Chicago-born TV star Deon Cole of “Black-ish” fame is expected to headline a coronavirus telethon planned for May 16, organizers said.
The event is being organized by the Chicago CEO COVID-19 Coalition, a group of local business leaders who are raising money to help local charities during the pandemic.
“I am challenging the business leaders of Chicago and their companies to join with me in the charge to help the people in need in our city,” John Koudounis, CEO of Naperville-based Calamos Investments and one of the founders of the coalition, said in a statement. “We are assisting Chicago charities in four critical areas: PPE, food, shelter/homeless and essential counseling services. ... I am asking Chicago’s business leaders to walk with me in this effort.If not now, when?Now is the time for all of us who can to participate in this fight.We can all come together as a family to bring our city back.”
Among those charities expected to receive donations are: the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Salvation Army Metropolitan response fund, Catholic Charities and The Night Ministry.
The “Sweet Home Chicago” telethon will be livestreamed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 16, organizers said.
“The telethon talent roster that is being developed now will include Chicago’s famous and celebrated, and feature local heroes who are making a difference,” according to a news release.
For more information or to donate, go to www.chiccc.org or donate through the Coalition partnership with GoFundMe www.gofundme.com/sweethomechicago
