Give Back-ular Spectacular: Live Event Raises Funds for Striking Entertainment Workers
A star-studded live event called The Give Back-ular Spectacular is set to take place on October 25 at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for striking entertainment workers who have been greatly affected by the ongoing writers and actors’ strikes. With simultaneous live-stream and digital donation opportunities available nationwide, everyone can participate in supporting this important cause.
The two-hour event promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring an impressive lineup of musical acts, stand-up comedians, and celebrity-performed sketches. While the details of the performance lineup are yet to be announced, organizers assure that it will be a night to remember.
The event is particularly focused on highlighting the impact of the strikes on the entire community of artists, craftspeople, technicians, production assistants, and support staff, who are all suffering due to the lack of work opportunities. The funds raised from the event will go towards covering COBRA and healthcare premiums for members of various industry unions, including IATSE, the Teamsters, and LIUNA.
Tickets for the live event will be available soon, but donations are already being accepted. The production team, including notable figures such as Kauffman, McCrane, and Scheer, along with others, are collaborating with The Union Solidarity Coalition, an organization founded by writers and directors to support the crews impacted by the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
In addition to this live event, The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly known as The Actors Fund) recently reported its successful Stars In The House Labor Day Special, presented by SiriusXM’s Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley. The special has raised over $55,000 and counting, with a generous $25,000 matching gift donation from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in honor of Annette Bening, the chair of the Entertainment Community Fund. The remaining $30,000 is a result of individual donations received during the telethon and will contribute to the ongoing efforts to meet a $50,000 matching donation from John Cryer and his wife Lisa Joyner.
Stars In The House, a YouTube channel and website founded by Rudetsky and Wesley in March 2020, has been a vital platform for raising funds for the performing arts community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, it has raised an impressive sum of over $1,253,780.
From May 1 onwards, The Entertainment Community Fund has successfully raised more than $7.6 million from over 9,500 donors, providing vital support to film and television workers impacted by the ongoing strikes.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with challenging times, events like The Give Back-ular Spectacular and initiatives such as Stars In The House and The Entertainment Community Fund highlight the resilience and solidarity of the industry and its commitment to supporting its workers through difficult times.
This live event serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the entertainment community stands strong and united, ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Together, we can make a difference and support the individuals who bring joy and entertainment to our lives.
