Look To The Stars News: Whoopi Goldberg

Stars Discuss Arts Education In New Book

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A new book – The Muses Go to School: Conversations About the Necessity of Arts in Education – has hit bookshelves across the country, pairing first-person accounts from leading artists and celebrities with interpretive commentary by progressive educators to produce a powerful case for positioning the arts at the center of school curriculums.

Editors Herbert Kohl and Tom Oppenheim asked leading artists to describe the profound learning experiences they enjoyed as a result of school arts programs. After each celebrity interview, distinguished educators respond and situate the anecdotes in terms of learning, teaching and education policy. With topics ranging from social engagement to hyperactivity, these smart and entertaining voices serve as a critique of the growing national trend to eliminate the arts in public education.

Stars Create Bookprints To Help Children In Need

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A new campaign, ONE MILLION BOOKPRINTS FOR ONE MILLION BOOKS, kicked off yesterday, inviting readers of all ages to create a “Bookprint” at the online community, youarewhatyouread.com.

For every Bookprint created, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate a new book to a child in need (up to one million books). Books will be distributed through the national school readiness initiative Reach Out and Read.

What’s a “Bookprint”? The five books that most impact someone’s life comprise their Bookprint. They can be children’s or adult books and Bookprints can change over time. On the “You Are What You Read” website, more than 200 “Names You Know” from entertainers to authors to journalists and even two U.S. presidents have shared their Bookprints. The donation launches with 20,000 books – one book for each of the 20,000 Bookprints created by users already on youarewhatyouread.com.

Jewel To Co-Host Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Veterans Day Special

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:15:00 +0000

ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is teaming up with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to present a one-hour special: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition “Rise and Honor” A Veterans Day Special, featuring appearances by some huge celebrities.

Jewel and Ty Pennington

Angela Lansbury And Regis Philbin Are Living Landmarks In New York

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The New York Landmarks Conservancy is honoring another incredible group of New Yorkers who have made outstanding contributions to the City at this year’s Living Landmarks gala on November 2 at the Plaza Hotel at Fifth Avenue.

Philanthropist Lewis Cullman, theater historian Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, legendary actress Angela Lansbury, restaurateur Danny Meyer and TV personality Regis Philbin will join an illustrious list of current “Landmarks.” Former Mayor David Dinkins will receive the special Lew Rudin Living Landmark Award for Public Service.

Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch are Honorary Co-chairs for the evening. The Celebration Committee includes Living Landmarks Mica Ertegun, Agnes Gund, Barbara Goldsmith, Marian Heiskell, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Philippe de Montebello, Elizabeth and Felix Rohatyn, Tommy Tune and Bunny Williams.

Meat Loaf And Miley Cyrus To Perform So The World May Hear

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Bill Clinton, Marlee Matlin, Doug Pitt and Randy Hogan will be honored at this year’s Starkey Hearing Foundation So The World May Hear Awards Gala.

Each year, the Foundation’s So the World May Hear Awards Gala recognizes those who have made a commitment to helping others and affect positive change in the world. The Starkey Hearing Foundation joins forces with celebrities and athletes alike to raise awareness and deliver the gift of hearing to those in need around the world.

The So the World May Hear gala will feature performances by Reba, Meat Loaf, LIBERA and Miley Cyrus, along with two surprise performances. Additional celebrities currently scheduled to attend include: Patricia Arquette, Hilary Swank, Whoopi Goldberg, Maria Bello, Verne Troyer, Buzz Aldrin, Kevin Sorbo, Gary Busey, Kevin Costner, Phil Hellmuth, Larry Fitzgerald, Santonio Holmes, Roy Williams and many more.

Morgan Freeman Prepares For Disasters With Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Morgan Freeman, co-founder of Plan!t Now, and Robert L. Johnson – founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies – have announced through ClubCharity.com the launch of a fundraising auction to underwrite a new Bahamas Hurricane Prep website, www.bahamashurricaneprep.com, aimed at assisting the island community with hurricane preparedness for hurricane season.

Bahamas Hurricane Prep, which is an effort between PLAN!T NOW and its Bahamas partners, is a key program component that will benefit residents, visitors and business owners in the Bahamas. The Website will provide vital information about hurricanes and how they affect those on the islands, and make available information about preparing emergency kits, lists of emergency shelters, and links to relevant authorities and outlets where they can find up-to-date information. The website will be updated regularly with new information about preparedness in the islands.

“I am pleased to partner with Bob Johnson and his ClubCharity.com platform to help individuals who are most in need during critical weather months,” said award-winning actor and a co-founder of PLAN!T NOW, Morgan Freeman. “We are approaching some of the most severe and deadly weather months across the country and have already witnessed the devastating impact hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters can have on our families, our communities, homes and businesses,” he concluded.

Stars To Celebrate Global Health Achievements

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Soros, Gordon Brown and many more will come together this week to celebrate global health achievements.

