Look To The Stars News: Demi Lovato

Miley Cyrus And Friends Hit The Concert For Hope

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Jesse McCartney took to the stage on Sunday, October 25, for the 2nd annual Concert for Hope.

The concert, held at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, benefitted life-saving cancer research and treatment programs at City of Hope. Located in Duartes, California, City of Hope is one of the nation’s leading cancer centers.

Lovato tweeted about the show afterward, saying the “concert tonight was incredible! I had a blast and Jesse and Miley rocked it…so amazing!”

Last year’s sold out show, featuring Miley, Demi and the Jonas Brothers, raised more than $1.2 million for City of Hope.

Miley is also donating $1 from every ticket sold on her current Wonder World Tour to cancer research. During her last tour, she raised more than $2 million to benefit City of Hope.

Love Our Children USA Launches Blue Shirt Day To Stomp Out Bullying

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Love Our Children USA has announced that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proclaiming October 5th Blue Shirt Day to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, October 4th – 10th.

Thousands of kids and adults will wear blue shirts as they make their way to school or to the office on October 5 as a grassroots national movement to STOMP Out Bullying.

The organization launched the STOMP Out Bullying Campaign in October, 2008. STOMP Out Bullying focuses its efforts to reduce Bullying and Cyberbullying, decrease school absenteeism and truancy, educate against homophobia and racism and deter violence in schools, playgrounds and communities across the country. To date over 53,000 have committed to STOMP Out Bullying on the site.

It’s not just our politicians who support STOMP Out Bullying an initiative of Love Our Children USA, but celebrities are out in full force to help.

Teen Celebrities Demi Lovato, JoJo and the latest children’s sensation The Oogieloves participate in the public service campaign which includes TV spots, videos, posters, brochures and wristbands. Additional celebrities such as Brittany Snow, Naturally 7 and others are slated to join the ongoing campaign created by the Geppetto Group.

In order to raise funds for bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools, Love Our Children USA is holding its Second Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on CharityFolks from October 5th –16th.

This year’s celebrity contributors include: Elton John, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Ellen DeGeneres, Phil Collins, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Guster, Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Bye Bye Birdie, Rock Of Ages, the NJ Nets and more.

“Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that they contemplate suicide. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves” said Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA Founder and Chief Executive Officer. This campaign’s key purpose is to educate those kids who are being bullied and those who are bullying, that there are choices for them to get help.

To find out more about the campaign, go to LoveOurChildrenUSA.org and StompOutBullying.org.

Celebrities Provide Happy Memories for Sick Children and Their Families

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

What do President Barack Obama, Jessica Alba and Martina McBride all have in common? They have all helped kids’ dreams come true through the Kids Wish Network.

The Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization which works to bring joy to children who are facing difficult or tragic circumstances.

The charity has many programs, from Hero of the Month which recognizes young people facing tough situations, to Holiday of Hope Gift Bank which helps to bring comfort to children feeling alone in hospitals, to Wish Granting which arranges for children’s dreams to come true.

President Obama became one of the charity’s Guardian Angels when he met with Ta’Kiyah, a 12-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007. He gave her a hug and spent time looking through the scrapbook she brought with her.

“I was very impressed. He really took his time and looked at every picture and asked her what each picture represented,” said Cherie, Ta’Kiyah’s aunt. “Thumbs up to everybody who made this possible for Ta’Kiyah.”

Jessica Alba took 9-year-old heart disease patient Adina on a 1 1/2 hour shopping trip in LA. Martina McBride spent time at one of her concerts with Ashley, a girl who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, and dedicated her song “Butterfly” to the girl on that evening.

Many other celebrities have brightened the lives of sick children through the organization, including Gene Simmons, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr..

Earnhardt met 4-year-old Mikey, who was born with a serious medical condition called VATERL Syndrome. Mikey was thrilled to meet his hero, and, after overcoming his shyness, dashed over to grab Earnhardt’s leg, stating, “I love you, Junior!”

