Tweet

 

Yahoo! Sports and the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program rolled out the red carpet this week to honor Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann by presenting them with the 2012 Children's Choice Award during the second annual A Day Of Champions at the Los Angeles Sports Museum.

 

The event took place over a full day with more than 70 athletes and celebrities in attendance, including members of the L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, writer/producer J.J. Abrams, Nick Cannon, Tito Ortiz, Olympic athletes, MMA fighters, cast members from the hit show "Glee", and many, many more (though sans Ms. Mann, who was battling the flu).

 

Not only did the celebs and professional athletes mingle with the guests over a spectacular BBQ, but they also participated alongside their fans in numerous activities set up throughout the event, including basketball, football, soccer, boxing, sumo wrestling (inflatable suits anyone?), miniature golf, rock climbing, batting cages, and speed pitch -- it was a full day of excitement for everyone.

 

The Children's Choice Award is a way for the foundation to show their appreciation to those individuals who have gone above and beyond to help children and their families infected, affected, and at risk for pediatric cancer. Together with The Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program, they not only raise awareness but raise funds to support cancer research at the Children’s Hospital here in Los Angeles. Past Children's Choice Award recipients include Barbra Streisand, Britney Spears, Elizabeth Taylor, Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, Whoopi Goldberg, Queen Latifah, and Hilary Duff, just to name a few. Not bad company to be in for the Apatows!

 

Apatow and Mann have 2 beautiful daughters and have always been involved in the community and charitable events. "Leslie and I are humbled by being the recipients of the 2012 Children's Choice Awards from the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program. It is our hope and prayer that one day all children (and adults) will live in a cancer-free world. And we want those children currently battling the disease the chance to live a full and happy life," said Apatow.

 

Apatow (writer, producer, director) has been the comic force behind some of my favorite films -- The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Funny People, as well as Pineapple Express, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Bridesmaids. Together with his wife Leslie, they are a comedic powerhouse. Mann has established herself as brilliant actresses appearing in such films as She's The One, Big Daddy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, 17 Again, and Funny People, amongst others.

 

Joyce Trabulus, Chairman and Founder of the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Program, said, "We are so grateful to be able to present the 2012 Children's Choice Award to such remarkable people. Their spirit and devotion to helping both children and adults who have been affected by cancer is truly inspiring. I hope that others will be touched and motivated by Judd and Leslie's commitment to both research and children's care."

 

In between raising a family and raising cancer awareness, Apatow and Mann are hard at work. Apatow just finished filming his latest production, This Is 40, a follow-up to/spin-off of the blockbuster hit Knocked Up, starring Leslie (who also just completed Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring) and Paul Rudd, set for a December release. Apatow, Mann, and Rudd -- need I say more?

 

 

- Felix Kay, YH Staff