Look To The Stars News: Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox Rocks For A Cure

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Michael J. Fox proved that he can still rock like Marty McFly during the weekend when he appeared on stage at his annual A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s gala at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Saturday.

The gala benefited his Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research, and the evening saw Fox join rockers such as Roger Daltrey, Steven Tyler and Elvis Costello on stage for a jam. The event was emceed by Denis Leary, and guests such as Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Scorsese and Ben Stiller were spotted enjoying the evening.

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease within the decade through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.

Michael J. Fox Honored For His War On Parkinson’s

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Hollywood honored actor Michael J. Fox last week for his ongoing work to raise awareness on Parkinson’s Disease.

Fox’s commitment goes beyond his Michael J. Fox Foundation that researches treatments and cures for Parkinson’s disease – although the foundation has raised almost $100 million since Fox established it in 2000, ten years after being diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s. He was very pleased when, earlier this year, American president Barack Obama overturned a ban on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, getting “politics out of science.”

But perhaps an even greater contribution, to himself and others who are afflicted with the disease, was when he came out of the closet, helping to overturn taboos and the shame that comes along with the debilitating disease. The books Fox has written on living with Parkinson’s have also been well-received.

TV presenter Laila Ali, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, is familiar with Parkinson’s since her father also suffers from it. At the celebration, she said: “[Michael] carries himself with such dignity. He doesn’t try to hide his symptoms from the public and I think that’s excellent. He’s a great man.” Hollywood thinks so too.

Celebrity-Signed Books Up For Grabs For Charity

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Whether you are looking for a good book to read while stretched out on the beach, or – for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere – searching for something to curl up with in bed on a frosty winter’s night, there will be something for you in the SAG Foundation’s Celebrity Autographed Book Auction.

The Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation is raising money for it’s literacy programs by auctioning off books signed by your favorite stars. Going under the hammer are titles such as The Olsen Twins’ Influence, Michael J. Fox’s Always Looking Up, Heidi Klum’s Body of Knowledge, Julianne Moore’s Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully, Tom Colicchio’s Craft of Cooking, William Shatner’s Quest For Tomorrow, Alison Sweeney’s All The Days Of My Life, Kirk Douglas’ Let’s Face It, Jenny McCarthy’s Healing and Preventing Autism, Larry King’s My Remarkable Journey, Tori Spelling’s Mommywood, Sean Astin’s There and Back Again, John Lithgow’s The Poet’s Corner and many more.

Proceeds from the auction benefit the Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s literacy effort, which began in 1992 and now includes such programs as:

BookPALS, a volunteer program comprised of performing artists who read aloud to students in schools, hospitals and libraries.
We The Children, which teaches children the value of books and the importance of their lives by giving them the opportunity to write and illustrate their family history.
Storyline Online, an online interactive website which brings the excitement of books into the classroom and home.

The auction runs until July 28 and can be accessed here.

Michael J. Fox Foundation Funds Over $1 Million To Parkinson's Research

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

As of mid-2009, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research – established by Michael J. Fox – has already funded over $1 million in high-risk, high-reward approaches to Parkinson’s therapeutic development through its groundbreaking Rapid Response Innovation Awards.

Projects include investigations of the safety and efficacy of an FDA-approved drug for kidney disease to treat Parkinson’s; characterization of a tenuous link between PD and certain strains of influenza virus; and a proof-of-principle approach to refine deep brain stimulation (DBS) into a potentially more effective symptomatic therapy.

Rapid Response, one of the Foundation’s Edmond J. Safra Core Programs for PD Research, earmarks up to $2 million annually to support research with little to no existing preliminary data, but potential to crack open entirely new ways of understanding or treating Parkinson’s disease. The program has no deadline, instead accepting researchers’ proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year in order to fund truly novel thinking whenever inspiration strikes.

“Rapid Response enables us to assess the best new ideas in real time, quickly vet their potential, and move the most promising ones to the next level fast,” said Katie Hood, CEO of MJFF. “This reflects our commitment to keep fresh ideas flowing into the Parkinson’s therapeutic pipeline, as well as our recognition that when great research ideas have to wait for a program deadline, so do PD patients — a status quo we are determined to improve on.”

To find out more, visit the Michael J Fox Foundation website.

