Look To The Stars News: Bill Cosby

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.

She came up with an idea. Why not ask famous people what books inspired them as a child and ask them to simply sign their names in a copy that would be auctioned for the benefit of Hibiscus Children’s Center? What started off as a simple request has mushroomed into a wildly varied and fascinating glimpse of what some of the most famous people on the planet believed to be a motivating book from childhood. Other iconic figures, such as President Barack Obama, signed a book symbolic of his time in office—a first edition pop-up White House children’s book.

Author and poet Maya Angelou submitted three signed books, one coming from her personal library called Story of Phillis Wheatley detailing the life of a slave turned poet during the American Revolution. How do you place a value on a collectible item like that?

Other stars who have taken part include Hugh Hefner, Sean Connery, Arnold Palmer, Andy Roddick, Chris Evert, Katie Couric, Jay Leno, Jeff Probst, Bill Cosby, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Ann Womack, Tori Amos, Carrie Underwood, Donald Trump and many more.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based antiquarian book dealer and appraiser Robert Hittel believes, “Owning one or more books from this eclectic collection would be the cornerstone of anyone’s collection.”

For the complete listing of signed books and information about bidding, click here. To see the collection firsthand, visit the exhibition at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida beginning November 6 through November 29, 2009.

Founded in 1985, Hibiscus Children’s Center is a non profit organization that addresses abuse and neglect issues throughout the Florida Treasure Coast. Programs include Foster Care, parental support, counseling for families in crisis and services to reunite children with their families, when appropriate. Click here for more info on this charity.

Bill Cosby Defends School Funding

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

“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.”

Cosby’s perspective is also on economics and the future as he recognizes the progress demonstrated by Pennsylvania’s climbing student test scores. Cosby believes that educating children keeps them off the streets and out of jails.

“Why would you want to take money from the success story and pull back on it so that they will start to enter prison?” he said, claiming that educating a child costs taxpayers less than $5000 a year while incarcerating a person costs $33,000.

“Pennsylvania deserves to have a budget in place quickly,” said Rendell, “but none of us will be satisfied unless it is the right plan for our state’s future.”

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.

The Owen Hart Foundation has presented legendary performers such as Bob Newhart, Neil Sedaka, Paul Anka, Bill Cosby and Howie Mandel. These events have helped The Owen Hart Foundation raise much needed funds and awareness so they can continue their work within the Calgary community. “Thank you Calgary for 10 years of unwavering support. I have wholly appreciated it to the highest degree, and look forward to seeing many of you on June 16th for The Owen Hart Foundation’s special evening with Jerry Seinfeld,” stated Martha Hart.

“It is a real honor to be in a position to produce Mr. Jerry Seinfeld on behalf of CIBC and The Owen Hart Foundation. Mr. Seinfeld traditionally manages and directs his own events, but has graciously agreed to work with our team and The Owen Hart Foundation because of the courageous and unselfish work done by Martha Hart and The Owen Hart Foundation has done in Calgary and the world over the last ten years,” stated David Howard, President of The Event Group.

Tickets to CIBC’s presentation of An Evening with Jerry Seinfeld in support of The Owen Hart Foundation are available at Ticketmaster (403) 777-0000 or online here.

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.

Other Auction Highlights include: Visit Ben Stiller or Robert DeNiro on the set of the next installment of the “Fockers” movies. A one hour singing lesson with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Spend a “Day of Fashion” at NY Fashion Week with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. Grab lunch at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills with Warren Beatty. Prepared to be mystified during a private magic show from David Blaine. Watch a taping of The Rachael Ray Show and go backstage. Launch your fashion career interning at Diane Von Furstenberg’s NY studio. Hone your blogging skills with an internship at the Huffington Post. Attend the “Dancing With the Stars” finale or catch a dance lesson with former contestant and NFL linebacker, Jason Taylor. Visit the set of “HOUSE” and meet the cast including star Hugh Laurie. Have dinner with Bill Cosby at “Bouley” in NYC and take home signed copies of his recent book and 4 bottles of wine from his private collection. Score tickets to the World Series, Final Four and U.S. Open. VIP tickets to watch the Washington Capitols or Boston Bruins and a catch a ride on the zamboni. Watch the New England Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Owner’s Box. Meet Jennifer Hudson and watch her concert in Nashville. Catch lunch with Regis Philbin, Charles Grodin and Alan Alda. Visit the set of your favorite news shows and meet the hosts including ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live (and bring home a signed pair of Larry’s trademark suspenders), CNBC’s “Mad Money with Jim Cramer”, NBC’s “Meet the Press”, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and “The Rachel Maddow Show”, Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor” and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. Or hang out with David Foster and friends such as Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Buble in his recording studio.

