Look To The Stars News: Kevin Sorbo

Stars To Attend Change The World Awards This Weekend

Fri, 29 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

The Hollywood Note Foundation will hold its annual Change The World Awards this Sunday, May 31.

The award ceremony – hosted by Scott Baio and his wife Rene – will attract a large number of stars who will be recognized for their personal efforts to make the world a better place. Recipients will include Band From TV – featuring Greg Grunberg, Bob Guiney, Bonnie Somerville, Hugh Laurie, James Denton, Jesse Spencer and Teri Hatcher – who will recieve the Humanitarian Award of Inspiration. Also being honored are Ed Begley Jr., who will be presented with the Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award, Bart Simpson’s voice Nancy Cartwright – who will receive the Change The World Public Service Award – and many others, including Aimee Teegarden, Kevin Sorbo, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Sumpter, and Michael Bernard Beckwith.

Beneficiaries of the event will include Stand Up To Cancer, Happy House, Save The Ta-Tas, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), Coalition for Clean Air, the Ready or Not Foundation, and the Agape Foundation.

The ceremony – which will be held at the Beverly Hills Hotel – will feature performances by Rachael Lampa, Daniel Nahmod and Kute Blackson.

Find out more at the official Change The World Awards website.

Miley Cyrus To Give Her Time For Heroes

Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Miley Cyrus will perform at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s 20th annual A Time for Heroes Celebrity Picnic next month.

Over the last 20 years, A Time for Heroes has earned a reputation as a unique event of exceptional quality and entertainment value. Most importantly, A Time for Heroes is a crucial funding source for the Foundation’s programs — raising more than $30 million since the event began in 1990.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is dedicated to creating a future of hope for children and families worldwide by eradicating pediatric AIDS, providing care and treatment to people with HIV/AIDS, and accelerating the discovery of new treatments for other serious and life-threatening pediatric illnesses.

The picnic will take place at the Wadsworth Theatre Grounds in Los Angeles on June 7 and is expected to attract celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Tom Arnold, Seth Green, Shenae Grimes, Angie Harmon, Tony Hawk, Melissa Joan Hart, Kate Linder, Peter Wentz, Henry Winkler, Kim Kardashian, Kevin Sorbo, Sharon Stone, Seal, Ashlee Simpson and many more.

In past years, guests have been treated to such one-of-a-kind moments as Tom Cruise in the dunk tank and Jack Nicholson reading in the storytelling area. In addition to interacting with their favorite celebrities, guests are treated to an array of culinary treats from some of Los Angeles’ finest restaurants, including Beacon: An Asian Café, Clementine, Crustacean, Drago Ristorante, and, of course, Pink’s Hot Dogs among others. A Time for Heroes is expected to raise approximately $1.5 million to help the Foundation create a generation free of HIV.

The charity is also giving you and three guests the opportunity to meet Miley Cyrus at the event and walk the red carpet as part of an online auction. Be the envy of all of your friends as you make your way backstage for a special meet-and-greet/photo op with superstar Miley Cyrus! To make the day even more special, you and your guests will receive front-row access during Miley’s rockin’ performance!

To be part of the auction, visit the Charity Folks website before May 28.

To find out more about the picnic and purchase tickets, click here.

Bill Murray To Host Annual Caddyshack Golf Tournament

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Bill Murray is once again behind the annual Murray Brothers Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament, this year to raise money for Guardian Catholic Schools – a non-profit organization located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bill Murray and his five brothers – Andy, Brian, Ed, Joel, and John – began the annual tournament eight years ago at the launching of their Caddyshack Restaurant at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida. Since then they have raised millions of dollars for charity.

An avid golfer, Murray worked alongside his brothers as a caddy to fund his high school tuition. Many of their antics showed up later in the Caddyshack movie.

“This weekend is always a highlight of my year,” he said. “It’s a great time to get together with my family, share laughs with old friends and new, and of course squeeze in a couple rounds of golf at some of the finest courses in the country.”

The Guardian Catholic Schools organization was established in 1995 by community and business leaders of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. Their mission is “to participate in God’s work by supplying resources to St. Pius V and Holy Rosary Catholic schools to support them in providing educational and spiritual opportunities to children and families regardless of religious preference or economic status.”

