Look To The Stars News: Tom Hanks

Stars Join Twitter For The Critters Challenge

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

The stars are tweeting for charity – and they need your help.

Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Peter Facinelli, Kelly Osbourne and Eric Stonestreet are taking part in the Twitter For The Critters Celebrity Challenge to benefit the Onyx and Breezy Foundation, an animal charity formed in 2004 by Mark and Wanda Shefts to honor the memory of their two labrador retrievers.

Steven Spielberg, Oprah And Tom Hanks Join Forces For PSAs

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Hollywood heavyweights have come together for Michelle Obama and Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative in a new series of PSAs.

Steven Spielberg joins Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks in the three PSAs to bring attention to the unique needs and strength of America’s military families.

“The entertainment community answered the Joining Forces call and has done what they do best — bring to life stories that move us,” said Obama. “Through this PSA campaign, Americans will learn more about the unique challenges and needs of our military families, see their strength, resilience and service, and find out how they can give back to these extraordinary troops and families who have given us so much.”

Sting's 60th Raises Millions For Charity

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A host of stars – including Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Mary J. Blige – helped celebrate Sting’s 60th birthday on Saturday night, and raised $3.7 million for charity in the process.

The stars took part in a massive charity concert at New York’s Beacon Theater in front of an audience that included Trudie Styler, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Melanie Griffith, as well as 32 members of Britain’s Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, who have all completed missions in Afghanistan.

Also appearing on stage at the event were Robert Downey Jr, will.i.am, Chris Botti, Herbie Hancock, Rufus Wainwright, Joe Sumner and Branford Marsalis.

Conan O'Brien To Host Unforgettable Evening For Charity

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Conan O’Brien will host this year’s An Unforgettable Evening benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

The event – to be held on Thursday, Feb 10 – will mark the 15th anniversary of the Women’s Cancer Research Fund which continues to raise support for innovative cancer research, such as the Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project and recognize remarkable individuals for their commitment to the cause. The Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project is working to identify and verify biomarkers that will lead to the development of a blood test for the detection of breast cancer at its earliest and most curable stages. The Women’s Cancer Research Fund is also funding research being conducted at prestigious, National Cancer Institute (NCI)-accredited medical institutes, UCLA Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center and USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Martin Short will accept the 2011 Courage Award on behalf of his wife Nancy Short, who lost her battle with cancer in 2010. The Nat King Cole Award will be presented to Academy-Award nominee Annette Bening for her charitable works and contributions. The event will also feature a special musical performance by Grammy-winning artist Rihanna, who is nominated for four awards at the 2011 Grammys.

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.

George Clooney And Friends To Appear On Comedy Central Charity Special

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Over 50 amazing performers will show their support and lend their comedy chops to “Night Of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert For Autism Education,” the biennial/bi-coastal event which raises funds to help ease the severe shortage of effective schools and education programs for autistic children and adults.

This year’s presentation features star-studded taped segments from the Beacon Theatre in New York City with additional live wrap-arounds from Los Angeles including a celebrity phone bank which allows viewers to call in during the show to donate while speaking with additional comedic heavyweights. Jon Stewart hosts an evening filled with live performances and sketches from a roster of comedy all-stars with live wrap-arounds in LA and showcasing the taped segments from New York City which premieres on COMEDY CENTRAL on Thursday, October 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

BET Founder Launches Celebrity Charity Auction Site

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:30:00 +0000

CharityBids.org, an online auction platform tailor-made for charities and non-profits, today announced its new online endeavor with Robert L. Johnson, founder & chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). ClubCharity.com, an online auction site for celebrity and corporate charitable giving, launched last week with auctions from celebrities including Tom Hanks, Morgan Freeman and Holly Robinson-Peete.

Leveraging the Charity Bids platform, ClubCharity.com offers a multi-faceted auction site featuring items from celebrities, athletes, artists, and corporations to support a range of worthy causes. Built by a team of longtime volunteer fundraisers, Charity Bids is a secure, user-friendly, customizable solution to run fully branded auctions online. The platform makes it simple for consumers to find, bid, and buy one-of-a-kind and unique auction items. Auctions can also be displayed on multiple web properties simultaneously, allowing charities, corporations, and their affiliates to promote the same auction across multiple sites in a seamless and branded way. This creates infinite opportunities for fundraising, and maximizes exposure via the web.

