A pair of celebrity philanthropists with marquee humanitarian projects and progressive political agendas will discuss “Giving Back” in a live-stream event that will end with one receiving the 2020 John Steinbeck Award, given by the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies “to honor an artist, thinker, activist who has made a significant contribution to causes that matter to the common person.” Sponsored by the Commonwealth Club of California, the online event features master chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, recipient of this year’s award, and the actor Sean Penn, who won in 2004. Tickets to the November 30 live-stream are $5.00 for Commonwealth Club members and $10.00 for non-members.

Composite image of José Andrés and Sean Penn courtesy Commonwealth Club of California.