We Got Bruce Vilanch: What Charities Does He Support?

What charities does Bruce Vilanch support

What charities does Bruce Vilanch support

Bruce Vilanch has supported several charities, particularly those focused on AIDS-related causes, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal welfare. Specific organizations include:

• Aid For AIDS: Vilanch has served on the honorary board and was master of ceremonies for their major fundraiser, “Quest for the Crown” (later “Best In Drag Show”).
• The Trevor Project: He has participated in fundraising events for this nonprofit, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Project Angel Food: Vilanch has been involved in fundraising to support this group, which delivers meals to those affected by serious illnesses.
• Human Rights Campaign: He has supported this organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS): Vilanch co-wrote and hosted a fundraiser in 2010 to help people with HIV/AIDS care for their pets.
• GLAAD: His advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights includes work with GLAAD, for which he received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award in 1997.

Vilanch has also been involved in numerous AIDS benefits since the 1980s, often performing or writing for events to raise funds for research and support, especially when government support was lacking. His philanthropy extends to other small, grassroots charities, as he prefers working with organizations where most funds directly benefit recipients.

The post Powerful look at which charities Bruce Vilanch supports 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!.

Philadelphia Gay News
Bruce Vilanch To Receive The 2025 Stonewall Visibility Award June 1
By Gary L. Day
May 13, 2025

On June 1, the Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) will host the 2025 Stonewall Awards Brunch at the Arts Ballroom. The Stonewall Awards is an annual ceremony that honors local people and organizations that have made a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community. The master of ceremonies for this year’s awards will be 6ABC’s Adam Joseph, and will be streamed live on WPVI Channel 6. Joseph, a native Philadelphian, rose to prominence as the city’s first major on-air news personality to come out publicly. He has worked as the meteorologist at WPVI since 2005.

PGN is proud to honor these individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, visibility and service in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Visibility Award: Bruce Vilanch, writer and actor

Two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and actor Bruce Vilanch is known for scripting major awards shows, including the Oscars, Emmys and Tonys, and collaborating with prominent stars like Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal, Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Whoopi Goldberg, Diana Ross and Robin Williams. He has been the recipient of a number of awards for his work in support of AIDS and LGBTQ+ charities, including: the Los Angeles Shanti Foundation’s Daniel P. Warner Service Award, GLAAD Media’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s Rand Schrader Distinguished Service Award, the Outfest Honors Award for contributions to gay and lesbian visibility, and the AIDS Project Los Angeles’ Hero Award.

The post Bruce Vilanch To Receive The 2025 Stonewall Visibility Award June 1 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!.

Broadway World
THE LAVENDER EFFECT(R) Presents Live Virtual Pride Parade, May 30
BWW Desk
May 29, 2021

Come celebrate this year’s PRIDE live with THE LAVENDER EFFECT Star-studded Live Virtual Pride Parade which will be broadcast on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 12 noon PST/3p EST via YouTube.com/c/TheLavenderEffect.

This year’s Virtual PRIDE Parade’s Host will be Alec Mapa. Mapa’s TV and film credits include Ugly Betty, Switched at Birth, Doom Patrol, You Don’t Mess with The Zohan and Connie and Carla. He lives in Los Angeles with his husband Jamison and Son Zion.

The Virtual Pride Parade will launch Pride Month and benefit THE LAVENDER EFFECT’s mission to Advance the Future of LGBTQ+ Heritage & Culture. While many local Pride celebrations again are being canceled or modified this year due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, many members of the community will not be able to gather in person, so this live virtual event will safely bring the LGBTQ+ community together from across the nation to celebrate Pride.

This year marks the 51st Anniversary of the first PRIDE marches across the nation in June 1970, commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, and protesting for LGBTQ+ equality.

THE LAVENDER EFFECT has another stellar roster of some of the most well-known LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies, non-profits, and activists from around the globe, to help to bring the community together including:

• Lily Tomlin (Tony, Emmy and Grammy Winner; Grace & Frankie; 9 to 5)
• Betty Buckley (Tony Award winner for Cats, Eight is Enough)
• Kathryn Hahn (WandaVision; Bad Moms)
• Sally Kirkland (Golden Globe Winner for Anna)
• Alexandra Billings (Transparent)
• Bruce Vilanch (Emmy Winner; comedian writer/actor)
• Michael Musto (journalist)
• Jason Stuart (Smothered; comedian)
• Drew Droege (Heathers)
• Kay Sedia (AJ and the Queen; Chico’s Angels)
• Mel England (Best Day Ever)
• Charles Busch (Drama Desk Award-winning Playwright & Actor)
• City of West Hollywood
• Colors Youth Counseling
• Congregation Kol Ami
• Freedom to Marry
• Gay Elder Circle
• IMRU Radio
• LA LGBT Center
• PFLAG LA
• PFLAG National
• Project Angel Food
• Project 10 & Friends of Project 10

Last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, THE LAVENDER EFFECT hosted the first “Virtual Pride Parade” to celebrate Pride and bring the LGBTQ+ community together. The live fundraising event featured celebrities, national LGBTQ+ organizations and politicians and over 10,000 viewed from around the country.

“As the LGBTQ+ community comes together for PRIDE again this year, we continue to find ourselves in a new normal. Once again, PRIDE will be celebrated safely throughout the country this year. We wanted to continue our outreach to everyone with our 2nd Virtual PRIDE Parade online this year.” said Andy Sacher, Founder & Executive Director of THE LAVENDER EFFECT. He continued “We celebrate our LGBTQ+ PRIDE with our diverse sisters & brothers in a way that everyone can join, no matter where they are or how they express their PRIDE!”

THE LAVENDER EFFECT is a nonprofit project of Community Partners that is advancing the future of LGBTQ Heritage & Culture. The organization helps to reduce shame, combat homophobia, and empower LGBTQ+ youth through programs like the Virtual Pride Parade, Oral History Projects, and educational programs. For more information, please visit http://www.TheLavenderEffect.org.

The post Bruce Vilanch, Lily Tomlin, Betty Buckley Judith Light, And More Celebrate Virtual Pride Sunday, May 30, 2021 first appeared on We Got Bruce!.