Look To The Stars News: Mental Challenges

Affleck Tops Charity Stars in Denver

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Denver saw an outpouring of celebrity love during last week’s DNC, with Ben Affleck leading the philanthropic pack.

On the Tuesday night, Affleck took part in a poker tournament, along with Richard Dreyfuss and Montel Williams, which ultimately raised over $60,000 for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“A lot of important organizations use this environment and the people who are here, celebrities, members of Congress, to try and raise money. This is not a Democratic or Republican group, this is a group serving our veterans,” Affleck said of the charity.

Wednesday morning, the Pearl Harbor star was down at a local food bank, the Food Bank of the Rockies, to participate in a repack event for America’s Second Harvest. Also on hand for the event were members of the Senate Hunger Caucus and members of the House – all there to see who could pack the most boxes of food in five minutes. Affleck, incidentally, won both the poker and the packing events.

He was joined by wife Jennifer Garner for a book reading at the Starz Green Room. Also set to attend were Charlize Theron, Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Kerry Washington, Josh Brolin, Kal Penn, Stuart Townsend and Hill Harper.

Jennifer Lopez spoke at a reception sponsored by the Jennifer Lopez Foundation in honor of Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Fran Drescher, Ashley Judd and Joy Bryant joined Lopez in honoring Edelman.

The Black Eyed Peas performed at the Fillmore Auditorium for the Creative Coalition, and Kanye West performed at a party benefitting the ONE Campaign. Forest Whitaker, Kal Penn and Jamie Foxx were in attendance at the latter.

Moby performed at a private party for DoSomething.org, and Willie Nelson sang out for the people of Darfur at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Kiwi Stars Hold Charity Auction

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

World class rockers and sports stars from Down Under have donated items to a new online auction benefiting an organization that helps disabled and disadvantaged individuals develop their skills and abilities to contribute to their communities.

Past and present members of the All Blacks – New Zealand’s national rugby team – have stepped up to the mark with Olympic medalist Sarah Ulmer and Crowded House’s Neil Finn to take part in the auction, which is rasing money for the Gracelands Trust, an organization based in the North Island of New Zealand.

Founded and developed by Robyn Klos, the Gracelands Trust has developed from a small service supporting people in Te Awamutu to now offering programs throughout the greater Waikato region. It is based on a personal optimistic philosophy that it is possible to harness professional skills and knowledge with community resources and goodwill to provide a people-centered service, where everyone benefits.

The auction includes items such as a Finn Brothers poster signed by Neil and Tim Finn – both born in Te Awamutu – as well as an All Black jersey signed by Colin Meads, a rugby ball signed by Zinzan Brooke, and a cycling shirt signed by Sarah Ulmer.

Anybody interested in the auction – which can be accessed via TradeMe – had better be quick… it ends August 26 and 27.

Roger Daltrey Launches Arsenal's New Charity Partner

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

English football club Arsenal has kicked off their new charity partnership with a little help from a famous rocker.

The Who’s frontman Roger Daltrey joined the club earlier this week at a special event to launch the Teenage Cancer Trust as the club’s new Charity of the Season. The Trust replaces TreeHouse, who reaped the benfits of being their chosen charity last year.

The partnership was launched at the charity’s specialist unit at University College Hospital in Euston, and the club hopes to raise £300,000 (US$600,000) to go towards a new education zone in the hospital.

“It was great to kick-off the partnership today and give the teenagers a chance to meet their idols,” said Daltrey, who is patron of the Trust. “I have been fighting for this cause for many years and I can’t think of a better partnership.”

He was joined at the launch by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who was also excited at the possibilities the partnership represents.

“We look forward to working with Teenage Cancer Trust this year and raising vital funds to help… teenagers fight cancer,” he said.

The club will hold a series of fundraising events over the course of the upcoming football season, including a designated match day and the Annual Arsenal Charity Ball.

Matt Lucas Applauds Arsenal's Charity Efforts

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British comedian Matt Lucas has paid tribute to English football club Arsenal’s efforts to raise money for autism research.

The TreeHouse Trust – a British charity that aims to transform the lives of families affected by autism – was the club’s chosen charity in 2007 and 2008, with over £519,541 (around US$1 million) being raised through a number of initiatives. A large portion of the money will go towards a new school for children with autism.

