Look To The Stars News: George Lopez

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.

The honorees – as listed by CNN – were:

Brad Blauser is providing hope and mobility to disabled children and their families in Iraq. Since 2005, his Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids program has distributed nearly 650 free pediatric wheelchairs to children in need.  
Roy Foster started Stand Down House to help veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness in Florida. Since 2000, his program has provided life-changing services to nearly 900 veterans. 
Doc Hendley is providing clean water to communities worldwide. Through creative fundraising, his nonprofit Wine to Water has brought sustainable water systems to 25,000 people in five countries. 
Breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory is bringing early detection to the doorsteps of uninsured women. With mobile mammography vans, her group has provided more than 500 free screenings in Miami, Florida. 
Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni founded the Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of sexual abuse. The organization has rescued more than 35,000 girls since 2001.  
 School bus driver Jorge Munoz is helping hungry New Yorkers make it through tough times. Since 2004, he has handed out more than 70,000 meals from his mobile soup kitchen in Queens — for free.  
Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company’s 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums. 
 Budi Soehardi founded a children’s home in one of the poorest areas of Indonesia. Today, Roslin Orphanage in West Timor provides food, shelter and education to more than 45 children.  
 Derrick Tabb started The Roots of Music to give young people an alternative to New Orleans’ streets. His music education program provides free tutoring, instruments and music instruction to more than 100 students. 
Jordan Thomas, 20, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lost both of his legs in a boating accident in 2005. Since then, his Jordan Thomas Foundation has raised more than $400,000 to provide prosthetics for children in need.

Each of the top 10 Heroes receives $25,000, with the top Hero – Efren Peñaflorida – winning $100,000.

“With the recognition they receive on our stage,” said Anderson Cooper, “they’ll be able to help thousands and thousands of people. Through their efforts, lives will be changed and lives will be saved.”

To find out more about the winners, visit the CNN Heroes website.

Charity Reigns Backstage At Teenage Choice Awards

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Teenage Choice Awards held in LA over the weekend were not just a chance for some of today’s hottest stars to show their stuff on stage – backstage there was more fun, all in the name of charity.

Celebrities such as Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks, George Lopez, Kat Von D, Lil Mama, Brenda Song, Keke Palmer, Dane Cook, Shawn Johnson, Jennifer Stone, and Taboo, will.i.am and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas all stopped by to sign backpacks which are to be donated to City of Hope, an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution that is dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, guided by a compassionate patient-centered philosophy, and supported by a national foundation of humanitarian philanthropy.

Stars also played a celebrity version of Bop It – the game that tests a player’s mental and physical skill by having the player follow verbal directions given by the game at faster and faster pace. Celebrities lined up for the challenge, with the winner – Shailene Woodley from ABC’s The Secret Life of an American Teenager – picking up the top prize of $10,000 for the charity of her choice.

Eva Longoria To Host Charity Party

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Padres Contra el Cancer will celebrate its Ninth Annual Fund–Raising Gala, “El Sueño De Esperanza” on Thursday September 10, 2009 at the Historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.

The evening will be presented by Farmers Insurance Group and hosted by Eva Longoria and comedian George Lopez.

As is customary, the celebration will pay tribute to the courage and heroism demonstrated every day by extraordinary children and their families.

“This celebration is such an inspiring experience not only for me, but for the many friends who share in the joy and the passion of PADRES’ life – saving mission,” said Eva Longoria Parker, who is also the National Spokesperson for PADRES. “I consider the opportunity to serve as a voice for these children and their families as one of my life’s greatest blessings.”

To purchase individual tickets please contact Maribel De La Torre, Director of Development at 800.269.4186 ext. 224 or email mdelatorre@IAmHOPE.org. More info can be found here.

Kevin Costner To Tee Off For Charity

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kevin Costner is set to take part in the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic, a charity golf tournament in July.

