My phone rang again and Ms Jane Fonda asked me if I would be part of a fundraiser that she was doing in Atlanta, Georgia . It was to raise money to get PE back into the school system, in a big way. I immediately said yes.
The night before the fundraiser there was a dinner in a beautiful old home that was turned into an event venue. It was dressy. I wore a white mandarin shirt from a store in New York. I had on black pants and a silk vest created by Wathne….It was white with gold swirls down the front and a lion’s head on the back.
A few people thought I was a waiter and asked me to get them a drink. I told them I was a guest. I stood in the corner all night. The men were in dark suits or a tuxedo. And all the women had on gowns to the floor.
A few famous singers were there including Ludacris. I don’t really understand rap but he was unbelievable. If I were a rapper …I would call myself Giftwrap.
After the dinner there was an auction and Ms Fonda asked if could help the auctioneer. One item that was auctioned off was a trip for two to Paris. There was a small Eiffel Tower in front of the stage. So I put it on my head and walked around the room.
When all the items had been auctioned off I slipped away and went back to my hotel room. The next day was the big event. The event was held at a large outdoor sporting facility. Everyone in front of the stage was ready to workout.
Before it started I went down to what looked like a basement…. Sort of like a dugout what do I know about sports. There I met Ms Debbie Allen…Ms Fonda and other instructors. When it was time we all went up the stairs and headed towards the stage. After the class was over we sat at tables and signed autographs.
In 1930 H.L.Geary opened up a store in Beverly Hills. They sold china, crystal, flatware,new and antique jewelry. When Mr Geary retired the Meyer family took it over.
Bruce Meyer looked just like Luke Wilson. He had a beautiful family and when he heard I was in the store he would run over from his home in the flats to say hello to me.
Later he passed the torch to Thomas B, who is a brilliant merchandiser. He was always cordial to me when I came into the store. I always went there to buy gifts for my family and friends.
I was on the second floor of the store looking at some pieces by Lalique. I felt a tap on my back…Hello Richard it’s Jane. I turned around and said hello. She was wearing dark glasses and a black beret.
I think she had some minor back surgery and I could tell she was a little sore so I did not hug her. She went downstairs to do some shopping. I thought to myself “I have to do a little something to cheer her up.”
From the shelf I took a purple Lalique butterfly. I found Ms. Jane downstairs and placed the butterfly in her hand. She looked up at me and said “this is so beautiful.” Then she did something strange. She asked me for my email address.
The next day she wrote me and asked me to have lunch with her. I met her at the Beverly Hills Hotel. They were known for their chopped salads . The waiter would bring a large wooden bowl to the table. In the bowl was lettuce tomatoes chopped chicken and some other vegetables. He would look you in the eye and say” may I toss your salad?” And he did.
I said to Ms Jane I think I am going to stand on the chair and sing you a love song. Without even looking at me she said ”Don’t…you…dare”… After lunch she was picked up in a car with a white dog waiting for her.
Over the years I have watched Ms F raise her voice for causes that she believed in. I wonder if she still has that purple butterfly somewhere in her home? I told you there is nothing plain about this Jane.
Love,
Richard
