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Charlize Theron traded her post-election “depressed sweats” for a stunning Schiaparelli gown to collect the Giving Tree Award at Baby2Baby’s annual gala on Saturday night, which raised a record-breaking $17.1 million to provide basic necessities to children living in poverty.
“I’m not sure about all of you, but I think we all needed a night like tonight. A night that feels like hope,” Theron told the well-heeled crowd of more than 800 Hollywood talent and executives, business leaders and philanthropists supporting the national non-profit’s mission. Over the last 13 years, Baby2Baby has distributed more than 470 million critical items — including diapers, formula and clothing — to families in need across the country.
Theron was recognized for her work with the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which celebrates its 17th anniversary this year. “We started CTAOP because we saw that the youth in my home country, in South Africa, falling through the cracks,” Theron explained. “HIV rates were going through the roof, as well as gender-based violence rates. And even now, today, South Africa has a femicide rate five times the global average. It’s devastating. So, we knew we had to get involved.”
While those issues might seem far from the world of Hollywood, they’re actually of universal concern. “What we’re talking about is equity, dignity and passion,” Theron said of CTAOP and Baby2Baby’s parallel aims. “It’s glaringly obvious how important it is right now — as we here in the United States are seeing the rights of women being stripped away from us in real time — it is important for us to remember that the rights of girls and young women out there need to be supported.”
Grammy-winning singer and Baby2Baby Angel ambassador Ciara shared similar sentiment on the green carpet as she — like many of the Baby2Baby attendees who are among Hollywood’s most philanthropic and politically-inclined — had spent the past few months ahead of the 2024 election on the campaign trail.
“The last four days have been surreal,” Ciara told Variety. “Days of wonder, days of concern, days of fear, days also of hope. Days of reminding myself to walk by faith and to be positive in the midst of all of this that’s happening.” But that’s why she’s channels her energy into organizations like Baby2Baby — it’s all in pursuit of putting goodness into the world. “You get out and do whatever you can in the biggest way possible. All of us can make a difference, especially when we do it together.”
Ciara was far from the only bold-faced name on the program for the gala, held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The evening kicked off with an exclusive video from the set of the new season of “The White Lotus,” featuring Baby2Baby Angel Michelle Monaghan and Patrick Schwarzenegger, followed by a welcome from Jennifer Garner. Then, Ciara, Ayesha Curry and Katy Perry took the stage to highlight Baby2Baby’s incredible year-round work. Baby2Baby board member Julie Bowen and her “Modern Family” co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson led the fundraising portion of the evening, which saw the likes of Miranda Kerr, Paris Hilton, Sofia Richie Grainge, Rick Caruso, Tyler Perry, Jay Shetty and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend opening their wallets. To close out the celebration, Nelly performed a medley of his biggest hits, including“Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre,” and recruited Baby2Baby board member Kelly Rowland to join him on stage for their 2002 hit single “Dilemma.”
On the green carpet, Nelly and Ashanti reflected on why it was important to participate in the event — especially as new parents. (The couple welcomed their first child together, baby boy Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July.) “It’s so hard. I couldn’t imagine not having the support like I have. I’m able to help and it’s a blessing,” Ashanti told Variety, as Nelly chimed in. “As fathers, you put so much pride in protecting and wanting to make sure everybody’s safe, so anytime you get a chance to come out for something such as this great event, it works.”
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron walks the green carpet before accepting Baby2Baby’s “Giving Tree Award,” which salutes a woman who utilizes her position in the public eye to advocate on behalf of children in need.
Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Charlize Theron and Norah Weinstein
“Giving Tree Award” honoree Charlize Theron (center) poses with Baby2Baby co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein.
Jennifer Garner and Ciara
Baby2Baby Angel ambassadors Jennifer Garner and Ciara smile for photographers.
Kelly Rowland and Nelly
Kelly Rowland and Nelly surprise attendees by performing their 2002 hit single “Dilemma” during the gala.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend enjoy date night at the Baby2Baby gala.
Katy Perry and Miranda Kerr
Katy Perry and Miranda Kerr pose inside the Baby2Baby gala.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton strikes a pose on the green carpet at the Baby2Baby gala.
Jessica Alba and Vanessa Bryant
Jessica Alba and Vanessa Bryant don glittering gowns with matching smiles inside the gala.
Ashanti and Nelly
Ashanti and Nelly couple up on the green carpet at the Baby2Baby Gala.