The actor will join a host of famous faces at the event, including Steve Nash, Tom Cochrane, George Lopez and many more. To be held on July 20 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, three days prior to the start of the RBC Canadian Open, all proceeds will go to charities benefiting from the Mike Weir Foundation. Costner’s band, Modern West, will also perform as part of the event.

The Mike Weir Foundation was established by Canadian golfer Mike Weir to advance the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children.

“Since inception and through the support of our generous sponsors and donors we are proud to report that over $5 million has been raised for children’s wellness with over $3 million of support being provided for children’s health care and related causes,” said Weir. "We recently committed $250,000 towards children’s mental health initiatives across Canada. Numerous local and national children’s charities have received support from The Mike Weir Foundation. Beyond direct contributions, the Foundation also helps charities raise money through its Weir Golf Memorabilia program which helps charities obtain auction items for fundraising purposes.

“In 2007, The Foundation created The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids to help generate funds for The Children’s Miracle Network and its 14 children’s hospital members in Canada. These hospitals provide critical care, research and education and treat over 2.6 million children each year. The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids is one of the largest golf fundraisers in Canada and has already generated almost $2 million towards its goal.”

To find out more about the event, click here. To learn more about the Mike Weir Foundation, visit the official website.

George Lopez Hosts Golf For Kidney Charity

Mon, 04 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Comedian George Lopez is currently hosting a golf tournament in support of The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s 30th Annual Gift of Life Tribute Celebration, this year paying tribute to noted philanthropist Stewart Rahr, President & CEO of Kinray, Inc.

Last night, May 3, saw a massive turn out of stars for a special dinner at the Beverly Wilshire, including Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Longoria, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, Ray Romano, Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Luke Wilson and Natalie Cole. Today sees many of these stars hitting the golf course at the Lakeside Golf Club in support of the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s efforts to further scientific research in preventing kidney disease and ultimately finding a cure to improve the quality of life for patients with kidney disease.

To find out more about this event, visit the official website.

Hollywood Steps Out For World Kidney Day

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

A host of celebrities will come out for World Kidney Day tomorrow to encourage people get blood tests to check for early signs of kidney disease.

Mario Lopez, Hilary Duff, Brooke Burns, Kevin Sorbo, Constance Marie, Deana Carter, Lou Gossett Jr, Courtney Hansen, Eva Tamargo, Stacy Keibler, George Lopez, Phillip Palmer, Andy Garcia and Anthony Anderson are just some of the stars who will attend KEEP It Hollywood on Thursday, March 12.

The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s “KEEP It Hollywood” event is a pre-Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) that includes a mini-screening (blood pressure cuff, finger prick & a few health questions asked by some of the best doctors in the country) allowing numerous celebrities and influential community members to take part in the fight against Kidney Disease through early detection, evaluation, and intervention for World Kidney Day.

World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of our kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. The campaign is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March in more than 100 countries on 6 continents. Celebrity supporters of the campaign include Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Enrique Iglesias, Maria Petrova and many more.

The KEEP It Hollywood event will raise awareness of chronic kidney disease, a condition suffered by over 26 million American adults. To be part of the event, be at Guy’s North in Studio City, California, between 9am and 2pm tomorrow.

Ray Romano To Raise Laughs For Sick Kids

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Saturday, March 14, “A Night of Comedy VII” hosted by Doris Roberts will be held at the Wilshire Theater in Beverly Hills. Alongside Roberts will be comedian Ray Romano and an “A-List” line-up of other comedians!

Since 2002, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation has proudly produced the annual ‘Night of Comedy’ raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Past comedians to perform at the event include Kevin James, Sarah Silverman, George Lopez, Drew Carey and David Spade.

With nearly 3 million children currently living with AIDS and 500,000 children born with HIV each year, it’s events like this that really need our support. The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAFF) is the only foundation that addresses the needs of both children affected by HIV and AIDS in the United States and 14 countries in the Latin American/Caribbean region. They offer support for a variety of programs including shelter, food, telephones, respite care and long-term emotional support. In 2008, CAFF assisted more than 35,000 children. Join them for a night of laughter and help them continue to provide for children in need.

