‘Wicked’ and ‘RHOBH’ Stars Kathy Hilton and Jennifer Tilly Help Raise $950,000 for Project Angel Food

A remarkable display of philanthropy unfolded at the recent Project Angel Food Angel Awards Gala, hosted on the historic Paramount Pictures studio lot. During the live auction, socialite and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Kathy Hilton offered a private dinner for twelve at her residence, an exclusive experience that generated a $40,000 contribution for the charity. This was matched by two other sought-after items: lunches with former "RHOBH" cast member Lisa Rinna at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, each securing a winning bid of $16,000. The hotel itself, a landmark of Hollywood glamour since its founding in 1912, served as a perfectly luxurious setting for these unique lots.

The fundraising efforts saw further success with a variety of other auction offerings. A package featuring two tickets to the November world premiere of "Wicked: For Good" in New York City, inclusive of airfare and hotel accommodations, was an early highlight, selling for $13,000. The collective generosity culminated in a record-breaking $950,000 raised, marking the most successful Angel Awards gala since 2019. This outstanding result underscores the critical role of community backing for organizations like Project Angel Food, which delivers medically tailored meals to critically ill individuals throughout Los Angeles County. As one non-profit analyst observed, "High-profile galas are no longer just social events; they are strategic financial engines that directly fund essential, life-sustaining services when government support falls short."

Beyond the fundraising, the evening was a celebration of dedicated service. Actress Jennifer Tilly, a long-time volunteer and advocate for the cause, was honored with the Angel Award, presented by Kathy Hilton. In her acceptance, Tilly gracefully redirected the accolade to the organization's frontline staff, stating she accepted it on behalf of the entire Project Angel Food team. She offered special praise for the delivery drivers, noting, "I think emotional sustenance is just as important as sustenance you eat," a powerful reflection on how the service provides crucial human connection in addition to nutritional aid.

The Leadership in Love Angel Award was bestowed upon Cedars-Sinai, accepted by its CEO, Dr. Peter L. Slavin, from Variety's Marc Malkin. Dr. Slavin used the platform to applaud the heroic daily work of Project Angel Food's staff and volunteers, who serve thousands in the local community. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a world-class academic medical center established over a century ago in 1902, has a deeply ingrained tradition of community health partnerships, making this honor a fitting recognition of its ongoing commitment to public welfare beyond its hospital walls.

The star-studded affair featured appearances by celebrities including Loni Love, Caroline Rhea, and Steven Weber. The gala was launched with a three-song performance by Belinda Carlisle, the legendary voice of The Go-Go's, the pioneering all-female band that shot to fame in the early 1980s. Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub delivered an inspiring speech, characterizing the organization as a vital beacon of hope for Los Angeles. With auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla energizing the bidding and guests like model Cheryl Tiegs and actress Kirsten Vangsness in the audience, the event masterfully brought the community together to support the dual mission of providing nourishment and compassion to those confronting serious health challenges.