Jamie Lee Curtis and John Mayer Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images; VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images The late Rob and Michele Reiner dedicated countless hours to advocating on behalf many causes and organizations, and one remained close to their hearts for years: Children’s Institute in Los Angeles.
Founded in 1906, the org now serves upwards of 30,000 children and families across the city in underserved neighborhoods by providing education, counseling, parenting support, meeting spots and enrichment programs all under a mission of helping build pathways to success, economic mobility and good health. Not only did the cause align with the Reiners’ broader work with children and families but Michele’s sister, Martine Singer, has served as president and CEO for nearly a decade.
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Together with Reiner children, Jake and Romy, Children’s Institute has created the Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, an honor designed to recognize the late couple’s “lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children and families and strengthening communities across Los Angeles, throughout California, and beyond.”
The inaugural award will be presented at the org’s Cape & Gown Gala at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California, on Nov. 8, and they’ve zeroed in on a recipient who not only has championed children, families and communities through philanthropy, advocacy and storytelling but was close to the Reiners: Oscar and Emmy winner Jamie Lee Curtis. Also confirmed to perform at the gala is Grammy winner John Mayer, who has ties to the Reiners as well, as he wrote and performed “Say” (aka “Say (What You Need to Say)”) as an original track for the 2007 Rob Reiner-directed dramedy The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
“I can’t think of a more meaningful way to honor the legacy of my sister Michele and my brother-in-law Rob,” Singer said. “I had the privilege of watching them devote their lives to creating a more just and compassionate world for children and families. Their work was never about recognition — it was about making a lasting difference.”
Both Jake and Romy Reiner offered statements about the meaningful moment. “Our parents taught us what it means to be good, decent human beings. And they didn’t just talk about it; they led by example. They took the unconditional love they had for us and applied it to all their advocacy work, that includes their support for Children’s Institute and our aunt Martine,” said Jake Reiner, who recently spoke with ABC 7 about the tragic murders of his parents.
Added Romy: “Not only were they incredibly proud of Martine for the way that she has led the organization, but they believed so much in the goal of CII. When Martine asked us if they could name the award after them, it was not only an honor but made complete sense. To have our parents’ names connected to CII’s work on behalf of children and families is a meaningful continuation of what they stood for.”
In addition to her screen work as an actress and producer, Curtis is also a bestselling author who has released 14 children’s books, including the New York Times bestsellers Today I Feel Silly and Big Words for Little People. She released the most recent, Just One More Sleep, in 2024. She’s got deep ties to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and has raised nearly $2 million for the organization through her charitable initiative My Hand in Yours. Curtis has long said that she’s guided by the principle of “love and service” in her work, something she applies as a passionate advocate for those in recovery as a sober person herself.
“I am so deeply honored to receive this award as a testament to the extraordinary legacy that Michele and Rob shared with so many of us. They didn’t just create together. They lived a life of service, building something greater than themselves and giving so much to the world around them. And that is something worth honoring again and again,” said Curtis. “The world needs so much more of what they gave us: their love, their courage, and their joy. I am forever grateful to carry a small part of their legacy forward.”
As for the Reiners, they provided leadership in establishing First 5 California through the voter-approved tobacco tax initiative, which raised north of $12.5 billion over the years to support early childhood development, health and school readiness. They also worked tirelessly for civil rights and equality, and helped champion the legal effort that restored marriage rights for same-sex couples in California.
More intel on the event can be found here.
A promo image for Children’s Institute Cape & Gown Gala 2026. Credit: Courtesy of Children’s Institute THR Newsletters
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