A Stellar Night

Starlight Starbright extends a heartfelt thank you to our supporters for making "A Stellar Night" 2006 a wonderful evening, and for so generously giving to the children and families we serve.

Host Jamie Lee Curtis shared her own Starlight Starbright experience with gala attendees, relating a time when her son was hospitalized after he was in an accident.  Said Curtis, "In the ICU they rolled in a mobile Nintendo unit that was donated by Starlight Starbright and that changed our experience.... The next day I called them and said what can I do to help you?"

Dakota Fanning's friend and Dreamer co-star Elisabeth Shue presented Dakota Fanning with the Heart of Gold award, given to her for her enthusiastic dedication to helping others at such an early age.  In a very eloquent acceptance speech, Dakota promised the audience that "this is going to be a motivation and inspiration for me to continue helping others throughout my whole life."

John Stamos presented Debbie and Glen Bickerstaff with the first annual Jacki Carlish Humanitarian Award.  John recounted stories of the Bickerstaff's compassion and generosity.  "I have been inspired again and again by their selfless sharing of their time, resources and energy on behalf of the world's children and their mothers," Stamos said.

2006 marked the first time Starlight Starbright encouraged children to attend A Stellar Night, providing them an opportunity to experience the importance of philanthropy firsthand.

Young guests were invited to explore the Hollywood Video Kids Lounge, where they were able to create greeting cards to send to hospitalized youngsters, take digital photos and print pictures instantly with donated Epson printers, and play games on Nintendo Fun Centers just like those now found in hospitals nationwide.

The foundation used this year's gala to launch StarPower - a committee of young ambassadors working to make a difference and spread the word about the importance of giving back at an early age.  Host Jamie Lee Curtis will act as the group's honorary chairman or "Fairy Godmother." The StarPower gang is already shining bright with teen celebs and active young people willing to lend their names to make a difference.

Guests were treated to musical performances by up-and-coming teen-sensation and StarPower member Kristy Frank as well as R&B vocalist BO Benton.

Roger Shiffman and Teri Hatcher served as event co-chairs.  Said Hatcher, "Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation offers many ways for seriously ill kids and their families to get through some very tough times.  Whether it's Great Escapes, Starbright World, or one of a host of other programs, Starlight Starbright is certainly doing important work."

The Martinez, Bar and Young families shared their personal stories with guests and talked about how Starlight Starbright made a difference.

Mark Summers, host of The Food Network's Unwrapped, conducted the evening's live auction.  Packages such as a visit for four to the set of Desperate Housewives, four tickets to American Idol, four tickets to The Kids' Choice Awards and a walk-on role on Grey's Anatomy generated nearly $70,000 dollars to serve seriously ill children and their families.

StarPower members picked the lucky winners of the evening's raffle prizes, which included a set visit to Fox's 24, a five-night stay at the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, a Jouer Cosmetics gift bag and a Frank Muller Transamerica watch.  The raffle raised more than $16,000 to benefit Starlight Starbright programs.