LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The "...stars..." will come out in Beverly Hills this weekend (Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004) for the inaugural Noche de Ninos Gala, a star-studded benefit for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.
"This will be a night like no other," says Giselle Fernandez-Farrand, who is the organizing chair and executive producer of the gala, and a member of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Board of Trustees. "It will be a night of Latin heat and Hollywood glamour, and a night to make a real difference for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles."
Noche de Ninos is co-chaired by MGM Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian, and child-advocate Cheryl Saban.
Jennifer Lopez will receive the Children's Humanitarian Award for her support of the hospital and its children.
"Jennifer Lopez is accomplished in so many ways; so very talented, she is just as beautiful inside as she is outside!" says Mrs. Saban, who also is a member of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Board of Trustees. "We have come to appreciate her interest in the kids at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, as well as her commitment to be supportive of the work we do here. She is very special."
"Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is a remarkable place," says Lopez. "This top-pediatric facility treats and cares for some of the sickest children, not just from California, but from all over the world. These kids need our support and I feel blessed to be able to help."
George Lopez will be the master of ceremonies. Featured entertainment will include Carlos Baute, Joaquin Cortes, Alejandro Sanz and Marc Anthony.
Trish Meraz whose son, Dustin, then 11, passed away last year from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, will receive the Courage to Care Award, presented by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Noche de Ninos will benefit the Campaign for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, which will raise $500 million for new facilities, including a New Hospital building, as well as for endowment, program and annual support.
Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has been treating the most seriously ill and injured children in Los Angeles for more than a century, and it is acknowledged throughout the United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. Childrens Hospital is one of America's premier teaching hospitals, affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California for more than 72 years. It is a national leader in pediatric research.