Glenn Close’s Bring Change to Mind nonprofit is putting the final touches on its 11th annual Revels & Revelations fundraiser, selecting Ryan Reynolds to receive the night’s highest honor.
The veteran actor, producer and entrepreneur will receive the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter Award, an honor that is awarded by the late legend’s children, Zak, Zelda and Cody. Upon receiving, Reynolds will be following in the footsteps of previous recipients Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Ben Stiller, Melissa McCarthy and Dan and Eugene Levy.
Held at New York’s City Winery on Oct. 9, the Revels & Revelations program will also feature performances by Reba McEntire and comedian Amy Schumer. The program also includes musicians Jake Wesley Rogers, Jayli Wolf and BC2M ambassador Wayne Brady. Paul Shaffer has been tapped to serve as musical director and Erich Bergen will return to host the festivities.
Scott Nevins will lead a live auction that will include items and experiences like a garden tour and lunch prepared by Food Network star Ina Garten at her home in East Hampton and a signed guitar from superstar Taylor Swift. Funds raised from the event will support the growth of BC2M’s high school program.
BC2M is a national organization that operates with a mission “to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness” by working with leading scientists to make a difference in the lives of teens and adults. The cause is personal for Close as her sister, Jessie, lives with bipolar disorder and her nephew, Calen, lives with schizoaffective disorder.
“I am looking forward to a spectacular evening and am grateful for the generosity of my fellow artists who will gather to honor Ryan Reynolds and to inspire what I hope will be a record-breaking evening to sustain and create vital Bring Change to Mind Clubs throughout this country,” said Close.