Look To The Stars News: Tim McGraw

Stars Attend An Unforgettable Evening For Charity

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:40:00 -0000

Celebrity couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw were honored at the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women’s Cancer Research Fund An Unforgettable Evening event at the Beverly Wilshire on Wednesday, January 27.

The pair were awarded the Courage Award for their work in setting up the Tug McGraw Foundation – after Tim’s father, who died of cancer – and their work raising funds for cancer research.

“Cancer took the life of my father-in-law,” said Faith Hill. “He was a brave man during his fight towards the end. His wish was to create an organisation that provided a better way of life for cancer patients and money towards research.”

The event was also attended by Taylor Swift, Christina Applegate, Rita Wilson and Julianne Hough.

“Being a part of this cause means a lot to me because my family’s been touched by cancer several times,” said Swift. “To be here raising awareness for early detection is very important and I’ve heard they’re going to be raising close to $2 million tonight – it’s inspiring.”

Bette Midler Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bette Midler has launched a new online charity auction, and she wants YOU to be part of it.

“It’s just brimming with fabulous experiences donated by dear friends who share my deep concern about the environment!” she said. "With a tennis lesson with John McEnroe, a walk-on role with Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, lunch with Jann Wenner, a getaway to Richard Branson's Necker Island, the chance to meet Cher, John Mayer, Tim McGraw – not to mention yours truly – we’ve got something for everyone!

“Proceeds benefit New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a nonprofit I founded to clean & green New York City. We’ve turned 55 vacant lots into beautiful community gardens and planted more than 250,000 trees, and we’re just getting started, so I hope you’ll join in the merriment by placing a bid today!"

There are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities featuring Daniel Craig, John Stamos, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Jackson Browne, Jay Leno and many more.

The auction runs until November 13 and can be accessed here.

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.

Agassi Lines Up Grand Slam for Children

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:08:00 -0000

Dane Cook, Daughtry, Tim McGraw and Brian McKnight will headline the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation's 2009 Grand Slam for Children benefit concert.

The 14th annual concert boasts Grammy award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster as Musical Director, and Andre Agassi will be there to host the event.

“Each year, the stars align and donate their talents to celebrate our achievements and support our work in education,” said Agassi. “This year’s Grand Slam for Children promises to be an incredible night of entertainment that benefits Agassi Prep and allows us to create opportunities that change children’s lives.”

The Grand Slam events have raised nearly $75 million since 1995 to support a movement that’s improving education for all children.

Now in its 14th year, the Grand Slam brings together international stars – from music to comedy – to build awareness and raise money for the Andre Agassi Foundation. Dedicated to transforming education, the Foundation opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in 2001; in 2009 the public charter school graduated its first senior class with 100 percent of graduates going on to higher education opportunities. The Foundation’s work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi’s hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide, as the Foundation works to increase investment in, and accountability for, public schools.

This year’s Grand Slam for Children, sponsored by Genworth Financial, will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Wynn Las Vegas. The evening will include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live auction and benefit concert. Sponsorships for the Grand Slam for Children are still available at the following levels: Gold $17,500, Platinum $40,000 and Diamond $85,000. Individual seats are also available in sets of two; at the Gold level for $3,500 and at the Platinum level for $8,000.

To support the Andre Agassi Foundation or to obtain additional information, please visit www.agassifoundation.org.

Country Stars Thrilled By Volunteers

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:44:00 -0000

Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Keith Anderson helped to raise over $200,000 at Halfway to Hazard’s 2nd Annual Charity Trail Ride in Tennessee last week.

Nearly 25,000 fans flocked to Eastern Kentucky for the event, held on August 22-23. The weekend saw families enjoying music, family activities and ATV rides while supporting Buckhorn Children’s and Family Center, which cares for suffering children in the area.

