A Stellar Night 2009

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 31, 2009 -- Starlight Children's Foundation presented Teri Hatcher with its 2009 "Heart of Gold Award" at the organization's annual A Stellar Night gala, presented by The California Pizza Kitchen Foundation, on Friday, March 27, 2009 at
The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Starlight's "Jacki Carlish Humanitarian of the Year Award" was bestowed upon Nintendo of America and its President and COO, Reggie Fils-Aime for his and his company’s unwavering and longstanding support of Starlight. Starlight spokesperson Jamie Lee Curtis presented the awards, and Corbin Bleu and Chef Jeff Henderson made special appearances.  Click here to download the complete A Stellar Night 2009 post event release.

Images

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	A number of the evening’s participants pose for a picture after arriving at The Beverly Hilton. From left: Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America and Starlight’s Jacki Carlish Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient; Jamie Lee Curtis, Starlight’s Fairy Godmother; Don James of Nintendo of America; Corbin Bleu, Starlight’s new national spokesperson; Teri Hatcher, Starlight’s Heart of Gold recipient; and jazz great, Starlight Global Ambassador and show host, Dave Koz.
	Teri Hatcher, Jamie Lee Curtis and Corbin Bleu huddle for a moment before the show begins.
	Jamie Lee Curtis waves her wand over Corbin Bleu, naming him Starlight Children's Foundation's new national spokesperson.
	Teri Hatcher accepts Starlight's Heart of Gold Award.
	Young and talented Starlight Child Austin Gatus is joined on stage by jazz great and Starlight Global Ambassador Dave Koz for a moving saxophone duet.
	Several StarPower Ambassadors rock out playing the Rock Band video game in the Game Crazy Kids Lounge. From left: Devon Werkheiser, Kyle Massey, Tyler Foden, Dominic Scott Kay and Rob Pinkston.
	Recording artist Sasha Lazard smiles for the camers before performing a song inspired by Starlight.
	Starlight supporter Chef Jeff Henderson shares why Starlight touches his heart.

Select Quotes

Dave Koz:
“…That’s what Starlight is all about ― bringing the light of joy, fun, love and hope into the lives of sick children. These kids and their families already know that life is not a bed of roses. They already know pain, fear, frustration and depression. But, they also know they haven’t been forgotten. They know they have friends at Starlight all over the country. They have friends in all the donors and at all the corporations who support Starlight ― many of you who are here tonight.”

Corbin Bleu:
"I’ve been so grateful to Starlight for giving me the opportunity to be with their kids and families – I’ve visited kids in hospitals, I’ve gone bowling and been to ball games. I’ve had some great times with these kids who are all champions to me. And, I tell you something, they teach me a lot more than I can teach them. They teach me courage and patience and to be thankful for whatever gifts I’ve been given."

Jamie Lee Curtis:
"Rarely has a partnership so completely entered the bloodstream of a corporation as has happened with Nintendo of America and the Starlight Fun Center. This was not just an idea to dress up a product launch. This was born out of 'what can we do to brighten the lives of children eking out their childhood in lonely hospital rooms? This was, “we have the tools, the know-how and the heart to make a real difference in the lives of these children.' What came out of that was the creation, manufacture and continued evolution of the Starlight Fun Center -- the essence of corporate humanitarianism. And, tonight, in recognition of that profound contribution to the kids we serve, Starlight Children’s Foundation is proud to present the Jacki Carlish Humanitarian Award to Reggie Fils-Aime and Nintendo of America Inc."

Starlight mom, Eva Gatus:
Starlight came into our lives at one of the most crucial times in Austin’s treatment. It was during his hospitalization for his second major surgery when Austin was too weak to come out of his hospital room. He had just received news that his friend Marlon could no longer visit him because Marlon had contracted meningitis. We needed to keep Austin distracted, cheer him up and keep him entertained while he was recovering. Into the room rolled a Starlight Fun Center! Austin was thrilled about the movies and games. It helped him stop thinking about the pain too much and even though he was scared, it kept him happy.

Teri Hatcher, Heart of Gold Award recipient:
"While our lives might be different, I am really no different from these women and mothers. We dream the same dreams, we want the same hopeful future for our children. And, as long as my own life and good health continue, I will work to do everything I can to help them realize their dreams."