Ewan McGregor To Lead Star-Studded Charity Shakespeare Reading

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:30:00 +0000

The Shakespeare Center Los Angeles, a professional and community-based non-profit theater company, is celebrating its 25th anniversary serving LA by creating accessible theater that builds community in innovative, unexpected ways.

With the recent budget cuts to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s arts programs, the Shakespeare Center Los Angeles’ actors and youth programming have become invaluable tools for promoting participation in live theater and the other performing arts with the city’s youth.

Celebrity Guests Celebrate Oscars At Charity Parties

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The stars were out for charity over the weekend to celebrate the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

The eighth annual Night Before gala hit Hollywood on Saturday night to raise money for the Motion Picture & Television Fund, an organization that supports people in the Southern California entertainment community with health and human services needs.

Among the stars to converge on the Beverly Hills Hotel for the event were George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Steven Spielberg, Robert Downey Jr and many more.

Stars Sign Chrysler Car For Charity Auction

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

February 20 will see a Chrysler 300 signed by hundreds of celebrities go under the hammer to raise money for the Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti.

The car has been signed by everybody who is anybody in Hollywood, including George Clooney, Oprah, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Morgan Freeman, Paul McCartney, Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Mariah Carey, Stanley Tucci, Nicole Kidman, Sigourney Weaver, Mark Wahlberg, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Gerard Butler, Seal, Heidi Klum, Kiefer Sutherland, Woody Harrelson, Hugh Laurie, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and many more.

Tulsa’s Leake Auction Company will auction the car at their Collector Car Auction in Oklahoma City.

Stars Remember Natasha Richardson At Charity Gala

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The stars were out and about on Wednesday, February 10, to remember actress Natasha Richardson – who died in a skiing accident last year – and honor Elton John at the annual New York Fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, featured performances by Rufus Wainwright and Lady Gaga, and featured a guest list that included Cyndi Lauper, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, Stanley Tucci and many more.

Sir Elton received amfAR’s Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.

Stars For A Cause To Raise Charity Funds Tonight

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A selection of items designed and decorated by some of Entertainment’s biggest stars will go under the hammer at Bonhams and Butterfields Auction House in Los Angeles tonight, May 28.

The Stars For A Cause Auction features a wide range of rare and collectable items, such as posters signed by Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anna Paquin, David Duchovny, Rumer Willis, Jonas Brothers, P. Diddy, America Ferrera, Hayden Panettiere, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Anne Hathaway, Steve Carell, Emma Thompson, Marisa Tomei, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Tina Fey, Steven Spielberg and many more.

There are also shoes from William Shatner and Ludacris, and bags adorned with kisses from Al Roker, Nancy O’Dell, Nicollette Sheridan, Marcia Cross, Hugh Laurie, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Geena Davis, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Teri Hatcher, Reese Witherspoon, Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, Keira Knightley, Paula Abdul, John Legend and many more.

Stars For A Cause On Display

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

A selection of celebrity designed/autographed jewelry, footwear and other unique items will be on display at auction house Bonhams in New Bond Street, London, tomorrow before being auctioned at Bonhams and Butterfields in Los Angeles on May 28.

Half of the proceeds of the auction, organized by Stars For A Cause, will go to charities chosen by the participating stars, such as the The Art of Elysium, Keep A Child Alive, Red Cross, Elton John AIDS Foundation, UNICEF and many many more. The other half will go to the Prince’s Trust, which helps young people develop confidence, motivation and skills to find work.

Celebrities taking part in the campaign include Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Gervais, Charlize Theron, Goldie Hawn, Miley Cyrus, Colin Farrell, Susan Sarandon, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Hanks, Sigourney Weaver and more.

Dick Van Dyke Steals The Show At Charity Gala

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The stars came out to play at the annual Geffen’s Stage For Any Age gala earlier this week.

Helen Mirren, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson (who was honored with the Distinction in Theater Award), Martin Short, Dana Delany, Carol Burnett, Christine Lahti and Brendan Fraser were all in the crowd that helped raise over $500,000 for the charity, but it was 83-year-old Dick Van Dyke’s renditions of songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that stole the show.