“Im so proud that Arsenal has been able to raise this amount of money for TreeHouse,” said Lucas, who is best known for his work in British comedy series Little Britain with David Walliams. “Its been a pleasure to see the partnership from beginning to end, being so closely involved and seeing first hand the wonderful work the charity does for autism education. I wish the charity good luck for the opening of its new school.”

The 34-year-old took part in Fantastic Feet earlier this year, an event which involved him creating artwork – with the help of TreeHouse pupils – with his feet. Some of the artworks will be used within the new state-of-the-art school, while others were auctioned at TreeHouse’s charity ball in May and raised over £5,000.

Author Nick Hornby, who was also part of fabulous feet, is also pleased with Arsenal’s fundraising.

“I never thought I would see my son Danny, who is a pupil at TreeHouse, up on the big screens at Emirates Stadium,” he said. “I certainly never thought I would get used to seeing him up there. TreeHouse has changed the lives of all of the children lucky enough to attend the school this year. Arsenal has been a huge part of that.”

Arsenal’s chosen charity for next season will be the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Jenny McCarthy And Jim Carrey Host Autism Fundraiser

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey hosted a celebrity-studded fundraiser for autism research on Saturday night.

The gala raised money for Generation Rescue – an autism support charity established in 2005 of which McCarthy is a board member – and featured a large number of high-profile guests, including Britney Spears, Charlie Sheen, and Rose McGowan.

McCarthy is well known for her work supporting autism research, a cause she became involved with after her son was diagnosed with the condition. As well as supporting a number of organizations dedicated to children with autism, such as the TACA and the HEAL! Foundation, the model-turned-actress also wrote a book called Louder Than Words documenting her struggles to cope with a son who suffers from autism.

Jenny McCarthy will also be appearing at Maria Shriver’s annual Women’s Conference in October.

Tom Waits Donates Tickets To Charity Auction

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tom Waits is auctioning off five pairs of premium tickets to shows in four cities along his current tour to benefit five charities.

The 58-year-old – whose songs are soon set to be covered on the debut album from Scarlett Johansson – is selling tickets to shows in Phoenix, Houston, Columbus and Atlanta for his upcoming Glitter and Doom tour, and proceeds will go to the Young Adult and Family Center, Summerfield Waldorf School, the Children’s Village of Sonoma County, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Catholic Charities.

“Some folks prefer to pay more – you get a good seat, a good tax write off, and a good feeling for helping for your needy neighbors,” said Waits. “It’s scalping for charity.”

The auction can be accessed through Ticketmaster. The auction for the Phoenix show will end Friday, June 13, while the other three auctions will end Thursday, June 19. Although each of these four shows has been sold out, Waits held back these choice seats to donate the proceeds to charity.

Robin Hood Gets Merry For Charity!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The stars came out for the Robin Hood Foundation’s annual fundraising gala last week, in an evening that shone, sparkled, and made the charity millions of dollars.

About 4,000 people gathered at the event held at the Javits Center in New York, including rapper Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Tom Brokaw, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, and American Idol winner David Cook. The proceeds from the event, which included an auction, will go to more than 240 poverty-fighting programs in the city, including Abraham House in the South Bronx, which offers social services to relatives of prison inmates; the Children’s Defense Fund, which seeks better access to health care for poor children, and Broadway Housing Communities, which provides shelter for the homeless or the mentally ill.

The auction was co-hosted by Conan O’Brien, and the evening also featured performances by Shakira, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend.

“Every single penny raised tonight goes to help people claw their way out of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said David Saltzman, Robin Hood’s executive director. “Despite what’s going on in the economy, people who are in a position to help others step up, and during tough times they step up even more.”

Tom Brady: International Best Buddy

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Earlier this month, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady stepped up his support for Best Buddies International by reaching into his own pocket for a hefty donation. During the Audi Best Buddy cycling challenge fundraiser, Best Buddies founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver challenged the crowd to raise $50,000 in two minutes. Thankfully, Brady grabbed the microphone, worked his magic and rallied the crowd to donate $26,000. He then pledged to pay the remaining $24,000 himself.

“Anthony called and said, ‘you know you’ve had some hard luck the last few years, what do you think of coming to Best Buddies for a ride?’” commented Brady at the event. “I said ‘how can I turn that down?’ So being the superstitious player that I am, I know you guys expect a great year, and Best Buddies has had a great year.”

