Support The ACLU: Bid On A Meet and Greet With ALLEGIANCE's George Takei

The television series STAR TREK didn't exactly take the universe by storm when in premiered on NBC in 1966. Though it ran for a respectable three seasons, it was in syndicated re-runs that the futuristic sci-fi adventures of the starship Enterprise began to acquire a passionate cult following that grew into a permanent part of American pop culture.

And with that, actors like William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and George Takei also became a permanent part of American pop culture through their association with the series and its subsequent film adaptations.

Through savvy use of social media, Takei has used his STAR TREK celebrity to become a social activist, particularly for gay rights.

The new Broadway musical he stars in, ALLEGIANCE, gets its inspiration from true events in the actor's life when, as a child, he was imprisoned with his family in a Japanese Internment camp during World War II.

Because of this experience, it's very appropriate that Charitybuzz is hosting an on-line auction to benefit the Southern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), where the highest bidder will win a meet and greet with George Takei at a performance of ALLEGIANCE.

The nationwide American Civil Liberties Union works to defend the Bill of Rights and apply them equally to all who live in our society. It was established in 1920 by a handful of activists and has grown to include more than 500,000 members, 54 affiliates, and 200 chapters across the country.The ACLU defends the fundamental rights outlined in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These include the right to freedom of speech and assembly; the right to religious freedom; due process of law; equality before the law; and the right to privacy. The ACLU also relies on state constitutional provisions and federal and state laws that further these and similar rights. Visit aclusocal.org.

Click here to bid.

The new American musical Allegiance at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street, stars Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables) in her long-awaited return to Broadway, "Star Trek" icon George Takei in his Broadway debut at age 78, and Broadway and "Glee" star Telly Leung. Allegiance is the vibrant and unforgettable story of one family's resilience in the face of seemingly-insurmountable odds, inspired by Takei's real-life experience as a Japanese American during World War II.

Allegiance illuminates one of American history's lesser known chapters as it tells the story of Sam Kimura (Takei), transported back nearly six decades to when his younger self (Leung) and his sister Kei (Salonga) fought to stay connected to their heritage, their family, and themselves after Japanese Americans were wrongfully imprisoned during World War II. An epic story told with great intimacy,Allegiance explores the ties that bind us, the struggle to persevere, and the overwhelming power of forgiveness and, most especially, love.

Charitybuzz's website describes the company as the place to find extraordinary experiences and luxuries to benefit remarkable charities making an impact. Their online auctions bring together hundreds of the world's most acclaimed celebrities, inspiring luminaries and beloved brands to give you unforgettable access to your passions. Plus, you can feel good knowing that every winning bid supports an incredible cause. From walk-on roles with Hollywood A-listers to power lunches with Fortune 500 CEOs, when you join Charitybuzz every dream is a new way to make a difference.

Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe