Peck raises money for adult literacy

Actor Gregory Peck has helped raise $350,000 to teach adults to read.

Peck is the honorary chairman of The Literary Odyssey Dinners, fundraising events that are held at celebrities' homes and feature a well-known author. The dinners, which cost $300 to $2,500 per plate, took place Nov. 3 in Santa Barbara and Nov. 5 in Los Angeles County.

Philanthropist Eli Broad donated $200,000 of the money for adult literacy programs through the Los Angeles Public Library and its 67 branches.

In 1997 and 1999, the literacy fund-raising dinners raised a total of more than $750,000, publicist Judi Davidson said Thursday.

The program is run by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, a nonprofit fund-raising group run by 250 women.

New York skyline inspires jazz musician

Jazz musician and composer Alex Bugnon said he was inspired to write the song "Sunset Over Manhattan" while looking at the New York skyline the day after the terrorist attacks.

"I drove along the deserted West Side Highway and saw a beautiful sunset behind the smoke that had engulfed the city," Bugnon said Thursday. "At that moment, I observed what looked like thousands of angels flying overhead."

Bugnon performed "Sunset Over Manhattan" during a Nov. 14 benefit concert at the Beacon Theater in New York. The song is from his new CD, "Soul Purpose," which he dedicated to the families of attack victims.

In the concert, he joined Natalie Cole, Savion Glover and other artists to aid the families of attack victims.

Child star will host Christmas show

Hilary Duff, the 14-year-old star of ABC and the Disney Channel's popular children's' show "Lizzie McGuire," will host the Los Angeles Master Chorale's family holiday program Dec. 1.

Duff will lead children in Christmas carols and other sing-alongs. She started in show business at age 6, appearing in commercials and dancing ballet.

Duff's film debut was in "Casper Meets Wendy," in 1998. She also appeared in a CBS film, "Soul Collector." Duff is featured in the upcoming films "Human Nature," with Patricia Arquette, and Disney's "Cadet Kelly."

Prince Charles learned from Queen Mother

Prince Charles offered praise to the "wisdom" and "experience" of older generations and said he learned a lot from his grandmother, the Queen Mother Elizabeth.

"I certainly know all my life I've benefited enormously from the wisdom and experience of older people," the prince said Thursday at an award ceremony organized by the charity Age Concern.

"I've benefited enormously from the wisdom from my grandmother and her humor," he added.

The prince paid tribute to 200 people, all aged over 50, who were honored by the charity Thursday for organizing projects across Britain that benefited young people. Initiatives included a sewing group, an art workshop, an Antarctic expedition and a summer sailing school.

"I do hope and believe the lasting benefit of these skills will rebuild some of the trust and understanding and remind young people their elders, and many ways their betters, do have experience and wisdom to pass on," Charles said.