God’s Love We Deliver hosted their 20th annual Golden Heart Awards last night at the spectacular Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on the Upper West Side. The event raised nearly $4 million to support the incredible work of GLWD, who provide medically tailored meals to New Yorkers affected by life-altering illnesses.
This event was once again chaired by honorary chairperson Anna Wintour and co-chair Michael Kors, who have both been devout supporters of the nonprofit. This years’s honorees were Misty Copeland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Andrew Scott.
Scott was the recipient of the evening’s Outstanding Humanitarianism & Cultural Impact honor. In his speech, he talked about his upcoming role in the film Elsinore, which details the final months of Scottish actor Ian Charleson, who famously portrayed Hamlet while terminally ill with AIDS.
“I think he knew playing Hamlet would cost him, probably the most valuable thing that we have, which is our time,” Scott said. “And he chose to do it anyway. He chose less time and more joy. He refused to let his illness define him. He was enormously funny and brave and hugely loved by anyone who encountered him. It’s such a privilege to be associated with him in some small way.”
Vogue’s Chloe Malle presented to Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is currently on Broadway in Other Desert Cities, and received the Outstanding Artistry & Advocacy award. Malle paid tribute to many of Louis-Dreyfus’ memorable roles throughout her career and life.
“The role I admire most is the one she took on in 2017,” Malle said. “That September, Julia found out she had breast cancer. Most people would keep that private. Julia announced that loudly. In the same breath, she made the case for universal healthcare, because she knew so many women facing that diagnosis didn’t have the coverage that she had. She shared her treatment round by round so people could actually see what it looks like. A year later, cancer-free, she went on national television and said healthcare should be for all. Among the many New Yorkers [that] God’s Love feeds, there are those going through debilitating cancer treatments who are too sick to cook for themselves. They are exactly the people that Julia is speaking up for.”
While accepting her award, Louis-Dreyfus talked about how the smells of food brought her comfort during her illness and the importance of giving back. “When I want people to think that I’m really smart, I generally try to quote something from the 19th century,” she said. “Preferably a woman writer like George Eliot. She wrote, ‘What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” I think that is so true, and it’s why I love God’s Love. There is no greater joy than bringing joy to someone else.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for God’s Love We Deliver)
Michael Kors presented the Michael Kors Inspiring Philanthropy award to Misty Copeland. “What an incredible 20 years it has been at Golden Hearts,” Kors said. “I’m so proud to celebrate this amazing organization and all the incredible people, the volunteers, the people who work at God’s Love, everyone who is part of the God’s Love family, and tonight is no exception. It is my honor to present this award for Inspiring Philanthropy to someone who has…