The Simin Hope Foundation honored all dads near and far at its “Celebration of All Fathers” gala. Locals like Malibu music man David Foster were on hand at Paramount Pictures Studios for a starry night.
The SH Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to address the problems of under-served and at-risk kids by focusing on medical needs, communication, and strengthening relations with both families and communities.
The event honored one of the best-selling artists in the history of classical music, award-winning Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who was welcomed with great applause. Actor, rapper and entrepreneur Percy Miller was also on the prestigious honor roll, along with Bruno Serato, Kareem Ahmed and he late Ruhollah Hashemizadeh.
Hashemizadeh was the father of Simin Hope Foundation founder Simin Hashemizadeh. The awards recognized individuals who serve as inspiring parents and positive role models.
The star-studded, black-tie evening featured world-class entertainment and a first class feast on the New York City back lot at Paramount Pictures Studios. Andrea Bocelli, his son Amos Bocelli, David Foster, Elisabetta Russo, Maria Aleida, Maz Jobrani and Andy Madadian all wowed the crowd. A highlight of the evening featured Andrea Bocelli serenading Priscilla Presley with “Love Me Tender,” while his son, Amos, accompanied him on piano.
“I am honored, thrilled, and tremendously excited to have the opportunity to work with Andrea in supporting the Simin Hope Foundation,” Simin Hashemizadeh said. “The aim of the evening is to raise money for a very worthy charitable cause, towards medical facilities for underprivileged children in our community. We are proud to honor all fathers in this celebration as it is tremendously important to have a strong role model in their lives. Andrea Bocelli is a world class entertainer, but first and foremost, a loving father to his child.”
Broadway bound
Multitalented song-and-dance-man Neil Patrick Harris has been a busy guy these days. In addition to hosting the recent Tony Awards, taking up prime time and preparing for the Emmys, he’s headed off to the bright lights of Broadway to star in “Hedwig and the Angry Itch.”
NPH is becoming the host of choice and will emcee the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 22 on CBS. It will mark the second time the “How I Met Your Mother” star has hosted the ceremony. He last anchored the event in 2009.
“Neil is the quintessential host—engaging, entertaining and a true showman—with a passion for celebrating the medium that we all love,” CBS executive Nina Tassler said.