Look To The Stars News: Jay Leno

Bette Midler Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Bette Midler has launched a new online charity auction, and she wants YOU to be part of it.

“It’s just brimming with fabulous experiences donated by dear friends who share my deep concern about the environment!” she said. “With a tennis lesson with [”John McEnroe":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1182-john-mcenroe], a walk-on role with Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, lunch with Jann Wenner, a getaway to Richard Branson’s Necker Island, the chance to meet Cher, John Mayer, Tim McGraw – not to mention yours truly – we’ve got something for everyone!

“Proceeds benefit [”New York Restoration Project":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/864-new-york-restoration-project] (NYRP), a nonprofit I founded to clean & green New York City. We’ve turned 55 vacant lots into beautiful community gardens and planted more than 250,000 trees, and we’re just getting started, so I hope you’ll join in the merriment by placing a bid today!"

There are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities featuring Daniel Craig, John Stamos, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Jackson Browne, Jay Leno and many more.

The auction runs until November 13 and can be accessed here.

Stars Sign Books For Charity Auction

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Eyebrows of rare book and signature collectors will rise this fall when an extraordinary collection with a tender mission will be available for an online auction beginning November 9-24, 2009.

Dubbed The Little Auction That Could, the 70+ collection includes signatures from some of the most iconic figures of our time, including President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling and Tiger Woods.

Passionate about education and literacy, volunteer mom Karla Preissman wanted to foster a love of reading among children living at Jensen Beach, Florida-based Hibiscus Children’s Center who have suffered from abuse and neglect. First, she helped create the Reef Library within the shelter and filled it with hundreds of books and resources. But that wasn’t enough…she wanted to make sure that these resources would be replenished and the library maintained and supported by staff that would help make literacy a key component to the healing received at the foster care center.

She came up with an idea. Why not ask famous people what books inspired them as a child and ask them to simply sign their names in a copy that would be auctioned for the benefit of Hibiscus Children’s Center? What started off as a simple request has mushroomed into a wildly varied and fascinating glimpse of what some of the most famous people on the planet believed to be a motivating book from childhood. Other iconic figures, such as President Barack Obama, signed a book symbolic of his time in office—a first edition pop-up White House children’s book.

Author and poet Maya Angelou submitted three signed books, one coming from her personal library called Story of Phillis Wheatley detailing the life of a slave turned poet during the American Revolution. How do you place a value on a collectible item like that?

Other stars who have taken part include Hugh Hefner, Sean Connery, Arnold Palmer, Andy Roddick, Chris Evert, Katie Couric, Jay Leno, Jeff Probst, Bill Cosby, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Ann Womack, Tori Amos, Carrie Underwood, Donald Trump and many more.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based antiquarian book dealer and appraiser Robert Hittel believes, “Owning one or more books from this eclectic collection would be the cornerstone of anyone’s collection.”

For the complete listing of signed books and information about bidding, click here. To see the collection firsthand, visit the exhibition at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida beginning November 6 through November 29, 2009.

Founded in 1985, Hibiscus Children’s Center is a non profit organization that addresses abuse and neglect issues throughout the Florida Treasure Coast. Programs include Foster Care, parental support, counseling for families in crisis and services to reunite children with their families, when appropriate. Click here for more info on this charity.

Elvis' Hit Making Team Returns For Charity

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

The unmistaken Memphis Sound is back in full force. For the first time since the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, the King’s entire “Hit Making Team” recently returned to the recording studio with the singer/songwriter John Krondes to make new music and keep the dream alive.

A celebrity red carpet CD launch and book signing event hosted by Elvis’ friend George Barris with Joe Esposito – Elvis Presley’s best man – will rock the music world on Tuesday September 22nd. The event will benefit Elvis’ favorite charity, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The guest list for the event is incredible and includes Suzanna Leigh (Elvis’ co-star “Paradise Hawiaan Style”), Darlene Tompkins (Elvis’ co-star “Blue Hawaii”), Ray Walker (The Jordanires), Jay Leno, Bo Derek, Shirley Jones & Marty Ingels, Lou Ferrigno, Nancy Sinatra, John Schneider, Phyliss Diller, Joe Mantagna, ZZ Top, Billy Bob Thornton, Erik Estrada and many others.

