HOLLYWOOD BEAT: Music Within & Big Brothers/Big Sisters on the Beat

As Daily Variety stated, "Unlike Jason Alexander's Seinfeld persona, George Costanza, who couldn't hold a job, Jason Alexander has too many!" As an actor in Seinfeld, he earned six Emmys and four Golden Globe nods, and was even knighted by the Screen Actors Guild as Best Actor in a comedy series. As a filmmaker, he executive produced several films, including Agent Cody Banks, and he has starred on Broadway in such hits as The Producers and The Rink with Liza Minelli.

Jason Alexander and Drew Lachey

He may be short in stature, but one of his strongest assets is his big heart. We have seen Jason host numerous charity events -- supporting every cause from cancer research to environmental and animal rights, and he has managed to make even the most mundane event, a joy to behold.

The other evening he emceed the Rising Stars Gala, which supports Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, who are dedicated to empowering children who face economic, emotional and social challenges through a variety of programs. For more than 50 years, their one-to-one mentoring relationships provide a positive role model.

Gary Sinise performing at Rising Stars Gala

Jason and his dancing champion, co-partner, Drew Lachey, raised thousands of dollars by conducting a spirited Make-A-Match Appeal. In the spirit of Dancing with the Stars, boxing champion, Laila Ali, whose performance on the show earned her a whole new group of fans, received the Young Heroes Award. Did you know she is working on a program to bring into public schools, that will enlighten children on the value of making healthy choices in their food and their lifestyles?

Among the special guests enjoying Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band perform, were Jeffrey Katzenberg, Fitness Guru, Kathy Smith, Gala Chairs Pam Dawber, Sherry Lansing and Melanie Cook. Remember their message: "Mentoring works - one young person at a time!"

Cosmetic Queen Gloria Martel, actor John Saxon & Stella Stevens at screening of Music Within

Veterans Day was the perfect time for a special screening of the critically acclaimed MGM film, Music Within, starring award-winning actor Michael Sheen. This flick tells the story of a disabled Vietnam vet's dedication to fighting for the rights of handicapped Americans. Sheen, who portrayed someone physically disabled with cerebral palsy, was outstanding. He recently played Tony Blair in The Queen, and David Frost in Frost/Nixon. Obviously this actor is a chameleon.

Producer Brett Donowho, Michael Sheen, Connie Stevens and Director Steven Sawalich

Connie Stevens, who just directed her feature film,, Saving Grace B. Jones, was the perfect host for this evening The actress/singer has performed for 4 U.S. Presidents at the White House and the Kennedy Center, and her dedication overseas for the U.S.Military in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf is well documented. Did you know she produced and directed an award winning documentary, A Healing, about the women who served in the Vietnam War?

Fitness Guru Kathy Smith & Laila Ali

Connie introduced Steven Sawalich, whose film is already generating Oscar buzz. Some of the notables attended the screening included Michele Lee, Dick and Patty Van Patten, and Stella Stevens who we interviewed recently for my new TV show, Hollywood Marci. A most patriotic Veterans Day indeed on the Hollywood Beat.