Look To The Stars News: Muhammad Ali

Big Names To Celebrate Muhammad Ali's 70th Birthday At Charity Gala

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The cast of entertainers and sports icons slated to appear at Keep Memory Alive’s 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, in Las Vegas keeps getting bigger every day, though only a limited number of tickets remain for the celebrity-filled fundraiser.

Fans wishing to see what’s happening inside this one-of-a-kind 70th birthday celebration for Muhammad Ali — which will raise funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center — will also be able to tune in to “Ali 70th From Las Vegas” on ABC on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. ET and 2 p.m. PT. It will re-air on ESPN2 later that same night at 10 p.m. ET.

The lineup for the night includes performances and heartfelt tributes from some of the world’s hottest entertainers and sports icons. The list of performers and celebrity supporters slated to appear at the celebration includes Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson, David Beckham, Larry King, Ken Jeong, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Common, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Chris Cornell, Cee Lo Green, Joe Perry, Slash, Terrence Howard, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Jim Brown, Randy Couture, Brad Garrett, Kelly Rowland, Dave Koz, Robin Leach, James Gandolfini, Steve Schirripa, Chazz Palminteri and Sammy Hagar. Boxing icons scheduled to attend the celebration include Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns. Even more big names from the entertainment and sports worlds will be added to the lineup as the event nears.

Stars To Celebrate Muhammad Ali At Charity Event

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:20:00 +0000

In its bid to knock out memory disorders, Keep Memory Alive will turn up the heat at its 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, as it celebrates the life and legacy of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, while raising funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center. Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime celebrity-filled fundraising event are on sale now.

On Feb. 18, Keep Memory Alive, the fundraising arm of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, will transform the MGM Grand Garden Arena into a 70th birthday celebration for Ali designed to honor the boxing legend’s contribution to the world and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s, the disease “The Champ” has been battling since 1984. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s work toward enhanced treatments and research of neurocognitive disorders and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Ky.

Performers and celebrity supporters slated to appear at the celebration include Lenny Kravitz, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Cee Lo Green, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Brad Garrett, Kelly Rowland, James Gandolfini, and Sammy Hagar. Boxing icons scheduled to attend the celebration include Sugar Ray Leonard, Ken Norton, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, Roberto Duran, Angelo Dundee, and Leon Spinks. Even more big names from the entertainment and sports worlds will be added to the line up as the event nears.

Sean Penn Helps Free American Hikers In Iran

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:05:00 +0000

Sean Penn reportedly helped secure the release of two Americans freed by Iran this week, by flying to Venezuela to ask President Hugo Chavez to talk with Iran’s leader.

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were freed last week after being arrested and charged with spying in July 2009 while trekking near the Iranian border.

Although highly critical of the US, Hugo Chavez provided a direct link to Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Sean Penn has been vocal in calling for an end to economic sanctions put on Venezuela.

Muhammad Ali Honored At Celebrity Charity 9/11 Event

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:10:00 +0000

On Sunday, September 11th, over 500 guests from Los Angeles and Orange Counties gathered at The City National Grove of Anaheim to pay tribute to America’s heroes and honor the anniversary of 9/11 as a national day of service and remembrance at the fourth annual Life Changing Lives – One Nation. One Heart Gala.

Honorees General Lyon, Muhammad Ali and Ambassador Argyros – photo: Karen Reuter

Celebrities Commemorate 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

This weekend marks ten years since the 9/11 terror attacks, and celebrities are joining the rest of the world in commemorating the anniversary.

Flight 93 National Memorial
Bill Clinton will join George W. Bush, Laura Bush and Sarah McLachlan at the September 10 dedication ceremony of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. The memorial service will take place at the newly-opened memorial plaza surrounding the site where Flight 93 crashed at 10:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001. President Obama is expected to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial later that day.

Stars Step Up For Save The Children East Africa Appeal

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Yesterday saw the launch of a ground-breaking celebrity charity social media campaign, ’I’m Gonna Be Your Friend’ supported by many of the world’s most famous names in entertainment and their fans, including Beyoncé Knowles, Annie Lennox and Sting.

A global audience close to 600 million Facebook and Twitter fans will be able to view a short film of the crisis in East Africa created by award-winning director Kevin MacDonald from footage of East Africa. The film is set to the 1973 Bob Marley & The Wailers song ‘High Tide or Low Tide’ and will reach over a billion people.

The campaign was developed to support Save the Children’s fundraising for the devastating food crisis affecting millions of children and their families across East Africa.

Muhammad Ali Shines At Celebrity Charity Fight Night

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, March 19, stars and athletes from around the country converged on the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona for Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XVII.

GRAMMY Award-winning leading lady of country music, Reba McEntire returned for her sixth year as emcee, and Lee Greenwood opened the evening with a touching rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” in which a rare Bald Eagle was released into the room to the surprise of the audience. Billy Crystal, longtime friend of Muhammad Ali, made a special introduction of The Champ who walked on stage to a standing ovation.

