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Ben Affleck talks to the press at the 10th Annual Stuart House Benefit
Ben Affleck
Gail Abarbanel, President of the Rape Foundation, Ben Affleck, Steven Tyler, John Varvatos, Joe Perry, actress Jennifer Garner and Joyce Varvatos attend John Varvatos 10th Annual Stuart House Benefit
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner speak onstage during the John Varvatos 10th Annual Stuart House BenefitFor the tenth year, John Varvatos got A-listers, friends and families to open their hearts, minds and wallets to children in need, for the annual Stuart House Benefit on March 10. The Melrose home of the Varvatos retail shop played host to the grand affair, which offered Hasbro’s larger-than-life toys and Justin Willman-hosted magic shows, as well as perfs by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.
Co-hosted by Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, the fundraiser benefited the Rape Treatment Center, which helps sexually abused children.
“We started in a parking lot in our store 10 years ago and now we shutting down Melrose for blocks and we have Ben and Jen and Joe and Steven and friends, with Billy Idol as our DJ,” says Varvatos. “There’s an outpouring of everyone wanting to be part of such an important cause. It’s really rising awareness to help these kids.”
“This is an organization my wife has been involved with for a while,” said Affleck. “One of four girls and one of four boys will be abused. This afternoon is about treatment. We are taking responsibility. We are being vigilant.”
Perry explained, “Six years ago John designed the clothes for our tour. He passion for his clothes is the same for the kids. Everyone reads about this in the press, shake their heads, and move on. John does something about it. Their aren’t too many people who do that. So when we get the phone call, we are there.”
Tyler added, “These kids get swept under the rug because they are so young, and most think it is their fault. And usually, the abuse comes from a family member, and who do you think brings them to the hospital? It’s way confusing for them, to have this family member bring them to hospital, have them be the only one vouch for them legally. It’s a twisted situation. But John has a bed and house for them when they are brought in.”
For Tyler and Perry’s finale, they were joined on stage by surprise guest Slash, for “Mama Kin.” After the live show, Idol and son Willem Wolfe provided the DJ set.
Guests also included Jeremy Piven, David Schwimmer, Jeremy Sisto, Rachel Zoe, Alice Cooper, Jeff Probst, Kevin Nealon, Joe Manganiello, Cindy Crawford and Eddie Van Halen.
Perry explained, “Six years ago John designed the clothes for our tour. He passion for his clothes is the same for the kids. Everyone reads about this in the press, shake their heads, and move on. John does something about it. ****Their aren’t too many people who do that. So when we get the phone call, we are there.”
****Should be THERE, not THEIR