To access the auction, click here.

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.”

In addition to unveiling the billboard, Usher recently visited the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta where he was greeted by screams from more than 200 young members. He addressed the crowd with a simple message: “work hard to achieve your goals and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.” During his visit he taped a short film about the positive impact the Club played in his life, which will be the first of several films of prominent alumni for BGCA. The film will debut on BGCA’s Web site www.BeGreatAmerica.org in May, and will also appear on BGCA’s social networking pages including Facebook and YouTube.

Other Club alumni joining Usher in the BE GREAT advocacy campaign include: Academy award-winning actor and national spokesperson for BGCA – Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Ashanti, Swin Cash, Gen. Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O’Neal, Smokey Robinson, Martin Sheen, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

On May 14, Usher will be inducted into BGCA’s prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame (AHOF) at the organization’s 103rd National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are very excited about Usher joining our BE GREAT campaign and the awareness he will bring to the effectiveness of our generation-changing programs,” said BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett. “He is a shining example of the impact of Clubs, and we are so proud of the great things he has gone on to accomplish.”

Usher will collaborate with BGCA and other alumni to urge the country’s political and business leaders to make the young people of America a priority and encourage every citizen to make a difference by supporting organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs — ensuring that every child has a safe, supervised and structured environment during the critical after-school hours.

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.

The celebrity-inspired auction features numerous items that have been generously donated by some of Hollywood’s most talented and brightest stars with big hearts. Bidders have a chance to win hot items such as VIP tickets to the Black Ball hosted by Alicia Keys and Iman.

This auction package ends Monday, November 10th, so make sure to get your high bid in early. Other auction packages include autographed American Gangster posters and scripts from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, signed High School Musical poster from Vanessa Hudgens, 2 signed DVD’s of the Nanny Diaries from Scarlett Johansson, a signed Alex Rodriguez jersey, spending a day with Bonnie and Thor, the reigning King and Queen of Tweens, signed Brooks & Dunn jean jacket and photograph, a signed “How I Met Your Mother” script from Britney Spears, and many more items from celebrities such as Marlon Wayans, Mariska Hargitay, Rick Fox, Tyler Perry, Channing Tatum, the Cheetah Girls, Ryan Seacrest, Dwayne Wade, Julian McMahon and others! This group of auction packages and many others end on November 15th.

This auction is crucial for saving the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. AIDS is a growing epidemic in Africa and has left nearly 13 million children orphans, young mothers without children, and husband’s without wives. The proceeds from this auction will help provide communities with life-saving medication, support, and orphan care to keep children and families alive. Keep a Child Alive is a global initiative to help those who cannot help themselves; bidders are urged to take a stand against this fatal disease and help make a difference.

For more information and to view all the lots, visit www.auctionwire.com/keepachildalive.

Denzel Washington Urges Kids To Be Great

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

All of the stars involved in the new campaign attended Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs as children, and include 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.

“As someone whose life was changed dramatically by the Boys & Girls Club, I can think of no better organization to lead the country in addressing the pressing needs of today’s young people,” said Washington. “I also believe that as adults, we must assume responsibility for many of the conditions that are preventing our young people from achieving their full potential.”

The full advertising campaign can be seen at the BE GREAT website.

Bill Cosby To Auction TV Sweaters

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“My mother and father were going through a storage closet, and I happened to be there and pounced on these sweaters,” explained Evin Cosby, who is a board member of Hello Friend. “I told them that the price of what some of these sweaters might sell for could make a big difference in the lives of thousands of children.”

The auction runs from June 2-12, and can be accessed via www.ebay.com/cosby.

Gary Cole Supports Autism Cause

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

Written by Regina Walton

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.

In the video clip, Gary and Teddi Cole spoke of the importance of access to quality information and the importance of speaking openly about autism, as there is still a stigma surrounding the disorder. In addition, the Coles wrote one of the forwards to the “Autism Heroes” book.

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