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.
