JANE’S 80TH B’DAY GALA
JANE FONDA celebrated turning the big 8-0 in style on Saturday night with a blowout bash in Atlanta that raised $1.3 million for a youth charity she founded in 1995. Despite a snowstorm, over 200 of Fonda’s (inset) nearest and dearest gathered at the Whitley Hotel to celebrate the Oscar winner. Guests included her son,
Troy Garity, Catherine Keener, “Vagina Monologues” creator Eve Ensler, producer Paula Weinstein, Rosanna Arquette and ex-husband Ted Turner.
Other pals — including Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton,
Kerry Washington and Ludacris — sent along special toasts via video message.
Fonda’s “9 to 5” co-star Parton concluded her toast with a singalong to the movie’s hit song. Winfrey donated $100,000 to the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, which an insider said visibly moved Fonda and had the entire room cheering.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by an eight-course dinner prepared by Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters. Each course represented a decade of Fonda’s life.
An insider said workout guru Fonda, looking resplendent in an Elie
Saab pantsuit, told the crowd she never imagined she would reach this milestone and mused about being thankful that she’s able to remember what turning 80 feels like.
A live auction followed, during which Fonda got onstage to help shill the lots. Items up for bid included a private dinner with the two-time Oscar-winner in Atlanta for 12 guests, which was snapped up three times for $50,000; a lunch with Fonda and Lily Tomlin on the set of their Netflix show “Grace and Frankie;” a VIP trip to the Sundance Film Festival, and a private dinner with Fonda in her new L.A. home for 12 people. Guests were then serenaded by
James Taylor and Carole King. who performed hits like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Carolina on My Mind.”
Their last song was a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” and was capped off by them helping Fonda blow out the candles on a red velvet cake.