Not only is our new 4 p.m. lifestyle show We Are Austin Live finally coming together, but the new schedule allows me to get back into the community, especially charities that are near and dear to me. And that is priceless!

This weekend I had the honor of emceeing a brunch benefiting the Breast Cancer Resource Center with keynote speaker Rue McClanahan, the actress who played Blanche Devereaux in The Golden Girls, the popular sitcom that aired on NBC from 1985-1992.
 
Judy Maggio was asked to emcee the event (which has partnered with KEYE for 14 years!), but this year Judy couldn’t attend because she’s visiting colleges with her daughter. Needless to say, this worked out for everyone involved (plus I got to wear my hot pink Escada silk shirt I got for a steal!) .
 
The nearly sold-out fundraiser was well attended by 650 people on Sunday at the Renaissance Hotel near the Arboretum. I had the pleasure of introducing McClanahan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. McClanahan talked about that time of her life, but mainly she focused on the myths of aging. We also got to talk about her old home in Encino, Calif.
 
My friend Smitty, who produces movie trailers, and his wife Gayle bought McClanahan’s home more than 10 years ago. I stayed there one weekend and updated McClanahan on the home which is now decored with abstract art and even a Picasso. She was happy Smitty and his family were still living there and taking care of the most amazing backyards I have ever seen. It’s about 3 acres and so serene; full of lime, lemon, and orange trees. It really looks more like a resort.
 
The money raised is going to Austin’s BCRC which serves women with breast cancer, their families, spouses, partners and friends; women who have questions about screening and biopsy; and others who are concerned about breast cancer issues. October is breast cancer awareness month, a perfect time to remind your girlfriend, sister, wife, friend and yourself to do those regular self exams and mammograms.
 
I know McClanahan and all the women in the audience enjoyed their brunch, I hope Judy had a memorable and fun trip with her daughter, as for me, I’m just so happy to be doing what I love and being back in the charity circuit now that I have an 8-5 job!

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