Kathie Lee Gifford said she does not view her Christian beliefs as “religion,” arguing instead that faith should be a constant, everyday practice, as she prepares to emcee Childhelp’s Drive the Dream gala in the Phoenix area on Saturday, February 14.
Gifford, 72, made the comments in an interview discussing how she approaches public speaking, charitable work and personal hardship through the lens of Scripture and prayer.
Kathie Lee Gifford faith and her rejection of “religion”
Gifford said she tries not to separate “the secular from the spiritual,” describing her work in entertainment and her fundraising for Childhelp as part of the same life guided by God’s “teaching” and “guidance.”
She also said “religion puts people in chains,” while faith, in her view, is rooted in an ongoing relationship expressed through continual prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit when speaking publicly.
Childhelp Drive the Dream gala set for February 14 in Scottsdale
Childhelp lists the 2026 Drive the Dream Gala for Saturday, February 14, at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona. The organization says proceeds support programs including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and its Speak Up Be Safe prevention education initiative.
Childhelp describes itself as one of the nation’s largest and oldest nonprofits focused on preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.
Gifford’s long relationship with Childhelp
Childhelp says Gifford has been involved as a celebrity ambassador for more than 20 years and serves as a spokesperson for the organization’s Speak Up Be Safe child abuse prevention curriculum.
In the interview, Gifford said advocacy for children has been a lifelong priority and cited her belief that protecting children is central to her public service efforts.