ISN’T SHE LOVELY?
If Donna Summer works hard for the money, then Nancy Davis works hard for your money. That was the message at this year’s Race to Erase MS fundraiser at the Century Plaza Hotel. The star-studded extravaganza raised a whopping $2.6 million for Nancy’s Center Without Walls, which supports valuable research and treatment programs.
The evening kicked off with a look at the hotel’s $70 million renovation and a sneak peek at its spectacular new 30,000 square foot Spa Mystique. Paparazzi lined the red carpet as A-list celebs like John Travolta, Sly Stallone and Dustin Hoffman sauntered into the ballroom. The event included a live auction filled with one-of-a-kind items with everything from a dinner for 50 personally prepared by Granita’s Wolfgang Puck to an adorable chocolate Lab puppy. Tom Arnold took bids on the opportunity to sing the Star Spangled Banner at Dodger Stadium. “Scratching and spitting – not necessary,” he announced in a reference to ex-wife Roseanne’s not so spangled performance a while back.
Malibu music man David Foster put together another top-drawer evening of entertainment, starting off with Brian McKnight. Disco diva Donna Summer had them dancing in the aisles with classic 70s tunes like “Bad Girls” and “Last Dance.” Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” a fitting tribute to the woman who made it all happen, topped it all off. A telecast of the program airs June 23 on VH1.
GOING MOD
Malibu glass specialist Susan Bittan was among the many exhibitors showing off their wonderful wares at this year’s Los Angeles Modernism Show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Her stunning collection of period Schneider glass was a feast for the eyes and packs a punch on your wallet. “I used to buy this stuff for nothing,” says Bittan. “Ten years ago you could pick up these pieces for about $5,000. Today, it’s more than doubled.”
But glass wasn’t the only thing on display. Other very hot items included anything 60s retro. From pod chairs to kidney-shaped tables to lava lamps, George Jetson rules on the design front. Remember those awful, star burst wall clocks and dreadful room color combos in yellow, black and orange? Well, they’re baaaaack. And ka-ching they’re commanding big bucks. So put on your go-go boots, get with the program and whatever you do, don’t toss those old beanbag chairs.