The star-quarterback arrived at the event in his new Audi RS4, courtesy of a partnership between Audi and Best Buddies. As Brady drove the sports car into a tent set up adjacent to event at the JFK Library, U2’s “Vertigo” was playing on the PA. “I think I just passed a state trooper,” joked Brady. He then generosly surprised his five Patriot linemen by giving each of them an Audi Q7 SUV. “These will keep you well-protected, just like you make me feel sometimes,” said Brady.

The Audi Best Buddy cycling challenge raises money for Best Buddies International, an organization that helps those with intellectual disabilities by promoting friendships and integrated employment.

Brady has been involved with Best Buddies since 2003, and recently announced that he’ll be the honorary chairman for the next three years. Other celebrities supporters included former Olympic track star Carl Lewis, Ally McBeal actor Greg Germann, and actress Maureen McCormick of The Brady Bunch.

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The Blues Mobile Comes to the Beach

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:24:40 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Blues Brothers gave a live, oceanside performance last week at the Celebration Of The Sea Music & Film Festival. Jake and Elwood Blues, the only performers officially sanctioned by original Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate, arrived in the Blues Mobile and performed hits from the Briefcase Full Of Blues album on Miami Beach to raise money for the Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis.

The Buoniconti Fund seeks to raise funds and awareness for The Miami Project, the world’s largest spinal cord injury research center. Both orgaisations were co-founded by NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti after his son Marc’s football accident paralyzed him from the neck down.

“One day I was a normal kid thinking about school, sports and girls,” says Marc Buoniconti from his wheelchair. “The next thing you know I’m out there talking to people about paralysis.” Having raised over $150 million through the Buoniconti Fund, he says, “My goal is to get everyone out of these chairs.”

The April 26 Blues concert, put together in conjunction with the Miami Beach Polo World Cup and The Setai restaurant, began with a fashion show and a presentation by Judy Belushi Pisano, widow of the original Blues Brothers co-creator, John Belushi. The Blues Brothers act followed with a guest performance by sax man Alto Reed of Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet band, and then a silent auction that included Blues Brothers memorabilia donated by Ms Belushi Pisano.

“The Miami Project holds tremendous promise for people who are spinal cord injured,” Marc says. “In 1985, the Miami Project was a dream. Today, it’s reality.”

Iggy Pop Supports The Children's Society

Mon, 05 May 2008 10:03:42 -0000

Written by Richard Alan Krieger

The Children’s Society chose punk legend Iggy Pop’s song “Lust for Life” as their theme for a garden entry in last year’s Chelsea Flower Show. The garden won a Silver medal at the London event, using as a main feature an arc of water which moved in rhythmic patterns to his song.

“I’m honoured The Children’s Society’s garden is
inspired by my music and wholeheartedly support the
work they do – they rock,” remarked Iggy. He went on
to say, ’It’s awesome The Children’s Society’s ‘Lust
for Life’ garden won a Silver medal. It’s great to
know my music reaches out to so many and inspires’
following with ’I’m getting a big kick out of making
music for the Children’s Society. All kids deserve a
good childhood.’

Iggy and the Stooges also headlined a benefit concert
called Rock The House for The Children’s Society in
the grounds of Harewood House in Leeds on August 31,
2007.

The Children’s Society in partnership with The
Co-operative returns to the Chelsea Flower Show this
May for the show’s new category called, “The Front
Garden,” a theme that addresses the loss of front
urban gardens.

Designer Mark Gregory said: “This is a garden with
children and families at its heart. This design proves
that you can have a practical, usable space and be
environmentally responsible. The Children’s Society
Garden is a garden for future generations – we’re
making front gardens green again.”

Clay Aiken To Answer Your Questions

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:02:46 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former American Idol contestant and star of Broadway’s Spamalot Clay Aiken has teamed up with an internet social networking site to talk about his charity work and to host an indepth interview featuring questions directly from readers and fans.

www.gather.com has posted a video featuring the singer talking about his experience with his charity, the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, as well as his work with UNICEF. The site will then interview the star next week, and is calling for questions from the public.

