Malibu’s Jane Seymour and James Keach host an evening of inspiration.
By Kim Devore / eEntertainment Editor
Actress Jane Seymour says the secret to happiness is living life with an open heart. “It was my mother’s message,” she says, “and the most important one I ever received.”
On Saturday night, she shared her philosophy with 400 friends at the 2nd annual Open Hearts Foundation celebration.
The award-winning actress and her husband, acclaimed director, producer and writer James Keach, generously opened their lovely ocean-view Malibu home for a very special evening to share stories of strength, courage and inspiration.
On the way up the drive, guests admired Jane’s stunning English garden filled with primrose, poppies, foxglove and roses. At poolside, a string quartet created a romantic soundtrack against a dramatic backdrop of the Pacific.
Guests, including football great Marcus Allen and Olympic gold-medalist Brian Boitano, sipped cocktails and snacked on Richard Chesterfield’s polenta and wild mushroom canapes and lobster on pumpkin crostini.
Soon they headed inside to an enormous chandelier and flower-filled tent, which had been set up for the dinner, performances and presentations.
The event recognizes the achievements of outstanding individuals, each with an inspiring story that exemplifies the mission of the Open Hearts Foundation.
CNN anchor Christi Paul, who emceed the event, opened by saying, “We are honoring people who are helping other people. They embody the meaning of an open heart.”
The lineup of honorees was impressive indeed. It included Glen and Kim Campbell. Glen, the legendary country singer and five-time Grammy winner who churned out hits like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Wichita Lineman,” announced last year that he was living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Since his diagnosis, Campbell and his wife have used their story to help raise awareness for the disease that affects an estimated 5.1 million people worldwide. Campbell recently launched his “Goodbye Tour,” and was honored at the 54th annual Grammy Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Seymour said she was especially pleased to be honoring the entertainment icon. “Glen is really making a difference,” Seymour said. “He is giving a face to Alzheimer’s.”
Also on the honor role were Malibu’s Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete. The actress and her former NFL QB hubby established the HollyRod Foundation more than a decade ago. The organization was founded in honor of Holly’s late father Matt Robinson, who battled Parkinson’s disease. The organization has since expanded its mission to raise awareness for autism. The Peetes’ oldest son, RJ, was diagnosed with the developmental disorder at the age of three. “Letting people know what it is like to live with autism makes a world of difference,” says Seymour. “You can raise funds and be part of a global community.”
There were also accolades for Kristi Yamaguchi. The Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion became one of the world’s most popular and successful figure skaters. “I didn’t realize this,” says Seymour, but Kristi was born with a clubfoot, a congenitally misshapen foot twisted out of position. “Her parents put that foot in a skate and she went on to Olympics and won three gold medals.” In 1996, Yamaguchi founded the Always Dream Foundation, dedicated to fundraising and supporting children’s charities.
Also singled out for special recognition were Arizona residents John and Roxanna Green. The couple established The Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation in memory of their daughter, who was tragically killed in the Jan. 8, 2011 Tucson shooting associated with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The foundation is dedicated to honoring the life and memory of Christina-Taylor through charitable and educational projects that reflect and embody her interests, values and dreams. “Now,” notes Seymour, “that young girl’s dreams will live on.”
Glen Campbell delighted the guests when he took the stage with his longtime partner Jimmy Webb. Jane and James’ son Johnny Keach also wowed the crowd when he performed original material alongside a group of gospel singers.
Proceeds from the event will help enrich the lives of young people in the areas of health, education, the arts and sports.
It was an unforgettable evening and no one could have been happier than Seymour.
The mother/actress/painter/designer/philanthropist says the 2012 honorees embody the Open Hearts spirit. “When life is tough, you have to open your heart and it brings love and a sense of empowerment. The foundation shows people how to live this way. When you have adversity or challenge, you are open to a new way of approaching things and your life becomes richer. Somehow or another good things happen to you.”