Featured in the new recordings are all of Presley’s vocal groups: the Jordanaires, the former original Stamps Quartet, Imperials, and Sweet Inspirations. Both of the King’s Bands rock the house for the comeback; included are the TCB Band and the “Memphis Boys” – the American Studios Band. Elvis Presley’s first drummer DJ Fontana, and star drummers Ronnie Tutt, Gene Chrisman, Steve Gadd and Anton Fig keep the beat for the “Hit Team”. This heart-Stirring project also includes scores of super talent who accompanied the King; Millie Kirkham, Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin, Gary Herbig, Lanny Morgan, Elvis Presley’s original Horn Section, Arrangers, Elvis composers Paul Evans, Paul Parnes, Al Byron, Jimmy Krondes, Randy Starr, and many others.

John Krondes and the “Hit Making Team” salute the King and dedicate this epic CD as a fresh start and New Beginning for the music. Spectacularly friends, the melodious Memphis Sound is Back, the spirit has risen, and the music will never die.

The event takes place tonight at Barris Kustom City, 10811 Riverside Drive (at Lankersham Blvd. north of Universal Studios) N. Hollywood, CA 91602

Jay Leno To Host Charity Auction

Thu, 21 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fresh from finishing his reign as host of The Tonight Show at the end of May, Jay Leno will preside over a live and silent charity auction on June 13 to support charities operating in Southern California.

The Vintage Hollywood Foundation’s annual food and wine tasting event will be held at the home of Holly Brooks in Los Angeles and will benefit the Children’s Action Network. Items going under the hammer will include vacation packages, private dinners hosted by top chefs, tickets to the 2010 American Idol final, tickets to Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and shows hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien and much more.

The Vintage Hollywood Foundation was formed to raise funds to support charitable organizations, both large and small, that work to promote the health and well-being of Southern California’s diverse community. Since 2002, the Vintage Hollywood event has raised more than $1,000,000 to benefit organizations including United Friends of Children and Save the Children.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Jay Leno‘s “Comedy Stimulus Plan” A Roaring Success

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

Comedian Jay Leno made good on his promise to visit hard-hit Detroit for a free show to give something back to the area’s unemployed last week.

The two day event, dubbed “Jay’s Comedy Stimulus Plan,” drew in about 36,000 laid-off auto workers, who were treated to free refreshments and fun, as well as a surprise appearance by Detroit native Kid Rock, who introduced Leno to the crowd.

Leno cited his love of cars as one of the reasons that he chose to travel to the Motor City. “I like Detroit,” he told People Magazine. “It’s one of those old cities. And when you’re an auto guy like me, that city is Jerusalem.” The inspiration behind his decision to offer a free show for those caught in the tumult of the economic downturn, however, was President Obama.

“I’m listening to him say we all gotta do our part in these rough times, and I’m thinking that all I can do is tell jokes,” Leno says. “But if I can go and make people laugh, then that’s great.”

In addition to performing stand up at the event, the Tonight Show host spent part of his time in Detroit visiting with officials from General Motors and Ford; Leno toured the factories’ facilities and test drove some of the newer vehicles in the manufacturers’ product lines.   Afterwards, he told his audience that he recently purchased a Chevrolet Corvette and a Dodge Challenger, saying that he is “a rich guy” who can purchase any car he wants, but that chose to buy the two American vehicles because he likes them and because they are “world-class” products.

“I think you should buy it because you want to and because it is as good a product,” Leno said. “I don’t think you should buy it because you feel sorry for some situation.”

Ultimately, Leno told the crowd that, the credit for the autos’ superiority lies with the workers of Detroit.

“This is one of the great industrial cities. This is a city that actually makes a product! During World War II, your fathers and grandfathers made a bomber an hour at Willow Run, faster than the Germans or Japanese could shoot them down.”

Leno also credited unions for the success of blue collar workers in decades past. “I want to thank you,” he told the crowd. “You guys created the middle class.”

Due to the warm reception in Detroit, future stops of the “Comedy Stimulus” tour may follow in other cities. Stay tuned for future dates on the show’s website.

Win An Autographed Band From TV CD/DVD

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of great music and television’s hottest stars should aim to stay home in front of the TV this Friday, as Band From TV make an appearance on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show. And Look To The Stars is giving you the chance to win an autographed copy of the group’s brand new CD/DVD, Hoggin All The Covers.

