Look To The Stars News: Walter Cronkite

Walter Cronkite's Charitable Life

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Television legend Walter Cronkite passed away after a long illness on Friday, July 17.

The 92-year-old fronted the evening news for American TV network CBS from 1962 to 1981. He was well known for his charity work – he frequently donated lunches and trips on his private yacht to charities such as Realizing the Dream (a charity overseen by Martin Luther King III, eldest son of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and co-founded by former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young), recorded PSAs for the National Parks Conservation Association, and was honored by the Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis, a nonprofit organization that serves as the national fundraising arm of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

“He was the most important voice in our lives for thirty years,” said George Clooney in tribute. “And that voice made people reach for the stars. I hate the world without Walter Cronkite.”

Waterston and Madigan Support National Parks

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Sam Waterston and Amy Madigan and are the newest advocates for America’s national parks.

The actors generously donated their time and talent to record radio public service ads for the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. The ads, launched in late August, encourage the public to sign a petition to the next president and Congress, seeking their support for national parks.

In previous years, celebrities Morgan Freeman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Dreyfuss, Walter Cronkite, and Cristina Saralegui have recorded public service announcements for the organization’s efforts to protect national parks.

Founded in 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (www.npca.org) is the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its 340,000 members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren.

Sports Stars To Raise Money To Cure Paralysis

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Sports luminaries and philanthropy icons will be recognized when they gather at the 23rd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner on Monday, September 22, at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

Bob Costas has been named the Master of Ceremonies for the event which will benefit the Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis, a nonprofit organization that serves as the national fundraising arm of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis – the world’s largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center.

This spectacular annual event is expected to sell out to over 1,300 guests and raise millions of dollars for spinal cord injury research. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, which will include a live auction of one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia and other unique items.

“Each year we are honored by the presence of the most elite athletes in sports,” says Nick Buoniconti, founder of The Buoniconti Fund and defensive captain of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. “This year’s group of honorees represent such a high caliber of sports, we are truly thrilled that they will be joining us for yet another spectacular event. We have made significant steps this year towards finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. That’s why we keep doing this.”

The 2008 Great Sports Legends that will be honored at the event and are expected to attend are: Andre Agassi – former world-ranked #1 professional tennis star, Jerry Rice – named All-Pro 10 times in his 20 NFL seasons, Scottie Pippen – seven-time NBA All Star, Joe Gibbs – Hall of Fame NFL coach and NASCAR Championship team owner, Helio Castroneves – winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2001 and 2002, Richard “Goose” Gossage – former New York Yankees pitcher, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini – World Boxing Association lightweight champion for two years in the 1980s, Angelo Dundee – boxing cornerman who has worked with 15 world boxing champions, and Gabrielle Reece – American professional volleyball player, sports presenter and former fashion model.

Over the past two decades, the Great Sports Legends Dinner has honored 337 of the world’s greatest athletes and individuals. They are recognized for their contributions to the world of sports and acknowledged for their commitment to high ethical standards, to their community, worthy causes and achievements as positive role models. Their participation has helped raise more than $40 million for The Miami Project’s spinal cord injury research programs. Former honorees include Magic Johnson, John Elway, Mark Messier, Gary Player, Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, Jack Nicklaus, Gloria Estefan, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Patrick Ewing, Walter Cronkite, Mia Hamm, Dan Marino, and Joe DiMaggio.

In 1985, Barth A. Green, MD, and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti helped found The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Nick’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Today, The Miami Project is the world’s largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center, housed in the Lois Pope LIFE Center, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Miami Project’s international team of more than 200 scientists, researchers and clinicians take innovative approaches to the challenge of spinal cord injury. Committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again, the Buoniconti family established The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in 1992, a non-profit organization devoted to assisting The Miami Project achieve its national and international goals.

Tickets start at $850 per person. Sponsorships and opportunities to sit with Legends are available. Tables and tickets can be purchased by phone at (305) 243-4656, (212) 245-6570 or online at http://www.miamiproject.miami.edu/x1415.xml.

Clooney and Others Auction "Dreams" For Martin Luther King III Foundation

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:18:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and public service will offer unique personal experiences or memorabilia in an auction to benefit Realizing the Dream, Inc., the charity overseen by Martin Luther King III, eldest son of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and co-founded by former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young.

A total of 100 “Dreams” will be auctioned in waves, with the first 10 lots going under the hammer on December 21st. Additional Dreams will be added to the roster each Friday.

The first ten Dreams on offer are the following:

A private tour of the Yogi Berra Museum conducted by Yogi himself
Lunch with Walter Cronkite in New York
Join George Clooney at “Ocean’s 13” Movie Premiere and Private After Party
A private set tour with Michael and Mira Sorvino of their upcoming movie “The Trouble With Cali.” Also meet their father Paul Sorvino who directs and produces the film and their sister Amanda Sorvino, the screenwriter.
Jonathan Vilma will make a winning bidder his guest at a NY Jets Game and the recipient of his game jersey.
An opportunity to ring the Opening Bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange
NY Knicks-Luxury Suite, including 12 seats, for a Knicks game this 2006-2007 Season. This package includes food & drinks with TV commentators & player visits to the Luxury Suite.
NY Rangers-Luxury Suite, including 12 seats, for an Exciting Ranger Game this 2006-2007 season. This package includes food & drinks with TV commentators & player visits to the Luxury Suite.
Meet and Greet with New York Met David Wright on the field
Lunch with former UN Ambassador and Dr. King colleague Andrew Young

Realizing the Dream, Inc., with headquarters in Atlanta Georgia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Dr. King’s dream a reality for all. Realizing the Dream seeks to continue the legacy and work of Dr. and Mrs. King in wiping out poverty and injustice through programs that foster peace and nonviolent social change, empower poverty-stricken communities, and develop strong leaders among the nation’s youth. Monies raised from the auction will be used directly to carry out these programs.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the enormous response from celebrities all over the country,” said Mr. King. “With their help, the torch for justice, equality and community that my parents once held is uplifted. More important, their generous commitments in support of my quest to continue the work toward the elimination of poverty and suffering are a testament to my father’s belief in the Beloved Community.”

Bids can be made live on eBay or direct via supervising auctioneers Morphy Auctions.

Look To The Stars News: Walter Cronkite

Walter Cronkite's Charitable Life

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Waterston and Madigan Support National Parks

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