Halfway to Hazard’s Chad Warrix said, “We were hoping to just double last year’s attendance of 7,500 and raise more than the $110,000. The fact we more than tripled attendance and doubled money raised this year is staggering! We applaud all the volunteers and artists for helping us in accomplishing and surpassing our goals.”

The event was made all the more special by the volunteers who took part, building the stage in the midst of the beautiful Appalachian hills of Eastern Kentucky. Country superstar Tim McGraw flew in on a helicopter to open the show, followed by a star-studded line-up including Gabe Garcia, Krista Marie, Lee Brice, Danielle Peck, Keith Anderson, Dierks Bentley, and of course, concluded with a high-energy performance by Halfway to Hazard. Special appearances included NASCAR legend Kyle Petty, Lt. Governor of Kentucky, Daniel Mongiardo, University of Kentucky football coach, Rich Brooks, and Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin.

The combination of events derived from Tolliver and Warrix’s previous days in their respective hometowns. “I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, where riding these trails and playing music was our main source of entertainment and a way of life. Coupling a ride with a concert where we grew up while being able to give back to our community is a dream come true. Seeing all the volunteers that help make all of this happen is also pretty extraordinary.”

Dierks Bentley To Ride Again For Music And Miles

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country singer Dierks Bentley has enlisted the help of Darius Rucker and Eric Church for a concert to follow his fourth annual Miles and Music for Kids celebrity motorcycle ride on October 11 in Nashville.

Bentley raised over $275,000 for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt during his third annual Music & Miles for Kids celebrity motorcycle ride last year, which also included a concert featuring Tim McGraw.

The 34-year-old singer is also working with the Children's Miracle Network and CMT One Country to extend the Miles and Music for Kids event to six cities in 2009 and 2010, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in those areas.

Tickets for the ride, concert and commemorative T-shirt are $50 from TicketMaster.

Country Stars To Perform At Charity Trail Ride

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country stars Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley will headline the 2nd Annual Halfway to Hazard Charity Trail Ride to raise money for Buckhorn Children’s and Family Center in Crockettsville, Kentucky.

The show will be part of a weekend of ATV trail rides on August 22 and 23, and will also feature performances by country duo Halfway To Hazard, Danielle Peck, Gabe Garcia, Bomshell, and Whiskey Falls.

Over 1,000 ATVs are expected to descend on the hills of Southern Kentucky for the event, and appearances will be made by NASCAR legend Kyle Petty, Motorcross great Ricky Carmichael, and music artists Randy Houser, James Otto, Keith Anderson, and Jeremy Popoff.

“Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, riding these trails was a way of life and, along with playing music, our main source of entertainment,” said Halfway to Hazard’s Chad Warrix. “Coupling a ride with a concert where we grew up while being able to give back to our community is a dream come true. Being able to promote our beautiful native region and its amazing people is a huge bonus for us.”

The concert is on Saturday, August 22, with the gates opening at 10 a.m. Bluegrass music will be played live from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Halfway to Hazard and friends take the stage beginning at 6 p.m. The ATV ride will be held Sunday, August 23, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the ride beginning at 10 a.m. The ride will depart from Crockettsville and travel along the East Kentucky Trail System near Buckhorn.

More info can be found at the official site.

Tim McGraw To Headline Andre Agassi Charity Event

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Andre Agassi has announced details of this year’s Grand Slam For Kids charity event.

The event will take place on September 26 in Las Vegas, and will feature Tim McGraw as the headline act.

“As we look ahead to our 14th Grand Slam for Children, let me simply say I am thankful for each and every one of you for partnering with me and the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation," wrote Agassi. "We are making a bold and lasting impact on our next generation.

“This is a challenging year, but this will lift your spirits. Let me give you a glimpse of the impact we’re having. The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy will graduate its first senior class in June. Students are going to walk across a bridge on our campus and leave notes for the classes that will follow. This will be their last stop before college, something that might have been beyond their reach, but was within the scope of their dreams.

