thank you!
The Open Hearts Foundation thanks you for supporting our Celebratory Gala, a month long online auction and Gala event!
All proceeds will benefit our mission, enabling the Foundation to accomplish our strategic goals and impact thousands of vulnerable communities across the United States through our grantmaking and volunteerism programs.
ONLINE AUCTION FEBRUARY 1 TO 29, 2024
Shop our over 30 luxury items, trips for two with Inspirato for Good, or new products donated by JS Designs. Looking for that one of a kind necklace? Place your winning bid on a Swiss Blue Topaz, diamond and pearl necklace, designed by Bill Pedigo of Pedigo's Fine Jewelry and commissioned by Beverly Adams.
With new items added throughout the month, we welcome you to place your bid by 6pm PST on Thursday, February 29th!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024
Thank you to all of our donors who joined us on Saturday, February 17th, 2024! Guests arrived through tree lined twinkling archways for our black-tie optional affair at Calamigos Ranch located in the Malibu mountains in their Pavilion at North Point. Our Gala offered hosted cocktails in an outdoor evening setting, then we moved inside to a formal three-course dinner, wine was generously donated by E. & J. Gallo Winery, a live auction with seven amazing lots, inspiring entertainment by Keith Harkin, and a celebration of our mission with two very special honorees who personify our Open Hearts Philosophy: Mindy and Glenn Stearns and Melissa Yeager of Claire’s Place Foundation.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Thank you to all of our Benefactor ticket guests and sponsors who joined us for a private dinner hosted on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at Jane Seymour's Malibu estate. Jane generously donates her home to the Foundation for an exquisite setting. Guests enjoyed a hosted cocktail reception wine generously donated by E. & J. Gallo Winery, and dinner catered by Malibu Seaside Chef, Gina Clarke-Helm, while guests overlooked the beautiful Pacific Ocean as the sun set. Alisan Porter performed an acoustic set during our intimate evening filled with gratitude.
DONATE TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION
We are sorry if you missed our celebration, however you can still donate and support our mission. Download the Ticket, Sponsorship and Advertising Form to mail a check. Or order online by clicking this button:
Mindy and Glenn Stearns will be honored with the Open Hearts Humanitarian Award
Giving back is a tenant of Mindy and Glenn Stearns’ personal and professional philosophy, balancing their very busy lives with family, business, and philanthropy. A business titan as a lender, Glenn has never forgotten his humble beginnings and, with Mindy as the Chief Kindness Officer, they established Kind Lending in 2020 with a new business model for the lending industry. Even through personal challenges, Glenn and Mindy believe in facing problems head on and trying to solve them proactively rather than waiting and reacting.
Glenn has been honored with the esteemed Horatio Alger Award and Mindy was named Woman of the Year by California State’s 70th district Assemblyman Don Wagner. They have supported the Open Hearts Foundation’s journey since the beginning. Together, Mindy and Glenn’s passion, their fun and creative spirit, and their commitment to family make them the perfect couple to be honored with this prestigious award.
Melissa Yeager, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Claire’s Place Foundation, will be honored with the Open Hearts Award.
Melissa Yeager has never stopped fighting for the cystic fibrosis community. Her daughter, Claire Wineland, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was a baby. It was this personal journey and the desire of her daughter at age 13 to establish a charity and support other families and children struggling with this life debilitating disease. When Claire passed in 2018, Melissa could have ended the charity’s support and closed her heart, but she didn’t. Melissa knew Claire wanted the charity to live on because it gave her life so much meaning. Instead, Melissa opened her heart and still carries on her daughter’s legacy by leading the charity’s work.
For these reasons and more, Melissa will be honored with the Open Hearts Award. inspired by Jane Seymour's mother’s philosophy to turn adversity into an opportunity to help others, this award honors individuals who have risen above their own life challenges to truly help and reach out to others in need. During the evening, Melissa will share her moving story and how Claire’s Place Foundation has been able to impact the lives of so many children and families in the cystic fibrosis community.
Christi Paul
Master of Ceremonies
The Foundation is thrilled to welcome back Christi Paul, award-winning journalist and anchor of What's Now, WKYC, serving as our Master of Ceremonies.
Keith Harkin
Performing at our Saturday night Gala on February 17th, Keith Harkin is a dear friend of the Foundation, Jane Seymour, and Mindy & Glenn Stearns. We cannot wait for you to enjoy his amazing talent!
Over the last 15 years, his musical talents have brought him across the world many times over, including shows for President Obama at The White House, Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island, Secretary of State at the Pentagon, Mohamed Ali at Celebrity Fight Night, and performing National Anthems at The Garden for The Boston Celtics to name but a few. Always creating, Keith writes his own music, hosted a podcast during the pandemic, and performs often on the online concert venue, StageIt.
Alisan Porter
Alisan Porter will be performing for our private Benefactor dinner on Friday, February 16th. We are so excited that she will be joining us for an inspirational performance!
Alisan Porter is a multi-talented artist known for her exceptional skills as a singer, songwriter, actress, and vocal coach. Her journey in the entertainment industry began very young winning "Star Search" at the age of five, followed by the lead role in the movie "Curly Sue," starring Jim Belushi. Her incredible performances and undeniable talent led her to Broadway and then she become the winner on season 10 of "The Voice," along side her coach Christina Aguilera. More recently, Alisan has co-produced her albums “Who We Are” and Pink Cloud”, with her powerful and soulful voice that has captivated audiences worldwide.
We are so excited that she will be joining us for an inspirational performance!
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
Thank you to our Platinum Benefactor Sponsor
Thank you to our Gold Benefactor Sponsors
Thank you to our Silver Benefactor Sponsors
Do you have a luxury product or VIP experience to donate to the Open Hearts Foundation?
We hope that you will help the Open Hearts Foundation with a donation of luxurious items or VIP experiences for our upcoming Celebratory Gala events. The Foundation will host an online auction from February 1 to February 29, 2024, and a live auction during our Gala event on Saturday, February 17, 2024. We are also seeking luxury product donations for the gift bags.
We hope you will join us in celebrating the work of the Foundation and consider donating a luxury item or VIP experience to help further our mission.
Recommended Hotel Stays
There are many hotels in the area for you and your guests to stay and enjoy Southern California. The Foundation will not be blocking any hotel rooms, but we suggest the following hotels in the area of our 2024 Gala:
Calamigos Guest Ranch: calamigosguestranch.com
Westlake Village Inn and Spa: www.westlakevillageinn.com
Four Seasons Westlake Village: www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage
Sheraton, Agoura Hills: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/burah-sheraton-agoura-hills-hotel