Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:44 -0000

One of the most exciting celebrity auctions of the year will take place in May to raise funds for an organization supporting sufferers of a painful and disfiguring condition.

National Doodle Day will kick off on May 8 as part of Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and will mark the start of a week-long auction of over 100 celebrity doodles from stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, Scarlett Johansson, and Goldie Hawn. Money from the doodles, which were hand-drawn by each celebrity on a 5” by 8” card, will benefit Neurofibromatosis, Inc., a national organization that supports NF patients, their families, and research into the disorder.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the Untied States, affecting one in every 2,500 births. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time, and can lead to disfigurement, deafness, blindness, seizures, bone deformities, and cancer. Half of the children born with the condition have no family history of the disorder, so it can strike in any family without warning.

The doodle auction runs from May 8 to 18, and follows a successful auction run by the organization last year that featured one-of-a-kind works of art from Cindy Crawford, Kathy Griffin, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Jay Leno, Rick Springfield, Donald Trump, and The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler. However, the highest bid went to a drawing from Barack Obama, which sold for a massive $2,075.

Funds raised from the Doodle Day auction this year will go to support education, advocacy, coalitions, and research for treatments and a cure. Other stars who have put their drawing skills to good use include Gillian Anderson, Candice Bergen, Jeff Bridges, David Cassidy, Dom DeLuise, Garfield creator Jim Davis, Julia Louis Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Seth Green, and many more. There is also an autographed photo and NCIS call-sheet from Mark Harmon on offer.

To view the doodles for sale, visit the Doodle Day website or www.nfinc.org.

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.

Look To The Stars News: Rick Springfield

Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

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Stars Give The Spotlight To Children

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