Look To The Stars News: Bill Cosby

Cosby, Mills and Bush Support Injured Veterans

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:02:00 +0000

Celebrities from all fields are donating signed items to support better medical treatments for injured service members.

The Airlift Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating better medical solutions for the brave men and women who sustain traumatic limb injuries on the battlefield and at home, is hosting an online auction in order to raise funds critically needed to fulfill its mission.

The auction went live on Veterans Day, at Mission Fish and Ebay.

Stars Help Break World Record For Reading With Jumpstart

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record 2011 campaign, presented in partnership with Pearson Foundation, has officially set a new world record for the world’s largest shared reading experience. On October 6, adults across the globe read Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney to 2,184,155 children.

Through We Give Books, the digital reading initiative of the Pearson Foundation and the Penguin Group, 75,723 adults and children helped set a new record for the largest digital reading by reading the campaign book online for free, demonstrating how digital technology enabled the campaign to reach even more people this year.

Elisabeth Rohm Reads For The Record

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Actress Elisabeth Rohm – co-star of Taylor Lautner’s recent film Abduction – was seen reading to children at the Gymboree Play & Music of the Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles on October 6 as part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record event.

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a global day of reading during which millions pledge to read with children to raise awareness for the importance of early education. For the past three years, Gymboree Play & Music has partnered with Jumpstart for this world record breaking day of reading, helping to instill children everywhere with an early love of books and prepare them to be successful in school and in life.

Jumpstart Launches 2011 Read For The Record Campaign

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

On October 6, millions of people across the globe will read the same book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, as part of Jumpstart’s annual Read for the Record Day. The simple act of reading with a child on this one day translates into year-long educational support for preschool children from low-income communities, many of whom grow up in homes without a single book.

For the past five years, Jumpstart, a national education organization, has hosted this global event, bringing together celebrities like Bill Cosby, Justin Bieber, Vince Vaughn, Patti LaBelle, Matt Lauer, representatives on Capitol Hill, elected officials, parents, teachers, children and volunteers to help bridge America’s achievement gap. This year, they need your help to set a new world record of 2.1 million readers.

Celebrity Charity Event Aims To Save Music

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Join Macy Gray, Lou Reed, Roberta Flack, Dr. John, Danny Glover, Christian McBride and 40 other legends for an unforgettable night that will help save music itself.

The 10th annual A Night In Harlem event will take place at the Apollo Theater in New York on May 19 to benefit the Jazz Foundation of America. For over 22 years, the Jazz Foundation has been dedicated to saving the homes and lives of elder jazz and blues musicians in crisis. It now assists in over 5,000 cases a year, including hundreds of New Orleans musicians and their children still recovering from Katrina.

Past performances and appearances have included legends like Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Elvis Costello, Chevy Chase, Hank Jones, Abbey Lincoln, Odetta and many others.

Bill Cosby And P. Diddy To Attend Jackie Robinson Charity Awards Tonight

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The 2011 Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner will be held tonight – Monday, March 7th – at New York’s Waldorf=Astoria Hotel.

Hosted by legendary entertainer Bill Cosby for nearly three decades, the iconic event pays tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson and raises funds for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The star-studded event promises to be an unforgettable evening as the Foundation honors three philanthropists. The ROBIE Humanitarian Award will be presented to Ingrid Saunders Jones. The ROBIE Achievement in Industry Awards will be presented to Sean “Diddy” Combs and Joseph R. Perella.

Andre Agassi And Friends Raise $8.5 Million At Charity Grand Slam

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

As reported by LookToTheStars.org last week, Andre Agassi hosted his star-studded Grand Slam For Children on October 9. The event saw a host of famous faces hit the stage, and raised a massive $8.5 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s educational work.

Among those to perform were Elton John, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas, David Foster and Bill Cosby, and an auction feature items donated by Katie Couric, Michael Phelps, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Robin Williams, Wayne Gretzky and many more.

The live auction saw a personal dinner with Robin Williams go under the hammer for 6 people at $100,000 each. Lars Ulrich’s drum lessons went for $35,000, and a trip with Freida Pinto to India went for $75,000.

Elton John And Friends To Rock Andre Agassi's Charity Bash

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Elton John, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas, David Foster and Bill Cosby will perform at Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam for Children on October 9.

The annual event supports the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s efforts to transform education and benefits the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a K-12 public charter school in Las Vegas that strives to provide children with a first-class education. Hosted by tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi and presented by Genworth Financial, the 2010 Grand Slam for Children will take place Saturday, Oct. 9 at Wynn Las Vegas.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Grand Slam brings together international stars – from music to comedy – each year to build awareness and raise money for the Foundation. Dedicated to transforming education, the Foundation opened the Agassi Academy in 2001; in 2009, the public charter school graduated its first senior class with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college. The Foundation’s work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi’s hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide.