Aiken established the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003. The initiative grew out of a relationship between Clay Aiken and 13-year-old Mike Bubel, who had been diagnosed with autism. Aiken met the Bubel family while pursuing a career in special education, prior to competing on American Idol. The bond between the singer and the Bubel family grew strong as they shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. Both Aiken and Mike’s mother, Diane, had witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children. They knew with the right support system doors could be opened to these individuals that had thus far remained closed. An organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

Aiken has also been a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004. In 2005, he toured tsunami-stricken Banda Aceh to highlight the need to restore education to young survivors. This was followed by a trip to Uganda to raise awareness of “Night Commuters” – children who flee the villages and towns every night to sleep in shelters in order to avoid kidnapping by the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2007 he visited children in Mexico.

Questions for the Gather interview can be submitted to the site’s Music Editor, and the video can be seen at Gather’s special Clay Nation page.

Idol Talk From Alicia Keys

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:34:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

While Idol Gives Back sang and danced its way into the hearts and pockets of America on Wednesday night, it was the words of Alicia Keys that perhaps reflected the thoughts of many people around the world.

“If AIDS got half the attention that the media give to celebrity dramas, this issue would be well on the way to being solved,” said the singer. “It’s crazy… how you can change the lives of people forever for the price of a pair of shoes.”

The singer appeared on the show in a clip filmed during a recent trip to Africa, and urged viewers to donate. Keys established the Keep A Child Alive Foundation to directly assist children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, and although her charity did not benefit from Wednesday’s show, other organizations such as the Children’s Defense Fund, the Global Fund For AIDS, and Save the Children will receive some of the $22 million already raised from donations to Idol Gives Back.

Keys’ words should make us all stop and think about what we watch and read, and start to act with our hearts.

Idol Gives Back On Wednesday

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:11:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It will be raining philanthropic celebrities on Wednesday night when American Idol Gives Back airs on the Fox Network. The “star clouds” are set to burst with a gala of music, fun, appearances, and surprises – all in the name of charity.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was taped in front of a lively audience at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, and producers expect this year’s event to raise over $100 million for charity.

“Tonight isn’t just about raising money,” said Brad Pitt, one of the many guests to attend the gala. “Sometimes, to help people, we’ve got to travel outside of our comfort zone to really understand another situation.”

Pitt’s Make It Right campaign, which he launched to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, is one of many good causes to benefit from the event, which last year netted over $76 million for charity. Other organizations to benefit this year include the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“It’s not about self-promoting,” said former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who will perform on the show. “It’s not about singing your latest single. It’s not about trying to be the most downloaded whatever on iTunes. It’s all about getting people to call in and do something.”

Viewers of the show on Wednesday can expect performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, and Sheila E., as well as a surprise duet between Fergie and Heart. The show will also be sprinkled with appearances from Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama will also be shown.

Stewart to Host Night Of Too Many Stars

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:53:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart is set to host the Night Of Too Many Stars, an “Overbooked Concert For Autism Education”, on April 13th. The music-and-laughter-packed event will be televised live from The Beacon Theatre in New York City.

Some of the guests joining the comic news anchor in the fundraising efforts are Matthew Broderick, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Conan O’Brien, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Proceeds of the evening will be split among autism education programs, including new schools which provide vocational and life skills for teenagers and adults with autism, and outreach programs which provide training and consultation to families of young autistic children. A portion of the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks, an organization which funds research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, while raising public awareness about the disorder.

Other performers spending their time raising autism awareness at the event are Will Arnett, Rosie O’Donnell, Maroon 5, Kevin James and Amy Poehler. Past performers have included Martin Short and Ricky Gervais.

Autism is a growing concern in the US, as one in 150 children is diagnosed with the neurological disorder, and the number of new cases is growing rapidly. Severely autistic children are unable to communicate and understand, leaving them incapable of functioning normally in the world; even playing with other children can be impossible.

For ticket information and more information about the event, visit the Night Of Too Many Stars website.

Joe Mantegna Tees Off For Special Needs

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:39:31 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

This summer Joe Mantegna will hold his eighth Celebrity Golf Classic tournament benefiting Home Ownership Made Easy (H.O.M.E.), an organization that provides housing for the disabled in California.

As the father of a special-needs child, Mantegna understands the anxieties and the barriers for disabled adults in finding self-sufficiency.

“What these individuals face is a lifetime of worry and uncertainty as to what the quality of their lives will be,” said the 60-year-old Tony Award-winning actor. “The lifelong concern of safe and affordable housing for those whose specific disabilities puts them out of reach of housing opportunities the rest of us have is a daunting one.”

