Celine Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala, Presents Spirit of Life Award to AEG CEO Jay Marciano
variety.comAndrés Buenahora editor Celine Dion made a surprise appearance at the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
The Canadian singer was in attendance to present the Spirit of Life Award to AEG CEO Jay Marciano for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts towards cancer research. “What a joy it is to come together with everyone in this room tonight to do everything in our power to help spread this great gift,” Dion said.
City of Hope is a cancer research and treatment program. Dion’s husband, René Angélil, died of cancer on Jan. 14, 2016. “The City of Hope is so well-named,” Dion said during her presentation speech. “It does so much more than the important research leading to new treatments.
It provides care to people in their greatest time of need…it provides the most precious ingredient of all. It provides hope.” Dion lauded the choice of Marciano as the Spirit of Life Award recipient — explaining that she believed his career has survived its share of great challenges but has been marked by consistent expression of empathy: “You have shown such a generosity of spirit, a kindness and understanding of humanity that your legacy seems to be building itself,” Dion said.
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