Look To The Stars News: Boyz II Men

TLC Reform For Justin Timberlake Charity Concert

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Justin Timberlake wrapped his annual charity golf tournament with a dazzling concert on Saturday night that featured Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Alicia Keys and a reformed TLC.

The concert – held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children – marks the second year that Timberlake has gathered his friends for a charity performance. Last year’s show featured the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, will.i.am, Maroon 5, 50 Cent, Boyz II Men, Esmee Denters, and Leona Lewis.

“There were a lot of acts this year that weren’t able to get here till today, so there weren’t as many collabs as I had in my brain,” Timberlake told MTV News during rehearsals. “But I think that’s always the case, it’s kind of like [when] you do an album and you write, like, 40 songs, and then 12 of them make it. … But still, just having everyone out and getting to see them do their set — there are a couple of things that have never been performed onstage. There’s a new song from [Timbaland] tonight, from his record that we did together. I think Snoop’s doing a new song from his new record. So it’s kinda cool for them too, because it’s like perfect test marketing.”

LTTS Exclusive: Hollywood Knights Slam-Dunk For Charity

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

This years celebrity roster includes: Aaron Carter (House of Carters), Frankie Delgado (The Hills, Bromance, Keeping up with the Kardashians), Josh Henderson (90210, Desperate Housewives), James Kyson Lee (Heroes), James Lesure (Lipstick Jungle, Las Vegas), Cody Linley (Dancing With The Stars, Hannah Montana), Venom (American Gladiators), Wolf (American Gladiators) and Aaron Yoo (Friday the 13th, Disturbia).

Among the thousands of stars, musicians, and world-class athletes who have devoted their time and influence at Hollywood Knights International events: Frank Sinatra, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Mariska Hargitay, Coolio, David Arquette, Michael Landon, Merv Griffin, Muhammad Ali, Joe Dimaggio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Evander Holyfield, Mark Harmon, Matthew Perry, Tara Reid, Fergie, Backstreet Boys, Woody Harrelson, Bruce Jenner, Pat Boone, Mario Lopez, Wilt Chamberlain, Gladys Knight, Sugar Ray Leonard, Olivia Newton-John, Pamela Anderson, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk, Wayne Gretzky, Jimmy Connors, Mike Tyson, Buzz Aldrin, Kevin Sorbo, Boyz II Men, Joe Mantegna and many more.

From March 16-22, the full-service celebrity events production and promotional firm will be making our troops happy during their annual USO Hawaii Tour.

Hollywood Knights International’s CEO, Michael Mirisch, along with HKI’s Director of Marketing/PR, Vicky Mirisch, were kind enough to speak to us about their USO Tour and what drives them to produce some remarkable events.

First of all, tell us more about the USO Tour?

“Our second USO tour takes place in Hawaii and consists of basketball games of celebrity players versus our US troops and will be held on Army, Air Force, and Marines bases. The games are high energy, fun antics, lots of fan interaction on the court, and of course some healthy competition between the players. There will also be autograph signings during halftime and lots of pictures taken with fans and celebrities,” explained Vicky.

I know most of your events are open to the public, is this also the case with the USO Tour?

“Unfortunately, the games are not open to the public; only military personnel and their families.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of this organization?

“That’s an easy question. Raising money to help people all over the world through events that incorporate celebrities, fun, and giving back to the community. There is a feeling of incredible satisfaction after every event we produce because we know at the end of the day countless lives are going to change for the better. There is that quote from Emerson that states: “to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.” This quote hangs in our office and we read it every single day. It really sums it all up for us."

Have you seen an increase in awareness about ‘charity’ from the celebrities involved?

“The majority of the celebrities with whom we work are charitable people in general, and want to give back to the community. It’s not something you can fake,” said Michael. “Most of our events are not paid personal appearances where the stars receive a fee, so when you see a celebrity at a Hollywood Knights event, they are lending their name to the cause itself. We are so grateful to the countless celebrities that have year after year taken the time out of their busy schedules to support our events and the charities that are involved.”

