Look To The Stars News: Rodney Peete

Nick Lachey Helps Set World Record At Charity Event

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Football fan Nick Lachey and NFL football legends such as Jim Kelly and Rodney Peete helped Tostitos set a Guinness World Record and kicked off the college bowl game season in New York City on Friday, with Tostitos Fiesta in the Square, a one-of-a-kind football-themed “party with a purpose” to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Nick Lachey joins Tostitos brand to kick off the college football bowl game season by hosting the Tostitos Fiesta in the Square

Football Legends To Join Nick Lachey At Charity Fiesta In The Square

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The Tostitos brand has announced plans to kick off the college football bowl game season by hosting one of the most exciting social occasions of 2011 – the “Tostitos Fiesta in the Square.”

This one-of-a-kind football-themed “party with a purpose” will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters and take place in the heart of New York City from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16, 2011. The celebration will convert the Times Square Military Island into a regulation-size college football endzone where fans will help the Tostitos brand set a new Guinness World Records title for the most people to kick successful American football field goals in six hours. As part of the event, the Tostitos brand will donate $100,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters. If a new Guinness World Records title is set, the Tostitos brand will double that amount for a total donation of $200,000.

Highlights from the event will be shared during the nationwide broadcast of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on ESPN on January 2, 2012. Tostitos, a flagship brand of PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, has sponsored the Fiesta Bowl for the past 17 years.

Stars Help Young People Beat The Odds

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The Children’s Defense Fund-California hosted its 21st Annual Beat the Odds Awards on December 1, honoring John Jimenez, Nancy Kannampuzha, Britany Lewis, Caylin Moore and Jeanette Wright, five incredible Los Angeles area high school students who “beat the odds.”

Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman and Hollywood’s supporters celebrated the high school “stars” for overcoming tremendous personal obstacles in order to achieve academic excellence. Awards were presented to the students by Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Elisabeth Shue, Jurnee Smollett and Rodney Peete.

Hollywood Heroes To Be Honored By Prevention

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Laura Petasnick, Publisher of Prevention, has announced the honorees of the magazine’s second annual “Prevention Honors Hollywood Heroes,” an evening in celebration of remarkable women committed to making a world of difference.

The event, to be held at the Sunset Tower Hotel on June 21, 2011, will honor Emmy and Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth on behalf of Maddie’s Corner, Emmy Award-winner and Golden Globe nominee Marg Helgenberger on behalf of The Race to Erase MS, Holly Robinson-Peete on behalf of The HollyRod Foundation and the late Laura Ziskin on behalf of Stand Up To Cancer, for their remarkable commitment to philanthropic causes. Asics will once again team with Prevention as the evening’s presenting sponsor.

Founded by actress/singer Kristin Chenoweth, Maddie’s Corner celebrates the bond between people and their pets while lending a helping paw to those in need. Its their mission to bring attention and support to animals in need – more specifically, homeless animals in shelters/rescue – and groups working on their behalf, as well as to highlight the many ways animals help people in need and enrich our lives. It hopes to increase awareness about responsible pet ownership and the joys of including animals in our lives, to educate about and to inspire humane attitudes toward animals, and to provide resources to those groups working directly with animals in need as well as those working with animals to assist people in need. In addition, we will periodically initiate activities benefiting human causes that will include the participation of animals to convey our message. The hallmark of Maddie’s Corner is that animals, whether as the message or the messengers, will always be active participants in our activities.

Kodak Launches Celebrity Charity Auction For Alzheimer's Association

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Eastman Kodak Company has announced the beginning of its celebrity charity auction benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association.

The latest innovation from the KODAK Picture Kiosk – PYNK Smart Print System – not only holds memories, but with your assistance, can help preserve the memories of loved ones. KODAK PYNK Smart Print Ready frames signed by celebrities who attended Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference are currently available for auction with all proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association at www.eBay.com/KODAK.

