Our CEO Alison Moore recaps key highlights from 2023 and shares a glimpse of the exciting things we have in store for 2024.
Dear friends,
2023 was an outstanding year packed with incredible firsts and wins for Comic Relief US. I’m filled with so much gratitude as I reflect on all the ways we came together to make a difference in the lives of children and young people everywhere.
We kicked off the year with a brand new fundraising campaign that marked our first foray into the metaverse. Kids Relief launched last March with the release of Kids Relief Presents: Solarpunk Simulator, one of the only Roblox games created by a non-profit, to empower kids to do good through gameplay. This groundbreaking collaboration surpassed our expectations, seeing more than 5.1 million plays in the first month and scoring three amazing Shorty Impact Awards. Kids Relief is the perfect example of the inventive thinking we believe is crucial in supporting young people’s ability to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Another first was the Comic Relief US Winter Fête. Our inaugural gala was a triumph and a half! Henry R. Muñoz III, the brilliant activist and philanthropist, and Owner and Chairman of Funny Or Die was honored with our first-ever Visionary Award. Hosted by our founder, Richard Curtis, and Gala Chair, Michael Kassan, the night also included unforgettable appearances by comedians Phoebe Robinson, Alex Edelman, John Oliver, and Roy Wood Jr. and performances by singer Denée Benton, and pianist Elaine Kwon. It was a magical evening of celebration, uniting us in our mission to drive social change through the power of entertainment.
Our signature Red Nose Day campaign reached even greater heights thanks to the support of key partners, including Walgreens, NBCUniversal, the Critical Role Foundation, the Harlem Globetrotters, Comcast, eBay for Charity, and many others. Millions of people rallied around the campaign, helping us raise over $41 million towards ensuring children and families have access to comprehensive health services, nutritious food, quality education, and safe spaces to live, learn, work, and play.
Youth empowerment was a significant theme for us throughout the year. Our first grantee convening since 2019 — held in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly — focused on the importance of elevating the voices of young leaders. We were also thrilled to introduce the second cohort of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC 2.0). This extraordinary group of eight international changemakers will spearhead our Juntanza Fund, a grantmaking initiative that will be used to further empower and support community-based, youth-led organizations, leaders, and activists. YAC 2.0 is dedicated to addressing critical issues through targeted funding in three key areas: climate justice, health care, and gender equity. The Council commenced its tenure by hosting a discussion during the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
When not launching award-winning virtual worlds or breakthrough campaigns, we participated in and hosted crucial discussions with global leaders, changemakers, and industry disruptors at the World Economic Forum, SXSW, the UN General Assembly, ADWEEK NYC, and held our first forum at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. These conversations are an integral part of our commitment to promoting resilience and racial and gender equity while amplifying the voices of diverse communities.
If that wasn’t enough, we’re so excited to start 2024 with an incredible new partnership supported by the LEGO Group for our Red Nose Day in School program, the Community Builders Challenge. Leveraging our shared vision of creativity, innovation, and fun, we’ve joined forces to inspire young students to reimagine and build “dream communities” that promote empathy and kindness for others.
And this is only the beginning. In the year ahead, we’ll continue to mobilize the public and motivate social action through creative collaborations, brand partnerships, and, yes, another spectacular gala. But none of this is possible without the unwavering support of our partners, donors, and longstanding supporters who’ve helped us to raise over $436 million since 2015, positively impacting the lives of over 35 million children and young people in the U.S. and around the world. Thank you! I’m so motivated by what can be accomplished when we join together. This year, we’ll continue to support transformative programs that ensure children and young people have the opportunity for a brighter future.
Wishing you an impactful 2024.
With gratitude,
CEO, Comic Relief US
