Look To The Stars News: Leeza Gibbons

Kirk Douglas Will Feed The Hungry On Thanksgiving

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Veteran actor Kirk Douglas – along with his wife Anne – will once again host his annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless on Los Angeles’ Skid Row on November 25.

For the past five years Kirk Douglas and his wife have hosted the street dinner at the Los Angeles Mission. Volunteers from TV, radio and movies, political leaders and others will bring Thanksgiving a day early to thousands of homeless men, women and children. The day will feature the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, served hot and fresh in a friendly family atmosphere. Los Angeles Christian Health Centers will provide foot care and exams at the event.

Already scheduled to help out this year are Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Booboo Stewart (The Twilight Saga – Eclipse), Carolyn Hennessy (Cougartown), Naya Rivera (Glee), Aldis Hodge (Leverage), Congress Members Maxine Waters and David Dreier, Sheriff Lee Baca, and others.

For over 50 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Hope Central (known as Skid Row), providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.

Celebrity guests in the past have included Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, Michael Douglas, Minnie Driver, Leeza Gibbons, Sally Kirkland and Kevin Nealon, all of whom have helped prepare, serve and clear plates. Last year, more than 3,000 people were fed a full course Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

Leeza Gibbons Honored At Successful Charity Gala

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Leeza Gibbons was honored at a special charity gala last weekend that raised over US$1.1 million.

An Evening of Innovation and Inspiration is an annual celebrity gala held on behalf of the Alfred E. Mann Foundation, a medical research foundation dedicated to bringing advanced medical technologies to the public to provide significant improvements to the health, security, and quality of life for people suffering from debilitating medical conditions. Its goal; raise funding for research dedicated to the advancement of medical technologies that offer hope to people suffering from debilitating medical conditions. Driven by a team of leading engineers, doctors, and scientists, AMF’s innovations have been successful in improving the health and quality of life of thousands of patients. AMF’s ultimate goal is to reach beyond the limits of today’s medicine and realize impossible dreams: that the blind may see, the deaf may hear, and the paralyzed may walk again.

Hosted by Alfred E. Mann and held at the Santa Monica Airport, the evening also featured a musical performance by Michael Bolton and an auction.

Leeza Gibbons To Be Honored At Charity Garden Party

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0000

The 8th annual Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing Garden Party will take place in Los Angeles on October 11 and will honor Leeza Gibbons for her outstanding charity work.

The event – which also honors actress Sharon Glees – celebrates Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and operating high-quality affordable, multicultural housing developments which include a community space used to provide social and recreational services for GLBT older adults. Their goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports the well-being of GLBT elders.

Leeza Gibbons will receive the Ron Gelb Community Service Award for her contributions to elder LGBT communities through her non-profit Leeza’s Place. Leeza’s Place provides free services to family caregivers to help them navigate through their loved ones health challenges through education, empowerment and energy. Sharon Glees is set to be honored with the Triangle Square Pioneer Award for her advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community. The Emmy Award-winning actress has been a pioneer for LGBT civil rights through her positive portrayals in both film and television. She also stars in the upcoming film Hannah Free in which she portrays one lesbian’s journey.

The event will include a fashion show by designer Andrew Christian, as well as a silent auction that includes a number of exciting items such as a guitar signed by Melissa Etheridge.

The event will be held at the home of Dayna Devon & Dr. Brent Moelleken, 545 South Plymouth Boulevard, LA, CA 90020 (3 blocks east of Rossmore at 6th Street). Tickets are $150 and are available here.

American Red Cross Announces Celebrity Cabinet

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce five new additions to its National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need.

New members to the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet include country singer and professional ballroom dancer Julianne Hough, Tony Award-winner and actress Anika Noni Rose, who lends her voice to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated comedy adventure “The Princess and the Frog” and appears in the HBO/Anthony Minghella television drama series,“#1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”, Hollywood Records artist and Disney Channel star Demi Lovato, who is supporting disaster relief via a Text 2 Help campaign throughout her summer tour, actress Sally Pressman from Lifetime’s “Army Wives” who will be supporting Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces, and actress Amanda Peet.

Peet has already made a personal commitment to support the Red Cross Measles Initiative. “As a mom, I feel privileged to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to vaccinate millions of children around the world through the Measles Initiative, a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. I commend the American Red Cross for tackling this global health problem in developing countries, where measles remains a leading cause of death, despite the availability of a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. I am passionate about this cause and look forward partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure children worldwide have this life-saving opportunity.”

“The American Red Cross runs on the valuable service of volunteers to fulfill our mission, and we are grateful that these celebrities are setting an example by volunteering their time and talents to help raise awareness of our work in responding to disasters, providing blood, helping military members and their families and promoting preparedness through first aid or CPR classes,” states Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross.

The announcement of these celebrity supporters closely follows First Lady Michelle Obama’s official launch of the United We Serve initiative, a call for nationwide service to begin a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs. The initiative spans throughout the summer and will culminate with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. During this time, the Red Cross will promote volunteer opportunities throughout its network of more than 700 chapters to help encourage community service.

“I am honored to be a part of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and help support an organization that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war and aid to victims of devastating natural disasters. Being part of this amazing organization will provide me with an opportunity to join its efforts to help others and encourage the American public to become involved with their local Red Cross and make a difference,” said Julianne Hough.

The Red Cross benefits from the involvement of public figures and celebrities dating back to World War I. Over the years, actors, artists, and sports figures committing their time and talents to the organization have played an important role in raising public awareness of Red Cross services nationwide.

This group of newcomers joins the National Celebrity Cabinet that also includes Greg Biffle, Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan, Chayanne, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, George Foreman, Leeza Gibbons, Amy Grant, Pat Green, Marcia Gay Harden, Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Peyton and Eli Manning, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Phil McGraw, “Access Hollywood’s” Nancy O’Dell, Masi Oka, Rascal Flatts, Raven Symone, Elisabeth Rohm, Jane Seymour, Jimmy Smits, and Daddy Yankee.

The Red Cross is honored to have Sherry Lansing, former chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Group, Paramount Pictures and former member of the Red Cross Board of Governors, to serve as National Celebrity Cabinet Chair.

Please visit www.redcross.org/celebritycabinet/ to learn more about the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.

Leeza Gibbons: Take Your Oxygen First - A Book For Caregivers

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Television host Leeza Gibbons will make a special appearance at the Cirlce of Care Leeza’s Place 3rd Anniversary in Sherman Oaks today.

