With a nod to the recession, the Larry King Cardiac Foundation canceled its annual gala, which had been scheduled for March 28 at the Ritz Carlton Washington. Last year's event, produced by Linda Roth, raised more than $1.2 million for the CNN host’s foundation.
Foundation president Larry King Jr. told us yesterday that considering the state of the economy, “It just didn’t feel like the right year. Instead, we decided, 'Let’s do something different, involve more people.' So we launched a virtual fund-raiser this week.”
In place of the black-tie gala, the foundation’s Web site has information on how patrons can produce their own fund-raising event for the charity, with the purchase of a $250 “Larry King & Friends Save a Heart” party pack that includes 25 logo-stamped paper napkins, plates, wristbands, gift bag items, and more. Three party packs have been sold, thus far. In partnership with eBay, the foundation also has an on-going auction site.
“We’re calling it 'Dinner Party Philanthropy,'” Roth said. “This concept has a greater outreach, to people who have experiences with friends and family who have heart disease, than a gala ever could. We could raise more money.”
King Jr. said the gala will return next year, in early March.
