Look To The Stars News: Akon

Stars To Celebrate World Peace Day At Bullets4Peace Event

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

A number of celebrities will come together on Wednesday for a very special World Peace Day celebration in Hollywood with Bullets4Peace.

The third annual Reloading Life event will feature a very special live performance by peace activist and international vocal sensation Liel Kolet, with a guest list that includes host Chris Noth, Bullets 4 Peace founder Rafi Anteby, LOVA Tea co-founders Stephanie Cence and Tara Wilson, Akon, America Ferrera, Bill Maher, Bobby Brown, Boris Kodjoe, Brandon T. Jackson, Brandy, Brian McKnight, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Pine, Cynthia Nixon, Dennis Haysbert, Donald Faison, Eric Dane, Esai Morales, Eva Marcille, Forest Whitaker, George Lopez, Hill Harper, Idris Elba, Jill Hennessy, John Corbett, John Slattery, Jordin Sparks, Julie Benz, Kathy Griffin, Kiefer Sutherland, Keke Palmer, Kristin Davis, Kyle Maclachlan, Lance Gross, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Johansson, Regina King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sean Penn, Shannon Elizabeth, Taraji P. Henson, Tatyana Ali, Travis Barker, Vivica Fox, Zoe Kravitz, Wayne Brady and many others.

Bullets4Peace is a jewelry line made of recycled bullet casings taken from reload centers, streets, and war zones. When a bullet is fired the tip flies towards the target and the casing falls to the ground. Manufacturers reload these casings with live ammunition. Bullets4Peace intercepts this vicious cycle by transforming the casings into unique and stylish pendants insuring that these bullets will never find their way back to war zones, thus promoting harmony and peace. Bullets4Peace transforms war bullets into beautiful and unique jewelry as a way of spreading consciousness of peace.

Diddy Dirty Money Rocks Young Charity Volunteers

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Diddy Dirty Money and Eliza Doolittle were two of the acts to hit the stage in London this week to reward more than 11,000 charity volunteers.

Having more than quadrupled its volunteer base in less than three years, Orange RockCorps treated its volunteers to a phenomenal one-off live concert featuring an incredible line-up, in exchange for donating just four hours of their time to charity work.

“We are happy to support Orange RockCorps,” said P. Diddy before the show on Tuesday, July 12. “Rewarding people for their hard work in the community is a great chance to connect with great people, doing great things to enrich the lives of others. DDM is really looking forward to the Wembley show”

Stars Raise Their Hands for Africa

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Steve Martin, Don Cheadle and Jordin Sparks are set to raise some funds while raising the stakes at the first annual Texas Hold’em poker tournament “Raise Your Hand for Africa”.

Stars from the gridiron, poker world, Hollywood and the music industry will put their cards on the table February 18 and 19, 2011 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.

Benefitting from the tournament are PROS FOR AFRICA, a non-profit relief organization providing basic needs to the children of Africa and Starkey Hearing Foundation, which is dedicated to building better lives for the hearing impaired by providing hearing instruments to those in need. This inaugural event will fund combined African missions by both organizations.

Akon Hosts Christmas Toy Giveaway For Charity

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0000

For the third year in a row, Akon and the Konfidence Foundation gave back by hosting a Toy Giveaway to ensure less fortunate children in Metro Atlanta enjoy the holidays. On Monday,

December 20, 2010, Akon and his mother Ms. Kine Gueye Thiam, President of the Konfidence Foundation, were on hand to personally distribute 2,000 holiday toys to Atlanta children in need at Cascade Family Skating Rink. Each child received an age appropriate toy to take home.

Additionally, Akon & the Konfidence Foundation teamed up with AG Entertainment’s owners, Alex Gidewon, Simon Gidewon, and The Gidewon Foundation to host the 6th Annual Christmas Holiday for Kids Affair on Monday, December 20th.

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.

Peter Buffett To Talk Life At Concert Event

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Academi Of Life will present a special concert and conversation with Peter Buffett on Thursday, November 11.

This uplifting and rewarding evening will resonate with every audience member looking to lead a more fulfilling life and leave a meaningful legacy.

