Children Mending Hearts Benefit

Kate Walsh

was among the socially-conscious celebrities who turned out for the Children Mending Hearts gala at Hollywood's House of Blues. Ben Affleck, Malin Ackerman and Marisa Tomei also helped honor the work of the International Medical Corps-which provides health care to the women and children victimized by war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo-and rocked out to a special performance by Sheryl Crow.

-Bronwyn Barnes; with reporting by Marshall Heyman

"I have been to the Congo and seen what the International Medical Care Center does first hand. The whole thing just means a lot to me personally," said Ben Affleck. "When you have a chance to make a difference, you do." The actor welcomed Dr. Faida Mitifu-the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ambassador to the United States-and Rose Mapendo to the event before taking the stage to present CNN's Anderson Cooper with the International Medical Corps Humanitarian Award.

Picking up on the theme of the gala, Watchmen star Malin Ackerman (in DSquared) offered her own advice for mending a broken heart. "You need your closest friends around you," the actress said. "And a bottle of wine or two.”

Marisa Tomei

couldn't resist the beat of the bongo drums, swaying to the sounds of the Congolese drummers who welcomed guests like Andie McDowell, Emanuelle Chriqui and Nia Vardalos to the House Of Blues.

"I've actually gotten to see the International Medical Corps at work in the field, I got to spend the week with them. It's such a great organization," said Joel Madden, who brought along brother Benji for the event. "The situation in Central Africa is an issue that's close to my heart and I'd like to be a part of the solution."

"Are we really going to party?" asked Sheryl Crow as she took the House of Blues stage after a round of inspirational speeches. "I don't know about you, but I've been bawling my eyes out!" South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela also took a turn entertaining the crowd.

"It's about trying to dissect and learn and let live and self-reflect so you can understand it," mused Alyssa Milano about the theme of the evening.