Debbie Allen took center stage at Project Angel Food’s Angel Awards in Hollywood on September 29th, receiving the Humanitarian Angel Award for the second time in the nonprofit’s history.
Project Angel Food was launched in 1989 by activist Marianne Williamson with the goal of providing healthy meals to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Los Angeles area. It has since expanded to provide medically tailored meals to people suffering from all types of illnesses and food insecurity.
“Fame is a big part of my life, so Project Angel Food has a special place in my heart,” Allen said. “I lost half of my dance company to AIDS, which was tough. It was tough. And in the early days, that was the focus and having a core organization… help people who are [they have] He is suffering from leprosy and is not allowed to join the team. And I’m very grateful for that. ”
The Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, director and choreographer was recognized for her decades of philanthropic work, including launching the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Debbie Allen Middle School in Los Angeles.
“This is ground zero for humanity. It’s something we need to remember and we need to go back to. We’ve lost our moral spine in this country. . We are no longer the keepers of our brothers and sisters. We must go and give back to those in need and those who cannot help themselves,” Allen said.
“Just to testify. [Allen’s] Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams, who presented Allen with the award, said:
Whoopi Goldberg, who appeared in a video praising Allen, said, “She was a voice for people, no matter where they came from or who they were.”
“She is an icon. She is one of those pioneers and visionaries who always deserves to be celebrated and recognized,” said actress and singer Deborah Cox. The event ended with a series of enthusiastic hits, including “Woman.”
LACare Health Plan and its CEO John Backes were presented with the Sheryl Lee Ralph Legacy Award, and actor Matt Bomer was honored with the organization’s award for his work on Project Angel Food. Received the Angel Award. He agreed in a pre-recorded video.
“I apologize for not being there in person. After all, it was also the weekend my son’s parents were visiting for his first semester of college. I did what I would have done: I decided to scream at the top of my lungs at a Texas football game with my son,” Bomer said.
He went on to explain how the organization’s work has impacted his family.
“One of the great things about my husband Simon Halls and I being involved with this organization is getting our sons involved in the volunteer program,” Bomer added. “I will never forget the smiles on my oldest children’s faces when he came home after his first volunteer experience. He was so happy with himself. That was a moment that had a huge impact on him. Even now, when I ask him what makes him happiest, it’s always helping others.”
“Fellow Travelers” writer and producer Ron Niswaner noted Bomer’s accomplishments in the industry.
“When he came out of the closet, it wasn’t that fashionable. It wasn’t trendy at all and he was putting his career at risk,” Niswaner said. “And imagine you’re in school dreaming of being an actor. You’re a young actor, you’re growing up, you’re getting work, and you say, ‘I’m going to take a risk.’ .”
The gala night raised $877,946. Allen herself donated $25,000 on the spot, and several live auction items won big prizes. A private dinner for eight with Bomer cost $10,000, and a dinner prepared by Harry Hamlin and bartended by Lisa Rinna cost $10,000.
Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub highlighted how the funding will support the organization’s continued expansion of its campus. The campus will include a larger kitchen to facilitate meals for three times as many customers.
“We are in the middle of a capital campaign here at Project Angel Food,” Ayoub said. “Because our facility has grown so large that more people need us. We make 1.5 million meals a year. 1727825980. This capital campaign will generate $4.5 million annually. ”
“Project Angel Food is about people, not statistics,” said actress Emily Ozment. “I mean, the statistics are overwhelming. Over the past 35 years, we’ve served 18 million meals and served 2,700 customers every day. But behind those numbers, each one has its own story. There are real people.”
Actor Tim Bagley was a direct beneficiary of one of those stories. When his partner was dying of AIDS in 1995, Project Angel Food stepped in to make sure he got the food he needed.
“When my partner passed away…I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t reach out and tell him right away,” Bagley said. “I was like, ‘I’ll call tomorrow.’ I need help with the meal today.” After about two weeks of putting it off, I finally called the kitchen and told them I was eating the meal. I told you. They said, “We know.” we sent them for you. ”
At the gala, actor Jeremy Piven and his sister, director Shira Piven, unveiled the first trailer for their new film The Performance, based on Arthur Miller’s short story. The film, scheduled for release in December, follows a Jewish tap dancer who is recruited to perform for Adolf Hitler in 1930s Germany. Jeremy Piven likened the courage it took to launch Project Angel Food to that of the characters in the movie.
“This is an example of someone not waiting for permission from others…to deliver food to people they know need it,” he says.
“We both come from theater backgrounds,” Sheila Piven added. “Many people I knew personally were affected. [by HIV/AIDS]I get emotional thinking about it. ”
The Project Angel Food campus expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2027, while some renovations are expected to be completed by 2026.
