Philanthropist and celebrated television writer-producer Chuck Lorre will be presented with the Founders Angel Award, Project Angel Food’s highest honor, at the 2026 Angel Awards Gala, taking place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 in Los Angeles. His daughter, Director Nikki Lorre, will present him with the award. Guests will receive advance copies of Mr. Lorre’s upcoming autobiography, Sitcom: A Memoir (HarperCollins, October 13). In recognition of his extraordinary impact on the organization and the community it serves, Project Angel Food is presenting Lorre the Founders Angel Award — the organization’s highest honor, reserved for individuals whose vision, leadership and generosity have had a transformative impact on its mission, shaped its future and created an enduring legacy. In Project Angel Food’s 37-year history, the award has been presented only once before: in 2015, to founder Marianne Williamson and co-founders Freddie Webber, David Kessler, Howard Rosenman and Ed Rada.

The evening will also feature an electrifying performance by Grammy-nominated Canadian alternative rock band Barenaked Ladies, who performed and recorded “The History of Everything,” the theme song for "The Big Bang Theory." For the first time in Project Angel Food’s history, the gala sold out within weeks —an especially notable milestone nearly two months ahead of the event.

Chuck Lorre is one of the most successful and prolific comedy creators in television history. Over more than three decades, he has created, executive produced or written more than 1,500 episodes of television, with a legacy defined by some of the most successful and enduring comedies ever produced, including "The Big Bang Theory" and "Two and a Half Men." His long string of hits also includes "Young Sheldon," "Mom," "Mike & Molly," "The Kominsky Method," "Dharma & Greg," "Cybill" and "Grace Under Fire."

"The Big Bang Theory" became a global phenomenon and the No. 1 comedy in the world, concluding its record-breaking 12-season run in 2019. Its popularity has only endured: this summer, seven years after its finale, the series climbed to No. 1 among all streaming titles in the U.S. on Nielsen’s weekly chart. Its spinoff, the seven-season CBS hit "Young Sheldon," followed in its footsteps, becoming television’s No. 1 comedy after "The Big Bang Theory" ended.

That remarkable run continues today. Lorre’s current slate of series — all of which he co-created and executive produces — includes television’s No. 1 comedy, CBS’s "Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage;" Netflix’s "Leanne;" and HBO Max’s "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," the newest series in "The Big Bang Theory" universe.

Lorre has paired his extraordinary creative career with a deep commitment to giving back, particularly through The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation’s support of health care, education and the arts. His partnership with Project Angel Food has been especially transformative, helping make possible The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Kitchen & Campus, which tripled the organization’s annual meal-production capacity from 1.5 million to more than 4.5 million medically tailored meals for seriously ill Angelenos. Lorre’s commitment to Project Angel Food reflects a shared belief in the power of nutrition as medicine.

Emcee for the night’s program will be Emmy Award-winner Loni Love; with actress and stand-up comedian Caroline Rhea serving as auctioneer for the live fundraising portion of the event. Attendees executives from Warner Brothers, CBS, UTA, HBO Max, "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" stars along with "Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage" stars.

Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies are known for their infectious energy, sharp wit and unmistakable sound. The band features Ed Robertson (guitar, vocals), Jim Creeggan (bass, vocals), Kevin Hearn (keyboards, guitar, vocals) and Tyler Stewart (drums, vocals). Over a career spanning more than three decades, Barenaked Ladies have produced enduring hits including “One Week,” “If I Had $1,000,000,” “Pinch Me” and “It’s All Been Done” while earning a reputation for their dynamic live performances and signature blend of rock, pop and humor. The band also performed and recorded “The History of Everything,” written by Robertson and known to millions as the theme song for "The Big Bang Theory."

“Chuck Lorre is not only responsible for the largest gift in Project Angel Food’s history, he is one of the most engaged philanthropists I know—and a true friend to our community,” said Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub. “We’re thrilled to honor Chuck and are grateful to him, Trisha Cardoso and everyone at The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation for their extraordinary partnership, which strengthens our work, gives hope to thousands and helps build a healthier Los Angeles.”

Presenting sponsors for the 2026 Angel Awards Gala include Warner Bros. Television, Cedars-Sinai Medical Group, Wells Fargo Bank and others. All proceeds support Project Angel Food’s vital mission to nourish the health and spirit of individuals facing critical and life-threatening illnesses by preparing and delivering medically tailored meals with love, care, and dignity.