Look To The Stars News: Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver And Carl Lewis Are Best Buddies For Charity

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Maria Shriver and Carl Lewis invite you to take part in a charity event to benefit Best Buddies International.

The sixth annual Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle will take place on September 12. Participants can select from a 100, 62, 35 or 15-mile bike ride down the majestic Pacific Coast Highway, or a 3K walk or 5K run led by Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. Following your challenge, pick up your event gift bag, relax with a professional massage, and refuel at an all-you-can-eat gourmet barbecue while enjoying a private concert by Ciara!

Best Buddies is an organization that aims to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

To find out more about the event, click here.

Eunice Shriver's Charity Legacy

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eunice Shriver – founder of the Special Olympics – has died at the age of 88.

The fifth of nine children and sister of John F Kennedy, Shriver led a life of service to the community that she handed down to her children. Her daughter, Maria Shriver, is the First Lady of California and is married to Arnold Schwarzenegger. She runs the annual Women’s Conference in California. Her son, Bobby Shriver, is well known for co-founding the organizations DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa), the ONE Campaign and (RED) with U2 lead singer Bono. Her other sons are also leaders in philanthropy: Timothy Shriver is the Chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics; Mark Shriver is the Vice-President and Managing Director of U.S. Programs for Save the Children; and Anthony Shriver is the founder of Best Buddies International.

Awarded the US Medal of Freedom in 1984, Eunice Shriver was a founder of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community of Caring in the 1960s. But it was her work with the Special Olympics for which she will be remembered. Her work with the disabled started early – In 1962, she started a day camp, known as Camp Shriver, for children with intellectual disabilities at her home in Potomac, Maryland. From there, she promoted the concept of competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Camp Shriver became an annual event, and the Kennedy Foundation (of which Shriver was Executive Vice President) regularly gave grants to universities, recreation departments and community centers to hold similar camps. In 1968, Shriver was approached to help fund a huge Olympic-style athletic competition for over 1000 people with special needs. The Special Olympics were born, and today it involves over 2.5 million in 180 countries.

Her family released the following thoughts reflecting on her life:

“Inspired by her love of God, her devotion to her family, and her relentless belief in the dignity and worth of every human life, she worked without ceasing — searching, pushing, demanding, hoping for change. She was a living prayer, a living advocate, a living center of power. She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more.

“She founded the movement that became Special Olympics, the largest movement for acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in the history of the world. Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe, and they in turn are her living legacy. We have always been honored to share our mother with people of good will the world over who believe, as she did, that there is no limit to the human spirit. At this time of loss, we feel overwhelmed by the gifts of prayer and support poured out to us from so many who loved her.

“We are together in our belief that she is now in heaven, rejoicing with her family, enjoying the fruits of her faith, and still urging us onward to the challenges ahead. Her love will inspire us to faith and service always.”

Annual Women's Conference To Attract Big Names

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Maria Shriver will once again host the annual Women’s Conference in October, and tickets go on sale on July 13.

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

“I am honored to again be hosting what has become the nation’s premier forum for women, where the world’s greatest hearts and minds convene every year to empower women to find a common purpose, be united by a shared conversation, and see themselves as a collective WE,” said Shriver. “This year, I am urging women to take time to explore their deepest hopes and aspirations, and I hope they leave the conference with a better sense of just who they want to be — and the knowledge of how to get there.”

This year’s event is expected to feature a plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders who will endeavor to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Last year’s event included appearances by Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Russell Simmons and a special performance by Bonnie Raitt. This year will see Cindy McCain, Elizabeth Edwards, Katie Couric, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Kelly Preston, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and racing driver Danica Patrick among the featured speakers.

To find out more about the event – to be held on October 26 and 27 at the Long Beach Convention Center – visit the official website.

Tom Brady Bikes For Best Buddies

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

Quarterback of the New England Patriots of the National Football League, Tom Brady, joined Best Buddies International on the weekend of May 30 as honorary chairman of the Best Buddies bike challenge ride of Boston.

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge (ABBC) cycling event and the Carl Lewis Walk/Run Challenge are exciting adventures along a challenging and beautiful course, with active participation and inclusion of athletes with intellectual disabilities, that ends with a star-studded celebrity criterium race. 100% of the money raised by participants benefits Best Buddies International in carrying out its mission of providing friends and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.

The ABBC weekend has the feel of a big family gathering, as participants, celebrities and new buddies ride side-by-side. The ride finishes with a one-of-a-kind post-ride party, including a concert and dinner. Past concert performers range from The Black Eyed Peas, Jon Bon Jovi, Marc Anthony to The B52’s!

Past notable guests at Best Buddies events include athletes like Carl Lewis, as well as celebrities Cindy Crawford, Robert DeNiro and Kevin Spacey, to name just a few!