Annual Women's Conference To Attract Big Names

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

This year’s event is expected to feature a plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders who will endeavor to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Last year’s event included appearances by Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Russell Simmons and a special performance by Bonnie Raitt. This year will see Cindy McCain, Elizabeth Edwards, Katie Couric, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Kelly Preston, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and racing driver Danica Patrick among the featured speakers.

To find out more about the event – to be held on October 26 and 27 at the Long Beach Convention Center – visit the official website.

Michael J. Fox Raises Funds For Children’s Charities

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

What’s the most optimistic thing Michael J. Fox has ever done? Taken up golf, with Parkinson’s, he says. Fox has been inspiring in many ways throughout his acting career, but even more so since he came out of the closet a few years ago, revealing publicly that he had early onset Parkinson’s disease.

Since then, he has created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, raised millions of dollars to support the research, written two books with the unlikely titles, “Lucky Man” and “Always Looking Up, The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist”, and along the way realized he’s living the best years of his life now, even while he’s trying to golf.

He may not have played well, but that did not stop Fox from having a great time at the Principal Charity Classic Pro-Am fundraising tournament recently., raising money for local children’s charities in Iowa. “I golf terribly but everyone was so patient. It was fun.”

Having fun and living life is what it’s all about for Fox, reported DesMoinesRegister.com: “It’s important that we all get out and enjoy life and get after it, and don’t let something dictate terms to us,” said Fox. “That’s what optimism and hope are built on. It’s a shared experience. We’re all rooting for each other to do well. Things go better when we all root for each other than when we try to pull each other down.”

Join Team Fox For The New York Marathon

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Michael J. Fox’s Team Fox wants you to join them for the New York Marathon later this year to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Team Fox is a proud charity partner in the 2009 ING New York City Marathon and has a limited number of entries available for Team Fox runners!

To guarantee entry through Team Fox, runners must commit to raise $2,500 for Parkinson’s research. In exchange for this generous commitment, members of the Team Fox ING New York City Marathon team will receive Team Fox running gear, an invitation to attend the pre-race pasta dinner and post-race party, team transportation to the start line, training support and more.

Applications are being accepted through Friday June 5, and runners will be notified by Friday June 12 if they have received entry through Team Fox. Already have a spot to run the ING New York City Marathon, but still want to run with Team Fox to raise funds for Parkinson’s research? Join the team today and email teamfox@michaeljfox.org with your entry number.

Download your application here.

Michael J Fox To Tee Off In Charity Golf Tournament

Mon, 25 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Actor Michael J. Fox is to play in a charity golf tournament this week.

The Ciber pro-am of the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament will take place this Wednesday, May 27, at Glen Oaks County Club in West Des Moines.

Fox says that taking up golf with Parkinson’s is the “most optimistic” thing he has ever done.

“I’m committed to showing that people with challenges can lead an active life,” said Fox, whose most recent book, “Always Looking Up: The Adventures of An Incurable Optimist,” is a national best-seller and spawned a recent television special.

“Michael J. Fox is an inspiration to millions of people around the world. His optimism, generosity and dedication to helping others demonstrates the spirit of The Principal Charity Classic. We’re thrilled to have him join us at the Ciber Pro-Am,” said Jamie Alt, tournament director, The Principal Charity Classic.

Hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, event monies raised will benefit Fore Our Kids, a group of five select charities that support Iowa’s children. The five charities are Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa, and Variety – The Children’s Charity of Iowa.

To benefit even more central Iowa kids, The Principal Charity Classic sponsors Birdies for Charity, an additional fundraising effort to supplement tournament-generated proceeds. One hundred percent of the funds generated through the Birdies for Charity program will go to participating organizations. For more information on the charities and the tournament, click here.

Michael J. Fox To Return With Show About Optimism

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Michael J. Fox is to make a comeback to primetime TV in May with a new special celebrating optimism.

“Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist” will hit the ABC Network on May 7 and will follow the actor as he spreads his positive attitude to others during a time of economic turmoil.

“For everything this disease has taken, something with greater value has been given,” said Fox, who revealed he had Parkinson’s Disease in 1997. “So, sure, it may be one step forward and two steps back, but after a time with Parkinson’s, I’ve learned that what is important is making that one step count.”