The all-star cover band donates all of its proceeds to charities – including Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – through the Band From TV Global Charity Trust.

House star Hugh Laurie – who plays keyboards in the band – will take on vocal duties during their performance on The Tonight Show this Friday, January 16.

Greg Grunberg of Heroes fame will also be on the show. Grunberg started the band after being getting a few celebrities to play together at the House Of Blues for charity. The success of that event has led to a number of gigs in the US which have, according to Hugh Laurie, “raised a gargantuan sum of money for charity.”

Grunberg’s excitement about the project is clear in our recent exclusive interview with him.

“My oldest son has epilepsy,” said Grunberg. “And I saw this band as a wonderful vehicle to help raise money for the [”Pediatric Epilepsy Project":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/398-pediatric-epilepsy-project]. Having band mates who also happen to be in some of the most popular shows on television creates an amazing opportunity to really reach out to our fans to help support these wonderful causes."

Hoggin’ All The Covers

The Hoggin’ All The Covers DVD/CD set features 13 tracks – including “Piece of My Heart,” “Mustang Sally” and “The Letter” – recorded at a gig in LA, and the DVD includes footage of rehearsals, exclusive interviews and information on the charities that will benefit from sales. It is currently available on Amazon.com and Amazon.de, and will soon be available on Amazon.co.uk.

Even better, we have a signed copy to give away in a free prize draw.

How to enter

To enter our draw, just guess what song Hugh is going to sing on the show. We’ve included a hint below in case you’re not feeling lucky today!

Drop us a line at contests@looktothestars.org before the show airs on NBC on Friday at 11:35pm telling us your name, address, and the answer to the question. All correct answers will go into the random draw.

Hint: the song was originally recorded by Billy Preston for his 1973 album, Music Is My Life_. It then spent a week at #1 on the Billboard Charts during July of that year. Still too hard? It’s also Track 3 on the Hoggin’ All The Covers CDcode=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B001IDZGCU.

Scarlett Johansson's Germs Sold For Charity

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last week, Look To The Stars brought you the news that actress Scarlett Johansson was selling her used and cold-infected tissue to raise money for charity. We can now reveal how much it was sold for.

The tissue – which came in a signed plastic bag – raised $5,300 for USA Harvest, beating expectations.

The actress appeared on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show on December 17 with a bad cold she caught from her The Spirit co-star, Samuel L. Jackson. For this reason, she joked that her cold had “value”, and proceeded to blow her nose on a tissue supplied by Leno – who then gave it to eBay.

Johannson is a longtime supporter of USA Harvest, and has helped to supply over 9 million meals to the hungry. She also dished out food to the homeless victims of Hurricane Katrina at the Made Love Cafe in St, Benard Parish in New Orleans.

Jonas Brothers To Play Charity Concert For Auto Show

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has announced the Grammy nominated Jonas Brothers will play a special concert at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena on January 18, 2009 to help raise funds for the annual Charity Preview.

The 2009 Charity Preview will take place at Cobo Center on January 16 from 6-9 PM. Since its inception in 1976, Charity Preview has raised over $77 million for children’s charities in metro Detroit — over $32 million of which was raised in the last five years alone. Medical treatment, clothing and support services for local kids in need all are made possible through the purchase of Charity Preview tickets. The annual event has delivered more than $6 million to children’s charities in Southeastern Michigan.

Metro Detroit area beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children’s Center, Judson Center, Children’s Services of Northeastern Guidance Center Assistance League, The Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, Easter Seals – Michigan, March Of Dimes, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund – a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

The Jonas Brothers join a growing list of celebrities that have attended Charity Preview in years past to help raise funds for children in need. Previous attendees include Céline Dion, Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock, Kevin Bacon and Jay Leno. Through their Change for the Children Foundation, the Jonas Brothers raise funds to support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and the will to succeed. Their first fundraising initiative – You Decide. You Donate. – launched this past summer and through the generosity of their fans, was able to donate to charities including NothingButNets.net, American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Camp, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Summer Stars.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that an act as large as the Jonas Brothers have offered their support to Charity Preview,” said Joe Serra, senior co-chair of the 2009 NAIAS. “Not only will attendees be supporting local children’s charities in this time of dire need, but they will be able to provide the kids in their life with a ticket to the hottest concert in town.”