Is there any celebrity in particular that has gone above-and-beyond to lend their name and time to the Hollywood Knights International?

“The truth is, it’s impossible to just name one celebrity,” Vicky told us. "But there are several people who, over the years, have contributed so much to our programs: Josh Henderson and Wesley Jonathan, The Miz, Adrian R’Mante, Brutha, Bryan Datillo, Thad Luckingbill.

Michael: What was it like to take over as CEO? Growing up with such an incredible role model (David of course) must have been an amazing experience?

“My father is an icon and pioneer in the celebrity fundraising business. He pretty much invented this genre and at 73, he’s still producing events. He is an incredible role model and it’s been a blessing and my good fortune to have him as a father first and foremost, and also a business mentor. He continues to inspire me every single day. I became CEO when I officially took the basketball team under my wing and infused it with young talent that packed the gyms out with screaming fans.”

What was the public reaction like when HKI first started producing events? Was it embraced by Hollywood?

“It was a new concept, but it was definitely embraced. The fact that we’re still here and thriving is a testament to that!”

What was the driving force behind David establishing HKI? It seems that no one else was doing this in the 70’s, so what ignited the spark?

“Back in the early 1970’s, David was a very successful publicist with clients such as Merv Griffin, Omar Sharif, Johnny Mathis, Pat Boone, Lindsay Wagner, Raquel Welch, The Supremes and Perry Como. He was representing Tony Trabert, the tennis champion and also representing Murietta Hot Springs in Palm Springs. He decided to put the two together and create a celebrity tennis tournament. A few other events were added and the outcome was a successful event that he really enjoyed producing – and the public enjoyed attending. He realized that this was a niche business that he could launch and he’s been doing it ever since!"

If HKI could eradicate one ‘thing’ (hunger, poverty, cancer, homelessness) from the face of the Earth, what would it be?

“Delinda, great question but tough to answer! But HKI seems to gravitate towards causes that help children in need. So many kids are suffering in the world. We also find that celebrities gravitate and involve themselves more when they can lend their names to children’s causes as well. "

In your opinion, do celebrities make better golfers, ballers or soccer players?

“There are so many amazing celebrity golfers, then basketball players, then poker players. The other sports are more for show and fun than skill!”

Who is the best Hollywood Knight Int. celebrity basketball player? Soccer player?

“Basketball player is a tie between Cylk Cozart and Nana Gbewonyo. Golfer is hands down Jack Wagner.”

Craziest stunt one of your ‘celebrities’ has pulled in efforts to raise awareness?

“Wolf from American Gladiators actually climbed up the basketball backboards and caught the balls as they were going in the baskets and slammed dunked them in! At first we were all worried if the backboards would collapse; Wolf is a built like a body builder. But the fans went crazy and it was just the funniest thing to watch. "

Any thoughts, ideas or quotes regarding what we all can do in terms of making this world a better place?

“Try to live your life without being selfish. Focus on the positive, because there’s no benefit to focusing on the negative. Smile at people and show kindness, even if you have to fake it, over time it will feel natural. Most importantly, learn to love yourself first, faults and all, so that you can honestly and sincerely show love to everyone that matters to you.”

LTTS and Delinda would like to thank Vicky, Michael and David Mirisch for their time and dedication to helping the less fortunate and keeping all of us entertained while doing so.

Here’s just a sampling of what the Hollywood Knights have planned for this year: The Foothill Aids Project Celebrity Bowling Classic (April 09); Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley Celebrity Golf Classic (May); Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Celebrity Fishing Tournament (May); A.G.Spanos Golf Tournament (June); Cedars Sinai Sports Spectacular at the Century Plaza Hotel, California (June); Byron Scott Foundation Gala Dinner in Century City CA (August); The K.I.S. Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament (Oct).

For more info and a list of all events, please visit:
HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL

Stars Come Out For Black Eyed Peas Charity Gig

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of the Black Eyed Peas were out in droves last Thursday night as the band played a special charity show at the Conga Room in Los Angeles.

