Look To The Stars News: Maria Shriver

Leeza Gibbons To Feature In Larry King's CNN Alzheimer's Special

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Leeza’s Place, the signature program of The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, will feature on Larry King’s new CNN special on Alzheimer’s in May.

On Sunday, May 1st, CNN will air “Unthinkable: the Alzheimer’s Epidemic” premiering at 8pm ET/PT. Larry’s cameras caught up with Leeza Gibbons as she interviews caregivers about their experiences dealing with the “thief of memories”. Leeza also takes Larry’s cameras inside one of her Leeza’s Place support centers where caregivers participate in programs and activities to help nourish themselves as they provide comfort and care for their loved ones.

It’s being called the disease of the 21st century as an estimated 5.4 million people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is the sixth-leading cause of death across all ages in the United States, but many Americans still do not know much about this illness. The one-hour special will look into Alzheimer’s disease, who gets it and why, the race to find effective treatments and a possible cure.

Maria Shriver Remembers Father as "Legendary Public Servant"

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Sargent Shriver was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends, and dignitaries including Vice President Biden, former President Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama and Shriver’s son-in-law, former CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It was 8 years ago that the brother-in-law of former President John Kennedy and the late Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease. He died on January 18, at the age of 95.

Attending the funeral were Clint Eastwood, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Muhammad Ali. Bono, Vanessa Williams and Wyclef Jean sang at the funeral.

Bulgari To Host Star-Studded Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

On Thursday, January 13, 2011, Bulgari will host an exclusive event in Los Angeles honoring award-winning producer Simon Fuller and Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis for their personal commitments to helping the world’s most vulnerable children through their respective work with Save the Children and Artists for Peace and Justice.

As part of Bulgari’s $7.4 million initiative to fund global education programs, 100% of the funds raised by the event will support Save the Children’s education programs in the U.S. and Artists for Peace and Justice’s efforts to bring education to Haiti’s poorest children.

Kodak Launches Celebrity Charity Auction For Alzheimer's Association

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Eastman Kodak Company has announced the beginning of its celebrity charity auction benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association.

The latest innovation from the KODAK Picture Kiosk – PYNK Smart Print System – not only holds memories, but with your assistance, can help preserve the memories of loved ones. KODAK PYNK Smart Print Ready frames signed by celebrities who attended Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference are currently available for auction with all proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association at www.eBay.com/KODAK.

Stars Flock To The Carousel For Hope For Charity

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 23, host Barbara Davis welcomed guests to the Beverly Hilton for the 32nd Anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball.

The celebrity charity event, founded by Barbara and the late Marvin Davis in 1977, brought together Hollywood’s elite as they raised nearly $2.5 million to benefit the clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where more than 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Celebrity guests as this year’s event included host Barbara Davis, emcee Jay Leno, honorees Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones, performers Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, Gladys Knight and Akon, along with guests Garcelle Beauvais, Halle Berry, Thora Birch, Brandy, Adrien Brody, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jackie Collins, Joan Collins, Jane Fonda, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson, Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Rick & Kathy Hilton, Anjelica Huston, Randy Jackson, Don Johnson, Nigel Lythgoe, Chris Massey, Kyle Massey, Nancy O’Dell, Sidney Poitier, Don Rickles, Mimi Rogers, Mira Sorvino, Rod Stewart, Alan Thicke, Diane Warren, Raquel Welch, Vanna White, Stevie Wonder and many more.

Jennifer Lopez To Perform At Carousel Of Hope Charity Gala

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this month 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 23, and will honor Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones for their charity work.

This year celebrates 31 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 19th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Maria Shriver To Be Honored With Charity Award

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Carousel of Hope, the world’s premiere charity event benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted bi-annually by Barbara Davis, will honor California First Lady Maria Shriver with the “Brass Ring Award” at its 32nd anniversary gala on Sat., Oct. 23, in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton.

“Maria Shriver has long been a fearless and tireless advocate for children and families, a trailblazer in this area for the good of mankind, carrying on a tradition of selfless dedication to those in need started by past generations of her remarkable family,” says philanthropist Barbara Davis.

