Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart and Byron Allen to be honored at Women’s Guild Cedars‑Sinai Stardust Ball
Hollywood power couples and media moguls will converge at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 18 for the Women’s Guild Cedars‑Sinai “Stardust Ball.” The star‑studded fundraiser will recognize three distinguished figures: actor‑philanthropist Harrison Ford, Emmy‑winning actress Calista Flockhart, and entertainment executive Byron Allen. The evening marks Ford and Flockhart’s first joint award from the organization, celebrating their “extraordinary careers and longstanding commitment to philanthropy,” according to Women’s Guild officials.
Event Overview and Purpose
The Stardust Ball benefits the Women’s Guild Neurology Project and the Women’s Guild Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics at Cedars‑Sinai’s Guerin Children’s expansion. Since its inception, the Women’s Guild has raised more than $70 million for the hospital, funding cutting‑edge research, advanced surgical suites, and family‑centered care initiatives. This year’s gala will highlight those contributions while spotlighting the honorees’ community impact.
Why Ford and Flockhart Are Being Honored
Ford’s environmental advocacy stretches back more than three decades. A board member of Conservation International since 1991, he recently received the inaugural E.O. Wilson Legacy Award for “transformative conservation leadership.” Beyond forestry work, he has logged over 200 hours in search‑and‑rescue missions, delivered medical supplies to Haiti, and supported organizations such as Operation Smile and Wings of Hope.
Flockhart’s philanthropy focuses on violence prevention and animal welfare. She collaborates with For Goodness Sakes, Peace Over Violence, and the Violence Intervention Program, using her platform to amplify victims’ voices and fund counseling services. Her commitment extends to advocacy for women’s health and safe housing initiatives.
Byron Allen’s Humanitarian Recognition
Allen Media Group’s chairman and CEO will accept a humanitarian award for “longstanding commitment to creating opportunity, expanding representation and using his platform to uplift underserved communities.” Under his leadership, the company oversees a diversified portfolio that includes The Weather Channel, HBCUGO, TheGrio, BuzzFeed and HuffPost. Allen’s “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and continues to air weeknights on CBS.
Allen’s Broad Industry Impact
Beyond broadcasting, Allen has been honored by prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, USC, UCLA and Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. His efforts to increase minority ownership in media have been cited as a model for corporate social responsibility, aligning with the Women’s Guild’s mission to improve community health and education.
Recent Projects and Advocacy
In the past year, Ford has continued to champion climate‑action legislation, appearing in public service announcements for the Climate Reality Project. Flockhart launched a limited‑edition line of cruelty‑free cosmetics that donates a portion of sales to domestic violence shelters. Allen’s foundation announced a $5 million grant to support STEM programs in under‑resourced Los Angeles schools earlier this fall.
How the Fundraiser Supports Cedars‑Sinai
Proceeds from the Stardust Ball will directly fund the Women’s Guild Neurology Project, which advances research into stroke, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. The Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics, also funded by the guild, expands neonatal intensive care capacity and trains the next generation of pediatric specialists at Guerin Children’s. donors at the gala will hear updates on these initiatives and see how philanthropy translates into tangible patient outcomes.
The gala will feature a live auction, a silent‑auction lounge, and a performance that celebrates the arts—mirroring the honorees’ dedication to culture and community. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with civic leaders, healthcare executives, and entertainment industry peers.
While exact ticket details and auction items are still being finalized, the Women’s Guild encourages early registration to ensure a memorable evening of purpose and celebration.
For more information on attendance, sponsorship opportunities, or donation options, visit the Women’s Guild Cedars‑Sinai website. The organization continues to rely on the support of philanthropists like Ford, Flockhart and Allen to drive medical breakthroughs and improve the health of Los Angeles families.
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