Annual Celebrity Charity Book Auction Kicks Off For SAG Foundation

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Fans of the entertainment world and bookworms will be excited about this charity initiative: a huge number of celebrities have signed books for a special charity auction.

The 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Book Auction has kicked off to raise money for the Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s literacy programs.

Books autographed by Sting, Sidney Poitier, Kirk Douglas, Valerie Bertinelli, William Shatner, Maria Shriver, Jerry Seinfeld, Lance Bass, Bernadette Peters, Tom Colicchio, Bill Cosby, Tim Allen, Patricia Heaton, Sarah Silverman, Holly Robinson-Peete and Rodney Peete, Jay Leno, Sean Astin, Jenny McCarthy and many more are going under the hammer.

George Clooney To Be Honored With Bob Hope Charity Award

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

George Clooney will receive a special humanitarian award at this year’s Emmys.

The actor will follow in the footsteps of Oprah and Bill Cosby when he is presented with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmys in August for his work raising awareness of genocide in Darfur with Not On Our Watch and the UN, as well as raising money for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was established in 2002.

Jennifer Lopez Tells Kids To Be Great For Charity

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Jennifer Lopez was in Times Square yesterday, June 10, to unveil a billboard as part of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America’s (BGCA) Be Great campaign.

The campaign – which was launched in 2008 – features a collection of celebrity alumni from the BGCA who have donated their childhood photos for advertising. Stars such as Denzel Washington, Martin Sheen, Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, Swin Cash, Bill Clinton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Smokey Robinson, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Usher, Courtney Vance, Mark Wahlberg, and Kerry Washington have all been part of the campaign.

Bill Cosby And Jason Alexander Eat Hot Dogs For Charity

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Veteran comedian Bill Cosby was spotted eating hot dogs for charity last week.

The actor was at Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs on La Brea Avenue on Thursday night to help celebrate its 70th anniversary and raise money for charity. The initiative – the brainchild of the eatery’s owners – was simple: for seven days starting at 7 p.m. their famous chili cheese dogs were sold for 70 cents for 70 minutes. The profits all went to charity.

Cosby wasn’t the only star munching down hot dogs for the event – others included Jason Alexander and mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Stars Sign Books For Charity Auction

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Eyebrows of rare book and signature collectors will rise this fall when an extraordinary collection with a tender mission will be available for an online auction beginning November 9-24, 2009.

Dubbed The Little Auction That Could, the 70+ collection includes signatures from some of the most iconic figures of our time, including President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling and Tiger Woods.

Passionate about education and literacy, volunteer mom Karla Preissman wanted to foster a love of reading among children living at Jensen Beach, Florida-based Hibiscus Children’s Center who have suffered from abuse and neglect. First, she helped create the Reef Library within the shelter and filled it with hundreds of books and resources. But that wasn’t enough…she wanted to make sure that these resources would be replenished and the library maintained and supported by staff that would help make literacy a key component to the healing received at the foster care center.

Bill Cosby Defends School Funding

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

“No more cuts!” comedian Bill Cosby cried out last week at a demonstration in Pennsylvania. A long-time proponent of the value of education for children, he joined State Governor Ed Rendell to call for more money for public schools instead of less.

Rendell is opposed to certain cutbacks suggested in the new state budget, nearly two months past its deadline, claiming that the budget must serve and educate children, not hurt them.

“The state budget impasse is really a fight for our children’s future,” he said in a statement. “I refuse to agree to a budget that makes devastating cuts in early childhood education and in school funding. While doing so might bring about a quick end to this impasse, it would come at the expense of the next generation of Pennsylvanians, and that would be the worst thing we could do for our economy in the long run.”

Join Jerry Seinfeld For A Night Of Charity Comedy

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The Owen Hart Foundation’s annual concert event will mark the tenth anniversary of the foundation and the work they do within the Calgary community. The organization is pleased to announce they will be presenting a very special and unforgettable evening with Jerry Seinfeld.

This extraordinary evening full of fun and laughter will punctuate The Owen Hart Foundation’s 10 years of humanitarian service and commitment to helping those with limited resources, but with unlimited potential. Performances at 6:30pm and 9:30pm are scheduled at The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on June 16, 2009.

“Over the years, The Owen Hart Foundation has unrelentingly endeavored to provide much needed funds for education and a variety of other invaluable social programs. With the ongoing support of so many wonderful Calgarians, The Owen Hart Foundation has proudly grown into a staple charity within the Calgary community and has also served as an incredible celebration of Owen Hart’s life. It has been this collective effort that has greatly contributed to the continued success of The Owen Hart Foundation,” stated Martha Hart, founder of the Owen Hart Foundation.

