LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The star-studded Stand Up To Cancer fundraiser generated more than $143.18 million in donations, with money still coming in, organizers said today.
SU2C is still receiving donations at www.standuiptocancer.org/donate.
The fundraising special aired Saturday, and raised money from corporate, foundation and individual donors for cancer research and awareness campaigns. The telecast, which was delayed a year due to COVID-19, was produced by Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon and media investor Jim Toth. The event was hosted by Anthony Anderson, Ken Jeong, Tran Ho and Sofia Vergara, and featured a guest appearance from SU2C co-founder Katie Couric.
Other celebrities in attendance included Bobby Berk, Craig Melvin, Danny Trejo, and Uzo Aduba.
“More than 1.8 million people in the U.S. are anticipated to be diagnosed with cancer in 2021, so it is critical that we come together and take action so that we can continue to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking new cancer therapies that reach patients quickly,'' CEO of SU2C Sung Poblete said in a statement.
The special aired on more than 65 media platforms in the United States and Canada, including all four major broadcast networks in the U.S., which donated one hour of commercial-free prime time. The show was also streamed on SU2C's Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and VOD on Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, Prende TV, Prime Video and Tubi.
The show included a tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman, performances from Brittany Howard and Common with Stevie Wonder, and stories from patients and cancer researchers.
A public service announcement featuring Chris Evans, Danai Gurira, Jodie Comer and Paul Rudd aired during the broadcast.
SU2C also announced the Bid 2 End Cancer auction series presented by Heritage Auctions with contribution from Major League Baseball. New auction items will drop every Tuesday through Oct. 25. The auctions are available at www.standuptocancer.org/auction
Prior to the televised special, SU2C launched the #Up2Us to #StandUpToCancer Week fundraiser initiative, which encompassed live streams and a dance challenge by pediatric cancer patient Orli Halpern.
On Aug. 21, sketch comedy group Smosh streamed a Jackbox Gamers competition on Twitch to raise awareness and funds for cancer research with special guests Flula Borg, Jarvis Johnson and Justine Ezarik.
SU2C was founded in 2008, and has raised over $746 million for cancer research and awareness.
More information can be4 found at standuptocancer.org, or on their Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch pages.
Copyright 2021, City News Service, Inc.