The Starlight Foundation Director of Public Relations & Communications Rick Jardiolin dropped us a line to let us know just how tremendously well the latest 501st Legion telethon “Holiday of Hope” did. Despite Fantha Tracks not being able to participate due to our involvement in Farthest From 26, the 48-hour telethon raised over $35,000 and featured a number of Star Wars celebrities.
The 501st Legion’s annual Holiday of Hope fundraiser brought in over $35,000 for Starlight Children’s Foundation through a 48-hour live-stream telethon, a silent auction, and the highly anticipated Ord-Ament Project, a collaboration with fan-based community Hondo Supply. The Ord-Ament Project features custom Star Wars-themed ornaments handcrafted by talented artists and fans, auctioned to benefit charity during the holiday season.
For children and families facing hospitalization, even the best care can be a stressful and frightening experience. That’s why Starlight exists – transforming hospital stays through programs like Starlight Gaming, comfortable and fun hospital gowns, and toy deliveries. These resources, available in over 700 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the U.S., are vital tools for child life specialists and clinicians, helping kids cope with medical procedures and brightening their recovery journey.
“Through their Holiday of Hope fundraiser, the 501st Legion is helping us bring the power of play and joy to seriously ill children when they need it most. Thanks to their efforts, we can continue advancing our mission to transform hospital experiences and create brighter, happier moments for kids and their families. On behalf of everyone at Starlight, thank you for making such an incredible impact,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The Holiday of Hope telethon, held on December 7-8, brought together an impressive lineup of Star Wars fans and talent, including actors Kyriana Kratter, Omid Abtahi, Katy O’Brien, Bobby Moynihan, Christopher Sean, and composers Michael Giacchino and Kevin Kiner. Throughout the livestreamed event, viewers were treated to interviews, special appearances, and heartfelt moments.
The event kicked off each day with Justin Sonfield, the 501st Legion’s commanding officer, interviewing Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight. Together, they shared insights into Starlight’s mission, the transformative power of play, and their experiences witnessing Starlight’s programs in action. Heartwarming interviews with Starlight kids Frankie and Jade captured the audience’s attention. The young advocates spoke about their medical journeys, the impact of Starlight’s programs, and their favorite things, like Frankie’s dream of spending a sunny day on a Florida beach with family. Gaming Specialist Marty at Texas Children’s also received a special shoutout for helping Jade stay positive during her hospital experience as her Gaming Station buddy.
Sonfield said, “The 501st Legion is once again honored to partner with Starlight to raise money for children needing their spirits lifted in their most stressful times. For over 26 years, we have worked to deliver smiles to our communities around the world as ‘the bad guys doing good.’ We are grateful for the work Starlight does and are committed to continuing to spread joy through hospital visits and direct fundraising like the Holiday of Hope telethon and with our members of the Ordament Project.”
The Holiday of Hope fundraiser highlights Fandom with a Purpose, the powerful intersection of fandom and philanthropy, showcasing how communities can join forces to create joy for children who need it most.
To learn more about Starlight ways to support its mission, community members can visit Starlight.org today!
