March 22, 2017
The American Civil Liberties Union has revealed its long list of celebrities set to host a telethon next week that will be broadcast through Facebook Live.
The "Stand for Rights: A Benefit for the ACLU" will stream on the social media platform March 31 at 7 p.m. with headliners like Upper Darby's own Tina Fey, Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Maggie Gyllenhaal and many more.
"In these tumultuous times, we need our favorite actors, musicians, and comedians to do what they do best," the event's Facebook page reads. "Speak earnestly about politics? No! Entertain you for a great cause? Yes! Because when the Titanic sank, the band kept playing! Except in this case, the band will be raising money for something that can fix the boat. And Leonardo DiCaprio won’t have to die."
The fundraiser will directly benefit the ACLU, whose mission is "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States," according to the nonprofit's website.
Organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood saw a spike in donations immediately following the presidential election.
"Our work in the courts is essential right now to hold off the worst of the abuses," ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said in a statement. "But it is also the collective will and tireless actions of 'we the people' that serve as a bulwark against unconstitutional and wrong-headed policies and executive orders. By supporting our work through this telethon, we can fight even harder to defend the rights guaranteed by our Constitution."
