Actor and author Jamie Lee Curtis has been named the inaugural recipient of the Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award. The honor will be presented during the Children’s Institute’s annual Cape & Gown Gala on November 8, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills. The recognition celebrates Curtis’s decades-long commitment to supporting children, families, and underserved communities, while also honoring the enduring philanthropic legacy of her late friends, Rob and Michele Reiner.
The award was established in partnership with the Reiner family, including children Jake and Romy Reiner, alongside Children’s Institute President and CEO Martine Singer-who is Michele Reiner’s sister. The organization, which has served Los Angeles communities since 1906, provides vital education, counseling, parenting support, and enrichment programs to roughly 30,000 children and families annually across underserved neighborhoods.
Honoring a Lifelong Commitment to Children
Curtis’s dedication to child advocacy spans many years, a path initially inspired by her mother, the late actress Janet Leigh. Over the decades, Curtis has lent her voice and support to numerous causes assisting children, including pediatric healthcare, support for kids affected by AIDS, and various youth programs. Ahead of the upcoming gala, Curtis visited the Children’s Institute in Echo Park, where she read books to children alongside Jake Reiner.
Reflecting on the honor and her relationship with the Reiners, Curtis emphasized the profound impact her late friends had on public service and community care. “The world needs so much more of what they gave us: their love, their courage, and their joy,” Curtis stated. “I am forever grateful to carry a small part of their legacy forward.”
The Legacy of Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob and Michele Reiner were influential figures in national child advocacy and civil rights. Among their notable achievements was their pivotal leadership in establishing First 5 California through a voter-approved tax initiative, which has generated more than $12.5 billion to support early childhood development, health, and school readiness. Additionally, the couple played a central role in civil rights advocacy, helping spearhead legal efforts to restore marriage rights for same- couples in California.
Martine Singer praised the creation of the award as a fitting tribute to her sister and brother-in-law’s practical approach to social progress. “Their work was never about recognition-it was about making a lasting difference,” Singer said. Jake and Romy Reiner echoed these sentiments, noting that naming the award after their parents ensures a meaningful continuation of the values they lived by every day.
Gala Highlights and Star-Studded Support
The Cape & Gown Gala on November 8 will bring together prominent civic leaders, donors, and entertainment industry figures to support the mission of the Children’s Institute. GRAMMY winner John Mayer is scheduled to perform at the event, maintaining a personal connection to the Reiners after writing and performing the song "Say" for Rob Reiner’s 2007 film The Bucket List. Comedian and author Chelsea Handler is also confirmed to attend as a special guest.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support Children’s Institute’s ongoing efforts to help children and families heal from trauma, achieve academic success, and build sustainable pathways to lifelong health and economic mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jamie Lee Curtis and the Reiner Award
When and where will Jamie Lee Curtis receive the Reiner Award?
Jamie Lee Curtis will receive the inaugural Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award on November 8, 2026, at the Children’s Institute’s annual Cape & Gown Gala held at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills.
What is the Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award?
Created in partnership with the Reiner family and Children’s Institute leadership, the award honors individuals who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and marginalized communities through philanthropy, advocacy, and storytelling.
What organization is hosting the gala?
The event is hosted by Children’s Institute (CII), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit founded in 1906 that supports roughly 30,000 children and families annually with educational, counseling, and enrichment services.
Who else is participating in the Cape & Gown Gala?
GRAMMY-winning artist John Mayer is scheduled to perform at the gala, and comedian and author Chelsea Handler will attend as a special guest.
What are some of Jamie Lee Curtis’s other philanthropic efforts?
Alongside her acting career and her work as a New York Times bestselling author of 14 children’s books, Curtis founded the charitable initiative My Hand in Yours, which has raised nearly $2 million for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She is also a passionate advocate for people in recovery.