This year’s tournament takes place on April 23/24 at the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire golf courses in Florida. Celebrities confirmed to appear include Kevin Sorbo, Melissa Joan Hart, Diane Neal (Law & Order SVU), Paula Trickey (The OC and CSI) and many more.

More information can be found at the event website.

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":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/548-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

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.

Bid On A Vespa Signed By The Stars For Charity

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stand Up To Cancer recently teamed up with Island Def Jam records to launch an exciting new star-studded charity auction.

Celebrity guests at the record label’s VIP lounge at the Sundance Film Festival had the chance to sign a Vespa S50, and now the charity is selling the bike to the highest bidder.

Stars who have signed their name on the item include Alan Cumming, Andie MacDowell, Anne Heche, Christie Brinkley, Dominic Cooper, Hoobastank, Robin Thicke, Terrell Owens, Wesley Snipes, Christina Milian, Kevin Sorbo, Razorlight, Jon Mclaughlin and many more.

Stand Up To Cancer is a non-profit organization that aims to raise money for cancer researchers and scientists to come together and reach their common goal: the cure for cancer. Last September they held a huge star-studded telethon to raise money and awareness for their cause. Simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS, the telethon featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

For a chance to bid on the celebrity autographed Vespa and help the cause, visit the Charity Folks website.

San Diego Celebrity Classic To Tee Off In April

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On April 22-26, 2009, at the Morgan Run Resort & Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, celebrities and athletes will tee off for the San Diego Celebrity Classic.

The event, which features many of the world’s best and most recognized celebrity golfers, aims to raise charitable donations for the tournament’s beneficiary, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.

The fan friendly environment gives guests a chance to interact with their favorite celebrities for just $10. (Free for military personal with ID).

Past celebrities who’ve teed off for charity here include: Stan Humphries, Johnny Bench, Marshall Faulk, Dan Quayle, Ozzie Smith, Smokey Robinson, Judd Nelson, Doug Flutie, Bode Miller, Kevin Sorbo, John O’ Hurley, Grant Fuhr, Alan Thicke, Bret Saberhagen, Jerry Rice, John Elway, Marcus Allen, Mario Lemieux, Ray Romano, Emmitt Smith, Drew Brees, Sterling Sharpe, Ivan Lendl, Jack Wagner, Adam Baldwin, Junior Seau, Nate Kaeding, Kenny Lofton and many, many others.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.

Stars Tee Off To Help Missing And Exploited Children

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 10th Annual National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Celebrity Golf Tournament sponsored by Canon was recently held in Las Vegas, where a host of celebrities turned out to support the event and raise $455,00 for the charity.

Celebrity golfers who teed up for the cause included Alice Cooper, Heidi Hayes, Michael Storm, Rudy Gatlin, Kevin Sorbo, Sean Dobson, Chris McDonald, Kurt Bevaqua, John Daly, Davy Jones, Steven Weber, Alan Thicke, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Payton, Ed Marinaro, Robert Hayes, Willie Gault and Richard Karn.

“Canon’s continued commitment to protecting children is echoed in our corporate philosophy, Kyosei – all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future,” said Emily Reynolds, vice president and general manager, Corporate Communications, Canon U.S.A. “We are extremely proud to commemorate our 10th year as a sponsor of NCMEC and will continue to help protect children and raise awareness about the worldwide issues of child abduction and exploitation. To date, Canon’s support of NCMEC has contributed to the recovery of 291 missing children.”

Each year, the NCMEC Celebrity Golf Tournament Sponsored by Canon helps NCMEC to raise awareness and funds for its programs to help find missing children and prevent the exploitation of children. To date, Canon has helped NCMEC raise and invest more than $5 million through product, service and monetary donations.

Kevin Sorbo Puts In Herculean Effort For Charity Golf

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Actor Kevin Sorbo continues to make this ‘a world fit for kids’ after hosting the first annual Kevin Sorbo Celebrity Golf Tournament last month at Dragon Ridge Country Club outside of Las Vegas.

The successful event raised funds for Sorbo’s charity, A World Fit For Kids!, which is the leading nonprofit provider of after-school physical activity and youth leadership programs in California.

