PARTY TIME! 1,500 BOOGIE AT BLACK-TIE INAUGURAL GALA VILLARAIGOSA: `I'M READY'.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa brought some glitz and glamour back to Los Angeles politics during an inaugural gala at the Los Angeles Music Center Plaza on Thursday night.

Singer Natalie Cole entertained the black-tie crowd of 1,500 guests, all of whom paid at least $500 to dance to the sounds of Tito Puente Jr. with Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad.

Actor Jimmy Smits served as master of ceremonies at the event, which raised more than $2 million in contributions for the L.A.'s Best after- school program.

A tuxedo-clad Villaraigosa expressed humility in brief remarks.

``People have asked me what I feel tonight, what I've felt over the last few days.'' said Villaraigosa, who lost to outgoing Mayor James Hahn in 2001. ``I've said I'm honored, I'm humbled, I'm grateful, but I'm ready. I've been waiting for this a long time.''

L.A.'s Best officials said the event was by far the most successful fundraiser in its history.

The program operates at 130 schools, and officials hope to expand it to at least 10 more with the new money. Villaraigosa promised to do more for the organization.

``This is a great night to celebrate,'' he said. ``Nothing is more important in the city than a child. And nothing should get in the way of us doing what we can for children.''

L.A.'s Best president Carla Sanger said the most the organization had ever raised was $600,000.

``It's been an incredible experience,'' Sanger said.

The event was catered by Patina Restaurant and featured a shrimp salad, herb-encrusted beef and two desserts, including a chocolate medallion of the city seal.

Sanger did not release the names of those attending but said there were six who had contributed at least $100,000 and 40 others who had contributed $25,000.

Villaraigosa has touted the L.A.'s Best program and in the past week was instrumental not only in his event for the organization, but working with billionaire Eli Broad to issue a $3.6 million challenge grant to raise more money for its programs.

The event drew politicians and officials from across the city and state. Nearly all the City Council was in attendance as well as county and state officials.

Former Mayor Richard Riordan and former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg - both of whom had endorsed Villaraigosa's election - were on hand, as was state Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres, who served in the state Assembly representing the same area that Villaraigosa later served.

Councilwoman Wendy Greuel said the draw was the prospect of what the new mayor will do.

``Everyone is excited about what is happening in the city and wants to be here,'' Greuel said.

Riordan said he was hopeful about the future. ``I think Antonio is going to be a mayor for the entire city. I think he will be able to bring people together from all over the city.''

The event was the first in recent memory to reach out to various groups in the city to aid a program and is one Villaraigosa aides said they hope to repeat in the future.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

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(color) Los Angeles Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa and his wife, Corina, right, join singer Natalie Cole on stage during Thursday's inaugural gala at the Los Angeles Music Center Plaza.

Chris Pizzello/Reuters