July 12, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

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

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

For the Win Burger Chain Expanding to Brentwood: REPORT

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Popular items include the double cheeseburger with bacon and jalapenos, as well as loaded fries topped with For The Win...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Jack Kirby Exhibit Opens at Skirball Cultural Center

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The display features original comic illustrations, fine art, and commercial works, many shown publicly for the first time A new...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...