10.19.23
/ Events
On Monday, October 16, God’s Love We Deliver was thrilled to host the 17th Annual Golden Heart Awards dinner in partnership with Michael Kors, Inc.
Ashley Park, Nicky Hilton, and Tina Leung
The night kicked off with a cocktail hour featuring cocktails and mocktails from the timeless classic Indochine. Guests enjoyed delicious French-Vietnamese fusion bites while enjoying music from DJ Lina Bradford and performances choreographed by Nick Laughlin.
DJ Lina Bradford Photo by Kim Mancuso
For the dinner and awards presentation. Michael Kors welcomed guests and reminded us that we are here to celebrate goodness and generosity amid so much difficulty in the world.
Michael was then followed by a special performance by Tony Award-winning actor J. Harrison Ghee, currently starring in Some Like It Hot on Broadway. J. Harrison brought the house down with musical numbers There’s New York City and Freeway of Love.
J. Harrison Ghee Photo by Kim Mancuso
In one of the many surprises of the evening, multi-hyphenate Cynthia Erivo burst on to the stage to introduce and congratulate honoree Ben Platt for receiving the Golden Heart Award for Excellence in the Arts. In her remarks, Cynthia reminded us all how important it is to celebrate all the sides of ourselves while lifting others up.
Cynthia Erivo, Noah Galvin, and Ben Platt Photo by Kim Mancuso
Ben Platt spoke about using his platform to raise awareness for marginalized voices, stating,
“As an artist, I’ve been given a megaphone of which I often feel undeserving.” He continued, “I consider it not only my duty, but also my greatest passion and most fulfilling joy to authentically inhabit queer characters, to write songs about grappling with my own queer identity and in celebration of queer love, and to create spaces, films and stories void of oppression and filled with unabashed queer joy.”
Board member David Terveen, Council Member Erik Bottcher, and David Ludwigson
God’s Love President & CEO David Ludwigson spoke about how medically tailored meals from God’s Love can help lower healthcare costs, improve patient satisfaction, and keep people in their homes, where they are healthiest and happiest.
Harry Santa-Olalla during the auction Photo by Kim Mancuso
During the auction led by Harry Santa-Olalla, guests bid on items to support the organization’s CONNECTED program, providing medically tailored meals and nutrition education and counseling to former U.S. military members living with a chronic illness, mental health condition, and/or substance use challenge.
Alex Newell, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, and J. Harrison Ghee Photo by Patrick McMullan
In another surprise of the evening, actors Rupert Friend and Matt Damon jumped onstage to introduce Scarlett Johansson and congratulate her on receiving the Golden Heart Award for Philanthropy & Activism.
Scarlett Johansson with Rupert Friend and Matt Damon Photo by Lydia Lee
Scarlett then spoke about her personal experience with food insecurity as a child, and how that experience has always connected her to God’s Love, with the real understanding of what it means to need food, and need help. She told us:
“The struggle to put food on the table can lead to immense hardship and despair and a loss of hope. But organizations like God’s Love We Deliver offer a lifeline to those in need. They go beyond providing meals by connecting individuals with resources, creating community support networks, and advocating for long-term solutions to address systemic issues of poverty.”
Patina Miller and David Foster
Before the night ended, iconic music producer David Foster took the stage to announce the final surprise of the evening, a performance of Real Love by Mary J. Blige, which brought everyone to their feet.
Mary J. Blige Photo by Kim Mancuso
Guests departed with gift bags of our famous brownies, goods from Opul Beauty, and a special edition chocolate bar from Tony’s Chocolonely.
This year’s Golden Heart Awards raised more than $3.5 million, funding more than 350,000 medically tailored meals for our neighbors living with and affected by severe and chronic illness.
Thank you to our Honorary Chairwoman Anna Wintour, Michael Kors and all of our co-chairs, our honorees and performers, sponsors, guests, and everyone involved for making it a huge success!
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