Celebrities Support Communication Shutdown For Autism

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A number of celebrities are supporting the worldwide global campaign challenging the planet’s social media users to shut down their networks for one day for autism.

The Communication Shutdown campaign encourages Facebook and Twitter users to make a donation and receive a charity app or (CHAPP) that will signal their support and intention to boycott their accounts on 1 November.

Social communication is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism and by volunteering to shutdown the world will have some idea of what this is like. For a $5 donation, the CHAPP will connect with the user’s Facebook and Twitter accounts by placing a shutdown icon over their profile picture.

Annual Celebrity Charity Book Auction Kicks Off For SAG Foundation

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Fans of the entertainment world and bookworms will be excited about this charity initiative: a huge number of celebrities have signed books for a special charity auction.

The 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Book Auction has kicked off to raise money for the Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s literacy programs.

Books autographed by Sting, Sidney Poitier, Kirk Douglas, Valerie Bertinelli, William Shatner, Maria Shriver, Jerry Seinfeld, Lance Bass, Bernadette Peters, Tom Colicchio, Bill Cosby, Tim Allen, Patricia Heaton, Sarah Silverman, Holly Robinson-Peete and Rodney Peete, Jay Leno, Sean Astin, Jenny McCarthy and many more are going under the hammer.

Maria Shriver Announces Women's Conference Lineup

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Maria Shriver has announced the lineup for this year’s Women’s Conference, to be held from Sunday, October 24 through Tuesday, October 26 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

“Our theme this year is ’It’s Time’ – and we are hoping The Women’s Conference inspires women to see this challenging moment in history as an opportunity to come together and transform ourselves, our communities and our world as Architects of Change,” she wrote in the Huffington Post. "I could not be more proud to disclose this amazing lineup, which will be led by Laila Ali, Yahoo! CEO Carol Bartz, Martha Beck, Mary J. Blige, Erin Brockovich, Campbell Brown, Deepak Chopra, Rosario Dawson, Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis, Linda Ellerbee, Giselle Fernandez, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David Gregory, Arianna Huffington, Women for Hire CEO Tory Johnson, Donna Karan, Billie Jean King, New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof, Matt Lauer, Omega Institute Co-Founder Elizabeth Lesser, Journalists Laura Ling and Lisa Ling, Jillian Michaels, former Xerox Chairwoman & CEO and Save the Children Board Chair Anne Mulcahy, The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, Poet Mary Oliver, Suze Orman, Dr. Oz, Tony Robbins, Al Roker, Diane Sawyer, The Episcopal Church’s Presiding Bishop and Primate The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Howard Schultz, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Jessica Simpson, Anna Deavere Smith, Disney/ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney, “The Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Kerry Washington, Ali Wentworth and Oprah Winfrey.

“We’ll kick the Conference off on October 24 with Maria Shriver’s March on Alzheimer’s and candlelight vigil in Long Beach, which I will emcee with Leeza Gibbons, Peter Gallagher and Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines. Alzheimer’s is a mind-blowing disease that disproportionately impacts women – both as victims and caretakers of loved one’s suffering from it. With more than 5 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in this country and a new diagnosis every 70 seconds, I believe it’s time to pick up the pace and start marching to defeat this devastating disease.

Celebrities To Kick It For Kenya At Charity Concert

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

A host of celebrities will attend a special benefit concert for Mama na Dada, a non-profit, non-governmental organization formed by and for African women to support the empowerment of the African girl child.

The Let’s Kick It For Kenya concert on June 4 will be headlined by 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons, and will also feature a performance by Ambrose and others.

The concert will raise funds for Mama na Dada’s girls’ soccer programs. Initiated earlier this year, the programs allow young girls in African villages learn co-operative team building and conflict resolution through sport. Find out more here.

James Denton Joins Celebrities At Autism Charity Walk

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Desperate Housewives star James Denton joined Holly Robinson-Peete, Rodney Peete and Austin Anderson at the Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday, April 24.