Peter is an author, musician and out-standing philanthropist. You may think that with a last name like his, Buffett has enjoyed a life of endless privilege. But the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett says that the only real inheritance handed down from his parents was a philosophy: forge your own path in life regardless of your circumstances. It is a creed that has allowed him to follow his own passions, establish his own identity, and reap his own successes.

Hip Hop Meets Bollywood For Charity

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

R&B singing sensation Akon has teamed up with music composer Aadesh Shrivastava to record a single for charity.

The forthcoming song ’Let’s Come Together’ will be released worldwide with proceeds going to the Mumbai Police Relief Fund.

Aadesh, composer for several successful Bollywood films, has also previously collaborated for projects with the London Symphony Orchestra. He met the R&B icon at his recording studio earlier this month.

We Are The World: Coca-Cola Joins Celebrities For Charity

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, the iconic recording, “We Are The World” generated millions of dollars to help ease suffering in Africa. With a contemporary version of the song being released today to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, Coca-Cola will be doing its part to support the cause.

“When we heard about Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie’s incredible plan to re-record ‘We Are the World 25 For Haiti’ to benefit earthquake relief in Haiti, we knew instantly that Coca-Cola had to be involved and help however we could,” said Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer,  Coca-Cola North America. “Spreading the word about this great program is something we can do quickly and effectively by activating Coca-Cola’s powerful communications network.”

Coca-Cola is joining forces with AEG Live, Group M Entertainment, Fremantle Media Enterprises, iTunes Store, YouTube, and Visa to help amplify awareness for “We Are The World 25 For Haiti.” Beginning today Coca-Cola will use a variety of assets to encourage millions of people across the United States to tune into the television broadcasts of the “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” video and to visit www.WORLD25.org to download the song and support those in Haiti. Downloads will also be available on iTunes, and through a partnership with YouTube, the video will be viewable on the We Are the World 25 YouTube Channel. Immediate donations will be made possible by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on YouTube or by downloading the song on iTunes.

Akon Has Konfidence In Charity Single

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Akon and Pepsi have released a charity single with some surprising friends – international football superstars Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba.

Oh Africa is available for download from iTunes now, with proceeds going to Akon’s Konfidence Foundation. Founded in 2006, the Konfidence Foundation is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the conditions in Africa and providing underprivileged African youth with access to learning and recreational environments equipped with modern technology, educational materials, recreational resources, and health and wellness services.

“We’re really excited about the new track and music video from multi-platinum selling artist Akon and Grammy-nominee Keri Hilson and hope it raises money for less fortunate children in Africa,” said Ahmed Abdel-Karim, UK marketing manager for Pepsi.

Stars Revamp We Are The World For Haiti

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie have revamped the song “We Are the World,” originally recorded 25 years ago. More than 75 big-name stars got together on February 2nd at Jim Henson Studios – where the song was originally recorded – to do it again. The song will benefit aid relief in Haiti.

The long list of celebrities includes Bono, Jason Mraz, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Usher, Pink, Céline Dion, Natalie Cole, the Jonas Brothers, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Lil Wayne and many, many more.

Lionel Richie said, “This one, the enthusiasm, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Akon Raises Konfidence For Thanksgiving

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Last week, Look to the Stars reported that Atlanta recordings stars Akon and Ludacris united their charitable organizations’ annual Thanksgiving community programs and called upon friends and colleagues to extend a helping hand to those that are less fortunate this holiday season.

The Konfidence Foundation’s 2nd Annual Turkey Giveaway program and The Ludacris Foundation’s LudaCares Thanksgiving program teamed up to give back by donating 2,000 holiday turkeys to help metro Atlanta flood survivors and low-income families in need. Each family received a fresh holiday turkey, along with two side items – sweet potatoes and collard greens.

On Tuesday, November 24th, Akon and Ludacris joined their foundations and sponsors to distribute 2,000 holiday food packages to residents from Cobb, Douglas, and Pauling Counties, many of whom were impacted by the Atlanta floods. This private charity event was held at South Cobb High School and the recipient families were pre-selected by 20 partnering community-based organizations including: Cobb Schools Foundation, United Way, Cobb Disaster Recovery, and Christian Aid Mission Partnership (C.A.M.P.), among others.

