How Nate Bargatze’s Inspiring Speech at the Emmys Generated $350,000 for Boys and Girls Club

The 2025 Emmy Awards brought a fresh twist this year, raising an impressive $350,000 for the Boys and Girls Club. Host Nate Bargatze made headlines by pledging to donate $100,000, but with a catch—acceptance speeches had to stay under 45 seconds.

Kicking off the show, Bargatze wanted to keep things brief. “You worked hard to be here, but 45 seconds is your time,” he said. If speeches ran over, he’d deduct $1,000 from his donation. But here’s the fun part: if speakers kept it short, he’d add $1,000 for each one under the limit.

This unique idea caught the audience’s attention. JB Smoove introduced two Boys and Girls Club members, emphasizing the donation’s impact. “Nate, this is amazing!” he exclaimed, pushing the nominees to keep it concise.

Many winners took him up on the challenge. Hannah Einbinder, winning for Hacks, even joked she’d “pay the difference” if her speech went longer. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg managed to wrap up their acceptance for The Studio in under 45 seconds, much to the crowd’s delight.

However, not everyone stuck to the rule. Stephen Colbert went over time during his acceptance for Best Talk Show, while the cast of The Studio acknowledged the dwindling donation amount as they spoke. Bargatze humorously noted that the total they lost was “embarrassing.”

At the end of the night, Bargatze announced that CBS would add another $100,000, and he’d personally contribute $250,000, bringing the total to $350,000 for the charity. His commitment was evident, having discussed the plan beforehand on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The celebrations took place at the Peacock Theater in L.A. LIVE, showcasing not just talent but a memorable twist in fundraising. This approach reflects a growing trend in events to combine entertainment with philanthropy, engaging audiences in a way that resonates beyond the screen.

The Emmys have always been a celebration of achievement, but this year, it also became a powerful reminder of giving back. As more award shows adopt similar fundraising initiatives, it’s clear the future is about more than just accolades; it’s about making a difference too.

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