Over 500 industry insiders and icons of comedy came out to celebrate “A Night of Comedy,” hosted by Russell Brand, honoring George Shapiro on Saturday evening June 30th at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Russell Brand excited the crowd and introduced performances by Sarah Silverman and Garry Shandling, and surprise guests Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno hit the stage in recognition of their long-time friend and honoree. Shapiro was presented with the ‘Lifetime of Bliss Award’ from the David Lynch Foundation to commend his all-around lifetime of bliss and contributions to film, comedy and friends. Shapiro was also saluted with a heart-felt video featuring well-wishes from some of his biggest comedian fans such as: Bob Saget, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfield, Kevin Nealon, etc.
Other celebrity attendees included Michael Cera, a stunning Daphne Guinness, Thomas Jane, Whitney Cummings, Kevin Nealon, B.J. Novak, Carl Reiner, Beth Behrs, Chris D’Elia and more. Guests enjoyed delicious food stations such as Create-Your-Own Sliders, Custom Coffee, fresh-made Doughnut & Churros, and Sushi n’ Sashimi alongside George’s favorite – Don Julio Tequila. The classic ballroom was transformed by event designer, YourBASH!, into a comic playground with caricature-filled wall art of George’s fans and foundation supporters as well as centerpieces themed “George’s Favorite Things.” The centerpieces included “Ice Cream” cake pops, mini sluggers, L.A. Dodgers mini-helmets, a bottle of Don Julio tequila, margarita glasses filled with salt-water taffy, a Porsche beer glass and red converse tennis shoes.
Everyone received a “Let the Bliss Begin” reusable bag filled with David Lynch Signature Organic Coffee, a “Transcendence” book, documentary CD from Mr. Lynch and more. Good Work(s) Makes a Difference® also donated 1,000 limited-edition, exclusive bracelets for the evening called the “David Lynch Bliss Eco-Wrap” in navy and silver that read ”Let the bliss begin, Change Begins Within.”
All proceeds benefitted the David Lynch Foundation, established in 2005 to provide funds for over 250,000 at-risk adults and children to learn the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation technique, including veterans with PTSD, abused women and children, American Indians and more.
To keep the charity alive CharityBuzz.com (until July 12th 2012) has these incredible prizes for fans who donate to the David Lynch Foundation including: (2) tickets to the taping of a Brand X on FX and meet Russell Brand on set, (2) Ellen DeGeneres Show Tickets, (2) VIP tickets to Stella McCartney’s March 4th show at Fashion week in Paris, a $2,000 gift certificate with personal styling by John Varvatos, (2) tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld perform plus meet Jerry backstage in Las Vegas, (2) VIP tickets to a Taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, (4) VIP tickets to the Late Show with David Letterman, David Lynch will read your screenplay and then review it with you in person for 45 minutes in LA, a 1 hour guitar lesson with James McCartney (son of Paul McCartney), (2) VIP passes for a Set Visit to Boardwalk Empire with Martin Scorsese, a personalized signed “Dirty Harry” Poster from Clint Eastwood, and you and a guest will have private yoga and mediation lesson with Russell Simmons, (2) tickets and meet-and greet with Ringo Starr in Nashville, TN, (2) pairs of tickets to Eagles concert in Las Vegas by Joe Walsh, a 45 minute pitching lesson with Barry Zito at USC, (4) box seats and meet and greet at any NY Giants Home Game.
-Jonathan Stinson
“A Night of Comedy” hosted by Russell Brand
Benefitting The David Lynch Foundation
June 30, 2012
The Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.davidlynchfoundation.org
www.charitybuzz.com