Several singers, athletes and celebrities including Julius Erving “Dr. J”, Jim McMahon, Meat Loaf, and Ed “Too Tall” Jones were scheduled to play in the tournament. Most – if not all – players were in attendance for the pairings party held Planet Hollywood. Faces in the crowd included Christopher McDonald, actor John Ratzenberger, comedian/actor Gary Valentine, comedian Mike Burton, actor Bruce McGill and wife Gloria, and actor Patrick Warburton.

Sorbo is a well known ‘celebrity golfer’ and acts as the official spokesperson and chair emeritus for WFIT. His charitable efforts have helped many, many children over the past 11 years. Earlier this year he talked to Look To The Stars about his charity work.

Charles Barkley and Buddies Tee Off For Charity

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Legendary athlebrities from football, baseball, basketball and hockey, gathered under the hot desert sun on June 7 and 8 to raise money and awareness for several very worthwhile causes. The Pro Sports Team Challenge Golf Tournament at the Eagle Falls Golf Club at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino (near Palm Springs, California) settled the debate as to which sport has the best golfers, while competing for a total purse of $250,000 for chairty.

Team Basketball hit the greens for the USO. Led by NBA great Charles Barkley and featuring his buddies Clyde Drexler, Jason Kidd, George Gervin and Kenny Smith, the team made every swing count in efforts to help comfort our hardworking military. While Barkley was psyched for the event, he didn’t have high expectations for his team.

“One of the highlights of my life was [when] the USO took me to Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai,” said Barkley during the event. “I got to visit with some of the troops. So it’s a great organization and, um, unfortunately we’re not going to win a lot of money for them because my team [Basketball] sucks!”

But the event wasn’t marred by the lack of golf talent, as inspiration was the forerunner of the competition.

“Many athletes, like Charles Barkley and [”John Elway":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/445-john-elway], have spent their holidays, vacations and precious free time to thank our nation’s heroes for their daily sacrifices," said Kathy Mejasich, the Vice President of Corporate Alliances for the USO. “The difference they make in the morale of the troops is more than just palpable, but energizing and inspiring.”

Team Basketball also spent some time with 20 year-old Brandon Akey, who was flown out from Ohio to play with the big boys after winning an online competition.

“I’m only 20 years old and this is only the second time I’ve been out of Ohio – the last time I took a trip was to Florida when I was a kid, and suddenly I’m here playing golf with these guys.” Brandon played in the Pro-Am with basketball legend, George Gervin. “He was such a good guy. Whenever we hit bad shots he was really cool and supportive, he said ’that’s all right, we’re a team, it’s like basketball.’”

Also inspiring was Team Football, who didn’t stop grinning all weekend as they polished their putters in the hope of earning a hefty donation for Operation Kids. Led by Team Captain Drew Brees and including LaDainian Tomlinson, John Elway and Michael Strahan, the team brought style, smiles, class and sass to the event.

“I just love helping kids,” said NFL good guy Michael Strahan. “When they see any player come to spend some time with them, their faces light up and they share their hopes and ambitions and dreams with us. I can’t even begin to tell you how good it made me feel.”

Rest assured, Strahan was speaking from the heart. There wasn’t one child in attendance that the big guy didn’t stop for. In fact, all the players involved were constantly chatting with young starry-eyed kids as they tousled their hair before signing footballs, programs, posters, and even jerseys being worn by ‘soccer moms’.

Team Hockey, led by cancer survivor Mario Lemieux, chose Hockey Fights Cancer as their beneficiary. Lemieux, Brett Hull, Grant Fuhr and Pierre Larouche went into the competition with an edge, seeing as they all have notorious golf skills.

During Friday’s Pro-Am event, one lucky sweepstakes winner enjoyed a round with the big boys. Matt Lesage, who has little golf experience, was a bit nervous going into the competition when he learned he was playing with Team Hockey. “I played with Pierre Larouche in the Pro-Am,” he said, “Mario Lemieux, Pierre, Grant, all those guys were so nice. Pierre is a great guy and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him. At first, I was a bit skeptical on how the athletes were going to act towards someone like me, not being a big golfer, but they were all class acts and they couldn’t have been nicer.”

