LOS ANGELES — Project Angel Food saw a remarkable gathering of celebrities and 200 dedicated volunteers coming together to prepare and deliver 2,000 traditional turkey meals to critically ill clients on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. The initiative culminated in a total of more than 5,000 meals prepared and delivered throughout Thanksgiving week.

Thanksgiving Day at Project Angel Food was not just about distributing meals but also about the spirit of giving back while cherishing moments with family and friends.

Melissa Rivers, who recently got engaged to lawyer Steve Mitchel on Oct. 13, made a notable appearance — showcasing her stunning 5.6 carat, emerald-cut engagement ring as she volunteered alongside adult son Cooper Endicott. She shared, “Sometime maybe in 2025. It would be my second marriage and his second marriage so if anything, we’ll have a party, and a ceremony might break out. But nobody’s in any rush.”

Amanda Kloots, host of “The Talk”, expressed her deep affection for Project Angel Food, stating that she fell in love with the cause while filming a segment for the hit CBS talk show. She returned with Zach Braff and her four-year-old son Elvis, emphasizing, “I think it is so important to show our kids how blessed we are and how we can help one another.”

Joining the ranks, Lisa Rinna and her husband Harry Hamlin continued their annual tradition of giving back at Project Angel Food on Thanksgiving. Harry offered, “It goes without saying the people of L.A. need to be fed, and we’re here to do it, especially on Thanksgiving.” Lisa added, “It makes you feel good to give back, always, and we need to do it more.”

Actor and model Sam Asghari, marking his first Thanksgiving after his divorce from Britney Spears, refrained from discussing the split but reflected “I think it is important when you have a platform and a voice, and you have the ability to help others it is important to do.”

Unlikely friends Charo and Kat Von D were among the initial celebrity arrivals. Von D explained their unique bond, stating, “We’re Yin and Yang and complement each other. Since she had heard of Project Angel Food through Charo, she wanted to join.” Charo expressed her enthusiasm for volunteering, exclaiming, “I love people. This is my passion!”

The event saw the participation of other notable celebrity volunteers, including Amy Yasbeck, singer Em Beihold, Eve Mauro, Jai Rodriguez, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Laura Pierson, Lauren Tom, Lawrence Zarian, Lisa Foxx, Loni Love, Mary-Margaret Humes, Michael Hitchcock, Peter Porte, Rachel Lindsay, Sandra Lee, Tamara Brown, and Tim Bagley.

Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub expressed heartfelt gratitude stating, “Every day is like Thanksgiving at Project Angel Food. But on this day, we are especially grateful to our celebrity friends and hundreds of volunteers committed to bringing a little light to the thousands of critically ill men, women and children we serve.”

The meals were provided through “drive-by” pick-up for volunteers who then delivered them to Project Angel Food clients. The traditional Thanksgiving dinners included roasted turkey, root vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Additionally, vegetarian meals were also provided. The Thanksgiving Day meals were sponsored by The Stanley & Joyce Black Family Foundation, with additional support from Joybird, which furnished the Joybird VIP Love Lounge, allowing volunteers to take a break during the morning of service.

Beyond serving meals to 2,000 critically ill individuals, Project Angel Food extended its support by providing Thanksgiving Day meals for 500 people at PATH. PATH works tirelessly to end homelessness by building affordable housing and offering supportive services. Furthermore, actress and director Joely Fisher sponsored Project Angel Food meals, hosting a SAG/AFTRA “Friendsgiving” at Hollywood United Methodist Church for 200+ union members affected by the 118-day SAG/AFTRA strike on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

Project Angel Food remains dedicated to providing daily meals to 2,500 critically ill individuals and delivering more than 1.5 million medically tailored meals annually across Los Angeles. Their clients often grapple with serious illnesses compounded by challenges such as poverty, aging, and isolation. Established in 1989 by Marianne Williamson, the organization has prepared and delivered more than 17 million meals in its 34-year history.

Related:

Project Angel Food serves up Thanksgiving meals for Angelenos:

LOS ANGELES — Project Angel Food proudly dedicated a star on its esteemed Path of Angels to the late George Michael on Monday, Nov. 20. This dedication ceremony, hosted at Project Angel Food on 922 Vine Street, marked the 25^th anniversary of Michael’s impactful volunteer work and the memorable press conference he held in the organization’s kitchen the Monday before Thanksgiving in 1998.