The walk saw participants complete a route of 3 miles, generating vital funds for autism research and raising awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism – the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder – and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

Holly Robinson-Peete Pens Book For Children With Autism

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete’s new picture book, ‘My Brother Charlie’ aims to educate children about the struggles of living with autism.

‘My Brother ’Charlie’ was inspired by Peete’s 12-year old twins, Ryan and RJ. RJ was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and when Peete saw her son bullied at school because other kids didn’t understand the developmental disorder, the book was born.

“My daughter Ryan inspired me to co-write My Brother Charlie with her,” said Robinson-Peete in a recent interview. “She wanted to advocate for her twin brother who has autism.”

Football Star Invites Celebrities To Charity Golf Tournament

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:30:00 +0000

A huge number of sports stars, actors and singers – including Rodney Peete – are to hit the greens near Dallas on May 15 for the inaugural Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities – an organization that creates educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children.

Stars invited to play include Don Cheadle, Kenny G, Wayne Gretzky, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez, Ludacris, Chris Rock and many more.

Emmitt Smith is a Hall of Fame Footballer who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. To find out more about the charity and the tournament, click here.

Stars Come Out For HollyRod Foundation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, July 21st, the stars came out in support of DesignCare 2007, an annual fundraiser from The HollyRod Foundation to benefit adults and children battling debilitating disease and life circumstances.

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband, retired NFL quarterback and Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Rodney Peete celebrated the 9th year of this popular fundraiser, hosting a star-studded couture fashion show, an electrifying musical performance, and both live and silent auctions at a beautiful private residence in Malibu.

The night was a huge success for the HollyRod Foundation, raising more than $350,000 with the help of comedians and live auctioneers, Chris Tucker & Cedric the Entertainer. Holly, Rodney, and celebrity supporters such as Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy, Angie Harmon, Jason Seahorn, Sanaa Lathan, Quincy Jones, Amy Yasbeck, Blair Underwood and Gayle King were among those who enjoyed the breathtaking designs of Naeem Khan and danced to the funky sounds of Morris Day & The Time.

Leeza Gibbons And Olivia Newton-John Present A Night To Make A Difference

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars is proud to be a sponsor of an exciting event that is set to take Oscar night by storm. Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster are bringing together a host of celebrities for A Night to Make a Difference to focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

The star-studded and inspirational event will be held at Beverley Hills’ exclusive and iconic Mr Chow, which will be transformed into a “living set” as it provides a backdrop for a very special interactive Oscar viewing party. This unique event will bring together stars from film, TV, music, sports and fashion to celebrate the worlds of celebrity and charity. Special Ambassadors of Change who have used their celebrity to make a tangible difference in the world will be on hand to empower the audience to make a difference in their own lives.

The list of Ambassadors of Change is long and includes Laila Ali, Jessica Biel & Make The Difference Network, Cindy Crawford, John Paul DeJoria, Fran Drescher, Hilary Duff, David Foster, Leeza Gibbons, Melissa Gilbert, Erin Gray, Tony Hawk, Slash & Perla Hudson, Larry King, Ali Landry, Mario Lopez, Gloria Loring, Darryl McDaniels, Dr Phil & Robin McGraw, Olivia Newton-John, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Jane Seymour, and Amy Smart.

Rockers Go Bowling For Autism

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Here’s your chance to see some of your favorite rock stars in a setting not normally associated with rock ‘n’ roll decadence: a bowling alley.

The VH1 Classic Rock Autism Celebrity Bowl-Off will take place tomorrow, November 13, at the Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood, and will be hosted by actress Holly Robinson-Peete, NFL legend Rodney Peete, and former Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. Rockers expected to put their best bowling skills on show include Meatloaf, Slash, and members of Velvet Revolver, Camp Freddy, Anthrax, Great White, Ratt, Warrant, Lit, L.A. Guns, Candlebox, Nelson, Cinderella, and many more.

