Oscar Party 2009 at Mr Chow, Beverly Hills

It's not just weddings for Daughter of Design! I recently helped produce the "Night to Make a Difference" Oscar Event at Mr Chow Beverly Hills hosted by Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John, and David Foster. It was an Academy Awards viewing party with a purpose. The evening showcased several celebrity charities like Hilary Duff's Blessings in a Backpack and Jessica Biel's Make The Difference with proceeds from the event and its auction going back to help these causes.

The evening started with red carpet arrivals followed by a 10-course dinner. After dinner came the after party with live performances by Olivia Newton-John, David Foster, Two Spot Gobi (now touring with Jason Mraz) and Michael Buble and tunes spun by DJ Steve Aoki in the tent which we built over the Christie's and Mr Chow parking lots. It was an intensive project but was completely worthwhile and an evening I will never forget. Here are a few photos from the event!

Hilary Duff

Forest Whitaker

Tony Hawk

Paris Hilton

Jessica Biel

Michael Buble

Teri Hatcher

This evening was also a family affair. We brought in my sister and the other daughter of design, Kahi Lee of Kahi Lee LIFESTYLE to help deck out the after party tent. The drapes for the stage were an awesome backdrop for some amazing performances. Fabulous big sister however could not stay for the event though since she was attending the Governors Ball at Kodak Theater with her equally fabulous husband, Jason Bentley who was DJing the event!

Check out the ABC coverage of the event: ABC Live Coverage





I also have to post the performance by Michael Buble who is one charming and sexy mother in person. Are wedding planners allowed to say things like that? In this case, yes. I think the highlight of my evening was when he thanked me, gave me a hug and a sweet compliment. Next time I hear one of his oh-so popular wedding songs at a wedding, you may see a big ol' smile on my face.

Also special thanks to Atelier Isabey who in a pinch created beautiful table numbers and menu folders that went with the black and white chic decor of Mr Chow and to Eat Whatever Mints for making sure after party goers who didn't join for dinner didn't have to smell it on everyone's breathe!


For more general information on the event check out: www.leezagibbonsoscarnight.com.