Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas, Oscar De La Hoya and his wife, Millie Corretjer, at "Evening of Champions"
Junior Middleweight Champion and philanthropist Oscar De La Hoya hosted an "Evening of Champions" at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Among those honored were producer Sam Nazarian, California State Controller, Steve Westly, and Antonio Banderas, who was accompanied by his actress wife, Melanie Griffith. Banderas received his award from producer Jeffrey Katzenbreg, (Shrek), for his work with AMFAR, APLA and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ( a few of his favorite causes).
Bob Cohen (owner of Four Seasons Hotel) with Cyndy & Bob Williams (Branson Jubilee)
Oscar, who is seen here with his wife, Puerto Rican singer, Millie Corretjer, created his Foundation to provide athletic and educational opportunities to children of the East Los Angeles community. Besides funding academic scholarships, they offer a safe and structured environment to motive young people and provide skills necessary to succeed in life. Among the fabulous auction prizes offered were tickets to the highly anticipated Oscar De la Hoya - Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight which will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 5th. This will be 33 year old Oscar's last fight in his amazing career, and will bring in boxing's biggest gate ever. Tickets were auctioned off for $25,000 - and Oscar even offered his own seats to raise funds for this most worthy cause.
Pilar Wayne (John Wayne's Widow) with husband, Jesse Upchurch (Tandy Corp)
Among the scores of holiday parties we attended, one of the most festive was Bob & Beverly Cohen's Boat Parade Soiree in Newport Beach. Although their Bay front estate (formerly the home of John Wayne) is not complete, the irrepressible Beverly couldn't resist inviting a select few to witness the spectacular parade of decorated boats, and to share a holiday happening. Among the celebrated guests were renowned feminist attorney Gloria Allred (who is seen more on TV than Larry King), Cyndy & Bob Williams (whose PBS TV series Branson Jubilee is still going strong), and Pilar Wayne (John's widow) who is currently married to Jesse Upchurch, former owner of Tandy Corporation, who developed all those Radio Shack Stores. The Peruvian princess is still a knockout! Also caught up with Milton Berle's widow, Lorna, who spends much of her time in Newport. She was with her equally gorgeous daughter, Susan, who is married to Night Court biggie Richard Moll.
Lorna Berle (Widow of Milton Berle) with her daughter Susan (Mrs. Richard Moll) at Newport Boat Bash
Also in attendance were that charming couple, Madeline & Marvin Gussman, who recently hosted an "Evening of Celebration" at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. They have been married for 48 years and have five fabulous kids, and 12 grandchildren. As a matter of fact, Maddy has so many grandkids, she donated one to me (Mollie) as we were born the same day (Nov. 1st). Speaking of that, another Scorpio Baby is Hustler Publisher Larry Flynt. Since we also share the same natal day, I always tease Flynt that we were Siamese Twins separated at birth! He is pictured here with his lovely wife Liz, at their annual holiday party, also at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. That is what the holidays are about folks, giving, sharing and loving each other on the Hollywood Beat.
