Look To The Stars News: David Blaine

Alanis Morissette Joins Edward Norton's Maasai Marathon Challenge

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Last month, Look To The Stars brought you news about Edward Norton’s New York Marathon charity challenge to benefit the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. We can now reveal that singer Alanis Morissette has signed on as part of the initiative.

Morissette will join Norton and magician David Blaine for the run on November 1, which will help the organization protect the East African grasslands which the Maasai tribe calls home and is under threat by rapid industrial development. The Trust also seeks to promote sustainable development.

“Just ran a marathon last weekend on behalf of national eating disorder association, unbelievably harrowing and beautiful and moving and surreal experience,” wrote Morissette on her pledge site. "I was blown away on many levels, not the least of which being that at around mile 20, even though it was clear I could NOT keep going, I did. I have to bow down to the human capacity to persevere…and for me, ALWAYS easier to do that with a Star of Bethlehem to keep my eye on and I soldier on. This cause fueling this run is beautiful. And I love Edward and Shauna. Halfway through the marathon last weekend I thought “Oh, I’ll have to tell Shauna and Edward that I can’t do it. It won’t be a big deal. They’ll forgive me.” Then, mere seconds after I crossed the finish line, someone came up to me and said “Will you do it again?”… and I found these words coming out of my mouth: “Yes, November first.” I am committed. For the Maasai Conservation Wilderness Trust. For Edward. For Shauna. For myself. And for the collective idea of tenacity, perseverance and loving/prevailing in the face of fear and pain. Yay, can’t wait. Jumping in last minute, please contribute whatever you feel called to… super grateful.

Edward Norton is leading a team of 27 runners who will complete the marathon with three Maasai tribesmen. To sponsor the runners or find out more, visit the official website.

Edward Norton’s New York Marathon Charity Challenge

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Emily Ray

Actor Edward Norton will swap his trailer for trainers in his next role: running the New York marathon to raise funds for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust is an organization that strives to protect the East African grasslands which the Maasai tribe calls home and is under threat by rapid industrial development. The Trust also seeks to promote sustainable development.

Norton’s association with the Trust stems back around 10 years when he discovered the Trust on his first visit to Kenya. He said of the organization’s founder Luca Belpietro: ‘I was impressed at the way he was really genuinely working with the community to create value out of being good stewards of the land’.

Running alongside Norton on November 1st will be magician David Blaine and three Maasai tribesmen.

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

An exciting new charity auction has been launched featuring an unbelievable number of celebrity experiences.

Ever want to meet Oprah Winfrey? Hop in the pool for a swim lesson from Michael Phelps. Get fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn over lunch at Bryant Park Grill? Learn the arts of comedy and paper sales from Steve Carell on the set of the Office. How about talking politics with the most powerful woman in Washington, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, during a tour of the U.S. Capitol or crossing the aisle to discuss backyard BBQ recipes and foreign policy with Senator John McCain? See Iron Chef Bobby Flay in action at Kitchen Stadium? Make your Hollywood debut in Ridley Scott’s new “Robinhood” film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Seek enlightenment and meet Richard Gere with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC. Or ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction. With the help of CharityBuzz, the online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. The auction is open now and runs until December May 28th with new lots continuing to be added each and every day.

Other Auction Highlights include: Visit Ben Stiller or Robert DeNiro on the set of the next installment of the “Fockers” movies. A one hour singing lesson with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Spend a “Day of Fashion” at NY Fashion Week with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. Grab lunch at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills with Warren Beatty. Prepared to be mystified during a private magic show from David Blaine. Watch a taping of The Rachael Ray Show and go backstage. Launch your fashion career interning at Diane Von Furstenberg’s NY studio. Hone your blogging skills with an internship at the Huffington Post. Attend the “Dancing With the Stars” finale or catch a dance lesson with former contestant and NFL linebacker, Jason Taylor. Visit the set of “HOUSE” and meet the cast including star Hugh Laurie. Have dinner with Bill Cosby at “Bouley” in NYC and take home signed copies of his recent book and 4 bottles of wine from his private collection. Score tickets to the World Series, Final Four and U.S. Open. VIP tickets to watch the Washington Capitols or Boston Bruins and a catch a ride on the zamboni. Watch the New England Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Owner’s Box. Meet Jennifer Hudson and watch her concert in Nashville. Catch lunch with Regis Philbin, Charles Grodin and Alan Alda. Visit the set of your favorite news shows and meet the hosts including ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live (and bring home a signed pair of Larry’s trademark suspenders), CNBC’s “Mad Money with Jim Cramer”, NBC’s “Meet the Press”, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and “The Rachel Maddow Show”, Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor” and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. Or hang out with David Foster and friends such as Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Buble in his recording studio.

To access the auction, click here.

David Blaine Makes The Cold Disappear For Homeless

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Illusionist David Blaine literally gave the shirt off his back for charity this Christmas.

The 35-year-old joined the New York Cares coat drive earlier this week by standing out in the freezing New York climate without a jacket. Clad in only a t-shirt, the magician encouraged people to donate to the charity and autographed his custom playing cards for those who helped.

“If you really want to understand why the Coat Drive is important, try standing outside for an hour without a coat,“ he told the New York Times.

The New York Cares coat drive is an initiative that calls for people to donate their old coats to the city’s homeless. The program runs until December 31, and more information can be found here.

Ozzy Headlines Prince Charles Charity Gig

Sun, 21 May 2006 10:44:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

An all-star music concert was held in London yesterday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Prince’s Trust charity.

Leading the line-up was veteran rocker Ozzy Osbourne, and other music acts included the Bee Gees, Lionel Richie, Annie Lennox, Ronan Keating, Pink and Embrace. Illusionist David Blaine also appeared.

Thanks to the Prince’s position, the 2000-strong audience was able to enjoy the concert in a unique setting: the grounds of the Tower of London.

The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged children reach their potential.

Look To The Stars News: David Blaine

Alanis Morissette Joins Edward Norton's Maasai Marathon Challenge

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