When Macy Gray decided to launch her first-ever Streamathon, it wasn’t about chasing headlines or reinventing charity. It was about doing something real when complaining wasn’t enough. A Grammy Award–winning American R&B and soul singer, Gray has sold over 25 million records worldwide and appeared in several films—but her latest impact goes beyond music and into meaningful community action.
“The idea came during the government shutdown,” Gray explained. “It’s easy to complain, but I kept thinking, what can we actually do?” That question became the seed for a livestreamed fundraiser that would ultimately raise more than $195,000 for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, far surpassing the original $50,000 goal. But the number, while impressive, is only part of the story. At its heart, the event reflects Gray’s belief that philanthropy works best when it’s practical, personal, and grounded in humanity.
Gray traces her inspiration back to watching classic telethons growing up, including those hosted by Jerry Lewis. While others have attempted to revive the format, she wanted to keep it simple and modern: gather artists, go live online, and rally people around a clear, urgent goal. For Gray, addressing hunger felt both immediate and universal. “I think politicizing food is a waste of time,” stated Gray. “People deserve to eat, regardless of what’s going on. Basic needs should be a basic right.”
Bearing that in mind, Gray worked diligently to bring celebrities and supporters together online to raise money for food banks in Los Angeles. Completely dependent on public donations, these organizations really needed the extra funding.
From a $50,000 Goal to a Six-Figure Impact
The original fundraising target was a modest $50,000. But when the final tally came in at nearly four times that amount, Gray was stunned. “I was humbled and thrilled,” exclaimed Gray. “It just proved that this cause struck a chord with people. It reminded me that when you focus on something meaningful, people will show up.”
The overwhelming response confirmed what she had hoped: that hunger relief is a cause capable of uniting people across backgrounds, politics, and personal beliefs. Choosing the right partner was critical. Gray didn’t simply want a symbolic collaboration. She wanted accountability that would drive real results. “The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is a well-oiled machine,” said Gray. “They’re incredibly organized and efficient.”
In a first-of-its-kind move, the Streamathon was hosted inside the Food Bank’s facility. Staff pulled equipment onto the warehouse floor and built a stage right in the middle of their space. “They didn’t just support the event—they showed up,” Gray said. “Their board of directors and donors were hands-on throughout the entire process. I was nervous. I didn’t want it to fail. But because of their involvement, it became a huge success.”
Gray also spent time doing her own research, studying national food bank standards and observing how organizations ensure healthy, ethical food distribution. That research ultimately led her to this specific partner and reinforced her confidence that the funds would be used responsibly.
Seeing the Impact Firsthand
To understand the mission more deeply, Gray visited the Food Bank in the weeks leading up to the event. She even helped distribute food through mobile pantries. “I went down there to see what they do for myself,” stated Gray. “I helped hand out food, and I was blown away by how many lives they touch regularly.” That experience turned an abstract cause into something personal. When you see people lining up, families, seniors, kids—you stop thinking in political terms. You see human beings who need help.
The Streamathon brought together a wide range of performers and creatives, including Jessie Reyez, Kym Whitley, Omar Hakim, ChloTheGod, Tim Hockenberry, Rainee Blake, Shanti Fiennes, and Billy Valentine, among others. Gray acknowledged that supporting a brand-new fundraiser takes courage. “I know it’s not easy to get behind something without a proven track record,” stated Gray. “That’s part of being an artist—putting yourself out there always comes with a risk.” Being on the asking side gave Gray a new perspective. It taught her to be more mindful about what I say no to. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s not worth supporting.
While the inaugural Streamathon focused on Los Angeles—Gray’s hometown—she sees potential to expand the model nationwide. “Ultimately, I’d love to take these fundraisers national,” said Gray. “But it felt right to start at home. There are about four million people in this city. A lot of help was needed.”
The team is already discussing making the event an annual occurrence. However, it takes a lot of planning, time, and effort. When it comes time to do it again, Gray wants to make sure it’s done right in order to get the same positive response that was received the first time. Plans for next year are already underway, with preparation expected to begin in June.
Supporting Families in Crisis
Gray’s philanthropic work extends beyond hunger relief through her nonprofit, My Good, which she co-founded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization was created in response to police brutality and the emotional toll on families who lost children under tragic circumstances.
“A few friends and I wanted to support the moms of these victims,” said Gray. “Once you become a parent, your biggest fear is losing your child.” While high-profile cases gain national attention, Gray points out that countless other families suffer in silence dealing with the aftermath of losing their loved one.
“We set up a way to raise funds for mental health services,” explained Gray. “Therapy, emotional support, and a sense of community that helps families cope with unimaginable loss.” But Gray made clear that the work they do isn’t about being anti-police. It’s all about being pro-family.The mission reflects her broader philosophy of addressing pain with empathy and real-world solutions.
A Call to Action
If there’s one takeaway Gray hopes readers carry forward, it’s this: philanthropy has the power to unite people in ways politics often cannot. “When you see someone homeless, you don’t see politics—you see a person who needs help,” said Gray. “At the core, we can all agree on supporting each other.”
She offered a simple and relatable comparison. If you want your room to look nicer, you have to clean it. If you want change, you can’t just complain on social media. You have to pitch in. It’s a philosophy grounded in practicality. Less talk, more action.
Most recently, Macy Gray performed at Rise & Dine LA: A Night of Philanthropy and Flavor, an exclusive fundraising dinner hosted by HexClad at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, benefiting Steadfast LA’s wildfire relief and community rebuilding efforts.
Approximately 300 guests—including Dr. Dre, Sheila E., and other notable attendees—gathered for a one-night-only culinary experience led by world-renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay, Dominique Crenn, Nancy Silverton, and Michael Cimarusti. The evening also featured dishes from six chefs who helped define Los Angeles cuisine—Neal Fraser, Josiah Citrin, Kevin Meehan, Ludo Lefebvre, Raphael Lunetta, and Suzanne Goin—representing more than 20 Michelin stars.
Hosted by legendary actor and longtime LA resident Steve Guttenberg, the event celebrated the city’s resilience through food, culture, and community—cementing it as one of the most significant philanthropic culinary gatherings in Los Angeles this year.
Beyond philanthropy, Gray continues to stay creatively busy. She’s preparing to release a new album this spring, which she describes as one of the strongest projects of her career. “I’m really excited about it,” stated Gray. “I think it’s one of the best records I’ve put together to date.” She’s also working on a television series, expanding her storytelling into new formats. “My job is always about staying busy and finding new ways to challenge myself,” said Gray. “I want to keep putting my skills to good use.”
A Human-Centered Approach to Giving
In an era where activism can sometimes feel performative or polarized, Macy Gray’s approach stands out for its simplicity and sincerity. She doesn’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, she focuses on asking the right questions—What can we do? Who needs help? How do we show up?
The Streamathon wasn’t just a fundraising win. It was a reminder that collective effort and human empathy can move the needle in tangible ways. For those inspired by the Streamathhon’s success, Gray is encouraging community participation in next year’s event.
“If anyone wants to get involved, they can DM me on Instagram or reach out to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank directly,” said Gray. “We’re planning to start getting ready for the next fundraiser this summer.” At the end of the day, meaningful change doesn’t require perfection—it requires participation.
