BARBRA PRESENTS DONNA KARAN WITH DREAM FOUNDATION FOUNDERS HUMANITARIAN AWARD

                                                                                                           Photos by Bonnie Carroll

The Dream Foundation proudly presented its 10th annual Celebration of Dreams event.  The star-studded, music-filled gala proved to be the most successful yet, exceeding the expectations of both the foundation and guests alike.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Founder’s Humanitarian Award to Donna Karan in recognition of her philanthropic achievements with many charity organizations, including her Urban Zen Foundation.   Barbra Streisand made a rare appearance to honor her friend by presenting the award to her, commenting that “Donna doesn’t just dress people, she addresses them, mind, body and spirit. She is a creative visionary.  Passionate.  Forceful.  Nurturing. Extremely hands on. And generous to a fault.”

Nearly 600 guests attended the black tie Gala at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, including the evening’s performers:  Glee’s Naya Rivera & Amber Riley, Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray, American Idol’s Pia Toscano, new pop sensation Jackson Guthy and SYTYCD dancers Jeff Thacker, Kathryn McCormick, Robert Roldan, Anya Garnis, as well as such Dream Foundation friends as Dan Aykroyd with wife Donna Dixon Aykroyd, Priscilla Presley, Alan and Tanya Thicke, John Paul & Eloise De Jorio, Ivan Reitman, Glee Executive Producer Dante Di Loreto, Brad Garrett, David James Elliott, Bachelor’s Andrew Firestone and Joana Kerns.

Thomas Rollerson founded the Santa Barbara-based Dream Foundation -- a national organization that grants wishes to adults in their end-stages of life — in 1993 when he discovered that no organization existed to fill that need.  Says Rollerson, “In our 10 years celebrating this event, it has always been about dreamers who hope to find closure with loved-ones; who wish to give their children a lasting memory of special family time and who want to live out their remaining moments in comfort and peace.  Those participating in this gala are literally making hundreds of dreams like these come true." While final numbers aren't in, it appears as though Dream Foundation netted well over $500,000, which will help fulfill many final dreams. The 2011 event chairs included Sheryl Lowe, Diana Mac Farlane,Arlene Montesano, Sandi icholson and Bui Simon.

Among the evening’s highlights was a special runway show featuring Donna Karan’s Spring 2012 collection, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and introduced by Saks President, Ron Frasch.  Dan Aykroyd and Brad Garrett joined auctioneer Sean Kelly, making everyone laugh while the audience bid on such amazing auction items ranging from a to Ireland to a seven-day voyage on The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth to a 5-star African Safari and more.  As the auction progressed, they kept adding things in to further influence the bidding, such as Aykroyd, as they were auctioning off a private dinner with Morgan Freeman, offering to host the dinner at his own home.  And Donna Karan jumped on the bandwagon as well, offering up for auction a one-of-a-kind dress that went for $19,000.

One of the evening’s more poignant moments came from 23-year-old Sarah Parrish, a Dream Foundation dream recipient who suffers from primitive neuroectodermal tumors.   She traveled from Yakima, Washington for the event, applauding the Dream Foundation for bringing pure joy into people’s lives who are otherwise experiencing anything but.   Her dream was to see a “Broadway-quality show.”  She was thrilled when the Dream Foundation not only granted her wish, but exceeded it by giving her season tickets to the Paramount Theatre in Seattle.

Music was a constant throughout the night with performances by Jackson Guthy, Amber Riley & Naya Rivera of Glee and American Idol’s Pia Toscano, with the finale by Macy Gray, who had everyone up on the catwalk dancing the evening to a close.

Dream Foundation Award Presentation -  Models in Karan Spring Collection on the catwalk  Photos: Lester Cohen

GOODBYE ANDY ROONEY

I feel that we have lost not only a brilliant personality who made us think and made us laugh for decades, but a special friend who made the news something to look forward to. I will surely miss this dear man.   BC

Andrew Aitken "Andy" Rooney (January 14, 1919 – November 4, 2011) was an American radio and television writer. He was most notable for his weekly broadcast "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney", a part of the CBS News program 60 Minutes from 1978 to 2011. His final regular appearance on 60 Minutes aired October 2, 2011. He died one month later, on November 4, 2011, at age 92.

REGIS PHILBIN IS TOO OLD?

I hope the rumors that the reason Regis left HIS show because he was old is just nasty gossip because Regis is the show and has been since its inception, and the TV executives don't get it. According to another set of rumors is that they may have a huge surprise when he shows up doing yet another long-running show with a new side-kick on another network.

Kelly is a nice girl, but let's get real - Regis gave her the break of her life to work along side him and that anyone thinks this girl can carry his show or fill  shoes of a long-time show biz personality like Regis is absurd at best. I'm putting my money and my TV channel changer in the direction of Regis Philbin's next project.

Now you can take Regis to bed and start your day with his book!

                                Available at Barnes & Noble Now!

