This holiday season was a merry one indeed. Among the events we attended were Suzi and Fred Wehba’s Singing Soiree at their Green Acres Estate, featuring a 20 ft. tree! Among the assortment of celebrated guests were Dr. Susan Stafford (former hostess of “Wheel of Fortune”), producer Barbara Valentine, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis (Fifth Dimension), and Pat Boone, whose glorious voice is always heard joining the group in a holiday sing-a-long.
The Wehbas are not only known for their fab parties, but for the generosity as humanitarians. Suzie also hosted a holiday tea to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where funds were raised to provide gifts to needy families.
At another event at the Beverly Hills residence of actors/writers Renee Taylor (“The Nanny”) and Joe Bologna, we had the opportunity to meet actress Patricia Arquette and producer/writer Richard Linklater.
This party was to celebrate the film “Boyhood” that has garnished great reviews. Arquette has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress; and Linklater has received numerous nominations for his work as writer and director. No doubt the Oscar nominations will include this sweeping coming-of-age drama.
At the Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors at the Skirball Cultural Center, host Fred Willard presented the Producer Honors Award to Robert and Michelle King (“The Good Wife”). Also honored was director Alex Graves (“Game of Thrones”)
Other recipients celebrated at the gala were producer Vin Di Bona, writer Jenji Kohan (“Orange is the New Black”), and Variety Editor in Chief Andrew Wallenstein.
In addition, student filmmaker grants were given to Ryan Moody, of UCLA, and Ko-Rely Pi, of Columbia University.
As legendary producer Chuck Fries noted: “The Caucus has been at the forefront supporting aspiring filmmakers; and has worked to protect the creative freedom of television, film and the creative community.”
Keep on plugging Chuck – your efforts are working!
