By Lynn Selich | NB Indy
The Indy was the official media sponsor for last weekend’s Polynesian-themed Newport Beach Friends of OASIS gala, which featured the iconic Debbie Reynolds performing for a sold-out crowd.
“Discover OASIS” raised more than $125,000 for the Friends of OASIS Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing quality services to the senior community of Newport Beach. The focus of the organization is to provide financial and volunteer support to the Center, and assist in giving seniors the opportunity to live healthy, active, and productive lives.
To celebrate the opening, world-renowned singer, dancer, and actress Debbie Reynolds delighted the audience with her humor, singing and dancing. Ms. Reynolds has been performing for over six decades and been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy at the American Comedy Awards.
She is known for her work in motion pictures such as “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” on stage in “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Irene,” and had her own television show, “The Debbie Reynolds Show.” Her Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series came for her role on “Will & Grace.”
Former Costa Mesa Mayor Peter Buffa was a clever master of ceremonies, cracking jokes as he introduced VIPs and dignitaries in the room. Ms. Reynolds even joked that as she was listening backstage she had never heard so many “honorables” being introduced in an audience.
An interview by Barbara Venezia of event chair Evelyn Hart and committee members Sharyn Buffa and Pam Curry can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSmqwXpCWLM
