Look To The Stars News: Gladys Knight

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Children Raises $26 Million For Charity

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (AAFE) raised more than $26.1 million, a record amount, at the 16th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert this weekend, in conjunction with partner and presenting sponsor, Longines.

A donation of $18 million from Kirk Kerkorian, $1.5 million from the Engelstad Family Foundation and $1 million from Windsong Trust combined with ticket sales and proceeds from a live auction accounted for the largest amount raised in a single night for the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. The funds benefit the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a tuition free public K-12 charter school serving students in historical West Las Vegas.

“I am both astounded and humbled by the generosity and compassion of our community, the artists, sponsors, partners and donors,” said Andre Agassi. “With strong support from our presenting sponsor Longines, the Engelstad Family, Windsong Trust and a truly magnanimous gift from Kirk Kerkorian, this record- breaking evening will make a positive difference in students’ lives as we continue to work to transform education.”

La Toya Jackson Joins Forever Michael Tribute Lineup

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

With less than a week to go until the Michael Forever Tribute in Cardiff, Wales on October 8th, Michael Jackson’s sister La Toya Jackson has announced she will be among the performers.

Having put music performances behind her for almost twenty years, she has decided there is no better time to perform from her heart.

“I have put musical performance behind me for roughly two decades, but there will never be another magical moment such as this to celebrate Michael with his fans to perpetuate the importance of his legacy,” she said. “I am honoured to share the stage with the incredible performers in this line up and am certain that nothing would make my brother smile bigger or brighter than this tribute concert. In speaking with my mother yesterday, I asked her where she thinks Michael would rather have us be, in this courtroom filled with negativity and lies or on a stage celebrating his music, his legacy and his life and she said without a second of thought, ‘Celebrating his Life with family and fans. I am looking forward to putting on a great show and making my brother proud.’”

Elizabeth Taylor And Bill Clinton Honored For Charity Work

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg were honored by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) last Wednesday.

The black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year, and featured a special reunion performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” by all of the original artists: Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. Also in recognition of amfAR’s 25 years, special tributes were made to the Foundation’s co-founders, Mathilde Krim, Ph.D and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The evening was presented by Hublot, and co-sponsored by M*A*C Viva Glam. More than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research.

President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research. Ms. von Furstenberg was presented with her award by her husband, Barry Diller. Chelsea Clinton presented the award to her father. Sir Elton John delivered a personal message from Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who could not be in attendance, stating “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.” Sir Elton accepted the award on her behalf.

Stars Flock To The Carousel For Hope For Charity

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 23, host Barbara Davis welcomed guests to the Beverly Hilton for the 32nd Anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball.

The celebrity charity event, founded by Barbara and the late Marvin Davis in 1977, brought together Hollywood’s elite as they raised nearly $2.5 million to benefit the clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where more than 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Celebrity guests as this year’s event included host Barbara Davis, emcee Jay Leno, honorees Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones, performers Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, Gladys Knight and Akon, along with guests Garcelle Beauvais, Halle Berry, Thora Birch, Brandy, Adrien Brody, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jackie Collins, Joan Collins, Jane Fonda, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson, Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Rick & Kathy Hilton, Anjelica Huston, Randy Jackson, Don Johnson, Nigel Lythgoe, Chris Massey, Kyle Massey, Nancy O’Dell, Sidney Poitier, Don Rickles, Mimi Rogers, Mira Sorvino, Rod Stewart, Alan Thicke, Diane Warren, Raquel Welch, Vanna White, Stevie Wonder and many more.

Jennifer Lopez To Perform At Carousel Of Hope Charity Gala

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this month to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 23, and will honor Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones for their charity work.

This year celebrates 31 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 19th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Maria Shriver To Be Honored With Charity Award

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Carousel of Hope, the world’s premiere charity event benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted bi-annually by Barbara Davis, will honor California First Lady Maria Shriver with the “Brass Ring Award” at its 32nd anniversary gala on Sat., Oct. 23, in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton.

