Actress Jamie Lee Curtis joined some of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ (CHLA) junior ambassadors at the hospital’s “Noche de Ninos” gala on Oct. 20 at L.A. Live. The benefit raised $2.6 million for the hospital’s patient care and family support programs, as well as pediatric medical research. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Pau Gasol, the Walt Disney Company, and supermodel and television host Heidi Klum received the Courage to Care Award for their support of the hospital. Curtis is a previous Courage to Care Award recipient.

aime LeeJaime Lee Curtis, with some junior ambassadors, has been an avid supporter of CHLA. (photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

“We are deeply appreciative of our steadfast relationship with The Walt Disney Company, Heidi Klum and Pau Gasol,” CHLA president and CEO Richard Cordova said. “It is our privilege to honor them at ‘Noche de Niños’ and highlight the incredible work they do.”

The Walt Disney Company has supported CHLA for more than 30 years. Disney “VoluntEARS” comfort and entertain patients; the Disney Tri-Team has raised over $1.3 million to benefit pediatric cancer research; and Disney Imagineers have helped design the hospital’s main lobby. Klum has been a passionate advocate of CHLA, from visiting patients and serving as celebrity ambassador for the “Turn on the Lights! 5k Walk”, to raising funds for the opening of the Marion and John E. Anderson Pavilion. A pre-med student before his basketball career, Gasol is a frequent visitor to the patients at CHLA. He has distributed tickets to the NBA All-Star Jam Session, facilitated a donation from Grifols (a company based in his native city of Barcelona) to the CHLA pharmacy, and recently presented a check for $25,000 from the NBA Cares Foundation. He also starred in the hospital’s interactive game, “Where’s Pau Now?” showcasing the new healing area in the Anderson Pavilion.  For information, visit www.CHLA.org.