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On Thursday,
Nov. 29, 2012,
award-winning actress, artist and philanthropist Jane
Seymour and
her husband, director, producer and writer, James
Keach hosted
a memorable and meaningful event at Carnegie Hall on behalf
of the Open Hearts Foundation, dedicated to raise funds to
enrich the lives of children in the areas of health,
education, arts and sports.
Two honorees, who embody the
Foundation’s mission, were celebrated at the event and
received the prestigious Open Heart Award, including
Leonard Lauder (Alzheimer's
Drug Discovery Foundation) and Lisa
Lori (Operation
Smile). The
Open Hearts Foundation also honored Josh Lockwood, Red
Cross Chief Executive Officer of the Greater New York Area,
with a $25,000 check to recognize the Red Cross’ ongoing
support during Hurricane Sandy.
The evening was topped off with a
special musical concert, “The Christmas Rose”, starring Jane
Seymour as the narrator, and renowned American composer
Tim Janis, along with a full orchestra, choirs, dancers
and a full Broadway cast.
Here are some fun highlights from the
memorable evening:
·
While in New
York, award-winning actress, artist and philanthropist
Jane Seymour and husband James Keach
graciously donated $25,000 on behalf of the Open
Hearts Foundation to the Red Cross as a way to recognize
their ongoing (and much needed) relief efforts throughout
the east coast post-Hurricane Sandy. The foundation invited
Red Cross volunteers to the concert as a way to give them a
“few hours off” from their hard work. Accepting on behalf of
the Red Cross was Josh Lockwood, Red Cross Chief
Executive Officer of the Greater New York Area.
·
James
Keach
and Jane Seymour had the entire concert hall erupt
into song – singing “Happy Birthday” to one of the evening’s
honorees, Lisa Lori’s son, Zachary. Tugging at
guests’ heartstrings, Lisa Lori accepted her award with her
husband and three sons on stage, and spoke eloquently about
her family’s decision to shed light on children with facial
paralysis through
Operation Smile
and the “Three
Bear’s Initiative.”
There was not a dry eye in the crowd, including Lisa Lori
and her family.
·
Leonard Lauder
accepted an Open Heart award and spoke about the immediate
and desperate need to cure Alzheimer’s disease. He spoke to
the crowd and said that his goal is to eradicate the disease
so that all the young kids in the room wouldn’t even know
what “Alzheimer’s” meant by the time they were adults.
·
Jane
Seymour
didn’t just play host…she even showed off her Broadway
skills as narrator in “The Christmas Rose.” At
one point, the story’s villain spontaneously whispered to
Jane that he liked her dress, and it was caught on the
microphone!
Through
the Open Hearts Foundation, Seymour and husband Keach hope
to bring the Open Heart movement into communities worldwide
and encourage others to use life’s challenges to inspire and
motivate others to do good. For more information about the
Open Hearts Foundation, visit
www.openheartsfoundation.org.
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