For every Charity Preview ticket purchased, patrons will receive one free ticket to see the Jonas Brothers live in concert on January 18, 2009 at Joe Louis Arena. There are a limited number of Charity Preview tickets that are tied to the Jonas Brothers concert. Tickets must be purchased between December 23, 2008 and January 5, 2009. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to benefit Charity Preview. Charity Preview ticket holders who purchased prior to December 23 will be contacted and given the option for Jonas Brothers tickets as well.

For details on how funds from the Charity Preview are used to give back to the local community, see here-.

Scarlett Johansson Sneezes For The Hungry

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

And now for one of the most bizarre celebrity charity stories ever: Scarlett Johansson is selling the tissue she sneezed into on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show for charity.

The actress appeared on the show on Wednesday night, December 17, with a bad cold she caught from her The Spirit co-star, Samuel L. Jackson. For this reason, she joked that her cold had “value”, and proceeded to blow her nose on a tissue supplied by Leno. The tissue is now up for sale on eBay, with proceeds to go to USA Harvest, Johansson’s charity of choice.

To bid on the once-in-a-lifetime Christmas gift for people who “have everything”, visit eBay. The auction runs until December 22… and you may want to wear rubber gloves.

Love Ride 2008 Attracts The Big Names

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

20,000 motorcyclists from across the U.S. and around the world rode in the 25th Annual Love Ride late last month and raised over US$1 million for Southern California-based charities.

The event – which was hosted by Jay Leno and featured celebrity riders such as Gene Simmons, Peter Fonda, Robert Patrick, Rutger Hauer, Larry Hagman, Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar, Michael Trucco (Battlestar Galactica_), and Carmine Giovinazzo (_CSI: NY) – culminated in a concert featuring the Foo Fighters, ZZ Top, and members of Velvet Revolver.

The annual Love Ride – held along the West Coast of the US from Glendale to Pomona – has raised over $21 million since it was launched in 1984, and is now one of the biggest one-day motorcycle events in the world. Beneficiaries of this year’s event included the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Autism Speaks, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Reading By 9 Child Literacy Initiative, Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, Catholic Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Special Olympics of Southern California, Frostig Center, Scleroderma Foundation, Glendale Community College, Rett Syndrome Foundation, Optimist Youth Homes & Family Centers, Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation, Friends of Castaic Lake, and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

The gala will feature performances from Josh Groban, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and many more under the music direction of David Foster. The guest list is expected to be huge, with stars such as Tom Arnold, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas, Halle Berry, Valerie Bertinelli, Lara Flynn Boyle, Bo Derek, Geena Davis, Daisy Fuentes, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, Anjelica Huston, Magic Johnson, Dr. Phil McGraw, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Nicole Richie, Jane Seymour, Nicollette Sheridan, Forest Whitaker and James Woods all expected to attend. Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier will take part in Denzel Washington’s presentation.

The evening will feature a silent auction that includes an array of eco-friendly shirts donated by Guess and signed by Jason Bateman, Halle Berry, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Cuba Gooding Jr., Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Lee, Jared Leto, Bill Maher, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson, Ray Romano, Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Stewart, Usher and many more. There will also be handbags signed by Joan Collins, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Dakota Fanning, Mariska Hargitay, Fergie, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and Racquel Welch, as well as items from Trace Adkins, P. Diddy, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andie MacDowell, Alyssa Milano, Eva Longoria, Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, Denise Richards, Joel Madden, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Carrie Underwood and many more.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Igor Helps Fight Malaria In Africa

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

John Cusack’s new animated film, Igor, is helping to raise awareness of the threat of malaria in Africa.

The film – which features the vocal talents of Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jay Leno, and Christian Slater – tells the story of a lowly lab assistant in the land of Malaria who dreams of becoming a scientist. With the help of two of his experimental creations—Brain, a brain in a jar who’s a little light on brains, and Scamper, a cynical bunny brought back from being road kill, Igor and his friends fight to save the world, and prove that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

The film was picked by www.malaria.com – an education, advocation, and financing body whose mission is to fight the disease – as being the perfect vehicle to raise awareness of the issue. By visiting Malaria.com’s special Igor site, the public can donate directly to the Against Malaria Foundation to buy mosquito nets for people in Africa.

