Friends cast announces epic contest for fans to raise money for coronavirus relief efforts

Even in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic, the Friends cast is there for you.

Jennifer Aniston used her popular Instagram account to announce a new sweepstakes opportunity that will benefit six lucky fans by allowing them to attend the taping of the upcoming Friends reunion special.

More importantly, it will benefit several important food-related charities, including Meals on Wheels and No Kid Hungry.

“We’re so excited to join the All In Challenge to help keep people fed and healthy during this time,” the actress wrote in her post, which quickly had nearly 2 million (and counting) Instagram users clicking the “like” icon almost immediately.

Fans need only visit the official All In Challenge website and choose an entry level, from 10 entries for $10, to 200 entries for $100.

And a full 100 percent of the funds raised goes directly to organisations like Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry. “We hope this brings a little joy, and something to look forward to,” Aniston wrote.

It’s the latest celebrity contribution to the All In Challenge, created by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, which has seen stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, who put up an old Oscars dress, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, who are offering a walk-in role on their next film, raise money through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

In terms of what the lucky winner can look forward to, this contest provides the full Friends experience — provided you’re willing to wait for it.

On May 27, the entire series will be available to binge on the new streaming service, HBO Max, and the entire cast — Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry, who are all promoting the sweepstakes as well — was originally set to gather for an exclusive reunion special that would be available at launch.

But those plans were scuttled by the coronavirus outbreak, and while the reunion hasn’t been canceled, it has been delayed until further notice.

But here’s the good news! When the special does happen, the sweepstakes winner and five pals will be in the audience watching it all go down.

Both your group of friends and Aniston’s batch of Friends will also enjoy a coffee break on the Central Perk set, followed by a chance to tour the VIP Friends experience on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

And if COVID-19 related concerns require that the reunion movie forward without a live audience, the sweepstakes organisers promise that alternate plans will be made for an in-person experience with the cast.

Aniston, for one, is still hoping for a face-to-face meeting.

“Can’t wait to meet and hug you guys when this is all over,” she writes on Instagram. “Until then, keep FaceTiming, calling, DMing, and texting your friends and family. We gotta stay connected.” Especially when the rain starts to pour.

Words by Ethan Alter

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