Gibbons will be signing copies of her new book, Take Your Oxygen First, an inspiring new book that aims to energize caregivers of people with memory loss. With a forward by Larry King, the book is written for those giving care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss disorders. Take Your Oxygen First is an informative and inspiring guide to taking care of yourself in order to meet the challenges of giving care to another. Heartfelt, candid accounts by television and radio host Leeza Gibbons and the members of her family – who cared for their mother Jean for more than a decade after her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease – are combined with current medical, nutritional, psychological and spiritual information and advice for caregivers. Take Your Oxygen First shows you:

How the brain functions and how Alzheimer’s disease robs the mind of the ability to make memories.
The most current treatments available for all of the memory loss disorders.
How reaching out for help helps both your loved one and you.
How keeping fit physically and mentally allows you to give the best possible care to your loved one.
How guilt, anger, anxiety and depression can impede your caregiving and the best strategies to avoid them.
How caregiving can become the most spiritually rewarding challenge you will ever experience.

In Take Your Oxygen First, Leeza Gibbons introduces you to her family, including her father Carlos, Sr., her sister Cammy, her brother Carlos, and his wife Anne Marie, and all of their kids, and each of them shares with you their intimate experiences in giving care to Jean, in the hope that everyone taking care of a loved one can learn to take their oxygen first.

The book signing takes place at 2pm on Friday, May 29, at the Circle of Care Leeza’s Place, 5000 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 110, Sherman Oaks. Entertainment will be from Peggy Gohl, of Dean Martin’s Golddiggers.

To find out more about the book and order your own copy, click here.

Leeza Gibbons To Host Magic Of Memories Dinner

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Leeza Gibbons will join Fran Drescher in hosting the 6th annual Magic of Memories Dinner on April 25.

The event will take place at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California, and feature guests Larry King and Paul Mitchell CEO John Paul DeJoria. Tickets cost $250 per person, with proceeds going to benefit organizations such as the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, City of Hope, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Movement and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Last year’s event raised over $930,000 for charity, and this year they are planning to top that.

To find out more about the event, check out this website.

Gloria Loring Sings The Facts Of Life

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Days of Our Lives actress and singer Gloria Loring is well known for her work with childhood diabetes, and she would like to invite you to a special celebration of TV theme tunes this Sunday, March 22.

Born in 1946 in New York City, formerly married to Alan Thicke – with whom she co-composed the theme songs Diff’rent Strokes and Facts Of Life – and mother of Robin Thicke, Loring is a spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is the author of four books about diabetes, including her newest, Living With Type 2 Diabetes: Moving Past the Fear.

Her interest in the cause of juvenile diabetes stems from the fact her son, Brennan, suffers from the condition. Following his diagnosis at age four, Loring created and self-published two volumes of the Days Of Our Lives cookbook. Those books, along with her recording A Shot in the Dark, raised more than one million dollars for diabetes research. She followed that success with two commercially published books, Kids, Food and Diabetes and Parenting a Child with Diabetes also just released on e-books.

A certified yoga instructor and champion of bio-medical research, her efforts to raise awareness of health issues is untiring. She recently promoted her new book on The View, where she spoke and sang of her commitment to those with diabetes and other chronic diseases. She is a spokesperson for Mini Pharmacy – a family-owned-and-operated business providing convenient home delivery prescription services – and hosts a PSA for the National Disease Research Interchange, a non-profit organization that provides human cells, tissues and organs for research purposes.

TV Tunez Tonight will take place at the Music Box at the Fonda Theatre in Hollwood at 7:30pm on March 22. The performance will draw on themes from sit-coms and dramas to westerns, sci-fi, sports, game shows and commercials. Along with Loring’s “Friends and Lovers” and “Facts of Life”, the show will feature music from High School Musical, Popeye, Peter Gunn, American Bandstand, Brady Bunch, Petticoat Junction, and the Olympics. Audience involvement, user video clips from fans, surprise guests and the requisite sing-alongs will be part of the theatrical experience. Five-time Emmy Award-winning art director René Lagler will design the production.

To watch a video interview between Leeza Gibbons and Gloria Loring, click here. For information about tickets, head to Gloria Loring’s website.

Hilary Duff To Give Blessings In Backpacks

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer and actress Hilary Duff is expected to visit an elementary school in Florida on behalf of the Blessings In A Backpack program today, March 4.

The 21-year-old star is scheduled to appear at Tice Elementary School in Fort Myers to raise awareness of the program, which aims to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Every Friday, students receive backpacks with food that requires little to no preparation. They return with their backpacks on Monday ready to learn, with better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, and improved health.

In the area surrounding Fort Myers, the number of children participating in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program has increased dramatically from 50 percent last year to 62 percent this year.

“[Hilary’s] heart will always be bigger than her celebrity,” said Stan Curtis, founder of Blessings in a Backpack. “She feeds 1,100 children a week in Los Angeles. You won’t find a famous person more visible and vocal when it comes to her philanthropy.”

Duff was a guest at Leeza Gibbons’ Night To Make A Difference Oscar Party last month, and is a supporter of charities such as Kids With A Cause, Return To Freedom, and USA Harvest.

She is expected to meet students and staff of Tice Elementary School and talk about the Blessings In A Backpack program. The event is not open to the public.

More info about the program can be found here.

LTTS Exclusive Video: A Night To Make A Difference

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:12:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Check our our exclusive red carpet coverage of Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference.

Find out what Leeza, Olivia Newton-John, David Foster, Paris Hilton, John Paul DeJoria, Janice Dickinson, Brooke Burns, Darryl McDaniels and Charice Pempengco had to say about giving back here.

LTTS Exclusive: Inside A Night To Make A Difference with Host Michelle Vink

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Michelle Vink

Look To The Stars’ lead host, Michelle Vink was on hand as a host of Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference Fundraiser on Oscar night. Read her story below:

“Without hope, life is just not worth living”…

Those were the words from Harvey Milk from the Oscar-winning movie, Milk. Despite the uncertain state of the economy and the lack of faith we keep hearing about on the news, there was an overwhelming resurgence of hopeful optimism at the Oscars this year. Winning storylines like Slumdog Millionaire and Milk captured that very essence.

A new type of Oscar party

I recall reading that Slumdog director Danny Boyle placed the money to be paid to the 3 lead child actors in a trust until they complete grade school, and that the production company set up a driver to take the kids to school every day until they are 16 years old. When the movie was nominated for an Oscar alongside all the Milk nominations, I knew it would be a good year.

Soon after that I learned of a new type of Oscar party that Leeza Gibbons was coordinating, called A Night to Make A Difference. The timing was impeccable, and before I knew it I was invited to help host the event.

Michelle with Leeza and co-host, Russell.

Celebrity organisers with special causes

Leeza wanted to “take the global stage of Oscar Night and use it to put the focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.” With a team of volunteers and a production team fueled with the same passion, Leeza did just that. Helped by Olivia Newton-John, music legend David Foster, and several co-hosts, the team created “A Party with a Purpose.” This monumental event not only benefited Leeza Gibbons’ Memory Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, but also raised awareness for philanthropy and inspired a feeling of hope. This inaugural event was streamed live here on LooktotheStars.org, and on other sites including Variety.com , LeezaGibbonsOscarEvent.com, Glam.com and ExtraTV.com.

With the aid of Jessica Biel and her Make The Difference Network, an opportunity was created for viewers to donate to the cause or just open the door for people to get involved in a charity that is close to their own hearts. Check out MTDN.com for more information on Jessica’s charity.

Jessica Biel – photo by Levi Walker

An all-star cast of celebrity givers

Celebrities who came out to support this event and celebrate Hollywood’s big heart included Laila Ali (who uses her celebrity to get kids excited about physical fitness), Mel B., Jessica Biel, Wilson Cruz, Hilary Duff, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk, Paris Hilton, Slash & Perla Hudson (who donated a guitar to the auction), Kym Johnson, Mario Lopez, Melissa Gilbert, Jane Seymour & James Keach, Cindy Margolis, Terrell Owens, Holly Robinson-Peete, Suzanne Somers, Dee Wallace, Forest & Keisha Whitaker and many, many others. I was honored to interview Wilson Cruz (He’s Just Not That Into You) immediately following Dustin Lance Black’s win for Milk and I was moved by his passionate desire for change.

Michelle talks to Teri Hatcher during the event.

A responsibility to help

Rex Lee said of using his celebrity status for good, “For whatever reason, people out in the world pay attention to us, and if I say I support Olivia Newton John and building a new cancer center out in Australia, people listen. There is a responsibily in that.”

Michael Buble expressed his feelings on helping others, too, saying, “I think most people hopefully have compassion and empathy. We’ve been blessed, and we should help.”

Michael Buble and Paris Hilton – photo by Levi Walker

Manuela Testolini, founder of In A Perfect World, talked about giving back, saying, “It’s mutually beneficial. The thing that unites us despite our circumstances is the desire to create better world.”

Making a difference with makeovers

Another special touch to the event was the five women that were “hired” as extras from the LA Women’s Shelter. Celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves supervised red carpet makeovers for these women, providing hair, makeup and wardrobe. Shoes were donated by Jessica Simpson. The women were given life coaching lessons and a boost of confidence to help them show others that change is possible, that we can always reinvent ourselves (just like Madonna), and that there is always room for a second chance.

“Help other people”

While on the red carpet, Jane Seymour said, “It’s not just the Oscars, but giving back and helping other people. It’s about what you can do to help other people right now. The more we help other people, the better it will be for all of us. My mum always used to say to me, ‘When life is tough, go out and help other people’ […] Every single person on this planet can make a difference – it’s just an act of kindness.”

David Foster and Jane Seymour – photo by Levi Walker

So despite what we have been hearing on the news, it looks like there are a few of us out there that still believe in hope. Thank you, Leeza — it truly was a party with a purpose.

Look To The Stars Exclusive: Live Stream Of Leeza Gibbons' Night To Make A Difference

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars is proud to be involved in one of Hollywood’s premier charity Oscar parties this weekend. Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference will take place on Sunday, February 22, at the iconic Mr Chow in Beverly Hills, with a host of celebrities expected to attend. And Look To The Stars is streaming the event LIVE.

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.

Hosted by Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster, the Night To Make A Difference will attract stars such as Paris Hilton, Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker, Slash, Alan Thicke, Ashley Tisdale, Brooke Burns, Cheryl Burke, Cheryl Ladd, Chevy Chase, Danny Boyle, Darryl McDaniels, Dee Wallace, Hilary Duff, Holly Robinson-Peete, Jaclyn Smith, Jane Seymour, Joey Fatone, Jordin Sparks, Ken Paves, Mario Lopez, Mel B., Melissa Gilbert, Rick Schroder, Suzanne Somers, Taraji P. Henson, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk and many more.

“The Night To Make a Difference party is to benefit the [”Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place] and my own Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center," Olivia Newton-John told Look To The Stars. “But now it has morphed into a bigger night than just our two charities – it’s about everybody’s philanthropy and giving back. It’s a new era in America with the new Obama presidency, and it’s all about giving back, so we decided to make the night an evening about celebrity giving – like the theme of Look To The Stars.”

Other charities to be involved with the event are Jessica Biel’s Make The Difference Network, the Felix Organization, the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition, Cancer Schmancer Movement, Blessings in a Backpack, the Red Cross, TreePeople, the Tony Hawk Foundation, the David Foster Foundation, Smiles For Life, The HollyRod Foundation and many more.

“This event is truly different from the others and one of the aspects I am most excited about is the ability for viewers at home to be a part of the experience via the live webcast,” said Leeza Gibbons. “With Arquiva and Highwinds handling the technical wizardry, we are able to focus on our message of advocacy and philanthropy. Our hope is to inspire people at home and around the world to take action and knowing that we are able to reach a broad audience on the web means we truly have a chance to help create the change presented by our on-camera Hollywood celebrities. I think it’s what happens when Hollywood stars converge with technical stars like Arquiva and Highwinds. Our combination of being behind the scenes of movie’s most glamorous night along wtih it’s most passionate and purposeful stars takes the gold for best new web idea!”

The event kicks off at 4pm in Beverly Hills with Red Carpet arrivals. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website. And be sure to visit Look To The Stars’ special live stream of the event on Oscars night.

Exclusive Interview: Look To The Stars Talks To Olivia Newton-John

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With four Grammy Awards and a further eight nominations behind her, Olivia Newton-John is nothing short of a legend in the music world.

Born in England but raised in Australia, Olivia was talented singer from a young age and passionate about music: she released her first solo album in 1971, and in 1974 represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. A long list of hits, including I Honestly Love You and Let Me Be There, led to her being cast as Sandy in the film version of Grease in 1978.

The early 1980s were phenomenal years for the young star, and she had a string of hits including Xanadu, Let’s Get Physical, and Suddenly. But in 1992, on the eve of a world tour, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the start of a long battle for the Grammy Award winning artist, but she eventually overcame the disease and returned to music.

She also devoted herself to helping other cancer sufferers, and now plans to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia, which will provide complementary therapies to support patients on their cancer journey, treating mind and spirit as well as the body. The Wellness Centre is Olivia’s special passion, with a focus on the whole person and not just the disease.

