Joel and Nicole's Season of Giving
It might have been 70 degrees outside, but Joel Madden and Nicole Richie still managed to create a winter wonderland.
The expectant couple, who will be changing their names to Mom and Dad sometime next month, hosted a holiday party Saturday at Paramount Studios for nearly 200 kids and their parents who have participated in Los Angeles County's Beyond Shelter program, which helps down-on-their-luck families find stable housing situations.
"We really wanted to give these kids a really wonderful and special Christmas," Richie said. "It's our favorite holiday."
The daytime event, featuring clowns, cupcakes, music, face-painting and, of course, a chance to visit with Santa and his elves, was the second shindig thrown this month by the newly formed Richie-Madden Children's Foundation. The high-profile pair launched the nonprofit last month to provide assistance to young families and raise awareness about healthcare, education and other issues that affect a child's life from day one.
But while the reasoning behind the foundation is as serious as it gets, Saturday was all about putting smiles on the little ones' faces.
In addition to the hotdogs, sweets, balloon animals and face-time with Santa, Richie and Madden handed out 500 Cloud B Cuddle Cub teddy bears and 500 pairs of new Stride-Rite shoes, ensuring that no one would be going without this Christmas. BabyCenter, Ultimate Life Living and Mama Sue's Cookies were also among the companies who donated their wares for the event.
"It's hard to believe there are so many homeless families on the streets in our own neighborhoods," Richie, 26, said. "Estimates are that 25,000 families with 75,000 children are homeless in Los Angeles each year, and it's getting worse.
"So it was a no-brainer for us to pull this party together for them for the holidays."
"It's fun for us to be with a bunch of kids who are having a good time," added Madden, whose sister recently welcomed a daughter, Clementine. "They make you smile. Hopefully for today they're feeling special."
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