Paul Newman Charity Turns Into Star-Studded Tribute

SAN FRANCISCO — A Hollywood who's-who turned out for an annual fundraiser for Paul Newman's children's camp that doubled as a tribute to the late actor.

The lineup for a dramatic reading of "The World of Nick Adams" on Monday night at San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall already was set when the acting legend died of cancer Sept. 26 at the age of 83. The event benefited The Painted Turtle, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses, that was started by Newman in 1999.

"We expected Paul to be with us and so this kind of turned into kind of a tribute," said Danny Glover, who joined Jack Nicholson, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Warren Beatty, Sean Penn and other big names in the reading. "This is the first time we are doing this without Paul _ there is a void there, without a doubt."

Some 2,500 people attended the star-studded benefit, which began with a video in which Newman discussed his work with the Association of Hole in The Wall Camps, which runs 11 camps around the world including The Painted Turtle.

"What I was trying to do was acknowledge luck," Newman said in the video narrated by Nicholson. "If you acknowledge it, you have to do something about it _ something for the less fortunate."

There was no mention of Newman during the scripted 90-minute reading, which are the words of Ernest Hemingway adapted for television by A.E. Hotchner, who started the food company Newman's Own with the actor. But after the performance, children from the camp joined the 17 actors on stage as singer Bonnie Raitt performed "Put a Little Love Into Your Heart," which she dedicated to Newman.

Newman and the Newman's Own brand have given more than $250 million to charity over the years.

Hanks, who starred with Newman in 2002's "Road to Perdition," remembered him Monday as a down-to-earth actor who was always willing to share the screen.

"Paul was a member of the ensemble more than anything else," Hanks said. "He didn't care about the hierarchy, but he was a guy, quite frankly, who should have won the Nobel Peace Prize."

___

On the Net:

http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org

Comments

[isadora]

Ten days ago a bitter, nasty man at my church called me a "Typical Liberal." I was quite angry at the time, so I didn't think on my feet of an appropriate reply. It should have been "Yeah, like Paul Newman--thank you."

[GQTaste]

It's sad to think what this guy was all about and nowadays tabloids follow talentless people like Paris, Nicole, Lohan, Jonas brothers, etc.

[Melissa]

A great actor but a better human. He was an activist in his day but never ranting and ugly like the stars are today. He will be missed in many ways.

[whatfreshhellisthis]

In 1959, when he was starring on Broadway in "Sweet Bird of Youth," I had the great good fortune to go backstage for a few moments after the performance, where I met him and Joanne Woodward. I have always remembered their graciousness in taking the time to talk to me. She, by the way, was much more beautiful than she ever appeared in her movies, and the two of them together were quite dazzling.

His death is the loss of a giant in acting, in racing, in compassion, and in philanthropy.

[tmbrinkley]

...Mr. Newman was an extraordinary example of what is possible, and what is most valuable---through love and humility he was an enlightening visionary that may at times seemed accidental, but upon further study, is clearly spiritualy calculated---thank you for this reminder;

-tmb

[Bitsko]

Paul Newman was a mensch.

[ICanHasDemocracy]

yeah, one of the greats.

[AlsoSarah]

We have always admired Newmans gifts to humanity. His passing was a great loss to all of us. ALL the profits from Newmans Own went to charities. I believe his daughter manages the organization and decides where the money goes. Not only does the money go for camps for seriously ill children but many other projects. I believe each product has a different project allocation. His coffee (which is fair trade) goes to provide simple basic needs for single mothers in Mexico. Newman was a gifted human, but his greatest gift was his heart. Bless you Paul.

[Mattjoe]

With all due respect to every tribute on Paul Newman, I"m a little surprised MSM totally ignores Newman"s" racing skill and motorsports endeavors instead focused on only his acting and salad dressing, albeit outstanding on their own.

In reference to racing, he was quoted as saying;

"the first thing that I ever found I had any grace in"

From the motorsports side of your fan base Mr. Newman, God bless.

[american2008]

I will never forget Paul Newman and his kindness. My story occurred about 20 years ago in a local Hospital near where Mr. Newman and I live. I was standing outside the ICU at around 2 am waiting to see my Dad's Dr. after his brain tumor operation and I was holding my head in my hands and wiping tears, having just visited him a few minutes earlier and seeing all the tubes etc. I heard steps coming down the empty hall and looked up and it was Paul, his wife Joanne and their daughter walking towards me. They had just visited a relative in ICU and he walked over to me and without saying a word, I knew he was a very private person, he put his hand on my shoulder and just looked at me with those bright blue eyes. Man, I was speechless! I felt so much more peace and comfort after that. My Dad pulled through after great care, but even after 20 years, I have NEVER forgotten this event.

[Promise]

What a Nice story! Thanks for telling us about it.

[mggcat]

I loved Paul! He was one of the best. Tom Hanks should not be in his company. he's a wessal and should pay his bills!!!

[robiform]

You need to monitor your meds--that comment was totally incoherent!

[PepeLepew]

What a great man Paul Newman was. A great actor. A great liberal. Damn, I hate tobacco.

[cinthia7]

Paul Newman used his fame to do good in the world. The best currency from fame. He is a great example of a life well lived. His spirit lives on in all the good works he did. This is so beyond " religion '

[marymansour]

Ah, the beautiful and compassionate Paul. If there is justice in this world of ours, Paul Newman will be reincarnated as Paul Newman so future generations can enjoy his splendor.

[Promise]

Great idea!!

[BeyondthePale]

My kids have been fortunate to go to one of the camps in Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang system. What an amazing and wonderful experience for them. Paul Newman is a hero for the good he has done and for the good he has inspired others to do!

If you want a life changing experience, consider volunteering at one of the camps.

[LaurieLee]

Sorry, I should mention that Hayes and Van Ness is in San Francisco.

[SouthernBlueBelle]

Are you serious? How incredibly ridiculous.

[LaurieLee]

I saw a few wingnuts standing at the corner of Hayes and Van Ness yesterday with signs saying 'God doomed America' and 'Paul Newman is in Hell'.

Don't these people have anything constructive or productive to do with their time? And they had a child with them.

[marymansour]

America has gone to the god dogs.