Recording artist David Archuleta, K-EARTH 101’s Lisa Stanley and CEO Richard Ayoub, unveiled the star which was seen internationally on Instagram Live. Attendees bore witness to this commemorative occasion, followed by a reception commencing at 12 p.m.

On Nov. 23, 1998, the Monday before Thanksgiving, George Michael was actively engaged in preparing 34 white cakes as a volunteer at Project Angel Food. Media attention escalated swiftly as helicopters, television crews and paparazzi swarmed the location to catch a glimpse of the Grammy winner who had recently come out as gay.

Despite not seeking the media spotlight, George chose to redirect attention towards Project Angel Food’s work. His presence drew focus to the organization’s mission of providing sustenance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The ongoing support from George Michael’s estate continues to significantly contribute to this cause, upholding his legacy of support.

Reflecting on George Michael’s altruism, Ayoub remarked, “In 1993, during the height of the AIDS crisis, George made his initial donation to Project Angel Food. His consistent support included a substantial annual financial contribution of $25,000 and numerous acts of kindness, such as volunteering in the kitchen and donating a Mercedes for auction to raise additional funds.”

The star dedication pays homage to George Michael’s enduring dedication to philanthropy and acknowledges the contributions made by the George Michael fan group Lovelies.help, among others, who have generously donated more than $35,000 to Project Angel Food in his honor.

Archuleta, reflecting on George Michael’s impact, remarked, “George Michael shattered barriers and defied stereotypes. His honesty became a beacon of hope for countless members of our community yearning for acceptance in a society that often dictated our identities for us.”

The singer-songwriter recalled performing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” at the seventh season finale of “American Idol” as a duet with Sir Elton John, with George surprising the audience with a performance. He became emotional as he said, “After I came out, I went back and listened to that song and had it on repeat. Because the meaning took on so much more than  when I first heard it as a closeted 17-year-old on Idol. It holds the combination of feeling the pain life can bring, yet a hope for the future and empowerment that I needed — to feel seen, understood and keep going today. I am grateful for the genuine expression that was always felt in George’s voice as he sang.”

Lisa Stanley fondly remembered George Michael as “an icon, a musical giant, an inspiration, and a star whose bright light outshines all others,” highlighting his permanent place both in the organization’s Path of Angels and in the hearts of many.

Project Angel Food’s mission is monumental. Founded in 1989 by Marianne Williamson in the height of the AIDS crisis, the organization now provides daily meals to 2,500 critically ill individuals facing various medical conditions and delivers more than 1.5 million meals annually across Los Angeles. Our clients confront serious health challenges, often compounded by the difficulties of poverty, aging, and isolation.

LOS ANGELES – This morning Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Alex Padilla, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and other local, state, and federal officials, announced the I-10 Freeway would reopen ahead of the Monday morning commute, beating the expected timeline by days thanks to around-the-clock work by union crews.

“What began as months has turned into days — before Angelenos hit the road on Monday, we’re opening the 10 back up. Thanks to the tireless work of Caltrans and union construction crews and with help from our partners — from the Mayor’s office to the White House — the 10’s expedited repair is proof and a point of pride that here in California, we deliver,” Newsom told reporters in the early Sunday morning press conference.

“The work that happened here is extraordinary,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “It was possible with the will and ambition of the workers on the ground, and their commitment as public servants and as union members to get this done and deliver for the people of Los Angeles. This is the kind of work that is happening around the country – where hard-working men and women, carpenters, laborers, and government workers, are rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Thank you to those workers for your commitment to the country.”
 
“The 10 will be safe to drive on weeks ahead of schedule because of urgent action and collaboration at all levels of government,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass. “When we work together, nothing can stop Los Angeles. Right when this happened, I heard from our state and federal partners that they would let nothing stand in our way. The White House and the Governor’s Office not only lived up to that promise, they helped us exceed all expectations. Today is proof of locking arms delivering real results for the people of this city.”

Today’s announcement, eight days since the fire, comes far ahead of the original project schedule and was made possible because of the around-the-clock efforts of crews and engineers on and off-site, better-than-expected structural testing results, rapid debris removal, and close coordination between state, local, and federal government officials to safely expedite repairs of a major freeway that is a critical backbone to the American and global economy.
 
As repairs continue over the coming months, the public should expect some temporary closures on occasional weekends and overnight, along with intermittent lane closures.