“We Have to Do This:” Stars Urge Answer To Obama’s Call To Service

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

Actors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have recorded a star-studded “Presidential Pledge” in collaboration with MySpace and Katalyst Films to encourage Americans to get involved in community service via USAService.org. The move is part of an effort to answer President Barack Obama’s call to begin the “work of remaking America.”

During his inauguration speech on January 20th, President Obama asserted that despite all that “government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”

“The price and promise of citizenship,” according to Obama, is that “we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world.”

It was this call to duty that inspired Kutcher and Moore to record the commercial. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kutcher explained that, “The truth is it’s going to take millions, hundreds of millions, of people for that [change in the world] to happen.”

“It’s going to be because of what all of us do. He’s the catalyst. It’s his inspiring message that asks us to be of service to each other. "

“Someone came into our office and had the idea of doing pledges for Obama, and instantly it was like, ‘We have to do this’,” he said.

The commercial, aired online and viewable here, features celebrities sharing their personal commitments to service. The pledges range from simple tasks (“I pledge to turn the lights off”) to grand endeavors (“I pledge to find a cure for Alzheimer’s”). Participants included famous faces such as George Lopez, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jason Bateman, Dakota Fanning, Nicole Richie, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Kevin Connolly, Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Molly Sims, amongst others.

In a statement, Kutcher emphasized the interactive nature of the PSA announcement, saying, “We are honored to be working with MySpace to rally the entertainment industry to answer President-elect Barack Obama’s call to service. The ‘Presidential Pledge’ is a platform for people across the nation and throughout the world to make a first-person commitment of service to our new president, articulating a specific intent or action to become an agent of positive change.”

Read the full text of President Obama’s Inaugural Address here.

To record and post your own ‘Presidential Pledge,’ visit the MySpace site .

James Caan Joins Stars At Callaway Charity Golf Event

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Callaway Golf Foundation will host it’s second professional/celebrity golf tournament, the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on December 15 to benefit groundbreaking cancer research projects supported by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Professional golfers will be paired with actors, business leaders and entertainment industry executives for a round of golf, while amateur golfers will have a chance to improve their swing at the David Leadbetter Clinic, taught by the infamous golfing instructor himself.

Celebrities anticipated to attend include: Greg Kinnear, James Caan, Kyle Maclachlan, Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon, George Lopez, Josh Kelly, Matthew Lillard, Andy Richter, Peter Gallagher, Joe Mantegna, Bruce Greenwood, Jillian Michaels, and Callaway Golf staff professionals Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller, Morgan Pressel, Rocco Mediate, David Leadbetter, Rich Beem, Jim Colbert, Leta Lindley, Fredrik Jacobson, Cameron Beckman, Roger Cleveland and Vicky Hurst.

Proceeds from the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge will support Entertainment Industry Foundation’s efforts to fast track better prevention methods and improved therapies for ovarian, breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Please visit www.callawaygolfoundation.org to learn more and to make a donation.

CNN Hunts For Humanitarian Heroes

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Anderson Cooper will host the “CNN Heroes – An All-Star Tribute” event this weekend to find ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary deeds.

CNN launched its search for the most outstanding humanitarian in February, and has been showing weekly profiles of the finalists chosen from over 3,700 nominations from 75 countries. The Top 10 finalists have been chosen by philanthropic leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Magic Johnson, George Lopez, and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.

The Top 10 finalists for 2008 are:

Tad Agoglia, whose First Response Team provides immediate help to areas hit by natural disasters.

Yohannes Gebregeorgis, who established Ethiopia Reads, bringing free public libraries and literacy programs to thousands of Ethiopian children.

Carolyn LeCroy, who started The Messages Project to help children stay connected with their incarcerated parents.

Anne Mahlum, who set up a program to transform the lives of homeless people by running with them.

