Page Six
Bruce Vilanch turns out for MISTR’s Star-Studded National PrEP Day Celebration
By Emillie Weinstein

Demi Lovato, Christina Aguilera and Charli XCX were among the star-studded lineup at MISTR’s second annual National PrEP Day Celebration.

It took place at The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood on Saturday, October 10.

The celebrity-filled bash brought together music’s biggest names.

It spotlighted HIV prevention and access to PrEP, the medication that helps prevent HIV.

The post Bruce Vilanch Joins MISTR’s Star-Studded National PrEP Day Celebration first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Splash
Project Angel Food’s Lead with Love Telethon Raises $589,000
By Sarah Meyer
July 12, 2026

Los Angeles gets a bad rap as a city where everyone is out for themselves. As the center of the entertainment industry, sure, there is some of that superficial swagger. But there are more Angelenos with hearts of gold, doing good for others, than there aren’t.

The most beautiful display of selflessness is through Project Angel Food. The organization began in 1989, to prepare and deliver meals to people living with HIV and AIDS. Since then, the number of meals prepared and delivered has certainly grown, but the mission has remained the same – provide nourishing meals to those facing critical and life-threatening illness. Project Angel Food delivers more than 1.5 million medically tailored meals each year. They do this with love, care and dignity.

None of it would be possible without the thousands of volunteers who donate their time and money each year. One of the non-profit’s biggest fundraisers of the year is their annual telethon. The nostalgic event draws world class entertainers and celebrities who host, sing and even answer phones as donors all over the globe show their support.

The beauty is that these celebrities don’t just show up for one glitzy night, they show up all year. Just as other volunteers do, they help prepare meals, deliver meals, advocate for the organization and those who need this service, and give their time and funds to this great cause. Telethon viewers get to see that passion firsthand.

Thanks to some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Bryan Cranston (The Studio), Noah Wyle (The Pitt), Steven Weber (Wings), Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie), Project Angel Food raised $589,000 during their 2026 broadcast, which took place on June 27. The television special, Lead with Love: Going the Distance was presented by City National Bank and aired on KTLA 5. The telethon was hosted by Weber, McCormack, Loni Love and KTLA’s own Jessica Holmes.

The evening’s biggest surprise came when Weber and Wyle — both beloved for playing doctors on television — joked that they had learned so much from their roles they could probably operate on McCormack. He fired back, “If TV doctors are doing anything on me, I’m going to need much stronger drugs.” Right on cue, Cranston stepped in, invoking his iconic Breaking Bad alter ego Walter White, and deadpanned: “Did you say you would need serious drugs? I might be able to help you with that.”

On top of some great comedic outbursts, there were heartfelt moments too. Singer Clay Aiken sang “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Hercules, reminding viewers that if we all go the distance, we can make the world a better place.

Ricky Moore, a Project Angel Food driver was showcased in a moving segment that demonstrated what “going the distance” truly means. His story gave viewers an intimate look at the people behind every delivery — the drivers who bring meals, smiles, check-ins and human connection to clients who often rely on Project Angel Food as their primary source of nutrition. It’s not just the food that feeds their souls, it’s the interactions with the volunteers. Project Angel Food volunteers have proven that a warm greeting or big smile can often do just as much as a nutritious meal.

One of the evening’s most beloved moments came when Barbara Eden, the 94-year-old star of I Dream of Jeannie, appeared in a puff of pink smoke and delivered her famous “Jeannie” blink. Eded shared, “Eden added, “We all have someone in our family we can’t care enough for, this is needed.” She told veiwers she still receives fan mail nearly 60 years after I Dream of Jeannie premieried. A legend like her deserves it, and she event got a special serenade from Weber and McCormack with a cheeky rendition of the I Dream of Jeannie theme song during the telethon. Actress Morgan Fairchild and celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean also made special appearances.

“Project Angel Food offers meals that go beyond basic needs. They offer dignity and connection and a reminder that no one is forgotten,” shared California Governor Gavin Newsom, as he recalled volunteering at Project Angel Food with his family. Also delivering messages of support were Amy Poehler, Regina King, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sherri Shepherd, Adam Brody, Brooke Shields, Judith Light, Jason Ritter, Valerie Bertinelli, Lori Loughlin and Caroline Rhea.

