at Teddy Bear BallThe Teddy Bear Ball, honoring Anne Sweeney, President of Disney-ABC TV, brought out much of the cast of Desperate Housewives – including one of the “living dead”, Brenda Strong, who portrays Mary Alice Young, who gets knocked off in the first episode. But nothing can keep this gal down, as she takes us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbors, commenting from her elevated P.O.V.

Wonder what she was thinking when she spied Nicollette Sheridan, the serial divorcee on the show, who was once married to actor Harry Hamlin. Handsome Harry was at the event with his equally gorgeous wife, Lisa Rina (Soap Talk). Is this an incestuous group or what?

Lots of stars were seen shopping till they dropped, at the Opening Night Gala of Design Design. This fundraiser, held at the massive hanger at the Santa Monica Air Center, benefits Project Angel Food, which provides life sustaining meals to LA County residents facing HIV/Aids and other serious illnesses.

at Divine DesignRyan Cabrera presented the Man of Style Award to Ryan Seacrest, and joked that the spiky, highlighted hair that Seacrest is know for on American Idol, was actually his idea! Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) who led the Fantasy Live Auction, said he gave up tenth row center seats to the Paul McCartney concert to be at Divine Design, because he cares so much about Project Angel Food. What a guy!

And last, but not least, was pleased to attend the opening night of the Israel Film Festival, which honored our friend, Bernie Brillstein. This legendary manager/producer was the force behind such hits as Saturday Night Live, the Blues Brothers, and the Muppet Show to name a few. A few years ago, he married one of my close pals, Carrie Winston, and this power couple supports a myriad of charities.

and Army Archerd at Opening Gala for Israel Film FestivalThe opening flick was Israel’s official entry to the 2005 Academy Awards, What A Wonderful Place, which centers on an ex cop and family man whose career was ruined by compulsive gambling. Other films presented for the first time during the festival included, Out of Sight, from director Daniel Syrkin and Free Zone, starring Natalie Portman.

Some of the celebs at the event included actress/singer Laine Kazan, and Rachel Weisz, who presented awards to Focus Features co-presidents David Linde and James Schamus. Mazel Tov to all concerned on the Hollywood Beat.