This weekend, the singer will join Leeza Gibbons in hosting A Night To Make A Difference, a star-studded Oscar party sponsored by Look To The Stars celebrating advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism in Hollywood.

Look To The Stars was lucky enough to chat with Olivia about A Night To Make A Difference and her thoughts on making the world a better place.

Hi Olivia, tell us a little about the Night To Make A Difference event.

The Night To Make a Difference party is to benefit the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and my own Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center.

Leeza walked the Great Wall of China for my charity last year. She’s an amazing person and is committed to sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease and the caregivers of those sufferers. She came up with the idea to do an Oscar party as a fundraising idea for our two charities.

But now it has morphed into a bigger night than just our two charities – it’s about everybody’s philanthropy and giving back. It’s a new era in America with the new Obama presidency, and it’s all about giving back, so we decided to make the night an evening about celebrity giving – like the theme of Look To The Stars.

We want celebrities to talk about the good things they are doing and share the things that they care about. It’s all going to be able to be watched live via webcast on www.extratv.com and www.glam.com. People are going to get a chance to see celebrities from television, film, sports and music at this wonderful evening at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills. David Foster is going to be our co-host – he’s a man who has been greatly admired and respected in Hollywood and around the world for his music, writing, and producing. I’ve known David for a really long time and I am so happy he is going to be a part of this.

It’s going to be a carbon neutral event, we’re going to plant a tree for everybody who attends. This will erase the carbon footprint, which is also something I do in my spa in Gaia in Australia. I think it is a wonderful thing to do.

It’s going to be a really wonderful evening. Joining Look To The Stars as sponsors is the Make The Difference Network and many more great charity organizations. And Leeza, David and I are going to be the hosts. It’s going to be a great night exploring the themes of advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

Tell us a little about the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia.

The Austin Hospital in Melbourne has been the premier cancer centre in Australia for a long, long time and they asked me if I would put my name on a cancer unit they were going to build there. I went to see their facilities and they were so run down and in such bad repair that I said I would love to help them, but only if they also build a new wellness centre. When I had cancer – in 1992 – I was lucky enough to have things to help me in body, mind, and spirit. I had meditation and yoga, I had homeopathy and acupuncture and all these alternative therapies that helped me get through the whole healing process, emotionally as well as physically. So I wanted to create a place on the hospital grounds that could offer that. That became part of the appeal, and I am very excited about that.

We’ve been fundraising for it for five years. We held a major fundraising event last year when we spent three weeks walking the length of the Great Wall of China, which was amazing. We raised $2 million.

I’m also lucky to have the support of celebrities such as Cliff Richard and Dannii Minogue. Leeza Gibbons is an Ambassador. A few of the stars who did the Great Wall Walk became Ambassadors. Because I can’t be there all the time, they can represent the hospital and help with fundraising. I’m so happy because people are so committed and so wonderful, and it really helps me such a lot and helps the hospital with all the events we put on. And in this environment it is a great challenge, but cancer is a challenge that everyone is facing. I went to the hospital not so long ago when I was in Australia, and I went to visit some of the patients there and it really is amazing how many people are battling cancer – and in such different age groups, they’re getting younger and younger.

What would be your message for someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?

The best thing I could say is “Here I am.” When I went through it and had just finished my treatment, I met a woman who said “Oh, I read in the paper that you had breast cancer – well don’t worry, I had it 20 years ago and I’m fine now.” That was a defining moment for me. As unimportant as it may sound to other people, for me it was huge – here she was 20 years later and she was ok. I thought to myself “Well if she could do it 20 years ago when the treatments weren’t as good” – it was a really enlightening moment.

So what I would say to new patients is “Here I am” and give them that hope and do something for them emotionally. Make them feel good. Encourage them to take care of themselves.

That’s what I always say to women – we’re always so busy taking care of everybody else that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. They really need to look at that and take time for themselves to heal. Here’s a little quick tip I like to give: Have a close friend or loved one field all the calls asking you how you are doing. Everybody wants to know how you are, but it is very exhausting to constantly have to talk about your illness. So if you get someone to do that for you, it clears you from having to take all those phone calls and focus on healing.

You’ve done a lot of work in recent years promoting breast self exams – tell me a little about that.

I have this very simple but very effective device called the Liv Aid. It’s a very simple medical device that helps you with your breast exams. It makes any changes in your breasts more defined because it enhances your touch.

Curves gave a million of them away when I walked the Great Wall of China, and they still have some. You can go to Liv.com and read about it and about breast self exams and the whole philosophy behind it.

What I really want to do is encourage women because a lot of women are afraid to self examine their own breasts as they are scared they will find something – which defeats the whole purpose. Early detection is key. So I’m trying to encourage women at a very early age to get into the habit of doing self-exams. I actually found my lump myself – it wasn’t seen on mammograms. I don’t want to scare anyone or put them off mammograms, but just to encourage people to be self aware. If you do find anything – and usually it is nothing, because women do get benign lumps quite often – if you catch it early, then you have a better chance at survival. It’s simple and easy to do.

What other causes and charities would you urge people to support?

I’m involved with the Amazon Centre for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER). My husband has a wonderful company called the Amazon Herb Company that brings in herbs from the Amazon Rainforest. Not only does he bring in these wonderful healing herbs but he also helps support the inhabitants of the Amazon rainforests gain titles to their land, and now we have teamed up with ACEER to help educate the children of the Amazon into the importance of maintaining the rainforests – they live in it, they don’t realize that not everybody has a rainforest in their backyard. It’s incredibly important for them to save it from within. So we provide them with boats, food, clothes, but the main focus of the ACEER affiliation is education. We also want to educate the outside world too. There is so much to learn from the rainforests, and we are losing them at such an incredible rate.

My husband is incredibly involved with that, and he’s a wonderful person. He has just released a wonderful new health drink called Zamu, made from a superfruit from the rainforest called Camu, which is a feel-good fruit. It clears your mind and brightens your day. I’m helping him with that because a portion of the profits goes to ACEER.

Everything I do revolves around health and wellbeing. I have a spa in Australia called Gaia Retreat and Spa which is up near Byron Bay. My music is also tied in – I did a CD called Grace and Gratitude, which is healing CD.

How can we – as regular human beings – make a difference and help the planet, those around us, and ourselves?

I think we all need to try and be in a place of love. Fear cannot exist in a place of love. So if we try to stay in a positive place – which I know is very difficult – then we can create a positive future.