Earnhardt reached down to pat the boy on the back, and with a warm smile replied, “I love you too, buddy.”

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit KidsWishNetwork.org

Demi Lovato, JoJo Stomp Out Bullying

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Demi Lovato and JoJo have created PSA’s in support of Love Our Children USA’s Stomp Out Bullying campaign.

October 4th-10th is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, and during this week Love Our Children USA is asking kids and teens and their schools and communities to join forces to increase awareness and STOMP Out Bullying.

Ways to help include holding rallies at schools and in local communities, starting a bully prevention education club, introducing peer mentoring and observing National Blue Shirt Day on October 5th. Love Our Children USA is offering materials and support to get people started.

You can watch Demi and JoJo’s PSAs here, and to learn more about the campaign, why bullying happens and how you can help, visit the Stomp Out Bullying site here.

American Red Cross Announces Celebrity Cabinet

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce five new additions to its National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need.

New members to the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet include country singer and professional ballroom dancer Julianne Hough, Tony Award-winner and actress Anika Noni Rose, who lends her voice to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated comedy adventure “The Princess and the Frog” and appears in the HBO/Anthony Minghella television drama series,“#1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”, Hollywood Records artist and Disney Channel star Demi Lovato, who is supporting disaster relief via a Text 2 Help campaign throughout her summer tour, actress Sally Pressman from Lifetime’s “Army Wives” who will be supporting Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces, and actress Amanda Peet.

Peet has already made a personal commitment to support the Red Cross Measles Initiative. “As a mom, I feel privileged to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to vaccinate millions of children around the world through the Measles Initiative, a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. I commend the American Red Cross for tackling this global health problem in developing countries, where measles remains a leading cause of death, despite the availability of a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. I am passionate about this cause and look forward partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure children worldwide have this life-saving opportunity.”

“The American Red Cross runs on the valuable service of volunteers to fulfill our mission, and we are grateful that these celebrities are setting an example by volunteering their time and talents to help raise awareness of our work in responding to disasters, providing blood, helping military members and their families and promoting preparedness through first aid or CPR classes,” states Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross.

The announcement of these celebrity supporters closely follows First Lady Michelle Obama’s official launch of the United We Serve initiative, a call for nationwide service to begin a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs. The initiative spans throughout the summer and will culminate with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. During this time, the Red Cross will promote volunteer opportunities throughout its network of more than 700 chapters to help encourage community service.

“I am honored to be a part of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and help support an organization that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war and aid to victims of devastating natural disasters. Being part of this amazing organization will provide me with an opportunity to join its efforts to help others and encourage the American public to become involved with their local Red Cross and make a difference,” said Julianne Hough.

The Red Cross benefits from the involvement of public figures and celebrities dating back to World War I. Over the years, actors, artists, and sports figures committing their time and talents to the organization have played an important role in raising public awareness of Red Cross services nationwide.

This group of newcomers joins the National Celebrity Cabinet that also includes Greg Biffle, Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan, Chayanne, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, George Foreman, Leeza Gibbons, Amy Grant, Pat Green, Marcia Gay Harden, Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Peyton and Eli Manning, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Phil McGraw, “Access Hollywood’s” Nancy O’Dell, Masi Oka, Rascal Flatts, Raven Symone, Elisabeth Rohm, Jane Seymour, Jimmy Smits, and Daddy Yankee.

The Red Cross is honored to have Sherry Lansing, former chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Group, Paramount Pictures and former member of the Red Cross Board of Governors, to serve as National Celebrity Cabinet Chair.

Please visit www.redcross.org/celebritycabinet/ to learn more about the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.

Will Ferrell And Jordin Sparks Join Up For Charity Tennis

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0000

The United States Tennis Association has announced that Will Ferrell and multi-award winner and platinum-selling artist Jordin Sparks will team with former US Open champion Andy Roddick and additional superstar players for the 14th annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

The popular full-day tennis and music festival for children and families – including interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis clinics – will be hosted by television personalities Susie Castillo and Quddus. The festivities are set for Saturday, August 29 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. The tennis and music festival kicks off the 2009 US Open, which runs from August 31 – September 13.

