Look To The Stars News: Jimmy Jean-Louis

Stars Give Eggs And Plates To Feed America

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Premier charity auction site Clothes Off Our Back is hosting two very special celebrity auctions for Feeding America… and one only has a few hours left to run.

A host of stars – including David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Adrian Grenier, Isla Fisher, Marcia Cross, Melissa Etheridge, Tori Spelling, Alison Sweeney, Jewel, Molly Sims, Maria Menounos, Denise Richards and many more – have decorated eggs for an “eggs-cellent” auction.

The eggs were decorated at the recent Diet Pepsi Holiday House event to support the cause of fighting hunger in America. United Egg Producers donated a truckload of eggs to Feeding America for every egg decorated.

To view the eggs or make a bid, visit the Clothes Off Our Back website. But be quick, this auction only has a matter of hours left to run.

Bidders have more time to take part in the other auction currently being run for Feeding America. A selection of celebrity-autographed plates to benefit the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity – sponsored by Healthy Choice and the ConAgra Foods Foundation – is up for grabs until May 7.

Stars such as Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jennie Garth, Nancy O’Dell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jimmy Jean-Louis and others have taken the time to decorate the plates in a variety of designs that reflect their personalities.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, along with Healthy Choice and the ConAgra Foods Foundation, presented a generous donation of $250,000 to Feeding America on April 18 – providing more than 1.75 million meals, or plates of food, to children and families in need. Celebrity guests at the event autographed the plates as a symbolic gesture in the ongoing fight against hunger. Dreyfus is also auctioning off signed storyboard props used in the filming of the new Healthy Choice commercials for the organization.

To make a bid, click here.

LTTS Exclusive: The Second Annual Celebrity Soccer Challenge

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Look To The Stars reporter Delinda Lombardo attended Mia Hamm’s massive celebrity soccer game during the weekend and caught up with some of the stars that took part.

The second annual Celebrity Soccer Challenge at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles was a big success as Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra were joined by a slew of celebrity friends who helped raise nearly $200,000 for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Mia Hamm Foundation.

The event also encouraged fans in attendance to register for the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, a cause close Mia Hamm’s heart after she lost brother Garrett to bone marrow disease.

“My foundation started about 1999 and was motivated from my relationship with my brother who passed away in 1997 after complications from a bone-marrow transplant,” she said prior to the game. “For us, we shared a love of sport and I also saw first hand what my parents and his parents had to go through, not just financially, but struggling to find a bone-marrow match, so [the proceeds from] my foundation go to help families find bone-marrow transplants and also to encourage and empower young female athletes.”

During halftime, patients suffering from leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases were introduced for the first time to their bone marrow donors.

“The more the world becomes a melting pot, the more important it is for people to be registered, it’s a gift that you can continue to give,” Hamm said. “My brother was adopted, he was a minority and that was one of the big struggles. Nomar [her husband] is Mexican and that’s another message we’re trying to get out there, we’re trying to get more minorities entered into the bank. Last years game we almost got 200 people and a match was found for someone who registered at the event, so it’s so important to keep spreading the importance and raising money.”

While Nomar Garciaparra earned bragging rights for scoring in overtime to give his team, Nomar United, an 8-7 win over Hamm’s team, FC Mia, he never lost sight of what the event was really about. “We’re here to have fun,” Garciaparra said, “but the biggest thing is raise money for the children’s hospital and to get people typed and registered for the bone marrow bank. To be able to save a life is priceless.”

Both celebrities and athletes took the field to help Mia’s cause – including “Desperate Housewives” actress Andrea Bowen, C. Thomas Howell, Josh Hutcherson, Mark Consuelos, Jimmy Jean-Louis of NBC’s “Heroes,” Angus Jones of CBS’s “Two and a Half Men,” “Lipstick Jungle/Las Vegas” actor James Lesure, Josh Henderson of the CW’s “90210,” Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden, skateboarders Tony Hawk and Ryan Sheckler, and several of Hamm’s teammates from the U.S. National Team including Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett, Tisha Hoch and Abby Wambach. Other current and former male soccer players who participated included Cobi Jones, Chris Seitz, Matt Reis, Brian Dunseth and Alexi Lalas.

Skateboarding sensation and ‘Life of Ryan’ star Ryan Sheckler was a definite crowd pleaser as he participated in the event for the first time. “This is actually the first time I’ve ever played soccer,” he told me. “It feels great, it’s going to be a great day. Hopefully I make a goal, my goal is to make a goal today, just one and I’ll go home happy.”

Actor Mark Consuelos was also playing soccer for the first time: “I doubt I’ll score any goals. But it’s for a great cause so I’m really excited to be here.”

One of the youngest players and first time participant, actress Andrea Bowen, took a few minutes to speak with us before signing autographs for the throngs of young fans lining up to meet her. “This is my first game and I’m pretty excited that I get to play with all these people,” she said, Sharpie in hand. “They’re definitely going to have to pull extra weight because I really don’t know what I’m doing but it should be fun and its all for a really good cause.”

Tony Hawk: “This is my second time playing soccer, if you get one goal out of me you’ll be lucky.”

‘Heroes’ actor Jimmy Jean-Louis couldn’t hide his excitement for the game. “It is a beautiful day and we are going to have a great time today,” he told me prior to kick-off.

As a regular player for Los Angeles celebrity-soccer team Hollywood United, Jean-Louis is no stranger to using celebrity to raise awareness.

“I’ve been busy doing a lot of charity work. I started my own organization Hollywood Unites for Haiti, " he explained, “What I’ve been doing is collecting used (soccer) equipment and going to Haiti to give it to them because they really need this-that’s really how the whole idea of Hollywood Unites for Haiti started,” he smiled, “About a month ago some of us from Hollywood were invited to Haiti – including [”Josh Brolin":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1271-josh-brolin] and Diane Lane. That was for the opening of a hospital for handicapped, so that was nice and I plan to bring more awareness to Haiti because they really need help."