I think we will all get through whatever life throws at us, and we will all be better on the other side of it.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Olivia Newton-John for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to us. To find out more about the Night To Make A Difference Oscar Party – which will take place on February 22 at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills – check out this website. To learn more about Olivia’s upcoming tour, see her official website. And to read Olivia’s personal message to the victims of the recent Australian bushfires, click here.

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

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“We call it a “party with a conscience” and it happens live on the internet (via EXTRAtv.com and Glam.com)," Leeza Gibbons told Look To The Stars. "Our correspondents are the stars themselves who have been inspired or moved to action by Hollywood’s example and leadership. We will create a “living set” inside Mr. Chow and cut live to our “Glam lounge” where lifestyle reporters will give viewers ways to take Hollywood’s example for confident building looks . We’ll also show how Hollywood beauties (ranging from classics like Audrey Hepburn to contemporaries like Angelina Jolie) have used their beauty to make a difference in the world. We will feature the ways in which Hollywood is leading the charge in the green movement and demonstrate how Hollywood’s huge heart has become a catalyst for good all over the world."

The event will even be carbon neutral, and a tree will be planted in honor of each attendee to erase their carbon footprint.

“Of course , we will have plenty of fun too!” said Leeza. “David Foster is our entertainment director and he is delivering A-list performers. We will have fans interact with our guests to get inspired and learn that together we are stronger than anything than threatens to tear us apart. Favorite Oscar moments, favorite Oscar hosts, and of course, plenty of fashion and flair! It’s all part of our Night To Make A Difference, which is a benefit for the [”Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place] and Olivia Newton John’s Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia."

The Night To Make A Difference takes place at Mr Chow, 344 N Camden Drive, on February 22. Dinner guests will be treated to a specially planned and prepared 10-course dinner featuring Mr. Chow’s world famous cuisine while watching the Oscars, and there will also be a special celebrity auction.

The event is expected to sell out. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website.

And be sure to stay tuned to Look To The Stars for more coverage of this exciting event.

Shaq O'Neil Records PSA For Childhelp USA

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

NBA great Shaquille O’Neal was in Phoenix, Arizona, this week to record a PSA – directed by Casper Van Dien – for Childhelp USA.

The Phoenix Suns center is the latest in a long line of celebrity supporters and ambassadors for the charity – dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect – including Leeza Gibbons, Glenn Frey of the Eagles, Jane Seymour, Catherine Oxenberg, and John Stamos.

“Everyone said you just have to have Shaq,” charity founder Sara O’Meara told ABC15. “And so we said we’ll get him. These economic times are so bad and people who made pledges in the past and honored them are no longer able to honor them, so when people step up to the plate, like Shaq, it makes a great detail of different to a charity.”

In the PSA, O’Neil warns children to stay away from drugs and urges people to donate to the organization.

“Be strong, stand tall,” he said.

The PSA will be available on the Childhelp USA website soon.

Kirk Douglas To Feed The Homeless For Thanksgiving

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kirk Douglas will host his annual Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless on Wednesday, November 26.

Along with his wife, Anne Douglas, and a host of celebrities that will be announced just before the event, the 91-year-old actor will be dishing out meals at the Los Angeles Mission on the corner of Wall Street at 11am.

Celebrity guests in the past have included Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, Michael Douglas Minnie Driver, Leeza Gibbons, Sally Kirkland, and Kevin Nealon, all of whom have helped prepare, serve and clear plates. Last year, more than 3,000 people were fed a full course Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

Larry King To Celebrate 75th Birthday At Charity Party

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

The Larry King Cardiac Foundation is pleased to announce that the King of Hearts Gala will take place on Saturday, November 15th, at Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles to celebrate both Larry King’s 75th birthday and the 20th anniversary of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation.

The goal of the event is to raise money and awareness of the uninsured population who need quality cardiac care.

This year’s event will be hosted by Leeza Gibbons. The gala will feature performances by singers Paulina Rubio and Colbie Caillat, and special appearances by Tony Robbins and Drew Carey.

Los Angeles resident, Larry King, will present the Larry King Heart Award to Dr. Richard Zapanta, to honor him for his service to residents of East Los Angeles since 1979. Supervisor Gloria Molina will be presented with the Corazon de la Comunidad Award (Heart of the Community Award) for her commitment to building health policy that continues to improve the health of communities in Los Angeles and across the country. The Camino de Salud Partner Award (Road to Health Award) will be given to Dr. Alan Rothfeld.

“In these tough economic times, it is even harder on the underserved population in Los Angeles to get access to the medical care they need,” said Larry King, Jr., President of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. “We are so grateful to have great partnerships with COPE and LAC+USC to make access to quality health care a reality for those less fortunate in our communities. This celebration of my father’s 75th birthday is also to raise awareness of the uninsured population, for whom healthcare is a privilege, rather than a right. The Foundation is there for them in their time of need.”

The event raises money to help provide much needed cardiac-related health services to the uninsured, under-insured and low income population of 1.2 million children and adults who live within the central region of Los Angeles Country. A large percentage of the LA County residents benefiting from the health care offered by the organizations are Latino.

The Larry King Cardiac Foundation was established in 1988 to provide funding for life-saving treatment for individuals, who, due to limited means or no insurance, would be otherwise be unable to receive the treatment and medical attention they so desperately need.

More info can be found at www.lkcf.org.

Take a Walk With Jamie Lee Curtis

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:16:13 -0000

Written by Dawn Fantasia

Do you have what it takes to be a mentor? Two-time Golden Globe-winning actress, Jamie Lee Curtis certainly knows what is essential for dreams to become a reality. On Friday, October 5th, (6:30 am – 9:00 am), she will be mentoring the women who participate in the Oxygen Mentor Walk at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, CA.

Curtis’ success as a mentor is not only because she is among the best in her field, but more importantly because she finds enjoyment from teaching and motivating young women who aspire to be like her. Successful women in areas such as Advertising, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, and Fashion also plan to attend.

Each of the mentors will have the opportunity to answer questions, inspire, and make a difference in a woman’s life. Oxygen’s CEO Geraldine Laybourne plans to walk, as well as Cathy Benko, managing principal of talent and leader of Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative (WIN), and Debi Picciolo, President of the LA North Division of Time Warner Cable. Geena Davis, Janice Dickinson, Leeza Gibbons, Rikki Klieman, and Tanika Ray, among others, have participated in past walks with the organization.

For more information about becoming a mentor or if you would like to register to walk go to the Oxygen Walk webpage.