With Muhammad Ali on stage, Academy-Award winning actress Halle Berry was presented with the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Entertainer Award, No. 1 ranked LPGA Champion Cristie Kerr received the Sports Achievement Award, Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons received the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Entrepreneur Award, and former NBA and NFL owner Red McCombs received the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Humanitarian Award.

Muhammad Ali Fights For American Hikers In Iraq

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Muhammad Ali has entered the fight for two American hikers detained in Iraq since July 2009.

Ali has sent a letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei requesting the release of Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who were arrested near the Iranian border and held on charges of spying.

“Most Americans don’t know how warm and welcoming the Iranian people can be,” Ali wrote. “One day, I hope I am able to return to Tehran to stand, greet and be among my Iranian brothers and sisters once again. Perhaps that day will come soon.”

LTTS Exclusive: Celebrities Flock To Charity Bohemian Dream Party

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

On March 6, LookToTheStars.org’s Hollywood Insider, Maxine Tatlonhari, headed over to Bardot in Hollywood and attended the Bohemian Dream Party to benefit the amazing Young Storytellers Foundation.

Young Hollywood celebrities Zachary Levi and Jason Ritter hosted the event, which was well attended by stars, media and supporters of the charity.

Kelly Clarkson And Bret Michaels To Perform At Muhammad Ali Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Muhammad Ali’s annual celebrity charity Fight Night is to return to Arizona this month.

Celebrity Fight Night XVII will be hosted by Grammy Award-winning superstar of country music Reba McEntire, who is returning for her sixth time as emcee. The black tie event will begin with cocktails and a silent auction with dinner, an exciting live auction and entertainment to follow. Billy Crystal will make a special introduction of Muhammad Ali and multi-platinum recording artist Matchbox Twenty will open the musical portion of the evening, followed by a performance from Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson. Additional performers will include the Top 12 American Idol 2011 finalists, Bret Michaels, Jackie Evancho and Lee Greenwood, under the direction of David Foster – who is returning for his 12th consecutive year as the evening’s Musical Director.

This year, Muhammad Ali will honor Halle Berry, Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons, former NBA and NFL owner Red McCombs and No. 1 ranked LPGA Champion Cristie Kerr with the 2011 Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Awards. Kevin Costner & Modern West will perform at the official after-party immediately following the event.

Simon Cowell, Helena Bonham Carter Believe No Child Born to Die

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Helena Bonham Carter has offered her voice to the latest awareness campaign for Save the Children.

The campaign, No Child Born to Die, features the reactions of children in villages in Lindi, Tanzania as they view inspirational clips of David Beckham, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, among others.

Maria Shriver Remembers Father as "Legendary Public Servant"

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Sargent Shriver was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends, and dignitaries including Vice President Biden, former President Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama and Shriver’s son-in-law, former CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It was 8 years ago that the brother-in-law of former President John Kennedy and the late Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease. He died on January 18, at the age of 95.

Attending the funeral were Clint Eastwood, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Muhammad Ali. Bono, Vanessa Williams and Wyclef Jean sang at the funeral.

Halle Berry to be Honored at Celebrity Fight Night

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:37:00 +0000

One of the nation’s premier charity events, Celebrity Fight Night, has announced that this year Halle Berry will be honored while multi-platinum recording artist Matchbox Twenty will open the musical portion of the evening.

This annual star-studded gala presented in honor of featured guest, Muhammad Ali, will be held on Saturday, March 19th at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz.

In addition to Matchbox Twenty, there will be performances from Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson, Legendary country singer, Lee Greenwood, the Top 12 American Idol 2011 finalists as well as Bret Michaels.

Giving Back Fund Announces Super Bowl Celebrity Charity Events

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:30:00 +0000

For the first time, The Giving Back Fund will host two special events during Super Bowl Weekend in Dallas.

Football great and Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman will host Friday night’s (February 4) reception at Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas. Guests will meet and interact with celebrities and athletes in attendance as well as many of the galleries’ featured world-renowned artists.

Bid on one-of-a-kind pieces created by artists Michael Kalish, JD Miller, Burton Morris and Phil Romano just for the Big Game Big Give’s auction. Collectors of the artists’ work include Muhammad Ali, David Arquette, Jennifer Aniston, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Courteney Cox, John Travolta and Linkin Park as well as Warner Brothers, Disney and Nike.

A Funny Thing Happened For Charity At Michael J. Fox Celebrity Gala

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research held its 10th annual gala benefit — "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s — in New York City on Saturday, November 13, 2010.

Co-chaired by Tracy Pollan & Michael J. Fox, Alexandra Wentworth & George Stephanopoulos, Jennifer & Marc Lipschultz and Julie & Doug Ostrover, and with Honorary Chairs Lonnie & Muhammad Ali, the event brought together approximately 900 guests including Mayor of Newark Cory Booker, “Friday Night Lights” actress (and “Spin City” alum) Connie Britton, “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio, former NBA star Brian Grant, and NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn to raise over $4.7 million for Parkinson’s research.

