General Soap Operas

Christian Le Blanc Gets Personal About Giving Back

Published by

Diane Brounstein

5 years ago

Another amazing event is in the books as over a dozen soap stars descended on Marco Island for the 20th Annual Soapfest Weekend to benefit kids with autism — and one of those stars, Christian Le Blanc from The Young and the Restless, spoke with Soap Hub about why this particular charity event is so incredibly special.

In the above video, Le Blanc explains why this charity, Soapfest started by Pat Berry, means so much to him. But he was hardly the only actor who felt the magic over the weekend. While there are VIP meals and plenty of fun chances for fans to hang out with the stars, it’s what happens on Saturday morning that touches people the most.

Without any press or fans present, the actors spent the morning at the Art For The Kids event — as each actor is paired with one of the kids and together they come up with a painting that would be auctioned off at other weekend events — the major source of revenue during Soapfest.

“The kids are on all parts of the spectrum, but regardless of that fact, you can see their excitement and pure joy in the moments we spend together talking, painting, and even making a mess too. They are all so special and so very loved, a true bright spot to every weekend,” shared John Driscoll (ex-Phillip “Chance” Chancellor III, YR).

Driscoll and Le Blanc were joined by current and former castmates Jeff Branson (ex-Ronan), Camryn Grimes (Mariah), Brytni Sarpy (Elena; ex-Valerie, General Hospital), Bryton James (Devon), Sean Carrigan (ex-Stitch), and Kate Linder (Esther).

Hayley Erin, who played Abby for a short time but is more known as GH’s Kiki, was also there, along with former co-star Josh Swickard (Chase). Erin had a reunion of sorts with the other Kiki (and Starr) Kristen Alderson, who had her brother, former One Life to Live co-star Eddie Alderson, with her.

Also in attendance were former Days of Our Lives stars Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy; Shirley, The Bold and the Beautiful), Melissa Archer (ex-Serena Mason, DAYS), as well as Crystal Hunt (ex-Stacy Morasco, OLTL; ex-Lizzie, Guiding Light).

While this was supposed to be the final Soapfest event due to Pat Berry’s retirement, it was announced Saturday night that the folks from Star Struck Events will be taking over and plan to keep it going.