With all of the problems in the world -- global warming, the economic downturn, the health care debate -- why do I care about the closing of the Hotel Bel-Air? Because it is more than a lovely resort. It is a friend. 

So many people are concerned about the loss of this beloved landmark. One can’t go to the Bel-Air these days without hearing guests exclaim, “We’ve got to save this hotel!”

Why are we so concerned? 

Hollywood is a town built on the power of the image. So allow me to share some of the profound images my Stand Up To Cancer colleagues and I have seen over the past week in St. Louis throughout Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game festivities.

More than 100,000 people gathered under the glorious Arch for an incredible performance by Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello. At one point many in the crowd stood up to cancer by raising their phones in the air, texting the word “STAND” to donate funds for the fight against cancer. That was just Saturday.