Media Alert: Starlight Children's Foundation's Annual "A Stellar Night" Gala to Honor Insomniac Games, Morrison & Foerster and Hasbro Studios

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - May 14, 2012) -

WHAT:
Starlight Children's Foundation (www.starlight.org) will host its annual Gala on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Beverly Hilton. "A Stellar Night," presented by Nintendo of America, encourages supporters to invite their children and grandchildren to learn early lessons of philanthropy at its ever-popular Kids' Lounge, sponsored this year by Kids Only, a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. The Original Big Wheel, a made in America classic toy that generations know and love, is back this summer and Kids Only is thrilled to provide the first 100 Big Wheel ride-ons to attendees of the Kids Only Kids' Lounge to enjoy.

Starlight's 2012 "Heart of Gold Award" will be presented to Ted Price on behalf of Insomniac Games. This award is presented to individuals with generous hearts and a deep commitment to children. The inaugural "Best in Family Award" will be accepted by Stephen Davis on behalf of Hasbro Studios for its leadership in providing family entertainment, an important pillar for Starlight's programs. The "Jacki Carlish Humanitarian Award" will be presented to Keith Wetmore, Chair of Morrison & Foerster, the recently recognized cause law firm of the year, for its pro bono services with Starlight.

The event will be hosted by actor/comedian Bryan Callen best known for his role as an original cast member of MAD TV, and his roles in both The Hangover and Hangover 2, Warrior, Sex in the City and Entourage. He currently has a one hour stand up special airing on Showtime called Man Class. Bryan was also a series regular on HBO's OZ, Fat Actress, and most recently MTV's Death Valley. He has recurred on In Plain Sight and How I Met Your Mother.

With Mistress of Ceremonies, actress and Starlight StarPower Ambassador Bailee Madison (Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, Just Go With It), and special performances by GRAMMY™-nominated saxophonist and Starlight Global Ambassador Dave Koz, and Jeff Liebow, star of Jersey Boys, "A Stellar Night" will pay tribute to the inspirational stories of Starlight children and their families and honor industry leaders and humanitarians whose hope and compassion have helped Starlight become a leading health and education charity which embraces, empowers and enriches the lives of children from illness to wellness.

Other celebrity guests include: John Stamos, former ATP Tour professional tennis player Vincent Spadea, Carol Liefer, and Jamie Kennedy.

The Gala's young celebrity guests will include StarPower Ambassadors: Ashlee Keating, Austin Anderson, Sammi Hanratty, Chloe Jordache, Peyton List, Spencer List, Elise Luthman and Joey Luthman -- www.starlight.org/starpowerambassadors.

Always a spirited part of the evening is the live auction, this year conducted by That Auction Girl, Vanessa Thanos. Items for purchase include: American Idol Finale tickets, Gene Simmons & Mötley Crüe concert tickets with meet and greet, VIP tickets to the Ellen Degeneres Show, Dave Koz & Friends at Sea, and a trip to the Four Seasons Maui including first class airfare from Los Angeles.

The chairs of Starlight's annual gala are Starlight global board chairman Roger Shiffman and Don James of Nintendo of America, Inc.

Additional celebrity guests to be confirmed as event nears.

WHERE:
The Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA

WHEN:
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Program begins at 6:00 p.m.

PHOTO/BROADCAST OPPORTUNITIES:
Red carpet celebrity and VIP arrivals, including select interviews upon request

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Select celebrity and VIP guests, upon request
Jacqueline Hart-Ibrahim, CEO of Starlight
Roger Shiffman, Global Chairman of the Board
Peter Samuelson, Starlight Children's Foundation founder
Starlight children and families
Heather Porter, author, Body Back

HONOREES INCLUDE:
Hasbro Studios
Insomniac Games
Morrison & Foerster, LLC

SPONSORS INCLUDE:
Nintendo of America Inc.
Kids Only, a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Michaels Stores, Inc.
Bickerstaff Family Foundation
Vivendi
Colgate-Palmolive Company
The Walt Disney Company
Wyndham Worldwide
Lisa & Kevin Mayer
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Heather Porter
WordWorld

*** ALL MEDIA MUST CALL DVORAH WALDMAN AT 424.245.3662 TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE BY TUESDAY, MAY 15 AT 4:00 PM ***