The 10 Freeway fire began on a site rented by Apex Development, Inc. (Apex). Two months prior to the fire, Caltrans sued Apex, seeking to remove the company from the leased property for failing to pay its rent and subletting the property without authorization. A hearing is set for early 2024 in that lawsuit.

Apex was responsible for maintaining the fenced-off site while they continued to assert rights under the lease. CAL FIRE’s investigation into the fire — suspected to be arson — remains ongoing. A person of interest has been identified and members of the public are encouraged to provide any leads or tips, which can be sent anonymously to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408 or [email protected].
 
Last weekend, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County to support the state’s response. The proclamation facilitates clean-up and repair work and directs Caltrans to request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which the state secured.
 
The 10 Freeway is a major artery that serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos daily. After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials determined the damage could be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months.

Union crews continue to work around the clock to get the freeway open by tomorrow morning. While I-10 is closed to all vehicles, Caltrans workers are seizing this traffic-free opportunity to carry out a wide-ranging “swarm” maintenance operation – sweeping, repairing bridge railings and broken concrete, painting over graffiti, cleaning drains and culverts, removing litter, weeds, and overgrown vegetation, and sealing broken access doors.

LOS ANGELES – The section of the10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles damaged by a massive arson fire will reopen “five lanes in both directions” no later than Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters in a press briefing Thursday evening.

The major artery that serves 300,000 vehicles daily closed in both directions a week ago after a fire caused significant damage to up to 100 support pillars. Construction crews have erected wooden structures to shore up the overpass while the repair work gets underway.

Last week the governor said the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson. Newsom also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval. A court date is scheduled for February; however, the state is seeking options to expedite legal proceedings. 

During Thursday’s press conference  Newsom credited the tireless and continuous work of repair crews who have been working around the clock to get the busy roadway back open to traffic.

“We will be open, five lanes in both directions, Tuesday of next week,” the governor said.

KTLA reported Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were among the speakers. Both elected officials have promised regular and timely updates regarding the closure, which has crippled traffic in and out of downtown for several days and was initially expected to remain in place for several weeks.

“All of the stars have been aligned,” Bass said, paraphrasing a Caltrans official.

“This is what happens when we work with urgency. This is what happens when we come together. I want to make sure that there are no barriers to completely finishing the repair and that when the freeway opens up it will be completely safe,” said Mayor Bass. “City departments will continue to respond with urgency to the impacts of the traffic closure during the ongoing construction. We will not let up. I want to thank Governor Newsom for joining forces with me to make sure the repair is being expedited to get the freeway back up and running as fast as possible.”

The Los Angeles Times reported Newsom has repeatedly mentioned Apex Development Inc., leasing the area below freeway, had subleased some of its space to various businesses calling the company “bad actors,” and adding that the state was involved in ongoing litigation against it.

The company has been identified as Apex Development Inc., which subleased some of its space to various businesses. The legality over those subleases is under a bit of scrutiny.

The Times reported that Caltrans inspectors and local fire officials conducted regular visits to the site. The company’s attorney told the Times that any claims from government officials that it was unaware of the subleasing activity were false.

Instead, the company’s attorney laid the blame on the local homeless population which lived near the site, claiming that operators of the space repeatedly made calls to report homeless fires, which they allege were brushed off.

Today, the Governor also highlighted he has instructed Caltrans and CAL FIRE to conduct a thorough examination and assessment of all Airspace and Telecommunications Licensing Program (Airspace) sites throughout the state. Airspace sites are state-owned properties located within freeway rights-of-way that can be safely leased for secondary uses.

The Governor’s directive instructs Caltrans and CAL FIRE to conduct a comprehensive review of the Airspace program, and produce an inventory of all Airspace sites that identifies property types, locations, potential concerns, proximity to sensitive structures, tenancy status, site use types, and inspection status, among other details.

Additionally, Caltrans and CAL FIRE have been instructed to prioritize inspections of high-risk Airspace sites across California and recommend necessary programmatic, inspection, enforcement, and/or statutory changes to prevent future incidents similar to the I-10 Freeway fire.

The 10 Freeway fire began on an Airspace site rented by Apex Development, Inc (Apex). Two months prior to the fire, Caltrans sued Apex, seeking to remove the company from the leased property for failing to pay its rent and subletting the property without authorization. A hearing is set for early 2024 in that lawsuit.

Apex was responsible for maintaining the fenced-off site while they continued to assert rights under the lease. CAL FIRE’s investigation into the fire — suspected to be arson — remains ongoing and members of the public are encouraged to provide any leads or tips, which can be sent anonymously to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408 or [email protected].
 
