wealthy housewife from Detroit who finds herself kidnapped and held for ransom by two ex-cons. The film also features Isla Fischer, who plays her husband’s mistress. Look for that one out August 29.
CURTAIN CALL
If it’s theater you’re up for, don’t miss the close out of the season at the Malibu Playhouse. The local theater wraps up with “Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter.” The play takes place in 1922 when the great master finds himself in trouble with all his death defying feats.
Rick D. Wasserman portrays the famed escape artist in a premiere production. The story revolves around a friendship with Sherlock Holmes writer Arthur Conan Doyle and believe it or not, it is said to be based on factual accounts.
“Flim Flam” runs through August 3.