CAPTAIN KIRK
Malibu’s Charles and Kim Bronson joined neighbors Carroll O’Connor and Larry Hagman at this year’s Odyssey Ball. The locals were among 900 guests who were on hand as Kirk Douglas received the annual “Duke” award. The legendary screen actor was lauded for his lasting contributions in a variety of important causes. Over the years, Kirk and wife, Anne, have supported the Los Angeles Mission for the Homeless, The Access Theater for the handicapped and the Motion Picture Relief Home. Proceeds from the event will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica.
BOWLED OVER
After putting in an electrifying performance at David Foster’s Race to Erase MS benefit, Stevie Wonder takes the stage again at the opening night of the Hollywood Bowl. The wonder boy will be joined by legendary locals Bonnie and John Raitt and mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. All will be inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame in an all-star gala evening on June 29 to benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Music Matters Education Programs. Bravissimo!
SPACE CASE
The party was swell, even if the host was, well, out of this planet. Around 250 elegantly clad guests gathered at the posh estate of Dennis Tito even though the 60-year-old billionaire was spending his time in orbit aboard the International Space Station. Tito’s $20 million odyssey was the talk of the town as they sipped apple martinis and downed flutes of champagne.
It was all part of the annual Epicurean Evening, which benefits UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Institute. The gourmet extravaganza was carefully prepared by the country’s top chefs, including Julian Serrano of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Daniel Boulud of Caf Boulud in New York and Sherry Yard of Spago in Beverly Hills. A live auction featured five-star travel packages to places like Paris, London and Rome and even a silver-framed portrait of the famed civilian astronaut in his spacesuit.
Over the years, the Epicurean evening has become a favorite of foodies everywhere and has raised more than $2 million for cancer research and prevention.