While Lesage was hyped to play golf, he was also keen on the fact that this was for charity, “I heard Team Hockey talking about Hockey Fights Cancer, and a lot of people in my family had cancer so it made me really happy to be part of it. All these guys inspired me.”

Team Baseball captain Ozzie Smith led George Brett, Vince Coleman and Bret Saberhagen around the greens as they swung away for the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) in efforts to help the families of players who have fallen on tough times.

“B.A.T. provides assistance to members of the ‘baseball family’ who are in need…We help take care of health care, medical, housing, burial, utilities, household expenses and prescriptions,” wrote Erik Nilsen of B.A.T. “It’s an honor to be nominated by Ozzie Smith, a Hall of Famer who truly understands the history of our organization.”

The big question remains though – which team brought home the first place $100,000 prize for their charity and which teams split the remaining purse? You’ll have to watch the Fox Sports Net broadcast on Saturday 6/28 and Sunday 6/29 to find out. It was a great competition, filled with lots of trash talking and love coming from the participants, but in the end all of the charities came out winners thanks to the dedication of these mighty mighty fine men.

Special celebrities lending their time to the event included Hercules star Kevin Sorbo, actor Dennis Haysbert (The Unit_), Actor/producer Matthew Hatchette (_The Take), and comedian Martin Short provided some comical poolside entertainment during the VIP party.

If you’d like to make a donation to any of the ProTeam charities named, you can still visit the Team Challenge website and sign up as a ProCoach – $1.00 from each participant will go to the charity of your choice.

Look To The Stars Asks Kevin Sorbo

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Kevin Sorbo shot to fame in 1994 for his starring role in the popular TV series Hercules, the Legendary Journeys. Since then, he’s guest starred on such hit shows as Just Shoot Me, According to Jim, Hope and Faith, Two and a Half Men, USA Network’s Psych, and had recurring appearances on Dharma and Greg and Fox’s The OC in 2006-2007.

In 2005, when Sorbo was named as the spokesperson for the Afterschool Alliance, he said, “I am proud to do whatever I can to promote the afterschool programs that children and families need.”

Remarkably, Sorbo has remained true to his words, spending countless hours helping children in need. He has solidified himself as a true giver, acting as the spokesman and chair of A World Fit For Kids! (WFFK!), a non-profit organization that offers gang, drug and dropout prevention programming to at-risk kids by providing mentoring training for teens and using them as positive role models for youngsters.

Look to the Stars caught up with Kevin Sorbo when he made an appearance at the Pro Team Sports Challenge held in Indio, California, June 6-8. The event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the USO, Baseball Assistance Team, Operation Kids, and Hockey Fights Cancer.

Tell us a little bit about your charity, Kevin.

Well, it’s called A World Fit for Kids – readers can go online to www.worldfitforkids.org, and see what we’ve been up to. We just got the Gold Star from Governor Schwarzenegger for having the best after-school program in the State of California. We’ve got 100% graduation rate in Los Angeles County, which has about a 40% drop out rate. So I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished.

We’ve seen you at quite a few charity events, what’s been your inspiration?

I really wanted to work with kids. It started about the third year of ‘Hercules’ when we actually passed ‘Baywatch’ as the most watched TV show in the world, and with that sort of notoriety, I started getting inundated with all kinds of causes – Pediatric, AIDS, everything – and while those kinds of things are wonderful, l really wanted to work with kids that were healthy but living in an unhealthy environment.

You’re obviously doing something right!

Yeah, and we’re [WFFK!] actually going to go nationwide with it because we’ve got a lot people from out of state asking us why we’re so good. So, I’m having my own celebrity-golf tournement – on October 10/11, in Las Vegas. Planet Hollywood is hosting, Darius Rucker [from Hootie and the Blowfish] will be performing. It’s going to be a great event and golf tournement and I’m very excited about it.

What’s your opinion as to whether or not celebrities are ‘obligated’ to give back to the community?

I don’t think people are obligated. You know, some people have different personalities. I like helping people. I’ve been doing this for 11 years now and I love it.