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing friends and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 middle school, high school and college campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute services that estimate a value of $70 million – at no cost to the community.

Today, Best Buddies programs annually impact the lives of more than 350,000 volunteers and people with intellectual disabilities in hundreds of communities around the world.

Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, Miss Teen USA Stevi Perry, The Brady Brunch actress Maureen McCormick and Mini Me movie star Verne Troyer also got into gear for the ride to aid people with intellectual disabilities.

If you missed out on the Boston Best Buddies ride with Tom Brady, there’ll be another in LA with Maria Shriver in September.

Celebrities Join African First Ladies At Health Conference

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fifteen first ladies from African nations have joined a host of celebrities in attending a two-day summit in Los Angeles on health, women’s issues and HIV/AIDS.

The conference – organized by U.S. Doctors for Africa (USDFA) and the African Synergy Against AIDS and Suffering, a nonprofit organization formed by 22 first ladies from Africa – will feature appearances by Hillary Clinton, Maria Shriver (wife of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jessica Alba, Natalie Cole, Sharon Stone, Kristin Davis, Maria Bello, Diane Lane, Blair Underwood, Joely Fisher, Lawrence Bender, Pras Michel, Wolfgang Puck, Steven Seagal, Selita Ebanks (VS model), Vince Young (NFL QB), Robert Horry (former Laker), Emeka Okafor (NBA Player) and the first ladies from Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Swaziland and Zambia.

“Empowering Africa’s first ladies is an innovative approach to bettering the lives of millions of Africans,” said USDFA Chairman Ted Alemayhu. “The summit will pair these leaders with U.S. experts, key political figures and important organizations to create ongoing partnerships.”

Maria Shriver To Be Honored For Commitment To At-Risk Families And Youth

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

California First Lady Maria Shriver will be honored for her commitment to “empowering, educating and inspiring youth and at-risk families” at the 6th Brass Rings Awards Dinner on April 16th.

Funds raised from the dinner, held by the United Friends of the Children at the Beverly Hills Hotel, will benefit foster youth who participate in the group’s housing and education programs. This year’s dinner will also celebrate UFC’s 30th Anniversary of providing foster youth in Los Angeles County with the resources necessary to finish high school, prepare for college, and develop skills to live independently. Support services are also provided to the 2,000+ current and former foster children that work with the organization; while participants develop the skills necessary to address their most immediate needs, youth are also provided a supportive environment in which they can address issues relevant to their emotional well-being and sense of identity and self-esteem.

The First Lady recently expanded her WE Connect Campaign, a “public/private partnership designed to help California’s working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources.” The initiative seeks to make information about vital resources ranging from tax preparation assistance to help locating local job fairs and tips for financial empowerment readily available through the website’s accessible format as well through community events, media partnerships, and workplace “development centers.” Stemming from the predicament that many miss opportunities for advancing their goals simply because of a lack of awareness about existing resources, the WE Connect Campaign was started to bridge the gap between providers and they people they serve, thus empowering California’s working families to obtain the resources they need to advance their lives.

Shriver has also lent her support to causes that have built playgrounds and created open spaces for children, and serves on numerous boards for organizations such as the International Board for the Special Olympics, and the Women’s Conference.

Visit the official website for the United Friends of the Children and learn how to make a difference in the lives of LA’s foster youth here .

Stars Sign Hardhats For Charity Auction

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has launched an online auction at Clothes Off Our Back featuring hardhats signed by celebrity volunteers and supporters of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity.

The hardhats are signed and decorated by music, television and film stars including: Green Day, Ricky Martin, Linkin Park, U2, Justin Timberlake, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and many more. The auction will run through March 6 with 100% of the proceeds helping to build more affordable homes in Greater Los Angeles.

“Through our non-profit organization, [”Music for Relief":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/551-music-for-relief], and our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity we have had the opportunity to not only sponsor homes, but also to go and build the houses ourselves, and to meet the families that were moving into them," said Dave “Phoenix” Farrell of Linkin Park. “We hope this hardhat auction will raise awareness for Habitat’s mission and help raise funds for families in need.”

In 2007 Habitat for Humanity kicked off its “Building a Greater Los Angeles” campaign to build and renovate 250 more homes. In conjunction with the “Building a Greater Los Angeles” Gala held last fall, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity held a successful online auction with VIP experiences and signed memorabilia donated by celebrity supporters, which raised over $75,000. Following the success of the first online auction, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity began outreach to high profile supporters, as well as new supporters, who wanted to support Habitat’s mission which resulted in more than 70 signed hardhats. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver were among those who autographed hardhats to help kick off this auction.

“I have had the chance to personally give the keys to several families moving into homes sponsored by the Ricky Martin Foundation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an organization I’ve been involved with for many years. I’ve been fortunate enough to see with my own eyes the difference a home makes in the life of a child,” said Ricky Martin. “Now, by simply bidding on an item in an auction, you have the chance to change lives and build hope.”