Founded in 1989, H.O.M.E. helps developmentally disabled people and their families achieve independence. Through their two programs, H.O.M.E. either rents apartments to individuals at an undervalued rate to allow that the balance of their income is enough to provide for themselves, or walks first time home buyers through the planning, purchase, and ownership processes providing key advice, counseling, education, and contacts at every step.

Having seen H.O.M.E.’s programs at work, Mantegna is looking forward to the June tournament, as are actors and golf aficionados Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, Joe Pesci, and Gary Sinise. The annual event, which includes a day of golf, a cocktail party, and both silent and live auctions, provides over 10 percent of H.O.M.E.’s annual budget.

Artists Create Celebrity Easter Eggs

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:11:45 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

What do two graffiti-style artists, a tattooist, a fashion designer and a patissier all have in common? They have all joined with British chocolatiers Thornton’s to create special Easter Eggs for an auction benefitting Barnardo’s.

Art and design duo Id-Iom hand-painted the likenesses of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, singer Lily Allen, and Prince Harry on their lot, while fashion designer Henry Holland used purple, pink, yellow, green, and turquoise icing to decorate a 1kg chocolate egg. Eric Lanlard, famous for creating Madonna’s wedding cake and Brooklyn Beckham’s first birthday cake, turned his hand from cakes to chocolate for his edible work of art. Tattooist to the stars Louis Molloy, whose impressive client list includes David Beckham, created a design incorporating swallows and bluebirds.

The eggs are currently available on eBay, and will help Barnardo’s continue it’s mission to ensure that all all children and young people are free from poverty, abuse and discrimination.

Sam Moore To Join Country Singers For Charity Gig

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:48:18 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Country artists Wynonna, Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina, and others will join soul/blues legend Sam Moore on-stage for the “Sam Moore and Friends” benefit concert this March 19 at the historic Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (formerly the Grand Ole Opry) to benefit the Lili Claire Foundation.

“I am thrilled and can’t wait to see my country friends singing some soul music at the Mother Church,” said Moore. “It will be a night everyone will remember and it is all for a good cause.”

The Lili Claire Foundation was created by Keith and Leslie Litt-Resnick in honor of their baby Lili Claire, who died of Williams Syndrome complications as an infant. The organization offers support in the form of medical and social service to families of children with neurogenetic disorders such as Williams Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, and Autism. The Litt-Resnicks’ goal is “to encourage these children and young adults so that they may discover their innate talents and abilities and live productive, independent lives.”

Every year more than 20,000 children are born with a neurogenetic condition. The Lili Claire Foundation enlists doctors, researchers, and specialists and collaborates with top institutions like UCLA to create medical, psychosocial, and advocacy services through programs such as behavioral clinics, genetic clinics, music camp, autism clinics, sibling workshops, holistic resources, and counseling.

“I am honored to be a part of this great charity,” says Tritt. “It will be a wonderful night.”

Tracy McGrady Foundation Benefits From Donation

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:06:53 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Tracy McGrady entered the National Basketball Association in 1996 as the third youngest player ever drafted out of high school. Since then, he’s nabbed seven NBA All-Star awards and currently plays for the Houston Rockets. But it’s T-Mac’s efforts at spreading the love that has this writer giving him an ‘off-the-court’ All-Star award.

Since it’s inception about ten years ago, the Tracy McGrady Foundation has made substantial contributions to several charities and non-profit organizations, including the Special Olympics and the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. McGrady also plays Santa every year during his annual Holiday Toy Drive before bringing the kids to Toys R Us for a giant shopping spree; he loves to feed the elderly at Thanksgiving; he holds celebrity softball games to raise money for needy kids; he has renovated and reconstructed two learning centres at elementary schools in Houston; and he recently teamed up with The Enough Project to get a firsthand look at the genocide in Darfur

“Once you know what is happening over there,” said McGrady, “you’ll understand and will want to make a difference.”

McGrady’s stab at making a difference comes via a documentary he shot while visiting the Sudan. “I can’t wait for to you see the film, hear their stories, and know how easy it is to help,” he wrote on his website. “These are our brothers, our sisters, our children. They are in need and what if, just what if, we all do a small part to help. All those little things can help the people, and might help end this genocide.”

