Jaime Lee Curtis to Receive Inaugural Award at Cape & Gown Gala on November 8

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Institute (CII) proudly announces the inaugural Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, recognizing the Reiners' lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children and families and strengthening communities across Los Angeles, throughout California, and beyond.

"I can't think of a more meaningful way to honor the legacy of my sister Michele and my brother-in-law Rob," says Martine Singer, President and CEO of Children's Institute. "I had the privilege of watching them devote their lives to creating a more just and compassionate world for children and families. Their work was never about recognition—it was about making a lasting difference. Michele and Rob embody what Children's Institute has believed for 120 years: that strengthening families and advancing equity go hand in hand."

Created in partnership with Jake and Romy Reiner, the Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award will cement the Reiners' enduring legacy of advancing bold solutions, civic leadership, and social progress on behalf of children, families, and historically marginalized communities.

"Our parents taught us what it means to be good, decent human beings. And they didn't just talk about it; they led by example. They took the unconditional love they had for us and applied it to all their advocacy work, that includes their support for Children's Institute and our aunt Martine," says Jake Reiner.

"Not only were they incredibly proud of Martine for the way that she has led the organization, but they believed so much in the goal of CII. When Martine asked us if they could name the award after them, it was not only an honor but made complete sense. To have our parents' names connected to CII's work on behalf of children and families is a meaningful continuation of what they stood for," says Romy Reiner.

The Legacy of Michele and Rob Reiner

For decades, Michele and Rob Reiner were among the nation's most influential champions for children and families. They called on public leaders—from the White House to state houses across the country—to make the earliest years of a child's life a national priority, improving the lives of millions and helping to reshape how the public understood the profound impact of a child's earliest years.

Among their most significant achievements was their leadership in establishing First 5 California through the voter-approved tobacco tax initiative, creating a lasting investment in early childhood development, health, and school readiness. Since its inception, First 5 California has generated more than $12.5 billion to help children thrive during the most critical years of life.

The Reiners were also steadfast and consequential champions for civil rights and equality. Their leadership helped launch the landmark federal court challenge to California's ban on marriage equality, a historic legal effort that restored marriage rights for same-sex couples in California and helped set the stage for nationwide marriage equality.

Across decades, Michele and Rob dedicated themselves to strengthening families, advancing equality, supporting the arts, promoting civic engagement, and standing up for vulnerable communities. Their work changed laws, changed lives, and helped change the country—leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.

Inaugural Honoree

The inaugural Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award will be presented to Jamie Lee Curtis at Children's Institute's Cape & Gown Gala on Sunday, November 8, at The Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills.

A longtime friend of the Reiner family, Jamie Lee Curtis has dedicated her life to championing children, families, and communities through philanthropy, advocacy, and storytelling. She is the bestselling author of 14 children's books, including the New York Times bestsellers Today I Feel Silly and Big Words for Little People. Her most recent title, Just One More Sleep, was published in 2024.

One of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, Curtis also founded My Hand In Yours, a charitable initiative that has raised nearly $2 million for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She is a passionate advocate for people in recovery and has used her public platform to reduce stigma and encourage hope and healing. As a devoted mother and grandmother, Curtis embodies the spirit of compassion, authenticity, and service that this award celebrates.

"I am so deeply honored to receive this award as a testament to the extraordinary legacy that Michele and Rob shared with so many of us. They didn't just create together. They lived a life of service, building something greater than themselves and giving so much to the world around them. And that is something worth honoring again and again," said Jaime Lee Curtis.

"The world needs so much more of what they gave us: their love, their courage, and their joy. I am forever grateful to carry a small part of their legacy forward."

Cape & Gown Gala Supporters and Sponsors:

• Jamie Lee Curtis & Christopher Guest
• Michael S. Smith & Amb. James Costos
• Johnny Carson Foundation
• Jordana & Dan Belke
• Tim Disney
• Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
• Beth & Sunil Gunderia
• Dr. Jenny Williams & Joan Henehan
• Sally & Paul R. Kanin
• KPMG
• Dr. Jennifer Linehan Kutrieh & Tarek Kutrieh
• Les Amies
• Susan Disney Lord
• Christy & Michael Lowe
• Elizabeth & Robert Lowe
• Carole & Barry Patmore
• United Healthcare
• Warner Bros. Television Group
• Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Proceeds from the event support Children's Institute's mission of helping children and families heal from trauma, succeed in school, and build pathways to lifelong health, stability, and economic mobility.

For more information about Children's Institute's Cape and Gown Gala on November 8, including current supporters and sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://us.givergy.com/CapeandGownGala2026/

About Children's Institute 

Children's Institute has served Los Angeles communities since 1906. Every year, Children's Institute supports 30,000 children and families across Los Angeles in achieving emotional well-being and educational success, which build pathways to economic mobility and lifelong health. We work in underserved communities across Los Angeles County. Children's Institute offers education, counseling services, parenting support, convening spaces and enrichment programs in the community at our sites and campuses. To learn more, visit www.childrensinstitute.org.

Contact:
Randy Bunnao
rbunnao@childrensinstitute.org
(213) 705-8827

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SOURCE Children's Institute