“Our Foundation has been hard at work in many ways. The Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club is creating a new life for many children after school, including first-rate tennis instruction to give them the opportunity to receive college scholarships. We have been deeply involved with the Assistance League since 1994. With our help, they have provided clothing for more than 5,000 kids each year. For many, it is literally the first time in their life they have worn something new.

“The catalyst for our work is the Grand Slam for Children on September 26, 2009, at Wynn Las Vegas. You will enjoy appearances by international stars, and the knowledge that every table sponsorship will contribute to success stories of the future.

“These are certainly tough times; all of us are being cautious, deliberate and thoughtful with our priorities. We do believe, however, that there will be better times ahead, so we must not forget those who have no light at the end of the tunnel. Our resources may be finite but the potential of our young people is infinite. We will continue to make them our priority regardless of the times in which we live. Help us make a difference. I invite you to an evening we will never forget.”

Last year’s event attracted 1,900 guests and featured performances by Sheryl Crow, Natasha Bedingfield, The Killers, Lifehouse, Ray Romano, Rod Stewart and David Spade.

To find out about this year’s Grand Slam For Kids, click here.

Tim McGraw And Faith Hill To Perform For Country United

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

The American Country singer and actor Tim McGraw and his wife Faith Hill will perform during Country United, a two-day event comprised of the Partnership for Military Medicine Symposium and the Country United Gala. The events will take place on November 6 & 7, 2009, in Washington , D.C., to support the United States’s wounded warriors.

Symposium registration and Gala tickets are both available at www.countryunited.org.

The symposium and gala are supported by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine and the Tug McGraw Foundation.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) for the Advancement of Military Medicine is a private, not-for-profit organization authorized by the US Congress to support military medical research and education at USU (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences) and throughout the armed forces. Country United is an extension of HJF’s ongoing efforts to advance military medicine. (www.hjf.org)

The Tug McGraw Foundation was established in 2003 to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with brain tumors, and in 2009 expanded programs to include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. TMF collaborates and partners with other organizations to accelerate new treatments and cures while improving quality of life in areas of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual impact of those debilitating conditions.

McGraw and Hill are co-chairing the event that will raise money to help advance medical care and improve quality of life for service members and civilians. Hill is also scheduled to provide the keynote address during the Nov. 6 symposium.

“My father, Tug McGraw, proudly served as a Marine, and I’m honored to play a role in this very special event,” Tim McGraw said. “The goal of Country United is aligned with our own mission to accelerate treatment and cures around quality-of-life issues.”

Tim Mc Graw is very involved in social activities. As his success has grown, McGraw has become increasingly interested in giving back to the community. When McGraw first reached fame in 1994, he established his annual Swampstock event. Begun as a charity softball game to raise money for hometown little league programs, the event now includes a celebrity softball game and a multi-artist concert that attracts over 11,000 fans per year. The combined events have funded new little league parks and equipment and established college scholarship funds for students in the Northeast Louisiana area.

From 1996-1999 McGraw also hosted an annual New Year’s Eve concert in Nashville with special guests including Jeff Foxworthy, the Dixie Chicks and Martina McBride. The 1997 show raised over $100,000 for the Country Music Foundation Hall of Fame and Museum. Beginning in 1999, McGraw would pick select cities on each tour, and the night before he was scheduled to perform, would choose a local club and host a quickly-organized show. This tour within a tour became known as “The Bread and Water Tour”, and all proceeds from the show would go to a charity from that community.

In the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina, McGraw and his wife, who was raised in Mississippi, joined groups taking supplies to Gulfport, Mississippi. The two also hosted several charity concerts to benefit those who were displaced by the storm. Later in the year the couple established the Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, which provides funding for community charities to assist with basic humanitarian services in the event of a natural disaster or for desperate personal circumstances.

McGraw is also a member of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, in which various celebrities donate their time, skills, and fame to help the Red Cross highlight important initiatives and response efforts.

