Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas share their commitment to gift $100,000 to help fund innovative pediatric medical research, provide care and treatment for children in need and meet other critical hospital needs. (Photo: Business Wire)Hollywood couple Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas have purchased a $41,000 GE Giraffe Warmer® for Children’s Hospital’s Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU), and they’ve also pledged $100,000 as part of the First Families Legacy Program. The donations were announced at a special event to honor hospital supporters held at Griffith and Banderas’ Los Angeles home.
Melanie Griffith checks in on a tiny patient in the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. (Photo: Business Wire)In addition to financial support, Griffith, Banderas, and their daughter Stella have been volunteering after being introduced to the hospital in 2011 by Griffith’s friend – and voice of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles radio and TV ad campaign – Jamie Lee Curtis.
“We’re so inspired by the strength of the families and staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” stated Griffith. “We have always wanted to get involved with a cause that truly has an impact, and here we have this incredible institution in our backyard with some of the best doctors and researchers in the world helping children. People give for many reasons, but we feel there’s no more important cause than the children—they are our future.”
“Melanie and her family are such gracious partners and have shown tremendous heart, generosity and dedication in their support,” said Claudia Looney, Senior Vice President, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Foundation. “The impact of their time, gifts and hands-on approach can be seen across many areas of the hospital, most importantly with the families.”
