On August 22, 2009,Val Kilmer and  Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation, hosted a benefit gala and dinner to raise funds for New Mexico's foster children.   

The Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation assists in helping foster children overcome many of the challenges they live with daily... from educational and emotional needs to personal growth through various activities.  Their goal is to enrich the lives of foster children who are a part of their communities.

The event was held in a movie props warehouse and themed "Backstage at the Movies".  Guests wore costumes depicting characters from some of Val's films.  The evening was a success and raised $75,000 to help New Mexico's foster kids.

A special thanks to the gala coordinator, Candace Gould who provided the pictures of Val and some of the guests who attended the benefit.

Editor's note:  Being an educator, I work with many children who are in foster care and have learning disabilities due to emotional or physical abuse/neglect.  I applaud Val and the organiziations who are working to make life better for these kids.

If you would like to get involved or need more information, please visit The Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation's website.

 Photos courtesy The Heart Gallery of New Mexico Fountdation