My Teen Topix: Red Tie Gala Raises Half A Million Dollars For The Red Cross

Denis Leary interviewed at the ARC Red Tie Gala

As celebrities arrived in droves, the Santa Monica Fairmont Miramar Hotel was swamped with paparazzi all eager to cover the years biggest fund raiser for the American Red Cross -- the annual Red Tie Affair. The event included a special dinner honoring actor/comedian Denis Leary, actress Jaimie Lee Curtis, Iraq vet, actor and dancer J.R. Martinez, and Dr. Timothy Miller of UCLA's Operation Mend.

The star studded gala contained a special presentation of the Crystal Cross Humanitarian Award to Jaimie Lee Curtis. The national President and CEO of the Red Cross, Gail McGovern praised the actress/best-selling author for her dedication to the Red Cross during recent disaster in Haiti and Japan, and her advocacy for personal disaster preparedness.

Jaimie Lee Curtis arrives at the American Red Cross Red Tie Gala

Jaimie Lee Curtis receives the Chrystal Cross Award from the American Red Cross

Rescue Me's Denis Leary received the Spirit of Service Award. The ascerbic actor/comedian get the guests in stitches while accepting the award. Leary started the Leary Firefighters Foundation whose mission is to provide funding and resources to fire departments to obtain the best available equipment, technology and training.

Denis Leary star and co-creator of TV's hit Rescue Me

Comedian Leary pet K9 rescue dog. Even dogs wore red ties to the event

Denis Leary kept the attendees laughing

Iraq war hero, actor and Dancing With the Stars winner, J.R. Martinez received the Spirit of Inspiration Award. Martinez, while serving in Iraq, was horribly wounded by a land mine. He suffered severe wounds over 40% of his body, and as a motivational speaker he often comments that he should be dead, but instead cherishes life.

J.R. Martinez with his girl friend Diana Gonzalez Jones

J.R. Martinez kisses girlfriend Diana's belly as she explains that
the baby is due in less than two weeks

"It's a girl!" says J.R Martinez

J.R Martinez with Dancing With The Stars partner Karina Smirnoff

Dr. Timothy Miller, a plastic surgeon form UCLA, was also honored for his work with Project Mend, which helpsVets who have suffered extensive facial and body damage from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. As the leader of Project Mend, Dr, Miller received the Spirit of Volunteerism Award for his unending dedication to our returning heroes.

UCLA's Dr. Timothy Miller of Operation Mend

Joseph Paulk, a patient of Dr. Miller's Operation Mend. Paulk
suffered severe burns from a mine explosion in Afghanistan

Christine Devine of Fox 11 News and Quiet Riot's Sean McNabb of Sons of Anarchy.
Devine emceed the event for the Red Cross

The event was packed with celebrities and other supporters of the American Red Cross. Overall, a half of a million dollars were raised at the Red Tie gala, and the funds will be used to further the incredible work of this great organization. My Teen Topix can hardly wait for next year, to brush off its Red Tie and cover this fantastic annual event.

The national American Red Cross President and CEO

Gail McGovern with handsome actor Josh Duhamel

Josh Duhamel, one of the nicest celebrities on the planet,
has dedicated so much of his time to the Red Cross

Josh Duhamel with peakPRgroup CEO Christine Peake, who Josh
worked with on the Red Cross Runs for Haiti and Japan

Fashion designer Eva Varro
and Eva's husband Calin Senciac

Bridget Marquardt of The Girls Next Door

Katarina Van Derham of The Girls Next Door

Kendra Wilkinson of Kendra and The Girls Next Door

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Hank Baskett and wife Kendra Wilkinson

Hank Baskett, Kendra Wilkinson, and Electrolux's Jack Tuaong

Hank Baskett, Kendra Wilkinson, and Electrolux's Jack Truong

Red Cross Sponsors Eletrolux with Jeff Jesina,
Red Cross Director of Development Marcia Caldirola,
Electrolux Head Jack Troung, American Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern
and celebrity
chef Nick Stellino