Robyn Beck, AFP, Getty Images
Guests paid as much as $100,000 per couple to support the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at the intimate fundraising dinner Thursday at the home Streisand shares with her husband, James Brolin.
The singer donated $10 million to create the research and treatment facility at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and solicited million-dollar donations from wealthy friends she called personally. Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone, NBC Universal chief Ron Meyer, designer Donna Karan and actors Josh Brolin (Streisand's stepson) and Diane Lane were among the donors and guests.
Streisand said she was motivated to contribute to women's heart health because she "can't stand inequality, whether it's about civil rights, gay rights or gender discrimination."
Heart disease kills more women each year than all cancers combined, but most of the research on the disease for the past five decades has been conducted on men.
"Even in scientific research, women are still treated as second-class citizens," Streisand said, "and to me, that's just unacceptable."
So she raised her voice and opened her wallet, and invited her friends to do the same.
"It's kind of a selfish thing, because it's actually very fulfilling, to do something like that that's larger than me or my career," she said, acknowledging that her fellow donors must feel the same way.
"Think about all the good that we'll do, all the good that will come of it, because of your extraordinary generosity," she said.
Clinton, who was introduced by journalist Lisa Ling and welcomed with a standing ovation, saluted Streisand for her commitment to women's health.
"I never thought anybody could care a lot about more things than I care a lot about. S he makes me look like a heartless dumb piker," he said. "Unless your heart has been taken out of your body, you need to care about this."
Clinton said that the issue of heart health and equitable research goes beyond politics.
"Our country has always believed in being not only a laboratory of democracy but a laboratory of science and advancement, and you can't do that with a straight face and leave women out," he said.
Singer Josh Groban performed before Streisand took the stage. Streisand sang four songs, including the Oscar- and Grammy-winning "Evergreen," which she dedicated to Clinton. He told her in 1992 that it was his favorite song of hers, and she sang it at his inauguration.
Streisand and Groban performed a duet of "Smile," and Streisand closed the evening with a special version of "Here's to Life," with new lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who were also among the guests Thursday.
"A woman's heart beats well tonight," Streisand sang. "Because of you, a woman's future's looking bright. And it gets even brighter with each check you write, so thanks with all my heart."
Barbra Streisand Sings Her Heart Out for Women's Health
"Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL."
Lara
Joyce
J. Cole Debuts 'Born Sinner' Tracklist
Kanye West & Kim Kardashian's Daughter Has a Name
Pistol Annies Cancel All Upcoming Concerts
George Jones Biopic Announced
Glen Campbell's Family Gives Update on Alzheimer's Disease
Helen Lost 82 Pounds: 'Helping Others Is What Life Is All About'
Flyleaf, 'Something Better' (Featuring P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval) - Exclusive Song Premiere
Amy Adams' Bikini Body Isn't What You'd Expect ...
Little Big Town, Trisha Yearwood Win Daytime Emmy Awards
What's Behind This Door Is Terrifying
Kellie Pickler to Co-Host 'The View'
41 Busted In Child Sex Sting
News Roundup - Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's House For Sale, Taylor Swift Wins Video Award
PHOTO: Brazilian Officer Pepper-Sprays Female Protester In The Face
LoCash Cowboys Involved in Serious Bus Accident
Michael Hastings Dies In Car Crash At Age 33
LOOK: Teen Was 'Shamed' By TSA Officer For This Outfit
WATCH: Porn Star Says My Dad's Angry I Ruined Porn For Him
Khloe's Workout Photos Are Pretty Alarming
Outrage Over Class Photo: 'Adults Should Know Better'
5 Ways To Get A Flat Stomach -- While Standing Up
Axl Rose Doesn't Look Like This Anymore ...
PHOTOS: Beautifully Abandoned America
WATCH: The Amazing Moment A Trapped Fox Approaches Men For Help
Couple Finds Ancient Skeleton In Backyard, May Have To Foot $5,000 Excavation Bill
Chris Brown's Girlfriend Sure Knows How To Wear A Bikini
7 Beautiful Actresses Who Were Told They Weren't Pretty Enough
Inside Kim Kardashian's Pregnancy Nightmare
LOOK: The Mystery That's Stumped Feds For DECADES
14-Year-Old Faces Jail After Wearing Pro-Gun Shirt To School
Jennifer Aniston's Wedding Postponed?
First Photo Of Channing Tatum's Baby Girl
And Miss USA Is...
9 Comments