Ludacris And Friends Hand Out Thanksgiving Turkeys

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Ludacris, Akon, Big Boi and a host of hip hop stars handed out turkeys to flood affected families in Atlanta this week as a special Thanksgiving treat.

Over 1000 Thanksgiving turkeys, greens, and sweet potatoes were handed out to metro Atlanta families who were impacted by the flooding in early October. In addition, The Ludacris Foundation, supported by Chef Ashley and Straits restaurant , prepared 40 cooked meals for Cobb County homeless and senior citizens.

The Thanksgiving turkey giveaway is a part of the Foundation’s LudaCares Initiative. The LudaCares program provides families with nutritious food during the Thanksgiving holiday. Each Thanksgiving the Ludacris Foundation chooses a different community to bring the program. Previous Atlanta area communities for LudaCares Thanksgiving include, Bankhead, College Park, DeKalb County, Hollywood Homes, Morrow GA, Gwinnett County, Marietta, Cobb County, Roswell, Southwest Atlanta, Fulton County, Jonesboro, Clayton County.

Hip Hop Stars To Come Together For New Museum

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:30:00 +0000

The National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMoH) will host an exclusive celebrity fundraiser to benefit the development of the “first ever” true Hip-Hop Museum . This Red Carpet affair will take place on Feb 9, 2010 at the M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 West 28th Street, NYC.

Hosted by Chuck D and KRS One, this exclusive star-studded gala will raise funds and awareness for the construction and community initiatives of the museum. Guests will have a preview of some of the museum’s building plans and programs.

Lionel Richie Honored By United Negro College Fund

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Legendary singer Lionel Richie was honored with an Award of Excellence by the United Negro College Fund on Saturday night.

Celebrities such as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Akon, Katharine McPhee and comedian Cedric the Entertainer attended the 31st annual An Evening of Stars event, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

“[Richie] is a national treasure and we’re proud to claim him, not only as a graduate of our storied member school, Tuskegee University, but as an artist of international renown and longtime supporter of UNCF and the work we do to make sure that every child in America gets an education that starts in preschool and doesn’t end until college graduation,” said UNCF’s CEO Michael L. Lomax.

Wayans Brothers Launch Charity Auction

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

The Wayans Brothers are well known for their numerous contributions to the comedy world. In addition to keeping fans of the spoofing genre in stitches, the siblings are donating their designer stitches including shirts, jeans, jackets, and sweaters to benefit children’s charities.

The NorthStar Moving Corporation and Clothes Off Our Back Foundation are collaborating with the comedy family to auction off their charitable goods. Bids can be placed at the Foundation’s site until Tuesday, June 9th at 5 p.m. PDT. All proceeds will directly benefit Feeding America (previously America’s Second Harvest), The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

NorthStar Moving Corporation, “the leading eco-luxury mover in California,” collects donations from celebrity patrons and delivers the charitable items to auctions sponsored by The Clothes off Our Back Foundation. All proceeds benefit various children’s charities. Other celebrity supporters include Akon, Jessica Alba, Beyoncé Knowles and Scarlett Johansson.

Peter Buffett Joins Akon For Anti-Slavery Song

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

In observance of the 2009 Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the 25th of March, Emmy-award winning musician and philanthropist Peter Buffett and R&B/pop star Akon will publicly debut an issue-inspired song, ‘Blood Into Gold’, with a live performance at a star-studded cultural evening and concert in the United Nation’s General Assembly Hall.

Peter Buffett was asked by non-profit organization, the Culture Project, to write the song specifically for this commemoration. Akon, who has previously collaborated with Peter, loaned his voice and production expertise on ‘Blood Into Gold’. All proceeds from the download of the single will go to an organization whose purpose is to educate and bring an end to human trafficking worldwide. A poignant video to accompany the song is currently in production.

