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So the World May
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Lorraine with Bill Austin, founder of The Starkey Foundation
The Gala raised more than $3 million for the Starkey Hearing Foundation, whose mission is to provide hearing aids for the needy around the world, especially children. The organization also supports hearing research and education and promotes hearing health awareness. Last year’s event included a performance by Sir Elton John and raised $2.7 million. Each year, the Foundation honors a number of internationally acclaimed celebrities and/or their foundations for their contributions to humanity. This year, the foundation honored Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation, Olive Osmond’s Children’s Miracle Network, The Wayne Gretzky Foundation, and the Richard Schulze Family Foundation. Since 2000, the foundation has provided more than 120,000 hearing aids to those in need around the world.
With a shrug, shrink shrank from sharing C.J., Star Tribune -- August 23, 2005 CJ0823 "Sopranos" shrink Lorraine Bracco shrank from explaining why she was so modestly dressed at this year's Starkey Hearing Foundation Annual Awards Gala. "I don't know," she said, shrugging first one shoulder and then the other while turning her head from side to side. Last year, Bracco wore an unforgettable breast-baring gown when she walked the red carpet at St. Paul's River Centre. While she couldn't explain why she packed away those bad boys, she had no trouble explaining her reason for being here again. She pointed to Bill Austin, Starkey Laboratories owner and the foundation founder who raises millions at these galas to provide hearing aids for the needy and promote hearing awareness. "That man is my hero," she said. "He goes around the world and gives to the young and people who can't afford hearing aids. I was very, very moved. Last year was my first time." Osmonds on parade A throng of Osmonds clogged the red carpet. Donny Osmond was such a sweetheart as he held the hand of his dad, George, while introducing the patriarch to the media. George's wife, Olive Osmond, died in 2004. Donny told me he was anxiously awaiting a phone call from his son Jeremy, who's about to make DONNY OSMOND A GRANDFATHER! Donny's nephew Justin, who works with Starkey, arrived fashionably late. Roberta Maass, of Stillwater, reported that Donny "was so gracious and kind to everyone who approached him. He left his salad half-eaten to stand and chat with us while my husband, Chris, snapped photos." Tuxedo casual Sculptor Bill Mack looked taken aback when he was called out for being dressed more casually than anybody else on the red carpet. His wife, Deb Mack, said her husband was wearing tuxedo jeans made by Roberto Cavalli. Casual ain't cheap when Roberto's designing. Deb is opening the new Griffin Gallery of art in a building adjoining Bill's Edina studio and gallery. Sam had soles Sam Moore was looking for "The Incredible Hulk," Lou Ferrigno, who was at the gala with his wife, Carla. Half of the singing duo Sam & Dave, Moore was wearing a pair of green running shoes adorned with "Hulk" figures. "Take a picture of those," Sam said pointing to his feet. "Tonight I'm going to ask him to autograph them. My wife [Joyce] got them for me in Italy." Sam really enjoys Minnesota's favorite fish. "I had some walleye," said the man famous for singing "Soul Man" -- not Sole Man. "I had two pieces last night, I had two pieces today, and when I leave here tonight I'm going to have another." Happy day for Ross Norm Crosby, Scott Carpenter, Mickey Rooney, Leslie Nielsen, Selma and Army Archard also strolled in, but they didn't work it like Marion Ross. "Happy Days" Mrs C. was bouncing around and tossing her head. The Albert Lea native seemed overjoyed about being on a red carpet in her home state. Red-carpet treatment I noticed Laurie Coleman's lovely dress before realizing who was wearing the cocktail number. She entered the red carpet area with her back turned to the media. She was apparently awaiting her husband, Sen. Norm Coleman, who was probably outside shaking hands. Because Norm and Laurie ignored the last calls from yours truly, I let them pass without comment. Moments later, it was pointed out to me that Norm was letting my initials come out of his mouth while talking with other media. He and Laurie looked at me and smiled and waved. Public smiles don't mean they'll be returning my calls. Perfect poster child Making her first appearance on a red carpet was Isabella Gaudreau, 7, of Elk River. "She's one of our children I fitted with hearing aids. She's going to be one our poster children; a 2005 poster child," said Austin, who very shortly had his fingers in Isabella's ears. Had Austin not done that, nobody would have noticed Isabella's tiny hearing aids. "That's all it takes," Austin said, demonstrating how the tiny devices slip in and out as Isabella remained poised. Blowing their horns When Everette Harp performs at the Minnesota Zoo on Sunday he'll probably have to use his saxophone to beat Shaun LaBelle off the stage. Minneapolis' LaBelle has been writing and producing Harp's recordings over the past 10 years. "It will be fun to hear some of my songs performed in my hometown," said LaBelle, who is as shameless about promoting himself as Harp is reticent. Among Harp's claims to fame are blowing horns alongside then presidential candidate Bill Clinton. Peebo Bryson, Brenda Russell, Norman Brown and Harp are scheduled to perform. "We have one of the best working relationships you can possibly have in the music business," said LaBelle, who reports they are working on their fifth album. Harp, who refuses to blow his own horn for publicity, is a nice counterbalance to LaBelle in music and life.
Dozens of stars will light up the night at the Foundation's "So the World May Hear" Awards Gala For the fifth consecutive year, the Starkey Hearing Foundation will sponsor its annual awards Gala to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to mankind and who strongly support the Foundation's philanthropic efforts. This year, the Foundation will honor Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation, Olive Osmond's Children's Miracle Network, the Wayne Gretzy Foundation, and the Richard Schulze Family Foundation. Garth Brooks, members of the Osmond family, Wayne Gretzky, and Richard Schulze (Best Buy founder) will be on hand to accept their awards at the 2005 "So the World May Hear" Awards Gala, which will take place on Saturday, August 20 beginning at 5 p.m. at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn. This spectacular evening will include performances by country music superstar Trisha Yearwood, singer/songwriter Michael Bolton, pop and stage performer Donny Osmond, and acclaimed composer and musician Paul Williams. Dozens of additional celebrities-- including Lorraine Bracco, Scott Carpenter, Robert Culp, Lou Ferrigno, Senator John Glenn, Marlee Matlin, Mickey Rooney, Marianne Ross, and many others--will also make appearances to support the Starkey Hearing Foundation in its effort to raise $3 million. "As a musician, I have a deep respect and appreciation for the gift of hearing and the beauty that it brings to life," said Trisha Yearwood. "Having been on an international hearing mission trip with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, my respect and appreciation is equally great for the work it is doing to open the ears of the world's children. Through its many good works, the Starkey Hearing Foundation is not just giving the gift of hearing to those in need but the gift of life." "It's an honor to share this annual awards Gala with so many like-minded individuals who want nothing more than to make the world a better place," said William Austin, Starkey Hearing Foundation founder. "My heartfelt thanks go to each person for their support." All proceeds raised during the Gala support the Starkey Hearing Foundation and its mission of promoting hearing health awareness, providing hearing aids for the underprivileged, and supporting hearing research and education. Primarily, monies raised support the Foundation's internationally recognized hearing mission trips. Since 2000, through such mission trips, the Foundation has provided more than 120,000 hearing aids to those in need around the world. The 2005 "So the World May Hear" Awards Gala will take place on Saturday, August 20 at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul. Doors will open at 5 p.m. To purchase tickets to this year's Gala, contact Debbie Wright at 1.866.354.3254. To learn more about the Starkey Hearing Foundation, visit www.sotheworldmayhear.org.
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