Hollywood Beat, Oct 30, 2009

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Hollywood Beat, Oct 30, 2009
Noble Awards, Media Fellowship Praise Brunch

 

Noble Awards

It was appropriate that Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman was honored at the inaugural Noble Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  Freeman received their Lifetime Achievement Award due to his tireless work and devotion to over a dozen non-profits.  These include working with animals (Mississippi Animal Rescue League,) Cancer Research, and the American Red Cross.  But the cause closest to his heart is Planit Now, which provides research and relief to support storm affected people in the U.S. Caribbean and Central America.  They have provided major relief for Katrina victims and the hurricane victims in Granada, to name a few.

Other celebs accepting awards on behalf of charities included Laila Ali (Women’s Sports Foundation), Teri Hatcher (Children’s Hospital of L.A.) and Joel Madden (The Art of Elysium). Madden, who was with his love, Nicole Richie, wouldn’t talk about his secret wedding, but when his new father-in-law, Lionel Richie introduced him, he said, “I want to welcome him to our family, and present his Noble Award to a guy, I love very much.”

His brother, Benji, also a member of the punk-rock band, Good Charlotte, serenaded the crowd, and paid homage to his celebrated bro.

Other honorees include Annalynne McCord (90210) who supports the Blind Project, and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, representing Stand Up to Cancer.

We were encouraged to “Be a Noble” and give back and take action with a purpose on a global scale.  Maybe President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize – but we can all win a Noble Prize, by giving generously with our hearts.

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Morgan Freeman, who received Lifetime Achievement Award

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Teri Hatcher, who represented Children's Hospital of L.A.

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Noble Award winner Joel Madden with Nicole Richie

 

Media Fellowship Praise Brunch

Pastor Bob Rieth, President of Media Fellowship International invited us to their annual Praise brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  This world-wide ministry is dedicated to reaching media and entertainment professionals, who can make a difference in our world.

Dr. Susan Stafford, original hostesses of Wheel of Fortune is a dear friend of mine, and co-chairman of the event.  She just returned from a conference on Human Trafficking, which is an enormous issue around the world, and is on her way now to Israel with Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis (Fifth Dimension) who entertained at the brunch.  Susan has written her personal story –“Stop the Wheel, I want to Get Off” – which should be a blockbuster!

The featured speaker was Dick Morris, TV commentator and political consultant, and best selling author (Catastrophe, Fleeced, etc.).  He shared his introduction to Christ and his spiritual journey. 

We were thrilled at the performance by the husband and wife team of Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt – who truly is a gal with a thousand faces & voices to boot. Her interpretation of Joan Rivers was right on, and she is the only woman Cher has given permission to do impressions of her.  She even portrayed George Burns & Gracie Allen in perfect form.

A most inspiring and entertaining afternoon indeed!  

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Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis (Fifth Dimension) with Dr. Susan Stafford (Wheel of Fortune)

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Squire Rushnell and Louise Du Art who entertained at the Brunch

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Pastor Bob Rieth with Author/Political Commentator, Dick Morris


As a television personality, guest speaker, newspaper reporter and columnist and one of the social arbiters of Los Angeles, Marci Weiner has touched every aspect of entertainment journalism. She has appeared as guest reporter on TV shows including Joan Rivers shows, Eye on LA, and the USA Network. In addition, she has hosted her own segments on Soap Talk, Hollywood Style and Hotline after Dark. You may contact Marci for info and invitations at [email protected]

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