For the first time at the United Nations, the evening concert will bring together: Akon (Senegal/USA) & Peter Buffett (USA); Mezzo-Soprano Audrey Babcock (USA); Soprano Angela Brown (USA); The Blind Boys of Alabama (USA); Izaline Calister (Curacao/The Netherlands); Toumani Diabaté (Mali); Danny Glover (USA); Gilberto Gil (Brazil); Bill T. Jones (USA); Sarah Jones (USA); Salif Keita (Mali) and his Band; Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa); Emeline Michel (Haiti); The Marley Brothers (Jamaica); CCH Pounder (Guyana/USA/Senegal); Stephanie Benson (Ghana); Phylicia Rashad (USA); Tenor Noah Stewart (USA); Randy Weston (USA) and his Quintet; Choreographer Gabri Christa (Curacao/The Netherlands) and others. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann will deliver testimonies at the concert and pre-taped testimonials from Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali will be broadcasted.

Chase Johnson To Host Rock The Smile

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Chase Johnson from MTV’s Laguna Beach will host a special event for charity this weekend.

Rock The Smile is a dance and fashion show that will be held at the San Clemente Community Center in Orange County, Los Angeles, on Saturday, January 24 to raise money for Operation Smile. Over 300 teens from high schools around the area are expected to be part of the event that aims to change children’s lives forever.

Operation Smile is an organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to tens of thousands of children and young adults in 25 developing countries and the United States. Not only does this help the financial burden of surgery, but also brings patients new hope and new lives.

Inaugural Hip Hop Ball Provides Catalyst For Education

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Russell Simmons, Valeisha Butterfield, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the world’s largest coalition of hip-hop artists and entertainment industry executives, announced today that Heineken is the Presenting Sponsor and MySpace Music Hip-Hop (www.myspace.com/hiphop) is the Platinum Online Sponsor of the upcoming Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, a black tie charity gala, on January 19, 2009 at 8:00pm, at The Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Russell Simmons, HSAN Chairman and Co-founder, emphasized, “The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be a fantastic gala and upscale party in celebration of Barack Obama being inaugurated President of the United States. We are also recognizing the outstanding contributions of T.I., LL Cool J and Young Jeezy in helping to turn out the largest young adult vote in American history.”

“Heineken is proud to be part of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, celebrating the drive and passion of artists who were instrumental in mobilizing voter turnout in this year’s election,” said Filip Wouters, Vice President of Marketing for the Heineken Brand Equity. “While all of these artists have achieved tremendous success through their music, Heineken further applauds their efforts to empower and encourage voters to take an active role in their futures by casting their votes in this historic election.”

Peter Buffett Offers Album Download For Charity

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Food Bank For New York City is seeing first hand the effects of the economic downturn – finding funding has become more challenging while the need for emergency food is increasing rapidly.

The Food Bank’s Community Kitchen of West Harlem, which served 92,000 meals last year, has seen its already long lines become even longer. As demand for emergency food increases, supply continues to decrease. More than 1.3 million New York City residents turned to food assistance in 2007 – a 24 percent increase from 2004. Given the downward economic climate, compounded by skyrocketing food prices and escalating unemployment, the demand for food is reaching crisis levels.

Recognizing this time of unprecedented need, Peter Buffett, The Robin Hood Foundation, AmieStreet.com, and the Food Bank For New York City have united to help fund the Food Bank this holiday season.

Idol And Dancing With The Stars Auctions For Great Causes

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:59:51 +0000

What’s better than an auction featuring items from your favorite television show? An auction featuring items from two of your favorite television shows! Fans of American Idol and Dancing With The Stars will be jumping up and down with excitement when they see what’s on offer over at www.clothesoffourback.org this week, with a mouthwatering assortment of garments and other surprises up for grabs.

The auction presents a unique opportunity for all those people who have watched Dancing With The Stars and said to themselves “I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.” A host of the best celebrity dancers from the show are selling their fancy footwear for charity, and are inviting people to step up and make a bid. Melanie Brown, Vivica Fox, Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Samantha Harris, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jane Seymour, and Lisa Rima are all putting their best foot forward and donating shoes to the auction, and the highest bidders will also receive a selection of products from Dr Scholl. Proceeds will go to a selection of charities chosen by the stars.

Anybody interested in the auction should hot-foot it over there soon – the auction ends on May 7.