The 2018 Boomtown Gala raised $1 million for SHARE Inc. in an unforgettable evening of rhinestones, cowgirls, music, glamour, and giving!

On Sunday, May 20th, guests donned their finest cowboy boots, glitzy cowboy hats, turquoise jewelry, and silver spurs, to mosey into The Beverly Hilton Hotel for this incredible event.  Held annually to raise funds for this meaningful organization, the Boomtown Gala is a silent auction and dinner dance show featuring the ladies of SHARE Inc.

This year, special guest artists Martha and the Vandellas and The Righteous Brothers headlined.  Martha Reeves brought the house down with her stellar rendition of her 1964 hit Dancing In the Streets, and Bill Medley and his new partner filled the ballroom with so much love as they recreated their 1964 hit You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’!  I especially loved hearing Medley sing Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing, with his daughter standing in for Jennifer Warnes!

But even with the star-studded entertainment line-up, it was the ladies of SHARE Inc. who stole the show and made the evening the success that it was.  Now celebrating its 65th year, SHARE Inc. has developed into a special sorority of powerhouse women in Los Angeles, each year bringing in new female members who value philanthropy and sisterhood.

Natalie Lander, star of ABC’s The Middle and SHARE Inc.’s newest member, served as emcee for the evening, and longtime SHARE Inc. supporter Anita Mann choreographed the dance routines starring the women of SHARE.  In kick lines and high heels, these women represented decades of female strength in Hollywood…  Founding member Miriam Nelson even made a cameo on stage at the esteemed age of 99!  As seen through the archived video clips of the Boomtown ladies’ dance routines throughout the years, the ladies of SHARE Inc. make real changes to the Los Angeles philanthropic landscape generation after generation.

Women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred introduced the 2018 Shining Spirit Award recipient Loreen Arbus, television network executive, producer, writer, author, and President of The Loreen Arbus Foundation.  This foundation specializes in supporting the medical research for the disabled, racial and gender minority efforts, and environmental causes.  Ms. Allred aptly named Ms. Arbus “a crusader for the marginalized,” and Ms. Arbus humbly responded that she is “passionately committed to playing that role in [her] life.”  Her words were meaningful and it was clear that her dedication to SHARE Inc. has been a longterm priority.

Nigel Lythgoe, Nichelle Nicholas, Rick and Kathy Hilton, Pat Boone, Laura San Giacomo Tommy Chong, RJ Word, and other celebs were in the house to support the children’s charities sponsored by SHARE Inc.  I had the opportunity to dine with the incredible 102 year old artist and founder of Aaron’s Brothers, Len Aaron.

The decadent silent auction featured sports memorabilia, jewelry, restaurant, and concert experiences, and the luxury travel auction featured getaways to Mexico, Thailand, and other exotic escapes.  Executive produced by legendary television producer Gary Smith, Boomtown 2018 was an evening to remember!