The seventh annual Backstage at the Geffen Gala was held at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, and raised money for Geffen’s Stage for Any Age – a non-profit organization that seeks to make the cultural resources of the Geffen Playhouse available to all of Los Angeles’ diverse communities. Their programs for students, seniors, and underserved populations are designed to stimulate the intellect, imagination, and creative spirit. To increase access to the theater experience, activities are carried out on site as well as in neighborhoods, schools, social service agencies, and community centers throughout Los Angeles.

Hollywood Steps Out For World Kidney Day

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A host of celebrities will come out for World Kidney Day tomorrow to encourage people get blood tests to check for early signs of kidney disease.

Mario Lopez, Hilary Duff, Brooke Burns, Kevin Sorbo, Constance Marie, Deana Carter, Lou Gossett Jr, Courtney Hansen, Eva Tamargo, Stacy Keibler, George Lopez, Phillip Palmer, Andy Garcia and Anthony Anderson are just some of the stars who will attend KEEP It Hollywood on Thursday, March 12.

The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s “KEEP It Hollywood” event is a pre-Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) that includes a mini-screening (blood pressure cuff, finger prick & a few health questions asked by some of the best doctors in the country) allowing numerous celebrities and influential community members to take part in the fight against Kidney Disease through early detection, evaluation, and intervention for World Kidney Day.

Stars Come Out For Charity The Night Before

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The entertainment industry’s biggest stars are set to shine this weekend at the annual Academy Awards, but the night before the big event they will be partying it up to support the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation.

The 7th annual The Night Before event will take place on Saturday, February 21, at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, and aims to help provide charitable health and community services to entertainment industry people in need.

The first Night Before event was held in 2003 and instantly became one of the most coveted invitations in town kicking off what is now a much-anticipated awards season tradition. Since its inception, the Night Before fundraiser has raised more than $30 million for MPTF.

Gwyneth Paltrow And Courteney Cox Honored For Charity Work

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow and Courteney Cox were honored at the 14th Annual Saks Fifth Avenue’s Unforgettable Evening benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund in Beverly Hills last night, February 10.

The annual event raises much needed funds each year for innovative cancer research, and recognizes one remarkable individual for his or her unwavering commitment to the cause.

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow received the 2009 Courage Award. She, along with her mother, Blythe Danner, and brother, Jake Paltrow, established the Bruce Paltrow Fund in memory of her father who lived with oral cancer for several years. The Bruce Paltrow Fund, set up through The Oral Cancer Foundation and with support from the EIF, works to prevent oral cancer through public education, early detection and patient support. In 2008, Paltrow served as ambassador for EIF and Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE Initiative, appearing in a nationwide public service announcement to raise funds and awareness for women’s cancers.

Signed Movie Posters For Sale In Charity Auction

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:30:00 +0000

A selection of movie posters signed by the original stars is up for sale on eBay to raise money for charity.

Each week, from now until February 27th, a new round of autographed movie posters will be unveiled and put up for bids, with ALL proceeds benefiting the American Cinematheque, an independent, non-profit cultural organization in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the Moving Image in all its forms.

To mark the release of the all new step-by-step movie making guide “Filmmaking for Dummies” and to celebrate the movies we know and love, Wiley Publishing will be auctioning off autographed movie posters ranging from hilarious comedies, classic dramas, and every movie in between. Fill your living room with posters signed by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Heath Ledger, Penelope Cruz, Leonardo DiCaprio, the cast of Lord of the Rings and many more.

Tom Hanks Supports Ailing Book Store

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:00 +0000

During dreary sales and even worse weather, actor Tom Hanks gave a Pacific Palisades independent book store a little boost and locals a little excitement last week.

Village Books, suffering from economic crisis, received a surprise offer from Hanks – an evening of book and DVD signing.

Thrilled about the opportunity to meet the actor, Palisadian-Post reported that a long line of patrons streamed through the store purchasing DVDs of movies that the star has played in or produced and books of his movies. Then Hanks chatted and joked with customers as he signed the purchases, adding that special something to the gifts and a fun memory for the givers. Upping the ante, Hanks offered to sign any books purchased, whether they were his stories or not.

