Friday night saw Hollywood’s elite come together for a Valentine’s Day spectacular – all to raise awareness and show united support for MendingKids.org.
The who’s who of the music and entertainment world joined forces at the world-famous House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to kick-off the inaugural “Mending Kids International – All Star Concert for Children Worldwide” event.
Raising an estimated $5 million from contributions and donations for charity, the event benefited MendingKids.org, a non-profit organization that provides critical surgeries for free to children in need across the globe. Broadcast live on AXS TV and hosted by acclaimed illusionist Penn Jillette, the sold-out event featured a bill of powerhouse performances and appearances from a star-studded lineup of legendary musicians and entertainers. Due to the success of the evening, Mending Kids are happy to announce that the benefit will become an annual event and will continue to bring together celebrities and influencers to raise money for children worldwide.
Kicking-off the night with an introductory speech from Jillette, blues rockers Vintage Trouble opened the show followed by jazz artist Brenna Whitaker and her Little Big Band. Grammy nominated blues/rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd took the stage with a memorable performance followed by pop singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield who got the crowd going with “Purple Rain” and “Unwritten.” Legendary pop crooner Tom Jones delivered soulful renditions of his songs "Hard to Handle: and “Kiss.” Headlined by 2014 Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees, KISS, the iconic band unleashed an epic battery of their biggest hits and fan-favorites including “I Wanna Rock n’ Roll All Nite,” bringing the invitation-only audience to their feet. Broadcast live on AXS TV, the three-hour concert also featured humorous commentary from late-night TV host Arsenio Hall, along with special appearances by Nick and Sophie Simmons.
VIP’s then headed to the exclusive after party in the House of Blue’s Foundation Room where Paris Hilton took to the DJ booth to kick-off the party. Spinning a dynamic mix of pop and dance music throughout the evening, Hilton also performed her new single “Good Time” featuring Lil Wayne. While taking a break from dancing, attendees munched on gourmet comfort food, including lobster macaroni and a full omelet bar.
The evening also featured a multi-million dollar collection of original art by celebrated abstract expressionism painter, Matt Lamb, which was donated to the event by his daughter Sheila Lamb. One piece, a 1994 tapestry measuring an astonishing 11 feet wide by seven and a half feet tall long entitled “The New Beginning” was featured alongside the red carpet and signed by celebrities who attended the event. Lamb, a passionate peace activist throughout the world during his life, created the piece to express his belief in a new world where all aspects and species of life are intertwined and come together peacefully. The donation of the painting to MendingKids.org enabled the Lamb family to honor his vision for a better world for children everywhere.
In the last eight years, MendingKids.org has provided more than 1,500 children from 54 countries, including the United States, with life-changing surgical care to correct serious medical issues such as congenital heart defects, orthopedic abnormalities, severe scoliosis, and significant cranial facial deformities. Additionally, MendingKids.org offers training and research to assist surgeons in developing countries to create self-sustaining surgical programs providing access for more children to longer, healthier and happier lives.
Source: PR Newswire
