SHE is the famous cyborg assassin who unleashed a brutal attack on Arnold Schwarzenegger in the action movie Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

But last night US actress Kristanna Loken oozed charm while wooing top local businessmen and celebrities at a posh charity bash in Cape Town.

South Africa's A-list, including heiress Hanneli Rupert and rugby star Schalk Burger, feasted on roast tomato and goat's cheese puff pastry tarts at the black-tie auction in Woodstock, Cape Town.

"It's pretty neat to have a job that raises global awareness. It's rewarding," said Loken, who was the master of ceremonies at the event.

The blonde beauty is based in Los Angeles and fell in love with Cape Town while filming a series called The Ring there in 2003. She also owns a holiday home in Camps Bay.

She is a global ambassador for the homeless youth development charity organisation My Life and lent a manicured hand at their Hout Bay offices on Friday.

She said: "We have all experienced trauma in different ways. I really enjoy contributing here."

The actress lavished attention on little Amier Reed, 4, who had an operation for facial burns the previous day.

Staff at the organisation lauded Loken's courage, saying she was fearless even in dealing with explosive situations on the city's streets at night.

"Kristanna gets her hands dirty," said chief executive Lindsey Peters. "It was touching. Even the kids out on the streets recognised her from Terminator 3."

Her latest film, Love Orchard, about illegal immigration, is slated for release later this year.

She added: "I have so many friends here in Cape Town. My social life here swings way more than when I'm back in Los Angeles."

Last night's Five For Change event was the brainchild of Investec investment analyst Adriaan Dippenaar, son of FirstRand non-executive chairman Laurie Dippenaar, and attorneys Ross McKernan and Gess Dave Deetlefs. My Life is one of five local charities that benefited.

Dippenaar said the bash was based on a fundraising model popular in New York, bringing together "people who are socially active and opinion leaders to make a difference".