Look To The Stars News: Organ Donation

Annual Buffett Lunch Auction Bidding Hits $75,000

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:15:00 -0000

Each year around June, former World’s Richest Man Warren Buffett auctions off the opportunity to dine with him, and the well-heeled winners’ bids go straight to charity.

In the 6 previous years that Buffett has presented this opportunity, financiers and entrepreneurs keen to share his legendary market wisdom have handed over more than $4.2 million, primarily to Glide, a charity that supports San Francisco’s homeless community.

The 2006 lunch went for $610,000, while 2007’s fetched $650,000, and last year’s pre-market-collapse lunch cost the winner a record $2.1 million.

Just 2 days into the 2009 auction, hosted at eBay, slated to finish on Friday 26th, bidding has reached $75,000, comparable to the 2007 bidding. We’ll report back with the final result.

Buffett also eats other meals for charity, auctioning off his dinner company in 2007 in support of the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness.

In 2006 he sold his town car at charity auction to benefit Girls Inc. The vehicle sported his personalized “THRIFTY” license plate, but the real beneficiary of his thrift that year was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to which he pledged $37bn — the bulk of his fortune.

30 Rock Spoof To Raise Real Cash For Charity

Wed, 20 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A star-studded charity spoof song recorded for television series 30 Rock is set to raise cash for a real-life charity organization.

He Needs A Kidney is a song written and recorded for the comedy series that features hilarious appearances by Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, Michael McDonald, the Beastie Boys, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper, Moby, Clay Aiken and many more.

The song is now available for sale as a download on iTunes.com with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the National Kidney Foundation.

The song can be viewed on YouTube.

Rihanna And Kylie Support Bone Marrow Gala

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rihanna attended the annual DKMS gala in New York last Thursday, May 7.

The singer attended the event to support Isabelle Huurman, the 6-year-old best friend of leukemia patient Jasmina Anema, who is in need of a bone marrow transplant.

The singer has been helping Jasmina find a donor since she saw a video of the girl’s story earlier this year.

“When I saw the video of Jasmina it broke my heart,” Rihanna told PEOPLE. "It is so unfair that for a black patient it’s so much harder to find a bone marrow match. Jasmina has acute leukemia and she needs a bone marrow transplant to live.

“Leukemia is the most common disease children in the U.S. die of and we need to change that. I urge everyone to sign up as a bone marrow donor with DKMS. If we have more donors, we can save more children like Jasmina.”

Rihanna presented Jasmina’s friend Isabelle a special award at Thrusday’s event.

“I am so honored to be here to present the ‘Links of Love’ award to Isabelle for all she has done for her best friend,” she said. “Thank you, Isabelle. Isabelle has spent time with Jasmina— she is awesome and absolutely worth fighting for. I also have to say she is lucky to have you. You’re an incredible best friend. And best friends are very, very, very important, the kind that we all would be lucky to have. You rock, Isabelle!”

Kylie Minogue also attended the event, after flicking the switch to change the lights of New York’s Empire State building red and white in aid of DKMS. The special ceremony honored the Coty-DKMS Linked Against Leukaemia partnership, which aims to encourage more bone marrow donations.

DKMS is an organization that connects bone marrow and stem cell donors with patients in need. With assistance from donors and patients, family and friends, DKMS has become the largest donor center in the world.

George Lopez Hosts Golf For Kidney Charity

Mon, 04 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Comedian George Lopez is currently hosting a golf tournament in support of The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s 30th Annual Gift of Life Tribute Celebration, this year paying tribute to noted philanthropist Stewart Rahr, President & CEO of Kinray, Inc.

Last night, May 3, saw a massive turn out of stars for a special dinner at the Beverly Wilshire, including Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Longoria, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, Ray Romano, Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Luke Wilson and Natalie Cole. Today sees many of these stars hitting the golf course at the Lakeside Golf Club in support of the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s efforts to further scientific research in preventing kidney disease and ultimately finding a cure to improve the quality of life for patients with kidney disease.

To find out more about this event, visit the official website.

Jennifer Harman Raises $111,000 In Charity Poker Tournament

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Professional poker player Jennifer Harman hosted two days of fundraising activities in Reno, Nevada last week, raising more than $111,000 for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

Notable attendees included professional poker players Marco Traniello, Andy Bloch, Howard Lederer, Tiffany Michelle, Lacey Jones, Maria Ho, Linda Johnson, Todd Brunson, Roy Winston, Lee Watkinson, Lee Markholt, David Plastik, Debo DeBernardi, Shawn Van Asdale, Jan Fisher, Jeff Madsen and Marsha Waggoner, and ESPN commentator Lon McEachern, baseball legends Vida Blue and Tido Fuentes, World Champion snowboarder and X-Games judge Jeff Brushie, and NBA veterans Michael Brown and Doug Lee.

