Salma Hayek Pinault Accepts Philanthropic Award At UNICEF Ball

Photo Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for UNICEF USA
Salma Hayek Pinault wore purple, the color of peace, on Saturday evening: an appropriate hue considering she was being feted for her philanthropic work by UNICEF.

UNICEF USA honored the Frida a ctress with its Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award for her unwavering dedication to the organization at its seventh biennial UNICEF Ball, which was held at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

Photo Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for UNICEF USA

Other honorees at the event included Ambassador Nicole Avant and husband Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix, who received the Spirit of Compassion Award for their extraordinary support for the world’s children, which was presented to them by actress and friend Jane Fonda. The event was made possible through the leadership of UNICEF USA national board member and Founding Chair, Ghada Irani, UNICEF USA national board member Bob Manoukian alongside Tamar Manoukian, and the UNICEF USA Southern California Regional Board.

Photo Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for UNICEF USA

Over the course of the evening, guests enjoyed remarks from emcee, Emmy and Peabody Award-Winner, Keegan-Michael Key, along with a performance by eleven time Grammy Award winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams, who sang hits including “Feels,” “Get Lucky” and “Happy.” Prior to the live auction, eight-year-old Syrian author Bana al-Abed spoke about the need to protect children under attack around the globe, and the importance of organizations like UNICEF. The live auction, which helped support UNICEF’s work in Syria, raised more than $300,000.

Photo Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for UNICEF USA

Approximately 600 guests attended the gala that raised over $2.3 million in support of UNICEF’s global mission, including UNICEF Ambassador Alyssa Milano, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lilly Singh, Molly Sims, Don Johnson, Suzanne Somers, Scott Stuber, Betty Who, Megan Ferguson, Sandra Lee, Verdine White, along with Gala Chairs Gala Chairs Tom Barrack, Marlyn and Robert Day, Ann and Jim Gianopulos, Wendy and Leonard Goldberg, Ghada and Ray Irani, Lyn and Norman Lear, Bryan Lourd and Bruce Bozzi, Irena and Mike Medavoy, Lori and Michael Milken, Julie C. Opperman, Alia and Ronald Tutor.