Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive Project Angel Food‘s Inaugural Sheryl Lee Ralph Legacy Award at this year’s Angel Awards on Sept. 23 in Hollywood.
Ralph’s work with Project Angel Food spans three decades, dating back to when the organization was serving hundreds of people who were living with HIV/AIDS. Project Angel Food now prepares and delivers more than 1.5 million meals each year to thousands of Angelenos living with critical illness of all types. After reaching success with her performance in the Broadway show, “Dreamgirls,” Ralph moved to Hollywood and felt a desire to get involved with the organization after seeing volunteers come in and out of the church kitchen that was Project Angel Food’s home. Having known so many people affected by HIV/AIDS, she was inspired to help.
“When no one and I mean no one would stand up for people living with AIDS, Sheryl Lee Ralph risked her career and her livelihood to do what was right. She had seen too much suffering and wanted to help. That commitment to those in need has not wavered in 34 years! This new Sheryl Lee Ralph Legacy Award is long overdue,” said Project Angel Food CEO, Richard Ayoub of the new award.
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In addition to Ralph’s honor, AIDS activist, artist and author Mary Fisher will receive the 2023 Angel Award — a distinction previously bestowed on Judith Light, Elizabeth Taylor, George Michael, Sharon Stone and Whoopi Goldberg, among others.
She has received five honorary doctorate degrees, authored six books and delivered countless inspiring speeches — she notably delivered impressive addresses before the Republican Conventions in Houston in 1992 and San Diego in 1996. Ms. Fisher serves on Project Angel Food’s Board of Directors.
Held at Project Angel Food’s Hollywood kitchen, Jewel will perform in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of her second studio album “Spirit.” The parking lot will be transformed into a beautiful “ballroom under the stars,” with a menu provided by Angelini Osteria.
This year’s celebrity guests will include John Goodman, Tara Reid, Megan Hilty, Charo, Steven Weber, Loni Love, Tyler Henry, Rachel Lindsay, Jai Rodriguez, Michael Corbett, celebrity chef Ronnie Woo and others.
The Angel Awards are presented by naming sponsor Wells Fargo, with Glamazon L.A., Amazon’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, joining as a principal sponsor.