From 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. kids and families can experience an exciting schedule of interactive tennis games, music and attractions taking place throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Returning to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day this year is SmashZone, a fan fest located in the National Tennis Center’s new indoor facility, which will run from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Then from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., a live tennis and music stadium show will feature fun exhibition matches and skills competitions with Roddick, Ferrell and other top players and celebrities with musical performances by Sparks, Honor Society and Justin Bieber.

For the stadium show, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (1-866-OPEN-TIX), usopen.org and at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office. General admission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. Kids 12-and-under with stadium show tickets will receive a free Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day hat from the USTA and Hess on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, ticket holders can log on to usopen.org for the most up to date information.

“Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess is a terrific way to kick off the US Open each year,” said Pierce O’Neil, Chief Business Officer, USTA. “This year’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will again bring together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment for a fun filled day for all ages. Additionally, this year’s event will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the National Junior Tennis and Learning network, a program that Arthur Ashe co-founded in an effort to bring the sport of tennis to economically diverse audiences throughout the country.”

Over the years, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day has featured many of music’s biggest acts including the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Ne-Yo, Cheyenne, The Cheetah Girls, Mario, Sean Kingston, Jesse McCartney, Bow Wow and Kat DeLuna.

Disney Launches Friends For Change

Wed, 20 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have helped Disney launch an exciting new environmental campaign.

Friends For Change:Project Green is a multiplatform environmental initiative that will help kids help the planet. Disney stars Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato are among the 29 young stars participating in outreach messages to debut on Disney Channel, Disney XD, Radio Disney and Disney.com. The Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green initiative invites young people to join together to help the environment across four key areas: climate, water, waste and habitats. Kids will learn practical ways to preserve the planet, track their collective impact and have the opportunity to vote on how $1 million in donations from Disney will be divided and invested in various environmental causes over the course of a year.

“With Disney’s Friends for Change, we’re empowering kids to tap into the potential that lies within each and every one of them to make a difference,” said Bob Iger, president, The Walt Disney Company.

“Building on our recently announced environmental goals, this program highlights what is possible as we leverage Disney’s reach to educate and inspire environmental stewardship in others.”

Beginning Friday, May 15, Disney Channel and Radio Disney will air the first in a year-long series of on-air messages that will feature Disney Channel stars challenging kids to join them in registering and pledging environmental stewardship by making small changes in their daily actions that can positively impact the world around them.

“We were inspired by the outpouring of enthusiasm from our family of talent to enact real environmental change by connecting with other kids, fans and friends on an entirely new level,” said Rich Ross, president, Disney Channels Worldwide. “Friends for Change is about the power of friendship – when we all work together, anything is possible.”

If 500,000 kids participate in Disney Friends for Change: Project Green events, together they can:

- Prevent approximately 100,000 tons of CO2 per year from polluting the air by adjusting their home thermostats.

- Save 5 million gallons of water in a single day by reducing shower times.

- Prevent 1 million pounds of waste from entering landfills by bringing trash-free lunches for a week.

- Create new habitats for local animals by planting 500,000 trees.

Kids can pledge to join online at Disney.com, where they’ll commit to take simple everyday actions, such as turning off the lights and switching to reusable water bottles, and find out more about why these actions matter. Through the online community, kids will be able to invite friends to join, interact with one another and take pride in the results of their efforts as their collective impact on the planet is tallied and their votes determine the distribution of charitable contributions.

Climate, water, waste and habitat will each be highlighted for three months, culminating in quarterly events where on a designated day, kids will be encouraged to act in unison on a single task such as adjusting home thermostats or reducing water usage. These events will be tracked online and on air as kids report back on their actions. Kids will also help determine how Disney will donate $1 million to environmental organizations over the course of a year to plant trees, preserve the rainforest, help endangered animals and support alternative energy among other causes.

