Hollywood star Richard Gere joined A-list talent from the worlds of film, music and fashion including top designer Oscar de la Renta and Italian beauty Isabella Rossellini at a Manhattan fundraiser for children who lost their parents in last week’s horrific terrrorist attacks.
Wednesday’s New Yorkers For Children gala – an annual event which took on a special meaning this year in light of the World Trade Center attacks – was held at luxury venue Cipriani 42nd Street and featured New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani sharing his moving experiences from Ground Zero.
“This has been the worst week in New York’s history, but also its finest,” said the mayor who drew a standing ovation. “We’ve seen the bravery, determination and character of the Fire Department and its commissioner, Thomas Von Essen. I wish all the rescue workers could hear this applause, because it truly is for them.”
Richard Gere, accompanied by his longtime girlfriend Carey Lowell, felt strongly about attending the annual New Yorkers For Children gala. The Primal Fear star is a noted activist and humanitarian and told attendees that he’s “working on an ‘anti-hate’ campaign with Amnesty International to let people know that a diverse society is a strength and that there is no basis for tainting the Middle East or the Muslim religion for this disaster.”
Sex And The City star Sarah Jessica Parker also attended the fundraiser, the first major campaign since the September 11 disaster. “I was vexed over the idea about coming here, whether it was inappropriate during this time,” she said. “But tonight is for the children.” Sarah, whose husband Matthew Broderick stars in the Broadway hit The Producers nearby, volunteered this week at the site of the tragedy, and reportedly brightened the day of a handful of firefighters by signing their helmets.
The gala event is just the beginning of a string of Hollywood fundraisers to benefit the victims of the terrorist strikes. A telethon featuring an unprecedented level of star wattage – Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Britney Spears and others are scheduled to appear – is set to air live on Friday evening on all of the major US networks.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
