"It's nice to be appreciated at my age," 94-year-old entertainer Carole Cook told the B.A.R. "I really appreciate it. I'd appreciate it at any age."
Cook, still quite active in cabaret, is one of more than a dozen performers who will be taking to the stage of the Herbst Theatre on Sun., Aug. 19 for "Help Is on the Way 24," the latest fundraising variety show for the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation. Cook, a regular at these fundraisers, said that she was happy to be back and to once again be helping REAF raise critical funds for a variety of AIDS and other charities.
"It's the audiences," Cook said. "You feel so good because you're doing something good. The audience is for you. It's a joyous event, even though what we're there for is not joyous."
Cook was referring to the AIDS epidemic, which, in spite of PReP and drug cocktails, still kills people. "People think it's over, but it's not," she said. "Other terrible things happen, so everything drops down. I don't like the term 'you take a cocktail.' These cocktails aren't fun, and your immune system is still shot. It's hard to live with AIDS. I've seen too many of my friends die, it's always hanging over your head. The kids are cavalier about it, so we just have to keep doing what we do to make people aware. We're doing a show, but I never want people to forget why we're there."
The Broadway veteran said she was still putting together what she'll be doing when she performs at the Herbst. "I'm working on a news story about when I first went to New York," Cook explained. "Wonderful things happened to me. Lucille Ball heard about me and brought me out to Los Angeles. She was my good friend, and I was her protege."
Cook will be joined at "Help Is on the Way" by an impressive list of performers, including Jai Rodriguez, late of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," and Mary Wilson, a founding member of legendary girl group The Supremes. Also in the show is popular cabaret performer Leanne Borghesi.
"I've been working with REAF since 2005 or 06," Borghesi told the B.A.R. "It's more than just a community of friends. It's wonderful to be part of this organization, and lend my talent and my voice to help this community in the work that REAF does."
Borghesi is particularly happy to be helping the charities that benefit from the REAF performances, which for this show are Meals On Wheels San Francisco and the AIDS Legal Referral Panel.
"REAF has been a thriving nonprofit for over 20 years that has really dug in and helped those in our community who are in need," Borghesi said. "One of the unique things about REAF is their consistency in helping these organizations."
Like Cook, Borghesi underscores the need to teach younger people about HIV and AIDS. "Since 1997 I've been an advocate in education, helping young people understand how HIV is spread," she said. "It's important to bring focus to the younger community, to remember where we've been, and to know that the fight isn't over. This is still a deadly disease, still being spread."
Borghesi's advocacy goes far beyond performing in the REAF shows. "I worked with Kaiser," she said. "We'd go into schools and teach them how to protect themselves and how to put on condoms. We had one-on-ones. This is important work to do."
At HIOTW, Borghesi will be doing what she does best. "I'll be singing a solo number by Alan J. Lerner," she said. "The song is called 'No Man Is Worth It.' I'll have four dancers. We're choreographed by Damian Beard."
Both performers said that they'll be attending the post-show after-party and look forward to chatting with fans.
"Everyone gives their all to put on a wonderful show of quality entertainment," said Borghesi. "As an artist, to share my talent for the cause is the way I can give back to the community with love."
REAF presents "Help Is on the Way 24" concert & gala, Sun., Aug. 19, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., SF. VIP reception & silent auction: 5 p.m.; gala reception: 6 p.m.; show: 7:30 p.m.; after-party: 9:45 p.m. Tickets ($65-$350): https://www.reaf-sf.org/