Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Tori Kelly, Scooter Braun and a host of other good celebrities got into the holiday spirit on December 7 at the 4th Annual Make-A-Wish Wishing Well Winter Gala and we were honored to take in the spectacular event.
The Good Celebrity team had a terrific time at the event and chatted with the special guests including Downey Jr., the X Ambassadors, and US Olympian Laurie Hernandez.
The Greater Los Angeles chapter of the non-profit organization honored the Iron Man star with it’s Shining Star Award.
“Over the years, Robert Downey Jr. has granted dozens of wishes for children around the world and has personally brought hope, strength, and joy to Wish Kids and their families,” said Cheadle, who presented the actor with the award.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars were joined on stage by 22-year-old Cameron Fisch, whose wish was granted in 2011 when Downey Jr. invited the then 17-year-old, who has a nervous system disorder, to the set of The Avengers.
“If folks like Cam see any benefit to meeting me or Tony Stark or whoever they want me to be, I’m game,” Downey Jr. said while accepting his award.
Grammy-nominated singer Tori Kelly presented entrepreneur and talent manager, Scooter Braun with the Humanitarian Award. Braun counts Kelly among the talented array of singers on his roster, which also includes Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber.
“In the last two years, I’ve gotten to work with this organization as a dad and that’s not only changed my perspective but changed my life,” he said while accepting his award.
The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings was also honored during the event with the Power of a Wish Award. Kings’ COO Kelly Cheeseman accepted the award on the the team’s behalf and players Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson attended the gala.
“I was really impressed with how motivated everybody was and I congratulate Scooter, I congratulate the L.A. Kings and I’m happy to be some small part of what’s brought all this attention and the fundraising to the Greater Los Angeles chapter of Make-A-Wish,” Downey Jr. added backstage.
“I’m really proud, it means a lot to me. I love the kids and the families and…everybody wins. It’s a no brainer.”
Emceed by EXTRA host Mario Lopez and featuring performances from Kelly, X Ambassadors, and Bush, the gala doubled as a fundraising event and raised $1 million for the foundation according the the chapter’s CEO Neal Aton.
Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars contestant Hernandez and Reverend Jesse Jackson were among the other celebrities who walked the red carpet and attended the gala.
Special thank you to Cheri Warner and Nicole Player from Weissman Markowitz for the invite and hospitality!
Stay linked to Good Celebrity for our exclusive celebrity news coverage from the Make-A-Wish event!
Photo Credit: Craig T. Mathew and Greg Grudt/Mathew Imaging