McGraw has helped out with charity events held by NFL Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. The Favre Forward Foundation has featured McGraw (and at other times Faith Hill) performing concerts during dinners and auctions that benefit children with disabilities in Wisconsin and Mississippi.

On July 12th, 2007, it was made public that McGraw and his wife Faith Hill, while in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a performance, donated $5000 to Kailey Kozminski, 3 year-old daughter of Officer Robert Kozminski, a Grand Rapids police officer who was killed on July 8, 2007 while responding to a domestic disturbance.

Neil Diamond Donates Money To Hurricane Ike Victims

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Diamond has donated the profits from merchandising sales on his recent tour to the victims of Hurricane Ike.

The singer – who is to be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in February – initially agreed to donate his merchandising sales from his shows last October to victims of the disaster, but has now turned over proceeds from every show he has played since then.

“Hurricane Ike hit southern Texas so fiercely and has been forgotten about by the rest of the country – but these people are still in desperate straits, and are in dire need of our help,” he told CNN. “I saw what was going on. The mayor of Houston took me around, and he told me about it and introduced me to some people. The next day, I drove down to some of the hardest-hit areas, and I just felt that I had to do something, and I felt that maybe my audience would help me out with it.”

The singer will be joined by performers such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, and Josh Groban at a charity show on February 6 at the Los Angeles’ Convention Centre to benefit MusiCares, an organization that provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need by supplying services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. The evening will also feature a fantastic silent auction.

Tickets for the event are available here.

Coldplay And Foo Fighters Join Neil Diamond For Charity Gig

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Diamond has announced plans for a star-studded charity concert to be held next month.

The veteran singer – who was named the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year – will be joined by performers such as Tim McGraw, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Josh Groban, Adele and Raul Malo for the gig on February 6 at the Los Angeles’ Convention Centre.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the MusiCares program, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need by supplying services and resources that cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. The evening will also feature a fantastic silent auction.

Diamond is being honored by the charity for his charity work, which includes donating 100 percent of merchandise sales from his October concerts in Houston, Dallas and Oklahoma City to the hurricane relief efforts in Texas for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike.

Tickets for the event are available here.

Singers Make Paper Dolls For Charity Auction

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of the biggest country stars on the planet have decorated paper dolls in an exciting new charity initiative.

Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Tracy Byrd, LeAnn Rimes, Willie Nelson, Jewel, Wynonna, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire – as well as Kid Rock, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson and Jordin Sparks – are among the 50 singers who have put pen to paper and let their artistic skills out of the closet to design paper dolls, which will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Through Project Paper Doll, the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt “reminds us that tomorrow can be a better day – every day – when we all work together to combine inspiration, innovation and knowledge to Make Something Happen.”

Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is a leading provider of healthcare for children, serving Middle Tennessee and beyond. The 222 bed facility includes a variety of family accommodations and is also a teaching facility, as well as home to internationally recognized research. This year, more than 154,000 children were seen in their clinics, over 43,000 children seen in the Emergency Department and nearly 13,000 admissions to the hospital.

The paper dolls will be auctioned on eBay from November 28 to December 17.

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas this weekend.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Agassi. “We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we’ve accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

The concert will raise funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The concert will be preceded by an invitation-only concert tonight – October 10 – featuring James Taylor and Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik.

“This year the Grand Slam for Children is being held at Wynn Las Vegas, which offers a first-class, intimate experience for our guests,” said Agassi. “The event is sure to be a hit with top exclusive entertainment at this beautiful venue.”

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Don Henley, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Goo Goo Dolls, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Seal, Duran Duran and Josh Groban. More than 98,000 fans and VIP guests have attended the past 12 Grand Slam events, raising more than $70 million for charity.

Agassi’s 2008 Grand Slam for Children will take place tomorrow night, October 11, with musical direction by David Foster. More information about tickets can be found at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation website.