The telethon would be unsuccessful without the crew manning the phones, and their excitement to take calls and donations was palpable. The All-Star Phone Bank included Amy Yasbeck, Bruce Vilanch, Kym Whitley, Jodie Sweetin, KTLA’s Melvin Robert, Gregory Zarian, Lawrence Zarian, Lisa Foxx and soccer great Ali Riley, who helped L.A. get into the “summer of soccer” by giving away 10 pairs of tickets to Angel City Football Club vs. Orlando Pride on July 3.

Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub joined the broadcast to celebrate the progress and completion of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Kitchen and Campus, with new facilities completed and a second building beginning construction later this summer. “Every dollar raised tonight keeps our vans on the road and our meals reaching neighbors in their greatest time of need,” said Ayoub. “This is what Lead with Love has always stood for: dignity, nourishment and the very best of the human spirit.”

Noah Wyle and Bryan Cranston excited to see each other on the red carpet at Project Angel Food’s Lead With Love (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)

It was a magical night for a marvelous cause. Angelenos, along with people from all over the globe tuned it to share their love and support for an organization that gives that and so much more to Los Angeles.

Singer Sam Harris closed out the telethon with a beautiful rendition of “Over the Rainbow” before leading the full cast in an exuberant finale of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”

The event was produced by Emmy-winning producer Brad Bessey (Entertainment Tonight, The Talk). Michael Orland served as musical director.

The total raised is expected to increase as donations continue to be accepted at www.anelfood.org/leadwithlove.

ABOUT LEAD WITH LOVE

Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Lead with Love has become one of Los Angeles’ most inspiring televised events. Now in its seventh year and nominated for three L.A. Area Emmy Awards, the special has raised nearly $6 million for Project Angel Food, featuring more than 150 celebrity appearances, including Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, Richard Gere, Ringo Starr, Elton John and Lily Tomlin, among others.

ABOUT PROJECT ANGEL FOOD

Founded in 1989, Project Angel Food nourishes the health and spirit of vulnerable people facing critical and life-threatening illnesses by preparing and delivering medically tailored meals with love, care and dignity to more than 7,100 Angelenos each year. Since its founding, the organization has delivered more than 20 million meals across Los Angeles County and now provides more than 1.5 million medically tailored meals annually, along with nutrition counseling and compassionate client support. Project Angel Food is accredited by the Food is Medicine Coalition, is a Four-Star Charity Navigator organization and has twice been named California’s Nonprofit of the Year.

To learn more, visit www.angelfood.org.

The post Project Angel Food’s Lead with Love Telethon Raises $589,000 first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Public CEO
California JPIA member city of West Hollywood celebrates its 40th anniversary
By Staff
January 22, 2025

The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) recognizes the City of West Hollywood, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in November.

Previously an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, West Hollywood became an independent city on November 29, 1984, following a grassroots movement led by LGBTQ activists, seniors and renters. Their vision created a city focused on tenant rights, social equity and progressive policies. Over the years, West Hollywood, known as WeHo, has become a leader in promoting LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. It is also recognized for its efforts in HIV/AIDS advocacy, support for aging residents and vibrant community arts initiatives.

The city, which has a population of 33,000 residents, celebrated 40 years of cityhood during a free West Hollywood Day & State of the Community Celebration on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The event was hosted by comedian Bruce Vilanch. City officials and community members gathered to celebrate the city’s history and reflect on its achievements and challenges over the past four decades.

“The City of West Hollywood hosts many special events throughout the year. City staff takes a proactive approach to identifying, assessing and mitigating risks to ensure the safety of participants, staff and property while minimizing potential disruptions,” said Senior Risk Manager Maria Galvan. “I’ve worked with the city for over 11 years, and it is great to work with staff across the organization that embrace a risk management culture. Happy 40th Anniversary!”

In addition to West Hollywood Day, the city is hosting a year’s worth of activities, including an Art on the Outside hand-painted mural at city hall, a Winter Sounds outdoor concert and a video series with past council members that highlights the progressive policies that shaped the city’s founding.

Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 45 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority(California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 125member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org.

