DREAM WEAVER
By Kim Devore/entertainment Writer
Life was a cabaret at the Park Plaza Hotel, where the Dream Foundation held its 2nd annual Friends Tribute Fundraiser.
The historic hotel with its ornate 1920’s Spanish Colonial Revival-style dcor proved the perfect backdrop for the elaborate bash.
A sea of paparazzi snapped away on the red carpet as glittering stilt-walkers looked down on the likes of Drew Carey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cindy Crawford.
Inside, the stylish guests were greeted by a glittering blue merman reclining against an oversized conch shell. They eyed the magnificent entryway with its intricately carved ceilings and enormous wrought iron chandeliers before sailing into a bustling outdoor patio, where sushi was served under the stars.
After a round of California rolls and a few sips of saki, the crowd switched gears and made its way into the dining room for the stage show and kasbah party that followed.
As everyone finished their fine Moroccan meal of spicy chicken, chilled salmon and couscous, Dream foundation founder Tom Rollerson thanked the foundation’s supporters for helping to make dreams come true. Since 1994, the foundation has fulfilled the wishes of thousands of terminally ill adults. The organization has helped them realize everything from a large family reunion to one last great getaway, whether it was Graceland or the Grand Canyon.
“We are the dream-makers,” he said. “We grant hundreds of dreams a year to families financially, emotionally and physically devastated by illnesses such as cancer and AIDS. It is our privilege to bring some happiness to the Dream recipients and their loved ones.”
After the Angel Wings award presentation to Jan Barboglio, Joely Fisher and co-hosts Cindy Crawford and Julia Louis-Dreyfus took the stage to kick off an all-star cabaret. The eclectic program didn’t disappoint and had something for everyone-Camryn Manheim belted out show tunes, followed by rockers Taylor Dayne and Nikka Costa. Legendary songbirds Connie Stevens, Michelle Lee and Lainie Kazan selected the title number from “Dreamgirls,” while David Cassidy, of all people, delighted the crowd with an on-your-knees, soulful rendition of “Try a Little Tenderness.” The show wrapped up with a laugh-out-loud parody of Moulin Rouge’s “Lady Marmalade” featuring Drew Carey, Bruce Vilanch, Wilson Cruz and Bruce Cohen. OOOH LA LA!
LAUGHING ALL THE WAY
Robin Williams will stand up for a good cause as he headlines the annual night of “Cool Comedy” and “Hot Cuisine” on Nov 1. Lowes Santa Monica will be transformed into a colossal laugh factory as Williams takes the stage alongside Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres, Bob Saget and Lily Tomlin to benefit the Scleroderma Research Foundation.