Dierks Bentley Makes Music And Miles For Children's Hospital

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Not only did country superstar Dierks Bentley become a dad for the first time last weekend, he also led a group of celebrities on a motorcycle rally to raise money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The 32-year-old singer raised over $275,000 for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt during his third annual Music & Miles for Kids celebrity motorcycle ride and concert on Sunday, just a day after his wife, Cassidy, gave birth to their baby daughter.

Bentley was joined by fans and motorcycle enthusiasts on the rally, which went from Vanderbilt to downtown Nashville and culminated in a concert featuring Tim McGraw and John Rich. Also performing at the concert – a huge surprise for the crowd of 5000 – was NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, who organizes an annual charity motorbike ride of his own.

Bentley is now looking forward to spending some time with his new family and hopes to organize an even bigger charity event next year.

Celebrities Support Sick Drummer With New Auction

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Pierce Brosnan, Tim McGraw, Nickelback, Donna Summer, Keith Urban, The Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many other big names in show business have come together to support one of their own.

The stars have organized a special benefit auction to help Allen Shellenberger, the 39-year-old drummer for Orange County rock band Lit, who was recently diagnosed with a grade 4 malignant brain tumor. The auction, sponsored by The Make A Noise Foundation through Ebay’s Giving Works Program, is being launched to help offset Allen’s medical costs.

The auction will include autographed items by various celebrities and fellow musicians including an archive-quality signed and numbered giclee of a painting by actor Pierce Brosnan, a custom tattoo session by Aces High, a guitar lesson with Grammy-award winning guitarist Steve Vai, a “Baby Taylor” guitar autographed by Tim McGraw, a “Knocked Up” movie poster signed by Judd Apatow & members of the cast, a dinner with the band Lit, an original lithograph of a painting by Donna Summer, a guitar autographed by Staind, an amplifier autographed by members of No Doubt, Drum Heads signed by The Offspring, a “Stadium Arcadium” CD by Red Hot Chili Peppers signed by the entire band, and autographed items from James Taylor, Nickelback, Maroon 5 and many other one-of-a-kind items. All proceeds from the Ebay auction will benefit Allen and Cedars-Sinai's Maxine Dunitz Neurosugical Institute in Los Angeles.

In May, biopsy results identified Shellenberger’s cancer as malignant glioma. According to the National Cancer Institute, malignant glioma affects approximately 10,000 Americans per year. It is the same type of cancer Senator Edward M. Kennedy is battling. Shellenberger is under the care of world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Hunt at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute where he is pursuing radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Despite the news, Allen is in good spirits and committed to the fight.

Lit, who has been both a brotherhood and a band for over 20 years, has enjoyed multi-platinum success and chart-topping singles including “My Own Worst Enemy,” “Miserable,” and others. After two decades together, the band continues to write, record and tour.

“Allen’s young and healthy and if anyone has a chance to beat this, it’s him,” says Lit guitarist Jeremy Popoff. “As sad and scared as we all are, we’re standing by him and staying positive. We’re going to fight this together.”

For complete info on the auction, visit Lit’s MySpace page. To bid on the items in the auction, click here!

John Mayer Explores Arts With Tony Bennett

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

John Mayer joined Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, and Terrence Howard at a special art’s education benefit on Tuesday night.

The 30-year-old singer/songwriter performed 3 songs – “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Daughters,” and “Find Another You” – at Tony Bennett's Exploring The Arts gala held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Hosted by Goldberg, the evening raised over $1.2 million for Bennett’s charity that supports arts education in public schools. Honored at the event were Reed Hastings, Chairman, President and CEO of Netflix; Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman of Viacom and CBS Corporation; and Steve Wynn, Chairman of Wynn Resorts. Also in attendance were Katie Couric, Quincy Jones, and Rachael Ray. Tony Bennett closed the evening with trademark renditions of “Watch What Happens,” “For Once In My Life,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Who Cares,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”

As part of Bennett’s charity drive for the Exploring The Arts organization, an online auction is also currently running. Items up for grabs include meet-and-greets with Elton John, Katie Holmes, Andre Agassi, Bette Midler, Stephen Colbert, Kevin Spacey, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, as well as a dress owned by Christina Aguilera, signed prints and sunglasses from Bono, guitars signed by KD Lang and Sting, and many more items from Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Bruce Springsteen and others.