The 47-year-old traveled around the world for the TV special, visiting the Himalayan nation of Bhutan – which he says is unusually committed to the well-being of its citizens – and Washington for Barack Obama’s inauguration. The show will feature interviews with both famous and everyday people on how they create optimism and hope.

“The whole world, shaken by economic woes, is taking a closer look at optimism,” said a spokesperson for the ABC. "Imagine a country which measures its success with a figure for “Gross National Happiness” instead of Gross National Product. Fox visits the secluded Himalayan nation of Bhutan, a modern day Shangri La that stresses the importance of joy in everything it does. Can happiness actually be legislated? Fox is fascinated by this nation’s commitment to the positive well-being of its citizens."

The show will air at 10pm on the ABC on May 7.

Poker Philanthropist Agrees To Sponsorship Deal

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

2006 World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold has signed the industry’s most lucrative multi-year contract in history with upstart poker brand Aced.com.

“We’ve been careful and patient in waiting for the right deal,” stated Gold’s agent Sean Fredericks, adding that his client turned down several endorsement offers over the past two years while waiting for one that shared his dedication to charitable giving.

“I’m really proud of the example we, as a poker community, are setting,” said Gold, “Professional poker players, celebrities, athletes, and captains of industry have worked tirelessly and participated honorably in support of charitable gaming events to impact important world causes. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to give back. But it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Aced and I plan to leave our mark, not just on poker, but on the world, making it a better place for future generations.”

Since his 2006 WSOP victory, Gold’s been campaigning for a number of various causes, helping to raise more than $110,000,000 for charities including the MDA/ALS Division, The Sunflower Organization, Montel Williams MS Foundation, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

“We are extremely excited to have Jamie on board” said Aced poker room manager Brandon Berndt, “Not only because of his obvious value as an ambassador for us within the poker world, but for the unparalleled enthusiasm, insight, and creativity he brings to the ongoing development of our brand. He could have chosen so many other sites, but we share his values and vision. He is worth every penny — or billion pennies.”

Exact terms of Golds’ deal with Aced.com are under seal, but sources familiar with the deal suggest that Gold stands to earn eight figures or more. Aced.com will also fund Gold’s participation in major USA, European, and Asian events. “I am not at liberty to disclose details of the arrangement,” commented Gold’s attorney Les Abell. “However, I can say that this contract is valued at more than any deal I’ve ever heard of.”

For more insight into the charitable mind of Jamie Gold, he penned a great article about his initial involvement with charity and being inspired by Michael J. Fox in Bluff Magazine in 2006. In part, Gold wrote:

“I have a new hero, not to replace my others, but one who has already motivated me to be a better person. For years, I have been aware of the fight to cure Parkinson’s disease. I have been intimately aware of the issues facing those who have PD, but had yet to get involved in the cause. I heard about a Hollywood poker event for PD and I just had to be a part of it. The more research I did about the organization behind the event, the more impressed I became. Then I attended the event and was blown away. From an opening speech to tireless involvement throughout the evening, the force leading this charge was truly inspiring. His name is Michael J. Fox.”

Stars Rally For ICAP World Charity Day

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:30:00 -0000

ICAP (IAP.L), the world’s premier interdealer broker, will hold its 16th annual global Charity Day on Wednesday, 10 December, 2008. On this day, all company revenues will be donated to over 100 charities around the world.

Since the inception of Charity Day in 1993, ICAP has raised over £42 million ($84 million) for many well-deserving and needy causes worldwide. In 2007, the company raised a record £9.2 million ($18.8 million) globally on Charity Day.

As part of the day’s activities, ICAP will host several of the charities’ celebrity spokespeople to rally employee enthusiasm and interact with clients to boost trading volumes. Bill Clinton and Prince William, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox and musicians Jon Bon Jovi and Elton John are among those who have lent their support at ICAP offices in past years.

Michael Spencer, Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “In difficult economic times it is even more important to support charities. Through ICAP Charity Day, we will be donating to over 100 charities worldwide this year. I want to thank all of our customers, staff and suppliers for all their help in previous years, and I call on them to go the extra mile this year and support Charity Day whole-heartedly. Remember, on Charity Day, Every Deal Counts.”

In New York, ICAP is supporting numerous charities, including: Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Communities in Schools, Equality Now, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Center; Partners In Health; Stop Hunger Now; The Boomer Esiason Foundation; Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance; and the Four Rings Montana Family Foundation.

