Look To The Stars News: David Cook

David Cook To Run LA Marathon For Brain Cancer Charity

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

American Idol champion David Cook has announced he plans to run his first marathon and launch a fundraising campaign to help find a cure for brain cancer, which claimed his brother’s life two years ago.

Cook says he hopes to raise $100,000 leading up to the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on behalf of Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2).

Stars To Get A Taste For A Cure At Charity Event

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A host of stars are expected to attend UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center’s 16th annual Taste for a Cure event this week.

The event will be held at the Beverly Wilshire on Friday, April 15, with a guest list that includes Michael C. Hall, Laura Linney, Matthew Morrision, Julianne Hough, Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and honoree David Nevins (Showtime Networks President of Entertainment).

Nevins is a founding parent of the Larchmont Charter School, a socioeconomically diverse K-8 school based in Hollywood. He also serves on the board of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS), and has been engaged in numerous grassroots organizations in and around Los Angeles, including the Summer Night Lights gang reduction program and the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition, which distributes surplus food from businesses to individuals in need across the city.

David Cook To Perform Charity Gig For Brain Tumor Research

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

American Idol David Cook will perform a charity concert in Washington, DC at the Warner Theater on April 29th in support of brain tumor research and support services.

Concert proceeds will benefit the Race for Hope – DC 5k Run/Walk, Presented by Cassidy Turley – the country’s largest brain tumor community event. David Cook’s Team for a Cure has participated in the race for the last two years in memory of David’s brother who lost his battle to brain cancer.

The proceeds of the race benefit all those affected by brain tumors by equally supporting the collective programs of both Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2) and the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS). Each organization brings a unique approach to the fight against brain tumors. Together with race participants, this makes a powerful team.

Angelina Jolie Joins Celebrity Charity Auction In Kansas City

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Celebrities from around the world have donated items to be auctioned at the 2010 Kansas City Vocal Institute Charity Auction.

Items included in the auction have been provided by Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, Academy Award winners, and many other celebrities including Angelina Jolie, David Cook, Melissa Etheridge, Yo-Yo Ma, Tom Watson, Maya Angelou, and many more. These individuals support scholarships that provide free or greatly discounted music education through the Kansas City Vocal Institute. The scholarships provide underprivileged children and families in the Kansas City metropolitan area with free voice lessons, music theory instruction, and diction tutors for up to an entire year through the Kansas City Vocal Institute.

The auction features several unique items including several autographed film scores. John Williams has donated an autographed copy of the title theme from the film score “Star Wars”, which won four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar. James Horner has provided an autographed page from the “Avatar” film score and Randy Newman is auctioning a page from the “Toy Story 3” film score. All of the proceeds from each item will benefit their donor’s scholarship fund.

Music Legends Support Hungerthon Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Some of music’s legendary performers have come together as part of a special celebrity charity auction for Hungerthon.

Hungerthon was started in 1975 as a partnership between WhyHunger and Infinity Broadcasting and has since expanded to become an autumn radio tradition among the New York tri-state area radio stations in the CBS, Clear Channel and Emmis Radio Groups, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, with support from Citadel New York stations, Last.FM and more.

WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. WhyHunger was founded in 1975 by the singer-songwriter Harry Chapin and radio talk-show host and current Executive Director Bill Ayres.

Ryan Seacrest Chairs Taste For A Cure Charity Event

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is an honorary chairperson for The Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s 15th annual signature fundraiser, Taste for a Cure, on Friday, April 30, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Ted Harbert, President and CEO of Comcast Entertainment Group, will receive the 2010 Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award, and a live auction of extraordinary items will be led by Kevin Pollak and the evening will include a special musical performance by Jason Wade and Rick Woolstenhulme of Lifehouse.  

This year’s event will celebrate “The Wines of Stags Leap District,” world renowned for its signature Cabernet Sauvignon wines, and will feature signature dishes from Los Angeles’ premiere downtown restaurants. Since its inception, this event has featured the best in food, wine and entertainment in support of the fight against cancer.

Idol Gives Back To Charity With Celebrity Help

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

Idol Gives Back rocked television sets across the US last night to raise funds for charity, with a show that saw performances by Elton John and Alicia Keys, as well as the departure of another contestant.

American Idol contestant Tim Urban was voted off the special edition of the show that has already raised more than $15 million for charities such as the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Save the Children, the United Nations Foundation and Malaria No More.

Joining Elton, Alicia and the contestants live on the show were Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, Joss Stone, Mary J. Blige, The Black Eyed Peas and Jeff Beck. Taped segments were shown from Annie Lennox (who was unable to attend due to the Icelandic volcanic ash), Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, David Cook, Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Victoria Beckham and many others.

David Cook To Join Charity Race For Hope Again

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Certified Platinum recording artist and American Idol winner David Cook is lacing up for a very personal cause on Sunday, May 2 as he joins walkers, runners, activists and survivors at the 13th Annual Race for Hope – DC.

