SeriousFun Draws SeriousStars
SeriousFun Draws SeriousStars! The SeriousFun Children’s Network hosted a star-studded Gala at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City to celebrate the legacy of their founder, Paul Newman. SeriousFun Children’s Network is the international network of camps for children with serious illnesses and their families, founded by Newman in 1988. The Gala featured appearances and performances by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Aloe Blacc, Renée Fleming, Carole King, Natalie Cole, Danny DeVito, David Letterman, Paul Shaffer and SeriousFun Campers.
The evening was a true celebration of Paul Newman’s philanthropic legacy and featured a series of live performances, video presentations, and readings that illustrated just how special the camps are, and the important impact they have on the campers and their families.
A few highlights from the evening included: David Letterman and Paul Shaffer teaming up to present the Top 10 Songs from Paul Newman films, in their trademark Late Show format; SeriousFun campers joining together to sing an inspiring version of Katy Perry’s “Roar”; Tom Hanks reading a moving letter from a SeriousFun camper’s mother; Graham, a SeriousFun Camper who was introduced by Meryl Streep, sang “You Raise Me Up” and received a standing ovation from the audience; Danny DeVito singing “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” with SeriousFun campers as a tribute to Paul Newman; and Aloe Blacc closing out the evening with his hit song ‘Wake Me Up’ while joined onstage by Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Danny DeVito, and Carole King who sang along and danced with the SeriousFun campers.
The evening raised more than $1.5 million for SeriousFun Children’s Network, providing support for its 30 camps and programs around the world. Since its inception, SeriousFun camps and programs have served more than 518,000 children and families from more than 50 countries, always free of charge. SeriousFun is generously supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, as well as Abercrombie & Fitch, along with numerous other corporations, foundations and individuals.
George Clooney and Danny DeVito
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images SeriousFun Children’s Network)
