ALL THAT JAZZ
The ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel was transformed into a sleek 1920s style supper club at this year’s Odyssey Ball to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute. An impressive floor-to-ceiling waterfall graced the entrance, and inside it was pure Hollywood glam. The place could have passed for the famed Copa Room with its palm tree and flamingo motifs. Tables were done up for drama with Plexiglas containers filled with roses and orchids, and festooned with crystal swags. Deco lanterns glowed from above while the stage was set for a swinging big band.
Despite the economic downturn, bidding was brisk at the silent auction, where gala goers plunked down offers on jazzy jewelry, great getaways and fine wines. “90210” alum Jason Priestley arrived with wife Naomi who was turning heads in a show-stopping emerald green gown. She kept bling to a minimum, preferring to show off another gem-her growing baby bump.
The night’s featured star was veteran actress Bonnie Hunt, who received this year’s “True Grit” humanitarian award. Audiences around the world know Bonnie for her work in “The Bonnie Hunt Show,” “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “Jerry Maguire,” but many were surprised to learn that the Chicago native worked as an oncology nurse at Northwestern University before going into movies and television. The actress was also recognized for her efforts to raise funds for research, treatment and a cure. JWCI Auxiliary President Andrea Nelson Kopald said Bonnie “embodies what the award symbolizes: uncompromising integrity and commitment to helping others.”
The evening’s other honorees included Donna and Harvey Rosen, who were presented with “The Duke” award. A special presentation was also made to Dr. Donald Morton.
“We are fortunate to have such extraordinary and dedicated supporters,” JWCI Chairman Patrick Wayne said. “The impact of their contributions is immeasurable.”
The glitzy evening began with a performance by “Dancing with the Stars” hoofers Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Manzo. Next, guests tucked into a tasty supper of cream of tomato soup, sea bass with soy ginger glaze and black risotto.
The evening wrapped up with a concert of American standards courtesy of Grammy award-winning crooner Steve Tyrell. Bonnie and her pals couldn’t resist a spin on the dance floor where they grooved to classic tunes like “Ain’t Misbehavin” and “It Had to be You.”
Since 1982, The Odyssey Ball has raised more than $15 million for lifesaving research and treatment programs. This year’s fling was chaired by Malibu’s Marissa Coughlan, who said her goal was to “capture and recreate a historic time and enjoy good food, good music and good friends, but most of all look toward the future where cancer will be a thing of the past.”
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