SMART BUYS
2011 is off to a good start at the John Wayne Cancer Institute thanks to a flock of festive shoppers and supporters. They helped raise thousands of dollars during the holidays to keep the institute on the cutting edge of medical care. Malibu local and auxiliary member Marissa Coughlan was on hand for the glorious get-together, which included the presentation of a $500,000 check to JWCI Chairman Patrick Wayne.
After scooping up armloads of jewelry, clothing, stationery, gourmet goodies and accessories, guests took their seats for a special awards presentation. The Angel Award went to Marilu Henner, while the folks over at the Venice Family Clinic received the public service award.
Patrick Wayne had words of praise for Henner and her commitment both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. The Golden Globe nominee is known for her work on stage and screen. She’s starred in dozens of film, television and stage productions. Her credits include the Emmy Award-winning hit “Evening Shade,” as well as “Taxi,” opposite Malibu’s Tony Danza. But it is her dedication to health and fitness that most impressed this crowd. Henner has written eight books on the subject. She’s also appeared before Congress on topics ranging from dietary supplements to women’s cardiovascular disease and healthy dietary guidelines for children.
The Venice Family Clinic, meantime, was recognized for its commitment to women’s health, support of cancer research and efforts to raise community awareness about early detection, treatment and prevention of cancer.
Recently, the clinic teamed with the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Saint John’s Health Center to promote breast health and early detection. It has served as the largest free clinic in the country, providing medical care and social services to more than 24,500 patients each year.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
Film buffs will be heading over to Santa Monica in the weeks ahead for a special slate of screenings and personal appearances at the Aero Theater. Academy Award winner Ben Affleck will be on hand this Thursday, following a double feature of “Gone Baby Gone” and his most recent film, the critically acclaimed crime thriller, “The Town.” Affleck directed and starred in the flick, which was a favorite with moviegoers and is already generating an Oscar buzz.
On Friday, Andy Garcia fans can meet up with the man who made a name for himself in “The Godfather III,” “The Untouchables” and “Ocean’s Eleven.” The Aero will screen the 2009 comedy, “City Island,” as well as the 2005 drama, “The Lost City.”
On Jan. 20, Pamela Sue Martin talks about the Roger Corman classic, “The Lady in Red.”
See you at the movies!