Host Jennifer Love Hewitt poses on the carpet with fiancé Ross McCall

There is something inherently grand and carefree about an Oscars party. What is better than that one night a year, when friends and family gather in the living room to watch their favorite and most detested film figures dress up, dress ridiculously, and vie head-to-head for the year’s most coveted award?

But while the night entails excitement and glamour, Jennifer Love Hewitt has also given a serious context to this spectacle of entertainment for the past four years, putting on her special Oscars Viewing Party, “The Envelope Please,” at The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood. The charitable proceeds go to Aids Project Los Angeles, better known as APLA, an organization dedicated to prevention, assistance, and awareness.

What prompted her activism? She explains that 18 years ago, her close friend and mentor died tragically of the syndrome, upon which she promised his family that she’d do whatever she could to support the cause. Four years ago, APLA invited her to start the event, which she saw as a perfect way to feel close with him again while also putting on a great party on a special night each year.

On the red carpet before the show began, we got to talk not only with Hewitt herself, but also her charming fiancé Ross McCall. Naturally, I had to ask them about the recent Valentines Day, and about their domestic culinary dynamic. Said Ross, “She’s an amazing cook, and to be honest, she probably doesn’t want me near the kitchen. I do offer, but she’s like, ‘Scotsman, get out of here!’”

McCall is an accomplished actor himself, best known for his role as Joseph Liebgott on HBO's series "Band of Brothers."

The couple cited Pace, an upscale Italian restaurant tucked away on Laurel Canyon above Sunset, as one of their favorite spots to enjoy a romantic meal.

Kate Linder of "The Young and the Restless" was on hand, and shared her excitement about soon being honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. She emphasized our need to remember that despite the advancements in scientific research and treatment, AIDS is still a huge problem that is not solving itself, and the quest to find a vaccine is paramount.

We talked with the dynamic Tom Lenk, who was officially my all-time first red carpet interviewee to treat the voice recorder like a rock musician's microphone, getting right up close and speaking emphatically about "doing it all for America!" It was hilariously endearing.

Also attending was Justin Timberlake look-alike Jason Dottley, who even introduced himself as J.T. for kicks, and husband Del Shores. He stars in the new televion series, "Sordid Lives: The Series," which is based on the 2000 play and film of the same title, starring Olivia Newton-John. The play was written and directed by Shores, who is also directing the TV show set to air on LOGO. Another attendee of note was the popular actress and personality Ricki Lake, who was all smiles while showing her support.

The Abbey Food & Bar has hosted the event each year.

Most importantly, the proceeds over the last four years have gone entirely to APLA, which operates locally, nationally, and globally to spread AIDS awareness and protection. The foundation was started in 1982 by four friends, and is driven largely by the hard work of volunteers and those dedicated to the cause. In recent years, the organization has been expanding globally to regions such as Central America, providing bilingual education and services to those in need. With the the charitable contributions and activism of those such as Hewitt's partygoers, APLA is moving closer towards the best prevention and treatment.

The Abbey, which is located on the corner of Robertson and Santa Monica Blvd., is one of LA's hottest bars and one of the premier spots to eat and socialize in the predominantly-gay West Hollywood. The site features a becoming stone exterior, indoor and outdoor seating, private cabanas, and a new 4,000 square foot expansion including a new bar and lounge, known as the "Effen Smooth Bar." The Abbey is the vision and creation of entrepeneur David Cooley, who founded it as a coffee shop 15 years ago and has seen it continually blossom ever since. In 2005 and 2006, The Abbey was deemed Best Bar of Los Angeles and Best Gay Bar by both Zagat Guide and AOL CityGuide. The site has hosted "The Envelope Please" since its inception, and offers guests a cocktail reception and full catered dinner, all to the backdrop of Hollywood's biggest night showing on numerous big screens.