Stomping Disease With a ‘50s Stomp : Lupus Foundation Gets a Boost From the Righteous Brothers and Planet Hollywood

Planet Hollywood took 2,000 people on a sentimental journey Sunday when it staged Let the Good Times Roll, a 1950s-themed dinner, classic car show and concert starring the Righteous Brothers.

The benefit, which was expected to net more than $100,000 for the Lupus Foundation of America, gave many who suffer from lupus a chance to forget their illness and revel in ‘50s memories. Guests were able to attend the car show for $3, the concert for $20 or a dinner and concert at the Santa Ana restaurant for $100.

Righteous Cause

The daylong event was the brainchild of Planet Hollywood owner Frank Di Bella and Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers, whose wife, Linda, was diagnosed with lupus 15 years ago.

Lupus is any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions and can cause inflammation of the skin, joints and kidneys. At times, lupus sufferers are so exhausted they can hardly move.

“It can be pretty debilitating, but right now I’m feeling really well,” Linda Hatfield said. “There are days I can’t get out of bed.”

A short time ago, said Bobby Hatfield, his wife was exhausted. “She’s feeling better and looking better than she has in a long time,” he said while having dinner in Planet Hollywood’s futuristic Stratosphere Room.

The Righteous Brothers regularly participate in fund-raisers on behalf of the Lupus Foundation. It was at Bobby Hatfield’s benefit golf tournament last year that Di Bella suggested a fund-raiser at Planet Hollywood.

“I’m happy to do something

I love to do for lupus,”

said Hatfield, who lives

in Newport Beach.

‘50s Fun

Car buffs spent the day ogling vintage autos parked in front of the restaurant.

At the dinner, 8-year-old Ben Muller of Yorba Linda, a lupus patient, worked up a sweat swinging to ‘50s music with Audrey’s Lindy Hoppers dance troupe.

Muller was accompanied by his mother, Margaret, who also has lupus, his father, Russ, his 10-year-old brother Matthew and his doctor, Robin Dore, a foundation board member. One reason lupus is a misunderstood disease, Russ Muller said, is that patients can look healthy but feel overwhelmed by fatigue.

The Mullers were among 400 people who enjoyed a dinner of grilled chicken, baked potato, salad and raspberry cheesecake inside the movie-themed restaurant, which was decked out in pink, black and white balloons for the occasion.

Later, they joined a crowd of about 2,000 on bleachers in front of the restaurant for a concert starring the Kingsmen, who celebrated the 30-year anniversary of their hit “Louie, Louie.” Also playing were the Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie, and the Righteous Brothers.

Hatfield and Bill Medley sang their classic hits, including “Unchained Melody,” “Soul and Inspiration” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”

“They’d throw rocks if we didn’t do them,” Hatfield joked.

Among the faces in the crowd: Kerryn Coffman, executive director of the Lupus Foundation’s Southern California Chapter in Irvine; Paula Medley, wife of Bill Medley; Carlos Pimentel; Mike Nicole; John Giordani; and Dave Snowden.