BROOKS INSTITUTE OPEN HOUSE

Sharing the Passion, Vision and Excellence

by Bonnie Carroll

The open house of Brooks Institute at 27 E. Cota Street was an informative event where interested applicants and their families had the opportunity to be given a complete overview of the educational programs at Brooks, including BA in professional Photography, MA in Fine arts in Photography, BFA in Film and Screenwriting, BS in Visual Journalism and BFA in Graphic Design. The staff at Brooks offer information on student assistance with housing, financial planning, career matters, tutoring and personal concerns.

Brooks Institute is a visual arts school with campuses in Santa Barbara and Venture, California, that offers career training through hands-on classes. Students enjoy focused attention from instructors with industry experience. Staff members present at the recent opening included Maggie Balderas, VP Administration, Michele Monroe, Director

Admissions, Scott Miles, Professor of Photography and Advertising Department Chair, Bill Robbins, program Chair of Photography, Nick Fortinberry, Chair of the BFA in Film and Screen Writing.

                          Nick Fortinberry   Maggie Balderas & Michele Monroe                           

                       Scott Miles                              Bill Robbins

 According to Nick Fortinberry “the Brooks film students have developed a reputation for winning awards for their work at Brooks. In 2011 there were two films by Brooks students included in the SBIFF 10-10-10, and our students will be involved as interns in the 2012 SBIFF.”

“Our students must learn to do it all. Our faculty includes professionals who work in the industry and give the students the tools to make a living once they leave Brooks. We will now be offering a three year program to obtain their degree. We also offer a limited number of scholarships. The open house helps potential students discover if our program is a fit for their educational needs,” said Scott Miles, Professor of Photography.” For additional information on Brooks Institute visit www.brooks.edu.

            
COME FLY AWAY
A Night to Remember
with “Old Blue Eyes” 
 
It was a night for remembering Sinatra moments thanks
to the Lobero Theatre Foundation. At fourteen I stood in 
front of a mirror singing along with my Frank Sinatra 
records.  At 27 I was lucky enough to see him perform 
live in Chicago,  but at 38 I found myself sitting next to the 
stage at Caesar’s Palace with Mr. Sinatra standing above 
me saying “who’s singing here – you or me?” Yes, I was 
actually singing along with Frank and had not a clue I was 
doing it until he  brought it to my attention with an authentic 
Nathan Detroit delivery. Naturally, it was a night that I would never forget!
 
Come Fly Away was filled with nostalgic vocals, done as only
he could sing them, and it all brought smiles of remembrance to a packed 
house in the Granada Theatre. Twyla Tharp’s conception, choreography 
and direction were flawless, and the dancers were simply outstanding. 
The orchestra was a combination of all the great sounds that we associate 
with Mr. Sinatra; great drums, great horns and words that inspired us to 
“pick ourselves up and get back in the race”. 
 
      
The champagne pre-show party included a toast by Doug Wood, President
of the Lobero Theatre board, and enthusiastic theatre and music supporters
were all in attendance.
For upcoming performances visit: www.lobero.com.                                                 BC
 

BILLBOARD.COM SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON “THE MCCLYMONTS”
 
Writer Chuck Dauphin Takes an Up Close Look
at the Sister-Trio’s U.S. Experience

As Aussie sister-trio, The McClymonts, continue their U.S. album promotion, writer Chuck Dauphin takes a deeper look into their efforts in a feature for Billboard.com going live today. In the article, Dauphin covers the girls’ journey from being on top in Australia to their current U.S. climb and the differences in marketing themselves in both locations.

With the August U.S. release of Wrapped Up Good, The McClymonts have been going non-stop with touring and a national media campaign. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as on November 7, CMA Chairman of the Board, Steve Moore, presented them with the 2011 CMA Global Artist of the Year Award. They also had the great honor of making their Grand Ole Opry debut September 9 and were immediately invited back to play September 30.  Esteemed country writer Chuck Dauphin, or as Phil Sweetland put it in The New York Times “the Cameron Crowe of Country music,” also took notice and selected The McClymonts for a Billboard.com feature. Dauphin recently caught up with the girls and explored their aggressive marketing and viral marketing campaign, the differences between the U.S. and overseas, and their recent CMA award. The article is scheduled to go live today and can be viewed at www.billboard.com.

The McClymonts are also slated to hit the outdoor stage on Broadway in Nashville today for Tootsie’s Birthday Bash Street Party. They will be celebrating the legendary honky tonk’s 51st Birthday with artists The Kentucky Headhunters and The Roys. The girls’ current single, “Wrapped Up Good,” is climbing the charts and they are continuing promotion of it throughout the year and into 2012.

For further information on The McClymonts, please visit: www.themcclymonts.net

www.psfilmfest.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1ST:

               

Back by "Popular" demand, Broadway's biggest blockbuster
Returns to the Pantages Theatre, Hollywood
for a strictly-limited engagement this Holiday Season

November 30, 2011 � January 29, 2012 � 9 Weeks Only!

__________________________________________

Cairo - Cairo International Film Festival 2011

Cairo International Film Festival 2011 will today take place in Cairo in Egypt.

The event will continue until 8 December 2011.

Location: Cairo, Egypt
Website: http://www.cairofilmfest.org/