Liz McCartney, whose St. Bernard Project has rebuilt the homes of more than 120 families affected by Hurricane Katrina for free.

Phymean Noun, who offers hundreds of Cambodian children who work in Phnom Penh’s trash dump a way out — through free schooling and job training.

David Puckett, who provides artificial limbs and braces and care to people in southeastern Mexico.

Maria Ruiz, who crosses the border into Juarez, Mexico, every week to bring food, clothing and toys to hundreds of impoverished children and their families.

Marie Da Silva, who funds a school in her native Malawi.

Viola Vaughn, whose “10,000 Girls” program is helping hundreds of girls succeed in school and run their own businesses.

The final winner will be selected by public vote.

“They all deserve to win,” said Desmond Tutu. “Thanks for saluting these remarkable human beings.”

Voting takes place until November 19 at www.cnn.com/heroes. The awards ceremony will be filmed this weekend, November 22, and will be aired on CNN on November 27.

Clint Eastwood Honored at 53rd Annual Thalians Ball

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Michelle Vink

On Sunday, November 2nd, Oscar Award-winning Actor/Director, Clint Eastwood was honored in grand ballroom fashion reminiscent of classic Hollywood with the Thalians Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Thalians recognized Eastwood for his lifetime of contributions to entertainment as well as his humanitarian accomplishments. In previous years, this annual ball has honored such legendary stars as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis, Jr., Sally Field, Liza Minelli and Whoopi Goldberg. Among the celebrities present tonight were: Debbie Reynolds, Cloris Leachman, Jack LaLanne, civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, Elke Sommers, and Donna Mills.

Clint Eastwood has been the subject of much media attention of late for his recent Humanitarian Award by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)—the first award of its kind by the organization. In addition, all the attendees of this week’s Hollywood Film Festival received an enormous surprise when graced by the presence of Angelina Jolie who made the introduction to a tribute to Mr. Eastwood for his incredible contributions to film, television, and the arts.

With a Red Carpet & Cocktail Reception following a Dinner and Show featuring a live performance by Freda Payne, the Thalians’s Co-Founders, Debbie Reynolds and Ruta Lee presented an All-Star Salute and Shirley MacLaine presented the award. Comedian and actor George Lopez emceed the event.

Every year, this annual award gala at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills raises funds for the Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. The Thalian’s organization, founded in 1955, continues to raise over $500,000 annually to support the hospital through events and fundraisers.

Chairman of the Board, Ruta Lee also announced that the Thalian’s are looking for new representatives of Young Hollywood to start getting involved and to help carry on the legacy that began with young actors in 1955. She emphasized the importance of Young Hollywood to be involved in philanthropy and the responsibility of using their celebrity status to give back.

For more information on how to get involved in the Thalians organization and this spectacular annual gala, visit their website at thethalians.org.

Warning: Cute Fluffy Animal Alert

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s that time of year again, when bookstores and shopping malls are filled with calendars for the coming year. Well, here’s one that would make a perfect stocking filler this Christmas – the Animal Rescue Foundation’s 2009 Celebrity Pet Calendar.

What more could you possibly want in a calendar – this mix of cute fluffy animals and headliners from the world of entertainment is a sure winner. The calendar features a host of stars, musicians, athletes, and actors, including Trace Adkins, George Lopez, Ana Ortiz, Adam Sandler, Scott Adams, Paige Davis, Rob Schneider and many more – not forgetting their wonderful pets.

These beautiful, large full-color calendars measure 12 1/2″ × 9 1/2" and are only $15. All proceeds go to programs run by the Animal Rescue Foundation, a charity founded baseball manager Tony La Russa and his wife in 1991 after they rescued a stray cat that ran onto the field during an A’s-Yankees game.

The calendars are available from the ARF website.

Bob Hope's Belongings Auctioned For Charity

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A charity auction featuring over 800 items belonging to the late great Bob Hope was held over the weekend.

