newjerseynewsroom.com

BY ALLISON RUPPINO

CELEBRITY MAGNET

New Jersey Newsroom's "Celebrity Magnet" Tom Murro was on the scene at this years star-studded 2011 Angel Ball, which honored individuals who have made significant humanitarian and philanthropic contributions in support of cancer research. The event took place Monday night at Cipriani Wall St. in New York City and was hosted by Denise Rich along with her two daughters, and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell was honored this year. Despite Campbell’s previous run-ins with the law, her philanthropic work through her Fashion for Relief organization earned her a spotlight at this year’s gala. Vladislav Doronin, Artist Romero Britto,founder of Capital Group and Dr. Khalid Bin Jabor Al-Thani, founder of the Qatar National Cancer Society, were also honored at the ball. ET'S Samantha Harris emceed the event that raised $3.3 million dollars.

When Murro arrived at the Ball, he was immediately greeted by friend and long-time Vanity Fair Editor, George Wayne. While chatting with Wayne, Murro could sense his “celebrity magnet” start to vibe as he noticed Kim Kardashian just a few feet from them. Wayne said hello to Kardashian and started chatting with her about a photo he had taken of her of her and her dad a long time ago.

“The nostalgic moment was interrupted by Kim’s publicist, friend, and appendage Jonathan Cheban,” explained Murro. “He screamed ‘that’s enough,’ in front of everyone. Kim kindly replied ‘don’t worry about him,’ as she continued to talk to Wayne and myself while Cheban stood in the background''.

Kardashian definitely had much more to say, particularly about new husband NBA star and N.J. native Kris Humphries. Although he did not attend the event, Murro got to learn more about their relationship than he had before through all of Kardashian’s smitten words. She told him “marriage is great,” and that “Kris is a really good guy, and we’re so happy together.” Through past experiences in meeting the Armenian beauty at other appearances, Murro noticed that this time she seemed to really light up when talking about anything Kris-related.

Murro also asked her how she got involved with the organization. Kardashian said the event was important to her after losing her father to cancer in 2003. “I’m here honoring my dad, and I’m so happy and proud to be a part of this event,” she said.

In true Kardashian fashion, she did not forget to promote her family’s current role on other reality shows. While she was on stage she said, “I don’t want to pass up this opportunity to ask everyone to vote for my brother on 'Dancing with the Stars,''' she laughed.

During the night, Murro stumbled upon a very recognizable face and friendly blast from the past. It was Mark Linn Baker who played Cousin Larry on the 80s hit TV show 'Perfect Strangers', who is now back on Broadway and doing well. Murro told the Yale graduate that he still looked the same as he did back in the day. Baker replied, “If only that were true.’”

Patty Labelle and the band Chic both performed and had the entire room up on their feet; it seemed everyone was dancing but Star Jones. She was planted in her seat watching friend Natalie Cole and others getting down to songs such as: “We Are Family,” “He's the Greatest Dancer,” “Everybody Dance,” “Good Times,” and many others. Star headed out minutes after the band began playing, and explained to Murro that the early departure was because she needed to appear the Today Show early in the morning.

According to Murro, the always gracious Russell Simmons seemed to spend the entire night posing for pictures with guests. Murro was also fortunate enough to attended the Caron Renaissance 3rd Annual Save-A-Life Gala and walk the red carpet with Simmons earlier that evening, and sat with Vince Young from the original TV series 90210 for the event.

An interesting fact about Young, is that he used to date Kelly Ripa. He did kiss-and-tell a bit as he told Murro that Ripa was always fun to be around and had the gift of gab. Young always knew she'd hit it big. He also said being on a show like that was similar to having a multi-pass with the ladies. “I joked and said he'd be using that pass in the nursing home still working those 90210 points sporting the same hairstyle,” laughed Murro.

While sitting with Stephen Baldwin at the Angel Ball, Baldwin assumed the role of proud dad and husband as he showed Murro pictures of his two beautiful daughters and his wife of 21 years from his iPhone.