With a stunning display of drag, star power and community Lead With Love: LA StrongKTLA’s Pride Month Funding Special raised $721,622 for Project Angel Food during the Live Teleson held on June 28th. Hosted by LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies’ constellations. The event landed on a splash.
The City National Bank announced and has received three Emmy nominations in installments Lead with love A fusion of lively performances and heartfelt storytelling. But it was Del Rio – called “Hurricane Bianca” by actor Eric McCormack Will & Grace – Who really stole the show? From the perch behind the All-Star phone bank, she sets the phone line on fire with cheeky jokes and energy to stop the show.
“Get grab anything you can write – yeyeliner, sharpie, your ex’s forehead – and the dial depends on it, like your parole!” urged Bianca. Her playful jibe, as if making fun of Luenell, “the phone rings faster than Luenell chasing a one-on-one margarita” – doubling the amount of donors at night compared to last year’s telethon.
Star-studded celebrations of care and community
Joining Del Rio along with McCormack was co-host of Jessica Holmes and comedian Roni Love. Among the volunteer callers were openly gay actors Tim Bagley, Michael Hitchcock, Gregory and Lawrence Zarian. Will and grace Alumni Cheyenne Jackson and Matt Bomber are joined by performers Nathan Lee Graham, Pentatonics’ Scott Hoiling and music director Michael Orlando.
The music performances were infused with emotion and energy at night. Jackson’s soulful interpretation of “feeling good” sets the tone, followed by a moving performance of Jennifer Holiday, “And I’m telling you.” Pop sensation and volunteer Em Beihold sang “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves. Hoying and Loren Allred then delivered a moving medley of “Angel Arms” and “Bridge Bridges” accompanied by an elegant Orlando five-piece band.
From the kitchen to the catwalk: Reaching all over LA County
Lead with love Not only did he entertain him, he was educated. The broadcast featured Project Angel Food’s key services throughout Los Angeles County. Anne Margrett has made his efforts sensitive at the Antelope Valley. Edward James Ormos featured East LA. Lori Laughlin shared her volunteer work at Burbank/San Fernando Valley. Stephen Weber contributed from Culver City. And em beihold highlighted South LA
International pop icon Annie Lennox and AIDS activist Mary Fisher both prepared meals at the charity Lincoln Heights satellite kitchen. Cameron Mathison revisited Altadena, where he detailed how the organization supported the fire-lost household, including the client owner and her nie aria, including how they shared their sincere appreciation.
The highlight reels of celebrities’ messages included powerful statements from Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, Cheryl Lee Ralph, Jack Black, Bomber and Graham. In her tape segment, Streisand added weight to the federal government’s HIV/AIDS financing conversation, saying to viewers, “Leave with love… Everyone who lives with HIV/AIDS knows we’re with them.”
From donations to dedication
One of the moving moments in the evening was involving Jamie Lee Curtis, chairman of the “Rise to the Challenge” campaign, touring the new Project Angel Food Kitchen. CEO Richard Ayub praised the Volunteer Orientation Room. Municipal Bank Diana Rodriguez presented her generous $100,000 check on live television.
Funding for the future
Founded in 1989, Project Angel Food provides medically tailored diet and caring care to chronic and terminal individuals throughout Los Angeles County. Each year, the organization provides over 1.5 million meals to more than 6,200 clients and distributes 19 million meals to date. The new Chuck Lorre Family Foundation campus is under construction to double the dietary capacity of the future. The charity maintains a 4-star rating from Charity Navigators, with 89 cents for $1 directly supporting the meal.
It will have an impact beyond broadcasting
Executive producer Brad Bessy (who won recognition from Emmy and Grado) praised Del Rio’s performance, calling her “what it takes to invigorate Giving this evening.” He acknowledged the presence of legendary icons like Anne Margrett, Jennifer Holiday, Annie Lennox and Barbra Streisand.
CEO Richard Ayub reiterated this sentiment. “In our six-year history, no show embodies Project Angel Food’s mission of providing greater depths of hope, healing and unwavering support.”
Donations remain open angelfood.org/lovelaensuring that the momentum triggered by the telethon continues to promote critical services.
Sponsors that supply fuel to the cause It includes City National Bank, Yamaba Resort & Casino, Yuha Aviatum of San Manuel Nation, Herblitz Foundation, Chuck Lore Family Foundation, and Ralphs/Food4Les Foundation.
About Love’s Lead
Created during the Covid-19 pandemic, Lead with love It has become one of Los Angeles’ most uplifting television events. The special, which raised about $6 million over six years, features appearances from over 200 celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Magic Johnson and Ringo Starr.
About Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food exists to nourish both the body and mind of vulnerable people facing serious, life-threatening illnesses with love, attention and dignity. As needs continue to grow, so will the charity’s commitment to serving every corner of Los Angeles County.
Visit for more information or donation angelfood.org.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
