Look To The Stars News: Mary J. Blige

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas this weekend.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Agassi. “We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we’ve accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

The concert will raise funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The concert will be preceded by an invitation-only concert tonight – October 10 – featuring James Taylor and Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

“This year the Grand Slam for Children is being held at Wynn Las Vegas, which offers a first-class, intimate experience for our guests,“ said Agassi. “The event is sure to be a hit with top exclusive entertainment at this beautiful venue.”

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Don Henley, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Goo Goo Dolls, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Seal, Duran Duran and Josh Groban. More than 98,000 fans and VIP guests have attended the past 12 Grand Slam events, raising more than $70 million for charity.

Agassi’s 2008 Grand Slam for Children will take place tomorrow night, October 11, with musical direction by David Foster. More information about tickets can be found at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation website.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – 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.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“He looks amazing,” former basketball player Charles Barkley told People Magazine. “For me, seeing Patrick Swayze, someone who is actually fighting this disease, was the best part of the show. Seeing him in person was amazing.”

The idea behind the event was that it is the lack of funding – and not just research – that is slowing the advance of cancer prevention and treatment, and over $100 million has been raised since the Stand Up To Cancer initiative was launched earlier this year.

The telethon – which was viewed by over 10.5 million people – also featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor, as well as the television premiere of the star-studded charitable single Just Stand Up performed by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett underwent a prostate examination on the show, and cartoon character Homer Simpson had a colonoscopy.

Other stars who were part of the show included Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Hilary Swank, Jimmy Fallon, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom wanted to do something positive to help the 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide who die from cancer each year.

As part of Stand Up To Cancer’s efforts, there is also an auction running on eBay that offers the chance to meet the cast of celebrities such as Katie Couric, Stephen Colbert, and Jay Leno. It runs until September 15, and can be accessed through eBay.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Don’t miss Stand Up To Cancer on ABC, CBS and NBC today, Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m. (EST).

A spectacular line up of talent including Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Kirsten Dunst, Charles Barkley, America Ferrera, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Forest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon and Keanu Reeves will appear on the one-hour telecast. The celebrities are set to educate you, move you and entertain you, and will even be on hand to answer your calls in the celebrity phone bank.

The premiere TV performance of Just Stand Up – the star studded charitable single in support of Stand Up To Cancer – will be performed by legendary recording artists Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

Doug Ulman, President of the Lance Armstrong Foundation says, “Inspired to act by their own personal experiences with cancer, the Stand Up to Cancer team recognizes that we can no longer rely on the current system alone to give us the breakthroughs we need. They are calling on the public to help take matters into our own hands, investing in a revolution that will change the way scientists and clinicians work to understand and treat cancer. Stand Up To Cancer is more than a rallying cry. It is a galvanizing force created to urgently move cancer research forward.”

Tonight’s program is raising funds to build “Dream Teams” made up of scientists, clinicians, technicians and other experts.

For more information about Stand Up To Cancer, and a complete list of celebrities who will be appearing during the show, visit the Stand Up To Cancer Website.

Female Stars Unite For New Charity Single

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fifteen of the hottest female stars on the planet are joining together for a brand new charity single to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Just Stand Up will be released on September 2 to coincide with the Stand Up To Cancer television special that will run on NBC, ABC, and CBS on September 5. The new song – which was conceived and produced by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – will feature the soaring voices of Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood, and all sales of the star-studded single will benefit cancer research.

All 15 singers will perform the song during the primetime television event, which will also feature appearances by Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon.

The single will be available through iTunes, and more information can be found at www.standup2cancer.org.

Stars Design Watches For Poverty Organization

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:34:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Mary J. Blige is one of three celebrities to design watches to raise money for Chrysalis.

The 37-year-old R&B artist has joined with Eric Dane and Russell Simmons to design limited edition Ernst Benz Chronoscope watches to support the work of the non-profit organization devoted to assisting individuals escape homelessness and poverty. The timepieces are part of a collection entitled “Time for Change”.

“I knew that I wanted to support Chrysalis after learning of the organization, but after attending this year’s Butterfly Ball, I am even more dedicated to supporting this project,” said Leonid Khankin, Managing Director and Designer for Ernst Benz. “This limited edition watch collection is just one step towards raising funds and awareness for an organization doing incredible work to change lives and give people back their dignity."

Only 24 numbered watches will be made of each design, and will be available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue with 50% of the sale from each watch going to Chrysalis. In addition, one watch from each series will be auctioned online, with 100% of these proceeds going to the organization.

Mary J. Blige FFAWNs Over New Charity

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:58:25 -0000

Written by Linda Burton

R & B star Mary J. Blige, along with her partner Steve Stoute have announced plans to launch the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN), a new charity initiative to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their individual potential.

FFAWN, which is based in Blige’s hometown of Yonkers, NY, is intended to help women gain the confidence and skills needed to achieve success.

“Most of my life was centered around living for the moment. I had very few resources and very little real life education to make good decisions,” Blige said. At a recent visit to Roosevelt High School in Yonkers she implored students to “Please get your education. Education is key. Education is power.”

FFAWN will initially focus its efforts in the Yonkers area, and will eventually expand its scope to include the Greater New York area and eventually the entire country.

Please visit FFAWN.org for more information.

Look To The Stars News: Mary J. Blige

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Related past articles

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Related past articles

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

Related past articles

Female Stars Unite For New Charity Single

Related past articles

Stars Design Watches For Poverty Organization

Related past articles

Mary J. Blige FFAWNs Over New Charity

Related past articles