Olivia's Million Steps To Cure Cancer

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:44:54 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Only four days into the 3-week, 228-km walk along the Great Wall of China and Olivia Newton-John’s team of fund-raisers is already suffering sore knees, pulled muscles and twisted ankles, and realizing that this will be far more challenging than expected. No one is giving up yet, though, on a goal to raise $5 million towards the building of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

The centre will provide in- and outpatient treatment and wellness therapies as well as integrated research into new and better cancer treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Olivia – a cancer survivor – was diagnosed with the disease only two weeks after her father died from it. Fifteen years later, she has learned a lot on her road to recovery and is eager to give back. She says, “The whole experience has given me so much understanding and compassion I now want to help others going through the same journey.”

Olivia is joined in this gruelling challenge by Sir Cliff Richard, Dannii Minogue, Didi Conn, Gemma Atkinson, Joan Rivers, Leeza Gibbons, Marcus Patrick, Martina Laird, Scott Wolf, Amy Sky, and other celebrities whose lives have somehow been touched by cancer, as well as other cancer survivors.

Television host Leeza Gibbons, who joined the walk to support the hospital and her friend Olivia, was surprised at the physical effort required. “It was really exhausting and very challenging in certain spots. But whenever you would think, ‘Oh my gosh this is getting to be a lot,’ you’d look around behind you and there would be a cancer survivor.”

Over $1 million has been raised already. To meet the teams and sponsor a walker, go to The Great Walk To Beijing 2008.

Siegfried And Roy's Magical Return

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:13:01 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Illusionist team Siegfried & Roy’s long awaited return to the stage has finally been scheduled, and will be their first performance since Roy was mauled by a tiger in 2003. The one-night only show, next February at the Keep Memory Alive (KMA) foundation’s “Power of Love” gala, will benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute (LRBI) in Las Vegas.

Under construction since last year, the Institute will aim to provide the most current research and scientific information for the prevention, early detection, treatment, education, and support of memory disorders and neurodegenerative dementia diseases. LRBI plans to “house the world’s most powerful brain doctors”, and predicts that the cure for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Lou Gehrig’s disease will be discovered there.

High profile galas with big name guests play a major role in KMA’s fund raising, a strategy that has worked well for founder Larry Ruvo, who named LRBI after his father, a victim of Alzheimer’s. The twelfth gala, held in February this year, was attended by such celebrities as Muhammad Ali, Danny DeVito, Lorraine Bracco, Steve Schirripa, David Copperfield, Leeza Gibbons, Siegfried & Roy, and Teri Hatcher, whose lunch date was auctioned for thousands of dollars. Robin Leach played host, with performances by Michael Buble, and celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck, Guy Savoy, and Tom Colicchio.

“[We] are simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the institute,” said Ruvo. “There are no words to express our deep gratitude for the generosity shown. It only deepens our resolve to build an institute that… the medical world will recognize as one of the finest of its kind.”

Nearly five years after the accident, despite still undergoing daily physiotherapy, Roy feels ready for the stage again and to support LRBI in a big way. Siegfried didn’t at first, as he told the Las Vegas Review Journal in December: “I was really not ready for it. All the doctors say what [Roy is] doing now is impossible.”

The tiger that dragged Roy by his neck, causing extensive blood loss and damage, was actually attempting to get him to safety after a fall. Unbeknownst to the animal, humans have substantially thinner hides than tigers.

“I’ve always said, ‘I am the magician and Roy is the magic,’” said Siegfried. “And Roy shows me every day the magic – the magic of life.”

The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute is expected to be finished next year.

Look To The Stars Asks Leeza Gibbons

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:08:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Leeza Gibbons has been entering the living rooms of America for over 25 years. Through her tenure as anchor of Entertainment Tonight in the 1980s and 90s and her popular talkshow Leeza (which garnered 27 Daytime Emmy nominations), Gibbons became a household name while highlighting her intelligence, sensitivity, and compassion.

As a presenter, producer and business woman, Gibbons exudes positivity and energy – she celebrated her 50th birthday while performing on season 4 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. And as well as launching her Fearless campaign to motivate women to live fearlessly at any age, she also has time to promote her own brand of mineral based makeup – Sheer Cover – and develop her Sheer Inspiration Life Coaching business. She even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As if that isn’t enough, Gibbons is also currently training to take part in Olivia Newton-John’s Great Walk To Beijing to raise money for cancer treatment.

In 2003, Leeza Gibbons left her high profile television career to form the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation – an endeavor she dedicated to her mother, who had recently been diagnosed with a debilitating memory disorder.

“I promised my mother I would take her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and use it to educate and inspire,” she said. “We’re doing that through [”Leeza’s Place":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place], intimate settings in cities across the country where the newly diagnosed with any memory disorder and their caregivers can get education, empowerment, and energy free of charge as they prepare for the journey ahead."

Look To The Stars was lucky enough to catch up with Leeza recently, and asked her a few questions about Leeza’s Place and the Great Walk To Beijing:

Leeza’s Place sounds like an interesting and helpful concept. What does it offer caregivers and those who suffer from memory disorders?

We offer a way for families to get connected, get coached, and get confident about their new reality after diagnosis. It’s not just memory disorders (even though that was our portal into the non-profit world). We have found that the challenges of caregiving is universal. Our approach is to take away the clinical setting and the fear and put together a team of support and create a strategy for coping. Our goal is to replace the feeling of helplessness with hopefulness and empowerment. Our programs are really popular with everything from support groups to scrapbooking to exercise to reiki to drum circles…but where we really succeed is in creating a sense of family and safety.

You were inspired to start the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation by your mother, but what inspired you to incorporate care for caregivers as part of your endeavor?

Whenever there is a diagnosis within a family, the disease or condition doesn’t affect just the individual with the health crisis, it creates a crisis for the entire family and loved ones. Many times caregivers decline at a rate faster than the diagnosed individual…often suffering from a myriad of stress related conditions that affect their own health and their ability to offer care. We have found that the better we can care for the caregivers, the better the outcomes are for those with the disease and the more likely it is we can help prevent families from unraveling…spiritually, emotionally and financially. We believe that no one should be left behind and no caregiver should ever feel alone.

Why is it important for caregivers to reach out and get help?

Everyone feels isolated and almost paralyzed by fear when a health crisis breaks into the domestic bliss of a family. Depression is a common by-product of caregivers and those diagnosed. Reaching out, getting support, and getting coached makes life better for everyone.

Do you have a message for those caring or dealing with loved ones living with a memory disorder?

This is not a disease that is going to wait for you to be ready. My message is to be flexible and forgiving…both of yourself and your loved one. Some days you will get those “kisses from the angels” and some days you will wonder if you can do anything right. It’s important to realize that while you are in an intimate relationship, you can’t take the behaviors of your loved one personally. I remember when my mom told me, “When I kick and scream and call you names, know that is the disease talking and not me.” It was so helpful to recall as she progressed through the disease. Mom saw her own mother disappear behind the veil of Alzheimer’s disease. She knew where she was heading and what her fate would be. She has shown amazing courage and grace.

