High hopes for pre-Emmy benefit

Motion Picture & Television Fund hosts gala

By DAVE MCNARY

The Evening Before is aiming to raise $2 million in its inaugural go-around Saturday.

The pre-Emmy bash, hosted by the Motion Picture & Television Fund, hopes to duplicate the first-year success of the fund's Night Before party, which is held on the Saturday before the Academy Awards. MPTF chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg and Variety launched the Night Before event in 2003.

Confirmed attendees include Alec Baldwin, Glenn Close, America Ferrera, Sally Field, James Gandolfini, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy, Heather Locklear, Eva Longoria, Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley, Ellen Pompeo plus Mark Wahlberg.

The goal of the event is twofold: Providing a relaxing evening that celebrates the Emmy noms, along with providing an event that helps take care of those less fortunate in the film-television community.

"We believe we will meet our goal and live up to the standard of fun that has become the trademark of the Night Before," said Ken Scherer, MPTF Foundation CEO. "The generosity of television companies, networks, studios, agencies has been overwhelming."

Katzenberg is the host. Major sponsors for the Evening Before include Variety, Target and People magazine.

The party will take place in Century City, in the park area between Avenue of the Stars and Century Park East, adjacent to Craft Restaurant.

The 86-year-old MPTF, based in Woodland Hills, offers charitable relief for those in the film and TV industries. The fund provides assistance to 100,000 individuals annually through five health centers, a residential retirement community and child-care center, as well as human services and financial assistance.