General Hospital
General Hospital and ABC Partner with amFAR For Upcoming Nurses' Ball!
Courtesy/ABC
General Hospital continues to pull out all the stops for their upcoming 50th anniversary celebration and the Nurses’ Ball gala! Now according to an official press release today, GH will be using for the first time a non-fictional charity for the return of the beloved Ball that always raised awareness in an amazing show support for those living with HIV, and the global epidemic of AIDS.
The official press release related: “ABC has joined forces with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, in celebration of General Hospital’s 50th Anniversary with an exciting storyline integration. Approaching 50 historic years on ABC on April 1 and to help mark the show’s Golden Anniversary, General Hospital will reprise the immensely popular Nurses Ball, a fictional charity event complete with musical performances from the illustrious citizens of Port Charles dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness. The partnership with amfAR marks the first time that the Nurses Ball will be linked to a non-fictional charity, and helps to continue amfAR’s vastly important mission of raising HIV/AIDS awareness. The inaugural Nurses Ball aired in 1994 and became an annual event until 2001.
General Hospital is proud to be working with amfAR as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary,” said Executive Producer Frank Valentini. “We have pulled out all the stops to make the return of the Nurses Ball an event worth waiting for, and by linking the ball to amfAR we partner in their efforts to raise awareness beyond the town of Port Charles.”
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. amfAR-funded research has increased the understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS.”
What do you think of GH partnering with amFAR for the upcoming presentation of the Nurses’ Ball? Let us know!
I think this is great that they’re doing this. And I don’t believe anything of this nature has been done before, and it’s for a great cause. Proud right now.
What a great idea! I’m sooo looking forward to The Nurses’ Ball!
Great to see ABC do something positive for a change. Kinda renews my faith in them. Hope this continues.
Too bad they couldnt have done a special 2 hour live version of the nurses ball where viewers could call in and make donations to the cause…that would be groundbreaking!
that’s a great idea Jim!!
That really is, Jim.
Touching and affecting…. that, GH… continued on with this wonderful awareness.
I should say…. that ABC is bringing this storyline back…. after so many years…
and w/your idea… of, perhaps a telethon… live…. in conjunction… or after the nurses’ ball….
it would be bringing this “epidemic” it legs again… and reminding people that it’s affecting so many to this day.
This is fantastic! There hasn’t been much that abc has done in the last year and a half that I’ve even “liked” but this is a wonderful commitment not only to General Hospital but to a charity and cause that still has a great need. Thank you!
Agreed Shannon! I will watch GH for the nurse’s ball and their 50th Anniversary, now that the OLTL characters have been suspended for a time. Hope to see them back where they belong (can’t wait for OLTL) and enjoy GH as it once was!
What a wonderful way to not only celebrate this milestone for GH, but hopefully highlight the work of amFAR — who ever came up with the idea deserves a pat on the back and a thank you. HIV and AIDS still exists- progress made yes, but there are still strives to be made– lets hope this teaming up produces some positive awareness for the issue that often gets neglected these days—looking forward to April 1.
Eloquent and HEARTfelt.
Thank You Soap’ies: for sharing, a cause that, still, to this day…. needs to be at the forefront….
Where are the red ribbons….
remember when…. on the awards shows.. said actors would acknowledge their support and give relevence to ALL people with hiv – aids.
Thank you ABC/General Hospital/AmFar.
This is wonderful. My husband’s cousin died of AIDS 20 years ago. His suffering was intense and shocking. This disease was discovered in my lifetime and I feel like we can cure it in my lifetime.
I love the nurses ball and I can’t wait. I think it’s pretty cool that ABC is using “love in the afternoon” to help put an end to real life human tragedy.
I think it is wonderful !
ABC/ GH and its’ Peoples have been doing a great job..
Can’t blame all of ABC for Frons’s stupidity/ignorance.. .lol ..
I think this is a great idea for the show. IGlad to see ABC & GH doing this! Looking forward to the Nurses Ball.
I want to thank you 4 the reply you made to me on what i said about how they shouldve have done a live version of the nurses ball and had it so viewers could call in to make donations to amFar. Had they made it more like a Jerry Lewis telethon i feel it could have been something even much bigger and a yearly event. It would also remind people aids is still out there and that their donations was going to a worthy cause. This would have been the most groundbreaking thing a soap could have done! Had i known about amFar much sooner i would have contacted GH and made my suggestion to them and ABC.
Jim,
I haven’t agreed with you on much, but if the Nurse’s Ball is successful, and GH gets the renewal it deserves-you never know what might happen. Anytime soaps fulfill their unspoken social contract with fans-it’s a good thing. Congrats to amFAR and GH
I think GH & ABC should hire you Jim 🙂 Yep, too bad you didn’t know about AmFar before they already filmed the Nurse’s Ball; that would have been very different for a daytime show to do and who better than GH to pull it off?! Hopefully they get some donations by putting a scroll at the bottom of the show to TEXT a $5 donation like the Red Cross does. AIDS is still out there and still needs attention.
Yes a live version would have been groundbreaking, yet honor soaps beginnings when all soaps were live to air. But I would hope if they are teaming up there will be info given during the broadcast on how viewers can donate to the cause- it might not be as interesting as your idea, but awareness is awareness and fusing fiction with reality like that was an inspired idea- I wish them success for this venture.
Wonderful and forward thinking! Great job to all involved!
Fantastic!
This is not the first time they have raised money for aids research. They used to sell nurses Ball T-shirts and allot to various AIDS charities, This may be the first time they actually partner with a specific charity.
Nice idea. Congratulations, General Hospital and amFAR!
I have Nurses Ball T-shirts (never worn) from years ago…would ABC be interested in having them ?
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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