Look To The Stars News: Derek Strong

Chris Tucker To Host Charity Run/Walk

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

The race against childhood cancer at the 4th Annual Brittiana “Smile For Life” 5k Run/Walk May 30, 2009 at Pacific Palisades High School, will bring the loving legacy that 13–year-old Brittiana Henderson left with the many people who knew her and her story.

Host, actor/comedian Chris Tucker, adored Brittiana’s courage and her love for others – he often refers to her as his “little sister”. Co-host Keke Palmer – star of “True Jackson, VP” – is excited about participating in this year’s event and ecstatic to be racing against childhood cancer.

At the age of 10 Brittiana was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Courageously, she fought this disease and was like any other cancer patient, subdued to the confinements of the hospital. She painfully underwent chemotherapy and partial knee replacement surgery, in which never stopped her love from shining through the hospital walls. Remaining optimistic about her own struggle, Brittiana would visit other children in the hospital offering hugs, smiles, love and reading stories (her favorite).

LTTS Exclusive: NBA and NASCAR Legend Derek Strong

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

From 1991 to 2001, Derek Strong played in the NBA for the Washington Bullets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers. And when he retired, Strong did something that no one else has. He became the first NBA player to successfully transition into NASCAR as a driver.

Now, Derek’s STRONG Racing team is breaking barriers. It’s the first team in NASCAR history to have African-American female owners – Dawn Whitaker and Erica Hill. Hill is also the co-founder of Peace International, a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to build schools in remote areas throughout the world.

Look to the Stars first talked to Derek Strong at the Shane’s Inspiration Shooting Stars Gala, where he spoke about his love for kids.

LTTS Exclusive: Shane's Inspiration Shooting Stars Gala

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ lead host Michele Vink attended the star-studded Shane’s Inspiration gala in LA on Saturday, and met one of the children who benefit from the charity’s efforts.

“I will sing for everybody in the world….Once I see some people. I will walk on stage on my legs!” His brand new robot legs to be exact.

These are the words of the brave young Spencer that I interviewed briefly before he prepared for his musical performance. Tonight he would be singing with some of his other friends from Shane’s Club Children’s Choir. I asked him for a preview of the song from the musical, Wicked, that they were to perform later that night but was denied so I would pay special attention for his important stage entrance.

Join The Shining Stars At Shane's Inspiration Gala

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A charity that aims to eliminate bias against children with disabilities by creating accessible playgrounds and programs that integrate children of all abilities is to hold a star-studded gala this Saturday, March 14.

Hosted by Joe Mantegna, the Our Shining Stars gala will benefit Shane’s Inspiration, a charity established in 1997 after founders Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams lost their son, Shane Alexander, to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type I: Werdnig-Hoffman Disease) only a few weeks after his birth.

Expected to attend the gala are Dakota Fanning, Slash, and former NBA Star and current NASCAR racer Derek Strong. Guests will be treated to cocktails, dinner, Rockstar Photobooth, entertainment from comedian Chris Fonseca and a special auction featuring a donated one-of-a-kind collaborative painting. Paraplegic artist Tommy Hollenstein – who paints with the wheels of his wheelchair – created the painting with the collaboration and signatures of sixteen rock stars, including Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Slash, and members of Incubus, Santana, The Cars, The Knack, and The Cult.