The auction – which ends on October 1 – can be accessed through the Charity Buzz website.

Who Wants To Be A Roadie For The Who?

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“Be a Who roadie for a day,” said Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, known for their habit of destroying their equipment onstage. “And if you get the job – good luck… you’re gonna need it!”

Buy George Clooney's Gift Bag For Darfur

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:19:08 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If you just can’t resist George Clooney -and let’s face it, who can – then you definitely won’t be able to resist checking out the new charity auction featuring the chance to pick up some of his unwanted bits and pieces.

The actor and UN Messenger of Peace has put his Oscar Nominees Gift Bag up for auction to benefit Not On Our Watch, the charity he set up with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Jerry Weintraub to end genocide in Darfur. The gift bag is filled with a range of elegant items such as a Personal Heineken Beer Tender, Marilyn Monroe ‘Classic Series’ wine goblets, exclusive spa packages including a gift certificate for a two night stay at La Costa Resort and Spa, Oscar Gold Havaianas, a Swarovski Crystal Pet Collar, and more.

The auction, which ends on May 4, is one of several currently being run at www.myqlu.com to raise funds for celebrities’ favorite charities. Also on offer, actress Mariska Hargitay has invited her friends in the field of arts and entertainment to join her in an auction to benefit her Joyful Heart Foundation, a charity she established to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

“I am very excited to be partnering with QLu to raise funds and awareness for my organization, the Joyful Heart Foundation,” she said. “In keeping with Joyful Heart’s groundbreaking programs, designed to help survivors of sexual assault recover lives of joy, possibility, and freedom, we are always looking for partners who take an innovative and impassioned approach to making a difference in the world.”

The auction features items from a range of stars, including Sharon Stone, Maria Bello, Courteney Cox, Marcia Cross, Hilary Swank, Dana Delany, Julia Louis Dreyfus and more. Sharon Stone’s 100 piece couture shoe and gown auction – along with fabulous designer pieces, designer comp gifts and everyday fun pieces belonging to these talented women – began April 10 and will run continuously through May or until all pieces are sold.

Fans of country singer Tim McGraw might also want to head over to the QLu auction site to bid on a suede jacket the star has donated. The proceeds from the sale will go to the Tug McGraw Foundation, set up in 2003 to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with brain tumors and their families by stimulating and facilitating research that addresses the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual impact of the disease. The auction ends May 2.

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)

Celebrities Cast Aside Their Clothing For Charity

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:35:59 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It is not a case of what to wear for celebrities this month, but rather of what to give away, as eBay and other auction websites are inundated with the closet cast-outs of a variety of actors and singers.

Film company New Line Cinema is leading the charge by auctioning off original costumes from their current hit movie, Hairspray. Among the costumes are two dresses worn by John Travolta in the film, as well as the silk top and capri pants belonging to Queen Latifah. The proceeds will benefit Citymeals On Wheels, a charity that looks after those in need in New York City, as well as The Harry Holmberg Memorial Foundation, which is dedicated to sick children in the city.

Bidding on each costume is expected to reach $500, and the auction ends on August 4. It can be viewed at www.hairspray.ebay.com.

Several celebrities are emptying out their closets for an auction on the website www.clothesoffourback.org this month. Actress Eva Mendes is offering one of her personal handbags ($250), and Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich has donated a dress from her own fashion label ($175). Joss Stone and Serena Williams will also be donating items to the auction. Proceeds will go to America’s Second Harvest (the nation’s largest charitable hunger relief organization), The Art of Elysium (which enriches the lives of critically ill children through art), and World Education (which focuses on girls scholarship programs in Africa), as well as research into autism.
The auction ends on August 6.

