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JOAN MANGUM
It was a celebration of 40 years of love... Lisa and Marty Greenberg celebrated their anniversary by throwing a fabulous black tie party for over 200 close friends, family and business associates in the Versailles Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Lisa and Marty were beaming like young lovers... In fact, it could have been a 40th birthday celebration for Lisa who looked smashing in a silver beaded Escada gown accented by a magnificent diamond necklace.
As we entered the reception, we had our pictures taken and could also record greetings on videotape. Hors d’oeuvre and drinks were served as we chatted with many old friends and new acquaintances... many couples had flown in from New York and other areas for this joyous occasion.
When we entered the ballroom, we were impressed by its beauty and warmth... It never looked so elegant. The Bobby Rivas band stood in front of a wonderful backdrop of a garden scene. Bouquets of roses, tulips and hanging ivy on top of sky high silver candelabra with candles flickering away were set upon blue satin clothes. The lighting gave the room a soft pink glow (definitely great for the ladies). The dinner was scrumptious and included a pear walnut salad, lobster bisque, chateau briand, grilled salmon and choice of decandent desserts... calories, calories, calories... Thank God for the great dance music which kept us dancing, dancing, dancing all evening.
Rosyln Kind entertained... She is Barbra Streisand’s sister and every bit as fastastic as her famed sibling. What a show... What romantic songs.
This was a beautiful, elegant and fun evening and Lisa and Marty did it all first class as usual. For instance, all the ladies received a lovely crystal rose from Daum. (I think a 41st party would be great.)
Attending the celebration were their son Eddy Greenberg (with his wife Claudia) and daughter Diana Hudson, plus insurance business associates like Jessica Bibliowicz (president of National Financial Partners), Jim Gelder (president of ING’s Life Division) and Rick Hollar (president of AIG’s Life Division), Lisa’s brother, Larry Pornerance, and many many friends including Adriene and Burt Apat, Sheila Kalnick and Norman Lipshie (who flew in from New York), Barbara McNair, Stan Magid, Stanley and Joyce Black, Arthur Kassel, Robert Lorsch, Robert and Beverly Cohen, Gloria and John Gebbia, Marilyn and Harry Lewis, Zara and Rahim Soltani, Margarith Kraus, Nataalia and Leonard Ross, Ada and Leonard Sands, Bobby and Richard Haft, Lana and Sid Schervone, Richard Blackwell, Robert Spencer, Sandy Krause, Bill Fitzgerald, Davida and Donald Lettiere, Bernardo Puccio and Orin Kennedy, Shana and Chuck Forman, Iris and Gene Rothstein, Cheryl Post and Hy Sher, Barbara and David Egol, Roger and Gail Dauer, and Toni and Robert Kramer.
Hugh O’Brien’s 22nd Albert Schweitzer Leadership Awards gala held at the Beverly Hilton raised more than $500,000.
The 700 supporters applauded honorees LA County Sheriff Lee Baca, LA Police Chief William Bratton, and Chiefs William R. Bamattre and P. Michael Freeman of the LA County Fire Department for their ongoing efforts in providing safety in our lives and properties.
The gala also honored Janice Burrill, senior VP of Wells Fargo Bank; Jim and Beverly Rogers, CEO/president of Sunbelt Communications; Sheraton Kalouria, senior VP of NBC Entertyainment; Rose Santini and North Dakota Volunteers of Hugh O’Brien’s Youth Leadership.
At the live auction, one $16,000 bid won an Arabian mare from Marilyn Hoffman estate in Dallas. This was the highest live auction gross in the history of the affair.
Pat Boone and Art Linkletter served as the evening’s emcees.
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Animal lovers converged on the Beverly Hilton for the 19th Genesis Awards presented by the Hollywood office of the Humane Society of the United States. This annual event is known for its unique blend of glamour and compassion, while celebrating the best in animal friendly news and entertainment media coverage. Universal Pictures’ Two Brothers, NBC’s Dateline, ABC’s 8 Simple Rules, World News Tonight and syndicated favorites The Montel Williams Show and Celebrity Justice were among the 23 distinguished award-winners.