“For a very little donation you can purchase these nets… the biggest prevention of malaria in Africa, where it is a huge problem,” said Buscemi. “Out of one to three million people who die of malaria, 70 per cent are under five years old. I had no idea that it’s a huge problem, so I’m glad if this movie can raise money.”

One mosquito net only costs $5 and can save the lives of whole families in Africa.

Ellen DeGeneres Says No To Proposition 8

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ellen DeGeneres has joined the fight against Proposition 8.

“There’s a California Proposition on the ballot that’s a little confusing,” said the talk show host on her Blog. "It’s Proposition 8. It’s called, ‘The California Marriage Protection Act’ – but don’t let the name fool you. It’s not protecting anyone’s marriage. Not yours. Not mine. The wording of Prop 8 is tricky. It’s like if someone asked you, ‘You don’t want dessert, right?’ But you do want dessert so you say, ‘Yes,’ which really means you don’t want dessert. And if you say, ‘No,’ which means you do want dessert – it sounds like you don’t. Either way, you don’t get what you want. See – confusing. Just like Prop. 8.

“So, in case I haven’t made myself clear, I’m FOR gay marriage. And in order to protect that right – please VOTE NO on Proposition 8. And now that you’re informed, spread the word. I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts – I love my new toaster.”

DeGeneres attended the “Yes on Prop 2” party with her new wife Portia De Rossi in Los Angeles on Sunday and last night appeared on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show to talk about Proposition 8 and what it would mean for people’s freedom.

Her support of the issue follows recent donations to the cause by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), David Geffen ($50,000), and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

More information about the campaign against Proposition 8 can be found at www.votenoonproposition8.com.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“He looks amazing,” former basketball player Charles Barkley told People Magazine. “For me, seeing Patrick Swayze, someone who is actually fighting this disease, was the best part of the show. Seeing him in person was amazing.”

The idea behind the event was that it is the lack of funding – and not just research – that is slowing the advance of cancer prevention and treatment, and over $100 million has been raised since the Stand Up To Cancer initiative was launched earlier this year.

The telethon – which was viewed by over 10.5 million people – also featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor, as well as the television premiere of the star-studded charitable single Just Stand Up performed by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett underwent a prostate examination on the show, and cartoon character Homer Simpson had a colonoscopy.

Other stars who were part of the show included Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Hilary Swank, Jimmy Fallon, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom wanted to do something positive to help the 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide who die from cancer each year.

As part of Stand Up To Cancer’s efforts, there is also an auction running on eBay that offers the chance to meet the cast of celebrities such as Katie Couric, Stephen Colbert, and Jay Leno. It runs until September 15, and can be accessed through eBay.

Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:44 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the most exciting celebrity auctions of the year will take place in May to raise funds for an organization supporting sufferers of a painful and disfiguring condition.

National Doodle Day will kick off on May 8 as part of Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and will mark the start of a week-long auction of over 100 celebrity doodles from stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, Scarlett Johansson, and Goldie Hawn. Money from the doodles, which were hand-drawn by each celebrity on a 5" by 8" card, will benefit Neurofibromatosis, Inc., a national organization that supports NF patients, their families, and research into the disorder.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the Untied States, affecting one in every 2,500 births. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time, and can lead to disfigurement, deafness, blindness, seizures, bone deformities, and cancer. Half of the children born with the condition have no family history of the disorder, so it can strike in any family without warning.

The doodle auction runs from May 8 to 18, and follows a successful auction run by the organization last year that featured one-of-a-kind works of art from Cindy Crawford, Kathy Griffin, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Jay Leno, Rick Springfield, Donald Trump, and The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler. However, the highest bid went to a drawing from Barack Obama, which sold for a massive $2,075.

Funds raised from the Doodle Day auction this year will go to support education, advocacy, coalitions, and research for treatments and a cure. Other stars who have put their drawing skills to good use include Gillian Anderson, Candice Bergen, Jeff Bridges, David Cassidy, Dom DeLuise, Garfield creator Jim Davis, Julia Louis Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Seth Green, and many more. There is also an autographed photo and NCIS call-sheet from Mark Harmon on offer.

To view the doodles for sale, visit the Doodle Day website or www.nfinc.org.

