KING OF HEARTS
By Kim Devore/Entertainment Writer
It was an all-star line up as celebs and A-listers turned out at the Regent Beverly Wilshire to spend “An Evening with Larry King and Friends.”
The black tie crowd nibbled on shrimp and sipped champagne while mixing with the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Sidney Poitier. Fashion risk-taker Pat Boone, who’s always looking to make a statement, came clad in a black velvet tux with dazzling sequined lapels, while Shawn King sported a jaw-dropping collection of jewels worthy of H.R.H. Liz.
Bob Evans was the big kid in this picture. Introduced by Larry King as “the surviv-ah,” the 72-year-old mega producer was more than happy to talk about flicks, food and especially his hot new wife, who seems to be keeping his heart healthier than the cardiologists over at Cedars-Sinai. Evans was honored by the Larry King Cardiac Foundation along with biz whiz and philanthropist Jon Meade Huntsman.
Huntsman accepted the award with deep appreciation, but not before dishing out a few good-natured barbs to his oft-married host. “My great-great grandfather was a Mormon and had five wives,” he mused. “Larry, you have six.” To show he puts his money where his mouth is, Huntsman presented his pal with a check for $100,000.
The group also heard some touching success stories from the foundation, which provides life-saving cardiac care, valve surgeries and even heart transplants to those in need.
SNL funnyman Dana Carvey, who had his own heart scare and repair, provided the laughs. Between George Dubya and Big Daddy he had more material than Texas has longhorns.
But soon it was time for rockin’ Rod Stewart to take the stage. Looking fine in a perfectly tailored black and white satin pin stripe, Rod belted out a few American standards from his new album, as well as hits like “Maggie May,” and left the crowd on an appropriate high note with “Forever Young.”
The evening raised more than $1 million for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
HERE’S THE DISH
Foodies will be flocking to Santa Monica next week to get their fill at two of the year’s greatest grazing events. Planned Parenthood’s Food Fare 2003 will take place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on March 6. If you still have room for more, stop by the Barker Hanger three days later to help the Make A Wish Foundation celebrate its 10th Annual Wine Tasting and Auction.