For 40 years, the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors have provided a forum for the best creative talent in Hollywood to network as the “creative conscience” of the television industry. Their members have always stood for better and more meaningful television. Some of the current members of the Caucus include Tom Hanks, JJ Abrams, Chuck Fries, Vin Di Bona and Suzanne de Passe.
This year, at their Annual American Spirit Awards, co-chaired by Tanya Hart, Bob Papazian and Chuck Fries, they paid homage to the tragic killings in Orlando, Florida. Among those honored were Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian, Marine Sgt. Nick Popaditch, renowned architect Gabrielle Bullock, actor Rocky Carroll, and Caucus President Dennis Doty.
Boobs for Babes, the Live Bachelor Auction for Breast Cancer Research, was an unforgettable evening where one could meet the man of their dreams, while supporting the L.A. affiliate of the Susan G. Korman charity. Kelly Osbourne, Kym Johnson (“Dancing with the Stars”) and Michael Yo (“The Insider”) introduced a mélange of mega-successful Angelino men, who were auctioned off for “dinner dates” in the name of charity. Bachelors included NFL player Brandon London and “Shahs of Sunset” star Shervin Roohparvar. Grammy nominated recording artist,J. Sutta gave a special performance.
Among the “Babes” in attendance were Bella Thorne (“Scream”), Carlton Gebbia (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), Julie Lake (“Orange is the New Black”), and Adina Porter (“Underground”.) On the masculine side, billionaire Robert Herjavec (“Shark Tank”) was ringside – probably to make certain that his fiancé, Kym Johnson did not bid on any of the sexy studs!
Best news is that over $40,000 was raised to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
Speaking of handsome billionaires, Larry Ellison granted a $200-million gift to the University of Southern California to establish the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC. This was announced at the Rebels With a Cause Gala, honoring philanthropists and civic leaders Dr. Cheryl and Haim Saban. James Cordon hosted the event at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, and stated: “My job is singing in a car with a celebrity; but Dr. Agus (Director of the USC Norris Westside Cancer Center ), is the Kanye West of pioneering research specialists.”
Grammy winner David Foster, musical director of the benefit, brought Christina Aguilera and Kristin Chenoweth to perform. There was certainly something to sing about for these Rebels with a Cause that magical evening.