More than US$600,000 was raised in the auction, which will be distributed to charities that were important to the comedy actor, who died in 2003.

An autographed photo of Lucille Ball – complete with blacked out teeth – was sold alongside a signed photo of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, cufflinks from Richard Nixon, and a handwritten letter from Bing Crosby. But the most interest was reserved for the executive desk that sat in Hope’s Toluca Lake office for more than 50 years.

“Presidents sat in front of it, Mr. Hope conducted countless meetings from behind it,” said Darren Julien from Julien’s Auctions. “Everyone cheered when it sold. It wasn’t the most expensive item, but it was the most exciting sale.”

One of the eager bidders at the auction was comedian George Lopez.

“They were both fanatical golfers,” said producer Ann Lopez, George’s wife. “George hosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic for two years. He wants to wear the hats on the course to keep Mr. Hope out there in spirit, still golfing.”

A large proportion of the proceeds will go to the United Service Organization. Hope was a huge supporter of the USO, and headlined over 60 USO tours for American troops stationed overseas.

Eva Longoria To Tee Off For Her Heroes

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eva Longoria will be in Texas on October 18 for the second annual Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Golf Tournament.

“I just drive the golf cart,” Longoria told Conexión. “I go to each hole and talk to everyone. I’m spread really thin that day so I wouldn’t have time to play.”

Following the success of last year’s event, Eva’s Heroes is hosting the event at the Resort Course at La Cantera in San Antonio to benefit the organization’s mission of enriching the lives of those with developmental challenges. The day’s event will also include a fashion show hosted by Mario Lopez.

“San Antonio has embraced Eva’s Heroes with open arms and we are fortunate to be part of a community that cares so much,” said Longoria. “After the tremendous success of the first golf tournament, Eva’s Heroes is ready for another wonderful event in San Antonio.”

Last year’s goal was to raise $200,000 for programs and enrichment centers that will provide unique after school experiences for developmentally challenged children and young adults. And with the help of Ana Ortiz, Robert Gossett, Kyle Maclachlan, Jesse Borrego, Lupe Ontiveros, Rita Verreos, and George Lopez, that aim was easily reached. This year will feature appearances from Kyle Maclachlan and Mark Wahlberg.

Tickets for the event are available here, and cost $600 for individual golfers and $100 for spectators.

Celebrities To Raise Stakes For Africa Again

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 2008 ‘Ante Up For Africa’ Poker Tournament at the World Series of Poker will be held on July 2 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The tournament is the brainchild of actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke, who created the event to raise money and awareness for the crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan.

“After the success of last year’s tournament, we are looking forward to another exciting year while raising awareness for an ongoing crisis,” Duke said. “It is exciting to bring the world of poker and entertainment together, and we are once again asking players who win prize money to donate half of their winnings to our charities.”

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $700,000, thanks in part to the stellar list of celebrities, athletes, and poker professionals who participated.

Confirmed to participate in this year’s event are Cheadle, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd, Kevin Pollack, Cheryl Hines, George Lopez, Joe Trohman from Fall Out Boy, and more.

“The poker community has a unique opportunity to help ease the suffering in Darfur,” said Jeffrey Pollack, WSOP commissioner. “The stars are coming out for this special event once again and we encourage everyone to register early before we sell out.”

Two charities will benefit form this year’s Ante Up For Africa showdown – the ENOUGH Project and Not On Our Watch.

ENOUGH is joint initiative of the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress, which aims to end crimes against humanity in Darfur, Northern Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization also hopes to prevent future mass atrocities around the world.

Not On Our Watch, which was founded by George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, strives to focus global attention and resources on putting an end to mass atrocities around the world. It takes its name from the book authored by Cheadle and John Prendergast, and draws on the voices of celebrities, cultural leaders and activists to help bring the crisis to the public’s attention and generate humanitarian assistance for the nation.

The tournament is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on July 2.

