HOLLYWOOD BEAT: Celebrating John Wayne's 100th Birthday
Source: Marci Weiner
Sporting a shocking pink wig, Jamie Lee Curtis was guest host for a Vegas style black tie event,"The Cure is in the Cards", which benefited the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The wig was bequeathed to Curtis by a young friend who died from cancer, and she wore it in her honor. Jamie is involved in many causes including Children's Aids Foundation and helps raise much needed funds for breast cancer research.
Jamie Lee (with her own natural hair) and honoree, Joyce Green
The "True Grit" Award was presented to Larry King, who like John Wayne is an American hero. He followed last year's recipient Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, for his uncompromising integrity and commitment to the values of our great country
Larry King & Patrick Wayne
But the most rewarding moment of the evening was when Joyce Green, who has been associated with the JWCC for many years, received the special Duke Award. Green, who has had breast cancer herself, personifies the spirit and compassion needed to fight this dread disease. She was lauded by the Wayne family, who were celebrating the 100th year of the Duke's birth. They donated $1 million dollars to the clinic in his name. Certainly a win-win situation for all concerned.
Jamie Lee Curtis sporting a pink wig at Odyssey Ball
Will Ferrell's Swedish wife, Vivica Paulin, helped raise over $1.5 million for the Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs. The attractive auctioneer got practice for her current position by portraying an auctioneer in several TV films (Bad Seed, Martial Law & Money Talks). Seems her reel talents paid off in real life!
Will Ferrell's wife, Vivica Paulin, auctioneer at School Alliance
The event, hosted by TV journalist Giselle Fernandez</B>, honored philanthropists Beth and Joshua Friedman, Headmaster, Tom Dye, and Raymond Michaud Jr. for their community involvement, and aiding unrepresented Black, Latino and Native American students.
The LA social world combined with the art world when Producer Chuck and Ava Fries opened their lavish Beverly Hills manse to honor major patrons of the Center Theatre Group. Martin Massman, new President elect, was joined by outgoing President Richard Kagan, and a host of other execs who mingled with artist like Jim Morphesis, DeWain Valentine and William Tunberg. The work of 125 local artists will be displayed in the courtyard for auction bidding at the May 9th Angels Night gala at the Century Plaza Hotel, chaired by Barbara Fodor. Proceeds from this event will benefit P.L.A.Y., CTG's Educational outreach program for youth.
Producer Chuck & Ava Fries with Martin Massman and Richard Kagan at Center Theatre Group Reception