It took a great deal of personal courage to step away from the world of TV and work to help others. Many of our readers want to do more to help people, but find it difficult to make a start. Where did you find your courage, and do you have any advice for others who want to help?

I have always found that the happiest people in the world are those who have found something bigger than themselves to place their energy and enthusiasm. Destiny? Sense of purpose? I’m not sure about any of that, but what I do know is the stronger your connections to other people, the deeper your sense of contentment. It’s my way of living fearlessly because I am around such profound examples of courage.

What have you gained as a person from your work with Leeza’s Place?

It would be impossible to explain how deeply I feel about our work at Leeza’s Place. To know that we are of service is a great gift. To see the communities we have helped facilitate is a blessing. To know that my family’s legacy has found such fertile soil is deeply humbling. Every time I see the relief on the faces of families who find their way to us and hear the sighs of understanding, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. My co-founder, Dr. Jamie Huysman, is also our executive director and the greatest friend a person could ever have. Jamie has taught me to believe in listening to the universe and having faith. He helps me everyday step forward in my purpose and passion with the quiet confidence of knowing that I will find or be shown a way to make a difference.

Why did you decide to join Olivia Newton-John’s Great Walk To Beijing? What is your motivation?

I am so proud to call Olivia Newton-John my friend. Her innovative effort to take a unique team of walkers to China is so inspiring and I’m really excited to support her Cancer Wellness Center in Australia with the Walk to Beijing ‘08. It’s a mystical place and such a fitting celebration for Olivia’s 15th year of being cancer free and a powerful way to usher in her 60th year. She has spent her life representing empowerment and possibilities. I have always loved that she is a great example of transformation. I will lace up my shoes and lock in my heart and be grateful for my health and for my healthy family.

Look To The Stars would like to extend our thanks to Leeza Gibbons and Bobby Xydis for their time.

Anybody wishing to learn more about the work of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and Leeza’s Place, including where to find their help, can visit www.leezagibbons.com and www.leezasplace.org.

A Game, A Dress, And A Brawl For Charity

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:29:30 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A special surprise for Look to the Stars readers

Be sure to visit Look To The Stars tomorrow, Wednesday March 12, to read our exclusive interview with Leeza Gibbons as she tells us a little about the causes that are closest to her heart.

Between a Rock and a hard place

It’s a case of a bad boy wanting to be good with singer Kid Rock. The Devil Without A Cause looks like he is turning over a new leaf, and is returning to the Waffle House restaurant where he was arrested last year – but this time it’s for charity.

The 37-year-old was charged with battery after a brawl in Duluth, Georgia, in October. But the musician has now decided to make amends by greeting fans and signing autographs at the scene of the crime as part of a fundraiser for a local homeless shelter, Nicholas House.

“For a while now, we’ve been working with Kid Rock’s management to try and turn a negative into a positive,” said Waffle House spokesperson Pat Warner. “We’re hoping to raise some money for a worthwhile charity.”

The event will occur later today, March 11.

Tennis for charity in the desert

Another event taking place today is the fourth annual K-Swiss Desert Smash Charity Tennis and Golf event being held at the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs. The event benefits the Coachella Valley chapter of Variety – The Children’s Charity and features a special tennis match between 2008 Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic.

Other celebrities expected to attend include Bush frontman (and husband of Gwen Stefani) Gavin Rossdale, Borat star Ken Davitian, and David Spade.

Theron shares her threads for charity

Another star in the mood for giving is the stunning Charlize Theron, who is auctioning off the first red carpet gown she was ever given to wear by a designer.

No, the dress isn’t made from red carpet – it’s actually a one-of-a-kind silk dress designed exclusively for the actress’ debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000 by Narciso Rodriguez.

All of the proceeds from the auction, which can be accessed through Theron’s eBay page, will go to the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, a mobile clinic that serves more than 3000 high school students in Theron’s home country of South Africa. The project was launched in 2007 in association with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to create a safer, healthier, and better life for families in South Africa, especially those touched by the effect of HIV/AIDS.

The auction runs until March 13, and the bids have already gone over $1,000.

Other auctions running on eBay Giving Works right now include the chance to have lunch with JAG and Bruce Almighty star Catherine Bell in LA. The auction runs until March 17, and proceeds go to Communities in Schools, nation’s largest dropout prevention organization. The original Hannah Montana_, Miley Ray Cyrus, is also holding an auctionW0QQitemZ260217660695QQihZ016QQcategoryZ61QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QqcmdZViewItem right now. The young star is selling an autographed chair, with proceeds to go to Variety – The Children’s Charity.

Leona Lewis – a star on the rise

Another star with an interest in South Africa at the moment is singer Leona Lewis. The 22-year-old X Factor winner is currently enjoying a meteoric rise to fame, with her album Spirit holding the record for the fastest selling debut album ever released in the UK. And now the young star has witnessed the extent of the AIDS pandemic during a recent trip to South Africa.

Lewis has just returned from a 3-day trip to Johannesburg with Sport Relief, an initiative of Comic Relief, in which she raised awareness of the plight of AIDS orphans and sufferers. But it was all almost too much for the singer, who describes in her diary how she broke down while visiting some of the worst cases.

“Some of the horrors I have seen will never leave me,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the great work that Sport Relief does firsthand and the difference they make, their projects and centres keep communities going and give them something to be proud and positive about.”

In response to her trip, Lewis has just announced that the stunning purple gown she wore for her performance at last month’s Brit Awards will be auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds going to Sport Relief.

“It’s been a great pleasure for me to work with Leona Lewis right from the start,” said Roberto Cavalli, who designed the dress. “She has an incredible voice, beautiful eyes, and a fresh and positive attitude. I’m happy that a dress I have created for her for an important occasion is now being auctioned for a charity. It’s a sign of her great generosity and I’m proud that the name Roberto Cavalli is linked to it.”

As if all of that is not enough, the singer is also donating the proceeds from her new double A-side single, Footprints In The Sand/Better In Time, to the charity.

Red Cross Announces The 2008 Celebrity Cabinet

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:36:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The American Red Cross unveiled their 7th annual National Celebrity Cabinet yesterday, February 28, with 15 new members from movies, sports, and television.

