Actress, author and philanthropist Ina Bochian, knows how to pull a team together for a good cause. This year, to help Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller’s not-for-profit charity raise donations, Bochian has enlisted Dr. Irene Yaymadjian, founder of Hillside Wellness Center, The Defunked Band members Danny Jay and Eric Johnson, and Facebook community Bricklayers, started by goal execution strategist, Jaymie Jordan.
Called Hilarity for Charity, the organization’s focus is to fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. An estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020. Eighty percent are age 75 or older. One in 10 people age 65 and older (10%) has Alzheimer’s dementia.
“After a few years of donating my birthday to HFC and hosting a successful event last year, co-hosted by Paul Chambers, I did not want the current global pandemic to change things. So, I came up with the idea ‘Creatives Counter Corona for Alzheimer’s and Dementia,’ Bochian told Reel Chicago. She added, “This campaign will go from April to July and include a variety of activities and fun virtual stay home events that encourage creativity during this coronavirus pandemic. “
During April, Bochian and Johnson hosted streaming concerts on FB Live to celebrate HFC co-founder Seth Rogen and James Franco, who introduced her to the charity. A few prizes were raffled off including a movie night double DVD set of The Interview and This Is The End. The films were combined with “movie night” and healthy snacks from Quest Nutrition. Both Rogen and Franco share April birthdays. The winner will be announced May 1st.
Creatives who support HFC have joined Bochian on Zoom interviews, including Jacquelyn Joyce, caretaker, writer and co-creator of the webseries, Crescendo, and Dondi Scumaci, caretaker, author, and leadership coach.
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Upcoming interviews include a few of the crew members from the Fox series Empire, including Terrence Howard’s stand in and photo double, William Smith, and script assistant, David Alexander. The series had its series finale cut short recently due to the pandemic.
There are also two ongoing raffles sponsored by PREPT MEALS Chicago and Curb Records specifically for Chicago residents. All those who watch EJ and Danny Live from Quarantine Live and donate $10 from now until the end of May will be entered to win a $50 gift card and goodie bag from PREPT MEALS. All who donate $25 dollars or more will be entered to win a guitar donated by Curb records, signed by Lee Brice.
Bochian’s Future Plans
Bochian’s plans for Rogen’s charity doesn’t end with April. Beginning May 8th, some of the Facebook community, Bricklayers, will help the actress to organizing a 21-day MIND, BODY, and SOUL challenge for all who donate $5. Those who participate will have the opportunity to enter private raffles.
“With this challenge, we want to raise awareness about brain healthy habits and build a fun stay home community fighting for HFC. Willie Sanders, a motivational speaker and apparel designer based in New York, will be donating some apparel for a raffle pack and also lead the mind part of the challenge,” noted Bochian. “Personal trainer and apparel designer, Elvis Matos, will donate apparel and lead the body/ fitness part of the challenge.”
Bochian will lead the “soul’ part of the challenge. Her raffle contribution includes her personal artwork, apparel from Ruckage, founded by Atlanta based designer, Darryl Bordenave and a face mask from “Friendship Club,” a line started by Nigel Holt.
To get involved, follow Bochian on Instagram or email Ina Bochian.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
