OCALA, Fla. — John Travolta and his family made their first public appearance in their adopted Florida hometown since his son's death, helping raise thousands of dollars for charity at a screening of the actor's new comedy Friday night.

Travolta, wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu greeted hundreds of fans for a sneak preview of Disney's "Old Dogs," which opens Wednesday.

An emotional Travolta thanked the crowd for supporting the family since 16-year-old Jett Travolta died Jan. 2 at the family vacation home in the Bahamas.

"We know that we are loved," Travolta said. "We appreciate it. Jett appreciates it. We love you, Ocala."

The private gala raised at least $37,500 for five non-profit agencies: The Jett Travolta Foundation, Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Project Hope, the Marion County Public Safety Assistance Trust and the Humane Society of Marion County.

The Travoltas live just north of Ocala, about 145 kilometres northwest of Orlando.