Demi Lovato Twitters Against School Bullies

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Teen actress Demi Lovato used social mini-blogging site Twitter to call on U.S. education chiefs to take urgent action against school bullies in a bid to curb teen suicides last week.

Her comments came after reading a story about an 11-year-old boy – Jaheem Herrera – who took his own life after being bullied at school in Atlanta last week.

“THIS is what verbal harassment can cause,” she wrote in an impassioned plea. “Something HAS to be done. It honestly amazes me how schools refuse to take action in verbal abuse… they SAY they do, but this [is] what ends up happening. So, so sad.”

She went on to talk about her own experiences with bullying at school, experiences that eventually led to her being home-schooled.

“I can’t explain what I went through when I left public school to start home-schooling. One day I will. But right now… Just know what you say to someone can effect [sic] them for the rest of their life.”

Teen Power At Charity Gala

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of Hollywood’s most exciting and energetic teenage stars attended the ‘Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth’ event held at the Nokia Theatre in L.A. on Saturday night.

The event celebrated the activism of the young Hollywood community with an afternoon full of performances and activities for patients and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and “produced an opportunity to harness the enthusiasm and activism of the young Hollywood community in a focused effort to encourage their peers and audiences to get involved in philanthropic and humanitarian causes.” Making an appearance at the gathering were the Jonas Brothers, Hilary Duff, Miranda Cosgrove, Miley Ray Cyrus, Dakota Fanning, Selena Gomez, Angus T. Jones, Demi Lovato, Corbin Bleu, Elle Fanning, Eliza Dushku, Olivia Thirlby, Ashley Tisdale and Emma Roberts.

“Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth campaign is a powerful one; one that harnesses the energy of more than 150 young performers who are in a position to influence their peers and fans,” said Brian Gott, associate publisher of Variety. “With the support of Target and our other sponsors, the Power of Youth effort has the opportunity to generate millions of dollars to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and create a bedrock of social awareness within the next generation of entertainment.”

As part of the celebration, a public online auction is running to raise funds for St. Jude, the nation’s leading children’s cancer research and treatment hospital, and the only one that covers all of the costs for medicine, treatment, food, travel and lodging. It features items and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as a guitar signed by the Jonas Brothers, the chance to interview Coldplay, a walk-on role on Weeds, and many more awesome lots.

The auction runs until October 23 and can be accessed through eBay.

Stars Want To Stomp Out Bullying

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Love Our Children USA has announced the launch of its national campaign STOMP Out Bullying with its First Annual Celebrity Auction.

The star-studded auction will take place at www.charityfolks.com from October 6 – 20. Proceeds from the auction will go towards bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools.

Among the celebrities and those in the entertainment and sports industries who have joined Love Our Children USA in its STOMP Out Bullying Auction are: Elton John, Bette Midler, Ellen DeGeneres, Sugarland, John Cusack, Donny and Marie Osmond, Ashleigh Banfield, Dancing With The Stars, Live With Regis and Kelly, The View, truTV, “In The Heights”, the NJ Nets and more.

“Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that they contemplate suicide. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves,” said Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA Founder and Chief Executive Officer. This campaign’s key purpose is to educate those kids who are being bullied – and those who are bullying – that there are choices for them to get help.

Bullying has reached epidemic proportions. While childhood should be a time filled with learning and joy, the reality for many kids and teens is often much different. They’re the victims of bullying at school or on neighborhood playgrounds. Bullying can be so painful and has played a role in school shootings across the country. While boys are more physical, girls use weapons, exclusion, slander, rumors and gossip.

And cyberbullying is on the rise. This social online cruelty is used in the forms of e-mail, cell phone/pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites. While most kids use the Internet for friendly interactions, more and more kids are using these communication tools to antagonize, terrorize and intimidate others.

In addition to the auction, teen celebrities Demi Lovato and JoJo are participating in the public service campaign, which includes TV spots, videos, posters, brochures and wristbands.

More information can be found at the STOMP Out Bullying website.

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