Stars Pay Tribute To Paul Newman

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

An awe-inspiring array of stars paid tribute to Paul Newman at a benefit gala for one of the actor’s summer camps for sick children in California last night.

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Danny DeVito, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Billy Crystal were just some of the stars who performed a reading of The World of Nick Adams, an adaptation of a number of Ernest Hemingway’s autobiographical stories at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco.

“We expected Paul to be with us and so this kind of turned into kind of a tribute,” said Danny Glover. “This is the first time we are doing this without Paul — there is a void there, without a doubt.”

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Celebrities To Pay Tribute To Paul Newman

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:00 +0000

An awe-inspiring array of stars will pay tribute to Paul Newman at a benefit gala for one of the actor’s summer camps for sick children in California next month.

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Danny DeVito, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Billy Crystal will perform a stage reading of The World of Nick Adams, an adaptation of a number of Ernest Hemingway’s autobiographical stories, written by Newman’s longtime friend A.E. Hotchner at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on October 27. Proceeds from the evening will go to the The Painted Turtle, one of Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang camps for ill children.

Founded by Newman and Herb Alpert in 1999, The Painted Turtle provides the 17,000 chronically ill children in California who would otherwise be unable to attend summer camps with an empowering, renewing experience completely free of charge.

Who Wants To Be A Roadie For The Who?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Following last week’s announcement that they are to donate the proceeds from an upcoming concert to charity, classic British rockers The Who are offering one lucky fan the chance to roadie for them on their new tour in a special online auction to raise money for a charity that inspires at-risk youth with the assistance of homeless shelter dogs.

Fans are already bidding over $20,000 for the opportunity to join the band on the road and hang out with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend on their US tour. But that’s not all that’s on offer: bidders also have the chance to pick up signed memorabilia from Bob Dylan, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Harrison Ford, David Gray, Robert Plant, Kevin Spacey, Tom Hanks, Hilary Duff, Justin Long, Tori Spelling, and Hayden Panettiere.

The auction, which runs until August 24 and can be accessed through Ebay Giving Works, is raising money for K9 Connection, a charity that allows at-risk 12- to 18-year-old children train homeless shelter dogs in basic obedience, assisting the dogs to develop the skills to become adoptable. The organization aims to empower high-risk youth to apply the lessons they teach the dogs to their own lives: to develop an awareness of the risks of uncontrolled and impulsive behavior, and to believe in the power of positive reinforcement as an alternative to force and violence.

Toby Keith Raises Cash For Ally's House

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:34:00 +0000

The annual Toby Keith & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic in Oklahoma last week set a new record by raising $709,000 for Ally’s House, a nonprofit organization that helps families dealing with childhood cancer.

Since establishing the golf tournament five years ago, country music sensation Toby Keith has raised more than $2.3 million for the charity – named after the daughter of one of Keith’s band who died from kidney cancer – and this year was no different, with more than 750 people attending the weekend of sport, music and a celebrity auction.

Auction items were donated by stars such as George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Tom Hanks, Tiger Woods, Brett Favre, LeBron James, Andre Agassi, Tony Stewart, and Peyton Manning, although it was the chance to dine with Toby Keith himself that raised the most cash – a huge $35,000.

Eat From Your Favorite Celebrity's Plate!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:35:18 +0000

“Let them eat cake,” said Marie-Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, and now you have the chance to do just that – eat cake from a plate designed and signed by one of Tinsletown’s finest.

The auction, currently underway at the Auction Wire website, features one-of-a-kind plates from stars such as Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, and Carmen Electra, and is raising money for the Parkinson Society Maritime Region – an organization in Canada that aims to be the voice of Maritimers living with Parkinson’s disease. Funds will be used to supply services such as exercise programs, speech therapy, massage therapy, conferences, and workshops, and will also be used towards the National Research Program of the Parkinson Society Canada.

“The Parkinson Society is thrilled that so many celebrities from a variety of backgrounds – movies, television, politics, the arts – have come together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and raise funds through this auction of celebrity designed plates,” said Paul McNair, executive director of the Parkinson Society Maritime Region.