The Annual Baby2Baby Gala Is So Much More Than Just A Glamorous Affair

Each year in the fall Baby2Baby, the Los Angeles-based charity that provides children living in poverty with basic necessities, holds a star-studded fundraising gala. Not only is it a celebration of the organization's accomplishments, it sheds much-needed light on its current and future challenges while also raising huge amounts of money. This year's Baby2Baby Gala alone pulled in a whopping $4.7 million thanks in no small part to the persuasive presenters Gwyneth Paltrow, Ali Wong, and Kate Hudson and the work of board members and angels like Nicole Richie and The Zoe Report's editor at large, Rachel Zoe.

The high-profile supporters also include Chrissy Teigen who was honored at the event for her commitment to children in need. (You might also recall Prince Harry and Meghan Markle even asked for donations to Baby2Baby in lieu of gifts for their son Archie earlier this year.) But as with any charitable cause, there is always more that can be done, and more people to help.

Over the past year, co-founders Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof focused on expanding their disaster relief and emergency response programs. "In any fire, hurricane or emergency, families in poverty are always the most vulnerable," explains Patricof to The Zoe Report via email, "this year alone we've distributed more than 10 million items to children affected by natural disasters and emergency situations and we also sent hygiene items, warm blankets, and diapers when immigrant children [at the border] were reported to be lacking the most basic necessities."

In addition, Baby2Baby is continuing to bolster its national network, which now reaches 35 cities outside of its founding center of Los Angeles, as well as harnessing the widespread support from influential women across a range of industries.

Board member Rachel Zoe pointed out the importance of one of the organization's recent initiatives that saw Baby2Baby partner with the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard to donate one million backpacks to students. "For a child who is too embarrassed to go to school carrying their things in a garbage bag, giving them an actual backpack can do a lot for their confidence and in turn, their school attendance," she says to The Zoe Report.

Chrissy Teigen, who received the Giving Tree award for her commitment to children, also matched her husband's donation of $50,000 (and later replaced his Grammys with her award on their trophy case at home). She accepted the award wearing a pistachio green Georges Hobeika gown with a dramatic train.

See more of the stylish attendees here.

Co-Founders Kelly Sawyer Patricof, left and Norah Weinstein, right, flank Baby2Baby angel Molly Sims in Monique Lhuillier.

Nicole Richie and Ali Wong partnered on stage to get the final fundraising amount to its epic $4.7 million.

Laura Mulleavy in Rodarte and Kirsten Dunst in Prada, which was one of the evening's co-sponsors.

Kelly Rowland in Nicole and Felicia Couture and Jessica Alba in Ralph and Russo, both board members, in coordinated feathered ensembles. Alba has also been previously awarded the Giving Tree honor.

Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner, continuing the metallic and pastel theme of the evening's red carpet guests in Prada gowns, are both prior award recipients.

Katy Perry chose a touch of metallic by way of this Prada gown, featuring a draped chainmail bodice and striking full black skirt. All the better for pairing with her ruby engagement ring.

Olivia Munn wore a diaphanous ivory Yanina Couture gown.

Head here for more information about the charity, including donation and volunteer opportunities.