“This is the largest field of any charity event I have hosted,” said Harman. “The outpouring of support exceeded any expectations. I can’t thank the poker community enough for its generosity.”

Harman took a year away from poker to have her second kidney transplant in 2004. After receiving a second kidney through organ donation, Harman founded Creating Organ Donation Awareness (CODA), a non-profit organization to raise money and awareness for the cause.

The charity poker tournament attracted more than 300 participants, including 22 ten-player teams participating in a “FullTilt Throw Down” side competition. Though Peppermill Casino donated $8,000 to sponsor four ten-player teams, they were no match for Atlantis Casino’s “Team 2,” accumulating the most points to receive a “FullTilt Throw Down” team trophy and ten team member prize packages. Team Oaks Casino and Team LIPS tied for second place. A “Ro! Cham! Beau!” tiebreaker determined Oaks Casino as the “FullTilt Throw Down” team silver medal winners. LIPS team members each received third place bronze medals.

“We couldn’t be happier with the turnout,” stated National Kidney Foundation CEO Christopher Kelley. “This event raised an enormous amount of awareness around our cause.”

William Roberts of Reno, Nevada was the overall individual winner of the Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament and received a Legacy Alliance custom crystal trophy, a $5,000 World Poker Challenge entry, and a Curtis & Co. Watch. Tom Galusha, Jim fisher, Wei Jin, Armas Schwartz, Troy Wallace, David Imburgia, Sandy Kasinowicz, Kim Rios, and Yarom Limor placed second through tenth, consecutively.

“It’s always great to play poker for a good cause,” exclaimed Roberts after his win. “I was just glad to be a part of it. Jennifer did a great job and everyone had a blast.”

Rihanna Helps Girl Find Bone Marrow Donor

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Rihanna is to help a sick young girl find a bone marrow donor.

Jasmina Anna Anema is a five year old girl from New York City who suffers from Leukaemia – the often fatal cancer of the blood. Without a donor, Jasmina will die.

“Leukemia is the most common disease children in the U.S. die of and we need to change that. I urge everyone to sign up as a bone marrow donor with [”DKMS":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/586-dkms]. If we have more donors, we can save more children like Jasmina."

Finding a bone marrow match for African-Americans is extremely difficult, as they are underrepresented on the donor registry. DKMS and Rihanna are urging more African-Americans to step up and donate to save lives.

“Finding a match is our only answer,” said Thea Amena, Jasmina’s mother. “We have to. And we want to bring awareness to this – not just for Jasmina, but for everyone with leukemia. I hope people come forward to help.”

This is not the first time Rihanna has helped find a bone marrow donor. Last February she helped find a donor to save the life of a New York mother, and she also performed at the DKMS gala fundraiser.

“I think DKMS is an incredible charity because you can really see the results,” said the singer.

For more information on how to become a donor, visit the DKMS website.

Jennifer Harman To Play Poker For Kidney Foundation

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Celebrity poker player Jennifer Harman is to hold a charity poker tournament to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation.

In 2004, Professional poker player Jennifer Harman took a year away from poker to have her second kidney transplant. After receiving a second kidney through organ donation, Harman founded Creating Organ Donation Awareness (CODA), a non-profit organization to raise money and awareness for the cause.

The two-day tournament will be held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno on March 11. A host of celebrities and poker pros have already signed up to play, including Marco Traniello, Howard Lederer, Tiffany Michelle, Linda Johnson, Maria Ho, Todd Brunson, Roy Winston, Lee Watkinson, Brad Booth, Andy Bloch, Olympic snowboarder Ross Powers, X-games snowboard judge Jeff Brushie, Assistant NBA coach Mike Brown and former Sacramento Kings player Doug Lee.

“The Grand Sierra Resort has been very supportive,” said Harman. “I’m excited to be returning to my hometown of Reno in support of the local community and the National Kidney Foundation.”

Harman is no stranger to charity poker tournaments. Last year she raised $130,000 for the SPCA shelter in Las Vegas through a tournament she organized.

For information about how to take part in the event, visit the National Kidney Foundation website.

Angelina Jolie Donates Jacket To Charity Auction

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Angelina Jolie is auctioning off clothes she wore in her latest film to benefit a charity established by Morgan Freeman.

Plan!t Now is an organization that provides people, communities, and companies with the information they need to protect their families, homes, businesses, resources, and documents from the effects of storm and hurricane-related disasters, and the new online auction features a range of celebrity-donated items to raise money to help those in need.

