These
were the words of gratitude that Mr. Marc Cohen, President of the Starlight
Children's Foundation, expressed at the benefit concert, "One World...
of Peace Through Music" held at the Shrine Auditorium on December
18, 1998. That evening, Supreme Master Ching Hai made a deep impression
on more than 6,000 audience members both with Her beautiful poetry and
Her contributions to two children's organizations, the Starlight Children's
Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Many of the Board
members of the Starlight Children's Foundation were completely awed
by Supreme Master Ching Hai's talents as expressed through Her paintings,
jewelry designs, and dress designs. Executive Director of the Starlight
Children's Foundation, Ms. Laurie Goldman, was especially moved when
she learned of Master's humanitarian works, Her noble teachings, and
Her diverse artistic talents.
Subsequently,
when the Starlight Children's Foundation organized its 15th anniversary
gala, Ms. Goldman extended an invitation to Supreme Master Ching Hai
to attend as a special guest. Although extremely busy with preparations
for Her upcoming world lecture tour, Master Ching Hai, touched by Ms.
Goldman's sincerity, reserved some time to attend this special event.
The
Starlight Children's Foundation was formed 15 years ago when actress
Emma Samms and producer Peter Samuelson ("Arlington Road,"
"Tom and Viv," "Wilde") granted Starlight's first
wish to a cancer patient; subsequently, the Starlight Children's Foundation
was founded for the sole purpose of enhancing and touching the lives
of seriously ill children. This non-profit organization grants the once-in-a-lifetime
wishes of these special children to bring a smile to their faces and
provide them and their families with an unforgettable memory.
On
October 28, 1999, the 15th anniversary gala, "The Magic of Starlight,"
was held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California,
USA. Oscar-winning actress Kim Basinger (L. A. Confidential, The Natural,
Batman) and President of CBS Television, Les Moonves, co-chaired the
event.
Supreme
Master Ching Hai arrived at the red carpet entrance of the exclusive
Beverly Hills Regent in a white stretch limousine looking dazzling in
a green sparkling dress with a fresh white flower clipped in Her hair.
A crowd gathered around Her as the lights and cameras started flashing.
The President of the Starlight Children's Foundation, Mr. Marc Cohen,
personally greeted Master and presented Her with a beautiful bouquet
of flowers. Understanding the preciousness of Her time, he observed
that it was his honor as well as that of the Starlight Children's Foundation
for Master to attend the gala.
Mr.
Marc Cohen led Supreme Master Ching Hai upstairs to enjoy the top tier
Rose reception party in Le Trianon at the Regent before being seated
at the Head Table with his wife, Starlight Board member Kathryn Cohen
and himself, popular Hollywood actor Martin Sheen and his wife Janet
Sheen, President of CBS Television, Mr. Les Moonves and award-winning
actress Swoozie Kurtz. Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, Swoozie
Kurtz (Citizen Ruth, Liar, Liar, Dangerous Liaisons, Bright Lights,
Big City), began the program by welcoming all the guests who had come
to support the noble work of serving the needs of children. She then
introduced award-winning singer and actor, Davis Gaines, who performed
a beautiful vocal in his strong, operatic voice. Gaines has performed
the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera"
more than 2,000 times.
Starlight
President Marc Cohen then came to the stage to thank all of the guests
and new friends of the Starlight Foundation. He had also written an
introduction for the program booklet, in which he especially thanked
Supreme Master Ching Hai and reserved a whole dedication page that included
a picture of Master presenting Her contribution to the Starlight Foundation
at the benefit concert, "One World... of Peace Through Music."
The
evening's entertainment proceeded with a splendid musical performance
by multi-Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, who has garnered platinum records
with hits such as "All I Do," "Home," and "Strong
Enough." Supreme Master Ching Hai was quite busy greeting all the
many guests that came to Her table. Sharing Her special vegetarian food
with them, they expressed delight upon tasting the exquisite dishes.
Swoozie
Kurtz, Emmy Award winner for "Carol & Company," and Tony
Award winner for her Broadway roles in "The House of Blue Leaves"
and "Fifth of July," admired Supreme Master Ching Hai's unique
gloves. With Her generous heart, Master presented them to her as a souvenir,
and Ms. Kurtz immediately put them on and modeled for the cameras.
Actor
Martin Sheen, who has starred in, directed, and produced more than 73
films, including "Apocalypse Now," "Badlands," "Cadence,"
and "The American President," is currently appearing in the
TV series, "The West Wing," in which he plays the President
of the United States. He is father to four talented actors, including
popular Hollywood stars Emilio Estevez, known for "Young Guns,"
"Stakeout," and "Men at Work" and Charlie Sheen,
famous for "Platoon," "Navy Seals," and "Hot
Shots." Supreme Master Ching Hai gave the Ancient Beauty ring She
was wearing to his wife, Janet Sheen, who observed that Master has a
magnetic personality. (Later, they invited Master to visit their house
where they later had dinner together.)
Marc
and Leslie Cohen also admired the Celestial Jewelry, and Supreme Master
Ching Hai presented them with matching men and women's collections.
As a symbol of friendship toward Ms. Laurie Goldman, Master reserved
"The Heart of Gold Collection," and Ms. Goldman expressed
her sincere gratitude for this most precious gift.
The
two designers, Pericles Rellas and Mitchell Edwards, of the new star
pin for the Starlight Foundation were so fascinated by Supreme Master
Ching Hai's "Ancient Beauty" jewelry collection that they
came over to Her table to have a closer look. Her beautiful creations
included an emerald and diamond-studded necklace, a bracelet, earrings,
and rings. Both jewelers raved about the collection, calling them "ingenious
works of art".
Among
the other guests who had the good fortune to meet Supreme Master Ching
Hai were Julie Warner, star of CBS' "Family Law," Starlight
Board member Bernie Sharf, Starlight Board member Kathryn Cohen, Dee
Slattery of Nautica International, Inc., and Steve Webster, Director
of Public Relations for Fox Sports Network.
Before
leaving the gala, Supreme Master Ching Hai visited with the three terminally
ill Starlight children along with one of their brothers who were on
the stage. Always very loving, Master gave each one an adorable teddy
bear and a red envelope, each filled with US$1,000 of lucky money. It
was a thrilling night for the many fortunate guests who met Supreme
Master Ching Hai and were touched by Her noble heart and boundless generosity.
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