The evening will benefit three autism organizations: The HollyRod Foundation , ACT Today!, and The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.

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.

10th Annual Design Care Event Attracts Celebrities

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband, former NFL player Rodney Peete, held their 10th annual “Design Care” event benefiting The HollyRod Foundation – which raises money for adults and children battling debilitating disease and life circumstances including Parkinson’s Disease and autism – on July 19.

The Design Care event is an evening of fashion, music and charity. What started as a gathering of 150 people at the home of Holly and Rodney has grown to a guest list of 500 people. To date, DesignCare has raised over $2 million.

This year, the HollyRod Foundation honored Cedric the Entertainer with the 2008 HollyRod Humanitarian Award; businessman James Warsaw with the Matthew T. Robinson Award of Courage; and philanthropist Lisette Ackerberg with the Angel on the Path Award. The first annual Champion Award was presented by hollyrod4kids to Jason “JMac” Mc Elwain – the teen basketball player with autism.

Holly Robinson-Peete Gets Behind Parkinson's Disease Book

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:56:16 +0000

A new book featuring inspirational stories from sufferers of Parkinson’s disease has got some celebrity help.

Holly Robinson-Peete has written a forward for “Proud Hands”, the new book that is a combination of personal photos and stories submitted by 28 patients and caregivers across America to provide encouragement to the more than 1 million people in the U.S. who are affected by Parkinson’s disease, and the actress will also launch the book at the annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk on April 26 at Central Park in New York City. In addition, several storytellers from “Proud Hands,” and representatives from Teva Neuroscience and the American Parkinson Disease Association, will be there to talk about the importance of learning to live well with the condition. Participants attending the Unity Walk will also be able to reserve a copy of “Proud Hands” at the Teva Neuroscience booth.

“It’s efforts such as this one made by Teva Neuroscience that allows my organization, The HollyRod Foundation, to continue serving the Parkinson’s disease community throughout the United States,” said Holly Robinson Peete. “The ‘Proud Hands’ book is a great way to create awareness about a disease that affects the lives of so many people and, at the same time, give hope to those who have the disease.”

Stars Keep On Giving

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:28:26 +0000

The giving just keeps on going this holiday season, with a whole bunch of celebrities donating items to charity auctions, and others taking the time to attend events and fork out massive amounts of money for good causes.

Such was the case on December 11, when the husband and wife team of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith paid $50,000 for a pair of artworks by Joan Miro and Salvador Dali at an auction in Chile.

“They bought the two works for a price much higher than their commercial value, because the proceeds of the auction went to UNICEF,” said Denise Ratinoff, head of the auction house that ran the event. “It was virtually a donation to UNICEF, and it helped a lot. Their presence in the auction made many other people also pay steeply for what they purchased.”

The Magnitude of Fortitude - When Parkinson’s Patients Feel Their Lives Are Crumbling, The HollyRod Foundation Provides Stability

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 22:08:00 +0000

It is a tremor that will send shockwaves through nearly 60,000 families in the U.S. this year. However, it will not be registering on the Richter scale; the shift in their world will be caused by the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. They will join the estimated 1.5 million afflicted Americans, along with their loved ones, who feel the reverberations of a disorder that leaves physical destruction, emotional devastation and financial ruin in its wake. Out of this rubble, a resolve emerges to research and fund a cure amongst the chaos.

For many, the first rumblings of Parkinson’s Disease are noticed in slurred speech, muscle stiffness, a shuffling gait; for actress Holly Robinson-Peete, it was noticing her dad walking with a limp while dropping her off at college in 1982. Upon returning home for Christmas of that year, Holly was told of his Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. At the age of 46, this was the onset of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease.

His name may not sound familiar, however many know Matt Robinson as the man who swept our cares away. His role playing the original Gordon on Sesame Street endeared us to this gentleman who would go on to write and produce for some of televisions best-loved comedies, including Sanford & Son, Eight is Enough, and The Cosby Show.