Look To The Stars Asks The Neelys

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:04:14 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Besides serving up delicious ribs, Get Yo’ Man Chicken, and strawberry shortcut cake, the Food Network’s latest stars Pat and Gina Neely have a long-standing tradition of serving the community.

Down Home with the Neely’s drew an audience of two million viewers at its launch in February, and the dynamic husband and wife team of Pat and Gina Neely has broken all sorts of Food Network records since then. Yet they still manage to find the time to run their three restaurants, where their famous diners have included Robert Plant, Robert Clay, Steve Miller, Jay Leno, Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, John Legend, Stacy Spencer, and Alicia Keys.

Despite the soaring ratings, the pair have remained grounded and interested in making a difference.

Look To The Stars recently had a chance to catch up with the Neelys and share recipes on how to make the world a better place.

How important is it to give back to the community?

GINA: I’m not sure people understand the importance of giving back. It is important for us to give back. When you give, your blessings are unbelievable. You can’t put a price tag on it. Pat and I have always given. I remember how instrumental it was when I was growing up and people stepped up and helped us, so it is so important for us to give that back.

PAT: What people have to understand is that Gina and I come from very humble beginnings. We didn’t have a whole lot. My mother’s home was in foreclosure when I was a senior in high school. I lost my father when I was eleven… there was never enough money. Gina and I have pretty similar backgrounds. When I opened my first restaurant, I had twenty thousand dollars that was borrowed from my grandmother’s home, that she put up for collateral – and she was 90 years of age. That was all I had first day I opened the doors. I was dead broke… One of the things I remembered early was when I start making some money and when things start turning around for me that I am going help somebody. One of the best feelings in the world is to be able to give… Gina and I give away 30 home tickets away every single home ball game for years now. Since we’ve been involved with the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team, nothing is more rewarding than when my mail comes in and there is a big brown envelope with 30 letters from 30 kids’ middle and elementary schools thanking us for being able to go to the game. Letters say, “Mr. Neely, without you I would not have been able to go to an NBA game.”

Do you find yourselves feeding people such as the homeless?

PAT: I know several years ago, along with some other good people who decided to participate, we opened up on Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day.

GINA: Thanksgiving.

PAT: And then we invited everyone off the streets to come in and eat free. I don’t know how many… [maybe] 1500. These were people off the street that were homeless. But there are so many other things; what you try to do is really spread it around. I give what I can give. One of our proudest moments is that there is a huge plaque on the wall at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. A couple of years ago Gina and I were approached to give to a substantial donation to the museum while at a dinner. I told Gina we can’t afford it… I get back to the restaurant – I have some high school kids working for me so I am all in the civil rights mood – and I ask the kids, “Who is Rosa Parks?” You know they did not know.

GINA: They said, “Is that a rapper?” Can you believe that?

PAT: Gina and I get back in the car, and I am like, “What the hell is going on?” It was only a generation or so a go that these people fought us… If it was not for Rosa Parks, or Dr King, I may not be running my own business. So I looked over at Gina and said that we have to make this contribution. Fortunately, the Civil Rights Museum put us on a payment plan… To make a long story short, it was I along with twenty other African-American businesses that made that contribution. The money was matched by corporate Memphis. Together we were able to raise 9 million dollars, and that is where the expansion took place at the National Civil Rights Museum… I feel very proud that our grandchildren will one day see their grandmother and grandaddy’s plaque on the wall.

Thanks so much for taking the time out to talk with us.

More information about Down Home With The Neelys can be found at their Food Network website.

Vijay Makes Charity Work In India a Big Deal

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:52:48 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj is not only devoted to calling attention to the plight of those in need in India, he also backs up his devotion to these needs by hosting two charity events back to back.

At seven AM on Friday morning Amritraj hosted his 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic. Among the celebs to support the golf event were Golden Globe Winner Elke Sommer, Wonder Woman movie star Cathy Lee Crosby, James Sikking (Hill Street Blues/Doogie Howser), former soap star Tom Hallick and it was quite a big deal when two of the game show models from the hit Deal or No Deal hit the course at Simi Valley’s Lost Canyons Golf Club.

The day of efforts to raise money included raffles, silent and live auction items. Among the silent auction items included tickets donated by the Tiger Woods Foundation to the Masters champion play.

