Craig Ferguson to host NBC’s Red Nose Day charity telecast

LOS ANGELES – Craig Ferguson will host NBC’s second Red Nose Day telecast for children in need.

NBC said Wednesday that Ferguson will be joined by stars including Kristen Bell, Julianne Moore, Paul Rudd and Jack Black in a live prime-time special airing later this month.

Besides making telecast donations, people will be able to contribute by buying red noses, hats and other merchandise at Walgreens stores nationwide, NBC said. Money raised by Red Nose Day will go to support projects that aid needy communities in the U.S. and other countries.

Last year’s campaign raised more than $23 million, the network said, with the money going to programs that help keep youngsters safe, healthy and educated.

It was the first U.S. version of Britain’s three-decade-old Red Nose Day event that’s raised more than $1 billion.

NBC said its Red Nose Day special will include music, comedy and short films about the campaign’s aims. It’s scheduled to air at 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, May 26.