Band members Fergie, will.i.am, Taboo and all performed at the show, and there were special guest appearances by Lupe Fiasco, Nikka Costa and Boyz II Men. Proceeds went to The Peapod Foundation, an organization set up by the band to give back to the band members’ communities around the world. Founded by will.i.am and Polo Molina of Grassroots Productions, The Peapod benefit concerts date back to the earliest incarnation of The Black Eyed Peas and began as charity toy drives for Los Angeles based children and local orphanages.

“Music penetrates through all types of boundaries and crosses all kinds of barriers,” will.i.am told the Associated Press before the show. “It gives us a commonality through rhythm and melody. Music has brought the world together.”

“For people without the means or a place to go, it feels good for us to give them opportunities,” added Fergie.

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was also on hand at the event, and was presented with the Peapod Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to arts education in the city.

“I believe in what the Peapod Foundation is about,” he said. “When you’ve been blessed, you’ve got to bless others. The Peapod Foundation is all about giving back.”

Also in attendance were Slash and Rihanna.

Black Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap was absent from the event due to the murder of his brother.

Cream Of The Christmas Celebrity Charity Auctions

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s that time of year again when most of us are looking for the perfect gift for those we love, and Look To The Stars wants to make the choice a little easier for you by highlighting some of the great celebrity items up for grabs in the name of charity.

Born-to-run fans of Bruce Springsteen will be revving their engines to get hold of the rocker’s very own Harley Davidson this Christmas. The customized Fatboy motorcycle is up for grabs to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, the charity founded in 1994 by former professional tennis player Andre Agassi and dedicated to transforming U.S. public education for underserved youth.

“This is my Harley Davidson Fatboy FXFSTF,” said Springsteen. "I bought this bike from a friend in 1993. I did some light customizing and put 9,000 happy miles on it on the backroads of New Jersey. It’s got straight pipes, a McConey carburator, HD saddlebags, custom handle bars, forward controls and foot pegs. It’s extremely reliable and a great cruiser. So, if you’re “Born to Run,” this bike’s for you!"

The auction ends on January 8 and can be accessed here.

Also on sale to benefit the Andre Agassi Foundation is the chance to have a private soccer lesson with David Beckham at the LA Academy he set up to give young, aspiring athletes the chance to develop their skills, learn about teamwork, healthy living and, above all, understand the importance of having fun every time they step on the pitch. This auction ends on December 11, so you had better be quick. It can be accessed here.

And if music is your thing, then you will want to grab hold of the Andre Agassi Foundation’s special celebrity-signed Fender Stratocaster guitar. This once-in-a-lifetime item was autographed at the Summer of Stars Malibu Beach Parties by the Jonas Brothers, James Taylor, Pink, Donny Osmond, Boyz II Men, comedian George Wallace, Emeril Lagasse and many others! This auction ends on January 8, and you can find it here.

If the idea of an autographed guitar excites you, then maybe you will be interested in the rare WANDRE guitar signed by Eddie Vedder and the members of Pearl Jam to benefit Red Feather, a charity that builds sustainable homes for American Indian families. This is another sale you’ll have to be quick for – it ends on December 12 – and you can view it here.

Or maybe you would be more interested in guitars signed by the Jonas Brothers or 3 Doors Down. Both these items are going under the hammer for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization that funds leading junior investigators whose work represents cutting-edge thinking in both conventional and integrative disciplines which focus on prevention, treatment and quality of life issues of leukemia, lymphoma and other related cancers. Also included in this auction are the chance to have dinner with astronaut Buzz Aldrin and spend a day with Petra Nemcova. These auctions all end on December 16 and can be found at www.charitybuzz.com.

So there can be no excuse for just finding socks under the tree this year.

Justin Timberlake Tees Off For Children

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Justin Timberlake is currently bringing sexy back to golf as he hits the green in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Golf Open in Las Vegas this week.

Tee-off in the event was on Wednesday, when the star was joined by Ellen DeGeneres and a host of golfing celebrities in the tournament to raise cash for Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of facilities in North America that provides superior medical care at no charge to children under the age of 18.