In Louisville, ICAP is supporting: Brooklawn Child & Family Services; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Down Syndrome of Louisville; Make-A-Wish Foundation, Metro United Way, Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy; The Healing Place; The Home of the Innocents; and The Stan W. Browning Melanoma Foundation.

In Chicago, ICAP is supporting: 826Chicago and LUNGevity Foundation. And in Toronto, ICAP is supporting the Sick Kids Foundation.

A full list of the global beneficiaries can be found at www.icapcharityday.com.

Glenn Close And Quincy Jones Share Inspire Awards

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

AARP Magazine, the world’s largest-circulation magazine, has announced the recipients of its fifth annual Inspire Awards.

Glenn Close and Quincy Jones will be presented with awards for their humanitarian work at a special ceremony on December 8 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Close is being recognized for her work as a mental health advocate, especially her involvement with Fountain House, a nonprofit organization that she discovered while searching for help for her relatives.

“I’ve seen mental illness firsthand,” she said. “I know there are millions of people affected, and it’s not just the patient who is suffering. It’s everyone around them.”

Next year she will front a national advertising campaign intended to diminish the stigma of mental illness.

“When I first thought about doing this, I wondered if people would think that I was mentally ill,” says Close. “Then I thought, ’What’s the alternative? Not to do it?’”

Musical icon Quincy Jones’ honor is the result of his work in the fight against global poverty. His Quincy Jones Foundation helps children around the world overcome poverty as well as assisting with programs to eradicate malaria in Africa, developing housing in post-apartheid South Africa, and establishing youth centers in conflict-ridden areas.

Other honorees this year include Richard M. Cohen (Voice for the Chronically Ill), Martin Eakes (Lending to the Poor), Katherine Freund (Transportation Activist), Peter Gallagher (Alzheimer’s Advocate), David E. Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D. (Latino-Health Researcher), Susan Love, M.D. (Cancer Crusader), Rose Nakamura (Compassionate Caregiver), and Alma Powell (Children’s Advocate).

“These leaders set a great example for all on how passion can support and spark change in creative, innovative ways. Their stories are truly inspiring,” said Nancy Graham, Vice President and Editor of AARP The Magazine.

Former honorees include Richard Gere, Gary Sinise, Robert DeNiro, and Michael J. Fox.

Profiles for all of the honorees and more information about the event can be found at www.aarpmagazine.org.

A Funny Thing Happened...

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Scarlett Johansson was among the incredible list of stars showing their support at the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual benefit, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Cure Parkinson’s.

Along with her husband, Ryan Reynolds (who recently ran the NYC Marathon for Fox’s foundation), Johansson joined Michael J. Fox, Elizabeth Berkley, Martin Scorsese and Ben Stiller at the New York event.

A performance by The Who ensured that the evening rocked as guests mingled and raised awareness and funds for the charity.

In previous years, the event has raised between $4 and $6 million in a single night — this year’s total is yet to be announced.

Fox founded the organization after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1991. To date, the foundation has funded $128 million in research for a cure.

Ryan Reynolds Runs Marathon, Fights Parkinson's

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

On Sunday actor Ryan Reynolds achieved his dual goals of running the NYC Marathon and raising funds for research into Parkinson’s Disease.

The star of Smokin’ Aces and Chaos Theory finished the race in a respectable 3 hours and 50 minutes, running for Team Fox, a community started by the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research.

Reynolds has a personal connection to Michael J. Fox’s project — his father Jim Reynolds has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for 15 years. “Witnessing my Dad suffer over the years galvanized my need to step up,” he wrote on his TeamFox page.

Meeting Fox prompted Reynolds to make a commitment:

“I found it impossible not to be touched by his story of overwhelming strength, passion and relentless commitment to help those afflicted with this insidious disease. The man is inspiration exemplified. Plus, he was in Back To The Future. Which was, well, awesome. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, I offered to do something big for him—I offered to compete in the New York City Marathon. Which was, well… dumb.”

Two years later, the self-described “running joke” has made good on his promise, describing his training routine as “nothing short of horrifying”, but the race itself as “incredible”.

“When I saw Michael J. Fox on Fifth Avenue, I gained about 15 pounds in goose bumps,” said Reynolds. “It kind of pushed me through the last six miles or so.”

