WASHINGTON, May 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Larry and Shawn King "Hit A Home Run For Heart" by helping to raise approximately $450,000 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: Helen Gurley Brown & David Brown, Court TV host Nancy Grace, Kenneth Starr, President Reagan's Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein, Solicitor General Ted Olson, Senator John Warner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, CNN's Judy Woodruff, and CNN President Jim Walton.
Headlining the entertainment was superstar Lionel Richie. Guests were "Dancing On The Ceiling" to some of Richie's No. 1 hits including, "Easy," "All Night Long," and "Brick House." Lewis Black also entertained the audience with his lively witticisms.
This year's Larry King Heart Award was presented to Franklin Raines, Chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae. The Spirit of Life Award was presented to Tommy Lasorda, Senior Vice President of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Senator Bill Frist, M.D., Senate Majority Leader was Honorary Dinner Chairman and James V. Kimsey, Founding CEO and Chairman Emeritus of America Online, Inc. chaired the dinner, which was held on Thursday, April 17, 2003 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 receive 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.