(L to R) Carol Connors, Tippi Hedren, Yvonne & Deanna Lund.

Songwriter Carol Connors with her beaufiful Abyssinian "M" in matching outfits by designer Carol Wior.

Carol Connors and Beverly Hills veterinarian Dr. John Winters.

(L to R) Yvonne Kang, songwriter Carol Connors, actress Tippi Hedren, Deanna Lund, Yujan Kang, and one of Tippi's feline friends.

Shambala Wildlife Preserve and Yujean Kang's Restaurant host Chinese New Year Celebration

Celebrities and friends joined actress and wild life conservationist Tippi Hedren, restaurateurs Yvonne and Yujean Kang, co-host songwriter Carol Connors, and actress Deanna Lund for a special Chinese New Year dinner celebration at Yujean Kang's restaurant on Melrose in West Hollywood, California.

Some of the celebrity guests in attendance included: Michelle Lee, Connie Stevens, Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis, Alan Thicke, Esther Williams, Diane Ladd, Florence LaRue, Laura Dern, Ben Murphy, Rhonda Shear, Paul Mitchell, "Four Seasons" Beverly Cohen and "The Improve" Bud Freidman.

Entertainment was provided by the "Lion Dancers" from the Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association as well as Carol Connors and her cat "M" who performed their animal impersonations for the audience. They do a rabbit (Hugh Heffner), an ass ("Because I know so many," said Carol), and Yoda from Star Wars. Ron Mazak auctioned items for the fundraiser. "There was so much love in the room it was incredible. People would come up to me and whisper last-minute donations into my ear." Connie Stevens auctioned a week in her house in Puerto Vallarta which went for $3,100 and Diane Ladd auctioned a week at her Sedona home which raised $1,100," said Carol. Over $15,000 dollars was raised for the Shambala Preserve (The Roar Foundation).

The Roar Foundation, non-profit organization founded by Hedren in 1983, is home to over 70 exotic cats and others on 60 acres of jungle-like setting 40 miles north of Los Angeles. These various endangered species are provided a "Shangri-La" of safety and well being. The foundation is dedicated to increasing the public's knowledge of these wild beings through educational programs, adoption programs and perpetuating the principles of sound ecology.

The lion takes a head of lettuce and crumbles it up with his mouth into several small pieces. Everyone got a piece of the special lettuce, which signifies prosperity. Yujean Kang's continued the Chinese New Year celebration through February 1st with a showcase of their unique specialties.

-Kareem Tabsch is a freelance writer who specializes in celebrity interviews. He has interviewed celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Julio Iglesias, Barbara Mandrell and others. He writes frequently on animal related issues as well as on the entertainment industry.