Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John Make History with Love and Hope
The 35th Anniversary Love and Hope Ball benefited the Diabetes Research Institute.

“Now I get to make a dream of my own come true. We’ve never had a chance to do this,” Gibb announced to an eager crowd. “Please welcome the greatest female performer of our generation!”
The legendary duo began with “Islands in the Stream.” Then Newton-John performed “I Honestly Love You” alone, dedicating it to her husband, John Easterling, who proposed to her exactly one year earlier. Gibb and Newton-John then joined voices, and at times hands, for “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” and “Guilty”.
“Growing up in Australia watching him on TV, he was my idol. It took us all these years, but we finally did it,” Newton-John said of her performance with Gibb.
Prior to the concert, guests followed red carpets into a cocktail reception shimmering with silver highlights on pale green chiffon. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, attendees anticipated the opening of the Great Hall doors, which revealed a dance floor, a concert stage and a sea of tables draped in purple velvet, glistening with gold, and set with caviar to start. The ballroom’s décor featured accents of crests, crowns, candelabras, and castle walls, assuring that everyone present felt like royalty.
During a decadent dinner of veal chops, emcee Lisa Petrillo of CBS 4 welcomed guests by saying, “You are the love that is giving the hope.”
Following those words came the first remarkable surprise of the evening as she announced that Bonnie Inserra, who was in attendance, made a $1.5 million gift to the DRI just moments before.
The spectacular affair could not have happened without the dedication of Life Chairman Sonja Zuckerman, Executive Chairman Sandra Levy, National Chairman Kathy Simkins, and International Chairmen Linda and Barry Gibb, all of whom have been involved with Love and Hope for decades. The Gibbs are also longtime honorary members of the DRI Foundation’s board of directors.
As if the guests didn’t have enough entertainment for one night, they were also privy to an outstanding silent auction, which garnered more than $60,000 with more than 40 items, such as a pair of earrings designed by Fulvio Maria Scavia, who flew from Milan, Italy, with his family to be in attendance. Elizabeth Taylor also owns a pair of these Sandra Dia earrings, which are valued at $18,700. Other hit items included music memorabilia donated by Barry and friends of his in the business and sculptures by Marcie Ziv.
Executive Chairmen Sandra and Sid Levy
Gold Star Shirley Harris
Sidney Fellman and Francine Lowe, representing The Lowe Family, which served as Anniversary Honoree in memory of Eleanor Lowe
Love Honoree Linda Widrich Weitz with Cocktail Reception Hosts Senator Paul and Sandy Steinberg
Hope Honorees Helene and Marc Kovens with National Chairman Kathy Simkins
Chairmen Kathryn Chesler and Steven Posner
Chairman Marilyn Fellman with Lisa Petrillo, who served as emcee
Chairmen Ruth Rosenberg (center) and Judy and J.P. Newell, III
Chairman and Life Trustee Eleanor Kosow
Chairmen Lenore Toby Simmons and Rhoda Stern with Red Heller
Chairmen Claudine Smurfit and Robbie and Jill Rosenhaus
Chairmen Jerry and Hildine Potashnick and Martha Mishcon with Peter Yovich
Chairmen Jason and Michelle Rubell with Life Trustees Leon and Serena Simkins
Chairmen Nancy and Jerry Blair and Cindy Carr
Chairmen Mel and Fran Harris
Chairmen Barbara and Shelly Singer
Chairman Tova Leidesdorf with Diabetes Research Institute Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman
Life Trustees Dr. William and Deborah Rand
Bonnie Inserra with Dr. Norma Kenyon of the DRI
Country singers T.G. Sheppard (far left) and Kelly Lang (far right) with Linda Gibb, Olivia Newton-John, and John Easterling
Barry and Linda Gibb's eldest son, Stephen
Barry Gibb performs with son, Stephen