The first Billie awards, presented at the Beverly Hilton by the Women's Sports Foundation, recognized female athletes and honored tennis legend Billie Jean King's contributions to women's causes and sports. Guests of the event—which raised
$300,000 for the foundation and was capped off with an energetic, intimate performance by Sir Elton John that included classics like "Daniel" and "Your Song"—seemed to agree the first-ever Billies were a home run, a hole-in-one, or a slam dunk, depending on who you asked.
The event, produced and managed by Katherine Caulfield and Alex Grane, began with a cocktail reception just off the Hilton's ballroom. Preceding the awards ceremony, a parade of female athletes like Maria Sharapova and Peggy Fleming graced the stage, followed by King, who zealously talked up the foundation, which she founded in 1974. Draped with deep purple curtains, the stage featured two oversized Billie awards (Tiffany designed honorees' statuettes) and two large screens. Colorful centerpieces by Flaming Flowers decked the tabletops.
Actress Sharon Stone served as the auctioneer to hock lots like a trip to London that included an invitation to John's White Tie & Tiara ball and center court seats with King at Wimbledon. (The auction ended with two winners paying $140,000 each for the impressive package.) Presenters didn't go home empty-handed either, each leaving with a gift bag assembled by Klein Creative Communications, featuring a Beanpod Candle set and a Croton Watch Company dual time zone watch. One celebrity-autographed bag was also auctioned online, with proceeds benefiting the foundation.
—Kim Serafin
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