Ben Affleck And Jennifer Garner Host 10th Annual Stuart House Gala

Earlier this week, John Varvatos celebrated the 10th Annual Stuart House Benefit, presented by Chrysler, at his Los Angeles boutique.

The event, hosted by Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, closed Melrose Avenue at Robertson in the heart of West Hollywood and raised $830,000 for Stuart House - the UCLA Rape Treatment Center’s internationally recognized model program serving sexually abused children.

The event made great strides toward the goal of $1 million; the fundraising efforts will continue until the close of the benefit’s online auction on March 21st.

Stuart House is an innovative, model program created by the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center to serve the special needs of sexually abused children. Stuart House brings together police, prosecutors and other child protection personnel in a child-friendly facility to expedite investigations and enhance the treatment of child victims. Stuart House also provides 24-hour medical care and evidentiary examinations, and comprehensive therapy, advocacy and other support services to help children heal from the traumatic effects of sexual abuse. All Stuart House services are free to child victims and their families.

The day treated more than 1,500 guests to an afternoon of luxury shopping, live and silent auctions, great food and fun filled children’s activities in the Hasbro Studios kids’ tent. The event’s emcee, Bill Bellamy, hosted the live auction and introduced the special live performance by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. Willem Wolfe and father Billy Idol served as the event’s special guest DJs.

The event and its host committee members, which included entertainment industry heavyweights, brought together an eclectic ensemble of actors and musicians, including Adam Shankman, Alice Cooper, Bailey Chase, Ben Feldman, Bill Bellamy, Billy Zane, Brandon Boyd, Brett Scallions, Cindy Crawford & Rande Gerber, David Schwimmer, Dayna Devon, Dean Geyer, Eddie Van Halen, Eric McCormack, George Kotsiopoulos, Glenn Hughes, Grant Bowler, Jason Behr, Jeff Probst, Jeremy Piven, Jeremy Sisto, Joe Mangianello, Josh Henderson, Justin Chambers, KaDee Strickland, Kevin Nealon, Liev Schreiber, Linda Ramone, Louise Roe, Matt Sorum, Melina Kanakaredes, Michael Chiklis, Michael Voltaggio, Molly Sims, Naomi Watts, Nick Tweed-Simmons, Nina Dobrev, Perrey Reeves, Rachel Zoe & Rodger Berman, Skylar Astin, Slash, Stana Katic, Tamara Taylor, Tiffani Thiessen, Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott, Ty Pennington, Vincent Piazza, and Yvette Nicole Brown.

After the star-studded red carpet arrivals, Gail Abarbanel, the Founder and Director of Stuart House, and John Varvatos took center stage to welcome the event’s guests, share the charity’s accomplishments and introduce Honorary Co-Chairs Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck.

“I first visited Stuart House 8 years ago and I was so moved and I’ve never forgotten that day,” said Jennifer. “Stuart House is a model for the rest of the world on how to treat and handle children that have been sexually abused. It’s so important to be out here, to celebrate them, and to take the veil of secrecy and shame off these cases.”

“My wife told me about Stuart House and I wanted to be here to add my voice,” added Ben. “John Varvatos is someone who cares about other people and he’s zeroed in on something that needs help and is really doing specific good work.”

Bill Bellamy kicked off the live auction by saying, “I am honored to be a part of the Stuart House benefit. Its heart is in the right place helping these children that have endured some unfortunate circumstances. I hope to raise as much money as we can because it’s truly needed.”

To contribute to the cause beyond the LA-based event, the Stuart House Benefit is also supported via an online auction with CharityBuzz.com, which features a McIntosh custom-built SoHo audio system and factory tour experience valued at $150,000. Other

extraordinary items include a set visit to the Emmy Award winning show Modern Family, dinner with supermodel Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber, golf for three with Oscar nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel with fashion icon Rachel Zoe and husband Rodger Berman, to name a few. For a full list of exclusive items, visit the online auction, which runs now through March 21st at charitybuzz.com/johnvarvatos.

The event’s live concert featured a 8-song performance by legendary, award-winning musicians Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, who treated the crowd to Aerosmith favorites including Movin’ Out, Walkin’ the Dog, Sweet Emotion, Dream On, Season of the Wither, Come Together and Walk This Way. The performance also included special guest Slash who joined Steven and Joe on stage to perform the final song, Mama Kin.

Steven expressed sincere commitment to the cause saying, “When John first told me about Stuart House, my heart exploded. Having written ̳Janie’s Got a Gun,’ I realized that John’s way is better. After coming off stage again…my heart is filled big for another year. Thank you John!”

Joe Perry added, “As a longtime fan of John Varvatos’ fashion, I’m so glad I’m now able to be here with him as he celebrates 10 years of hard work for Stuart House. I am honored to be performing in support of my friend and this worthy cause.”

John Varvatos and Stuart House were proud to have these iconic artists perform on this exceptional day.

John Varvatos stated, “It is a very special day celebrating our 10th annual Stuart House event. Our goal is not just to raise money, but to raise awareness. I want to thank all of our family and friends that have brought their hearts to support this important cause. It is amazing to see where this event has gone over the last ten years. Having Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck as our hosts, StevenTyler & Joe Perry as our musical guests, and Billy Idol as our DJ is about as good as it gets!”

Attending guests of all ages mingled and savored the delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by SALT Catering, along with the trendy food trucks In-N-Out Burger, Hot Dog On A Stick, Munchie Machine, snacks by Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds and delicious homemade ice cream made right on the spot by Nitro Dreams. Cocktails and beverages were served courtesy of Patron Tequila, Ultimat Vodka, Cielo Wine, Icelandic Glacial Water, Pom Wonderful, Stella Artois and Tonx coffee.

This year’s kids’ tent was a carnival theme sponsored by Hasbro Studios. Family fun and activities in the tent included giant sized games such as Connect 4, Operation, Sorry and Jenga. While lounging on beanbags, children of all ages were captivated by the magic of Justin Willman and the balloon artistry of Buster Balloon.

“We are so pleased to provide the fun today for the kids attending the event but more importantly, we are proud to partner with John Varvatos to help the Stuart House team, who each and every day pour their hearts into helping these courageous children heal from their trauma,” said Steve Davis, President, Hasbro Studios.

Gail Abarbanel stated, “One out of four girls and one out of six boys in our country are sexually abused before they reach eighteen years of age. Many of these children are silenced by shame and fears about the consequences of disclosing their abuse. Today is about shining a light on this issue, supporting these children, and giving them expert care and treatment to help them heal and recover from the trauma of sexual abuse. It is a way for all of us to express our commitment these children.”

“The Chrysler brand proudly supports John Varvatos and his efforts to generate funds and raise awareness for the Stuart House,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “John’s unwavering commitment and dedication over the last 10 years to the Stuart House is admirable. Chrysler is pleased to be a part of this fundraising event which gathers together a talented collection of artists for such an important cause.”