I met some fascinating people in 2015. Some were actors, others were chefs. One is an ambassador for the Special Olympics and another is one of the Housewives of New York City. All had a story to share with me that was poignant and uplifting. Read how each of these 10 VIPs help the world be a better place.

1.Elizabeth and William Shatner are always a joy to see, because they are so passionate about helping children and veterans with equine therapy. I interview this dynamic duo every year at the check presentation of their Hollywood Charity Horse Show fundraiser. Last year they helped raise $500,000 to fund wonderful organizations around California. Here are 10 new things I learned about this couple – https://dineandtravel.me/2015/12/19/10-fun-facts-about-william-shatner/

2. Wolfgang Puck – Every year I am invited to the preview of the Academy Awards Governors Ball. I always visit with Wolfgang Puck to learn about his inspiration for the biggest party in showbiz. Here is my review from last February – http://hubpages.com/entertainment/The-87th-Academy-Academy-Awards-Governors-Ball

3. Songstress Dessy DiLauro  – This dynamic lady wow’d me one night as I watched her perform at Spaghettini and The Dave Koz Lounge in Beverly Hills. Man can this lady put on a show. Read my review – http://beverlypress.com/2015/03/spaghettini-and-the-dave-koz-lounge/

4. Betty White is incredible. Not only is she still appearing on television at the age of 93 years old, but she is poised, eloquent and charms her audience. I met her at the LA Zoo over the summer, as she enthusiastically kicked-off the preview to the annual Beastly Ball fundraiser – https://dineandtravel.me/category/la-zoo/

5. Nancy Silverton – As an award winning James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding chef, restauranteur, baker and author, Silverton enlightened me at her Chi Spacca restaurant on Melrose during a Pistachio Growers luncheon. I learned 10 new things about this dynamic woman – http://luxebeatmag.com/ten-fun-facts-chef-nancy-silverton/

6. Dustin Plunkett is a fascinating ambassador for the Special Olympics. I met him at a Honey Bee themed dinner at the Terranea Resort that we both attended. He shared with me some interesting stories about his life and achievements. This kind soul made a big impression on me – https://dineandtravel.me/tag/dustin-plunkett/

7. Rob Schneider – Little did I know, that this actor, comedian, SNL superstar, screenwriter and director is also a “rock star” in Taiwan. Read how I met and interviewed this affable man – https://dineandtravel.me/2015/10/01/delicious-taiwanese-lunch-with-comedian-rob-schneider/

8. Kristen Taekman is one of The Real Housewives of New York City. Not only is she a reality star, but also a wife, mother, professional model, philanthropist and blogger. She is also a really nice person – http://luxebeatmag.com/10-fun-facts-kristen-taekman/

9. Rio Mangini is a friendly young man who exudes charm and talent. When he walks into a room, the place lights up with excitement. I met him on the Paramount Lot to see one of his latest television premiers – Nickelodeon’s Ho Ho Holiday show. Here is what I learned about Rio and his Nickelodeon castmates – https://dineandtravel.me/2015/12/04/nickelodeon-stars-having-fun-during-the-ho-ho-holidays/

10. Ellen Geer sat down with me before her cast performed in the Shakespeare classic – As You Like It at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in the Topanga Canyon. Here is what I learned about this talented actress, director, and owner of one of the coolest outdoor small theaters in So Cal – https://dineandtravel.me/2015/08/03/i-liked-as-you-like-it/