FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE
The stars came out at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel as the Entertainment Industry Foundation and the Women’s Cancer Research Fund hosted its annual “An Unforgettable Evening” gala.
Honorary Chairs Rita Wilson, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg joined EIF co-founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jaime Tisch for the event’s 15th anniversary.
It was A-list all around as Hollywood heavyweights and famous faces mingled at the VIP cocktail party, bid up the auction and tucked into a first-class feast. In addition to medical stars like Nobel Laureate Dr. David Baltimore, the guest list included Billy Crystal, Warren Beatty, Tom Arnold, Rosanna Arquette, Kirk Douglas, Tobey Maguire and Amber Valletta.
They turned out to salute honorees Martin Short and Annette Bening. Short accepted the 2011 Courage Award on behalf of his wife Nancy, who lost her battle with cancer last year. The Nat King Cole Award went to “The Kids Are All Right” star Bening for her charitable works and contributions.
Funnyman Conan O’Brien kept the crowd laughing throughout the evening. One of the highlights of the night was the live auction, which featured a one-of-a-kind carved “Rose” ring. Beauty Amber Valletta was the lucky bidder who took home the prized piece of jewelry for an impressive $28,000.
The event raised $1.5 million for the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, which continues its support of innovative cancer research. Its latest mission is the Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project. The project is working to identify and verify biomarkers that will lead to the development of a blood test for the detection of breast cancer at its earliest and most curable stages.
The Women’s Cancer Research Fund is also funding cutting edge research at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The evening always features top entertainment and this year was no exception. It wrapped up with a little rap and a set by Grammy-nominated artist Cee Lo Green.
GLAAD TO BE HERE
Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth will be the toast of the town at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards bash. The cocktail reception, silent auction, awards show and after party takes place at the Westin Bonaventure on April 10.
If you didn’t make it to the Oscars you can root for your favorite flicks or at least those picked out as nominees by GLAAD. The contenders include “Burlesque,” starring Cher, and “The Kids are All Right” with EIF honoree Annette Bening. The organization also recognizes outstanding television, theater and journalism.