"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: the hollywood costume party and more...
As Dan Harkins, the Harkins Theatres king and I were chatting at this private posh party – we were interrupted by Austin Powers. But, oooh so groovy baby,” as Austin Powers would say. Because – the guy donning the international man of mystery costume was Kurt Warner. Most people didn’t recognize the Cardinals Quarterback. Nor his wife Brenda donned colorful 60’s garb and hairdo as one of the Austin Powers girls.
And take a guess at this Fred Flintstone. He also left his Cardinal red at home. And is hardly recognizable. But it’s Cardinals’ quarterback Matt Leinart. Yabba Dabba Doo!
That’s what was so fun about these costumes.. you couldn’t recognize some of the guests. Many of which were celebrities. Anthony Shriver, son of Eunice Kenney Shriver and nephew to former President John F. Kennedy, was one of the high profiles. Anthony’s the founder of Best Buddies. It’s the international non- profit which pairs middle, high school and college students with people with developmental disabilities- and encourages one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Among the celebs.. here’s the Governor in this pic above hugging Anthony Shriver. See. .. it’s a bipartisan moment!
This swanky party held on the lawn of a fantastic Scottsdale private home benefits Best Buddies Arizona. It encouraged guests to dress as their favorite celebrity. Tickets started at $1,000 per couple and the live auction items fetched from $10,000 to $50,000 each. A Bruce Springsteen signed guitar sold for $50,000. And an Outback Steakhouse home or office dinner party for up to 100 guests sold for $20,000. (Outback King Matt McMahon was there…. as himself- to help support the cause.
A dinner for 8 at Sushi Roku was also popular. Morning KISS FM John jay and Rich will be joining the guests for dinner – then via a limo- guests will be whisked away to enjoy a movie at Harkins theatre.
Fire Chief Bob Kahn was there with a distinguished group of Phoenix firefighters. They donated the Back Draft package for the live auction. Yes, the bidding was “heated” for a dinner for 9 including wine cooked by the Phoenix Firefighters.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based writer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