Katy Perry, Miranda Kerr, Mindy Kaling, Ayesha Curry, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Norah Weinstein, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Ashley Graham, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner
Baby2Baby co-CEO’s Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein (center) pose with an assembly of the organization’s board members and Angel ambassadors, inclduing Katy Perry, Miranda Kerr, Mindy Kaling, Ayesha Curry, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Ashley Graham, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner.
Camila Alves McConaughey
Camila Alves McConaughey gives a wave on the green carpet.
Joel Madden, Nicole Richie, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Sofia Richie Grainge and Rachel Zoe
Baby2Baby co-CEO Kelly Sawyer Patricof poses with Joel Madden, Nicole Richie, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Rachel Zoe inside the gala.
Michelle Monaghan
Michelle Monaghan poses on the green carpet.
Steve Kazee and Jenna Dewan
Steve Kazee and Jenna Dewan couple up inside the gala.
Julie Bowen and Sarah Hyland
Julie Bowen and Sarah Hyland smile for photographers inside the gala.
Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams
Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams share a kiss on the green carpet.
Anna Kendrick, Monique Lhuillier and Mindy Kaling
Anna Kendrick and Mindy Kaling pose with designer Monique Lhuillier inside the gala.
Shazi Visram and Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank (right, with Shazi Visram) waves to phogoraphers on the green carpet.
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland dances (with Casamigos espresso martini in hand) at the after party for the gala.
Anne Brodzinsky and Zach Braff
Zach Braff escorts his mother Anne Brodzinsky down the green carpet.
Naomi Osaka
Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka attends the gala.
Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu strikes a pose on the green carpet.
Jordana Brewster
Jordana Brewster poses for photographers before the gala.
Andra Day, Emma Grede, Yvonne Orji, Whitney Alford and Kelly Rowland
Andra Day, Emma Grede, Yvonne Orji, Whitney Alford and Kelly Rowland team up inside the gala.
Heidi Klum and Monique Lhuillier
Heidi Klum poses with Monique Lhuillier inside the gala.
Yvonne Orji
Yvonne Orji smiles for photographers on the green carpet.
Molly Sims and Scott Stuber
Molly Sims and Scott Stuber couple up on the green carpet.
Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix poses on the green carpet at the 2024 Baby2Baby Gala.
Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Derek Blasberg and Katy Perry
Derek Blasberg and Katy Perry pal around with Baby2Baby’s Kelly Sawyer Patricof.
Karen Bass
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass attends the gala for the L.A.-based nonprofit.
Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson enjoy date night inside the gala.
Summer Walker
Summer Walker strikes a pose oin the green carpet.
Kyle MacLachlan and Desiree Gruber
Kyle MacLachlan and Desiree Gruber smile for photographers on the green carpet.
Erin Foster
Erin Foster poses for photographers on the carpet.
Alexis DeJoria, John Paul DeJoria and Eloise DeJoria
Paul Mitchell co-founder John Paul DeJoria (center) poses with Alexis DeJoria and Eloise DeJoria on the green carpet.
Michaeline DeJoria
John Paul Mitchell Systems CEO Michaeline DeJoria attends the Baby2Baby gala.
Desi Perkins, Chrissy Teigen, Jen Atkin and John Legend
Desi Perkins, Chrissy Teigen, Jen Atkin and John Legend pose for a selfie to commemorate the event.
Nelly and Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron greets Nelly inside the gala.
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty and Jay Shetty
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty and Jay Shetty pose on the green carpet.
Chriselle Lim
Chriselle Lim sparkles on the green carpet.
Geoffrey Ogunlesi and Jennifer Meyer
Jennifer Meyer poses with fiance Geoffrey Ogunlesi on the green carpet.
Joanna Teplin, Abigail Spencer and Clea Shearer
Abigail Spencer (center) smiels alongside the Home Edit’s Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer.
Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes strikes a supermodel pose on the green carpet.
Jamie Kern Lima
Jamie Kern Lima walks the green carpet at the Baby2Baby gala.
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner delivers a warm welcome to the crowd during the gala.
Ayesha Curry, Katy Perry and Ciara
Ayesha Curry, Katy Perry and Ciara present during the gala, highlighting Baby2Baby’s year-round efforts.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen
Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen co-host the live audtion at the gala.
Johnny Knoxville and Charlize Theron
Johnny Knoxville presents Charlize Theron with Baby2Baby’s Giving Tree Award.
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie take the stage to introduce a performance by Nelly.
Nelly
Nelly performs onstage with Baby2Baby board members and Angel ambassadors.
D-Nice
D-Nice deejays the after party.
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