Vanessa Bryant Gets Emotional While Receiving Award at Charity Event
Vanessa Bryant received an award at the Baby2Baby charity event over the weekend and couldn’t help but to share that she missed her late husband, Kobe Bryant.
Attending the event with her daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, Vanessa was honored with the Giving Tree Award at the organization’s 10th annual gala in West Hollywood, California.
The 39-year-old was also joined by her close friend, singer Ciara, who presented her with the award, Today reports.
“As a mom of four beautiful girls, she’s the ultimate role model,” Ciara said. “And they are her driving force … V, I am so proud of you. You deserve this honor. Not only because of who you are, but how you love, how you serve, and how you care for others.”
Vanessa Bryant and Kobe Bryant worked alongside Baby2Baby for several years before his tragic death in Jan. 2020, where he and their daughter Gianna, 13, died in a helicopter crash alongside seven other people.
“I have to start by saying how much I miss my perfect date tonight,” she said. “My husband Kobe loved attending Baby2Baby galas. With his big smile, he would look at me and say, ‘Babe, this is freaking awesome. Tonight I’m your plus one, baby!'”
The nonprofit organization annually honors a mother with a notable public presence who advocates on behalf of kids in need, the outlet notes.
According to WWD, Baby2Baby has distributed 200 million items to children in the last 10 years, said co-presidents, Kelly Sawyer Patricof. For the 10th anniversary, Baby2Baby raised more than $8.5 million.