Forgotten Harvest TV Event to Feature Kristen Bell, Lily Tomlin, and More

The two-part televised event is raising money to feed metro Detroit families affected by COVID-19
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Kristen Bell_Forgotten Harvest
Kristen Bell is among the celebrities participating in Forgotten Harvest’s fundraising event. // Photograph courtesy of Forgotten Harvest

To aid families that have faced increased food insecurity due to the coronavirus, Oak Park-based nonprofit Forgotten Harvest is partnering with CBS 62 and CW50 to host a two-part televised donation drive and fundraising event this summer called Feeding Detroit: A Motor City Meal-A-Thon. The event will feature more than 20 notable actors, musicians, comedians, and athletes, including Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, Detroit native and actress Lily Tomlin, Huntington Woods native and actress Kristen Bell, and Detroiter and TV personality Judge Greg Mathis.

“We are so thankful for this partnership with CBS62 and CW50 so that we can continue to combat hunger and food insecurity especially during this difficult time,” says Kirk Mayes, CEO of Forgotten Harvest. “Without our donors, volunteers, staff, and anyone who shares the Forgotten Harvest mission with others we would not be able to provide nutritious meals to those in need.”

Each celebrity feature will be slightly different. A spokesperson with Forgotten Harvest says some may speak about their favorite Detroit memories, the importance of Forgotten Harvest, or even share funny stories. Additional celebrity guests include skateboarder Tony Hawk, comedian Jay Leno, author Mitch Albom, musician Celisse Henderson, and Grand Rapids native and actress Toni Trucks.

During the broadcast, viewers can text “FEED20” to 91999 to send donations to Forgotten Harvest that will go toward the costs the nonprofit incurred while distributing food, renting warehouse space, and operating distribution sites since COVID-19 hit locally. Up to $200,000 in donations will be matched by the event’s partners, PNC Bank, and a local family. For every $1 donated, the nonprofit can provide $14 of groceries — about eight meals — to metro Detroiters in need.

The first day of the event takes place on June 30 at 7 p.m. and is available to watch on CBS 62 and CW50. The second day to watch is July 4 at 8 p.m. on CW50. The event will also be live-streamed on cbsdetroit.com and cw50detroit.com.

For more information about volunteering, donating, or Forgotten Harvest’s COVID-19 response, visit forgottenharvest.org.