Jolie has donated the jacket she wore onscreen during her up-coming feature Wanted to the cause, and Freeman – her co-star in the movie – has put up opportunities to meet him at his latest theatre appearance and also to join him in a round of golf. George Clooney has donated an autographed pair of boots, and there are also chances to attend concerts by Keith Urban and Eric Clapton.

The auction, which runs on the Charity Folks website, runs until July 1.

Fans of the Eagles should also head over to Charity Folks to check out some of the signed merchandise up for grabs from the classic rockers. There’s a signed guitar, poster, and Long Road Out Of Eden CD on offer, with proceeds going to the National Kidney Foundation. But be quick, that auction ends tomorrow.

Cindy Crawford To Receive Honor

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:30:49 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The world’s largest marrow donor center will honor Cindy Crawford at a special event in May.

The second annual Linked Against Leukemia Gala will take place on May 7 in New York to raise money for the Deutsche Knochemarkspenderdatei (better known as the DKMS or German Bone Marrow Donor Center), an organization that boasts 1.6 million registered donors and has facilitated over 13,000 transplants. The Center is committed to the fight against leukemia, and recruits donors from every race and ethnicity to help blood cancer patients receive life-saving transplants.

The gala event will be hosted by actor Mario Cantone and will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and a performance from platinum-selling recording artist Sarah Connor.

“I am thrilled to be part of this evening,” said Crawford, who will be honored for her humanitarian work. “This is a cause that is very close to my heart and I hope we are able to raise awareness and funds for DKMS.”

Last year’s gala featured a performance by Rihanna, who recently helped find a donor for a mother in New York suffering from leukemia and in dire need of a transplant.

“We are excited to be celebrating our second annual gala, and are grateful for the support we continue to receive,” said Katharina Harf, Executive President of DKMS. “More than 140,000 people in the US are diagnosed each year with life-threatening blood diseases, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and leukemia is the most common disease children in the US die of. Our goal is to raise funds so that we can recruit 30,000 new donors this year.”

Ticket prices for the event start at $1,000, and more information can be found at www.dkmsamerica.org.

Charlotte Church’s Urgent Plea for Organ Donation

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:03:31 -0000

Written by Theresa Mills

Singer and TV chat show host Charlotte Church joined the campaign for organ donation after meeting a 20-month-old boy with liver disease.

Finlay Careless was born with the life-threatening condition and his survival depends on a transplant. His name is being added to the long list of children and adults awaiting organs.

Finlay’s parents, who are family friends, appealed to the singer to raise public awareness about the need to register for organ donation.

“If this means one person picks up a donor card, or gives a pound to the liver disease foundation, it’s going to help,” said Finlay’s father, Julian Careless.

A new mother herself, Church knew she had to take action.

She visited the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff, where she met other sick children awaiting transplants.

As she held a six-and-a-half month old baby in need of a liver and bowel transplant she said: “It’s so important. It’s something everyone should do. A baby like this can benefit so much.”

“As soon as you have children you just realize how precious they are.”

“I wanted to get the message across to donate organs. I’m definitely going to do it myself.”

John Oliver from UK Transplant hopes that Church’s support will inspire people to register for organ donation.

“There is a chronic shortage of donated organs,” he said. "The fact that the need for transplantation has touched Church directly, through friends, helps bring home more than anything just how desperate the need is.

  "Organ donation is something we can all do something about.

“We’re delighted Charlotte is highlighting how we all have the potential to save lives.”  

Buffett Auctions Celebrity Dinner For Charity

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:58:33 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Businessman and philanthropist extraordinare Warren Buffett is to auction off a meal with himself and celebrity friends.

A similar auction last year raised $620,000 for a business lunch with the world’s second richest man. The dinner now under auction will see the winner join Buffett, Robert Redford, musician Tim McGraw and actor James Denton of “Desperate Housewives” at the home of Buffett’s daughter Susie in Omaha, Nebraska.

The auction is taking place online at charityfolks.com, ending at 6pm on Monday 5th March. Proceeds will go to the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, which advocates organ and tissue donation.

Jennifer Lopez Seeking Bone Marrow Donors For Young Latina

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 19:23:13 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Jennifer Lopez is urging Hispanics to help save the life of a 29-year-old Latina. Janet Ovalles needs a transplant from a matching donor to survive, but there are no matches among the 10 million donors registered worldwide.

Ovalles hopes that Lopez can inspire people to help her. There will be bone marrow drives in New York on the 24th and 25th of February.

Look To The Stars News: Organ Donation

Annual Buffett Lunch Auction Bidding Hits $75,000

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