HEART TO HEARTS
The Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa is a world away from The House of Blues in Hollywood, but its people and their plight became a lot more familiar, thanks to the Children Mending Hearts organization. The global outreach group held a festive fundraiser to benefit the International Medical Corp and its life-saving efforts on behalf of the Congo’s women and children.
The splashy soirée drew a diverse group of A-listers, from actor and activist Ben Affleck, and tattooed rockers Benji and Joel Madden, to globe-trotting journalist Anderson Cooper and actor Hank Azaria.
Recent Oscar nominee Marisa Tomei donned a “My Cousin Vinny” skinny mini, while Alyssa Milano turned heads in a bright tangerine cocktail frock.
But even the red carpet queens had a hard time competing with some of the guests of honor, who arrived in native dress. Congo’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Faida Mitifu, brightened the room in a rich, cranberry-and-gold caftan called a boubou, which she paired with a festive, traditional headdress. Dr. Mitifu couldn’t have been happier to have these celebrities draw attention to her cause.
“I am humbled to have organizations like this,” she said. “They really need to be congratulated.”
The eclectically designed confines of HOB provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration and consciousness-raising. The place was plastered with colorful paper bags designed by Congo kids. There were adorable first attempts at creating a bird, a house and a name, all in eye-popping primary colors. The artistic expression is a welcomed departure for these kids, whose country has suffered 20 years of brutal warfare, unspeakable atrocities and more than 5.4 million deaths.
The sweet faces of African youngsters were captured in gallery-worthy portraits, which fetched $350 apiece. Photographer Janet Laird was quick to snap up the precious image of a little boy and his pals called, “Future Leader.” She piled the massive print into her convertible Audi and couldn’t have been happier to have bought the picture to help the cause.
Meanwhile, servers made the rounds with flutes of champagne, crab and cucumber canapés, and steak skewers while revelers picked up raffle tickets for high-end must haves like a Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra necklace and Laura M diamond hoops.
Soon it was time to settle in for a dinner of all-American comfort food, which came with a generous side of insight and a hearty helping of music. The group was welcomed by Lysa Heslov, founder of Children Mending Hearts, who gave an emotional account of her travels to Africa.
“I can’t speak to the political situation, but I can speak as a mother and it was unbelievable to touch so many lives,” Heslov said.
Ben Affleck took the stage to thank the IMC for “doing the tough, unglamorous work,” and presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Anderson Cooper.
Life-saving surgeon Dr. Dennis Mukwege was honored with the Heal the World Award.
Funny guys Rich Eisen and Richard Kind helped the organization raise $250,000 at the live auction and raffle drawing.
The musical program, which started with the St. John’s Gospel Choir singing “I Need You to Survive,” wrapped up with a set by sexy songbird Sheryl Crow.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com