Artists Come Out To Shake the Blues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:17:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

The charity Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) held its annual concert and auctions on Thursday November, 15, 2007 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The “Shaking the Blues” benefit supports ANSA’s work fighting HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and Africa, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Treatment Action Campaign, a grassroots organization at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Among the celebrities in attendance were Blair Underwood, Eric Benet, Anthony Anderson, Alfre Woodard, Heroes star Jimmy Jean-Louis, and Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. Event chairs include Jackson Browne, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, George Lopez, Carlos Santana’s wife Deborah, Alfre Woodard and Forest Whitaker.

Not only was a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield on hand at the silent auction, but Dave and his wife Tonya attended the event. Close friends with Samuel and Latonya Jackson, the Winfields hope to personally visit South Africa soon.

The musical line-up featured stirring performances by The Roots and friends, Erykah Badu with Edith Funker, Nikka Costa, Doyle Bramhall II, Keb Mo, and Taj Mahal. The Roots roused the crowd with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Masters of War, and the audience rose for Erykah Badu’s performance of her classic On and On.

In keeping with many other recent celebrity events, acknowledgement was given to the writers’ strike; James Pickens Jr spoke of supporting the writers before he introduced the grand finale performance by Taj Mahal.

Movie and K-ville star Anthony Anderson served as auctioneer for the live auction. As Blair Underwood battled for a diamond earring lot, Anderson comically referred to him only as “the man with the orange leather jacket on”. Underwood’s counter-bidder upped the ante, requesting a date with her opponent be included along with the earrings, which she won at $9,000. Not only did Underwood accept, but he promised it would be a dinner at the world-famous restaurant Spagos.

To encourage higher bids on a private lunch with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Anderson jokingly suggested that the winner could take a picture with Tutu and put it on Myspace.com to be the envy of their friends. The lunch went for $15,500.

Los Angeles-based non-profit organization ANSA was originally founded in 1989 by noted members of the entertainment community, with an initial goal of supporting the struggle against apartheid. Over time, the organization’s focus has shifted to the fight against the African AIDS pandemic, advancing democracy, and equality in South Africa.

The effort to raise money is not over. If you want help the cause their are several items available at the online auction. To bid on the online items: www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

ANSA Shakes the Blues With Stars in Los Angeles

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:42:33 -0000

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) will host “Shaking The Blues,” a star-studded benefit, at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The evening combines the power of music and activism to shake off our blues – from the personal to the global – and make a difference in the world. The event will feature blues-influenced musical artists as well as a multi-cultural array of renowned entertainers who are donating their time and talents to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the US and Africa.

The event begins with a pre-show cocktail party for major donors at 6 PM. Shaking The Blues performances start at 7:45, immediately followed by a VIP after-party. Those confirmed to appear include Erykah Badu, Nikka Costa, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal Trio and The Roots, with Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson serving as the event’s musical director. Additional highlights include appearances by George Lopez, Jurnee Smollett, Blair Underwood and other special guest stars soon to be announced.

Shaking The Blues, which continues ANSA’s tradition of presenting one unique and extraordinary major fundraiser annually, is chaired by Dianna Cohen & Jackson Browne, Myrna Colley-Lee & Morgan Freeman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson & Samuel L. Jackson, Ann & George Lopez, Deborah Santana, Alfre Woodard & Roderick Spencer and Keisha Nash-Whitaker & Forest Whitaker. Host committee members include J.J. Abrams, Gillian Anderson, Johnny Clegg, Danny Glover, Dulé Hill, Quincy Jones, Norman Lear, Lebo M, Alexandra Paul, Chris Rock, Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Alice Walker, Denzel Washington and other luminaries.

“Last year, ANSA was honored to host the 75th birthday celebration for our dear friend and advisor [”Archbishop Desmond Tutu":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/580-desmond-tutu]," said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “He embodies the belief that justice and love will ultimately triumph and maintains a remarkable sense of humor, even in the face of enormous challenges. It is activists like him who inspire us to shake off the blues and take action to fix our world. That’s the spirit of Shaking the Blues, which promises to be one of ANSA’s best events ever.”