“The Michael J. Fox Foundation has one goal — accelerating the development of new treatments, and ultimately a cure for PD,” Foundation CEO Katie Hood said in remarks from the podium. “Our approach to research funding is not a traditional one. We are proactive, emphasizing calculated risk, insisting on accountability from our partners and prioritizing the work that other funders can’t or won’t. We could do none of this without you and are so grateful for your support.”

Jordin Sparks And Friends Hit The Stage For Hearing Charity

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

More than 1400 supporters packed the RiverCentre ballroom in Minnesota last month for an unforgettable night of entertainment, inspiration, and more than $7 million of generosity.

The gala event raised money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the Global Leader in the Gift of Hearing, delivering more than 50,000 hearing aids annually through hearing missions in 86 countries. Founded by William F. Austin in 1984 with the vision So the World May Hear, countless numbers of lives are touched by better hearing through SHF missions.

Crowd-pleasing performances by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Doobie Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Sam Moore, and Canadian Tenors had guests on their feet and singing along with enthusiasm.

Jennifer Lopez Tells Kids To Be Great For Charity

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Jennifer Lopez was in Times Square yesterday, June 10, to unveil a billboard as part of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America’s (BGCA) Be Great campaign.

The campaign – which was launched in 2008 – features a collection of celebrity alumni from the BGCA who have donated their childhood photos for advertising. Stars such as Denzel Washington, Martin Sheen, Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, Swin Cash, Bill Clinton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Smokey Robinson, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Usher, Courtney Vance, Mark Wahlberg, and Kerry Washington have all been part of the campaign.

Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night Hits Phoenix For Charity

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Reba McEntire resumed her hosting duties at this year’s Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix on Saturday night.

American Idol judge Randy Jackson had the honor of introducing the boxing legend on stage at the event, while Glenn Frey, David Foster, Sam Moore and Charice provided entertainment.

Among those to receive awards at the event included NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and film producer Jerry Weintraub. The evening also featured a live auction that included lots such as dinner with Muhammad Ali, Steve Nash, Kevin Costner, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal or Robin Williams, a day out with Reba McEntire, a meet-and-greet with Michael Buble and much more.

Glenn Frey To Headline Celebrity Charity Fight Night

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Glenn Frey of the Eagles, one of the world’s most successful rock bands having sold more than 120 million albums, will headline the entertainment at Celebrity Fight Night XVI on Saturday, March 20th at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ.

Celebrating his 50th year on the world stage, Muhammad Ali will receive a special introduction from Grammy Award-winning producer and American Idol judge, Randy Jackson during the event.

Christina Aguilera Teams With Muhammad Ali For Charity PSA

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Christina Aguilera has teamed up with Muhammad Ali to film a PSA for the World Food Programme.

“I’m devastated by the toll that the earthquake has taken, and as a mom, I am especially heartbroken by the children and families affected,” Aguilera said. “My goal for the PSA is to inspire as many people as possible to donate to the World Food Programme so they can continue to feed the survivors in Haiti and move them from hunger to hope.”

The PSA is being sponsored by World Hunger Relief, Yum! Brands annual campaign to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds to benefit the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger relief agencies.

Hope For Haiti Now - Muhammad Ali's Plea For Charity

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:08:00 +0000

As the stars came out and shone for Haiti last night during George Clooney’s Hope For Haiti Now telethon, it was boxing legend Muhammad Ali who spoke loudest about the need for charity in times of hardship.

Appearing on stage in a wheelchair and unable to speak, the former boxer – who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease – looked on as comedian Chris Rock read out a speech he prepared earlier.

“By any name, charity can bring the people of our planet together … charity changes lives and saves lives … we call upon all the good people in every corner of the world to help … please give now,” he said. “In my life I’ve been called by many names. There are many names for the charity of the people of the earth and one of them is Zakat.”

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date.

Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. The special black-tie evening took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.

LTTS Exclusive - The Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent, Richard Barker, attended the Caudwell Children Ball last weekend and filed this exclusive report.

As a photographer and a journalist, I am fortunate enough to have many unique experiences, and I’m pleased to say that on Friday night was one of the best!

Archant London hosted a Press Ball for Caudwell Children. The Butterfly Ball at the Landmark Hotel in London’s Regent Park was attended by some truly inspiring people. Archant London’s Managing Director, Enzo Testa, welcomed the guests telling them though financial conditions were tough, he was confident that by their very presence, their generosity would produce a wealth of cash for the children, and so it proved.

Muhammad Ali Hits The UK On Charity Trip

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is currently touring the UK to raise money for charity.

The 67-year-old Parkinson’s Disease sufferer will raise awareness and money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The center was established by the boxer to provide excellence in treatment, research, and education for patients and families affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders regardless of ability to pay.

Ali will be honored at dinners and special events in London, Dublin, Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent.

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

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

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.