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LOS ANGELES () — Jamie Lee Curtis will be honored for her advocacy on behalf of children with the inaugural Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award at Children’s Institute’s upcoming annual fundraiser.
Curtis has spent decades supporting children, following an example set by her mother, the late actress Janet Leigh. Her advocacy has included work with sick children, kids affected by AIDS and other young people in need.
That commitment brought Curtis to Children’s Institute in Echo Park, where she recently read to children alongside Jake Reiner, the son of her late friends Rob and Michele Reiner.
“We had fun,” she said. “I mean, we wiggled and waggled and got our yayas out.”
Curtis notes that spending time with children is a source of inspiration.
“There’s nothing dull about a little kid,” she said. “They are full of life and energy and curiosity and beauty and, so, it’s impossible not to feel inspired to be around little kids.”
Children’s Institute is run by Martine Singer, Michele Reiner’s sister. Rob and Michele Reiner were devoted supporters of the organization and its work helping children and families succeed.
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Ahead of the institute’s annual fundraiser, Curtis was selected to receive its inaugural Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award.
“You know, I didn’t really know what to say because, you know, I said, ‘Of course I’ll do anything I can to help you,'” Curtis said.
Asked if she said yes because she loved the Reiners, Curtis replied, “And very much, very, very much. And I love children. And I do believe that all of us are better when we’re loved.”
Curtis said the fundraiser will inevitably be an emotional occasion without her longtime friends.
“Obviously, it’s a celebration missing two key people,” she said.
The evening will also celebrate the work Children’s Institute does to help children and families get to a better place in their lives. When asked why she considered the Reiners champions, Curtis pointed to their concern for others.
“Because they cared,” she said. “They just simply cared about people.”
Curtis views her role at the fundraiser as an opportunity to carry forward the work of her friends so their work can continue in their absence.
“My only aim here is to focus on the positive, beautiful work being done in the service of other people,” she said. “In this case, in the name of Rob and Michele Reiner and everything they believed in.”
Curtis and members of the Reiner family are still grappling with their loss.
“I don’t know if there’s a healing,” she said. “There’s a daily acceptance of something that is unacceptable.”
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Asked whether her relationship with Jake and Romi had deepened, Curtis said, “Well, of course, George. Of course. How could it not? It’s an unimaginable tragedy and how could it not deepen and care? My husband and I are, you know, dedicated to helping in whatever way we can, in the same way that Rob and Michele would have done the same for our family.”
Curtis’ commitment to service dates back to her teenage years, when she became involved with the Special Olympics. She said those efforts, inspired by her mother, have provided a contrast to moments in the entertainment industry that she finds less fulfilling.
“Like standing on a red carpet with our little Barbie hands and clothes we didn’t buy so someone will take our picture,” she said. “And, like, it’s awful what we’ve become. Show business, it’s awful.”
For Curtis, accepting an award bearing the names of her friends carries a different meaning.
“You know, people use that word a lot, ‘So honored. I’m honored. So honored. I’m so honored,'” she said. “Honored? Really? Like, really? That is an honor? This is an honor! To be asked to do that and to carry their name forward is an honor.”
Children’s Institute’s “Cape and Gown Gala” will be held Nov. 8 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Tickets and sponsorship packages are still available, along with opportunities to make gifts in memory of Michele and Rob Reiner. More information is available at childrensinstitute.org.
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