“Los Angeles continues to rank last in housing affordability and this kind of support helps us raise awareness, as well as much needed funding, to help low income families live in safe, decent homes,” said Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. “These hardhats are very special as most were signed the day of an actual build and we are thrilled to receive these fun and generous donations.”

Other stars to sign the hard hats include: Chris Pine, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Gavin Rossdale, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Josh Groban, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ne-Yo, the Pussycat Dolls, Taylor Swift, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. A complete list of celebrity supporters of this auction can be found at the auction site.

Jennifer Lopez Announces New Foundation Plans At Women's Conference

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

This year’s annual Women’s Conference, hosted by Maria Shriver, drew record crowds in Long Beach this week.

The conference – which aims to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery – kicked off with a “once in a lifetime conversation” between Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger and billionaire Warren Buffett, and went on to feature passionate speeches from Jennifer Lopez, Sally Field, Bono (see video here), Bonnie Raitt, Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Tony Blair’s wife Cherie, and many more.

“I stand before you as someone who loves being a woman,” said Lopez. "I love that when life hands us our greatest challenges, we look up and realize that capacity. I love the fellowship we’re sharing here today…

“My dream is to launch a foundation to help the well being of all women. I decided after a lot of talks with my sister, Linda, when the time was right we would create an organization that would empower women and children. Empowering them to have their voices heard, to have the type of schools they deserve, the healthcare they deserve. Empowering them to demand change. Nothing more empowering than the love of a woman, a mother, a grandmother, a wife. Every single one of us deserves the best life has to offer.

“My foundation will prioritize the importance of empowerment. I have lots of big dreams and envision big changes toward proper healthcare, prenatal care, pediatric care. And that, coming together in the biggest possible way is what I believe women are capable of.

“Don’t ever doubt that you can accomplish more than you thought you ever could.”

Video highlights of the conference can be found here.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

The gala will feature performances from Josh Groban, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and many more under the music direction of David Foster. The guest list is expected to be huge, with stars such as Tom Arnold, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas, Halle Berry, Valerie Bertinelli, Lara Flynn Boyle, Bo Derek, Geena Davis, Daisy Fuentes, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, Anjelica Huston, Magic Johnson, Dr. Phil McGraw, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Nicole Richie, Jane Seymour, Nicollette Sheridan, Forest Whitaker and James Woods all expected to attend. Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier will take part in Denzel Washington’s presentation.

The evening will feature a silent auction that includes an array of eco-friendly shirts donated by Guess and signed by Jason Bateman, Halle Berry, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Cuba Gooding Jr., Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Lee, Jared Leto, Bill Maher, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson, Ray Romano, Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Stewart, Usher and many more. There will also be handbags signed by Joan Collins, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Dakota Fanning, Mariska Hargitay, Fergie, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and Racquel Welch, as well as items from Trace Adkins, P. Diddy, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andie MacDowell, Alyssa Milano, Eva Longoria, Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, Denise Richards, Joel Madden, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Carrie Underwood and many more.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Jenny McCarthy And Jim Carrey Host Autism Fundraiser

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey hosted a celebrity-studded fundraiser for autism research on Saturday night.

The gala raised money for Generation Rescue – an autism support charity established in 2005 of which McCarthy is a board member – and featured a large number of high-profile guests, including Britney Spears, Charlie Sheen, and Rose McGowan.

McCarthy is well known for her work supporting autism research, a cause she became involved with after her son was diagnosed with the condition. As well as supporting a number of organizations dedicated to children with autism, such as the TACA and the HEAL! Foundation, the model-turned-actress also wrote a book called Louder Than Words documenting her struggles to cope with a son who suffers from autism.

Jenny McCarthy will also be appearing at Maria Shriver’s annual Women’s Conference in October.

Stars Line Up For Women's Conference

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

California First Lady Maria Shriver has announced the lineup of celebrity speakers confirmed for this year’s annual Women’s Conference in Long Beach.

The event – to be held on October 21 and 22 at the Long Beach Convention Center – sold out in record time, and it is no surprise considering the plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders that will appear at the conference to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Russell Simmons are just some of the 50 speakers set to take the stage, and there will also be a special performance by Bonnie Raitt.

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

This year’s conference will include a new event – the Night at The Village – which will consist of exhibitor booths, stage presentations, book signings, shopping, food, musical entertainment, and a conversation with Rachael Ray.

“We envision ‘Night at The Village’ as the place for celebrating women, launching products for women, and having fun,” said Shriver. “The Village is our answer to a call from women for more time to just be — whether it is to mingle casually, network for work, or shop around for items and experiences that will enrich their mind, body and soul. All of this can now happen only at The Village.”

More information about the conference can be found at First Lady Shriver’s official website.

Look To The Stars News: Maria Shriver

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