The 2011 Global Business Coalition Conference and Gala Awards Dinner rolls out the red carpet on June 2, bringing together major celebrities, heads of state, big-name CEOs, and more for our most memorable evening yet. Actor, comedian and activist Whoopi Goldberg will host an evening that includes honoring two of GBC’s visionary founding supporters—George Soros and Ted Turner—and celebrates the power of business to create positive change on global health. Gordon and Sarah Brown will be recognized for their years of work and leadership addressing international health concerns, and we will pay special tribute to GBC’s founding CEO and leader, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke.

With Sigourney Weaver and Kim Cattrall on hand to present awards to George Soros and the Browns, and a stellar evening of musical performances from acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician, Natalie Merchant, and top South African musicians, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vusi Mahlasela, June 2 with GBC is sure to be an unforgettable night!

Celebrity Videos Support Human Rights Charity In New York

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – this week released the seventh video of the “New Yorkers for Marriage Equality” campaign, which features actors Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, the first married couple of the series.

The campaign raises the public profile of marriage equality in the Empire State following the win of three marriage equality supportive state senators last week.

“With pro-equality gains in the legislature last week and a Governor-elect ready to sign a marriage bill into law, New York can be on the leading edge of fairness for all families,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “But the work is not done and these high-profile New Yorkers will spur fair-minded citizen to make their voices heard on this critical equality issue.”

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Hugh Jackman Leads Celebrity Charity Watch Auction

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

As reported by LookToTheStars.org earlier this week, Meryl Streep, Hugh Jackman, Whoopi Goldberg and Jay-Z have joint a host of legendary stars of stage and screen who have lent their signatures to Audemars Piguet timepieces to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The event entitled “Time to Give” is an historic collaboration between renowned Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet and the Tony Awards and will culminate in a live, invitation-only auction (conducted by Christie’s) and cocktail reception at New York’s Four Seasons Hotel on Monday, May 17th.

Stars Sign Luxury Watches For Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Now is your chance to get your hands on luxury – by wrapping watches signed by your favorite stars around your wrist for charity.

Stars such as Daniel Radcliffe, Hugh Jackman, Meryl Streep, Jay-Z and Vanessa Williams have signed luxury Audemars Piguet Swiss watches for a celebrity charity auction to raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an industry-based organization that relies on the talents and generosity of the American Theatre community to raise money for AIDS-related causes in the United States.

Other stars who have signed watches for the auction include Catherine Zeta Jones, Jane Krakowski, Cyndi Lauper, John Lithgoe, Scarlett Johansson, Alan Cumming, Sienna Miller, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Antonio Banderas, Cynthia Nixon and many more.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Stars Give A Damn For Equality

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

There was so much interest in Cyndi Lauper’s new True Colors Fund campaign this week that the website crashed.

The We Give A Damn campaign features a video with number of stars – including Anna Paquin, Elton John, Eric Roberts, Jason Mraz, Whoopi Goldberg, Kim Kardashian, Wanda Sykes, Clay Aiken, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne – supporting the Fund’s fight for equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

“I’ve come to realize equality means a lot to people who don’t have it and that, as a straight person, I have a responsibility to stand up for gay and transgender people each and every day,” said Cyndi Lauper.

Adam Lambert To Perform At GLAAD Awards

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

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced today that recording artist Adam Lambert will perform at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented in Los Angeles on April 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

“GLAAD has advocated for out music artists, including myself, and I am proud to be part of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year,” said Adam Lambert. “GLAAD’s work to share stories that grow acceptance and understanding about the gay and transgender community is so important in our culture today.”

Bill Clinton And Whoopi Goldberg To Attend 2010 AIDS Life Ball

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Former president Bill Clinton and actress Whoopi Goldberg will be guests of honor at this year’s annual Life Ball for AIDS in Vienna.

Since 1993, world famous personalities and artists have lent their voices and support to Life Ball, giving their time and effort to make the charitable event successful every year. With their appearances, personal impulses and involvement, Sharon Stone, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Catherine Deneuve, Liza Minnelli, Kim Cattrall, Linda Evangelista, Heidi Klum, Dennis Rodman, Naomi Campbell, Randy Crawford and many more have inspired courage and promoted the joyful aspects of life and given a clear sign against discrimination and ignorance.

This year’s event will take place on July 17, and will coincide with the 18th World AIDS conference in the Austrian city. Clinton will represent the Clinton Foundation, while Goldberg will appear on behalf of amfAR. The Life Ball is organized by Aids Life, an independent non-profit organization, created with the objective to raise money to support people in areas of the world most affected by HIV and AIDS.

Drew Barrymore To Be Honored By Gay And Lesbian Alliance

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced that Golden Globe Award-winning actress and producer Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award, and Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Wanda Sykes will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 17 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans.

