Heated Rivalry Producers Launch Real Irina Foundation — SkimNews
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- Accent Aigu Entertainment launched a real-life Irina Foundation on Tuesday, named after the fictional nonprofit started by characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's Game Changer book series.
- The Irina Foundation is structured as a private independent fund focused on inclusivity and mental well-being through sports and the arts, with an explicit emphasis on LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities.
- Kate Spade New York made the foundation's inaugural donation, with Harry's providing early support according to the organization.
- Production on the sophomore season of Jacob Tierney's Crave Original 'Heated Rivalry' adaptation began in Canada last month, with the series targeting a spring 2027 premiere.
- Season 2 casting announced by Deadline includes Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Shaheen Jafargholi, Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Robert Naylor, Sabrina Jalees, Priyanka, Brendan Morgan, David Tomlinson, Gerry Dee, Michelle Mylett, Lauren Chan, and Nick Stahl.
Why it matters: The launch turns a fictional fan-favorite nonprofit into an actual fund with named corporate backers (Kate Spade New York, Harry's), giving the Crave series a real philanthropic footprint as Season 2 — a 15-name casting expansion targeting spring 2027 — keeps audience engagement high.
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