Magic Johnson Receives 3rd Annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:30:43 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

NBA Legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson received the 3rd annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award presented by USA TODAY President and Publisher Craig A. Moon. A long-time humanitarian and social advocate, Johnson was honored for his work in entertainment, underserved communities and the founding of the Magic Johnson Foundation.

“He’s the perfect Hollywood Hero,” said USA TODAY president and publisher Craig Moon, “the award is about someone who gives more than just their name or money. Magic is a man who gives his time.”

The caliber of celebrities who came out to honor Magic Johnson for his outstanding work in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention in minority communities was nothing short of spectacular. Guests including Chaka Khan, Samuel L. Jackson, Regina King, Russell Simmons and others, offered their words of praise to Magic Johnson, and by the end of the night there was barely a dry eye in the house.

“I want to thank you for loving mankind, " said Chaka Kahn during her speech.

“He showed me that you can live and be vital and change from one thing to another,” said Samuel L Jackson, “And that affects us and a lot of other people.”

“Thank you very much for asking me to be here, that in itself is an honor,” said Regina King, who spoke openly about her adoration of Magic and his wife Cookie. “Every time I see [Cookie] she has something incredible to say and represents us women so well.” She said, “You remind us that we can’t back off. As you are nurturing your souls, and fortifying your character, it’s about you inspiring us to be better, to want to be better, and I thank you so much for being you, I appreciate you.”

Founder of Def Jam records, Russell Simmons gave a heartfelt speech which highlighted Magic’s courage, “Its important to acknowledge the courage, to remind people to be courageous,” said Simmons, “The inspiration and knowledge you give goes way beyond what people see. You are truly an inspirational image in this country and the world.”

Magic’s wife Cookie explained her feelings about when Magic was ready to announce that he was HIV-positive, “I was absolutely against it,” she said. “At that time, HIV was a huge stigma. … But he said, ‘I have to do this because it’s the only way I can help save lives.’ He risked his own reputation, and that’s what makes him my hero.”

Words such as courage, inspiration, love, admiration, respect, thank-you, and perseverance were prevalent in all speeches.
And when Magic hugged each guest speaker after his or her words, he was quick to share his thoughts on what motives him, “My kids hug me, and that’s the only congratulations you want.”

Chanté Moore and her nine-piece band, including Kenny Lattimore, performed at the gala, which was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Other guests included: LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Paul Sorvino, Mo’Nique, Phil Jackson (LA Lakers Coach), Jeanie Buss (LA Lakers Exec), Kurt Rambis, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Susan DeLaurentis (Producer), Miguel A. Nunez (Kickin’ It Old School), William Abadie (Cashmere Mafia), Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes), Steven Sawalich (Director), Telma Hopkins (Love Guru), Judge Joe Brown, and the recipient of the first USA Hollywood Hero Award, Zina Bethune.

The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award is presented annually to an entertainment industry humanitarian who has made remarkable contributions of time and energies with a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for others. The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award recipient is unique in that his or her efforts extend far beyond a charitable contribution or simply lending one’s celebrity to enhance a cause or concern.

The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson in 1991, works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. Over the past few years, the Magic Johnson Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million to community-based organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS education and prevention, supported more than 800 minority high school students with college scholarships (through the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program), opened 20 Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Centers located in underserved communities across the country, and provided a range of community-based initiatives including an annual Children’s Mardi Gras and holiday toy drive.

(Photos copyright Alberto Rodriguez)

Artists Come Out To Shake the Blues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:17:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

The charity Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) held its annual concert and auctions on Thursday November, 15, 2007 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The “Shaking the Blues” benefit supports ANSA’s work fighting HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and Africa, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Treatment Action Campaign, a grassroots organization at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Among the celebrities in attendance were Blair Underwood, Eric Benet, Anthony Anderson, Alfre Woodard, Heroes star Jimmy Jean-Louis, and Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. Event chairs include Jackson Browne, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, George Lopez, Carlos Santana’s wife Deborah, Alfre Woodard and Forest Whitaker.

Not only was a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield on hand at the silent auction, but Dave and his wife Tonya attended the event. Close friends with Samuel and Latonya Jackson, the Winfields hope to personally visit South Africa soon.

The musical line-up featured stirring performances by The Roots and friends, Erykah Badu with Edith Funker, Nikka Costa, Doyle Bramhall II, Keb Mo, and Taj Mahal. The Roots roused the crowd with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Masters of War, and the audience rose for Erykah Badu’s performance of her classic On and On.

In keeping with many other recent celebrity events, acknowledgement was given to the writers’ strike; James Pickens Jr spoke of supporting the writers before he introduced the grand finale performance by Taj Mahal.

Movie and K-ville star Anthony Anderson served as auctioneer for the live auction. As Blair Underwood battled for a diamond earring lot, Anderson comically referred to him only as “the man with the orange leather jacket on”. Underwood’s counter-bidder upped the ante, requesting a date with her opponent be included along with the earrings, which she won at $9,000. Not only did Underwood accept, but he promised it would be a dinner at the world-famous restaurant Spagos.

To encourage higher bids on a private lunch with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Anderson jokingly suggested that the winner could take a picture with Tutu and put it on Myspace.com to be the envy of their friends. The lunch went for $15,500.

Los Angeles-based non-profit organization ANSA was originally founded in 1989 by noted members of the entertainment community, with an initial goal of supporting the struggle against apartheid. Over time, the organization’s focus has shifted to the fight against the African AIDS pandemic, advancing democracy, and equality in South Africa.

The effort to raise money is not over. If you want help the cause their are several items available at the online auction. To bid on the online items: www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

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