- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
In late August, a photo went viral that showed two young students huddled next to a curb in a Taco Bell parking lot in East Salinas, California. The girls were said to be using the fast-food chain’s WiFi in order to attend virtual classes and the image resulted in renewed focus over inequities that have deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robert Pattinson addressed the image Saturday night during the 14th annual Go Campaign Gala for which he split hosting duties with fellow ambassadors Lily Collins and Ewan McGregor. He brought it up as a way to detail how the organization has pivoted during the crisis to expand efforts for COVID relief while also keeping focus on its long-standing mission to help vulnerable children across the globe. “No child should have to sit on a curb to have access to an education,” said Pattinson, who reportedly faced his own coronavirus diagnosis while filming his lead role as Batman in the Matt Reeves-directed project. “This new go initiative not only provides internet access but it provides a meal, tutoring, stem, coding and mental health services. It tackles racial equality and provides COVID relief. These are two specific campaigns we’re trying to raise money for tonight.”
Related Stories
He said the goal of the nearly two-hour virtual gala was to pull in $1 million for the cause and organizers pulled out all the stops. The show opened with a welcome delivered by Heidi Klum followed by a “Hallelujah” performance from singer Judith Hill. Then Collins, fresh from her Netflix series Emily in Paris, popped in for one of several appearances throughout the night. “There are some things in this world that are universal, like love for example,” she said. “Love transcends language, culture, geography and economics, love for our families, our friends and, of course, love for our children. Go just grabs you, whether you like it or not — the work they do, the kids they impact, they become a part of you. And I know my fellow ambassadors agree with me. I am so glad that we have three hosts, because tonight we have the largest audience to ever attend the Go Campaign Gala as we go virtual.”
She then tossed it to McGregor who said he’s been involved with Go for since the very beginning. He hosted the first gala in 2008 and said he’s stayed with it because he feels passionate about the future of the world’s children. “Go is a lifeline for so many children across the globe,” he said, adding that not having an event this year was not an option. “Too many children are depending on us.”
About Saturday night: Robert Pattinson, Lily Collins and Ewan McGregor co-hosted Go Campaign's first-ever virtual gala trying to raise $1M. Ewan also teamed with girlfriend Mary Elizabeth Winstead to perform Blur's "Tender," Evangeline Lily showed off new haircut, Haim performed. pic.twitter.com/XceeFQqpZJ
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) October 27, 2020
Evangeline Lily, Ashley Park, Rossi Morreale and BeachBody’s Carl Daikeler also appeared to pitch for the work of the organization while performance duties fell on Haim (performing “The Steps” and “Summer Girl”), and couple David Foster and Katharine McPhee (with “The Prayer”). McGregor also returned to join Mary Elizabeth Winstead for another couple’s performance, theirs courtesy of a rendition of the Blur track “Tender.”
Following the event, Go Campaign founder and CEO Scott Fifer told The Hollywood Reporter that his organization was so moved by the outpouring of support. “It was remarkable to watch our community come together to give opportunity to the world’s most vulnerable children at a time when it’s needed most. The night wouldn’t have been the success it was without the generosity of our hosts Lily, Ewan, and Rob, who continue to inspire with their dedication and passion for our projects. Then to have Evangeline Lilly, Ashley Park, Heidi Klum, Haim, French Thyme, Judith Hill, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, David Foster and Katherine McPhee — they all brought such joy and caring to the night, we couldn’t have asked for more.”
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day