On Thursday, Nov. 29, award-winning actress, artist and philanthropist Jane Seymour and her husband, director, producer and writer, James Keach hosted a memorable and meaningful event at Carnegie Hall on behalf of the Open Hearts Foundation, dedicated to raise funds to enrich the lives of children in the areas of health, education, arts and sports.

Two honorees, who embody the Foundation’s mission, were celebrated at the event and received the prestigious Open Heart Award, including Leonard Lauder (Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation) and Lisa Lori (Operation Smile).

Hamptonite Lisa Lori, a publicist with clients in NYC & the East End, teamed up with Operation Smile to launch the “Zachary, Luke or Griffin” Teddy Bears. These special bears are named after Lisa Lori’s three sons, all who were born with facial paralysis. After enduring years of surgeries to give her own children their smiles, Lisa partnered with childhood friend Kathy Van Zeeland to design the commemorative bears so they could bring comfort to children worldwide who are suffering from facial deformities.

The Open Hearts Foundation also honored Josh Lockwood, Red Cross Chief Executive Officer of the Greater New York Area, with a $25,000 check to recognize the Red Cross’ ongoing support during Hurricane Sandy.

The evening was topped off with a special musical concert, “The Christmas Rose”, starring Jane Seymour as the narrator, and renowned American composer Tim Janis, along with a full orchestra, choirs, dancers and a full Broadway cast.

Here are some fun highlights from the memorable evening:

·         While in New York, award-winning actress, artist and philanthropist Jane Seymour and husband James Keach graciously donated $25,000 on behalf of the Open Hearts Foundation to the Red Cross as a way to recognize their ongoing (and much needed) relief efforts throughout the east coast post-Hurricane Sandy. The foundation invited Red Cross volunteers to the concert as a way to give them a “few hours off” from their hard work. Accepting on behalf of the Red Cross was Josh Lockwood, Red Cross Chief Executive Officer of the Greater New York Area.

·          James Keach and Jane Seymour got the entire concert hall to sing “Happy Birthday” to one of the evening’s honorees, Lisa Lori’s son, Zachary. Lisa Lori accepted her award with her husband and three sons on stage, and spoke about her family’s decision to shed light on children with facial paralysis through Operation Smile and the “Three Bear’s Initiative.”

·         Leonard Lauder accepted an Open Heart award and spoke about the immediate and desperate need to cure Alzheimer’s disease. He spoke to the crowd and said that his goal is to eradicate the disease so that all the young kids in the room wouldn’t even know what “Alzheimer’s” meant by the time they were adults.

Through the Open Hearts Foundation, Seymour and husband Keach hope to bring the Open Heart movement into communities worldwide and encourage others to use life’s challenges to inspire and motivate others to do good. For more information about the Open Hearts Foundation, visit www.openheartsfoundation.org.