LADIES WHO LUNCH
Locals Shirley MacLaine and Amber Valletta made it a girls’ day out at the annual Spring Fling to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles. The two joined Chairwomen Jackie Collins and Joanna Poitier at the Beverly Hills Hotel for a gourmet luncheon and splashy fashion show.
Oscar-winner Shirley presented the Excellence in Mentoring Award to Laura Lizer, while Amber emceed. Shirley looked fresh as a spring breeze in a vibrant turquoise pantsuit. Amber, meantime, opted for a sexy metallic sheath. Comedian Norm Crosby joined the ladies who lunch and helped present the Sterling Award to philanthropist Joni Eichenbaum Berry.
The stylish affair was hosted by the Guild of BBBS.
Since 1986, the organization has raised more than $8 million to support one-on-one mentoring programs.
WHO DONE IT?
They kept ‘em guessing at this year’s “Incognito” affair to benefit the Santa Monica Museum of Art. It’s a fundraiser with a twist and keeping everyone in the dark is the whole point. The anonymous art sale features who’s who of the art world. On any given year, you might walk away with a one-of-a-kind creation by Yoko Ono, Ed Ruscha, Ed Moses, Allan Ruppersberg, Gajin Fujita or John Baldessari.
Eight hundred art lovers streamed into the museum to try their luck, eyeing row upon row of eight by 10 creations. Since 2004, the museum has contacted artists around the globe asking them to donate a special work of art. The pieces come in a variety of mediums and forms including drawings in pencil and ink, oil paintings, watercolors, prints, collages and photographs.
All are signed on the back, but the names of their creators are concealed until after the purchase.
Museum officials say the whole idea is to trust your instincts and buy what you like. “It’s about looking at art and selecting with your eyes,” says Executive Director Elsa Longhauser. “It gives everyone the opportunity to see art in a new way, to buy what is personally appealing and to pay just $300.”
You never know what or who you may walk away with from famed names to rising stars. The event pulled in more than $200,000 for the museum’s projects and installations.
BRASS TACKS
The United Friends of the Children Foundation honored one of television’s biggest power couples at the Beverly Hilton. CBS Chief Executive Les Moonves and “The Early Show” co-anchor Julie Chen were feted at the annual Brass Ring Awards.
The event raised more than $1.5 million to help kids in foster care lead better lives through continuing education.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.