McGrady also runs one of the most popular basketball camps for kids, the T-Mac’s Approach Basketball Camp, which runs from June 23-27 in Texas.

“It is not just basketball that the kids are learning at our camp,” said T-Mac. “They leave with an appreciation of good sportsmanship and the knowledge that with dedication and commitment you can accomplish your goals".

McGrady’s efforts seem contagious, and this week Wealth Masters International became the ‘Community Leadership Sponsor’ after donating $10,000 to his Camp.

“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that you have positively influenced the life of a child, and we are proud to be able to support a charity that allows us to see and experience first-hand the positive reinforcement these kids receive through Tracy’s basketball camp,” said CEO Kip Herriage when asked why he chose to lead the initiative in Wealth Master’s sponsorship of the camp.
“I can tell you that spending quality time with a person of Tracy’s integrity will have a positive impact on their lives.”

Ensuring that all children have the opportunity to attend, Wealth Masters has also unveiled an initiative that will allow 3 children between the ages of 8 and 13 years old to write an essay on why they should be selected to attend the camp this year. Each child that is chosen will receive round trip airfare as well as room and board.

“I began this process knowing that I could utilize my corporate partner and celebrity status to bring needed funds and attention to programs across the country,” said McGrady. "I want to thank you for your participation, commitment and support of my summer basketball camp program. I am honored to have Wealth Masters International as our Community Leadership Sponsor. My basketball camp is important to me and I appreciate sponsors like yourself that support our efforts.”

Stars Compete For Charity On Celebrity Apprentice

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:26:17 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

16 million people tuned into the first episode of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice on January 3, a show in which celebrities work to win money for the charity of their choice. Critics may argue it is a publicity stunt to boost ratings, but when $250,000 is at stake to go to a good cause, all is fair in ratings and charity.

The show marks the 7th series of reality television show The Apprentice, and features a return to the original format of a male team versus a female team. The men’s team named themselves Hydra, and the women have chosen the name Empresario.

Every week, the money earned on a project goes to the team leader’s charity. In the first episode, actor Stephen Baldwin headed the winning team, and the breast cancer charity named for his mother – the Carol M. Baldwin Cancer Research Fund – was the first charity to reap the benefits of male star power. Baldwin proudly presented a check in excess on $69,000 to the charity. His celebrity teammates include KISS bass player Gene Simmons, Heavyweight Boxing Champion Lennox Lewis, country singer Trace Adkins, America/Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, Ultimate Fighting Champion Tito Ortiz, and Sopranos star Vincent Pastore.

The female celebrities have lost two challenges and two teammates – former Playboy Playmate Tiffany Fallon and Olympic Gold Medalist Nadia Comanechi. The remaining competitors include actress Marilu Henner, former supermodel Carol Alt, Olympic Gold medalist Jennie Lynch, Elemundo executive Nely Galan, and infamous veteran Apprentice star Omarosa.

The charities the celebrities are fighting for are:

Nadia Comanechi- Special Olympics
Jenni Finch- The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Marilu Henner- The Physician’s Committee For Responsible Medicine
Carol Alt- The Tony Alt Memorial Foundation
Lennox Lewis-The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
Gene Simmons-The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Piers Morgan- The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
Stephen Baldwin- The Carol M. Baldwin Cancer Research Fund
Tiffany Falon- The Walter Reed Society
Tito Ortiz- The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Vincent Pastore- The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Nely Galan- Count Me In
Trace Adkins – the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)
Omarosa – Tomorrow’s Aeronautic Museum

Musicians Start The Year With Generosity

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:45:39 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2008 has only just begun, but already celebrities are straining at the leash to spread generosity among those who need it. And a host of musicians have kicked off the year with donations and events to raise money and awareness for a number of good causes.

Pop group OK Go are set to release a charity EP on iTunes on February 5, with all proceeds going to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 5-song release, “You’re Not Alone”, will coincide with Mardi Gras 2008, and will benefit New Orleans-based musicians displaced by the 2005 disaster.

