McKellen, Stewart, Hilty, Groff, & More to Host BROADWAY BATTLES BULLYING Benefit, 4/14

Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Megan Hilty, Jonathan Groff, Mary-Louise Parker, and Paula Cole are set to present Broadway Battles Bullying, a benefit concert for the Michael Morones Foundation.

Michael Morones, 11, attempted to commit suicide after being repeatedly bullied for his love of the "My Little Pony" television series. While he was found in time to save his life, he suffered extensive brain damage and will need ongoing care for the rest of his life.

"'Broadway Battles Bullying' is the first fundraising event of this scale," says Executive Producer Rich Silverstein in a statement on the Broadway Battles Bullying website. "We hope its success will not only support the Foundation but also spread awareness of Michael's story and inspire more fundraising efforts and donations down the road."

Funds raised by Broadway Battles Bullying will go to the Foundation to help Michael's parents offset the costs of Michael's care and rehabilitation. The Michael Morones Foundation, a 501(c)(3)-pending nonprofit, will also support existing organizations such as The Trevor Project, which spreads awareness and provides prevention tools for youth suicide and bullying.

"No matter what happens, we are staying strong for him in this fight and he will be loved and cherished for the rest of his life," says a statement on the Michael Morones website. "Our family cannot begin to show the amount of gratitude we feel for everyone who has shown him love and support throughout this tragic circumstance. A simple thank you does not seem enough, but please know that it is bursting with love and appreciation."

The concert will also feature Joyce Didonato, world-renowned opera star; Dan Fogler, Tony award-winning Broadway/film/TV actor; and Stephen Wallem, series regular on "Nurse Jackie".

The benefit concert and auction will take place on Monday, April 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts,566 LaGuardia Place, New York, N.Y. For more information and tickets, please visit http://nyuskirball.org/calendar/broadwaybattles.