Proceeds from the event will support ANSA’s work in the US and Africa. ANSA will also donate a portion of the proceeds to the Treatment Action Campaign, the grassroots organization that is at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Tickets range from $45 to $100, and are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and (213) 480-3232. For major donor and VIP tickets, ranging from $250 to $75,000, contact Blue Room Events: (310) 491-1401.

A Shaking The Blues online auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences from President Bill Clinton, Denzel Washington, J.J. Abrams, Dulé Hill, and many others, launched October 29 at www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

ANSA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization working to combat HIV/AIDS, safeguard voting rights and democracy, advance human rights and equality, and assist and empower AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth. By working in partnership with effective grassroots organizations and pivotal movements on the frontlines of these issues, ANSA makes a substantial difference. Founded in 1989 to support South Africa’s quest to end apartheid and build a new democracy, ANSA is now dedicated to eradicating social and health inequities that are the legacies of apartheid, segregation, and generations of poverty. In the past decade alone, ANSA has raised $9 million for effective African programs, shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of adults and young people in the US, South Africa, and across the African continent about HIV/AIDS and voting rights. For more information go to www.ansafrica.org

Eva Longoria’s Heroes

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:15:59 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Eva Longoria launched her first annual Celebrity Golf Tournament in October to raise funds for her nonprofit charity, Eva’s Heroes. Biting her nails down to the last minute, Longoria said she was overjoyed by the outpouring of support.

Joined by fellow stars the likes of Ana Ortiz, Robert Gossett, Kyle Maclachlan, Jesse Borrego, Lupe Ontiveros, Rita Verreos, Mario Lopez and George Lopez, who provided entertainment as well as celebrity pull, the goal was to raise $200,000 for programs and enrichment centers that will provide unique after school experiences for developmentally challenged children and young adults.

Having grown up with an intellectually disabled sister, Longoria considers her sister her hero. “She has given me so much inspiration and hope to face everyday with the strength and courage she has had her whole life. She has never seen herself with a disability and only sees the good in everyone and everything.”

Longoria saw first hand throughout her life the growth that individuals with developmental disabilities can achieve through special programs and interaction, and is now determined to make them available nationwide through her own Eva’s Heroes Enrichment Centers. The first one will open in San Antonio very soon, and will serve 30 children.

“Her heart is in the right place,” said comedian George Lopez. “She’s the most beautiful person.”

Stars Raise The Stakes For Darfur

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:44:33 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Las Vegas is to host a star-studded poker tournament on July 5 to raise much needed aid for the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

The Ante Up For Africa event will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, and will see “Ocean’s 13” stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon compete in the high stakes world of Texas Hold ’Em against a host of other celebrities.

The event has been organised by actor Don Cheadle and professional poker player Annie Duke, and will coincide with the annual World Series of Poker. The pair hope the event will generate funds to help the “millions of people who must roll the dice every day in their struggle to survive (in Darfur).”

The Ocean’s 13 actors are expected to join fellow celebrities Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, George Lopez, Willie Garson and many others in the all-night tournament. There is also the opportunity for non-celebrities to pitch their skills against the stars, as anyone over the age of 21 can enter the tournament for a $5000 “buy-in”.

“While a donation is not required to enter,” said Duke in a recent press release, “we are respectfully asking players who win prize money to donate half of their winnings to the [”ENOUGH Project":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/621-enough-project] and the International Rescue Committee – organizations whose goals include raising public awareness and providing aid to the survivors of Darfur."

Don Cheadle, an accomplished poker player himself, is co-author of Not On Our Watch, a book about the crisis in Darfur, and co-founder of the non-profit organization of the same name. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film “Hotel Rwanda”, which tells the story of the government-sanctioned slaughter of more than a million people in Rwanda in 1994, and has spent the last two years heavily involved in humanitarian causes.

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