Glee cast members launch a fundraiser in memory of their late co-star Naya Rivera who died in July at age 33
- Cast members from the musical comedy series Glee are rallying together
- They are to supporting a fundraiser in memory of their co-star Naya Rivera
- The actress died in July at age 33 when on a lake with her son
- Kevin McHale, Heather Morris were in a video to YouTube on Thursday
- The fundraiser is being branded the Snixxmas Charity Drive
- All proceeds are set to benefit the LA-based charity Alexandria House
Cast members from the musical comedy series Glee are rallying together to support a fundraiser in memory of their former co-star Naya Rivera who died in July at age 33.
Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, and others who worked on the show released a video to YouTube on Thursday announcing the beginning of the campaign.
The fundraiser is being branded the Snixxmas Charity Drive, and all proceeds are set to benefit the Los Angeles-based charity organization Alexandria House.
Coming together: Former cast members of the musical comedy series Glee lent their support to a fundraiser in memory of their deceased co-star Naya Rivera
Rivera was previously a patron of the organization, which aims to aid in the transition of women and children from an emergency shelter living situation into more permanent housing.
On the fundraiser’s GoFundMe page, a quote from Rivera stated that she and her son Josey had found, ‘a home away from home through the time we spend volunteering there.’
As of Friday afternoon, the campaign had raised $36,200 of its $50,000 goal.
Various cast members also put together video where they each read out various parts of the fundraiser’s description.
Not forgotten: The fundraiser is an extension of Rivera’s annual Christmas party and charity function
McHale began the video, stating: ‘As the holiday season approaches we can’t help but reflect on the year that’s passed.’
Jenna Ushkowitz, who portrayed Tina Cohen-Chang on the program, added, ‘And this year the thing we’re thinking about most is our incredible friend Naya and the wonderful memories she’s left us with.’
It was then explained that the fundraiser was a way of carrying on Rivera’s annual Christmas function, which came in the form of a party where guests were asked to bring a toy to be donated.
Darren Criss stated, ‘Every holiday season, Naya not only managed to find a way to give something great back to her friends and family, but something great back to her community.’
A good cause: All of the proceeds from the fundraiser are set to benefit the charity organization Alexandria House, where Rivera previously volunteered; Naya seen left
Series regular: The late actress portrayed Santana Lopez for all six seasons of the musical comedy series; Naya, left, with Lea Michele
Series mainstay Jane Lynch added, ‘We ask you all to join in our effort to bring a little Snixxmas cheer into the lives of those in need.’
Other members of the cast encouraged viewers to either volunteer their time or to donate a toy to a local charity in Rivera’s name if a financial contribution was not feasible.
Rivera’s family also shared a statement regarding the fundraiser, which was posted to the GoFundMe page.
The statement partially read: ‘This fundraiser is an extension of Naya’s love for families, children, and holidays. To honor her in this manner is evidence that her love for others is endlessly alive.’
Looking back: Rivera is seen with series costars Jane Lynch and Heather Morris in 2009