It's a very dark day for Hollywood and for the world with the passing of the giant who was Paul Newman. I had the extreme pleasure of working with him and his beautiful wife Joanne back in the fall of 1990 on his annual fundraiser for the Scott Newman Center. The event was coproduced by George Schlatter and by Jack Haley Jr. for whom I was head of development. Paul and Joanne -- as they insisted on being called -- set up camp in our offices for close to a month. During that time, our kitchen was completely stocked with Newman's Own salsa, popcorn, lemonade, dressing, etc. And though I have many stories of his humor and his kindness, I'll tell you my favorite story here.

We'd done the work, the event was wonderful. We all stood saying our good-byes in the ballroom. Joanne had her shoes in her hand. Paul had on a t-shirt of a tuxedo shirt. They were ducking out the back to avoid the press. We hugged and thanked them both and as I hugged Paul, I blurted out, "I've been with you every day for weeks and this is it. I'm on Paul withdrawal!" We all laughed and went our own ways. 5 days later, I'm in the office when I hear the bell on the front door ring. I look up and Paul Newman is standing in the doorway looking straight at me. "I'm here to give you your last fix," he said and began walking slowly and deliberately toward me. I thought I might pass out. Everyone and everything else faded into the background. I had tunnel vision -- it was just Paul Newman and me in that room. He took my shoulders and kissed both my cheeks...I remember nothing after that. Jack teased me for weeks after, and I loved it because it reminded me that I had a moment with the most beautiful guy there was...inside and out. I treasure the experience.