By: Valerie Milano & Judy Shields
Photos: THT & Getty
Beverly Hills, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/12/25 – Giving A Smile Foundation hosted its Inaugural Gala, Smile Under The Stars, on December 11, 2025, at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, marking a powerful milestone for the organization and the communities it serves. The Hollywood Times was on the red carpet and inside the ballroom as Hollywood, philanthropy, and purpose aligned for an evening dedicated to expanding access to essential dental care for underserved youth across Los Angeles.
Presented by Rifkin Raanan Dentistry, the elegant black-tie affair was led by Emmy Award–winning actor Kelsey Grammer, who served as Master of Ceremonies and brought both warmth and conviction to the evening’s mission. A standout headlining performance by five-time Grammy-nominated artist Robin Thicke energized the room, while The Voice alum Jacquie Lee opened the night with a moving performance that set an emotional and inspiring tone. Additional musical moments throughout the evening included performances by Griffith Frank and Lindsay Gitter, with music curated by DJ Pookie.
Among the evening’s notable guests and presenters were Kelsey Grammer, Robin Thicke, and Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who was honored with the Humanitarian Leadership Award.
Honoree presenters included Harry Goodwins of The Gentlemen, Colin Egglesfield of The Client List, and Lesley-Ann Brandt of Lucifer.
The inaugural gala brought together a remarkable cross-section of entertainers, philanthropists, medical professionals, and community advocates, all united by a shared goal: ensuring that no child or young adult is denied critical dental care due to financial hardship.
Also in attendance were VIPs Eloy Mendez (board member), Nikki Janssen, Lily Rizo, Lisa and Russell Stuart (board member), Tiffany Demers, Mari Aldrich, Marion Leroy, Emily John and Chris Cary, Ari Stiegler, Daniel Meursing and Kale Smith, Sofia Milos, Colin Costello, Fenix Lazzaroni, Carrie Berk, Takin Silva, John Kim, Kevin Lee, Jet Cessant, Diana Movsesyan, Ella Rose, Rossy Kostova, Argjira Berisha, John and Nicole Emrani, Christopher Nahas and Jennifer Haddad, Ken Barnett, Anita Sabeti, Ben Mansouri, Davita Danesh, Jay Grossman, Doy Bowie, Mina Olivera, Marco Delvecchio, and Fred and Azy Farahmand and many others from across the entertainment, business, and philanthropic communities.
Lorrie Bartlett, recipient of the Guiding Light Award, JR Dzubak, recipient of the Visionary Impact Award, and Dr. Katja Van Herle, recipient of the Healing Hands Award.
The evening also celebrated the dentists and families behind the Foundation, including Dr. Rodney Raanan, DDS MMSc, Dr. Justin Ranaan, DDS MMSc, Dr. Sepehr Nassiripour, DDS, Dr. Rosie Nassiripour, Dr. Robert Rifkin, DDS, and Dr. Steve Rifkin, DDS, along with Loretta Raanan and John Raanan, whose leadership and dedication continue to guide the organization’s vision.
In addition to building its first stand-alone clinic, the Giving A Smile Foundation is also raising funds to launch two fully equipped mobile dental units. These mobile clinics will bring free, high-quality dental care directly into underserved communities, eliminating transportation and access barriers and allowing the Foundation to reach children and young adults where they live, learn, and gather. Founder Justin Ranaan, DDS, MMSc, emphasized that the mobile units will significantly expand the Foundation’s reach and ensure that no child or young adult is left behind due to circumstance.
Beyond the glamour, Smile Under The Stars marked the official launch of Los Angeles’ first permanent, year-round, no-cost dental clinic dedicated exclusively to children and young adults. Proceeds from the gala directly support the clinic’s development and long-term operation, providing advanced dental treatments, preventive education, and essential oral-health resources to vulnerable youth across the city
Guests enjoyed a chef-curated dining experience by the Beverly Hilton’s acclaimed culinary team, along with a lively auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime offerings. Highlights included luxury trips to Thailand and Napa, yacht excursions to Catalina, custom artwork by Matt Smiley, and diamond jewelry from XIV Karats LTD Beverly Hills.
Sponsors and supporters for the evening included Doctor’s Orders Wines, The Rotary Club, Valley Bank, Fuel Cycle, Vitamin Water, Mamazing.com, Casa Azul, CoDentist, CallJacob.com, Upper West, Fermentation House, Beverly Bar, and additional partners whose generosity helped make the night a success.
As the evening concluded, one message resonated clearly: Smile Under The Stars was not just a celebration, but the beginning of a long-term investment in health, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of young people across Los Angeles.
The Hollywood Times captured exclusive red-carpet moments, candid interviews, and behind-the-scenes highlights throughout the night. Continuing our commitment to spotlighting organizations that create real, lasting change.
Here are a few photos from the Red Carpet:
Red Carpet interviews:
Here are some photos from Getty Photographers on the red carpet:
Here are some photos of Robin Thicke’s performance:
Enjoy some of Robin’s performances:
There were gift bags on every chair in the ballroom. Here is a photo of the contents.
A Night With Purpose
Proceeds from the gala directly support the development and long-term operation of the Foundation’s permanent, no-cost dental clinic, ensuring that no child or young adult is ever turned away due to financial hardship. The clinic will provide advanced dental treatments, preventive education, and critical oral-health resources to vulnerable youth across Los Angeles.
Sponsors and supporters for the evening included Doctor’s Orders Wines, The Rotary Club, Valley Bank, Fuel Cycle, Vitamin Water, Mamazing.com, Casa Azul, CoDentist, CallJacob.com, Upper West, Fermentation House, Beverly Bar, and more. The auctions brought out incredible offerings such as trips to Thailand and Napa, yacht excursions to Catalina, custom art by Matt Smiley, diamond jewelry from XIV Karats LTD Beverly Hills, and many more generous partners including The Beverly Hilton.
About the Giving A Smile Foundation – The Giving A Smile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care to underserved children and young adults. Guided by compassion, equity, and community partnership, the Foundation delivers treatment, preventive education, and essential year-round resources to ensure every young person has the opportunity for a healthier future and a confident smile.
This gala directly supports the creation and operation of their permanent clinic—ensuring no child or young adult is turned away due to financial hardship. Proceeds will fund advanced dental treatments, preventive education, and the expansion of vital oral-health resources for vulnerable young people throughout Los Angeles, through the clinic itself. Guests will help lay the groundwork for a permanent, no-cost dental clinic that will bring healthier futures—and brighter smiles—to thousands of young people in Los Angeles. The Giving A Smile Foundation warmly invites the community to join this important initiative. Together, they can ensure that every young person receives the dental care they deserve, regardless of their financial circumstances.
For more information or to support the mission, visit givingasmile.org.