Actress Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. In 2009, Barrymore took on the role of the lesbian daughter of a widower played by Robert De Niro in Everybody’s Fine, nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, and in 1995 starred in Boys on the Side which won the Outstanding Film award at the 7th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. She also joined thousands of marriage equality advocates in the streets of West Hollywood when the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, which eliminated marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Past recipients of The Vanguard Award include Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Sharon Stone, Eric McCormack, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Kathy Griffin and Whoopi Goldberg.

Stars Remember Natasha Richardson At Charity Gala

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

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

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

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

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela’s audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Star-Studded Event Honors CNN Everyday Heroes

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

This year’s CNN Heroes event featured a host of famous presenters including Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez and Julia Louis Dreyfus.

Presented by Anderson Cooper, the third annual event honored the top 10 CNN Everyday Heroes of 2009, and was taped in front of an audience of 2,500 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Performances by Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood and R&B singer Maxwell enhanced the evening, which took place on November 21 and will be broadcast on CNN on November 26.

The winners of the awards were selected by a panel that included Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Malaak Compton-Rock, Kirk Cameron, Masi Oka, Shakira, Ted Turner and Colin Powell.

Elton John AIDS Foundation To Honor Sharon Stone And Bill Clinton

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation will honor Sharon Stone and Bill Clinton at a charity event this month.

The Enduring Vision Gala is an annual event that last year raised over $2 million for the organization. Sir Elton’s event has attracted celebrities such as Gladys Knight, Tim Allen and Whoopi Goldberg in the past, and this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever.

Sir Elton set up his AIDS Foundation to provide funding for educational programs targeted at HIV/AIDS prevention and/or the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for programs that provide services to people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS.

Charitable Celebrities To Receive 21st Century Leaders Awards

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Celebrities will be out in abundance in Doha, Qatar, next week for the Whatever It Takes Experience presented by 21st Century Leaders and Whatever It Takes.

As well as a private art experience and gala dinner, several stars will be honored with 21st Century Leaders Awards at this massive charity event.

The Doha 21st Century Leaders’ Awards are granted to individuals who, whilst being leaders in their own fields, have also made a serious commitment and significant impact on their chosen cause.

Brooke Shields To Attend Family Charity Carnival

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Brooke Shields is confirmed to attend the annual Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Kids For Kids Family Carnival on October 24.

This annual event is a major fundraiser for the charity, and has for 16 years brought families together to rally in support of the Foundation’s fight against pediatric AIDS. Last year’s event raised $3.6 million. The event will feature samplings from New York’s greatest restaurants, world-class artists and photographers, celebrities, and both old-fashioned and cutting-edge games and activities – all-in-all a great day out for the whole family.

Joining Brooke at this year’s event will be Nigel Barker, Mario Batali, Diane Sawyer and many more. Past years have seen appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Marcia Cross, Mariska Hargitay, Heidi Klum, TR Knight, Vanessa Williams and others.

Lady Gaga To Take Part In BGC Charity Day

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

BGC Partners, a leading international inter-dealer brokerage firm, will hold its fifth annual star-studded BGC Charity Day on Friday, September 11.

BGC is a leading inter-dealer brokerage firm affiliated with Cantor Fitzgerald, the company that suffered the heaviest loss of life during the Twin Towers tragedy in New York on September 11th, 2001. BGC is proud to continue its legacy of fundraising on behalf of a wide range of charitable causes, with proceeds this year going to charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Boomer Esiason Foundation, The Children’s Institute, Mercy Center, The Valerie Fund, Childhelp USA, Garden of Dreams, Jubilee Center, Bone Marrow Foundation, Coast to Coast Against Cancer and many more.

Every year, the event offers the chance for celebrities to act as financial brokers and help raise money by conducting real trades with BGC’s clients (the major banks and investment banks) over the phone from the trading floor (alongside a licensed broker). From these trades, worth millions of dollars in bonds, foreign exchange, derivatives and other products, BGC will aim to surpass last year’s total of $8 million globally, which brought the four-year total raised on BGC’s Charity Day to $23 million.

Nelson Mandela's 91st Celebrated In Style

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A galaxy of stars turned out to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday in New York during the weekend, with proceeds going to one of the South African legend’s charities.

Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and many more appeared at the Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, July 19, with money raised going to 46664, Mandela’s campaign to help raise Global awareness of AIDS/HIV. 46664 aims to highlight the emergency of AIDS/HIV through unique live events and music related initiatives.

Mandela himself was unable to attend the event, but did send a video message in which he said “It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” President Barack Obama also appeared via video, saying that Mandela’s life “teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen.”

VIP Tickets To Mandela Day Concert Available

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation announced this week that a number of extra VIP tickets are available for the Mandela Day concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The concert forms part of the celebrations for Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday on July 18, 2009 at 8pm.

Mandela Day serves as a global call for people to recognize their individual power to help change the world for the better.

The concert will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean and many more. Special guests include Whoopi Goldberg, Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and Susan Sarandon.