Sonnenfeld joins a special lineup of guests that includes celebrated actor and bestselling author Jamie Lee Curtis, who will receive the inaugural Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, presented by Jake Reiner. The evening will also feature a performance by seven-time Grammy Award-winning musician John Mayer, and an appearance by comedian, television host, and New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Handler.
“Barry is the perfect host for an evening that honors the humanitarianism of my sister and brother-in-law,” said Martine Singer, president and CEO of Children’s Institute. “He introduced Rob to Michele in 1988, and he and his wife Susan remained very close to them ever since. Also, he’s hilarious.”
Sonnenfeld is an acclaimed filmmaker whose credits include Get Shorty, The Addams Family, and the first three Men in Black films. His close friendship and creative relationship with Rob Reiner spanned decades, including When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Misery (1990), with Sonnenfeld serving as cinematographer on both films.
“Rob and Michele were incredible human beings with an extraordinary capacity to love and serve others,” said Sonnenfeld. “I miss them more than words can say, but I’ll try.”
The Cape & Gown Gala comes as Children’s Institute celebrates 120 years of serving Los Angeles. Founded in 1906, CII provides early childhood education, mental health services, and whole-family support to approximately 30,000 children and families annually.
Proceeds from the Gala will support CII’s mission to help children and families heal from trauma, succeed in school, and build pathways to lifelong health, and economic mobility.
