WNBA icon Candace Parker teamed up with celebrities like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” actress Melissa Fumero, “She’s All That” star Rachael Leigh Cook and “Superman Returns” actor Brandon Routh over the weekend to help raise nearly $6 million for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Chaired by philanthropists Mickey and Lee Segal, the “Evening of Hope Gala” — held at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles — was a true star-studded bash.
Other guests in attendance included Dyan Cannon, Samantha Hanratty and Nuha Jen Inman from “Yellowjackets,” along with Michael McDonald, who took the stage to perform his biggest hits.
“When you hear the way St. Jude goes above and beyond, housing these families, supporting these families while they give their kids every fighting chance they possibly can, it’s obviously incredibly moving … everyone should support them,” said Fumero, 43.
The actress noted that she has a long history with the research hospital, founded by actor Danny Thomas.
“When I first started working as an actor, the very first charity event I ever went to in New York was St. Jude,” Fumero recalled. “I was 21 and I was so moved. I cried at that event, and ever since then, it’s always been the main charity that we’ve donated to.”
“It’s exactly what kids deserve, what you wish and hope for children. And I feel like we don’t have a lot of things like that these days, so it just gives me hope.” Fumero continued.
Other guests included actress Larsen Thompson, who said,” I admire all this organization does as they lead the way to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
She added, “No child is denied treatment, and I wholeheartedly support their mission always.”