The 10 Freeway is a major artery that serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos daily. After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials determined the damage could be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months.

Union crews continue to work around the clock to shore up the support pillars damaged in the fire. While I-10 is closed to all vehicles, Caltrans workers are seizing this traffic-free opportunity to carry out a wide-ranging “swarm” maintenance operation – sweeping, repairing bridge railings and broken concrete, painting over graffiti, cleaning drains and culverts, removing litter, weeds, and overgrown vegetation, and sealing broken access doors.

LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles is on track to at least partially reopen to traffic in three to five weeks. The major artery that serves 300,000 vehicles daily closed in both directions this weekend after a fire caused significant damage to up to 100 support pillars. 

After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials currently believe the damage can be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the 10 Freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months. Union crews are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to finish removing the extensive debris and shore up the pillars.

These efforts are aimed at making the necessary repairs to safely reopen the freeway to moving traffic as soon as possible. Additionally, on-site environmental monitoring is in place to fortify drains and ensure that every precaution is in place to contain area run-off due to incoming storms. An earlier evaluation of the site identified no highly toxic chemicals in the aftermath of the fire. 

Critical materials for the repairs are already on-site and no supply challenges are anticipated at this time.

The Governor also announced that by the end of the week, the state will have a livestream of the construction work so the public can see the progress firsthand.

Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for real-time project updates, alternate routes and public transit options.

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson. The Governor also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval. A court date is scheduled for February; however, the state is seeking options to expedite legal proceedings. 

Over the weekend, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County to support the state’s response. The proclamation facilitates clean-up and repair work and directs Caltrans to formally request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, if appropriate.

LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, whose District includes the section of 10 Freeway damaged by the arson attack also addressed reporters during the press briefing. In a statement released by her office, Solis said:

“Upon learning about the incident, I immediately had my office connect with the LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and the County’s Homeless Initiative to get our County-funded outreach teams to engage with people experiencing homelessness near the site and get them to safety. I also had the County’s Department of Public Health and the South Coast Air Quality Management District investigate the air quality in the surrounding communities to ensure that residents’ health was not jeopardized by both the fire and traffic congestion. Through the County’s Department of Public Works, our engineers coordinated traffic management across jurisdictional boundaries to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses alike.”

“At the County, we want to be proactive about mitigating disruptions and impacts on residents’ lives. To that end, I plan to introduce a motion next Tuesday that will direct our Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Works, as well as other County agencies, to not only monitor how this closure impacts unincorporated areas but also to prepare adequate responses, including communications targeting residents and how to best support our businesses in unincorporated areas,” she said.

UPDATE: California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday says the burned stretch of the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles can be repaired rather than demolished, and that the work will take three to five weeks.

LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom provided an update on the ongoing efforts to fix the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles after a massive fire closed a portion of the freeway over the weekend. Since the incident, work crews have been on-site 24 hours a day. 

The state is taking an urgent all-of-government approach to fixing the 10 Freeway, a major artery in Los Angeles, with traffic estimated at upwards of 300,000 vehicles daily. 

Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for updates and alternate routes.

The Governor joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other local and state officials to survey the site where work is already underway to clean the site of hazardous materials, assess damage, and prepare it for necessary repairs. To ensure worker safety, shoring work has begun on damaged pillars, and engineers are on site assessing next steps for repair work. Samples taken from the core of the pillars are being used to determine structural integrity of the bridge. Preliminary results are encouraging, but more testing is required before finalizing repair plans.

“California is leveraging an all-of-government approach — working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to mobilize resources so we can fix the 10 Freeway as quickly as possible. This will be a long process, but we’re setting aggressive deadlines and delivering. We’re leaving no stone unturned as we identify ways to fast-track this work,” said Governor Newsom.

Shailen Blatt, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), also surveyed the site today and emphasized the federal government is working closely with the state to quickly and safely reopen the 10 Freeway. This work is likely to be eligible for federal reimbursement under the FHWA emergency relief program. 

Newsom announced the cause of the fire was deemed suspicious by CAL FIRE investigators, and their team continues to investigate the fire as arson adding the 10 Freeway fire was set with ‘Malice intent.’

The Governor also shared that the state took legal action months ago to eject the lessee of the site, Apex Development, Inc., for failing to pay rent and violating the lease agreement by subletting the property without state and federal approval.