Skateboard legend Tony Hawk will join former Beverly Hills 90210 and Dancing With The Stars alum Jennie Garth, Heroes’ Masi Oka, Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley, House M.D.’s Lisa Edelstein and Kal Penn, Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz, Grey’s Anatomy’s Sara Ramirez, Scrubs’ Judy Reyes, Everyone Loves Raymond’s Patricia Heaton, Hairspray’s Brittany Snow, two-time NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, New York Yankee Robinson Cano, NFL star Matt Leinart, and Life Coach Iyanla Vazant in the 2008 Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, part of a mobilizing force to urge people to perform extraordinary life-saving acts in dire circumstances through the assistance of the Red Cross.

“I am extremely honored to participate in the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, especially at a time when we have the ability to do so much for people around the world who have endured such tragedies,” said new member Jennie Garth. “The Red Cross brings help and hope to those in need and has done tremendous good for so many different people on a global level. I believe this is a time when we can educate others and the Red Cross allows for the opportunity for each individual to contribute to the effort. I am grateful that I am able be part of this amazing organization.”

The 47 members of the 2008 National Celebrity Cabinet will be “on-call” to donate their time, skills, passion, and energy to help the Red Cross highlight their important initiatives and response efforts. It will be chaired once again by Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount Pictures and member of the Red Cross Board of Govenors.

“This is my sixth year serving as chair for the Celebrity Cabinet,” she said. “It’s an honor to be a part of such a meaningful cause with such talented people.”

The Red Cross has benefited from the involvement of public figures and celebrities since World War I, and over the years actors and artists have played an important role in raising public awareness of Red Cross services nationwide. Cabinet members pledge their support for a one year term, although many members of the current National Celebrity Cabinet, including Heidi Klum and Leeza Gibbons, have been involved for over five years.

“The Red Cross is a volunteer driven organization that provides humanitarian help to those in need,” said Klum. “It is an honor for me to participate in their celebrity cabinet and encourage all individuals to become involved with their local Red Cross.”

Members of the 2008 National Celebrity Cabinet will be involved in one of the country’s largest volunteer networks and will promote awareness of Red Cross services by participating in public service advertisements, as well as donating their time, money and blood, aiding in disaster relief, and lending a helping hand to those in need. Returning members include Jackie Chan, Sara Evans (who recently organized an auction as part of her involvement), Jamie Lee Curtis, Patti LaBelle, Jimmy Smits, Marlee Matlin, Nancy O’Dell, Jane Seymour, Peyton Manning, Jimmie Johnson, Rascal Flatts, Julianne Moore, George Foreman, Marcia Gay Harden, Elisabeth Rohm, Eli Manning, Daddy Yankee, Chayanne, Aisha Tyler, Pierce Brosnan, Amy Grant, Miley Ray Cyrus, Kristen Bell, Pat Green, Dwayne Johnson (AKA The Rock), Dr. Phil McGraw, Raven Symone, Niki Taylor, Burney Lamar, and Bradley Whitford.

The American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet was developed in 2002 as part of the Entertainment Outreach Program.

Olivia Newton-John Steps Out For Cancer Treatment

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:06:42 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Olivia Newton-John is to lead a team of stars from sports and showbiz, as well as cancer survivors, on a 21-day extreme challenge to trek the entire length of the Great Wall of China.

The 59-year-old star and breast cancer survivor will be joined on the trip by stars such as Sir Cliff Richard, Leeza Gibbons, Jimmy Barnes, Joan Rivers, Dannii Minogue, members of rockband INXS, and many more as they trek along the landmark to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre being built in Australia.

“They say the longest journey starts with the first step,” said the singer. “Since I was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago I have taken many steps on my cancer journey. In recent times, the journey has been working with wonderful people to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre. Now, I’m taking one more step on that journey – all in the fight against cancer!”

The journey of “a million steps” will symbolize the physical and emotional journey of cancer patients. The event aims to gather $1 for each step taken along the Wall.

“People are asking me why do you want to walk 200 kilometers along the Great Wall of China, up 40 degree gradients, across mountain ranges and through dust storms of the Gobi Desert,” the singer said on her website. “The answer is that this journey – this million steps towards the cure for cancer – started for me 15 years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That life-changing experience has given me some true understanding and compassion for others walking that path – and I want to help. That’s why I am so excited to be leading this walk on the Great Wall to raise money and awareness for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre – these 21 days on the Wall will be another part of my own journey.”

Newton-John was born in Cambridge, England, in 1948, but moved to Australia when she was five. A talented singer from a young age and passionate about music, she released her first solo album in 1971, and in 1974 represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. A long list of hits, including I Honestly Love You and Let Me Be There, led to her being cast as Sandy in the film version of Grease in 1978.

The early 1980s were phenomenal years for the young star, and she had a string of hits including Xanadu, Let’s Get Physical, and Suddenly (with Cliff Richard). But in 1992, on the eve of a world tour, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the start of a long battle for the Grammy Award winning artist, but she eventually overcame the disease and returned to music. She also devoted herself to helping other cancer sufferers, and plans to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, which will provide complementary therapies to support patients on their cancer journey, treating mind and spirit as well as the body. The Wellness Centre is Olivia’s special passion, with a focus on the whole person and not just the disease. Cancer patients worldwide will benefit from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre’s dedicated research facilities and clinical trials, with the development of future cancer vaccines and therapies through the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, headquartered in New York.

Newton-John is also an ambassador to the United Nations Environmental Program, and served as a spokesperson for the Children’s Health Environ-Mental Coalition (CHEC) for 10 years. She spends large amounts of time supporting organizations such as the Red Cross, the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Rainforest Alliance, and Concept Cure. She also became well-known for promoting the Olivia Breast Self-Exam Kit.

More information about the Great Walk To Beijing can be found at www.greatwalktobeijing.com.

“The walk will be difficult and confronting – like life, there will be many ups and downs and unforseen challenges,” said the singer. “Every step we take will offer hope and strength to individuals facing cancer. It will be wonderful to have so many of my friends from the worlds of show business and sport walking with me. What might surprise you is how they too have been personally touched by cancer, and how each have their own story to tell. I will be walking for the friends I have lost and for all the many others still stepping.”

Celebrities, Volunteers Step Up To The Plate

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 09:28:02 -0000

Written by Jill Marie Elliott

On the eve of Thanksgiving Day, the homeless men, women and children along Los Angeles’ Skid Row were served a holiday dinner in what has become an annual event. The Los Angeles Mission provides the meals while close to 400 volunteers, including Kirk Douglas and wife Anne, Minnie Driver, Leeza Gibbons, Sally Kirkland, and Kevin Nealon help prepare, serve and clear plates. Last year, more than 3,000 people were fed a full course Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

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