November 14, 2024 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Baby2Baby Gala Raises Record $17 Million to Support Families in Need

Event Honors Charlize Theron at the Pacific Design Center

The Baby2Baby nonprofit organization held its annual gala on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, raising a record $17 million to support its mission of providing basic necessities to children in poverty. Sponsored by Paul Mitchell, the event drew over 800 guests, including celebrities, executives, and philanthropists, and featured a live performance by Nelly.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Giving Tree Award” to actress and activist Charlize Theron. Known for her dedication to women’s and children’s advocacy, Theron accepted the honor with an impassioned speech, praising Baby2Baby’s work and its mission to bring hope and dignity to vulnerable families. “We all need a little bit of hope,” Theron said. “At the core of what Baby2Baby does is equity, dignity, and compassion.”

Brentwood resident Jennifer Garner, a longtime supporter of Baby2Baby, opened the evening by celebrating the nonprofit’s work and her connection to its mission. “Baby2Baby’s work of providing essentials to children in need hits close to home for me,” she said, reflecting on her own upbringing and years of advocacy.

Baby2Baby also highlighted its accomplishments through a video message from actors Michelle Monaghan and Patrick Schwarzenegger. Later, celebrity supporters Ciara, Ayesha Curry, and Katy Perry addressed the audience, sharing personal stories about the organization’s impact. Perry celebrated Baby2Baby’s work in supplying over 200 million diapers, including their low-cost brand, while Ciara spoke out about the maternal health crisis facing Black mothers in the U.S. Curry noted Baby2Baby’s reputation as a leader in charitable innovation, with accolades from Fast Company and TIME.

Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof emphasized the organization’s commitment to reaching children nationwide and providing essentials ranging from school supplies to emergency relief for natural disaster victims. “In the past 13 years, Baby2Baby has delivered 470 million items to families across the U.S.,” said Sawyer Patricof, addressing the organization’s expanding reach into communities affected by hurricanes and other crises.

The fundraising segment of the evening, hosted by Modern Family stars Julie Bowen and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, brought in donations from attendees, ultimately raising $17 million. The night concluded with Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton introducing Nelly, who performed his hits, including “Hot in Herre.” The surprise appearance of singer Kelly Rowland to join Nelly for their duet, “Dilemma,” energized the audience and set a celebratory tone for the after-party.

Additional celebrity attendees included Jessica Alba, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Heidi Klum, and Mayor Karen Bass.

Related Posts

(Video) What Parents Love about Vistamar’s Open House v1

November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

Why attend a Vistamar admissions open house? Parents talk about all that you can experience when you visit. At Open...

Rodeo Drive Lights Up for the Holidays with “Rodeo Nights, Holiday Lights” Celebration

November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

Beverly Hills Kicks off the Holiday Season This Week With Free Annual Event The Rodeo Drive Committee and the City...

Family Searches for Missing Actress Chanel Maya Banks; Asks For Public’s Help in West LA

November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

Relatives Search for Chanel Maya Banks, Last Heard From on October 30 The family of an actress based on the...

Court Halts Order for Expedited Veteran Housing in West LA, Citing VA’s Budget Constraints

November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Criticizes the VA on Veterans Day The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily paused an...

Metro’s New Bus Lane Camera Enforcement Aims to Speed Up Commutes for LA Riders

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Pilot Program Begins With 60-Day Warning Period to Clear Bus Lanes The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in...

Legendary Actor Tony Todd, Known for Iconic Horror Roles, Dies at the Age of 69

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Star of Candyman and Final Destination Remembered by Fans and Peers Iconic actor and Marina del Rey resident Tony Todd...

LAUSD Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault on a Minor, Police Believe There May Be Other Victims

November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on November 8 that a middle school teacher, Colleen Jo Matarico, is...

Beverly Hills High Limits Student Gatherings After Pro-Trump Rally Disrupts Campus

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Principal Cites Safety Concerns Following Post-Election Demonstration Beverly Hills High School has put limits on student gatherings after a pro-Trump...

Racist Text Messages Target Students in Santa Monica, West LA, Raising Alarm Among Schools, Families

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Outrage Spreads as Disturbing, Racially Charged Messages Reach Students and Others By Dolores Quintana Schools on the Westside of Los...

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Elon Musk and Grimes House Hunt in Bel-Air for Property Amid Reports of “Family Compound”

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Billionaire and His Former Partner Are Reportedly Searching for a Los Angeles Mansion Billionaire Elon Musk and his former partner,...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Starbucks Kicks Off the Holidays with Festive Cups, New Drinks, and a Special Surprise

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Returning Classics, Cran-Merry Refreshers, and Expanded Pastry Selections on Thursday Starbucks is ringing in the holiday season with the return...

Lei’d Cookies in Culver City Offers Sweet In-Store Discount For a Challenging Week

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Handcrafted Flavors, Community Spirit: Enjoy Lei’d Cookies’ Limited-Time Offer Lei’d Cookies, a popular dessert spot in Culver City’s Hayden Tract...