Also shedding her unwanted clothes this month is Faith Hill, who is auctioning a lilac cotton cardigan at www.myqlu.com. Proceeds from the auction (bidding has already reached $250) will go to the Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, the non-profit organization she set up in 2005 with her husband, Tim McGraw, to help those in need of proper health care and educational services.

Also on www.myqlu.com, hip hop star Nelly is offering a pair of his NBA Basketball Logo jeans. Bidding for these started at $250, and proceeds will go to 4sho4kids, an organization that aims to improve the quality of life for children born with developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on Down Syndrome and those addicted to drugs.

And finally this month, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is offering a special one-off jacket on www.myqlu.com. The man usually associated with the shedding of other people’s clothes has donated a custom-made jacket created for him in honour of the Playboy Jazz Festival held at the Hollywood Bowl in 1990. Super slick, super bold, and super collectible, the jacket is set to sell for over $500, with proceeds going to the Hugh M Hefner Foundation, which supports issues relating to freedom of speech and civil liberties, as well as health.

eBay Busy With Charity Auctions

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:27:49 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ebay Giving Works, the program set up by the internet giant dedicated to charity auctions, is busy this month with an influx of musicians selling items for good causes.

Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw lead the charge by offering a brand new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on the eBay site. All proceeds from the auction will go towards their Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, the non-profit organization they founded in 2005 to provide funding for community based charities.

The winner of the auction will also receive a trip for two to Las Vegas, two tickets to Hill and McGraw’s Soul2Soul concert on August 4, backstage passes with an opportunity to meet the singers, and autographed photos.

The Neighbor’s Keeper Foundation has already raised over $1 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and the jeep is expected to raise at least another $35,000. The auction runs from July 4 to July 14, and can be found at www.ebay.com/jeepsoul2soul.

Other musicians with items for sale this month include rock group Incubus, who have made 25 VIP packages available for their up-coming sell-out tour in America. Proceeds from the online auction will go towards the band’s Make Yourself Foundation, which funds various causes and charities around the world.

Some fans are already bidding over $400 for the packages, which include tickets to their shows, the chance to meet the band backstage, and autographed photos.The auction runs from June 11 to July 16, and is found at www.ebay.com/incubus.

Rockers Linkin Park are offering 1 VIP package to each show in their upcoming Projekt Revolution tour – 28 dates in all. Each package includes two premium tickets to the venue of your choice, a backstage meet and greet with the band, and an autographed poster.

The auction will support Music for Relief, an organization set up by the band to help victims recover and rebuild after natural disasters. It was established in 2005 to provide aid for those affected by the tragic tsunami in South Asia, and has also raised over $2 million for Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims. The auction runs from July 5 to August 9, and can be viewed at www.ebay.com/musicforrelief.

VIP packages continue to be the theme with Beyoncé Knowles' auction at www.ebay.com/beyonce.tour. Two winning bidders will have the opportunity to watch her up-coming New York and Los Angeles shows from front row seats, meet Beyonce backstage, and receive autographed photos. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Survivor Foundation, an organization the singer started with her family in 2005 to assist Hurricane Katrina victims. The auction runs from June 8 to July 24.

Not to be outdone by the younger generation, several classic rock acts are also running online auctions at eBay this month.
Sting and The Police are offering a series of ticket packages, which include meet and greets and autographed memorabilia. All proceeds from the auction benefit MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy.

MusiCares focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues, especially those that have a direct impact on the health and welfare of the music community.
One of the VIP packages to meet the band has already sold for over $1500, and bidding for the others closes on July 6. The auction can be viewed at www.ebay.com/grammys.

Finally this month, former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page is auctioning the double neck Gibson guitar he used on the 1971 Led Zeppelin IV tour. This is the guitar he played “Stairway To Heaven” on for every night of the tour, and 10% of the proceeds will go to MusiCares. The auction runs from July 23 to August 2 on eBay.

