Celebrating Paul Newman's Legacy at the SeriousFun Gala

Leyla pictured with Paul Rudd at the Serious Fun Gala

On April 7th, 2025, SeriousFun Children's Network hosted a fundraising gala titled "A Night of Serious Fun" at the Lincoln Center in New York City. This event was particularly special as it was celebrated on what would have been the 100th birthday of its founder, Paul Newman. The gala had more than 900 attendees, including celebrities, all coming together to honor Paul Newman's legacy and support the SeriousFun Children's Network.

Paul Newman was an American actor, director, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and race car driver. In 1988, he created the SeriousFun Children's Network, an organization that empowers kids facing serious medical challenges to discover joy, belonging, and their full potential through inclusive and medically supported adventures at no cost.

Many celebrities support this important mission and came to the gala including Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Ayo Edebiri, Adam Driver, Darren Criss, and Matthew Broderick. Broadway stars like Ali Stroker and NaTasha Yvette Williams also attended. Guests enjoyed performances and heard heartwarming stories about SeriousFun’s volunteers and campers.

Ayo Edebiri, an accomplished American actress, comedian, writer, and voice actor, shared, “Camp is some of the most special years of your life, being able to be understood by people your age and express yourself. You also get to connect with other kids and experience new things.” She spoke about the experiences of countless campers who find joy in the community at SeriousFun camps.

Paul Rudd, the talented American actor, producer, and screenwriter, has actively volunteered at one of the SeriousFun camps. He shared, “I think it's an amazing thing that Paul Newman started… a total celebration. So many kids can cut loose, have fun, and have a great time at camp. I think working it was spectacular, and it continues to be. It's an honor to be here and to be a part of it.”

Paul Rudd is among the 20,000 volunteers who dedicate their time each year to support the global network of camps and programs. These volunteers are a huge part of SeriousFun playing a crucial role in delivering joy and support to children with serious illnesses and their families. Their contributions make sure that every child can enjoy the magic of camp, regardless of their circumstances and health.  The gala encouraged attendees to engage with SeriousFun in meaningful ways, whether through volunteering or donating to support the ongoing mission of SeriousFun Children's Network.

Rudd reflects on his own childhood, noting his favorite book at the time was Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. He said, “When I was a kid I used to really love reading Judy Blume books. One of the very first books I read by her… was called Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. And it rocked my world. I loved it so much. I read it like ten times.” He wants children with serious disabilities and illnesses to have positive childhood experiences, such as reading, and SeriousFun camps are making it happen.

In memory of Paul Newman’s legacy, everyone is invited to take part in the global network of camps and programs SeriousFun has to offer. Paul Rudd also talked about his hope for the next generation in three words. He said, “Have serious fun. That’s what we’re all looking for. Just have some serious fun.” What a better way to do that than help SeriousFun campers “have some serious fun.” You can do this by volunteering or donating to help support SeriousFun camps and programs that make a difference in the lives of kids today. Together, we can offer a chance to experience the SeriousFun that Paul Newman envisioned.