A Night of Giving: Salma Hayek Honored at Star-Studded Baby2Baby Gala
On a breezy Saturday evening in Los Angeles, the who’s who of Hollywood glided down the red carpet in their most dazzling gowns and sharp suits for a meaningful cause. The annual Baby2Baby gala drew A-listers and influencers alike to raise funds for children living in poverty across the country. Leading the pack of famous attendees was Salma Hayek, who shined bright in a figure-hugging Gucci dress and Jimmy Choo heels.
Ever the philanthropist, Hayek was on hand to accept the Giving Tree Award for her extensive charity work aiding underprivileged children in her native Mexico through the Salma Hayek Pinault Foundation. Presenting her with the honor was none other than heartthrob Channing Tatum, who looked casually cool in a velvet suit.
“All children are our children,” Hayek movingly stated in her acceptance speech. “We have a responsibility. They hold in their hands our future. They are our hope.” She went on to emphasize the importance of providing basic necessities with compassion to children in need. “Dignity is an essential; diapers are dignity, make no mistake. Love is an essential. For all these children and all the mothers and all their families, how can we say ‘Let’s love, not hate,’ but how do you teach compassion and empathy to people who have never felt compassion and empathy from anyone?”
Hayek was clearly emotional as she accepted the award, but joy and laughter soon took over the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel ballroom as guests dined and danced late into the night. Kim Kardashian caused a stir in a skintight blue Balenciaga gown fresh off the runway. Heidi Klum and Olivia Wilde bonded over motherhood and mused about balancing careers with raising babies. Matthew McConaughey charmed fellow Texan Selma Hayek on the dance floor as John Legend crooned in the background. It was a night of giving back sprinkled with plenty of star power and glamour.
In the end, Baby2Baby raised over $10 million to provide basic essentials for children living in poverty across the country. While the celebs brought the attention, it is thanks to the generosity of donors that the organization can continue its meaningful work. Hayek summed it up best in her moving speech: “So, in everything you donate and everything that Baby2Baby brings to every single home or street, there is an intention. It’s not just money. It is love. It is compassion. It is caring. We are all interconnected.” It was certainly a night where Hollywood’s brightest stars channeled their resources and influence to make a difference for children in need.
