Recently award-winning Broadway actress and comedienne Julie Halston joined iHeartRadio Broadway's SJ Arnegger to talk about Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation's (PFF) 11th annual Broadway Belts for PFF! which will take place Friday, March 12, 7PM EST. The free event will be live-streamed on PFF's YouTube and Facebook channels. The event will feature Broadway stars on a mission to raise funds and awareness for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) will take the stage virtually for the first time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Julie Halston (Tootsie, Gypsy, You Can't Take It With You, TV's Sex and the City), will host the evening on her popular YouTube series, Virtual Halston along with co-host, Jim Caruso (Jim Caruso's Cast Party). The evening will feature some of Broadway's biggest stars as they raise their voices to help those living with the disease. Halston, who lost her husband Ralph Howard to PF, describes Broadway Belts for PFF! as near and dear to her heart.
"We are bringing the glitz and glamour of Broadway directly to your living room to help draw attention to pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating disease impacting hundreds of thousands of Americans," said Julie Halston. "Lung health is now a priority and you can make a difference by joining us virtually on March 12."
The cast of the 2021 Broadway Belts for PFF! includes: Annaleigh Ashford, Robert Creighton, Christine Ebersole, Darlene Love, Andrew Rannells, Max Von Essen and more performers to be announced soon!
"This year, we have the unique opportunity to open one of our most anticipated fundraising events to everyone" said William T. Schmidt, President and CEO of the PFF. "Through Broadway Belts for PFF!, we are shining a bright spotlight on the crucial need to help all impacted by this disease."
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the third annual Ralph Howard Legacy Award to PF advocate and and PFF Board Member, Laurie Chandler. After receiving a diagnosis of PF in her 50s, Chandler received a life-saving lung transplant. She has volunteered tirelessly for the PF community and has been at the forefront of supporting the PFF's efforts to accelerate research and improve patient care. Chandler's commitment to patients and their families is unmatched.
The virtual event will be produced by Julie Halston, Jim Caruso and D. Michael Dvorchak along with the technical direction of Ruby Locknar. Registration for Broadway Belts for PFF! is now available at BroadwayBeltsForPFF.org. Viewers are encouraged to increase their impact and enhance their event experience by making a donation to support the PF community. Special packages include exclusive event mementos that will be sent by mail directly to donors. Donations must be received by March 1st to receive the gifts prior to the show:
- Raise your glass and give: All donations of $100 or more will receive a commemorative, engraved Broadway Belts for PFF! champagne flute to toast with us during the show.
- VIP ticket ($500): Receive a Broadway Belts for PFF! gift box including one commemorative, engraved champagne flute and treats to enjoy during the show.
-VIP package for two ($1,000): This double Broadway Belts for PFF!gift box includes two commemorative, engraved champagne flutes and treats to share during the show.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit BroadwayBeltsForPFF.org. Broadway Belts for PFF! is presented in part by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) mobilizes people and resources to provide access to high-quality care and leads research for a cure so people with pulmonary fibrosis will live longer, healthier lives. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, patients, and caregivers worldwide. The PFF has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Better Business Bureau and National Health Council accredited charity. For more information, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733).