Yesterday Keith and I had the privilege of attending the Los Angeles City Hall (along with Keith's mom and step-dad) to receive an award (posthumously) for Keith's grandfather, Jackie Coogan.
Back in 1924, Jackie was commissioned by the American Near East Relief Organization to raise funds for Armenian Genocide Orphans. Coogan took up the cause of the Armenians, Greeks, and others made destitute during the horrors of the First World War, working with Near East Relief. He toured across the United States and Europe in 1924 on a "Children's Crusade" as part of a fundraising drive, which ended up providing more than $1,000,000 in clothing, food, and other contributions. While that type of thing might be common these days, back then it was unheard of. In fact, I believe Jackie may have been the very first celebrity to use his status for a humanitarian cause.
Seriously, could anyone look at his adorable face and NOT help out?
What a great story!
Here's Keith accepting the award at a presentation before an Assemblyman.
Here he is posing next to a 90-year-old man who benefited from the relief fund when he was young.
Keith's mom, Leslie, is on the left holding the certificate, while Keith is holding the amazing photo collage he was presented with as a toked of thanks from the Armenian community.
Of course, he looks perfectly comfortable in front of any camera!
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