John Travolta has made the first public appearance in his Florida hometown since his son's death, thanking the community for their support.

Travolta, his wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu helped raise thousands of dollars for charity at a screening of the actor's new comedy Old Dogs.

An emotional Travolta thanked the crowd for supporting the family since 16-year-old Jett died in January at the family's holiday 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 US dollars for five charities - 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.