Johnny Depp, Debbie and Mark Attanasio & Ralph Alvarez to Receive Childrens Hospital Los Angeles' 'Courage to Care' Awards at 2006 Noche de Ninos Gala

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Childrens Hospital Los Angeles announced today its lineup of honorees for the 2nd annual Noche de Ninos Gala, a star-studded, multicultural celebration honoring individuals who make a difference in the lives of children around the world. The event takes place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 7, 2006. The honorees will be presented with the Noche de Ninos "Courage to Care" Award for philanthropic excellence. Johnny Depp will be recognized for his many charitable contributions, along with Ralph Alvarez of McDonald's Corporation and philanthropists Debbie and Mark Attanasio. The "Night of the Children" is the primary benefit for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, benefiting the young patients served by Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. As an international leader in pediatrics, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides the most critically ill and injured children in Southern California and around the world with cutting-edge medical care. The inaugural gala in 2004 raised over two million dollars. The evening featured honoree Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Leonardo DiCaprio. Lopez will return to Noche de Ninos this year to present Depp his award.

"This year's honorees truly represent Childrens Hospital Los Angeles -- Johnny Depp embodies the very spirit of the 'Courage to Care' Award -- he puts smiles on the faces of thousands of children through his great work on film, and his longtime private advocacy of children and children's charities is nothing short of inspirational," says event gala organizer and creator Giselle Fernandez-Farrand.

Debbie Attanasio and her husband Mark, a partner at Los Angeles-based Trust Company of the West and Chairman of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, avidly support youth charities in Los Angeles and Milwaukee. "Debbie and Mark have continually supported various children's organizations, and we are lucky enough to call them patrons of the hospital," says Fernandez-Farrand.

"Ralph Alvarez's work with the Ronald McDonald House has given children across the world the opportunity to be children no matter what their condition," continues Fernandez-Farrand. As President and C.O.O. of McDonald's Corporation, Alvarez is one of the highest-ranking Hispanic executives in the country and has championed McDonald's commitment to promote healthy menus and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Co-chairs for the evening include Jeffrey Katzenberg, Cheryl Saban, Ph.D., Victoria Simms, Ph.D., and gala organizing chair and event producer Fernandez-Farrand. Access Hollywood's Billy Bush will host the evening's festivities. Actor and comedian Ray Romano will perform stand-up comedy. Comedian and performer Billy Crystal will host the evening's live auction, sponsored by Christie's auction house. Katzenberg is scheduled to present Ralph Alvarez with his award, while baseball commissioner Bud Selig is scheduled to present Debbie and Mark Attanasio with their honors for the evening. Additional musical performances will be announced shortly.

For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact Levy, Pazanti & Associates at (310) 201-5033.

ABOUT CHLA & NOCHE de NINOS

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles -- Noche de Ninos. Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has been treating the most seriously ill and injured children in Los Angeles for more than a century, and it is acknowledged throughout the United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. Childrens Hospital is one of America's premier teaching hospitals, affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California for more than 74 years. Home of The Saban Research Institute, it is a national leader in pediatric research. On October 7, 2006, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is proud to be a part of the second Noche de Ninos gala. This wondrous night of entertainment, cuisine, and fundraising will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and bring awareness to its cause. This year's gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Press Contact: Barry Dale Johnson/IDPR (323) 822-4813

Adam Keen/IDPR (323) 822-4814