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Kids are winners at ArtsManhattan Academy Awards
by Paul Teetor
"Gladiator" was the big winner at the Academy Awards, but at the ArtsManhattan Oscar party Sunday night the winners were the kids who participate in the many programs funded by the non-profit organization.
"This party is a great source of funds for ArtsManhattan, which uses the money for educating children about dance and the other performing arts," Warren Rohn said as he wandered out of the screening room at the home of Kerry and Terry Wills at 808 John Street. "That’s what this is really all about: the kids."
A price tag of $75 for Arts Manhattan members and $95 for non-members didn’t slow down the dressed-to-thrill crowd. It inhaled gourmet food set up at five serving stations that mirrored the five nominees for best picture. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" had the appetizers, "Erin Brockovich" had the salads, "Gladiator" had the carved entrée, "Traffic" had the premium bar, and "Chocolat" had the desserts.
Even a price of $3 for a glass of Chardonnay at the cash bar was not a problem for this generous crowd.
"As long as it contributes to the cause, a cash bar is fine with me," said Kevin Barr of Redondo Beach, who attended with his wife Kira Barr.
Rodolfo, the bartender, reported that many guests were opting for the more expensive chocolate martinis.
"Nobody seemed to mind paying extra for the drinks," Rodolfo said. "Everybody is very generous."
While local celebrities such as Mayor Walt Dougher and newly elected councilman Jim Aldinger stood out in the crowd, there were also some out-of-town celebrities adding big-city charisma to the mix. David Cruz, a reporter-anchor for Channel 4, and Judy and Manny Zeidler, who own the upscale Citrix restaurant and the famous Broadway Deli in Santa Monica, braved the traffic on the 405 just to come to the party.
In addition to their restaurant ownership, Judy Zeidler is a celebrity chef in her own right. She teaches cooking classes, has written four cookbooks dealing with kosher food, and is a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times’ Food section, which runs on Wednesdays.
"We’ve been involved with the arts for many years, and we like what ArtsManhattan is all about," she said.
Like many people at the party, she paid tribute to Homeira Goldstein, the driving force behind ArtsManhattan.
"As part of this event, I donated a cooking class for 12 people at the Skirball Cultural Center. When Homeira told me they had more than 12 people who wanted to take it and asked me to do another class, I didn’t hesitate," she said. "How could anyone say no to Homeira?"
Larry Link, president and executive director of ArtsManhattan, said the annual Oscar party raises about $10,000 for ArtsManhattan programs. ER