Look To The Stars News: Sinbad

Judd Apatow To Be Honored By Fulfillment Fund

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann will be honored at the Fulfillment Fund’s annual STARS Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel on October 26.

Each year, the Fulfillment Fund’s STARS gala honors a leader in the entertainment industry for extraordinary generosity and philanthropic involvement.

STARS has been recognized as one of the top five most successful annual fundraising events in Southern California, raising up to $2 million each fall to support programs offered through the Fulfillment Fund.

Judd is a leading force in the world of comedy and has been recognized for his work as a producer and writer on many critically acclaimed television shows. Leslie has been making audiences laugh for years, starring in recent hits such as “17 Again.” Together, Leslie and Judd have demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy through their support of organizations for the homeless and 826 LA, a writing and tutoring center for disadvantaged youth.

The STARS 2009 Gala will also include a special presentation of the Gitnick Visionary Award to Jana Waring Greer, President and CEO of SunAmerica Retirement Markets.

The Fulfillment Fund has three main goals: 1) Help disadvantaged students graduate from high school; 2) Increase the number who go on to college; and 3) Help them successfully complete college and transition into the working world.

Leading celebrities and comedians have served as entertainers and presenters at STARS including Christian Bale, Warren Beatty, Kate Beckinsale, Annette Bening, Jamie Foxx, Kate Hudson, Salma Hayek, Quincy Jones, Steve Martin, Tim McGraw, John Mellencamp, Mike Myers, Sidney Poitier, Chris Rock, Seth Rogen, Sinbad, Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Denzel Washington and Stevie Wonder.

STARS 2008 raised over $1.6 million to benefit the Fulfillment Fund’s programs.  The event honored Thomas Tull, Chairman and CEO of Legendary Pictures and included award presentations to Wells Fargo Regional President Shelley Freeman and Fulfillment Fund Founding CEO Andrea Cockrum. Special guests included Ryan Seacrest who served as Master of Ceremonies, as well as Christian Bale and Kate Beckinsale who both made special appearances.

To find out more about this year’s event and how you can attend, click here.

Dionne Warwick And Sinbad Headline Charity Event

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:30:00 -0000

The Alta Bates Summit Foundation, the fundraising arm of the prestigious Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkley and Oakland, California, has announced the first annual Applause for the Cause Charity Concert featuring Dionne Warwick and Sinbad, June 6, 2009 at the Oakland Convention Center.

The 2009 Applause for the Cause concert, which will benefit the new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland, joins an ever-growing list of unique and innovative charity fundraising event experiences sponsored by the Alta Bates Summit Foundation. Such events allow participants to indulge in top-tier music and comedy entertainment, dancing, live auctions, and the wonderful company of old and new friends throughout the East Bay community while doing a good turn.

According to Steve Lundin, president of the Alta Bates Summit Foundation, “These days, some people may be hesitant to give a donation to the hospital, or to breast cancer, but many would find the opportunity to see Dionne Warwick and Sinbad as a great way to spend a Saturday night. We’re pleased to have attracted a significant number of new donations through the development of these events. The fact that the ticket price goes to support a good cause raises money, our visibility, and the donor/audience member gets a tangible benefit for their dollar spent.”

The new, state-of-the-art Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center opened in March 2008, in Oakland, California, and was built largely through the generosity of donors from the community. It is staffed by breast health specialists devoted to reducing a woman’s risk of breast cancer by expediting delivery of mammography and other test results, as well as providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and support services. The Center’s objective is to provide unrestricted access to the best medical care for all women.

Tickets are available through www.tix.com at $65.00 for general admission and $90 for preferred general admission seating. A limited number of VIP tickets are $275.00 each and include pre-concert VIP reception, VIP table seating closest to the stage with adult beverage included and can be ordered by phone through the Alta Bates Summit Foundation main office by calling 510-204-1667.

Dionne Warwick To Perform At Charity Concert

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:30:00 -0000

The Alta Bates Summit Foundation is proud to announce tickets have gone on sale for the First Annual “Applause for the Cause” Charity Concert featuring Dionne Warwick and Sinbad, June 6, 2009 at the Oakland Convention Center. Proceeds will benefit the new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland.

The 2009 “Applause for the Cause” Dionne Warwick and Sinbad concert joins an ever-growing list of unique and innovative charity fundraising event experiences sponsored by the Alta Bates Summit Foundation. These events allow participants to indulge in top-tier music and comedy entertainment, dancing, live auctions, and the wonderful company of old and new friends throughout the East Bay community while doing a good turn.

The new, state-of-the-art Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center opened in March 2008, in Oakland, California, and was built largely through the generosity of donors from the community. It is staffed by breast health specialists devoted to reducing a woman’s risk of breast cancer by expediting delivery of mammography and other test results, as well as providing state-of-the-art treatments, support services and breast cancer research. The Center’s objective is to provide unrestricted access to the best medical care for all women.

