WASHINGTON, March 8, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Larry and Shawn King led the charge in raising $900,000 at the annual black tie, star-studded "Evening with Larry King and Friends" gala benefiting The Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
Among the notable guests were: Honorary co-chairpersons Vice President Dick Cheney, Lynne Cheney, Helen Gurley Brown, Rep. Rose DeLauro, Sen. Robert Dole, Rep. Harold Ford, Gen. Alexander Haig, Sen. Orrin Hatch, Tommy Lasorda, John McLaughlin, Ted Olson, Russell Simmons, Dan Snyder, Steve Spurrier, Sen. John Warner, Mayor Anthony Williams and Montel Williams.
Headlining the entertainment were 80s music industry giants Heart and the Go-Go's. The evening also featured internationally renowned troupe, Cirque du Soleil, comedian Lewis Black and a special performance by Chic, Nile Rodgers, Roberta Flack, Dionne Warwick and Big Bird.
This year's Larry King Heart Award was given to Arthur F. Ryan, chairman and CEO of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, and Gabriella E. Morris, president of The Prudential Foundation. The Spirit of Life Award was presented to Mark A. Barondess, counsel for Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro LLP.
Jack Goeken, Chairman & CEO of the Goeken Group Co., and founder of MCI, chaired the dinner, which was held on Friday, March 1, 2002, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.
The Larry King Cardiac Foundation was established in 1989 to provide funding for life-saving cardiac procedures for individuals who, due to limited means and inadequate insurance, would otherwise be unable to received treatment. The Foundation works with hospitals throughout the nation to ensure that such patients receive the medical attention they need. The Larry King Cardiac Foundation is funded from the proceeds of these annual galas, corporate sponsorships, King's books and speaking engagements.