The Jamie Lee Curtis Project Angel Food telethon, “Lead with Love: LA Strong,” brought together celebrities and community supporters on Saturday, raising nearly $722,000 for the organization’s critical meal delivery programs in Los Angeles County. The live event, hosted on KTLA, aimed to highlight the city’s spirit of resilience after recent wildfires, while supporting thousands of individuals dealing with serious illness.
Fundraising Effort Rallies Support After LA Wildfires
The two-hour broadcast, anchored by Eric McCormack, Jessica Holmes, Loni Love, and Bianca Del Rio—who is known for her role on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”—emphasized the ongoing need for aid in the aftermath of the January wildfires. Project Angel Food, established in 1989, has grown to deliver 1.5 million meals each year to more than 6,240 people in Los Angeles who are facing life-threatening health challenges.
Celebrity Messages and Community Recognition
Barbra Streisand contributed a recorded statement emphasizing unity and compassion, stating,
“We can lift people up. We can lead with love. … Ensuring everyone living with HIV/AIDS knows we are with them, no matter what — there is a place for them.”
—Barbra Streisand
Jamie Lee Curtis, who heads the organization’s Rise to the Challenge capital campaign, appeared in a segment touring the charity’s upgraded kitchen facilities. During her visit, CEO Richard Ayoub announced that the volunteer orientation room would be named in honor of the Oscar-winning actress, recognizing her support.
Executive Leadership and Community Partnerships Drive Success
Telethon executive producer Brad Bessey highlighted the spirit of the event, noting,
“Fire might destroy homes, but it can’t destroy the human spirit. Lead with Love: LA Strong captured the resilience, humanity, and heart of Los Angeles at its best,”
—Brad Bessey, Telethon Executive Producer. He further shared,
“I am deeply humbled by the Hollywood community’s incredible generosity, particularly, as a life-long fan, Ms. Streisand’s swift and powerful response.”
—Brad Bessey, Telethon Executive Producer
Richard Ayoub, the organization’s CEO, expressed gratitude:
“In our six-year history, no other show has embodied Project Angel Food’s mission of delivering hope, healing and unwavering support more profoundly. We are grateful to KTLA and City National Bank for making this night possible.”
—Richard Ayoub, CEO
Alongside Bessey and Ayoub, producers Michael Levitt, Marcus Smith from KTLA, Jacob Burch, Chris Reilly, and Mark McBride contributed to the event’s organization. Key sponsors such as City National Bank, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Herb Ritts Foundation, The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, and Ralphs/Food4Less Foundation provided significant financial and logistical support.
Ongoing Impact and the Path Ahead
With nearly $722,000 raised through donations and partnerships, Project Angel Food is positioned to continue its work delivering vital meals across the region. The Jamie Lee Curtis Project Angel Food telethon not only showcased the compassion of Hollywood personalities like Barbra Streisand and Jamie Lee Curtis, but also rallied the local community and major organizations behind a mission of support and healing in Los Angeles.