The next evening Vijay hosted a Gala Banquet at the Beverly Hilton. Chuck Norris was honored at the gala for his work with children. One of the evening’s hosts was Parminder Nagra of Bend It Like Beckham fame and the tv series ER. Parminder looked absolutely stunning in her pink Sari. Many of the Celeb Golfers returned for round 2 of the charity oriented weekend. Tom Hallick conducted the live auction. Briefcase #18 model A.K.A Marisa Petroro modeled beautiful jewelry during the live auction. However, the biggest live auction prize of the night was comprised of roundtrip airfare to London, the two tickets to join Vijay at Wimbledon and then join him for dinner. This prize went for $30,000.

Determined to generate the most money he could for the foundation, Vijay offered to the same opportunity to the bidder who would match $30,000. Much to his pleasure, someone did make a matching bid.

The silent auction offered a wide variety of great items including a sneaker autographed by LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant, reserved seating to see Dr. Phil McGraw’s and Jay Leno’s shows.

Vijays says, “Since my appointment as UN ambassodor of Peace, I have seen the first-hand magnitude of a plight that exists all around us. The more I saw, the more it became obvious to me that something had to be done…” The Vijay Amritraj Foundation helps with a multiple causes in India which include helping those with HIV/AIDS, education of women, children and the blind. To learn more, go to www.vijayamritrajfoundation.org.

Osbournes Auction Furniture

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:24:47 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are auctioning off furniture and works of art next month, with some of the funds going to the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.

The couple will sell more than 600 lots of memorobilia, jewelry, furniture and decorative works of art from their homes in Malibu, Beverly Hills and England, including items such as their son Jack’s black leather bed and Ozzy’s gold, gem-encrusted American Flag bracelet. Many of the items have been seen in the hugely popular MTV reality show, The Osbournes.

The auction is set to take place at the Gibson Guitar Showroom in Beverly Hills on November 30 and December 1st, with a pre-sale exhibition taking place from November 26th-29th. Highlights from the sale will appear at the O2 in London on November 5th. Ozzy is also scheduled to perform a benefit concert for the charity at Staples Center in Los Angeles on the first night of the sale.

Another furniture auction recently raising funds for charity was the sale of the Tonight Show furniture. Jay Leno encouraged people to bid on the furniture, which included a sofa, guest chair, two cocktail tables, an ottoman and an area rug, along with Leno’s autographed desk. The sale benefitted Bailey’s Cafe, an education and cultural organization founded by Leno’s long-time friend, Stefanie Siegel. Over $45,000, was raised in the auction, all of which went to Bailey’s Cafe.

Stars Support Firefighters' Greater Alarm Gala

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:53:01 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Celebrities offered their support for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Greater Alarm Gala in Hollywood. This event was held in the week of September 11th in remembrance of the numerous firefighters who lost their lives.

Astronaut and In the Shadow of the Moon star Buzz Aldrin was in attendance, and Crossing Jordan star Steven Valentine conducted the live auction. Among the the unique auction items were fire helmets signed by an assortment of famous people including Sylvester Stallone, Jay Leno, Kevin Eubanks, Buzz Aldrin, Phyllis Diller, The Los Angeles Dodgers, Stan Lee, James Caan, Cheech Marin. and some cast members of NBC’s Heroes.

The Heroes cast signed and dedicated their helmet to “The Real Heroes”. Members of the cast of Wicked performed a duet as a video montage played saluting LAFD fire fighters.

The proceeds from the event support the Fallen Firefighters Memorial for the purpose of creating and maintaining the LAFD Firefighter Museum and Memorial, as well as providing children’s fire safety programs.

Vegas Grand Prix Gala - By Invitation Only

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:26:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

An exclusive charity event at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas featured Tonight Show host Jay Leno and a performance by Jon Bon Jovi and Friends. The gala also featured international cuisine, appearances by Champ Car World Series drivers and A-list Hollywood celebrities.

Attendance fees for the invitation-only gala began at $5,000 for a table for ten, but the title “Pole Position” sponsorship cost $350,000 for three VIP tables.

The money raised will support Keep Memory Alive, a foundation for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, an organisation that funds research into areas including Alzheimer, Huntington, Parkinson, ALS and memory disorders.

Boosting the fundraising, the gala featured a live auction with an accompanying high-end silent auction for such lots as fighter jet rides and exclusive holidays.

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