The Children’s Defense Fund-California, a student-support charity, rang the class bell and A-listers showed up. At the annual awards dinner, Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman is flanked by Jennifer Garner, a presenter, and event Co-Chairwoman Reese Witherspoon. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
The 23rd annual Beat the Odds awards dinner, benefiting the Children’s Defense Fund-California and honoring five outstanding students who overcame near-overwhelming personal obstacles to achieve academic success was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Dec. 5.
Matt Damon joins student honorees, from left, Jerry Gonzalez, Stephanie Fabian, Marylin Bravo, Alezaihvia Melendez, Alexis Metcalfe and an unidentified guest. (Charley Gallay / Getty Images)