A court date is scheduled for February. Over the weekend, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County to support the state’s response. The proclamation facilitates clean-up and repair work and directs Caltrans to formally request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, if appropriate.

Related:

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – The Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division detectives are seeking the person or person’s responsible for the acts of vandalism and thefts against the Woodland Hills Community Church located at 21338 Dumetz Road in Woodland Hills.

The United Church of Christ congregation’s rainbow peace sign artwork was vandalized with black paint graffiti on October 21, after an altercation with a MeetUp group that agreed to gather at the church without the church’s permission, a church spokesperson representative told KTLA.

KTLA reported that when the MeetUp members tried to get into the church, and were questioned by the youth minister, they responded with “aggressive and racial threats,” according to the church.

An entry for that day on the MeetUp Los Angeles website shows a game-night social was planned, and 68 people had indicated that they would attend.

Later that day, the rainbow peace sign artwork was vandalized with black paint, according to the church, and it was struck again five days later with spray paint and “USA” graffiti.

The church told KTLA that on Oct. 27, the day after the second attack on the peace-sign artwork, all exterior copper piping and back-flow regulators that supply water to the meeting hall and nursery were stolen. Then, on Oct. 30 and 31, one person came back to the church and “damaged and stole” outdoor security cameras and flood lights.

“We are replacing the cameras and repairing the sign for it to be rehung. The emergency pipe repair cost the church $3900 which we did not have in the budget,” said the church spokesperson. “We have since heard from many neighbors that our PEACE sign was a joy to them and gave hope to the neighborhood.”

The LAPD noted that if you have any information about these criminal acts, you can remain anonymous by submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org, or call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Anyone with information is also asked to call the church at 818-346-0820 or email [email protected].

Additional reporting by KTLA

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a hate crime investigation after antisemitic messages were spray-painted onto a wall next to the historic Canter’s Deli in the city’s Fairfax district.

Canter’s Fairfax is a Deli, Bakery, and Bar located at 419 N. Fairfax. It was opened in 1931 and has long been a gathering place for Angelenos because of its 24 hours-a-day 7 day a week service and its outdoor seating area.

According to a LAPD spokesperson, Canter’s workers discovered the racist graffiti scrawled under a mural outside the Jewish-owned restaurant Wednesday morning. LAPD also noted that a nearby synagogue and other business were also targeted.

In a statement released on Twitter and to media outlets, the Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Los Angeles, Jeffrey Abrams said:

Robert Trestan, Vice President of the ADL West told media outlets, “Since the terror attack on Israel in October, we’ve seen almost a 400% increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States. That’s a dramatic increase.” 

In the wake of the violence erupting between Israel and Hamas, earlier this week FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress warning threats against the Jewish community are reaching historic levels.

“We assess that the actions of Hamas and its allies will serve as an inspiration, the likes of which we haven’t seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate several years ago. In just the past few weeks, multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the West,” Wray told the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee during a hearing on worldwide threats on Tuesday.

“The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level,” the FBI Director warned.

Jewish leaders say it’s more important than ever for everyone to speak out against hate.

“The moral voices of the community are actually much, much stronger and more powerful than the people who want to commit acts of antisemitism. And if we all speak out, we can actually overpower it,” ADL’s Trestan said.

The FBI Director told Senators that threat levels, in some ways, were reaching “historic levels.” Wray said in response to a question by Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen, who has been targeted by antisemitic threats, that the Jewish community has been targeted by terrorists across the spectrum. Jews make up just 2.4% of the U.S. population, Wray noted, but were targeted by 60% of religious-based hate crimes before the Middle East conflict began. 

LOS ANGELES – University of California LA Police are investigating an attack on a student early Sunday. The suspects, in a white four door sedan came up alongside the victim in the 200 block of De Neve Drive, near the Rieber Hall dorms. A rear passenger yelled a homophobic slur and then fired at the victim striking him in the face.

The student victim sustained minor abrasion below his eye. According to the UCLA Police, the suspected shooter and the driver of sedan took off shortly after. The driver was described as a male wearing a black ski mask, while the passenger was described only as a male and the weapon was identified as a BB gun or Pellet gun.

It is unknown if the suspects are UCLA students. University police detectives are treating this as a hate crime.

CRIME ALERT: Early yesterday morning, suspects in a vehicle approached a victim while he was walking on De Neve Dr. near Rieber Hall. A rear passenger yelled a homophobic slur and shot the victim with a BB gun, striking him below the eye.

