The 4th annual Taste of Summer – a one-night only exclusive food and drink tasting fundraiser, hosted by the Fulfillment Fund – was held at the charming Victorian in Santa Monica on July 25. More than 600 young philanthropists enjoyed tastings from the hottest chefs and restaurants on the Westside.
Proceeds from this event helped to make college a reality for thousands of students in educationally and economically under-resourced communities in L.A. Kudos to Honorary Chairs Chef Nyesha Arrington, Confectioner and Chef Valerie Gordon, and KABC Food Reporter Lori Corbin. More than $95,000 was raised at this event to help students realize their educational dreams.
The Dizzy Feet Foundation presented their annual Celebration of Dance Gala and brought out a slew of high stepping stars. Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Christina Applegate, Jenna Elfman, Paula Abdul, and Ben Vereen were among the celebs that came to support DFF, a non-profit organization founded by Nigel Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and Director Adam Shankman (“Rock of Ages”). Their mission is to fund access to dance education programs and expose children in low-income areas to the benefits of dance education in the U.S.
Here is an upcoming event that you are invited to attend in Palm Springs on Saturday, Aug. 22: Remember the fab Gypsy (aka James Haake) who starred in the cabaret stage show on La Cienega? He is being roasted at the Hard Rock Hotel by a coterie of celebs, including Roast Master Comedian Steve Bluestein, British Singer sensation Toni Morrell, the cast of Carnival Cabaret, and many other surprise guests. Celeb friends of Gypsy scheduled to attend include Debbie Reynolds, Laine Kazan, Carol Channing, and Connie Stevens. Gypsy’s Celeb Roast will benefit the Desert Aids Project, and general admission seating starts at only $59.95.
To top things off, Gypsy will receive a well-earned Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame the next day on Sunday, Aug. 23, which includes a complimentary brunch. Lots of other soirees, exclusive dinners, and celeb events are happening to honor the 83-year-old showbiz legend. Who can forget his performance in Mel Brooks’ flick, “To Be or Not to Be?” For further information, check out www.GypsyRoast.com. Hope to see you there!