Make way for Grammy, Emmy, Funny, and Beauty: Star power will light up the season
Dionne Warwick might not know the way to San Jose, but come January she will certainly know the way to Palm Beach.
The six-time Grammy winner and 100 million record-seller is the featured entertainment at LIFE's 28th annual Lady In Red Gala, which is slated to take place Jan. 9 at The Breakers.
She won't be alone. Also scheduled to perform are celebrity couple and Fifth Dimension alums Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., as well comedian Rita Rudner.
McCoo and Davis have seven Grammys. Rudner holds the record for the longest-running solo act in Las Vegas history.
It's enough star power to light every room in the hotel.
Lois Pope, who is chairwoman of the event along with Robin Ganzert and Marti LaTour, promises an evening of “great fun, great food, and great friends coming together to benefit the most vulnerable members of our community ..."
"as Dionne Warwick herself sings, ‘That’s What Friends Are For.'”
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring the Palm Beach Symphony, followed by dinner and entertainment.
Proceeds will benefit disabled veterans through the Pups4Patriots program at American Humane and South Florida youths through the Palm Beach County Food Bank’s Lois’ Food4Kids program, a year-round initiative that provides underserved children with nutritious meals when they are not in school.
Christine Lynn and Gail Worth are honorary chairwomen. Frank Orenstein is honorary chairman.
Cover girl coming this way
Also headed this way is one of most recognized faces in the world.
Christie Brinkley's appearances in the late 1970s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues sparked a national craze for the wholesome "California girl" look in fashion, hair and makeup trends. She spent 25 years as the face of CoverGirl and appeared on more than 500 magazine covers.
Her post-modeling careers include actress, illustrator, television personality, photographer, writer, designer, and activist for human and animal rights and the environment. Oh, and guest speaker.
She will be the keynote speaker at the annual for Shop the Day Away Luncheon.
The event, the signature fundraiser for the Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, takes place Feb. 24 at The Breakers.
Janet Levy and Soula Rifkin are chairwomen.
Can we get a 'Witness'?
Guests at CARP's (Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Program) annual fundraiser will witness — oh, ha ha ha — actress Kelly McGillis share her story.
McGillis, whose big break came when she was cast as Harrison Ford's love interest in "Witness," is the guest speaker at the Spring Luncheon, which takes place Feb. 26 at the Four Seasons Resort.
After successfully battling addiction, McGillis has spent much of the past two decades in her most demanding role — that of mother to her two daughters, Kelsey and Sonora.
She's been rewarded with a new title, "Grandmother.''
"We're thrilled to have Kelly McGillis join our community to share her story of transformation and recovery," said Kelly Landers, president of the CARP board of directors. "We trust her presence will strengthen the bonds of fellowship and family that unite us."
Michael Fagan is honorary chairman for the luncheon. Bishop Harold Calvin Ray is chairman.
Today and tomorrow
"Sunday Today" host Willie Geist, whose assignments have included anchoring coverage of the Olympics, Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, will spill the beans as the guest speaker for the Palm Beach Civic Association's awards breakfast.
OK, maybe not all the beans. But a few would be nice.
Disclosure: We wrote about Geist's wedding for the New York Times' Vows page. See it here.
The breakfast takes place Feb.28 at The Breakers and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet with the speaker.
Bob Wright, chairman and chief executive officer of the Civic Association and a former president and CEO of NBC, said he enjoys Geist’s interviews with guests who have excelled in various areas of life.
“We’ve got a real star,” Wright said of Geist. “People will love to see him. He’s 100 percent authentic. He will be entertaining.”
Geist also will speak at the underwriters' dinner on the evening of Feb. 27 at the home of Michele and Howard Kessler. The dinner is for donors of $5,000 and above.
For that kind of dough, we want it to be a giant economy-sized can of beans.
For more information, contact Allison Tardonia at 561-725-4006 or by email at allisontardonia@palmbeachcivic.org.
Martin and Martin
A doubles shot — or arrow, if you'd rather — of comedy is coming to the Kravis Center's annual gala in the form of the Martins.
As in Steve Martin and Martin Short.
The longtime friends are currently starring, with Selena Gomez, in Hulu's hit comedy/mystery "Only Murders in the Building."
Kathryn Vecellio and Monika Preston are chairwomen for the event, which takes place March 4 at the Kravis Center.
The black-tie evening includes prime reserved seating in Dreyfoos Hall for the performance, then a dinner dance in the Gimelstob Ballroom.
Bob and Christine Stiller are honorary chairman and honorary chairwoman.