“Maria Shriver has long been a fearless and tireless advocate for children and families, a trailblazer in this area for the good of mankind, carrying on a tradition of selfless dedication to those in need started by past generations of her remarkable family,” says philanthropist Barbara Davis.

The first lady of California since 2003, Maria Shriver has been a national presence for several decades, as a broadcaster, speaker, and best selling author. Six of her books have been New York Times best sellers and her groundbreaking reports on women’s issues have been featured on NBC, CBS and HBO, where she co-executive produced the Emmy winning four part film on Alzheimer’s, “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?” A graduate of Georgetown University, Maria Shriver is married to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and is the mother of four children.

Dave Stewart Donates Suit To Charity Auction

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Musician Dave Stewart has donated the suit he wore when he accepted the Awards for Outstanding Contribution to British Music for Eurythmics (Silver Clefs Award by the Nordoff Robbins Foundation) in 2000 to the world’s leading Eurythmics fan site for a charity competition.

Ethrill.net has been collecting rare items like lithographs and deluxe books, limited vinyl and much more from fans of the band to give away as part of the anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign to help prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, where 1,000 people die from AIDS-related causes every day. Since 2007, SING has raised over $2 million, and helped over 100,000 people affected by HIV in the Eastern Cape of South Africa – but there is much more work to be done.

All you have to do to win is make a donation to the SING Campaign through the Ethrill.net website before December 24.

Elton John AIDS Foundation To Honor Sharon Stone And Bill Clinton

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation will honor Sharon Stone and Bill Clinton at a charity event this month.

The Enduring Vision Gala is an annual event that last year raised over $2 million for the organization. Sir Elton’s event has attracted celebrities such as Gladys Knight, Tim Allen and Whoopi Goldberg in the past, and this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever.

Sir Elton set up his AIDS Foundation to provide funding for educational programs targeted at HIV/AIDS prevention and/or the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for programs that provide services to people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS.

Annie Lennox To Play Unplugged In South Africa

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox will play a special unplugged concert in South Africa next month for charity.

The singer will perform at the Teatro theatre in Montecasino on July 8 to raise funds and awareness for her SING Foundation.

“Audiences will see the star up close and personal, accompanied by nothing other than her piano and her stories,” said Penny Stein, spokeswoman for the event.

Annie Lennox SINGS In Norway

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Singer Annie Lennox was in Norway last week to host a special event that aimed to raise money and awareness for the SING Campaign against AIDS.

The singer performed in Oslo on May 15 at an event in which guests were required to make a minimum donation of NOK 1,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite.

SING was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

LTTS Exclusive: Hollywood Knights Slam-Dunk For Charity

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Delinda Lombado recently got the chance to talk to the CEO of Hollywood Knights International, whose celebrity basketball team is a leader in charity fundraising.

Back in 1973, David Mirisch was way ahead of the curve. As founder of Hollywood Knights International, he is credited with being the first (or at least most important) person to pair celebrities with fundraising, producing some of the first consecutive tennis and golf charity tournaments in Hollywood.

Now headed by David’s son Michael (who took the reins as CEO in 1992), Hollywood Knights International are still going strong and its Celebrity Basketball Team has become a symbol for fundraising world-wide.

Annie Lennox Raises Awareness Of SING Campaign

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Singer Annie Lennox has just released her new Greatest Hits collection in the US and has used the occasion to raise awareness of a new campaign being run by SING, an initiative she established to bring attention to AIDS/HIV in Africa.

Over the next few weeks and months, SING will be telling the stories of four women in Africa who are currently living their lives and raising their families whilst dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

After personally witnessing Nelson Mandela describe the African HIV pandemic as a genocide, with women and children becoming the frontline victims, Annie Lennox set out to try and do something about it.

Stars Sing Praises For Annie Lennox

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 +0000

December 1 marked the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and some of the stars involved have paid tribute to her work.

“Congratulations for all the hard work that Sing has done in the last year, good luck and much love for the next year to come,” said Anastacia. "Happy First birthday Sing! "

“Congratulations on all the success of the foundation,” added Gladys Knight. “We all must do our part to make a difference. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate.”