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

An exciting new charity auction has been launched featuring an unbelievable number of celebrity experiences.

Ever want to meet Oprah Winfrey? Hop in the pool for a swim lesson from Michael Phelps. Get fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn over lunch at Bryant Park Grill? Learn the arts of comedy and paper sales from Steve Carell on the set of the Office. How about talking politics with the most powerful woman in Washington, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, during a tour of the U.S. Capitol or crossing the aisle to discuss backyard BBQ recipes and foreign policy with Senator John McCain? See Iron Chef Bobby Flay in action at Kitchen Stadium? Make your Hollywood debut in Ridley Scott’s new “Robinhood” film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Seek enlightenment and meet Richard Gere with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC. Or ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction. With the help of CharityBuzz, the online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. The auction is open now and runs until December May 28th with new lots continuing to be added each and every day.

Usher Urges Youth To Be Great

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

As part of Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America’s (BGCA) new advocacy campaign — BE GREAT — five-time Grammy award winner, philanthropist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus Usher has unveiled a new billboard featuring his childhood picture and a call-to-action — BE ICONIC. Usher joins 25 prominent alumni in the new advocacy campaign to help increase public awareness and understanding about the positive impact of Clubs.

From academic failure and gang violence to poverty, drugs and obesity, America’s youth face a daunting array of problems — with serious consequences and fewer safety nets at home and in the community. According to a 2007 BGCA alumni survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 57 percent of alumni reported, “The Club saved my life,” while another 28 percent credited Boys & Girls Clubs with keeping them in school.

“Growing up in the Club, I had the chance to experience a lot of positive things; it helped reinforce the values I learned at home including good character, leadership and giving back to my community, my country and my world,” said Usher. “It’s where I developed my love of singing and performing, received help with my homework, and it’s where I found a safe place to go after school.”

Alicia Keys Celebrity Charity Auction To Support Keep A Child Alive

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Alicia Keys and many of her celebrity friends are coming together for a star-studded celebrity charity auction benefitting Keep A Child Alive.

The list of celebrity ambassadors for Keep a Child Alive is as extensive as it is impressive and they are urging others to support the fight against AIDS in Africa. Join Alicia and celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Bill Cosby, Britney Spears, Russell Crowe, Rachael Ray, Kirsten Dunst, Magic Johnson, Forest Whitaker, Jenny McCarthy, Josh Brolin, Denzel Washington, the NY Giants and many more as they come together to raise support and money for an inspiring cause.

Denzel Washington Urges Kids To Be Great

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Denzel Washington, Martin Sheen, and Shaquille O’Neal have lent their childhood photos to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America for a new advertising campaign.

The “BE GREAT” campaign launched last week, and aims to encourage volunteers to work at the clubs.

“What’s going on with children doesn’t worry me,” said the Oscar-winning actor. “What’s going on with adults worries me. If we are not more committed to these young people … they will go as far as we take them, so the onus is on us, not on the children. We’ve created this world for them, we are the ones that fall and we are the ones that can rectify it.”

Bill Cosby To Auction TV Sweaters

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:38:00 +0000

Does anyone remember Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable? Of course you do! He was the character played by Bill Cosby in The Cosby Show back in the 80s and 90s. And now you have the chance to relive that period of your life – and let’s face it, the 80s and 90s rocked – by buying some of Dr. Huxtable’s original costumes.

Some of Cosby’s legendary patterned sweaters that he wore in the long-running television hit will be auctioned off next month to benefit a charity set up in memory of the actor’s late son, and – OK, they may make you look like your Dad – the price is expected to be high, with opening bids starting at $5,000.

Proceeds will go to the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation, an education charity established in 1997 by the Cosby family to continue the legacy of Cosby’s son Ennis after his murder in Los Angeles.

Gary Cole Supports Autism Cause

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:36:56 +0000

Gary Cole, star of the upcoming HBO series “12 Miles of Bad Road”, has participated via video in a salute to the 38 families featured in a new book on an issue faced by millions of families around the world.

“Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge” has been compiled by Dr. Barbara Firestone, president and CEO of The Help Group, an organization that serves a wide range of special needs children. The salute took place on October 28 at The Help Group’s Sherman Oaks Campus in California and celebrated the new book, which features accounts and experiences of families affected by the challenges that autism can pose.

Gary Cole is The Help Group’s National Celebrity Spokesperson, and recently appeared on Larry King Live with Ed Asner, Toni Braxton, and Bill Cosby in a discussion on autism. The Coles, whose teenage daughter suffers from the condition, were also one of the 38 families featured in the “Autism Heroes” book.