Is there any celebrity that you would ‘call-out’ for lack of charity work?

I got to be honest with you – I don’t know who I’d call out because most of the people I know are giving back to the world in some way. I don’t know what celebrities aren’t doing these days to give back.

Look to the Stars and Delinda would like to thank Kevin Sorbo for taking the time to speak with us. We applaud his good work and hopefully he inspires you as much as he’s inspired us.

Joe Pesci Joins Charity Golf Tournament

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:45:35 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Joe Pesci and former NFL players Sterling Sharpe and Kordell Stewart have joined the line-up of celebrities for the 2008 BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament on May 15, while actors Samuel L. Jackson, David James Elliott, Kevin Sorbo, and Lucas Black have withdrawn.

“We are very excited to have Joe Pesci and Kordell Stewart joining the field for the first time and to have Sterling Sharpe return,” said Darin MacDonald, tournament director of the BMW Charity Pro-Am. “It is unfortunate to hear about Samuel L. Jackson, David James Elliott, Kevin Sorbo and Lucas Black, but we understand. They had committed to play, but apparently the shooting schedules of their new movies have changed. We understand that their work takes precedence, and we wish them all well with these productions.”

The celebrities now scheduled to compete in this year’s BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament are Joe Pesci, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Kurt Russell, Catherine Bell, Wayne Gretzky, Janet Jones-Gretzky, Ty Gretzky, Dave Coulier, Stefanie Schaeffer, Patrick Warburton, Oliver Hudson, Michael Pena, Sterling Sharpe, Kordell Stewart, Jason Dohring, Josh Kelley, Cheech Marin, Javier Colon, Steve Azar, Gary Valentine, Mark Rypien, Branford Marsalis, Pat Green, George Rogers, Ben Wright, and Jennifer Mills. Winnings from the tournament will go to the winner’s charity of choice.

Celebrity Fight Night A Knock-Out Success

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:08 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

It takes a champ to raise millions for charity, and on Saturday night Muhammad Ali proved he is the Greatest of All Time while hosting the 14th annual Celebrity Fight Night. This yearly star-studded event attracts the who’s-who of charitable giving in efforts to raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

“This is probably the best night hands down,” said Phoenix Suns’ legend Tom Chambers. “I have done a lot of charity work since retiring in 1997 and this is a night that we make an effort to mark down on the calendar each year; it’s just that special.”

Aside from silent and live auctions, central to the event are the Muhammad Ali Awards, which recognize those in the sports and entertainment communities who best represent the qualities Ali looks for in his fight against Parkinson’s disease. This year’s recipients included actor Kevin Costner (who received the Muhammad Ali Achievement Award), record producer Clive Davis (Muhammad Ali Entrepreneur Award), country singer Reba McEntire (Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award), and San Diego Charger Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson (Muhammad Ali Sports Achievement Award).

Whitney Houston wowed guests as she took the stage to introduce Kevin Costner. His acceptance speech had most – if not all – of the attendees close to tears. LaDainian Tomlinson’s acceptance speech was just as moving, but the mood lightened as the musical performers took to the stage to celebrate the spirit of the giving.

John Mellencamp headlined the musical performances and rocked the crowd while showcasing the talents that have rightly secured him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other notable performances came from Jordin Sparks, Dionne Warwick, Collin Raye, Sinbad, and Tamia Hill. But it was Faith Hill who raised the bar by performing a single song for an attendee who pledged $100,000 to hear her sing. Earlier in the night, during the live auction, bids for a private dinner with Hill and husband Tim McGraw had reached $300,000 before Reba McEntire was included as part of the package. Within minutes, the closing bid was an astonishing $500,000.

After the main event, Kevin Costner performed at the after party with his band Modern West. He delivered a knock-out performance that kept the crowd on its feet and the energy level high. The Academy Award winner sang with a remarkably soothing voice, while strumming his guitar and making eye contact with just about everyone who was lucky enough to be there.

Among the celebrities in attendance at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa were NBA legend Grant Hill and his wife Tamia, who also performed at the event. “Muhammad Ali has given so much to the world,” said Hill. “And my wife is also performing tonight so I guess I have two reasons for being here.”

