On Saturday, September 12, from 7–9 p.m. PDT, the Los Angeles LGBT Center will host its first-ever telethon, Love in Action, presented by The Ariadne Getty Foundation, that will air live on television station KTLA 5 benefiting the Center’s vital programs and services. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress and former member of the Center’s Board of Directors Jane Lynch and KTLA 5 news anchor Cher Calvin, the incredible two-hour fundraising show will include appearances and performances by a roster of A-list entertainers including (to date): Billy Porter, Cyndi Lauper, Sia, Margaret Cho, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Melissa Etheridge, k.d. lang, RuPaul, Meredith Vieira, Leslie Odom Jr., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Andrew Rannells, Cynthia Erivo, Pauley Perrette, Armie Hammer, Billy Eichner, Tyler Oakley, Wilson Cruz, Anthony Rapp, Miss Coco Peru, Shangela, Brian Michael Smith, Peter Paige, Bruce Vilanch, Alexandra Billings, Tonality, Lake Bell, Carla Gugino, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, and Lesley-Ann Brandt. More talent to be announced!
“When COVID-19 hit, the demand for our existing services actually increased—such as health care, support for LGBTQ seniors and homeless youth, legal services, and policy advocacy. Plus, we saw new needs emerge, including growing numbers of people who had lost their jobs and were struggling to get enough food. As the Center has done for 51 years, we’ve risen to meet these changing needs. And we’ve done so at the very time that fundraising has declined dramatically,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “But without more help, this is not sustainable. Thankfully, dozens of the Center’s amazing friends from the entertainment world have lined up to help raise funds to ensure that we can continue this vital work. Through our Love in Action telethon on KTLA, they are helping inspire others to make a difference in the lives of thousands of LGBTQ people who need our help. The dollars donated on September 12 will go to work the very next day helping some of the most vulnerable people in Los Angeles. Together, with your support, we will see the true power of love in action!”
“I am delighted and honored to be part of the fundraising efforts for the Los Angeles LGBT Center through the Love in Action telethon on KTLA. It is an important opportunity for those, who are unfamiliar with the Center, to understand how vast its impact is for the LGBTQ community from homeless youth, medical services, education to seniors and HIV and STI testing,” said KTLA 5 news anchor and telethon co-host Cher Calvin. “I truly hope you can join us for this very special moment in time to raise funds for the vital services the Center provides… that save lives.”
“KTLA is proud to support the Los Angeles LGBT Center during this time. The work they do is remarkable ,and we are committed to supporting our diverse community through our partnership,” added KTLA VP and General Manager Janene Drafs.
“The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a hands-on lifeline for so many in need in the LGBTQ community on any given day of the year. From healthy-cooked meals, hot showers, and emergency beds to medical, legal, and educational programs among a myriad of other services, the Center assists youth experiencing homelessness, seniors, and so many in between,” said Ariadne Getty, President and Executive Director of The Ariadne Getty Foundation. “With COVID-19, the needs and services have dramatically increased and, naturally, so has the need for more funds. As an ally and advocate of the community, I continually put my resources behind the Center when needed. This is a drastic call for help. The Love in Action live telethon is what the LGBTQ community does best: takes a problem and proactively asks members of the community to join in and support those who are in the greatest need.”
Presenting Sponsor is The Ariadne Getty Foundation; Diamond Sponsor is Citi Bank; Silver Sponsor is U.S. Bank; Bronze Sponsor is Bank of America; Official Airline Partner is American Airlines. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact sponsorship@lalgbtcenter.org.
For the latest event news and information, visit lalgbtcenter.org/love and follow @lalgbtcenter on social media.