More than 15 minutes: Famous names, faces and voices will ornament a busy season

In a town where everybody is a star — or at least, where everybody thinks of themselves as a star — savvy fundraisers know that the celebrity guest creates the sizzle that sells the steak.

Or veal chop or stuffed chicken breast or Chilean sea bass.

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As sophisticated and cosmopolitan Palm Beachers may think themselves, there's no denying that a celebrity guest is still a draw.

For the upcoming season, they range from television stars to Tony Award winners to comedians.

Patti LuPone will speak at MorseLife event

Legendary American actress and Broadway icon Patti LuPone will help MorseLife supporters celebrate the organization’s 39th Birthday on Dec. 17.

The winner of three Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Olivier Awards, LuPone also is a member of the American Theater Hall of Fame.

She has over 20 stage credits including award-winning roles in "Evita" and "Gypsy." She has also acted in feature films and television series, spending three years as Libby Thatcher on the ABC series "Life Goes On."

“Our leadership for MorseLife’s 39th birthday celebration has assembled an extraordinary event to toast our donors and friends who have a shared commitment to honoring senior living,” said Keith A. Myers, president and CEO of MorseLife Health System.

"This event gives us a chance to enjoy an exquisite dinner, outstanding world-class entertainment and a toast to donors and friends who have a shared passion for improving the lives of seniors.”

Donald Ephraim and Terri Sriberg are chairman and chairwoman for the celebration. Bruce Beal and Jean Scharf are honorary chairman and honorary chairwoman.

And, for the first time, there is a junior committee, led by junior chairmen Nick Hisson and Kameron Ramirez.

The event takes place at The Breakers.

Tovah Feldshuh will speak at H.O.W. luncheon

In January, attendees at the 21st annual luncheon of H.O.W. (Hearing Ovarian cancer's Whisper) will welcome six-time Emmy and Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh as guest speaker.

The accomplished actress is currently on Broadway performing in the hit musical "Funny Girl" and has also been in major motion films and various television productions.

Her book "Lilyville" shares heartfelt stories about brave women and their stories of resilience while dealing with cancer Tovah’s presentation will include "Lilyville" stories about a mother/daughter relationship and the heroic women she has played.

“We are thrilled to have six-time Emmy and Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh as our guest speaker at our annual luncheon,” said Jennifer McGrath, executive director of H.O.W.

“This amazing theater veteran is currently starring on Broadway in the revival of 'Funny Girl' and we are so excited to hear from her at H.O.W.’s annual fundraising event in Palm Beach!”

Frances Fisher and Betsy Matthews are chairwoman of the Time is of the Essence Luncheon, which takes place Jan. 26 at The Mar-a-Lago Club and will honor Dr. Robert C. Knapp, H.O.W.’s chairman of the Medical Advisory Board, for his contributions to H.O.W. and his groundbreaking work in ovarian cancer research.

Marie Osmond will speak about mental health

February's star turn will be taken by the apple-pie wholesome Marie Osmond, who will speak at the Old Bags Luncheon, the signature Palm Beach event of the Center for Family Services.

Osmond has spent five decades in the entertainment business as a hit singer, television performer, talk show host, dancer, actor, author, entrepreneur and public speaker.

Among the topics she is expected to address is mental health which is central to CFS' mission.

Osmond has openly talked about postpartum depression and the death of her 18-year-old son, Michael Blosil, by suicide, believing that by sharing her stories, she can help others.

Tammy Pompea and Diane Smith are chairwomen of the the 24th annual luncheon and silent auction, which takes place Feb. 22 at The Breakers.

Sarah McLachlan will entertain at Kravis anniversary gala

March opens and closes with serious star power, beginning with the Kravis Center's 30th anniversary gala on March 1, featuring Sarah McLachlan, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in entertainment.

The black-tie benefit begins with a cocktail reception at in the Cohen Pavilion followed by McLachlan's performance in Dreyfoos Hall.

McLachlan has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Over her career, she has received three Grammy Awards and 12 Juno Awards, and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Her hits include  "Angel," "Building A Mystery," "Fallen," "I Will Remember You," "Adia," "Sweet Surrender," "World On Fire," and "Possession."

Kathryn Vecellio and Monika Preston are chairwomen, with Bill Bone serving as chairman.

“The Kravis Center’s 30th Anniversary Gala is an opportunity to celebrate three decades of artistic excellence, comprehensive arts education programs and deep community engagement,” said Vecellio. “It is also an opportunity to thank our loyal donors who have gifted consistently over the past 30 years. The Kravis Center continues to be a champion of the arts and education and we look forward to celebrating the 30th Anniversary Season with the local community and beyond.”

Honorary chairs include Alexander W. Dreyfoos, William A. Meyer, Jane M. Mitchell, Michael J. Bracci and Jeffrey A. Stoops.

Fran Drescher will talk about cancer

The next day, March 2, the smart and funny Fran Drescher will speak at the Luncheon fundraiser of the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope ... because she has to.

"When you're a celebrity and you've had cancer I think it's your obligation to lead," she once said in an interview with the publication Cancer Connect.

"I feel like ... I got famous; I got cancer; I lived to talk about it.' "

"We are thrilled to have actress, producer and advocate, Fran Drescher be our guest speaker," said Stanton Collemer, CEO of Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope.

“Since Fran was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000, she has taken on the role of health advocate, writing a best-selling book about her battle with cancer and founding a nonprofit that is working to save lives through prevention and early detection. We may all know her as the 'The Nanny' on TV — but guests will be enthralled to hear her personal story that led her to launch a movement created to change the way policy makers and patients think about cancer and health care.”

Laura Moore Tanne, Michelle King Robson and Jacqui Michel are chairwomen of the Shop The Day Away silent auction and luncheon, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at The Breakers.

Paul Anka, Rita Rudner will perform at Lady In Red Gala

A veteran entertainer and prolific songwriter tops the marquee at the LIFE foundation's Lady In Red Gala on March 26.

Paul Anka will perform at the black-tie event, which will take place at The Breakers and features Las Vegas comedian Rita Rudner.

Lois Pope is chairwoman.

“I am over the moon that world-famous singer-songwriter Paul Anka, and America’s Queen of Comedy, Rita Rudner, will light up the stage at LIFE’S  29th Lady in Red Gala,” said Pope.

“Paul Anka has performed with music legends Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Connie Francis, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Tom Jones, and Elvis, among many other global superstars. Having Paul Anka headline our Lady in Red Gala will be like watching a concert with some of the world’s greatest entertainers on one stage.”

In addition to performances by Anka and Rudner, the 29th annual black-tie event at The Breakers includes a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing.

“This is expected to be another sold-out event so I encourage those looking to secure a seat to RSVP early for our Lady in Red Gala," the chairwoman said.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach: The famous will mingle with rich for good causes