In many ways, canines ruled at this year’s awards with live performances from the hit musical Bark! a whimsical revue set in a doggie daycare center, currently showing at West Hollywood’s Coast Playhouse; and Nellie McKay, fresh from her critically acclaimed sell-out concert in Los Angeles, performed The Dog Song, a playful ditty of joy to her pooch for which she received the Doris Day Music Award.
LA mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa turned out to show his support for this consciousness-raising event, along with celebrity presenters including Ed Asner, Julia Barr, Stockard Channing, James Cromwell, Miguel Ferrer, Tippi Hedren, Bill Maher, Wendie Malick, Carl Reiner, Eric Roberts, Nicollette Sheridan, Sela Ward, Alicia Silverstone and Benji, the dog.
Founded by former Broadway star Gretchen Wyler, VP of The Humane Society Hollywood office, the Genesis Awards will air in prime time on Animal Planet on Saturday, May 14.
They were made possible in part by our corporate benefactors: BoDog.com, MassMutual Financial Group, Michel Financial Group, Porsche Cars North America, Southwest Airlines and Urban Decay Cosmetics.
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A beautifully coiffed throng of music lovers and supporters of the LA Chamber Orchestra graced the halls of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center for “The Soiree for All Seasons,” a gala fundraiser for the orchestra presented under the generous patronage of Diego Brasloll, consul general of Italy.
The evening began with a lovely champagne reception in the Grand Hall, followed by a stunning concert by the orchestra’s strings conducted from the harpsichord by director Jeffrey Kahane and featuring guest violinist Caitlin Tully playing Vivaldi’s Le Quettro Stigioni (The Four Seasons.) The ladies of the orchestra were beautifully attired in gowns created for them by designer Judy Lee. A silent and live auction followed by dancing and a late supper by the Patina Group was held in the Founders Room.
Event chairman Joyce Fienberg and her husband Mal were on hand to greet Westside attendees David and Rony Cohen, Ann and Jim Mulally, Hanna Kennedy and Tom Hatten, Karen and Les Weinstein, Jarjorie Faeman, Jennifer and Royce Dieuer, Rans and consul general Diego Brasioli, Phyllis Parvin and Shelden Slwien, Gudrus and Hana Wendler, consul general of Germany, among hundreds more.
Spirited bidding during the live auction for such as “A Holiday in Venice” at the Hotel Gritti Palace on the Grand Canal with round trip tickets on Lufthansa; a five-night Cambodian resort experience at the exclusive 12-suite enclave; an Aman Resort and former guest villa of King Sihanouki; and a gourmet dinner and wine tasting for 12 with Joachim Splichan, founder and head chef of Patina, its master sommelier Peter Granoff.
There was enthusiastic bidding for the chamber music and dinner for 20 with a recital by LACO’s Jeffrey Kahane and concertmaster Margaret Batjer, catered by Renaissance Caterers; three-nights at Cal-a-Vle, The Spa Havens; and a darling three-month old pedigreed teacup Yorkshire terrier.
Needless to say, a glorious time was had by all!
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The Wellness Community of West LA held its awards dinner “A Tribute To The Human Spirit” honoring Ruth Weil, Daisy Fuentes, Robert Goulet, Eric McCormack and the late Rhio Weir.
The Beverly Hilton event started off with a reception and silent auction which generated lots of bidding. After that, it was time for dinner, dancing to the Monte Montgomery Orchestra, awards and entertainment... and speaking of entertainment, let me say now it was fantastic. Singer Roslyn Kind put on a fabulous show... what a voice.
The tribute video on all the honorees was done with picture flashbacks and accompanied by music and very upbeat.
Eric McCormack spoke warmly of his family, especially his cancer surviving mother, while Daisy Fuentes received her award from friend actress Lisa Rinna.
Ruth Weil, a philanthropist and cancer-fight volunteer was presented her award from long-time friend Dr. Armando Guiliano, chief of surgical oncology and director of The Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Breast Cancer, and of the breast and endocrine Program at John Wayne Cancer Institute. Her thank you speech was warm and, for the second time in two weeks, it was wonderful to hear an honoree acknowledging a spouse—in this case, her late husband Marty’s success allowed her to do what she does.
