x
Breaking News
More () »

Celebrities show up in St. Paul for Starkey Gala

From Alice Cooper to Forest Whitaker, the stars showed up for the 18th Annual So the World May Hear Awards Gala in St. Paul.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- It was a star-studded night in St. Paul for the 18th annual So the World May Hear Awards Gala at the RiverCentre.

Last year's gala raised more than $7 million dollars for the Starkey Hearing Foundation. The Eden Prairie-based company provides hearing aids to those in need across the world. Funds from the gala support the Starkey Hearing Foundation's community-based hearing healthcare programs and other global strategic initiatives.

"I think what has happened this year is the sustainability of the program because it isn't just us doing it. Now we have 61 teams around the world and they're doing the work. We're helping with resources and the training and the educating but now we've moved into the sustainability piece," said Tani Austin, co-founder of the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Celebrities at Sunday night's gala included Cole Aldrich, Portia Clark, Billy Crystal, Evander Holyfield, Alan Kalter, Ray Lewis, Frankie Muniz, Kyle Rudolph, Sinbad and Forest Whitaker, among others.

"To spend a little time and help out is a joy," Crystal said.

Former President Bill Clinton also made a surprise appearance.

Former President Bill Clinton made a surprise guest appearance the Starkey Gala on Sunday night. (Photo: Starkey Hearing Foundation)

Composer, singer, songwriter & philanthropist Paul Williams was among the honorees. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda was also supposed to be honored but was not able to attend due to a last-minute scheduling conflict.

Performers included Gloria Gaynor, The Tenors, Darci Lynne Farmer and Alice Cooper.

"It's a matter of watching the look on somebody's face when they can hear for the first time and you just, it's like a miracle," Cooper said.

About 1,500 people were expected to attend Sunday night's gala.

Before You Leave, Check This Out