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Fulfillment Fund Gala With Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler, Sacha Baron Cohen, Julianne Hough, Kathy Griffin, Frances Fisher, Patton Oswalt and More Stars Come Out for the Fulfillment Fund’s “Stars” Gala

 

True to the affair’s name, Adam Sandler and a full complement of stars filled the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the Oct. 24 Fulfillment Fund ”Stars” Gala. 

Sacha Baron Cohen, Cohen’s wife Isla Fisher, Julianne Hough, Frances Fisher, Kathy Griffin and Darryl Hannah, among others, came to support the fund’s mission of helping promising, but disadvantaged youngsters get a college education.

Comedian Patton Oswalt of “The King of Queens” acted as the night’s emcee, while the Plain White T’s – De’Mar Hamilton, Mike Retondo, Tom Higgenson, Dave Tirio and Tim Lopez -  provided entertainment. They sang “Hey There Delilah,” and “1,2,3,4,” as Erica Lintz of Cirque du Soleil skillfully performed acrobatics overhead.

There to participate in festivities and pay tribute to honoree Rob Moore, Sandler introduced Moore as “the grand poobah.”  (Moore is vice chair of Paramount Pictures.) Other honorees were Tom Booker and Wells Fargo Bank, recipient of the Founders’ Humanitarian Award.
 
Sandler and the other VIPs in the audience amply demonstrated their generosity, too. When former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Tom Sherak, in his role of auctioneer, asked guests to pay $5,000 for scholarships and the fund’s other programs, many raised their hands.   

 

Cohen, in fact, bought one scholarship in honor of his wife, two in honor of his children, and three more, he said, “for you, Tom Sherak, for banning me from the Academy Awards.” Cohen created havoc last year by showing up as the title character in his film, “The Dictator.” (Could this be construed, in part, as a payoff for next year’s Oscars? If so, as an admirer of Cohen’s work, I hope it works.)  

Also up for bid in the silent and live auctions were, among many other items: jewelry, trips, Super Bowl and World Series tickets; a VIP stay at Santa Barbara’s iconic El Encanto Hotel, which reopens in March; a tour of the Vatican; and a guitar autographed by Katy Perry. Although a 2013 Subaru BRZ was offered in a raffle, when Sandler pulled the winning ticket, the lucky winner, Lea Yardum, donated the car – valued at $30,000 – back to be auctioned off.

In the end, including the auctions, ticket prices of $500 per person and up, and sponsorships, the event raised more than $2 million.

Fund Founders Cherna and Gary Gitnick co-chaired the event, along with Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams, Cassandra and Brad Grey, Skip Brittenham and Ziffren Brittenham, Melina and Eric Esrailian, Michelle and Jack Giarraputo, Jessica and Adam Goodman, Madeleine and Tom Sherak, and Frederick Huntsberry.

 

Photos, this page: 

Top photo:  Paramount’s Rob Moore, right, honored at the Fulfillment Fund Gala with Adam Sandler

Second photo: Tom Sherak, left, acted as auctioneer, as Sacha Baron Cohen “bought” five scholarships at  the  Fulfillment Fund Gala with Adam Sandler

Third photo: Patton Oswalt hosted the  Fulfillment Fund Gala with Adam Sandler there, too, to introduce the night’s honoree Rob Moore 

Fourth photo: Honoree Tom Booker, left, is greeted by Fulfillment Fund founders Cherna and Gary Gitnick, m.d., at the Fulfillment Fund Gala with Adam Sandler 

All photos by Vince Bucci for the Fulfillment Fund

 

ALSO IN SOCIETY NEWS L.A.:

Neil Diamond and George Clooney Close the Star-Studded Carousel of Hope Gala on a Perfect Note

Rachel Maddow and Steve Martin Celebrate Barbara Kruger and Cindy Sherman at a Wow of a Hammer Museum Gala Featuring Katy Perry

Chelsea Handler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Katy Perry Headline amfAR Inspiration Gala Honoring Kevin Huvane

LA Opera’s 2012 Season Opening Gala with Anna Gunn, Christoph Waltz, Stana Katic 

Variety Power of Youth Celebrates Young Philanthropists The Jonas Brothers, Kat Graham, Jordin Sparks, Sarah Hyland, Vanessa Hudgens, Diego Boneta  

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Adam Sandler, left, and Tom Sherak at the Fulfillment Fund Gala (photo: Vince Bucci for the Fulfillment Fund)

Fulfillment Fund Gala With Adam Sandler

Published Oct. 25, 2012 – Ellen Olivier, Society News LA