The post Bruce Vilanch Hosted The California JPIA 40th Anniversary first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

We Got Bruce
Bruce Vilanch To Receive REAF’s Lifetime Achievement Award 7/14/2024
By Mister D
July 10, 2024

The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation presents Help is on the Way: 30th Anniversary Concert & Gala on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Marines’ Memorial Theater (concert) and Beacon Grand Hotel (VIP after party with the cast). This show will feature cast members for the Broadway touring cast of Mrs. Doubtfire, with the lead actor, Rob McClure, hosting the evening as Mrs. Doubtfire.

This year’s event, honoring Bruce Vilanch (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Delta Dental of California (Corporate Partner Award), whose support has never required pulling teeth, will be preceded by a silent auction in the theater lobby and a VIP After-Party at the nearby Beacon Grand Hotel.

In 1994, the groundbreaking decision was made to cast openly gay, HIV-positive Cuban-American Pedro Zamora as part of MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco. Zamora’s time in the Real World house on Lombard Street brought a face to the AIDS crisis. The darkly handsome, funny, surprising, and in-your-face activist died at 22 just after the final episode aired.

That same year, Peggy Ermet lost her son to AIDS and joined lifelong friend Barbara Richmond, whose son John died in 1990, to launch a special kind of musical AIDS benefit to honor their sons — it would become Help Is on the Way: San Francisco Cares. Later in 1999, REAF began the “One Night Only” cabaret performances utilizing touring casts of Broadway shows appearing in San Francisco. These fantastic nights give the entertainers a break from the scores they perform every night by offering their chosen music.

Help Is On The Way: 30th ANNIVERSARY: BROADWAY & BEYOND
6:30 pm: Limited silent auction in the theater lobby
7:30 pm: Performance
9:45 pm: VIP After party with the cast at the new
BEACON GRAND HOTEL, 450 Powell St. at Sutter (formerly The Drake)
for tickets or additional info: REAF-SF
$39 – Reserved, Performance only/ Balcony tickets
$59 – Reserved, Performance only/ Dress Circle tickets
$150 – Reserved, Performance & VIP After Party/ Orchestra tickets
$500 & up: – VIP & Gala Individual Sponsor Tickets 

JASON BROCK Top 10 from X-Factor/cabaret star
DEBBY BOONE Grammy Award-winning recording star
DAVID BURNHAM Broadway Star (Light in the Piazza, Wicked)
FAITH PRINCE Tony Award-winning (Guys & Dolls) Broadway Star
LISA VROMAN Broadway Star (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miz)
JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN Broadway Star (Big River)
PAULA WEST Jazz / Cabaret Star
BRUCE VILANCH Broadway (Hairspray) / TV Star Comedian
CAST MEMBERS from the BROADWAY TOURING CAST of MRS. DOUBTFIRE
Featuring Rob McClure hosting as Mrs. Doubtfire

Musical Director MICHAEL ORLAND
Producers: KEN HENDERSON & JOE SEILER
Honorees: BRUCE VILANCH, Performer Lifetime Achievement Award)
DELTA DENTAL OF CALIFORNIA, Corporate Partner Award

The post Bruce Vilanch To Receive REAF’s Lifetime Achievement Award 7/14/2024 first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

We Got Bruce
One Night Only with the cast of FUNNY GIRL
By Mister D
April 10, 2024

On Monday, May 20, 2024, there will be a special benefit cabaret called “The Diva’s Toast,” presented by The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF). Here are the details:

Event: One Night Only with the cast of FUNNY GIRL
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM PDT
Location: Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94102
Purpose: The cabaret salutes the grand dames of Broadway.

Featured Guests:
*Cast members from the national Broadway touring cast of FUNNY GIRL – These seasoned performers will bring their theatrical magic to the stage, celebrating the grand dames of Broadway.
*Melissa Manchester – A renowned singer-songwriter, Melissa Manchester’s soulful voice and emotive performances promise to be a highlight of the evening
*Special guest Bruce Vilanch – Bruce Vilanch, a celebrated comedy writer, actor, and performer, will add his unique flair to the cabaret.

Beneficiaries: The event will benefit REAF and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Tickets: Available on Eventbrite

REAF provides aid for HIV/AIDS services, hunger programs, and programs that support homeless youth. It promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of Broadway and supporting important causes. ??

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit the official Eventbrite page. ???

The post Bananas, Boas, & Broadway: Sipping Sparkle at ‘The Diva’s Toast’ first appeared on We Got Bruce!.