Reynold’s mother and brother welcomed him at the finish line, and his wife Scarlett Johansson was expected out on the route to offer her support, after spending her Saturday campaigning for Barack Obama at an Ohio university.

The actor’s challenge has netted in excess of $80,000 in contributions to the charity so far. It’s not too late to add to the total: visit Ryan’s funny and touching TeamFox page to find out more, and perhaps make a donation yourself.

Ryan Reynolds To Run For Parkinson's

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

After watching runners approach the finish line of the New York Marathon a few years ago, Ryan Reynolds was deeply moved by their self inflicted physical states of not-well-being. So much so that he decided, “I’d never do that ever, ever.”

He says, “I saw an incredible spectacle of people pushed to the very brink of collapse… I saw guys coming in to finish with bleeding nipples… People were crying. People were limping, hobbling, screaming, crawling.”

On November 2nd, however, Reynolds will take to the New York streets for this year’s marathon as a member of Team Fox in support of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. When Reynolds – whose father has been suffering from Parkinson’s for 15 years – met Michael J. Fox last year, he was inspired into doing something for both the cause and for his father.

In a wonderfully humorous yet heartfelt plea on his Team Fox page, Reynolds wrote: "I found it impossible not to be touched by [Michael’s] story of overwhelming strength, passion and relentless commitment to help those afflicted with this insidious disease. The man is inspiration exemplified. Plus, he was in Back To The Future. Which was, well, awesome. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, I offered to do something big for him—I offered to compete in the New York City Marathon. Which was, well, dumb.

“I am not a runner. I am a running joke. Waking up at 4:30 am and jogging anywhere from 11 to 23 miles has been nothing short of horrifying. I can’t imagine a worse way to start the day. Conversely, some people have real problems.”

Watching his father’s independence slip away, Reynolds has committed to the marathon, for better or worse: “It’s my hope the story of my father combined with my own goal of becoming the first person in history to sob uncontrollably for 26.2 miles straight, may inspire you to give something too.”

Stars Line Up For Women's Conference

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

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 Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

This year’s conference will include a new event – the Night at The Village – which will consist of exhibitor booths, stage presentations, book signings, shopping, food, musical entertainment, and a conversation with Rachael Ray.

“We envision ‘Night at The Village’ as the place for celebrating women, launching products for women, and having fun,” said Shriver. “The Village is our answer to a call from women for more time to just be — whether it is to mingle casually, network for work, or shop around for items and experiences that will enrich their mind, body and soul. All of this can now happen only at The Village.”

More information about the conference can be found at First Lady Shriver’s official website.

Fox Raises Millions At Parkinson's Fundraiser

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:05:12 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Michael J. Fox received an exciting surprise after his 7th annual “A Funny (Groovy) Thing Happened on the Way to the Cure for Parkinson’s” fundraiser last month – the Woodstock-themed event raised an incredible $5.5 million.

Over 1000 guests, including Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Katrina Bowden and Masi Oka, were in attendance, as well as New York’s Governor Eliot Spitzer and Newark’s Mayor Cory A Booker. Stephen Colbert was the comedic host, while musical performances from John Mayer, Joan Osborne, Levon Helm, Gavin DeGraw, and The Soul Ramblers created a psychedelic groove. Even Michael couldn’t resist grabbing his guitar and jamming on stage with the band, performing “Summertime Blues”, “Up On Cripple Creek”, and “Love the One You’re With”.

“He lives in the moment so much,” said Fox’s wife, Tracy Pollan. “I find that a real inspiration.”

Proceeds from the gala will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which researches treatments and cures for Parkinson’s disease. The Foundation has raised almost $100 million since Fox established it in 2000, 10 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself.

The degenerative neurological disorder affects the central nervous system. Obvious symptoms include resting tremors, slowness of movement, imbalance, rigidity, and loss of coordination. Other symptoms range from mild memory difficulties to dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep difficulties, a loss of the sense of smell, speech and swallowing problems, and unexplained pains. One out of every hundred people over 60 are affected by this disease, and there are currently over six million sufferers around the world.

“We want to be that point for people who wake up in the morning and think, ’Who’s finding a cure for this?‘. It’s us. We wake up every day and that’s our mission,” said Fox.

Jerry Lewis Tops Charity Survey

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:48:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A survey has named comedy actor Jerry Lewis as the most effective celebrity for charity causes, with 43% of those surveyed saying he is the best at raising funds and driving change for the issues he supports.

