Patrick Wayne presenting Angel Award to Producer, Gloria Gebbi

By Marci Weiner

Los Angeles, CA(Hollywood Today)10/28/12/— A dream cast performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Freud Playhouse, UCLA Campus, including Billy Crystal, William Shatner, and Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson. Ben Donenberg, Founder of Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, whose events are designed to make the Bard accessible and engaging in L.A, directed this star-studded cast of talented thespians. The Company was founded in 1985 and they have provided performances that give students hands-on-experience with arts education and training for at-risk youth.

Donenberg is an appointed member of the National Council of the Arts, and recently received an award recognizing the success of the Center in the hiring and promotion of ethnic minorities, and actors with disabilities. The Simply Shakespeare reading was sponsored by Entertainment Industry Foundation, and funds will be used to support various youth programs to bring art education to inner-city students.

William Shatner & Martin Short performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as Billy Crystal looks on.

Patrick Wayne, scion of the legendary John Wayne, presented the Angel Award to Gloria Gebbia at the John Wayne Cancer Auxiliary Membership Luncheon. Gebbia, who is President of the Associates for Breast and Prostrate Cancer Studies, has a successful background in TV and film. She is Executive Producer of the TV program “Talk of the Town”, which is the title of the upcoming event to support the ABC’s at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 17th. Donald Sterling (owner of the L.A. Clippers) and his adorable wife, Shelly will be honored, and special guest entertainment provided by Earth Wind & Fire.

Rita Wilson kisses Tom Hanks as “Bottom” on stage at Simply Shakespeare

Colonel Alexander Stojadinovic, M.D. was also honored at the membership luncheon, for his work in cancer research. As Anita Swift, Auxiliary President stated: We are honored to celebrate these remarkable individuals for their generosity and commitment to eradicating cancer.” The best news is the Auxiliary has raised over $18 million in the last 30 years for research, equipment and fellowships at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at St. John’s Medical Center. If you would like to become involved check out their website  www.jwci.org