Cook has spoken on numerous occasions about his brother, Adam, who lost his valiant battle with brain cancer last year. This year, Cook returns to the Race for Hope – DC to remember his brother and send a message of hope and resilience to the families of 600,000 people living with a primary brain tumor diagnosis in the United States.

The 13th Annual Race for Hope – DC is one of the nation’s most inspirational and successful volunteer charity fundraising events, raising a record-breaking $2 million towards brain tumor research last year alone. Serving as honorary chair, Cook adds even more excitement to the annual event, which features a kids’ Fun Run, the Wall of Hope, and tributes to brain tumor survivors.

Elton John And Justin Bieber Added To Idol Gives Back

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Idol Gives Back – the charity extravaganza organized by American Idol – has announced two more acts for this year’s show on Wednesday, April 21.

Elton John and Justin Bieber will join the current lineup that includes Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Joss Stone, Mary J. Blige, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck.

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, Idol Gives Back has made history by raising over $140 million for charity to date. This year’s special will help raise awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities, including Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation. Viewers will once again be able to make donations during and following the show. In addition, the week’s voting results will be revealed, sending one of the finalists home.

Stars Announced For Idol Gives Back

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Emmy Award-winning Idol Gives Back welcomes Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck as performers on this year’s event, airing Wednesday, April 21.

So far this year, Jennifer Garner has already recorded a segment, and David Cook has visited Ethiopia for the show.

David Cook Visits Ethiopia For Idol Gives Back

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Season 7 winner of American Idol David Cook has arrived in Ethiopia as a guest of the United Nations Foundation to learn about the challenges adolescent girls face in many parts of the world.

While in Ethiopia, Cook will visit the United Nations’ Biruh Tesfa (Bright Future) Project to see firsthand how the UN Foundation is supporting the work of the UN to educate and empower girls. Footage of Cook’s trip to Ethiopia will be featured during Idol Gives Back, the Emmy-winning television event and musical celebration developed by American Idol creator Simon Fuller, on Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.  

“Once again, we are proud to join with the Idol Gives Back Foundation, FOX, and American Idol to help raise awareness about the work of the United Nations,” said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation. “One of our top priorities is to advocate for women and girls around the world. Too many girls growing up in developing countries are not able to attend school or have access to healthcare services. The UN needs our support to advance the well-being of women and girls around the globe. Supporting girls around the world is one of the smartest ways to help build a better future for us all.”

Colin Farrell To Attend Charity Evening With The Stars

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

FAST, The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, will host an “Evening with the Stars” on Saturday, December 5, to benefit research toward a cure for the rare neurological disorder, Angelman Syndrome (AS).

Gala attendees are set to include actor and Golden Globe Winner Colin Farrell and singer/songwriter Regie Hamm, both of whom have been touched by AS through the diagnoses of their children. Hamm, who won the 2008 American Idol Songwriter competition, will also perform his hit, “Time of My Life,” which became a smash hit single for Idol winner David Cook.

An evening of fun and entertainment, attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception, four-course dinner, dancing and silent auction; sponsored in part by FAST corporate sponsors LexisNexis and Innovative Mag-Drive. The proceeds raised throughout the night will be donated for research dedicated to finding a cure for Angelmen Syndrome, a disorder that is often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy and/or mental retardation.

David Cook Races In Memory Of Brother

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Last year’s American Idol winner, David Cook, served as the grand marshal for the ‘Race for Hope 5K’ in Washington D.C. during the weekend, and announced some sad news to his fans.

“I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else right now,” Cook told the crowd at the event. “By running and sharing my brother’s story, I hope that it offers those still fighting that much more resolve to not succumb to this wretched disease.”

Cook’s brother Adam had been battling brain cancer for over a decade, and David decided to carry on with the race to raise awareness of those still battling brain tumors.

David Cook Laces Up For Brain Cancer Run

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Last year’s American Idol winner, David Cook, will serve as the grand marshal for the ‘Race for Hope 5K’ on May 3, in Washington D.C., which benefits brain cancer research.

Cook’s brother Adam has been battling brain cancer for over a decade, so its no surprise that Cook is lacing up his shoes and running with his own team which has already raised more than $40,000.

“He wants nothing from us at all,” race co-chair Jeff Kolodin told People.com. “This transcends fame and money and everything else. He just wants to help the cause.”

James Taylor To Headline Musicians On Call Benefit

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Musicians on Call has announced Grammy award winner James Taylor as the headliner for their 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction which will take place at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square on February 24, 2009. The exclusive V.I.P. event will include a red carpet, with special appearances by artists and celebrities committed to the cause.

As music and philanthropy are at the core of the brand, Hard Rock International has partnered with Musicians on Call for the benefit event, helping the charity to continue its mission of room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities.