Proceeds from the 2009 “Applause for the Cause” event will benefit the ongoing needs of the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, including:

The Nurse Navigator Program that provides cultural and linguistic assistance to patients and families who speak limited English, support and guidance to all patients as they undergo diagnosis and treatment, and outreach and education about breast health, screening and early detection to underserved communities.
Weekly patient education sessions and materials.
Monthly community education sessions at the Center, particularly for women in the East Bay at high risk for breast cancer.
Training of volunteers for the Center’s Compass Program. These volunteers are breast cancer survivors who mentor new patients and provide support, sympathy and hope.

Alice Cooper Pulls Charity Plum From The Pudding

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Rocker Alice Cooper has just announced plans for this year’s “Christmas Pudding” event.

Now in its 8th year, the star-studded event has become one of the biggest celebrity charity events in recent history.

The cabaret-style variety show is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, and includes music, dance, and comedy with all proceeds to be donated to the Solid Rock Foundation, an Arizona community youth organization and Alice’s charity of choice.

Celebrity performers at previous Pudding events have included Ted Nugent, stand-up comic Sinbad and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

This year’s lineup features Fleetwood Mac alumnus Bob Welch, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, F5, Runaway Phoenix, Les Stroud, and Whisky Falls, and Iron Chef winner Mark Tarbell will serve up holiday treats for all attendees.

Adding to the excitement? This year Alice and the band will be performing their greatest hits.

General admission tickets start at $33, with holders of VIP passes (starting at $203) granted access to a pre-show dinner and reception hosted by Alice himself.

For more info, go to www.alicepudding.com.

Fulfillment Fund Attracts Big Names For Annual Gala

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

The stars came out on October 13 for the Fulfillment Fund’s annual benefit gala.

Look To The Stars Celebrity Ambassador Rachel Zeskind was lucky enough to be on the red carpet for the event, which was hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featured appearances by Kate Beckinsale, Sinbad, Christian Bale, John Fogerty and many more.

The Fulfillment Fund is dedicated to helping promising yet disadvantaged students graduate from high school and complete college, and honored Legendary Pictures Chairman and CEO Thomas Tull at this year’s STARS 2008 Benefit Gala.

Each fall, Hollywood and the Los Angeles community provide almost $2 million in critical support at the annual gala event, which has been recognized as one of the top five most successful annual fundraising events in Southern California.

“This might have been the worst week in memorable history to have a fund-raising dinner, but we’ve always been blessed with strong support from the entertainment industry,” said Fulfillment Fund founder Dr. Gary Gitnick.

Rachel Zeskind, who last month attended the 60th annual Emmy Awards on behalf of Look To The Stars, had the chance to catch up with several of the guests at the gala, including Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh, who revealed that he is a huge supporter of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and Sean Thomas, who supports the Young Storytellers Foundation – a Los Angeles based non-profit organization dedicated to developing literacy, self-expression and self-esteem in elementary school students through the art of storytelling.

(Photos copyright Jesse Brunt)

Rachel’s dress and jewelry by Tal Sheyn and Creative Brazil.

Bart Simpson's Charity Poker Tournament

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Nancy Cartwright – also known as the voice of Bart Simpson – is to host the 3rd annual Monte Carlo Poker Night to raise money for at-risk children.

The tournament – which takes place this Saturday, September 20, at Cartwright’s home in Los Angeles – will feature appearances by Brad Garrett, John Travolta, Camryn Manheim, Sinbad, Tom Kenny, Mickey Dolenz, and Kirstie Alley. All profits from the event will go to Devonshire PALS, an organization committed to a partnership between youth, the Devonshire LAPD, and the community. Poker tournaments held over the last two years have helped to raise the funds needed to build a new Youth Center for at-risk kids.

Jamie Gold, 2006 WSOP Main Event Champion, has signed on to Chair the Poker Committee, and poker pros expected to attend include Mary Jones, Jennifer Harman, Men “The Master” Nguyen, Marco Traniello, Todd Brunson, Sammy Farha, Kenna James, Kristi Gazes and many more.

The cost to play in the tournament is $500 – which includes the poker buy-in, food, drinks, and party invite. Non-players can attend for $250. The top five players will receive seats to a World Series of Poker Satellite Tournament.

Registrations are open now at the Devonshire PALS website.

Seal Joins David Foster's Charity Show

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Seal and Paul Anka will headline David Foster’s star-studded charity gala on Saturday in Edmonton, Canada.

The concert aims to raise at least $4 million for Canadian families with children in need of major organ transplants, with attendees paying between $15,000 and $50,000 for a table of 10 people.

Foster has a long history of charitable efforts to help children. In 1997 he was honored with the United States Children’s Choice Award for his work supporting research into children’s cancer, leukemia, and AIDS. In 1986, he established the David Foster Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional help to the families of children needing organ transplants. In 2006, Foster auctioned a piano signed by over 60 celebrities to raise money for his foundation.

Saturday’s concert will take place at the prestigious Winspear Centre For Music in downtown Edmonton. It follows a similar gala held in Calgary in 2007 that raised $3.3 million for the cause and featured Lionel Richie, Peter Cetera and Sinbad.

