Through its cultural-outreach program, the San Gennaro Foundation, a 501(3)c nonprofit created by Jimmy Kimmel (The Man Show), Doug DeLuca (The Man Show) and “some of Los Angeles’ most prominent Italian-American citizens,” benefits underprivileged children and homeless families of all ages. And Precious® Cheese is a cheese company. Together, they’re occupying Hollywood’s Hawthorn Avenue — that’s a block south of Hollywood Boulevard — between Highland and Orange avenues this weekend to bring us the Eighth Annual Precious® Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro, Los Angeles. The celebration of Italian culture will feature food, games, music, rides, “surprise celebrity guests” and Precious Cheese’s precious Chef Marco. Thursday’s Prima Notte festivities, an allegedly “star-studded fundraising gala” hosted by Kimmel and pal Adam Carolla, will include the presentation of the foundation’s Humanitarian Award to LAPD Assistant Chief Sharon Papa; master of ceremonies Mark DeCarlo will preside over “Italian American Bandstand,” celebrating pop oldies; and a charity auction will feature a Lakers jersey autographed by Kobe Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers helmets autographed by Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger, guitars autographed by the Eagles and Aerosmith, luxury vacation packages, tickets to New York”s Macy’s Day Parade and more.

Sept. 24-27, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., 2009

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.