In partnership with Hard Rock International, Musician on Call’s 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction will kick off Hard Rock’s month-long March On Stage charitable celebration. March On Stage is a global live music series featuring both iconic and emerging artists as a philanthropic initiative to support music healing organizations. Committed to its “Love All, Serve All” creed, Hard Rock will donate proceeds from its March on Stage events in North America to Musicians On Call.

Martha Stewart Gets Celeb Friends To Sign Decorations

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:00:00 +0000

An eclectic array of stars, including Dido, The Wiggles, James Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Pink, and Joss Stone, have signed Christmas ornaments for Martha Stewart’s new charity auction.

Stewart’s Sirius Radio show launched the auction this week to benefit the Taste of the NFL, an organization that raises money and awareness for hunger organizations.

Other stars to join in the fun include Howard Stern, David Archuleta, the Kaiser Chiefs, Jane Krakowski, Nigella Lawson, Quincy Jones, Elle Macpherson, Tom Arnold, Jacqueline Bisset, David Cook, Nickelback, Jamie Oliver, Lee Ann Womack, and many more.

David Cook Does The Wright Thing

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000

American Idol season 7 winner David Cook used his incredible talent to help raise money while performing Wednesday night at the ‘Do The Wright Thing Gala’ held at Hard Rock Café in NYC.

The fourth annual ‘Do The Wright Thing Gala’ was held to benefit Major League Baseball player David Wright’s charitable foundation. While Cook performed “Heroes”, “Life on the Moon”, “Light On,” and others, guests were privy to a silent/live auction, a full buffett and a ton of smiles.

The annual gala is one of the primary fundraisers for the David Wright Foundation and has helped pave the way for Wright to gain a reputation as one of the baseball’s foremost philanthropists, earning him a nomination for baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award.

American Idol Gives Back $67 Million

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:30:00 +0000

David Beckham, Bono, Annie Lennox and Carrie Underwood have all accepted cheques from April’s Idol Gives Back event on behalf of the charities they support.

The show raised over US$67 million for charities such as the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“I saw first hand with my visit to Sierra Leone with UNICEF last year how devastating malaria can be to a country,” said Beckham, who was presented with US$12 million by Idol winner David Cook on behalf of Malaria No More. “This money will help buy millions of bed nets and also protect many people, particularly the young children who are most vulnerable.”

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

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

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.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

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

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 Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

More Stars Stand Up To Cancer

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Stand Up To Cancer has announced another selection of stars that will take part in their television extravaganza on September 5.

Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, and Scarlett Johansson have been confirmed to join Meryl Streep, David Cook, and Christina Applegate in appearing on the primetime television event that hopes to raise funds for cancer research. Lance Armstrong has already filmed a segment that will be shown during the one hour event which will be broadcast simultaneously on ABC, CBS and NBC.

Organizer Sherry Lansing is pleased with the celebrity support the event is getting, and is grateful for their assistance.

David Cook Raises Cancer Funds

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:32:00 +0000

American Idol winner David Cook is to perform at a California charity event to raise money for cancer research.

The 13th annual Taste For A Cure event will be held on June 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, to raise money for the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation at UCLA, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising private funds for highest priority cancer research.

The event – a wine and food tasting reception followed by a seated dinner with creations by award-winning chefs – will be hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel and will honor Fox Broadcasting Company President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly with the Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award.

Robin Hood Gets Merry For Charity!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:32:00 +0000

The stars came out for the Robin Hood Foundation’s annual fundraising gala last week, in an evening that shone, sparkled, and made the charity millions of dollars.

About 4,000 people gathered at the event held at the Javits Center in New York, including rapper Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Tom Brokaw, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, and American Idol winner David Cook. The proceeds from the event, which included an auction, will go to more than 240 poverty-fighting programs in the city, including Abraham House in the South Bronx, which offers social services to relatives of prison inmates; the Children’s Defense Fund, which seeks better access to health care for poor children, and Broadway Housing Communities, which provides shelter for the homeless or the mentally ill.

The auction was co-hosted by Conan O’Brien, and the evening also featured performances by Shakira, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend.

David Cook - An Idol Worth Idolizing

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:36:00 +0000

American Idol’s David Cook was already acting like an ‘idol’ before he was crowned the winner of season seven. Just days before the season finale, Cook dropped everything and went to the hospital to visit his fellow top 24 contestant Luke Menard, who had just been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I love Luke and I just wanted to show up and make sure that he understood that I love him and know that if there’s anything I can do for him and his wife, sign me up, you know?” Cook said. “Luke, Michael Johns, Jason Yeager and myself, we kind of buddied up one day at Hollywood week. We called ourselves the Four Horsemen. Any time one of your own is going through something as horrible as that, it makes everything else seem a little bit insignificant.”

Cook is no stranger to cancer, as his older brother Adam has been battling brain cancer for ten years.