Celebrity Fight Night A Knock-Out Success

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:08 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

It takes a champ to raise millions for charity, and on Saturday night Muhammad Ali proved he is the Greatest of All Time while hosting the 14th annual Celebrity Fight Night. This yearly star-studded event attracts the who’s-who of charitable giving in efforts to raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

“This is probably the best night hands down,” said Phoenix Suns’ legend Tom Chambers. “I have done a lot of charity work since retiring in 1997 and this is a night that we make an effort to mark down on the calendar each year; it’s just that special.”

Aside from silent and live auctions, central to the event are the Muhammad Ali Awards, which recognize those in the sports and entertainment communities who best represent the qualities Ali looks for in his fight against Parkinson’s disease. This year’s recipients included actor Kevin Costner (who received the Muhammad Ali Achievement Award), record producer Clive Davis (Muhammad Ali Entrepreneur Award), country singer Reba McEntire (Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award), and San Diego Charger Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson (Muhammad Ali Sports Achievement Award).

Whitney Houston wowed guests as she took the stage to introduce Kevin Costner. His acceptance speech had most – if not all – of the attendees close to tears. LaDainian Tomlinson’s acceptance speech was just as moving, but the mood lightened as the musical performers took to the stage to celebrate the spirit of the giving.

John Mellencamp headlined the musical performances and rocked the crowd while showcasing the talents that have rightly secured him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other notable performances came from Jordin Sparks, Dionne Warwick, Collin Raye, Sinbad, and Tamia Hill. But it was Faith Hill who raised the bar by performing a single song for an attendee who pledged $100,000 to hear her sing. Earlier in the night, during the live auction, bids for a private dinner with Hill and husband Tim McGraw had reached $300,000 before Reba McEntire was included as part of the package. Within minutes, the closing bid was an astonishing $500,000.

After the main event, Kevin Costner performed at the after party with his band Modern West. He delivered a knock-out performance that kept the crowd on its feet and the energy level high. The Academy Award winner sang with a remarkably soothing voice, while strumming his guitar and making eye contact with just about everyone who was lucky enough to be there.

Among the celebrities in attendance at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa were NBA legend Grant Hill and his wife Tamia, who also performed at the event. “Muhammad Ali has given so much to the world,” said Hill. “And my wife is also performing tonight so I guess I have two reasons for being here.”

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk was with his expectant wife and had some great advice for kids. “Believe in yourself. Persevere, never give up, if you want to do something, just try it, don’t give up.”

Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis made his entrance with San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman, who was attending the event for the second time. “I can’t believe we can get everybody out here in one building for a great event,” Merriman said. " I’m totally amazed at the number of great people, this is my second year and I’ll basically mark this weekend off on my calendar every year to come and support it."

Arizona native and undefeated USBA cruiserweight boxer BJ Flores, along with Team Flores (Jay of Juggler Entertainment and MIMS of DET to LA), lit up the red carpet and created a media frenzy as Jay interviewed the legendary Dionne Warwick with Flores while the world’s first diva posed with his title belt.

Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman was radiant as she quoted Ali. “We come together because of sports,” she said. “You have to believe in yourself, and if you have that truth, and that inner confidence I think people see that. If you have to tell people you’re good – like Muhammad said – if you’re good, it ain’t bragging. You don’t have to tell people, it just radiates around you and people feel that.”

Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton was in great spirits, even when asked about the current political backlash surrounding the Olympic Games.

“You know, it’s really sad, because the Olympics are supposed to be a time when the best athletes in the world come together in competition,” she said. “Politics aren’t anything new, it happened back in the 80’s, it happened before that and I believe we’re going to get it all resolved.”

She also supports those who speak their mind. “I think you should speak how you feel and feel how you speak, and if you’ve got a strong opinion about something, its America, thank God we are born in America and we can voice that. I’ve got no problem with that. I’m a true blue born all-American, so I hope we get it all resolved.”

Other notable celebrities in attendance included musician Alice Cooper, actor/director Mike Binder, actor Terry Crews, Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald, musician/composer David Foster, UFC Champion Chuck Liddell, Phoenix Sun Shaquille O’Neal, actress Holly Robinson Peete, former boxer Ernie Shavers, former football player Phillippi Sparks, actor Kevin Sorbo, former football player Roland Williams, and celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Thanks to all attendees, celebrities, and sponsors who helped improve this world by giving back. Special thanks to those who walked away with some fantastic auction items, including: A 2008 Roush P-51A Mustang convertible purchased by GoDaddy CEO/ Founder Bob Parsons for $300,000 (only 151 editions of this Mustang were made, and this is the only convertible, donated by Sanderson Ford and Roush Performance), an Arnold Palmer golf package was purchased by Stewart Rahr (President/CEO of Kinray Inc.), and a Phil Mickelson golf package was purchased by Stewart Rahr, Joel Farkus, Jerry Wang, and Jeff Mallett for $500,000.

This years Celebrity Fight Night netted an incredible $5 million for the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation, making it one of the most successful charity events in recent years.

(Photos copyright Delinda Lombardo)

Look To The Stars News: Sinbad

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