Actress Eva Longoria Parker inherited philanthropic genes. The "Desperate Housewives" star served as the chair of a gala to raise funds for a children’s charity. Plus, she offers her opinion on the news of Ellen DeGeneres joining "American Idol." Longoria Parker told ET, "My older sister was special needs and we kind of grew up in this environment of volunteerism and giving back and philanthropy and so it's kind of just natural for me to do things like this. It's a lot of work, but it's not work to me. It's really rewarding." The annual gala benefits Padres Contra El Cancer, an organization that brings awareness to childhood cancers and blood disorders. Longoria Parker salutes the children as "the real stars of tonight." The event took place Thursday night at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.