Look To The Stars News: Andy Garcia

Andy Garcia Wins Charity Golf Tournament

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0000

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a 72-hole PGA TOUR golf championship that started in the 1930s. Top PGA professionals team up with Hollywood celebrities, athletes and world-renowned musicians.

The Celebrity Challenge is a part of the tournament, and a fan favorite. Teams play only five holes, each of which as a specific purse. Players who win each hole receive the purse, and then give whatever they win to charity. This year’s winners were Jeffrey Donovan and Andy Garcia, who each gave 11,000 to the charities of their choice. Donovan chose to give to the Amesbury Educational Foundation, while Andy Garcia gave to First Tee of Monterey County. The total amount given to charity was $29,000.

This year the tournament was held from February 8-14. Players rotated to different golf courses, and the championship round took place at Pebble Beach.

Other celebrities who competed include Josh Duhamel, George Lopez, Kenny G, Tony Romo, Kelly Slater and Don Cheadle. Clint Eastwood chairs the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, which organizes the tournament.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

Molly Sims To Host Charity Fundraiser

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Molly Sims is to host the 2009 Friends of El Faro Fundraiser.

Friends of El Faro helps to improve the lives of the children of Casa Hogar Sion by providing food, shelter, education and a safe environment, with a long term goal to purchase land and build them a new home.

Since November of 2000, Adam Smith and his wife Leigh Kilton-Smith have been traveling with a circle of friends to Tijuana, Mexico every four to five weeks to spend the weekend with the more then 100 children of “Casa Hogar Sion” orphanage. It is here, where children, who have been abandoned or abused or neglected, have found a home, a place where they are safe and cared for, nourished and loved. The Friends of El Faro do what they can take care of the children, and Mama Carmen and Papa Jorge and the staff, remarkable people who have created a home for children who did not have one. Everything from cooking meals, to drying tears, wiping noses, lots of hugs, playing games, talking, listening, breaking up fights and mediating peace; building playgrounds, changing diapers, showing outdoor movies, popping popcorn, and most importantly, letting the children know that they are loved and cherished and important.

Over the years, more then two hundred friends have joined them on their weekend trips and when the orphanage lost their major funding several years ago, Friends of El Faro rallied to put on an annual fundraiser to raise money to take care of our children. The fundraiser has had the support of stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Andy Garcia, Ben Stiller, Josh Duhamel and Sheryl Crow.

This year’s event will take place on September 24 at Boulevard 3 in Los Angeles. Tickets are available here.

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.

Christina Milian To Headline Charity Event

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0000

The Palomita Education Fund has announced that R&B and pop singer-actress Christina Milian will be participating in its upcoming charity event, Piensa Mas Alla…Think Beyond, on May 29, 2009 at Terra SF in San Francisco.

Milian has designed and autographed a unique, special edition t-shirt, which will be auctioned at the event, with all proceeds benefitting Latino education at a night that will celebrate fashion, art and Latino culture. The design will also be available for purchase, for a limited time only, through specialty retailers and on-line at palomitaclothing.com. Milian’s latest efforts to support youth education reflect her dedication to making a difference in improving the lives of others. Often recognized as a role model to teens, she has worked with the Children Uniting Nations charity as a big sister to foster children and was recognized with a humanitarian award at The Reign music awards from the Elton John AIDS Foundation for her work as a role model to young children. She has also started to write two books targeted toward teenage girls that exemplify healthy ways of finding happiness.

Drawing on last year’s success, the second annual Piensa Mas Alla…Think Beyond… event is expected to draw over 500 VIP’s of the Latino community together in celebration and support of fashion, art and Latino culture. Other confirmed celebrity designers include Rosario Dawson, Eva Longoria, Andy Garcia, Tony Romo, Jaslene Gonzalez, Maria Conchita Alonso, Melonie Diaz, Cesar Millan, Walter Perez, and Valerie Cruz. This is a great way to kick-off the summer and enjoy a luxurious evening while supporting a worthwhile cause. A limited number of tickets for the event are available on www.palomitaclothing.com/events.

Born to Cuban parents, Christina Milian is an American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress. Her first professional musical appearance performing vocals with rapper Ja Rule on the song “Between Me and You” peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. She also co-wrote and performed backing vocals for Jennifer Lopez’s album “J.Lo” in the “Play” track. She released her first album in 2004, which included the single “Dip It Low,” that became Milian’s biggest hit to date, reaching number two in the UK and number five in the U.S. and also earned her a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap/Song collaboration.” Her non-musical projects include starring roles in films such as Be Cool with John Travolta and Uma Thurman, and she also recorded two songs for its soundtrack.

