HOLLYWOOD BEAT: SOS & SHARE on the Beat

by Marci Weiner

Andy Williams joined Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Celine Dion (to name a few) as the recipient of the Ella Award from the Society of Singers. This organization founded by Ginny (Mrs. Henry Mancini, offers services to meet emergency financial needs of professional singers worldwide.

President Jerry F. Sharell, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams (Honoree), Barry Manilow and Pat Boone at Society of Singers

The evening opened with Jerry F. Sharell, President, along with Jerry Joseph Sharell and Pat Boone warbling "Canadian Sunset", and closed with the entire cast performing "Our Love Is Here to Stay". And what a cast it was! Glen Campbell, Petula Clark, Johnny Mathis and Barry Manilow were among the talent singing their hearts out for the cause. Even the honoree, Andy Williams himself performed "The Days of Wine and Roses," and&#160 "Moon River" - both of which were written by Henry Mancini, and won&#160 Academy Awards as best songs in 1961 and 1962!

Florence Henderson & Judge Judy Sheindlin

Others enjoying the singing spectacular included Carol Burnett, Judge Judy Sheindlin, and actress Kathleen Quinlan, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Apollo 13. As Sir Paul McCartney stated, "Congratulations Andy, your voice is truly a national treasure."

Loni Anderson with Nigel Lythgoe (Honoree) at SHARE

The Ladies of SHARE, who are committed to raising funds for at-risk-youth, "Razzle Dazzled" them at their 55th Anniversary Boomtown Gala at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Twenty-One spirited members kicked their heels even higher than usual, thanks to Nancy Gregory, choreographer, with Gary Smith producing. The glamorous gals performed a sizzling dance montage, featuring rumba and tango, and later staged a dance number with Clint Holmes, who was voted the Best All Around Entertainer in Las Vegas Perhaps they were motivated by the fact that Nigel Lythgoe, Producer of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, was the honoree.

Lythoe was introduced by Good Day LA's Steve Edwards and Dorothy Lucey, and received a standing ovation for the record $130 million he helped raise with Idol Gives Back. Celeb guests included the newly wed Loni Anderson, with her handsome son, Quinton Reynolds, Laura San Giacomo and Cesar Milan (Dog Whisperer) Speaking of doggies, KNBC's Fritz Coleman auctioned off a full bred miniature poodle, which stole the show. Margie Petersen (Peterson Auto Museum) paid $8,000 for the pampered pooch. To add to the mix - two competing bidders agreed to pay $20,000 each for a 2-hour in-home consultation with Cesar Milan. Talk about a top dog! Only on the Hollywood Beat.

September Sarno, Debra Cirilov Couch, actress Katerina Graham and Sondra Currie at SHARE