“New Orleans is one of the last places in America where music is truly a fundamental part of everyday life,” said OK Go singer Damian Kulash, whose hits include “A Million Ways” and “Here It Goes Again”. “People get together on the weekends and parade through the streets just playing songs; 12-year-old-kids learn funk on the tuba; everyone dances. Life elsewhere in the world simply isn’t as celebratory. If we allow the culture of New Orleans to die by leaving its musicians marooned around the country, America will have lost one of its great treasures.”

iTunes has agreed to waive all proceeds from EP sales, and digital distribution powerhouse IODA will promote it free of charge. In addition, free freight shipping is to be provided by EFM Worldwide/Horizon Cargo, and Music Travel Management has contributed free airfare for the band to play two benefit shows – January 11 at Tipianas, New Orleans, and February 2 at The 9:30 Club in Washington DC.

Rockers Switchfoot have also been on the charity trail recently, and have raised over $100,000 for Habitat For Humanity. The band donated $1 from every ticket sold during their Appetite For Construction tour to the organization, and also spent time working alongside volunteers for the charity during some of their stopovers.

Country singer and Grammy nominee Taylor Swift is another celebrity to show her generous side recently, when she donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang.

“[The organization] has camps all over the country for children who are sick,” said the 18-year-old singer. “For one week they can forget they’re sick and just have a blast and hang out with other people they can relate to. They look forward to it, and I love that cause.”

The Victory Junction Gang will use the truck to pick up children from the airport and give them a fun ride to the camp.

Swift will also perform at Nashville’s Sound and Speed event, the NASCAR and country music celebration to be held on January 11 and 12 to benefit the Victory Junction Gang. She will officially hand the keys of the truck over to NASCAR driver and organization founder Kyle Petty during the event. More information can be found at www.victoryjunction.org.

Singer and founder of the Show Me Campaign, John Legend, will join Earth Institute director Jeffrey Sachs for an evening of information, discussion, and music at Columbia University on January 28, as part of the Show Me Poverty Action Tour. The evening hopes to stimulate people to actively work to overcome global poverty, and more information can be found at the University website.

Pop group the Barenaked Ladies are to play at the North American Auto Show’s annual black-tie charity gala at Cobo Arena, Detroit, on January 18. The $400 ticket price will benefit a host of local children’s charities, including Barat Child and Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children’s Center, and the Detroit Institute for Children. Proceeds will go towards goods, clothing, and health and support services for needy children. Tickets and information can be found at www.naias.com.

And finally, February 25 will see a charity concert commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in US history.

The concert will be held at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and will feature Twisted Sister, Tesla, Stryper, as well as members of Staind, Boston, and Chicago.

The show has been organized by the Wake Up To Love Foundation, founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta, and proceeds will go to the Station Family Fund, an organization set up by the community to assist victims of the fire. 100 people were killed in the blaze, with another 200 seriously injured, and 65 children lost either one or both parents. Survivors still struggle for compensation and support, and many are unable to meet their monthly needs.

Tickets for the show are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Bono's Fishy T-Shirt Benefits African Farmers

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:41:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bono has designed a new T-shirt for charity, joining a host of other celebrities in an on-going and major charity campaign.

The 47-year-old singer from U2 is the 25th artist to design a shirt for Hard Rock Café’s Signature Series clothing line, an initiative started in 1990 as a way for musicians to raise money for charities of their choice. Sales from the shirts have raised over $6 million for a variety of causes.

Bono’s creation, available for $26 from the Hard Rock website, features his stylized drawing of a fish soaring past the moon, and is adorned with the words “Fish Can Fly”, as well as his signature. 15% of the proceeds will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Conservation Cotton initiative – a scheme designed to lift African farmers out of poverty by providing education on proper land management, organic cotton growing techniques, and wildlife conservation. The shirts will also support the trade for aid ethos of EDUN, the conscious consumerism fashion label founded by Bono and his wife in 2005, by being made from 100% African cotton and manufactured by African garment workers.

Other artists to have designed shirts for the initiative in the past include Green Day, who raised money for Amnesty International’s Campaign To Save Darfur, Shakira who chose to benefit Pies Descalzos, Ozzy Osbourne for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program, Bruce Springsteen for World Hunger Year, Eric Clapton for the Crossroads Centre, Peter Gabriel for Witness, Sting and Elton John for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Michael Stipe for Artists for a New South Africa, Don Henley for the Walden Woods Project, John Mellencamp for the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation, and Stevie Nicks for the Special Olympics. Carlos Santana and Aerosmith have also contributed designs. Many of these shirts are still available from the Hard Rock website.

Bono’s “Fish Can Fly” is more than just a phrase – it is a message that tomorrow can be better than today.

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