HOLLYWOOD BEAT: Beastly Ball & Aviva Awards on Hollywood Beat

The real stars of the Beastly Ball held at the Los Angeles Zoo, were the LA Fire Department, who recently fought a horrendous fire, and saved Griffith Park. Acting Fire Chief Douglas Barry, and LAPD Chief, William Bratton, graciously acknowledged the standing ovation. The event, chaired by animal activist Betty White, honored Nickelodeon, and Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh, the creators of its top-rated pre-school show, Go, Diego, Go!

Comedian/Actor Albert Brooks with his artist wife, Kimberly

Featured were "Animal Walkabouts" and "Animal Feedings" and they weren't the only ones who filled their tummies. Fare from top restaurants, including Campanile, Celestino, Yamashiro and Il Fornaio, were offered, along with liberal librations, to the more than 1000 safari clad guests. Entertainment was provided by steel drum bands and calypso musicians, and seen enjoying the festivities were Prison Break star, Dominic Purcell, actor-couple Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek, and comedian/actor Albert Brooks and his wife, Kimberly, who painting was featured in the evening's live auction. Best news was that over $1,200,000 was raised to support GLAZA. Bravo to all concerned.

Honorees Jade Mills, Suzanne Sommers and Michael Sherman with Aviva's Spirit of Compassion Award

Speaking of horrendous fires, the home of actress/author/entrepreneur Suzanne Sommers was destroyed, but nothing can keep this gal down! She recently received the Spirit of Compassion Award from Aviva Family and Children's Services for her humanitarian efforts, and as a role model for children at risk. Did you know she is the Honorary Chairperson of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, and serves on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration?

American Idol's Frenchie Davis

Others honored at the Gala include noted real estate agent, Jade Mills, and attorney Michael Sherman. Cynthia Garrett introduced a scintillating show featuring Frenchie Davis, who got her start on American Idol. Frenchie, who has starred on Broadway in Rent, is preparing for the role of the legendary gospel great Mahalia Jackson. She literarily shook the house with her rendition of ""And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. As famed plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Hoefflin stated, "Helping troubled children, diminishes a troubled world."

Aviva's President Andy Diamond with Barbara Lazaroff (Spago)

You are cordially invited to attend the 33rd Annual Block Party befitting Concern Foundation on July 14th at Paramount Studios. This sold-out evening hosts 4,000 guests, and will honor local philanthropist Gene Rosenfeld, one of the nation's most accomplished real estate developers. Gene is also a cancer survivor, and a huge supporter of Concern, who raise funds for cancer research worldwide. Los Angeles Magazine is co-sponsor of this event, which will feature many of L.A's most loved restaurants, wine tasting booths, and four stages of live musical entertainment.

Actor Couple Bradley Whitford & Jane Kaczmarek at Beastly Ball

The theme is "Ancient Lands and Hidden Treasures" and will feature areas of interactive guest participation activities. In keeping with environmental issues, a "Green Theme" will be employed. For further info, visit their website at www.concernfoundation.org. To date Concern has raised over $40 million for cancer research. Why not do your part, and enjoy an evening of food, fun and frolic on the Hollywood Beat.