Look To The Stars News: David Cook

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.

“We are excited about the progress we’ve made in helping to find a cure for Angelman Syndrome,” said Paula Evans, founder and chairperson of FAST. “Because this disease is so often misdiagnosed, it’s important for us to raise awareness and funds to continue the great strides we’ve already achieved. We hope to surpass last year’s success with yet another fantastic evening.”

“The families involved with FAST have created a strong support network while tirelessly assisting those dedicated to finding a cure. I’m extremely proud to support such an inspiring organization,” said Farrell.

FAST will kick-off the evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago located at 151 East Wacker Drive in Chicago. Individual tickets are $150 or a table for ten can be purchased for $1,500. For more information or to purchase tickets, corporate sponsorships or program advertising, please visit www.CureAngelman.org.

David Cook Races In Memory Of Brother

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“My brother, Adam, passed away at 11:52pm Eastern, May 2nd,” Cook wrote on his website. "He was 37 years old and leaves behind his wife and two children. We had played Sunfest in West Palm Beach that night, walking off stage at approximately 11:00pm Eastern, and I rushed to get on a plane to fly to Washington D.C., to be a part of the Race For Hope-D.C., a fundraiser for research and development of a cure for brain cancer. I learned of Adam’s passing upon getting to my hotel around 3:00am Eastern. I decided to run in the race, despite all of this…

“I want to again thank everyone who donated to the race and continues to donate, sent a kind email, posted thoughts and prayers, called, etc. I take it as affirmation that my brother was the great man that I knew, and whose ideals I constantly try to uphold in myself. It is with those ideals in tow that I vow to continue to speak out in hopes of raising whatever necessary to help eliminate cancer entirely.”

To watch a video of David Cook’s speech at the Race For Hope, click here.

David Cook Laces Up For Brain Cancer Run

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.”

Cook, who will be on tour during the event, will leave his West Palm Beach, Fla., concert Saturday night, May 2, and fly in to D.C. around 3 a.m. Sunday. He’ll get about four hours sleep before the race, and the following day he’ll hop another flight to his next tour stop.

“The opportunity to become involved in such a worthwhile cause is paramount for me and my family. I don’t run normally, but it seems a small sacrifice compared to what those who have fought cancer have endured,” Cook told People. “And the fact that my fans have rallied to raise so much in donations is the biggest compliment.”

“When I was competing to win American Idol, I came to understand the power of grassroots support,” he continued on his official website. “I strongly believe this same enthusiasm is the key to unlocking a cure for brain cancer. Just as America rallied around me last spring, I hope we can all rally together to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.”

For information about how to support Cook in the race, click here.

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.

“Musicians On Call’s campaign to bring music straight to the bedsides of patients in hospitals would not be able to continue to expand without the donations made at our annual event.” says Leslie Faerstein, Executive Director Musicians On Call. “It’s an exciting night made even more special by a performance by James Taylor. The impact of this one night has a profound effect throughout the rest of the year improving the health and spirits of thousands of patients one song and one bed at a time.”

For the past four years, the Musicians On Call Benefit Concert & Auction has produced the most exciting and rewarding experiences for music fans bringing the best in music to the stage of their events and exciting items to their auctions. Following are just a few items that will be available for bidding at www.musiciansoncall.org beginning on February 10th: a one-hour personal painting lesson from the renowned entertainer and revered painter Tony Bennett at his private studio in New York City; a visit to the set of Nickelodeon’s hit series iCarly; and autographed guitars from Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Loggins, Black Crows, Kings Of Leon, Kanye West, David Cook, & Brooks & Dunn.

The annual Musicians On Call Benefit Concerts have raised over a million dollars for the organization in the past four years; helping them to continue their mission of bringing music to patients in healthcare facilities. While aiding Musicians On Call, lucky music fans have walked away with a myriad of signed guitars and other treasures including a signed 1952 reissued Telecaster from Bruce Springsteen, a played harmonica from the Johnny Cash Estate, time in the studio with Maroon 5, artwork from John Lennon, and a signed basketball from Justin Timberlake.

Tickets for this unparalleled benefit with a special performance by James Taylor are available at www.musiciansoncall.org.

Martha Stewart Gets Celeb Friends To Sign Decorations

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

The auction – which runs until December 12 – can be accessed through eBay.

David Cook Does The Wright Thing

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

Cook’s self-titled album officially drops on Nov. 18. “The record is different from what people saw on ‘American Idol.’ I was able to make a rock record that to me is eclectic. But I don’t think I have completely alienated the people who supported me,” said Cook. “I wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the album. I was involved with everything — the music, lyrics and I helped design the art on the CD. I wanted it to be a very accurate definition of who I am.”

American Idol Gives Back $67 Million

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-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.”

Annie Lennox was also delighted to receive $500,000 for the Treatment Action Campaign.

“This is just to express my gratitude to everyone on Idol Gives Back, for putting together a show with a difference, and for inviting me to be part of it,” she said in a statement. “Because of this event, and the generosity of the viewers, who donated so kindly, I have been able to hand over a cheque for the amazing sum of $500,000 to Treatment Action Campaign, in South Africa. I can assure everyone that every single dollar contributed will go to excellent use, in the work to educate, assist and support people living on the frontline of the HIV/Aids pandemic, many of whom are women and children. Thank you so much.”

Bono received US$10 million on behalf of the Global Fund For AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The Global Fund will keep thousands of people safe from HIV/AIDS because American Idol has donated $10 million,” said the U2 frontman. “That’s YOU people, who sent in your hard earned cash.”

The Idol Gives Back show featured appearances and performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Sheila E., Fergie, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Britney Spears, who couldn’t be at the event, donate $25,000 to the cause.

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.

More Stars Stand Up To Cancer

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“It hasn’t been hard getting celebrity involvement,” she told Look To The Stars. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and they want to stand up, just like everyone else.”

A star-studded PSA for the event – featuring Christy Turlington, Tobey Maguire, Susan Sarandon, Morgan Freeman, Keanu Reeves, and Casey Affleck – can be viewed here.

David Cook Raises Cancer Funds

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Tickets and more information are available at www.tasteforacure.com.

Fans of David Cook should also head over to eBay for a special charity auction benefiting the American Cancer Society in support of the singer’s brother, who is fighting brain cancer.

A signed guitar and three T-shirts are up for offer in the auction, which ends on June 17.

The Fender Telecaster guitar has a starting bid of $300, and was given to Cook’s last band, the Midwest Kings, and was signed in 2008 during the American Idol’s homecoming visit to Blue Springs, Missouri. The T-shirts feature a graphic with David Cook singing on American Idol. All three shirts are size large, and bids are already over $41.

The auction can be accessed at eBay.

Robin Hood Gets Merry For Charity!

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“Every single penny raised tonight goes to help people claw their way out of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said David Saltzman, Robin Hood’s executive director. “Despite what’s going on in the economy, people who are in a position to help others step up, and during tough times they step up even more.”

David Cook - An Idol Worth Idolizing

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

“Cancer,” Cook says, “is a very big part of my existence. I’m excited to be put in [the spotlight] where I can hopefully do something to help other people.”

Recently, Cook also appeared on Larry King Live, where he insisted on ending the show by looking into the camera and telling Luke Menard his thoughts were with him during the win.

David Cook has 17 songs on the top 200 Hot Digital Songs chart. His hit list includes: “Time Of My Life,” “Dream Big,” and his covers of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” Collective Soul’s “The World I Know,” Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”

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