The family of Rob and Michele Reiner will see their decades of advocacy for children formally honored this fall: Children’s Institute in Los Angeles is introducing the new Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, to be presented at its Cape & Gown Gala on Nov. 8. The recognition and the gala underscore the Reiners’ long-running commitment to early childhood services and community programs that reach thousands across the city.
Founded in 1906, Children’s Institute operates across Los Angeles neighborhoods underserved by social and educational resources, providing counseling, after-school enrichment, parenting support and safe community spaces. The nonprofit now serves roughly 30,000 children and family members annually, aiming to expand opportunities for health, learning and economic mobility.
An award rooted in family and advocacy
The new prize — the Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award — was created in partnership with the Reiners’ children, Jake and Romy, and the organization’s leadership. Martine Singer, Michele Reiner’s sister and Children’s Institute’s president and CEO for nearly a decade, framed the honor as a continuation of the couple’s practical, long-term approach to social change rather than a search for publicity.
She said the award reflects the Reiners’ “lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children and families” and noted their work prioritized durable community impact over recognition.
Honoring Jamie Lee Curtis — and music with ties to the Reiners
Actor, writer and longtime philanthropist Jamie Lee Curtis will be the inaugural recipient. The organization also confirmed that Grammy winner John Mayer will perform at the Beverly Wilshire gala; Mayer previously contributed the song “Say” to Rob Reiner’s 2007 film The Bucket List, a personal connection between the artist and the Reiners.
Curtis, who has published 14 children’s books — including New York Times bestsellers such as Today I Feel Silly and Big Words for Little People — and released the picture book Just One More Sleep in 2024, praised the choice as meaningful. She described being honored to help carry forward the couple’s legacy of service and compassion.
- Award: Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award
- Honoree: Jamie Lee Curtis
- Event: Cape & Gown Gala
- Date: Nov. 8
- Venue: Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills
- Performer: John Mayer
- Organization reach: ~30,000 children and families across Los Angeles
Beyond her books and screen work, Curtis has focused philanthropic energy on children’s health. Through her My Hand in Yours initiative she has helped raise nearly $2 million for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Curtis has also been vocal about recovery and addiction issues, citing personal experience as a guiding influence on her advocacy.
For the Reiners, the award also spotlights a public-policy legacy: they were instrumental in the voter-backed tobacco tax that created First 5 California, a funding mechanism that has distributed more than $12.5 billion to early childhood development, health and school-readiness programs. The couple also played a public role in civil-rights causes, including legal efforts that helped restore marriage equality in California.
Jake and Romy Reiner have spoken about the personal significance of linking their parents’ names to Children’s Institute. They said the family’s values — of decency, service and practical compassion — informed their parents’ public life and matched the nonprofit’s mission, making the naming an apt tribute.
Children’s Institute says the award will honor leaders who blend philanthropy, advocacy and storytelling to improve outcomes for children and families. The gala is expected to draw civic leaders, donors and community partners working on child welfare and education across Los Angeles.
For event details and ticket information, visit Children’s Institute’s website or the organization’s event page.
