Natalie Portman & More to be Honored at 2014 Children's Hospital L.A. Gala

On Saturday, Oct. 11, more than 1,000 prominent philanthropists, business and entertainment community leaders, local dignitaries and other hospital supporters will gather at The Event Deck at L.A. LIVE for the 2014 Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala: Noche de Niños, presented by Delta Air Lines. The signature biennial event raises funds for the hospital's most critical needs while celebrating its heroes: the courageous children in its care, the exceptional caregivers who change lives and the compassionate community that support its mission.

The evening will also honor three recipients in recognition of their unwavering compassion and dedication to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, prominent philanthropists Sally and Bill Hurt, and Costco Wholesale will each receive the "Courage to Care" award, which was inspired by an 11-year-old terminal cancer patient, Dustin Meraz, whose legacy was to inspire others to have the courage to care for children in need.

"We are deeply appreciative of our relationship with Ms. Portman, Costco Wholesale and the Hurt family," says DeAnn Marshall, MHA, senior vice president, chief development and marketing officer, Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "The impact of their actions and their incredible support are felt every day in our hospital in the care of our children. It is our privilege to honor them at Noche de Niños and thank them for the incredible work they do."

A world-renowned actress, filmmaker and philanthropist, Natalie Portman is a steadfast supporter of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She first became involved in 2008 as a regular volunteer in the Teen Lounge, a unique space for teens and adolescents coping with hospitalization, and assisting Child Life specialists with patient activities in the hospital playrooms. Ms. Portman has also been a generous donor to the hospital's Children's Fund, which fulfills the hospital's most immediate needs, such as providing specialized support for a family in need or purchasing blood for transfusions.

Visionary partners for more than three decades, the impact of Bill and Sally Hurt's support reaches far beyond the walls of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Capitalizing on the power of education, the couple has generously invested in the Children's Hospital Institute for Medical Education to provide the most advanced education and training available to Children's Hospital and community clinicians, ensuring patients always benefit from the latest medical knowledge. The couple also funds My VOICE Adolescent Transition Program that empowers teens with chronic illnesses and disabilities to actively participate in their own health as they transition to adult-focused care. Mr. Hurt has been a member of the hospital's Board of Trustees since 1986 and currently serves on the Executive, Finance, Compensation and Investment Committees.

Costco Wholesale, a membership-only warehouse club and the second largest retailer in the United States, has been a steadfast supporter for more than 30 years. Since 1983, Costco Wholesale has donated more than $16 million through employees, vendors and its own corporate match program, making it the hospital's largest corporate donor.

"As one of the nation's leading and largest children's hospitals, our partners, donors and community are the lifeblood of our hospital. Without their support, we simply wouldn't have the resources to continue creating hope and building healthier futures for children," says Richard Cordova, FACHE, president and CEO, Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "Noche de Niños not only raises significant funding for our most critical needs, it gives us a chance to shine a light on those behind-the-scenes who are selflessly giving of themselves to help advance our mission. We look forward to celebrating all our hospital heroes with a beautiful and meaningful evening."

Red carpet arrivals will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception and dinner, where guests will enjoy food prepared by renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. The evening's "Carnaval Blanco" theme will combine the elegance of a white party with the flair of Carnaval, featuring gold, silver and white décor, feathers and Latin-infused elements. E! host, actor, reporter, filmmaker, producer, founder of Take Action Hollywood and best-selling author Maria Menounos will serve as master of ceremonies. Native Brazilian and acclaimed GRAMMY-winning music producer, composer, keyboardist, and vocalist Sergio Mendes and Brasil 2014 will kick off the festivities. The evening will conclude with a headline performance by chart-topping artist and four-time GRAMMY winner Seal.

Noche de Niños is presented by Delta Air Lines, and is supported in part by generous hospital sponsors Kristin and Jeffrey Worthe, Erling West, Jr. Trust, Lisa and Adam Stoll and Carol and David Bienstock.

The event is sold out. For event or sponsorship information, visit www.CHLA.org/GALA.

NOTE TO EDITORS: To request media credentials or to receive photos or video after the event, contact Lyndsay Hutchison at lhutchison@chla.usc.edu or 323-547-5827.

About Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is ranked as a top five children's hospital in the nation and is the only one in California to be selected to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll. Children's Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. The hospital is also one of America's premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. For more information, visit www.CHLA.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit our blog: www.WeTreatKidsBetter.org.