1st Annual Jean Gibbons Steel Magnolia Award

From all of us at Leeza's Place and the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, we are extremely grateful and beyond blessed to have the support and love of so many passionate friends at the awarding of our inaugural Jean Gibbons Steel Magnolia Caregiver Grant on July 21st at Ryan Black's 88's Cabaret in Los Angeles.

The grant is named after my mom whose toughness and tenderness made her a steel magnolia. She believed most things could be handled with courage and kindness. Her spirit was definitely present in the room that night.The staff at Republic Restaurant was amazing and the room looked beautiful as Babyface gave an intimate performance which wowed the audience! I have never heard such whistling, hooting and hollering!

Our friend, mega-producer, multi-winning composer and iconic humanitarian, David Foster, sat with Babyface as the stage was filled with over a dozen performers who blew our minds with a tribute to Kenny Babyface Edmonds including AzYet, Jon B., Mosaic, William Joseph, Gloria Loring and even my daughter Lexi. Check back soon here at the site for performance videos!

Beverly and Diane Hubbard were our first recipients of the Steel Magnolia Award and it was an emotional moment to hear from these sisters. Beverly is a caregiver.a loving, nurturing influence on children as a nanny. She has worked for both Kenny and myself and has been so important in our lives.

When Beverly had complications after a kidney transplant operation, she found herself needing a caregiver and her beautiful sister, Diane, put her life on hold to care for Bev. They represent both the heroics and the heartache of the caregiving experience. Bev's acceptance speech was one of the most moving I've ever heard.

This was a big step for our foundation as we continue to find ways to support caregivers throughout the nation. Be sure to visit our site for more information.

My personal thanks to my team of superstars...Dana Miller, Bobby Xydis and Vincent Arcuri, along with Ryan Black. They pulled this one off brilliantly!