Nicole Richie, Brooklyn Decker Glam Up 2011 UNICEF Ball

Gathering together to raise money for quite the worthwhile cause, the stars were out at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, CA for the 2011 UNICEF Ball on Thursday night (December 8). 

Celebs and activists gathered to honor award recipients and to raise funds through the evening's live auction. The most notable bid of the night was a VIP package complete with backstage concert access and a private meet-and-greet with singer/actress Selena Gomez.

The ritzy soiree was hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart while drawing out lovely ladies like Nicole Richie, Brooklyn Decker, Diane Kruger and Kate Walsh. 

Also in attendance at the fundraising fete - which has a mission to help create a healthier and safer life for children all over the globe - were Kristen Bell and husband Dax Shepard, as well as Rose McGowan, Matthew Morrison, Jenna Elfman, Jayma Mays & Felicity Huffman. 

Entertainment for the evening was provided via special musical performances by L.P., Emily Bear, Melanie Fiona, Huter Perry and Lionel Richie. The ceremony itself consisted of Sean Penn presenting The Medavoy Family with the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award while Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan was bestowed with the prestigious Woman of Compassion honor.

Spectators surrounding the red carpet at the 2011 UNICEF Ball were treated to quite an eyeful - of skin, that is. Where stars did cover up, the color was black - glam and embellished. Nicole Richie lead the trend in a sleek Osman column gown, which revealed daring cut-away sides. The fashionable mother of two tamed her look with a soft updo and kohl-lined eyes. 

And though she's usually known for her timeless and sophisticated sense of style, the beautiful Diane Kruger showed much more skin than usual at last night's black-tie affair. The 34-year-old actress was the object of photographer affection in a backless Emilio Pucci halterneck dress, complete with a sheer tiered skirt which allowed her to show off some ruby red shoes. 

Also following in these fashion footsteps was "Glee" star Jayma Mays, who opted to show off her beautiful back in a two-toned Kova & T dress. As for Rose McGowan, she incorporated the night's trend in her own way, showing off a toned figure in a skintight floral number by Dolce & Gabbana. 

Surprisingly, one of the more modestly-dressed stars at last night's UNICEF Ball was SI swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker, who donned a side-slit Tory Burch Grecian gown. Kristen Bell also chose this same style, though hers was a one-shouldered Dior creation featuring a draped shoulder attaché.

Pictures from the 2011 Unicef Ball at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel: PHOTO GALLERY 

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