The Palomita Education Fund was founded in 2007 by Molly Robbins, a successful entrepreneur and Mexico City native. It is a non-profit organization that encourages and supports education, professional and leadership development in the Latino community. The objectives of the organization are: to provide scholarships to Latinos planning to enroll in college, encourage participation of the Latino community in higher education, and professional growth and promote a productive and high-quality life.

Hollywood Steps Out For World Kidney Day

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

A host of celebrities will come out for World Kidney Day tomorrow to encourage people get blood tests to check for early signs of kidney disease.

Mario Lopez, Hilary Duff, Brooke Burns, Kevin Sorbo, Constance Marie, Deana Carter, Lou Gossett Jr, Courtney Hansen, Eva Tamargo, Stacy Keibler, George Lopez, Phillip Palmer, Andy Garcia and Anthony Anderson are just some of the stars who will attend KEEP It Hollywood on Thursday, March 12.

The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s “KEEP It Hollywood” event is a pre-Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) that includes a mini-screening (blood pressure cuff, finger prick & a few health questions asked by some of the best doctors in the country) allowing numerous celebrities and influential community members to take part in the fight against Kidney Disease through early detection, evaluation, and intervention for World Kidney Day.

World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of our kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. The campaign is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March in more than 100 countries on 6 continents. Celebrity supporters of the campaign include Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Enrique Iglesias, Maria Petrova and many more.

The KEEP It Hollywood event will raise awareness of chronic kidney disease, a condition suffered by over 26 million American adults. To be part of the event, be at Guy’s North in Studio City, California, between 9am and 2pm tomorrow.

Stars Give The Spotlight To Children

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:49:24 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

A growing list of celebrities are offering time and attention to individual children, and even sharing the spotlight with them, in answer to a call from A Star For The Night, a charity that makes dreams come true for underprivileged, disabled, and homeless children.

Singers such as LeAnn Rimes and Rick Springfield have had Stars’ children on stage and even singing with them during concerts, and actors Nikki Cox, Andy Garcia, Mike Myers, Mandy Moore, and Ben Stiller have given radio interviews to them – as has music legend Neil Young. A Star For A Night aims to fulfill the wishes of about 450 kids per year to participate in fashion shows, appear on the sets of television shows, and attend sports events.

Founder Dejra Turley said, “We give these children a night that emphasizes hope, inspiration, and acknowledgement.”

Created in 1998 in memory of Turley’s sister, A Star For The Night contacts celebrities chosen by the children and co-ordinates the event. On the special night, the kids are given a makeover, a new outfit and dinner, and ride to the event in a luxury limousine.

And then they get to be a star, for a night they’ll never forget.

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.

Celebrity Designed Corsets On Auction

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:06:55 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities have teamed up to design a series of corsets to be auctioned off in October.

Scarlett Johansson, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, and Jessica Biel are just some of the stars who have submitted designs for the 4th annual Frederick’s Of Hollywood Celebrity Corset Auction. The event, which is being run in conjunction with the internet charity auction site Clothes Off Our Back, will raise money for a variety of children’s charities, including Second Harvest, a non-profit organization that benefits the hungry, The Art of Elysium, which uses art to help the sick, and World Education, a charity that provides training to underprivileged children around the world. Some of the proceeds will also go towards research into autism.

“In previous years, we got $18,000 for Charlize Theron's corset and $10,000 for Nicole Kidman's," said Frederick’s of Hollywood’s Erin Dominguez. “Each year we set the bar higher and hope to get more.”

To create the pieces, the celebrities were each given a special design kit to make a sketch of their creation. It was then up to costume designer Linda Stokes, best known for dressing Gwen Stefani on tour, to produce the garments.

“You get to draw and sketch,” said Eva Longoria about her design. “And I sketched some tulle at the top and it has all of this beading.”

Andy Garcia, star of the Ocean’s 11 movies, was inspired in his design by the flag of his native Cuba. Others took a more fanciful approach, with Ashley Olsen's design dripping black feathers, and Kyra Sedgwick's creation appearing to have garbage trailing off the hem. Other celebrities involved in the campaign include Christina Aguilera, actress and Clothes Off Our Back founder Jane Kaczmarek, Maria Menounos, Gabrielle Union, Ashlee Simpson, Mandy Moore, Debra Messing, Fergie, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette.

The event kicked off on October 25, with a live auction hosted at Frederick’s flagship store on Hollywood Boulevard, and the online auction runs until November 5 on www.clothesoffourback.org.

“I think you should bid on any and all of them,” said Oscar nominee Julianne Moore, whose peacock inspired design is featured in the auction. “I love them, and it’s a great cause.”

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