LOS ANGELES - Such celebrities as Drew Carey, Teri Garr, Gina Gershon and Gillian Anderson will take part in the third annual A Cracked Christmas at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 PM. The evening of comic relief will benefit The TREVOR Project, a nonprofit established to promote tolerance for gay and questioning teenagers, and to aid suicide prevention. The TREVOR hotline is the first toll-free 24-hour hotline specifically geared to gay teen crisis intervention.

A Cracked Christmas takes a humorous look at dysfunctional Christmas customs that have been experienced and shared. In addition to the entertainment, the event will include a live and silent auction.

Other celebrities scheduled to appear include Kathy Kinney, Ryan Stiles, Bob Koherr, Kathleen Madigan, Kathy Najimy, Margaret Smith, Scott Kennedy and The Dan Band.

The benefit is part of a major national effort to address suicide among young people, particularly gay, lesbian and bisexual teens. Several studies have pointed to higher suicide-attempt rates among these youths, when compared to heterosexual youths.

The TREVOR Project was established in 1998 to coincide with the HBO premiere of the Academy Award-winning short film, "Trevor," in a special presentation hosted by Ellen DeGeneres. The TREVOR Project's national 800 number received an estimated 15,000 calls in its first year of operation.Wilshire Ebell Theatre is located at 4401 West 8th St. For tickets and information call (818) 980-7336 or visit www.trevorproject.com

- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent