The original cast of the popular TV series Scandal is set to reunite for a live script reading to raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Organized by Bellamy Young (Prodigal Son), who played Mellie Grant on the show, the event will include series creator Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Bridgerton, Inventing Anna) and other key cast members, such as Kerry Washington (Django Unchained, Ray, Little Fires Everywhere), Tony Goldwyn (Tarzan, Law and Order) and Guillermo Díaz (Half Baked, 200 Cigarettes). Rhimes will introduce the reading, and her producing partner, Betsy Beers, will narrate.
Young, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, felt compelled to help her home state, which suffered severe flooding and damage from the storm. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Young shared that the idea of bringing the Scandal cast together came easily; a quick message in their active group chat was met with enthusiastic responses from her former co-stars. The script they chose for the event focuses on themes of resilience and support, which reflect the spirit of those working to rebuild after the hurricane. “I picked an episode for us to read in which sort of everything is against us, all seems lost, but we still show up for each other and somehow get through,” Young states.
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Fans can participate in this virtual fundraiser by making a donation to the United Way of North Carolina, which will also grant them access to a pre-show event with the cast. One lucky donor will even have the chance to join the cast on-screen during the reading. The event will be held on November 17 at 6 p.m. ET, providing fans of the show a unique opportunity to reconnect with the Scandal universe while supporting a meaningful cause.
Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, the president and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, said in a press release, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the cast of Scandal for their generous support in our efforts to help Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene.”
Fans can donate to reserve a seat at www.unitedwaync.org/scandalread.