During a telethon, Motion Picture and Television Fund raised more than $800,000
All the proceeds from the telethon went to the MPTF, following the news that the organization “desperately” and “urgently” needed donations following the pandemic.
The Motion Picture and Television Fund held a telethon on Saturday to generate funds for the organization, which recently said that it “desperately” and “urgently” required donations in the aftermath of the pandemic. It brought in $867,986.
The telethon was broadcast live on KTLA 5 in Los Angeles on Saturday. The event was produced by Phil Rosenthal and Tom Bergeron and presented by Emmy-nominated actress and writer Yvette Nicole Brown and game show presenter and Emmy winner Tom Bergeron.
MPTF CEO Bob Beichter explained in a recent letter published in The Hollywood Reporter that the organization has always survived year to year and deficit to the deficit.
“We are now operating in dangerous territory, rapidly depleting our cash reserves,” he wrote. “Our ability to continue to support the thousands of industry members on our campus and in the community who depend on MPTF for food, shelter, charitable assistance, medical care, and socialization literally hang in the balance. Without some dramatic infusion of funds, we will not be able to take care of our own much longer.”
Musical performances included David Foster & Katharine McPhee, Susanna Hoffs, Johnny Mathis, Jonas Myrin, Annette O’Toole & Michael McKean, and Brad Paisley. Jeff Bridges, Kevin Feige, Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson, Hugh Jackman, Rian Johnson, Ben Mankiewicz, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Billy Porter, and others made cameos.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” said Phil Rosenthal, “and are indebted to all the men and women of the entertainment industry who need our help now.”