Vanessa Bryant Remembers Late Husband Kobe Bryant At Baby2Baby Gala

It was an emotional moment for Vanessa Bryant as she accepted the Giving Tree Award at the Baby2Baby 10 Year gala Saturday night.

The event, held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood and presented by Paul Mitchell, reminded Vanessa of the past Baby2Baby ceremonies she attended with the late NBA star.

"I have to start by saying how much I miss my perfect date today. My husband Kobe loved attending," she paused before continuing, "Sorry. He loved attending Baby2Baby galas. With his big smile, he would look at me and say, 'Babe, this is fricking awesome. Tonight, I'm your plus one… It's the one event that I'm not obligated to do anything. I get to be your date, help families and enjoy great food.'"

Vanessa and Kobe were longtime supporters of the charity organization before the NBA star died last year in a helicopter accident, which claimed the lives of eight others, including their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Vanessa was accompanied by her oldest daughter Natalia to the event, Variety reported. She recalled the stories of women whom she was able to help while working with the Baby2Baby organization. It included a mother whose children had to share a single diaper between them.

"That story still resonates with me today and after every Lakers game and all the glitz and glamour of a basketball game, my husband and I would notice the amount of homeless people on the drive home as we approached the freeway in downtown L.A.," she said after accepting the award. "That was eye-opening to us and we wanted to do something about it, so we started our own foundation to help."

Vanessa ended her speech by thanking her family, saying, "I want to thank my husband Kobe and my daughters Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri. Without your love and support, I wouldn't have this strength to be here this evening. I love you."

Vanessa also talked about the need to give children a better opportunity in life. She received a standing ovation from the crowd as she was presented with the award.