CARE BEARS
It looked like the set of “Desperate Housewives” at this year’s annual Teddy Bear Ball. Sexy soap queens Nicollette Sheridan, Teri Hatcher, Brenda Strong and hunky James Denton all turned up for the Help Group Gala, which raised money to help kids with autism, learning disabilities and other special needs.
It was a colorful affair with Nicollette sporting a sizzling, hot pink chiffon number while Terry opted for indigo. Also on hand was the lovely Lisa Rinna, who waltzed in with hubby Harry Hamlin. Lisa’s been going through her paces in recent weeks as one of the high-profile hoofers on the hit-show “Dancing with the Stars.”
Funnyman George Lopez and his wife, Ann, got things off on a high note by joining the Help Group’s Children’s Choir in a snappy medley of songs. Other musical performances came courtesy of country songbird Martina McBride and Cosby kid Raven Symone.
Christie’s President Andrea Fiuczynski presided over the auction activities. The top temptations included a trip to Wisteria Lane and the chance to play alongside the housewives in a walk-on role. James, meantime, had his money on an adorable yellow lab. The hottest plumber in prime time got into a bidding war over the tail-wagging cutie with entertainment exec Sandy Grushow. But Sandy emerged top dog in the end. Martina wrapped things up serenading the crowd with “Blessed” and “Over the Rainbow.”
Help Group Vice President Judy Burkow thanked the crowd for making the evening a “record breaking success.” Party-goers went home with a great swag bag packed with plush teddy bear toys. The bash raised more than $850,000 for Help Group programs throughout Southern California.
LISTEN UP!
If you’re an FOB, you wont want to miss the former prez at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in April. Bill Clinton will returning to the Music Center for this year’s Speakers Series. It’s a distinguished line-up includes old school newsmen Dan Rather and Bill Moyers, NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg, author Salman Rushdie, General Colin Powell, novelist Carlos Fuentes, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas L. Friedman and “Hotel Rwanda’s” Paul Rusesabagina.
LORD HAVE MERCY!
From the you-couldn’t-make-this-up department, a new reality show is currently in production called “God or the Girl.” This imaginative offering features four Roman Catholic seminary students who must decide between marriage or the monastery. The show is scheduled to air Easter week on A&E. Will viewers see the light? Stay tuned.