Robert Goulet talked about the emotional and funny things (looking back it was funny) which happened to him going through prostate cancer of which he is a survivor.
Actress/Singer Daisy Torme (daughter of the late legend Mel Torme and British Actress Janette Scott) was the evening’s hostess... Very charming.
Congratulations to Executive Director Janet Galea for a very enjoyable fast-paced time. Diane Keaton, Courteney Cox, David Arquette and Steve Guttenberg were the dinner hairs.
The Wellness Community is the largest organization in the world devoted solely to providing psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families free of charge.
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was held at Smashbox Studios in Culver City and here is a report on just four of the many designers who were featured.
Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz hand-selected native Angeleno Jenni Kayne to represent the luxury automaker on the runway for the week. Though still in her early-20s, Jenni proved worthy of the recognition and came out with a stellar and mature collection of over 40 glamorous looks heavy in silks, furs, and other luxurious fabrications. Plum purples and olive greens were the colors of choice for fall, and the models came out in looks ranging from Military-styled overcoats and mini-skirts to Victorian blouses and wool-cropped pants. Her evening wear literally dazzled front-row onlookers that included a range of Hollywood A-list from Michael Keaton and Wesley Snipes to the younger crowd’s Natasha Gregson Wagner, Rachel Bilson and Kimberly Stewart. Jenni Kayne took her style a step further and on display in the lounge was a Mercedes-Benz peddle car accessorized in leather, fur and Swarovski -- only for the most fabulous of toddlers.
Louis Verdad, a seasoned veteran of LA’s Fashion Week, looked to the art and spirit of Frieda Kahlo -- a woman who was beautiful in her masculine/feminine style. Verdad’s fall collection was ripe with his signature 40’s styling of lady-like pencil skirts and tailored wasp-waisted jackets with meticulous tailoring and innovative pleats. New in the collection were red-carpet worthy gowns tuxedo-styled in white, black and red satin silks turning the heads of Debi Mazar, Garcelle Beauvais and a LA rarity, none other than Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Pegah Anvarian kicked off the first night of Fashion Week with a sexy collection of jersey draped dresses and Grecian-inspired styles. Cashmere-jersey draped dresses with braided sleeves (for show only) and tailored styles such as menswear-inspired tweed pants were highlights of the Fall line. The collection, inspired by winter in New York City consisted of clothing in various shades of gray, black, dark purple and green. Cream tones were often interjected to add a dash of lightness. Drawing such celebs as Claire Forlani, Jill Marie Jones, Mary Alice Haney and Kelly Clarkson to the front row, the line was well received by an audience who applauded many of the selections.
Michelle Mason returned to the runway after skipping a few seasons with her Mason by Michelle Mason collection. The result was a beautiful, refined showing of suits, blouses and dresses. Highlights included a tweed suit with knickers and a bright blue tie-neck blouse, a gorgeous crimson wrap dresses and a herringbone jacket with an oversized knit collars. The show was attended by Fern Mallis, executive director of 7th on Sixth, Roselyn Sanchez, Richard Tyler and Smashbox’s Davis Factor. Michelle also paid homage to Beverly Hills this season with a beautiful red and white scarf she created to commemorate the Beverly Hilton’s 50th anniversary. The scarf will be sold in the hotel’s gift shop and was given as a parting gift to those who attended the Michelle Mason after-party at the Beverly Hilton itself.
GENESIS FUN—Dozens of stars turned out at the Beverly Hilton for the 19th Genesis Awards for pet lovers everywhere. Showing off their “How Could Anyone” bracelets against animal-testing for cosmetics were (top photo, from left): actress-activist Tippi Hedren; Cheri Oteri of Saturday Night Live; and singer Nellie McKay. On bottom left photo, Desperate Housewives actress Nicolette Sheridan visits with a Rachet, a dog rescued in Iraq. Meanwhile, Beverly Hills own Carl Reiner kept the crowd in stitches. The event was sponsored by the Hollywood office of the US Humane Society.
 
A SMASHING FASHION WEEK—The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at Smashbox Studios in Culver City brought out a host of the latest designer fashions. Picture here are three models showing the wares of popular Beverly Hills designer Jenni Kayne. Photos by Jeff Vespa
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