Project Angel Food

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Project Angel Food

Philanthropist Aileen Getty was honored with the first-ever Elizabeth Taylor Leadership Award at Project Angel Food’s 2014 Angel Awards on Saturday evening. The event not only celebrated Getty, but the organization’s 25th anniversary as well.

It was fitting that Getty, the granddaughter of the late oil baron J. Paul Getty, would be the first recipient of the Elizabeth Taylor Award: she was married to Taylor’s son, Christopher Wilding, and called the late actress her mother-in-law.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Project Angel Food

Taylor’s presence was definitely felt at the event: former Scandal star Kate Burton, the daughter of Richard Burton—who was, therefore, Taylor’s step-daughter—gave introductory remarks at the event, while Getty’s sons as well as niece Naomi, joined her onstage.

Other guests at the fete included Getty’s nephew Balthazar and his wife, Rosetta, as well as actors Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart. Sharon Stone not only gave a touching speech about both Taylor and Aileen, but then acted as celebrity auctioneer alongside Andrea Fiuczynski. Items up for auction included lots from artist Ed Ruscha and a dream fashion vacation in Manhattan with a shopping spree at Giorgio Armani.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Project Angel Food

Celebrity chef Govind Armstrong of Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America prepared a southern-specific menu of items like shrimp and grits, chicken, mashed potatoes and collard greens at the event, which was sponsored by The Aileen Getty Foundation, the David Geffen Foundation, Wells Fargo, Virgin America and El Jimador.

Project Angel Food’s mission is to feed and nourish the sick as they battle critical illness. Volunteers and staff cook and deliver nutritious meals, free of charge, to homes throughout Los Angeles County to alleviate hunger, prevent malnutrition and return our clients to health.