Monday, May 11, 2009
Love was definitely in the air this past Saturday evening at the 2009 Noche de Ninos Gala held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills benefiting the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Celebrities from Jennifer Lopez escorted by husband Marc Anthony to “Entertainment Tonight’s” Mary Hart stepped out, lent their voices, and showed love and support for the children and the tireless work that the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, a teaching hospital that never turns a child away, does in order to help and heal their young patients. Founded in 1901, the institution has had a long standing history of helping the sickest of children and is regarded as one of the exceptional leaders in field of pediatric research.
“Bratz: The Movie” star and USC Trojan as of next fall, Nathalia Ramos was delighted to help the hospital and “speak out and make my voice heard and tell the world what an incredible place this is and the things that they do. I will always be there.” Similarly, “High School Musical Star” Monique Coleman remembered when she was hospitalized at a young age and that “being a celebrity is nothing unless you use it for good.” Also, 7 year old piano prodigy Emily Bear was preparing to play her song, “Tomorrow’s Wishes” at the gala and spoke about her participation in recognition of the hospitalized children,”so they can get better and feel like me too.” Shoe designer Taryn Rose, clad in a Spanish inspired Oscar De La Renta dress, was present to revere the doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital as she trained as an orthopedic surgeon at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and said being at the event was like “a family reunion. I am here to honor them.”
Some stars took to heart the youngest victims of cancer and vowed that their own children would learn the lessons of philanthropy. A glowing Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon declared, I love this charity! They have made it a beautiful, uplifting place.” She also affirmed that she teaches her offspring, “Compassion for human beings and kindness.” Another set of parents who are showing their children how to help others are Annette Bening and Warren Beatty. Annette’s dedication was obvious, “Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is a gem. (Philanthropy) is something that (our children) are interested in and they are a part of.” On starring in another movie with her husband, Annette smiled and added, “I hope so.” Maybe a sequel to “Love Affair?”
However serious the subject matter, there was still room for a few laughs. Alex Meneses (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) a co-chair of the party and a trustee on the hospital’s board communicated her ultimate vision for the work they do was “To have no more pain for children.” Asked if “Everybody Loves Raymond” was turned into a movie, would she join the cast? Without hesitation, she shot back, “I’d be thrilled! Where do I sign?” In addition, Faran Tahir of “Star Trek” was reminded about the families dealing with a sick child and that “we can all be there in spirit and this is a small way to show them support.” Questioned about a funny instance that occurred on the “Star Trek” set, he divulged to me, “The uniform was so tight they literally sewed it on me. I wouldn’t eat out of vanity because everything showed! I have a new appreciation for women.” Noah Wylie, star of “ER,” had just returned from a month’s long vacation in Italy where he consumed so much pasta and wine that he jokingly remarked he was “wearing a girdle.” But he maintained that Childrens Hospital Los Angeles was a “cultural landmark” and that his mother who was was a nurse “would have broken my arm if I hadn’t turned up tonight.”
Jewel descended upon the Red Carpet ready for her performance that night and to chat about her collection of lullabies. She penned them when she was 18 years old and homeless and expressed these songs “calmed her down” during those trying times. She also referred to her husband, rodeo champ Ty Murray, and his achievements on “Dancing with the Stars”, as “Pretty amazing. The cowboy that could. It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.” But don’t think that Ty and Jewel practice the dances at home. After the grueling “7 AM to 9 PM practices, Ty wants to go to bed” for some well deserved rest. Jewel is about to launch a West Coast tour promoting her album, “Lullaby” with the tour kicking off July 17th in Mesa, Arizona and ending July 31st in Portland, Oregon.
“Courage to Care” Honoree, Jamie Lee Curtis donned a pink bobbed wig in memory of her friend, Katie Westbrook, who unfortunately succumbed to cancer at the young age of 14. Jamie Lee honored her late friend by echoing Katie’s own words,”Look at me. Don’t turn away. Help me. Come join me in the fight.” Jamie Lee continued, “I am going to join you Katie. I am going to take you everywhere I go.” Mrs. Curtis was elated to have Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, her dear friend and co-star in “True Lies,” present her with the “Courage to Care” award, verbalizing that it was one of “the greatest honors of my life.”
Concluding the evening, actor Christopher MacDonald of the soon to be released “The Best and the Brightest,” summed it up perfectly when he proclaimed his reasons for attending the gala as, “Love of children. Love of life. Love of this brilliant hospital.”
