Tuesday, 15th December 2009 will go down in entertainment circles’ records as a very special evening when over 40 performers, musicians, producers and other industry professionals rallied together to stage a once-off memorable fundraiser “Friends for a Star” in aid of feisty performer, Lisa Melman, to assist her with medical costs for treatment for breast cancer.

The audience in the sold out Lyric Theatre was treated to some of the finest talent South Africa has to offer. “Friends for a Star” with generous support from Pieter Toerien and Ian Von Memerty, included performances from luminaries like Kate Normington, Malcolm Terrey, Harry Sideropoulos, Matthew Stewardson and Bryan Schimmel as well as the casts of Knights of Music, Motown Magic, A Handful of Keys, Immortality, Nunsensation, A Touch of Webber – a Taste of Rice and Fame as well as a special treat when Richard also took to the stage to sing “Any Dream Will Do” from his days in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

It was truly a poignant moment when Lisa Melman herself took to the stage to perform a powerful rendition of “There are worse things I could do” from Grease, as well as “My Life”, earning her a well deserved standing ovation and reminded the audience again of what a powerful performer she is.

The South African entertainment industry is known for its generosity of spirit and for supporting one of their own, and this was proved true in this instance once again, with everyone involved giving of their time free of charge; and a special thank you is also extended to the management of The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino for donating the use of the theatre, Computicket for waiving their commission and Hazel Feldman for donating the use of the Motown Xmas Magic Set for the show. All this has ensured that all monies raised are being handed over to Lisa, through the generous assistance of the Theatre Benevolent Fund, who is administering the donations.

Says Richard Loring, Executive Board Member of the Theatre Benevolent Fund, “I am thrilled that we have already raised over R 200,000.00 to assist Lisa, with more coming in each day. It has always been important to me that when you have success, you share it with those who need assistance. To see how caring and supportive the artists who participated as well as the Johannesburg Theatre going public who attended to support Lisa is so heartwarming for me.”

Richard continues “Prior to the event and subsequent to it, this initiative also has the tremendous support of our media partner 1485Radio Today, and we thank them for coming on board so readily to play an additional vital role in raising additional funds for Lisa and in spreading the word far and wide.”

1485 Radio Today recorded  “Friends for a Star”  live and will be broadcasting  the  2-hour special on New Year’s Eve, 31st December from 20h00 – 22h00   in its entirety.

1485 Radio Today broadcasts on 1485AM (medium wave) to the greater Johannesburg area and on  DStv audio169 nationally and to the whole SADC region.

To further assist in the raising of donations, 1485 Radio Today has also established an SMS line whereby members of the public can send an SMS to donate.

To send an SMS :
SMS the word RADIO then LISA to 34010 (leave a space between “radio” and lisa”) with your pledge or requesting more info.

The Theatre Benevolent Fund will then be in contact to make arrangements directly with the sender.

Says Sanele Sobantwana, Station Manager of 1485 Radio Today; “As a community radio station, we believe it’s vital that we step up and support a vital organization such as the Theatre Benevolent Fund. With them receiving no financial assistance from Government or any other organization, it is up to our industry to be pro-active and to take up the challenge of supporting those artists who have graced our stages over the years and whose performances we have loved and who now need assistance.

Sanele continues; “Lisa is one such artist, and we are delighted to be media partners with this initiative, and encourage our listeners to get involved as well. We believe there is no better way to welcome in the New Year by not only supporting such a wonderful performer, but so too to enjoy the crème de la crème of South African talent who participated in the event”.