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk was with his expectant wife and had some great advice for kids. “Believe in yourself. Persevere, never give up, if you want to do something, just try it, don’t give up.”

Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis made his entrance with San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman, who was attending the event for the second time. “I can’t believe we can get everybody out here in one building for a great event,” Merriman said. " I’m totally amazed at the number of great people, this is my second year and I’ll basically mark this weekend off on my calendar every year to come and support it."

Arizona native and undefeated USBA cruiserweight boxer BJ Flores, along with Team Flores (Jay of Juggler Entertainment and MIMS of DET to LA), lit up the red carpet and created a media frenzy as Jay interviewed the legendary Dionne Warwick with Flores while the world’s first diva posed with his title belt.

Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman was radiant as she quoted Ali. “We come together because of sports,” she said. “You have to believe in yourself, and if you have that truth, and that inner confidence I think people see that. If you have to tell people you’re good – like Muhammad said – if you’re good, it ain’t bragging. You don’t have to tell people, it just radiates around you and people feel that.”

Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton was in great spirits, even when asked about the current political backlash surrounding the Olympic Games.

“You know, it’s really sad, because the Olympics are supposed to be a time when the best athletes in the world come together in competition,” she said. “Politics aren’t anything new, it happened back in the 80’s, it happened before that and I believe we’re going to get it all resolved.”

She also supports those who speak their mind. “I think you should speak how you feel and feel how you speak, and if you’ve got a strong opinion about something, its America, thank God we are born in America and we can voice that. I’ve got no problem with that. I’m a true blue born all-American, so I hope we get it all resolved.”

Other notable celebrities in attendance included musician Alice Cooper, actor/director Mike Binder, actor Terry Crews, Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald, musician/composer David Foster, UFC Champion Chuck Liddell, Phoenix Sun Shaquille O’Neal, actress Holly Robinson Peete, former boxer Ernie Shavers, former football player Phillippi Sparks, actor Kevin Sorbo, former football player Roland Williams, and celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Thanks to all attendees, celebrities, and sponsors who helped improve this world by giving back. Special thanks to those who walked away with some fantastic auction items, including: A 2008 Roush P-51A Mustang convertible purchased by GoDaddy CEO/ Founder Bob Parsons for $300,000 (only 151 editions of this Mustang were made, and this is the only convertible, donated by Sanderson Ford and Roush Performance), an Arnold Palmer golf package was purchased by Stewart Rahr (President/CEO of Kinray Inc.), and a Phil Mickelson golf package was purchased by Stewart Rahr, Joel Farkus, Jerry Wang, and Jeff Mallett for $500,000.

This years Celebrity Fight Night netted an incredible $5 million for the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation, making it one of the most successful charity events in recent years.

(Photos copyright Delinda Lombardo)

Fore!! Celebrities Hit The Green For Charity

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:19:05 -0000

Written by Richard Alan Krieger

BMW’s Golf Charity Event will be televised live on the Golf Channel from the Bright’s Creek Golf Club, N.C., on May 15-18, 2008. It will be the only U.S. Nationwide golf tournament where amateurs, celebrities, and pros gather together for charity.

The professional winner of the overall 72 hole event will take home $117,000 from the total purse of $650,000, which is one of the largest purses on the Nationwide Tour. Amateurs and celebrities will compete for individual prizes and cash donations to the charity of their choice out of the beneficiaries selected by South Carolina Charities. The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, and the Spartanburg Community College will also benefit from this event.

The first seven tournaments have raised more than $5.7 million for 80+ area charities.

The celebrities playing include Samuel L. Jackson, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Kurt Russell, Wayne Gretzky, Catherine Bell, David James Elliott, Janet Jones, Dave Coulier, Stefanie Schaeffer, Patrick Warburton, Oliver Hudson, Michael Pena, Jason Dohring, Kevin Sorbo, Josh Kelley, Cheech Marin, Javier Colon, Lucas Black, Steve Azar, Gary Valentine, Mark Rypien, Branford Marsalis, Pat Green, George Rogers, Ben Wright, and Jennifer Mills. Those with the 14 lowest scores from Thursday-Friday-Saturday will advance to Sunday’s final round.

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