Recap of The 15th Annual Children Uniting Nations Oscar Viewing Gala

Recap of  The 15th Annual Children Uniting Nations Oscar Viewing Gala (CUN) at the historic Warner Brothers Estate in Beverly Hills, March 2nd 2014.
Photos & story by Karen Ostlund

(Center in red) Host Daphna Ziman did interviews inbetween commercial brakes.

Founder Daphna Ziman launched CUN in 1999 with Honorary Chair and former First Lady and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton to benefit at-risk youth in the foster care system (President Clinton was a foster child).

Seating area 15th Annual United Nation Oscar Viewing Gala

This event has become one of the most prestigious celebrations of the Awards season, honoring supporters and celebrities, who have shown compassion and commitment to improving the lives of at-risk youth and children in foster care.

(Right) Actor John Savage with friend

The Viewing Gala kicked off with a silent auction, followed by the viewing sit down dinner of the 86th Annual Academy Awards.

Maria Conchita Alonso performed

The 15th Annual Gala Event included the annual CUN’s Awards Ceremony, followed by an extravagant after-party with live performances by Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra with celebrity singers such as Chaka Khan, Scherrie Payne from the Supremes, Bobby Brown and actress Maria Conchita Alonso.

Actor Jeff Goldblom and singer Bobby Brown

Chaka Kahn sang

Also performed live were Abraham McDonald, Kenny Lattimore, Disney’s China McClain along with her sisters in their group, McClain and DJ for the event was Doug E Fresh.

Vegas Vodka "OscarTini"

The gala was hosted by former foster child turned comedian, Tommy Davidson and famed voice-over actor Shadoe Stevens. Cassidy Mack, young actress and former foster child, which was be the evenings’ special guest speaker. "On a day when we celebrate dreams coming true, let us not forget our foster children who are often afraid to dream. As the entertainment family, it behooves us to reach out to the most voiceless children in our country," said Ziman.
                                                       

Italian Fabio Viviani

(center)Director Boris Dante from Dante's Inferno Animated and the film's Wine Labels

The Warner Brothers Estate, is currently owned by Ziman, and is where former owner, Harry Warner, co-founder of Warner Bros. Studios, entertained iconic legends of film such as Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Bette Davis, Gary Cooper, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Temple, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, several U.S. Presidents, and dignitaries from all over the world.
Portraits of these and many other celebrities and American Royalty, photographed by George Horrell, adorn the walls of this beautiful estate.