PEACH BUZZ: Recession? Not at events to help kids

Despite the economy, Frank Ski well exceeded his goal of raising $100,000 for his kids foundation Sunday at his Atlanta home with his fifth annual wine auction.

Attendees included the likes of rapper Young Jeezy, music producer Jazze Pha, NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving and actor Emmanuel Lewis (“Webster”). (Yes, Erving and Lewis were an amusing combo.)

“I think the kids sold it well, better than I could,” Ski told Buzz on Monday. Several students gave testimonials on the trips, scholarships and events Ski and his wife, Tonya, organized this year through the foundation.

Ski said things were so crazy at the party, he didn’t even get a chance to say hey to Dr. J., who was a surprise attendee. Erving told Buzz he moved to Atlanta in August and now owns a golf course. He came to the party with a friend and admitted he has yet to hear Ski’s show, but hopes to soon.

Two of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” popped by the party, too: DeShawn Snow (promoting a dinner she’s holding for underprivileged kids Wednesday) and Sheree Whitfield. Their Bravo network reality show was renewed for a second season Monday. Whitfield said that despite much negative press about the show, she has no qualms about doing another season because it’s an invaluable promotional tool for her upcoming clothing line.

Ski’s DJ colleague Bert Weiss told Buzz that he was heartened that his Q100 morning show was able to help raise $101,000 last week to defray travel costs for South Cobb High School’s marching band, which is set to perform at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration next month.

Others in the crowd: Dave FM jock Mara Davis, “Project Runway” designer Mychael Knight and “Good Day Atlanta” hosts Mark Hayes and Suchita Vadlamani.

‘Stache plus bash equals cash

The Atlanta chapter of Mustaches for Kids pulled out all the stops at the Stache Bash on Friday to boost its fund-raising efforts.

The charitable group of guys went into Manuel’s Tavern with thick mustaches —- but only $900 in hand. But after a party that featured a wet mustache contest (determining which ‘stache could retain the most beer foam), a mustache beauty pageant (with men in swim trunks and other provocative attire) and even a ‘stache tug of war (involving binders and dental floss), by Monday the group had raised $10,937 for the Atlanta-based Cure Childhood Cancer, according to spokesman Ryan Carrabine.

“It was awesome,” said Tim Whelan, one of the organizers of the event and first runner-up to the man Stache Bash judges declared “king stache,” Robert Watkins. “Everyone brought their ‘A game’ and found their ‘stache persona.”

Ne-Yo helps Save the Music

Students should have known it wasn’t going to be Monday as usual at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School when a convertible blue Bentley sedan pulled up in front of the auditorium. Followed by a high-end Mercedes-Benz with tinted windows. Followed by another bright blue SUV.

That’s how Atlanta R&B star Ne-Yo arrived to present director Arthur McClenton and his band students a $30,000 check for instruments, courtesy of VH1’s Save The Music Foundation and an anonymous donor.

“Music is not what I do, it’s who I am,” said Ne-Yo, a VH1 Save The Music ambassador and Atlanta’s leading Grammy nominee (with six) this year. “If you cut off my arm right now a song would probably fall out … and I know it may be cliche, but these kids are our future. And we are going to have some very smart, but very boring, very bland kids if we don’t keep programs like these in the schools.”

For the most part, the kids being helped were almost motionless and incredibly quiet. “I think they’re in shock, Ne-Yo,” principal Margul Retha Woolfolk told the music star.

In short

Beloved WSB-AM newsman Mike Kavanagh’s funeral drew hundreds of friends and family members to Saint Brigid’s Catholic Church last week after his sudden passing Dec. 6. Friends want to help keep his legacy alive by launching the Mike Kavanagh Foundation to help three charities: Friends of Disabled Adults and Children; Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless; and Clark Howard’s Christmas Kids. For info: www.mikekavanaghfoundation.com … BET will honor Atlanta entertainment impresario Tyler Perry at its second annual BET Honors celebration in Washington on Jan. 17. The event is set to air on Jan. 20.

HIGH FIVE

Star 94 hits

Tunes most played the week of Dec. 8:

1. “Addicted,” Saving Abel

2. “Hot N Cold,” Katy Perry

3. “I’m Yours,” Jason Mraz

4. “Gotta Be Somebody,” Nickelback

5. “What About Now,” Daughtry

—- Mediabase 24/7

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Journalist Lesley Stahl (“60 Minutes”) is 67. Writer-producer Steven Bochco is 65. Actor Benjamin Bratt (“Law and Order”) is 45. Actress Anna Popplewell (“The Chronicles of Narnia” films) is 20.

Contributing: Helena Oliviero, Sonia Murray and news services

Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or buzz@ajc.com