Inside the Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds Gala

(L-R) Actors Jennifer Morrison, Keke Palmer and Jurnee Smollett-Bell attend the 26th Annual Beat The Odds Awards, hosted by Children's Defense Fund — (L-R) Actors Jennifer Morrison, Keke Palmer and Jurnee Smollett-Bell attend the 26th Annual Beat The Odds Awards, hosted by Children’s Defense Fund

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund–California hosted its 26^th Annual Beat the Odds™ Awards ceremony Thursday evening at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The celebration honored five Los Angeles high school “stars” – Alexandra Flores, Cierra Gunderson, Destiny Novillo, Florencia Valenzuela, Jose Aceves – in recognition of their excellence in academic achievement, despite the overwhelming obstacles that stand in their way. In turn, each student honoree will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and support services including: private tutoring, one-on-one college counseling, ongoing mentoring, internship placements, life skills development, SAT prep, and week-long college tours at no cost.

Milo Ventimiglia speaks onstage during the 26th Annual Beat The Odds Award

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Children’s Defense Fund

The haute event was hosted by the Children’s Defense Fund President, Marian Wright Edelman, along with support from co-chairs Jurnee Smollett-Bell & Josiah Bell, Carol & Frank Biondi, Ruth-Ann Huvane, Kevin Huvane, Katie Sharer & Mark Mullen, and Liza & Conan O’Brien. O’Brien served as the night’s emcee, with co-chair Smollett-Bell pulling double duty as a presenter during the program. She was joined by additional special guests including presenters Tory Kittles, Jennifer Morrison, Timothy Olyphant, and Milo Ventimiglia, and guests J.J. Abrams & Katie McGrath, Andy Buckley, Joel McHale, Kevin Nealon & Susan Yeagley, Keke Palmer, Glen Powell, Andy Richter, and more.

Host Conan O'Brien (L) and actor Timothy Olyphant — Host Conan O’Brien (L) and actor Timothy Olyphant

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is the state office of the Children’s Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization founded by Marian Wright Edelman that has worked relentlessly for over 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF-CA was established in 1998 to meet the needs of underserved children in the state of California. With offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and Long Beach, CDF-CA champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, ensure all children have access to health coverage and care and a quality education, and invest in our justice-involved youth.