Last night we attended the SAG, AFTRA & EQUITY 2009 IVY BETHUNE TRI-UNION DIVERSITY AWARD at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theatre honoring Cheryl Burke (AFTRA) – dancer who encourages children of all ethnicities to express themselves through movement; Charlie Hill (SAG) - Native American stand-up/storyteller who uses humor to share both things unique to Native American culture and things we all share and George Takei (Tri-Union)for his long-standing history of activism for artists of every race and creed, including his work with the Arts in Transit program that creates opportunity for artists within the public sector, in addition to his very high profile work on issues of marriage equality and sexual orientation discrimination.

Everyone wanted a piece of George. People were just flocking to him to get a picture of Mr. Takei and he wanted to give everybody that chance. So gracious. You’re cool Mr. Takei.

George with British actor Emrhys Cooper (Mama Mia)

American Idol 4th season contestant Mikalah Gordon was first to arrive wearing an Urban Outfitter dress. She carried a clutch and wore shoes that she got from a vintage store in Melrose.

One of the sweetest and friendliest celebs we’ve met is Hannah Montana’s Traci Van Horn played by Romi Dames. She was adorable in her green dress by Single with a matching Baldinini heels.

Cheryl Burke wore Nicole Miller all the way and posed with our very own Schenley.

Sabrina Bryan arrived when the ceremony was about to start so she was rushing to get in the theater but she kindly posed for a few pictures. She looked amazing in a Herve Leger dress with YSL pumps and a red Kenneth Cole clutch.

Chuck’s Vic Sahay with Stylecritic’s Schenley

The Cheetah Girls creator Deborah Gregory has hit out at Disney bosses, alleging they've cheated her out of millions of dollars. The author wrote the original 16-book Cheetah Girls series which has gone onto become a hugely popular music and TV teen phenomenon.

Gregory claims she's only been paid $125,000 by Disney over the last nine years and that her repeated requests for "net profit participation statements" have fallen on deaf ears.

In an interview conducted inside her rented New York apartment, Gregory tells the Los Angeles Times, "People think I must be living in a palace, when they think of the success of The Cheetah Girls. But look at this place. It's a dump. I never dreamed things would turn out the way they did. I really believed I would be able to share in everything that was created, that I was going to be a participant. Well, honey, that was a sham."

"I'm someone who grew up in foster care with nothing. I have no family to this day. And what The Cheetah Girls represents to me and others is a chance to get out of the ghetto. It's a chance to transcend your background through sheer talent."

Disney spokeswoman Patti McTeague says, "Disney Channel doesn't comment on the terms of its contracts."

Ratings:

4 for Sabrina Bryan. Clearly the winner in the battle of the dresses between the Cheetah Girls - Sabrina in her cute green beaded shift dress.

2 for Adrian Bailon. She probably chose these dress to highlight her curves and I can't blame her but it's actually the reason why I don't like it. It makes her 20 years older.

[Source]