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Trevor Project held their 11th annual Cracked Xmas gala in Hollywood over the weekend. The Trevor Project operates the nation’s only 24/7 suicide and crisis prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. A star-studded night, it was one of the best fundraising events I’ve been to in a while. The crowd was a mix of men and women sipping peppermint martinis (Absolute of course) chattering in a cheerful hum. Qantus Airlines raffled off two first class tickets to Australia, which Fuse club promoter Linda Fusco won!
The vibe for the night was a bit irreverent and refreshingly casual, which I appreciated. The fashion followed that lead, with women wearing everything from jeans, to simple dresses.
The night opened with a cocktail hour and silent auction. Items for bid included movie packages, fashion, hotel night stays and a host of other goodies. Next, guests filed into the historical theatre for a dinner and show.
As guests were heading to their seats, I came across the fabulous duo Rachel Zoe and her sidekick, Brad from Bravo’s Rachel Zoe Project. Later they would auction off a day of luxury with them (complete with a Dior bag and Oliver Peoples glasses), which may just be my dream gift!
The traveling production of the Tony Award-winning Spring Awakening opened the show with a lively song, which included the F-bomb about 30 times. While a bit surprising, it set the mood of the night as NOT your run of the mill show.
Kath & Kim stars Selma Blair and Mikey Day introduced comedian Wanda Sykes, who gave a rousing monologue on Obama and the first lady. She also addressed her personal frustration with Prop 8 passing.
Next came the silent auction, which included a shopping spree at Mitchell Gold, a trip to Hawaii, another trip to Spain and walk on part on a TV show, each of which pulled in a respectable amount. As the show headed into the next section, Anne Hathaway came on stage unannounced. She offered herself for auction, saying she’d “take you and friend and get shit faced.” The crowd went wild and the offer sold for upwards of $12,000. I swear that everything seems permissible in the name of children's charity.
Lifetime Television was awarded the Trevor Hope award and accepted by exec JoAnne Alfano. Rumer Willis introduced the musical talent for the night: Fantasia. I’m not sure about Rumer’s red hair, but her dress was surprisingly classy and simple.
Fantasia lasted on stage for all of 12 seconds, at which point she kicked off her heels and headed into the much-amused audience. She sang her soulful version of Purple Rain while running through the theatre, stopping every few steps to dance. At one point, she actually stood on one of the tables and sang with more conviction than I may have ever witnessed in a performer. She finished with “You Were Always on My Mind” on stage and the audience went wild.
The night ended with Anne Hathaway giving a Trevor Life Award to Sigourney Weaver. They ran a video montage of her life’s work, which ranges from Aliens to Galaxy Quest to The Ice Storm. Her latest project is a heart wrenching portrayal of a Mary Griffith in Prayers for Bobby. She plays a mother whose refusal to accept her son’s homosexuality, leads to his suicide. In preparation for the part, Weaver spoke with gay close friends to better understand the complexities that coming out can bring to the family unit.
After the show, both actresses posed for a few snaps with Trevor Project executive director Charles Robbins. Overall, it was a really well produced, fun event for great cause.