The survey, carried out by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, put the 81 year old veteran of movies including “The Nutty Professor” at the top of a list of ten philanthropic celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, and Rosie O’Donnell.
Jerry Lewis helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I’m always honored and humbled by the response of the American people to my efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Lewis, who will host the 42nd Labor Day Telethon on September 2 and 3. “Their generosity has allowed us to provide important services and conduct vital research for 57 years.”

The survey also investigated the issues that Americans find most important. The results showed that causes to help children and animals are the most popular, followed by education and literacy, services for the elderly, religion, health and medicine, the environment, and aid for disabled people.

Respondents of the survey aged between 18 and 42 were more interested in international causes, and were more likely to be influenced by celebrities such as Oprah and Bono, who work with developing countries to ease poverty. Respondents over the age of 43 were influenced more by older celebrities, such as Bill Gates, who supports health and education issues, and Jimmy Carter, who works with Habitat For Humanity.
42% of those surveyed said they want to donate more time to charity, but cannot find the opportunity.

The Hollywood Cookbook Launch Party

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:32:59 -0000

Written by Charles Harder

Stars and food converged at Kitchen Academy in Hollywood last night for a party launching The Hollywood Cookbook — a beautiful 271-page hardcover collection of sumptuous recipes, each accompanied by a large photo, from the personal kitchens of 20 celebrities and 6 world-class chefs. Five dollars from each purchase benefits 20 important charities dear to the hearts of the celebrity contributors.

The cookbook covers the spectrum of food and beverage, from appetizers, soups and salads, to main courses, desserts, and even cocktails. Michael J. Fox’s Barn Dance Chicken, and Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford’s Savory Fall Stew are just two of the 107 creative and simple dishes that can be duplicated in any kitchen regardless of culinary skill level. Chefs Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Joachim Splichal, Nick Stellino, Michael Cimarusti and Rocco DiSpirito also contributed recipes to the book.

At the event, the students of Kitchen Academy prepared and served 20 recipes featured in the cookbook, each one tastier than the last. This reporter’s favorite: Door Knob Sweet Potato Balls (an appetizer) from designer Paige Hemmis of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Yum!

Chef Jamie Gwen’s movie-star looks and talk-show host’s presence kept attendees laughing and entertained as the event’s emcee. The evening included a cooking demonstration by actor Greg Grunberg, and an informal awards ceremony. Eric Close of TV’s Without a Trace gave a heartfelt tribute to his charity, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, which pairs abused children with rescued horses and adult leaders at 24 wilderness ranches around the U.S. and Canada, to help restore the heart, soul, mind and strength of the kids.

Written by screenwriter Jackie Zabel and actress Morgan Most, and published by Silverback Books, The Hollywood Cookbook is a perfect holiday gift (retails for $35, but presently is featured at Amazon.com for only $23). The event was co-sponsored by Maurice Le Croix Swiss Watches and The Kitchen Academy.

Celebrities & Charities: Thora Birch (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Michael Chiklis (The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation), Eric Close (Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch), Mark Dacascos (Reel Angels), James Denton (Cure Autism Now), Michael J. Fox & Tracy Pollan (The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research), Afton Fraser & Brendan Fraser (P.S. ARTS), Greg Grunberg (Pediatric Epilepsy Project), Anne Hathaway (Lollipop Theater Network), Paige Hemmis (Habitat For Humanity), Ron Howard (Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America), Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford (Clothes Off Our Back), Esai Morales (TreePeople), Don Most (City of Hope), Bob Saget (Scleroderma Research Foundation), Marlo Thomas (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Kerry Washington (Step Up), Treat Williams (Save the Children), Alicia Witt (The Art of Elysium), and Kelly Wolf & Scott Wolf (Camp Heartland).

Michael J. Fox Foundation Boosts Parkinson's Research

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 19:14:21 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded scientists in Australia $800,000 to aid their research into Parkinson’s Disease. The research aims to improve the mobility of sufferers and prevent them from falling.

It is estimated that 6 million people are affected by the degenerative neurological condition, which causes muscle tremors and rigidity. Back To The Future heartthrob Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with the disease in 1991, and his foundation has made research grants of nearly $70 million since 2000.

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