The first lady of California since 2003, Maria Shriver has been a national presence for several decades, as a broadcaster, speaker, and best selling author. Six of her books have been New York Times best sellers and her groundbreaking reports on women’s issues have been featured on NBC, CBS and HBO, where she co-executive produced the Emmy winning four part film on Alzheimer’s, “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?” A graduate of Georgetown University, Maria Shriver is married to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and is the mother of four children.

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.

Maria Shriver Announces Arts Charity Campaign

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Maria Shriver has shone the spotlight on the arts in a new blog she wrote to raise awareness of a new campaign to raise funds for the California Arts Council.

“Art is fundamental, unique to each of us,” writes California’s first lady in the Huffington Post. "For me, writing allows me to be creative… My husband, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, paints to relax. And of course, he loves to act. But he also approached bodybuilding as a form of art, self-expression and communication.

“Even in difficult economic times – especially in difficult economic times – the arts are essential. And right now, Californians have an incredible opportunity to support the arts through the Million Plates Campaign for the Arts coordinated by The California Arts Council.

Maria Shriver Announces Women's Conference Lineup

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Maria Shriver has announced the lineup for this year’s Women’s Conference, to be held from Sunday, October 24 through Tuesday, October 26 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

“Our theme this year is ’It’s Time’ – and we are hoping The Women’s Conference inspires women to see this challenging moment in history as an opportunity to come together and transform ourselves, our communities and our world as Architects of Change,” she wrote in the Huffington Post. "I could not be more proud to disclose this amazing lineup, which will be led by Laila Ali, Yahoo! CEO Carol Bartz, Martha Beck, Mary J. Blige, Erin Brockovich, Campbell Brown, Deepak Chopra, Rosario Dawson, Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis, Linda Ellerbee, Giselle Fernandez, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David Gregory, Arianna Huffington, Women for Hire CEO Tory Johnson, Donna Karan, Billie Jean King, New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof, Matt Lauer, Omega Institute Co-Founder Elizabeth Lesser, Journalists Laura Ling and Lisa Ling, Jillian Michaels, former Xerox Chairwoman & CEO and Save the Children Board Chair Anne Mulcahy, The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, Poet Mary Oliver, Suze Orman, Dr. Oz, Tony Robbins, Al Roker, Diane Sawyer, The Episcopal Church’s Presiding Bishop and Primate The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Howard Schultz, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Jessica Simpson, Anna Deavere Smith, Disney/ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney, “The Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Kerry Washington, Ali Wentworth and Oprah Winfrey.

“We’ll kick the Conference off on October 24 with Maria Shriver’s March on Alzheimer’s and candlelight vigil in Long Beach, which I will emcee with Leeza Gibbons, Peter Gallagher and Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines. Alzheimer’s is a mind-blowing disease that disproportionately impacts women – both as victims and caretakers of loved one’s suffering from it. With more than 5 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in this country and a new diagnosis every 70 seconds, I believe it’s time to pick up the pace and start marching to defeat this devastating disease.

Jennifer Lopez Launches New Charity

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Lopez and her sister, Lynda, have launched their new charity on Larry King’s show, almost two years after announcing their plans to develop the initiative.

The Maribel Foundation – named after Marc Anthony’s sister, who died of a brain tumor – will allow specialists in LA treat children around the world using telecommunication technology.

“The Maribel Foundation is a foundation that Lynda and I have talked about forming for years, and when we both got pregnant, we decided it was something we wanted to really just do now,” Lopez told King. “Obviously, when you become a mom, your perspective and your whole kind of view on life change.”

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.

Eunice Shriver's Charity Legacy

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

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.

Annual Women's Conference To Attract Big Names

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

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.”

Tom Brady Bikes For Best Buddies

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

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!

Celebrities Join African First Ladies At Health Conference

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

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 US 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

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.

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, 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.”

Jennifer Lopez Announces New Foundation Plans At Women's Conference

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

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…

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

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

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.

Jenny McCarthy And Jim Carrey Host Autism Fundraiser

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

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.

Stars Line Up For Women's Conference

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

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.