Moms Against Poverty’s 2020 Gala Goes Virtual

Moms Against Poverty Shifts to a Virtual Charity Gala

When the pandemic made in-person events impossible, Moms Against Poverty quickly adapted, launching a dynamic virtual charity gala to continue its essential work. Normally held live, the annual event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in one night, with all proceeds supporting Moms Against Poverty’s programs that fight hunger, build schools, and care for orphans globally.

In 2020, Moms Against Poverty launched “Hunger Relief Night Live,” a virtual take on the gala featuring humor, heart, and celebrity appearances. Hosted by Moms Against Poverty board member and performer Bobak Bakhtiari, the event streamed on YouTube with contributions from stars like Brian Cox, Maz Jobrani, and others.

A High-Energy Celebrity Fundraiser Event

Bakhtiari noted that the idea came during meditation, and the team quickly mobilized. Inspired by other successful online galas, Moms Against Poverty added a vibrant entertainment twist to help ease the collective stress families were feeling during the pandemic.

The result was a unique celebrity fundraiser blending live performances, comedy, heartfelt stories, and a clear call to action. With families worldwide facing deep uncertainty, Moms Against Poverty brought together entertainment and impact in a night designed to raise both spirits and critical funds.

Scaling Up Nonprofit Hunger Relief Efforts

Moms Against Poverty used funds from the gala to scale up its nonprofit hunger relief programs across the U.S., Iran, Senegal, and Cambodia. Bakhtiari emphasized the rise in food insecurity due to COVID-19 shutdowns and explained how the nonprofit had to reallocate its operational budget early on to meet the growing demand.

MAP’s domestic programs include partnerships with schools and churches where they provide recurring meals, hygiene supplies, refrigerators, and laundry equipment. Internationally, funds support school construction, orphan care, and feeding programs in multiple countries. The 2020 virtual charity gala for hunger relief ensured this vital work could continue uninterrupted.

How to Get Involved and Donate to a Virtual Gala Fundraiser

Those who want to support Moms Against Poverty’s work can still get involved. The easiest way is to visit momsagainstpoverty.org, where visitors can register, choose from different sponsorship tiers, and even earmark donations for specific programs.

Moms Against Poverty encourages people to subscribe to its YouTube channel or to Maz Jobrani’s channel to get alerts for future events. For anyone wondering how to donate to a virtual gala fundraiser, the process is simple—and every dollar helps feed a child, build a classroom, or support an orphan.

A Model for Future Giving

The success of Hunger Relief Night Live shows that virtual charity galas can be just as impactful—and sometimes even more so—than traditional in-person events. By tapping into creativity, star power, and community, Moms Against Poverty continues to be a beacon of hope in a time of deep global need.