Annie Lennox Sings For World AIDS Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day – and also the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and the star has launched a host of new additions to the SING website to celebrate.

Among the additions are a new Timeline that plots the progress of the campaign since its launch, and an Advent calendar which will unlock a new window every day through December that features either SING video’s, SING Image’s or a special video message from Lennox. There is also a new Widget that can be downloaded for Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and other sites, as well as a special SING Campaign YouTube site. Lennox is also writing a column in today’s issue of Britain’s The Sun newspaper about her work with SING.

Elton John Hosts An Enduring Vision Gala In New York

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Gladys Knight, Tim Allen, Whoopi Goldberg, Emily Mortimer and Delta Goodrem were just some of the stars spotted at Sir Elton John’s An Enduring Vision gala in New York on Tuesday, November 11.

“I hope we raise a lot of money and I hope people go away thinking about AIDS and the difficulties we have throughout the world with AIDS,” said Sir Elton during the seventh annual gala to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “I hope they also have a good time so that they come back next year. I mean, it’s great to go and give money but you can’t bat people over the head with things. But we’ve got it down quite well now, David [Furnish, Elton’s partner] and I. We’ve been doing this for so long that people seem to want to come back so that’s the secret of our success, I hope.”

The evening featured performances from Sir Elton – who was joined by Gladys Knight for a soulful version of What Are Friends For – as well as a cocktail reception, dinner, and live auction.

Annie Lennox Sings Praises For Charity Work

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has written an update about her SING campaign, an initiative she launched last year to raise money for AIDS treatment projects.

“December 1st will be World Aids day, and will also be the 1st anniversary of the launch of SING,” she wrote in her latest blog. “I think it’s essential that anyone who supports the campaign gets a clearly outlined list of everything we’ve done so far, so that you can get a better understanding of our accomplishments.”

The campaign was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Chris Webber’s Bada Bling Celebrity Weekend

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Former NBA star and all-around good guy Chris Webber has hosted a sensational weekend in Las Vegas for his third annual Celebrity Bada Bling Weekend at Planet Hollywood.

The usual cast of characters joined Webber, with a few new faces that flocked to his event with nothing but love for Webber and his efforts.

Webber’s Celebrity Weekend is held every year to raise money for the Chris Webber Foundation. And every year, more and more celebrities are turning up to support one of the most popular and well-liked humanitarians around.

Idol And Dancing With The Stars Auctions For Great Causes

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:59:51 +0000

What’s better than an auction featuring items from your favorite television show? An auction featuring items from two of your favorite television shows! Fans of American Idol and Dancing With The Stars will be jumping up and down with excitement when they see what’s on offer over at www.clothesoffourback.org this week, with a mouthwatering assortment of garments and other surprises up for grabs.

The auction presents a unique opportunity for all those people who have watched Dancing With The Stars and said to themselves “I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.” A host of the best celebrity dancers from the show are selling their fancy footwear for charity, and are inviting people to step up and make a bid. Melanie Brown, Vivica Fox, Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Samantha Harris, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jane Seymour, and Lisa Rima are all putting their best foot forward and donating shoes to the auction, and the highest bidders will also receive a selection of products from Dr Scholl. Proceeds will go to a selection of charities chosen by the stars.

Anybody interested in the auction should hot-foot it over there soon – the auction ends on May 7.

Annie Lennox And Friends Sing For Africa

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:59:52 +0000

Momentum is building behind Annie Lennox’s Sing Campaign, and the singer is now offering fans the chance to download the song that started it all for free in an initiative to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS problem in South Africa.

US residents will be able to download the song from Amazon MP3 until March 17 and support the Treatment Action Campaign, an orgainization that provides much needed support in the country’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The single, which was made available in the UK through the Body Shop, has sold out in countries such as Ireland and cities such as London. The entire UK has sold half of its stock in only two days, an unprecedented occurrence in the music industry, especially in relation to a charity single.