Joel Madden, newly appointed UNICEF ambassador, and his partner Nicole Richie were on hand Saturday night to pull the switch that will officially kick off the holiday season with the 2008 Snowflake lighting, inside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The United Nations Children’s Fund provides worldwide funding for childhood immunizations, fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as education for young girls.

The event kicks off the holiday season in large cities across the country and is intended to act as a beacon of hope, peace and compassion.  Rihanna will preside over a similar lighting ceremony for UNICEF in NYC.

Joel and Nicole have a young daughter Harlow, who will be a year old on January 11th.

Photo gallery below.

Photos:  WENN

Related Articles:

• Prince William Photographed Peeing on a Fence
• Paris Hilton and Benji Madden Are Just On a Break
• Paris Hilton Benji Madden Break Up Confirmed: Prince William Responsible?
• Jennifer Garner Stalker Prompts Restraining Order
• Forbes Disses Violet Affleck on 'Hollywood's Hottest Tots' List (PHOTOS)
• Anand Jon Alexander to Serve 59 Years to Life For Assaulting Models (Photos)
• Celebrity Photo Funnies
• Nicole Richie Has Turned Full Circle
• Eva Longoria Pregnant - Baby Bump Obvious (Photos)
• Nothing Says Love Like a Matching Couple (Photos)
• Top 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Baby Photos
• Hollywood Hippies (Photos)
• Where Were the Hottest Celebrities Last Night? (Photos)

Filed under: Celebrities, Joel Madden, Nicole Richie