The Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Air Center on June 2 was the site for The Fourth Annual First Star Celebration for Children’s Rights. This fun filled family event included carnival games, activities, dinner and an awards presentation to three very deserving honorees.
As a national 501 ( c ) (3) public charity dedicated to improving the lives of America’s abused and neglected children, First Star’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system through communication, professional education and legislation. Their non-partisan approach fosters collaborative action among organizations, advocates, practitioners and policy-makers working to benefit children. This year’s First Star Celebration for Children’s Rights paid tribute to three very distinguished honorees. Rick Sands, COO of MGM Studios, was given the Visionary Award, actress, mother and philanthropist, Debi Mazar received the Image Award and Butch Harmon, creator of Nickelodeon’s "Fairly Odd Parents" and "Danny Phantom", was presented with the Humanitarian Award.
Before the awards were handed out, guests were treated to a seated dinner prepared by top celebrity chefs, Jerome Brown and Ora E. who have individually and collectively catered events such as Walt Disney World’s grand opening of the Animal Kingdom, Shaquille O’Neal’s "Welcome to Miami" annual event and the release party for Grammy nominated artist Byron Cage.
Emceed by Star Jones, the First Star event was also attended by Youth Ambassador Malcolm David Kelley (Lost), Dakota Fanning, Valerie Bertinelli, Ming-Na, Judge Reinhold, Milly and Becky Rosso (The Suite Life of Zach and Cody) and Mathew Underwood (Zoey 101) among others.
Aside from the many celebrities that made appearances, the stand out moment of the evening was a $100,000 check donated to First Star by SiTV and the Latino Laugh Festival.
www.firststar.org
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