“We will make sure to make this event unique and memorable, and we will raise money for charity while participating in the greatest game ever played,” he said. “I thank the PGA Tour and the Shriners Hospitals for Children for this amazing opportunity. Raising money to better children’s lives while playing golf? I can’t think of a better way to pass the time.”

As part of the fundraising effort, the singer will host a special benefit concert tonight, featuring Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, will.i.am, Maroon 5, 50 Cent, Boyz II Men, and Leona Lewis.

The show takes place at the Planet Hollywood Resort Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Justin Timberlake To Sing And Swing For Children's Hospital

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop’s reigning Prince Charming Justin Timberlake has announced plans for a gigantic charity concert this month.

The concert will take place during the 27-year-old’s Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals For Children Golf Open on October 17 at Planet Hollywood Resort Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Joining the singer in the all-star lineup will be the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, will.i.am, Maroon 5, 50 Cent, Boyz II Men, Esmee Denters, and Leona Lewis.

Proceeds from the show will go to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of facilities in North America that provides superior medical care at no charge to children under the age of 18.

Tickets range from $75 to $250 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.

It's A Big Night In On Thursday

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:28:10 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The seasons may be changing, but there are still enough reasons to cuddle up on the couch in front of the television this week, especially on Thursday when two game shows see celebrities competing for charity. So grab a blanket, a cat, and a loved one, slip into some slippers, pour a drink, and put your feet up for a night on the couch.

The big attraction is NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice, which comes to a conclusion this week, with the last two contestants battling it out for good causes and glory. Country singer Trace Adkins will go head-to-head with British media personality Piers Morgan for the finale, with Donald Trump awarding $250,000 to the winner’s chosen charity.

Adkins will perform his new single, You’re Gonna Miss This, during the show, and the song will be available on iTunes immediately after the program is aired. Proceeds from the song will go to FAAN (the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network), which is also the singer’s chosen charity for the show.

“I intend to conclude my time on this show with my dignity intact,” said Adkins. “I will try to be as respectful as Piers will allow me to be.”

But if country music isn’t your scene, and you spend your evenings reminiscing about torn jeans and long hair, then head over to the Fox Network for Don’t Forget The Lyrics. This week’s show will prove that the 80’s really was the best decade for music when REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin competes for MusiCares.

The show’s aim is simple – celebrity contestants compete to win $1 million for their favorite charity by recalling song lyrics from a variety of genres. So far, artists such as Boyz II Men, Kenny Loggins, and Poison’s Bret Michaels have all tried their luck with host Wayne Brady.

And no matter if Cronin wins or not, you are guaranteed to have “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” still running through your head at 3am.

DeGeneres Returns to Idol Gives Back

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:11:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Ellen DeGeneres will once again be joining Ryan Seacrest to host the second edition of the wildly successful Idol Gives Back.

Also joining this year’s previously announced celebrity attendees such as Brad Pitt and Bono will be Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men and the Clark Brothers.

The hit fundraising show raised $76 million last year, benefitting charities such as UNICEF, Malaria No More and Second Harvest.

Wyclef Plays for Pick Your Charity Poker

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:38:13 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Vail Hold ’Em Poker Event for Your Cause, held last month in Vail, Colorado, raised nearly a quarter million dollars for various charities. Hosted by Mario Lopez, with Wyclef Jean performing many of his popular hits, a host of celebrities competed to win $100,000 for their charity of choice.

Competing stars included Kelis, Joey Fatone and Boyz II Men playing for The Fatone Family Foundation and Lift Up America, and Shannon Elizabeth playing for her own charity Animal Avengers. Also playing were James Kyson Lee, Danny Masterson, Robert Iler, Kevin Brown and Jason Chambers.

Chris Masterson, playing for Citizens Commission on Human Rights, made it to the final round but lost to investor Mark Lotke, the only top prize winner, who donated his $100,000 to the Spotlight Foundation. Wyclef Jean was supporting his own charity, the Yéle Haiti Foundation.

Following the poker championship were live and silent auctions. The Alex Rodriquez 500 baseball bat, which went for $15,000, was the biggest hit.

Such was the event’s success that it has already been decided to make it an annual occasion.

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