Learn more: https://t.co/5LrtDMnIc4 pic.twitter.com/OYjiWpHW9N

— UCLA Police Department (@UCPDLA) October 31, 2023

By Rob Salerno | HOLLYWOOD – GLSEN raised more than $100,000 for its work supporting LGBTQIA+ students in K-12 schools at its star-studded Rise Up LA gala at NeueHouse Hollywood Oct 28. 

The glitzy event honored gay country musician Orville Peck with GLSEN’s Champion Award and actress Annette Benning with its Advocate Award.

The event was emceed by drag performer Mo Heart who set the tone for the night with a call to continue the fight to ensure schools are safe spaces for queer kids.

“GLSEN has been instrumental in transforming our nation’s schools to make sure that they are a safe and an affirming environment that all youth deserve,” they said. “Tonight, we have come to celebrate all of the fantastic accomplishments of this fantastic organization so far, and to rise up for the continued necessary work, which is to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are safe at schools.”

Orville Peck, whose debut albums Pony and Bronco have earned him critical acclaim around the world, said he wishes his schools had the resources GLSEN provides when he was a growing up in South Africa and Canada.

“Encouraging and fostering safe spaces and encouraging young LGBTQIA+ people is so important. Those are such formative years. They’re the years we build our confidence and gather all our trauma unfortunately,” he said. “I didn’t have that. I had extremely loving and supportive parents. That was my safety. I didn’t have anything like that in school, but I would have loved it.”

Annette Benning, who has earned Oscar buzz for her performance in the biopic Nyad, about the lesbian swimmer Diane Nyad, spoke passionately about how her experience raising her own trans son led her to become an advocate for LGBTQ equality.

“I have felt the responsibility to speak out and speak up as transphobia has invaded our government at the local, state, and federal levels. It is hurtful, and it is shameful. It is being used as a tool of the far right to rally their base and turn out the vote,” she said. “I am so proud of my son. I have learned so much from him. And you do not want to make this momma mad.”

Benning also related the heartache that many trans children and their parents are currently experiencing in Republican-controlled states that are criminalizing trans health care. She told the story of one of her friends, the mother of a trans child in Texas, who was forced to sell her home and move her family to California due to the threat of state harassment.

“They and their children are being used as political pawns and the collateral damage is very real,” she said. “Can you imagine being brought up on criminal charges or being reported to child protective services because you are just trying to do what is best for your child?”

“These people are political refugees in our own country,” Benning added, to audible gasps from the crowd.

The night also featured musical performances by Iniko and Noah Cyrus. Other celebrities on hand for the event included pansexual comedian and actor Wayne Brady, who performed the song “I’ll Cover You” from the musical Rent with GLSEN Board Chair Wilson Cruz, who’s best known for his roles on Star Trek: Discovery and My So-Called Life.

“I’m so glad to be a part of this now, because I want to help those kids… to be who they want to be. That’s all any of us ask for at the end of the day,” Brady said.

Comic actresses Fortune Feimster and Sherri Cola and actor Leo Sheng were also on hand to introduce the night’s honorees.

A moving part of the evening’s program came when GLSEN gave students who’ve gotten to experience their programming spoke to the how the organization has impacted them.

Owen Grossman, leader of his high school’s gender and sexuality alliance spoke about how “Don’t Say Gay” bills being passed in many Republican-controlled states affect all students.

“School isn’t just a place where we learn about math and science. It’s the place where we learn about each other and our world. When queerness is erased from our schools in all capacities, when it is made out to be a threat, students learn that queerness is taboo, something other, something punishable. That view directly contributes to mental health issues in queer students, and prejudice in non-queer students,” he says. “GLSEN has always been important, but this year, it’s taken on added importance.”

Attendees at the gala collectively pledged more than $108,000 toward GLSEN’s work in schools.

GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers says the fundraiser was an opportunity to build up community networks for legal and political battles ahead. 

“Tonight is an incredible time to both celebrate and get in formation and galvanize ourselves for the fight ahead,” Willingham-Jaggers said. “GLSEN’s so important right now, because there are politicians who ought to be governing in the interests of all of us, who are picking off the most vulnerable in our community, our kids.” 

“Classrooms are the frontline of this battle, and we demand that every single classroom is safe for every single kid,” she says.

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Rob Salerno is a writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, California, and Toronto, Canada.