Ebay also expects to offer a large selection of signed Live Earth products after the Live Earth concerts on July 7.

Hill, McGraw and More Become Cartier LOVECHARITY Ambassadors

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:29:26 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Djimon Hounsou, and Eva Mendes are among the list of 2007 Cartier LOVECHARITY Bracelet Ambassadors.

The Cartier LOVE bracelet was introduced more than 30 years ago, and has risen to be one of the most coveted jewelry designs in the world. In 2006 alone, more than $1.2 million was donated to eight global charities from the sales of its LOVECHARITY bracelet, spurring the company to create a new LOVECHARITY bracelet for 2007. The goal is to exceed last year’s donations as a number of new celebrities join the endeavor.

The 2007 LOVECHARITY bracelet features an 18K white gold miniature LOVE bracelet graced with the word LOVE and accented with two signature screw motifs. It is set into a knotted silk cord available in various colors, with each cord designating support of a unique cause. The bracelet costs $475 with $100 per bracelet benefiting its corresponding charity.

The complete list of the 2007 Ambassadors and their corresponding charities includes:

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have a chocolate brown bracelet for the Neighbor's Keeper Foundation
Djimon Hounsou has a deep copper bracelet for SOS Children's Villages
Eva Mendes has a navy bracelet for The Art of Elysium
Julianne Moore has a lavender bracelet for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance
Rihanna has a sea foam green bracelet for Believe
Usher has a gold bracelet for the New Look Foundation
Rachel Weisz has a lilac bracelet for The Constant Gardener Trust
Elie Wiesel has a yellow bracelet for The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

The 2006 LOVECHARITY Bracelets will also be available through the year, supporting YouthAIDS (Rosario Dawson) ; the Salma Hayek Foundation (Salma Hayek) ; USA Harvest (Scarlett Johansson) ; Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film & Television Graduate Division / Tisch School of the Arts/NYC (Spike Lee) ; Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (Edward Norton) ; UNICEF (Sarah Jessica Parker) ; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Liv Tyler) ; and Mercy Corps Gulf Coast Recovery Fund (Michael Stipe).

Cartier’s second annual LOVE DAY is scheduled for June 8, and on this day 10% of all sales from the complete LOVE collection will benefit partnered organizations.

Buffett Auctions Celebrity Dinner For Charity

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:58:33 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Businessman and philanthropist extraordinare Warren Buffett is to auction off a meal with himself and celebrity friends.

A similar auction last year raised $620,000 for a business lunch with the world’s second richest man. The dinner now under auction will see the winner join Buffett, Robert Redford, musician Tim McGraw and actor James Denton of “Desperate Housewives” at the home of Buffett’s daughter Susie in Omaha, Nebraska.

The auction is taking place online at charityfolks.com, ending at 6pm on Monday 5th March. Proceeds will go to the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, which advocates organ and tissue donation.

Priceless Piano on Auction at the David Foster and Friends Charity Gala

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:44:29 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Over 60 superstars have signed David Foster's one-of-a-kind Yamaha grand piano, which will be auctioned live and via the internet during the 2006 David Foster and Friends Gala.

The piano has been used in dozens of major performances including shows in Las Vegas, a recent performance at David’s home by Barbra Streisand, Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, and Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children benefitting underprivileged and abused children through the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

Some of the celebrities who have signed the piano are Barbra Streisand, Céline Dion, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Sting, Tim McGraw, Robin Williams and Donald Trump.

Foster says, “My favourite songs have been performed on this piano by the original artists. It has been with us for some truly great events at some spectacular venues. I am thrilled that its legacy will help improve the lives of families and children in need.”

The piano will be on public display at the River Rock Casino Resort in Vancouver until September 10, the night of the gala. All proceeds go the the David Foster Foundation and will benefit families of children in need of organ transplants.

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