"It was a privilege to know Rob and Michele, and I adored them both. They were extraordinary people who believed in giving back and doing what was right," said Handler. "They left the world better than they found it."
The evening will honor celebrated actor, bestselling author and longtime philanthropist Jamie Lee Curtis with the inaugural Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, presented by Jake Reiner.
Throughout their lives, Michele and Rob Reiner were influential champions for children and families. Their civic leadership helped establish First 5 California, generating billions of dollars in funding and creating a lasting investment in a child's earliest and most critical years of life. The Reiners also played a pivotal role in the landmark federal court challenge to California's ban on marriage equality, a legal effort that restored marriage rights in California and helped set the stage for marriage equality nationwide.
Mayer also brings a special connection to the evening. His song "Say," featured in Rob Reiner's 2007 film The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, earned him the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
In 2026, Mayer was named The Hollywood Reporter's Philanthropist of the Year for his work with Heart and Armor, a foundation dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of military veterans through research and community programs.
"We are thrilled to have Chelsea and John join us in celebrating the legacy of my sister Michele and my brother-in-law Rob," said Martine Singer, president and CEO of Children's Institute. "Together, they were a forcefield in American civic life and deeply influential in raising awareness of important issues, inspiring others to take action and do something big."
As the inaugural recipient of the Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, Curtis is being recognized for her longstanding commitment to children and families. Her charitable initiative, My Hand In Yours, has raised nearly $2 million for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She is also the bestselling author of 14 children's books, including her most recent title, Just One More Sleep, published in 2024.
Proceeds from the gala will support Children's Institute's programs, which provide early childhood education, mental health services, and comprehensive family support to approximately 30,000 children and families across Los Angeles County each year.
Cape & Gown Gala Supporters and Sponsors include:
Joey Clapper • Janice & Billy Crystal • Jamie Lee Curtis & Christopher Guest • Cindy & Alan Horn • Jamie Alter Lynton & Michael Lynton • Mark E Pollack • Michael S. Smith & Amb. James Costos • Diana & Mallory Walker • Suzanne & Al Yankovic Anonymous • Lynda and Stewart Resnick • Johnny Carson Foundation
For more information about Children's Institute's Cape and Gown Gala on November 8, including a complete list of supporters and sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://us.givergy.com/CapeandGownGala2026/
CONTACT: Randy Bunnao
[email protected]
(213) 705-8827
SOURCE Children's Institute
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