Menopause! That's right, we said it. The "Women's Voices for Change" Inaugural Gala was an inspiring and entertaining celebration of the quintessential female "change of life." Over 400 women, and a few good men, attended the festivities, raising over $600,000. Stage-and-screen diva Bette Midler had the crowd roaring with laughter with a special performance that included a few musical numbers.

Gossip queen Liz Smith and former Gov. of Texas Ann Richards, co-hosts, took their stabs at stand-up, as well. "I've been in menopause for 70 years," quipped La Liz. "If men had to go through menopause, President Bush could give them the medal of freedom. Menopause spells freedom… free at last!" Richards quickly remarked, "The stain on the dress is a mere memory."

Women's Voices For Change provides education to women of menopausal age. Remarks were given by Event Chair and NYC gynecologist Dr. Patricia Yarberry Allen and Dr. Wulf Utian, gynecologist and founder of the organization's partner, the North American Menopause Society. Gail Sheehy, who illuminated the subject in her best-seller Passages, was honored with the Champion for Change Award.

In the menopausal mix: Gayfryd Steinberg, Carolyne Roehm, Cathy Graham, Barbara Tober, Marcia Mishaan, Kathryn Steinberg, Sarah Rosenthal, Elizabeth Peabody, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, Diana Taylor, Susan Kinsolving, Dominique Browning, Susan Blond, Michele Oka Doner, Diane Jacoby, and Adele Chatfield-Taylor.

It's official-the "M" word is finally out of the closet!