Look To The Stars News: Steve Nash

Hugh Jackman And Mariah Carey Join Made With Pencils Celebrity Charity Campaign

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

This holiday season, Pencils of Promise (PoP), a nonprofit whose mission is to build schools in the developing world, is launching their Made with Pencils campaign. The Made with Pencils campaign allows the world’s leading cultural curators and artistic minds to produce original works made from pencils that will be auctioned off to build new schools.

Beginning November 30, these one-of-a-kind creations will be auctioned on the Pencils of Promise website, so supporters can not only purchase an expression of iconic inspiration, but also play an active role in producing schools in the developing world. All funds raised go directly to building schools and educating children around the world.

Participants include leaders across all industries. In the entertainment sector Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Hugh Jackman, Lil’ John, Russell Simmons, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele and Sophia Bush have all created original works. Sports superstars Shaquille O’Neal, David Freese and Steve Nash have contributed. Fashion gurus and designers Cynthia Rowley, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan are participating, as are artists Joe Fenton, Jon Burgerman and Stephen Wiltshire. Other noteworthy individuals include television journalist Katie Couric and Chelsea Clinton. Many additional prominent actors, performers and creators are confirmed to participate and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Yao Ming Commits To Charity Following Basketball Retirement

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Yao Ming may have retired from basketball, but that won’t stop his charity work.

The Chinese basketball star – who created the Yao Ming Foundation to build schools in China after the May 2008 earthquakes – officially announced his retirement from the game this week.

“I will keep devoting myself to social charity work,” said Ming at a press conference in Shanghai. “Yao Foundation, launched three years ago, is a project named after me. I promise here that it will keep going on.”

Steve Nash Awarded Sport For Social Change Award

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Street Soccer USA — a national organization teaching job and life skills to homeless youth and adults through sport in 18 cities with 75% success rate in terms of educational and job placement outcomes — presented the prestigious Sport for Social Change Award to two-time NBA MVP and seven-time NBA All-Star, Steve Nash on Friday, June 24th at the French Cultural Embassy in Manhattan.

Celebrities and philanthropists on hand included Kenneth Cole and English Premier League star Emmerson Boyce.

Kelly Clarkson And Bret Michaels To Perform At Muhammad Ali Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Muhammad Ali’s annual celebrity charity Fight Night is to return to Arizona this month.

Celebrity Fight Night XVII will be hosted by Grammy Award-winning superstar of country music Reba McEntire, who is returning for her sixth time as emcee. The black tie event will begin with cocktails and a silent auction with dinner, an exciting live auction and entertainment to follow. Billy Crystal will make a special introduction of Muhammad Ali and multi-platinum recording artist Matchbox Twenty will open the musical portion of the evening, followed by a performance from Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson. Additional performers will include the Top 12 American Idol 2011 finalists, Bret Michaels, Jackie Evancho and Lee Greenwood, under the direction of David Foster – who is returning for his 12th consecutive year as the evening’s Musical Director.

This year, Muhammad Ali will honor Halle Berry, Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons, former NBA and NFL owner Red McCombs and No. 1 ranked LPGA Champion Cristie Kerr with the 2011 Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Awards. Kevin Costner & Modern West will perform at the official after-party immediately following the event.

Glee's Jane Lynch To Host Do Something Charity Awards

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

DoSomething.org has announced comedic actress and star of “Glee”, Jane Lynch as host of its star-studded “Do Something Awards” live telecast on VH1 on July 19, 2010 at 9PM EDT.

The final five nominees and grant recipients to be honored during the show were also announced. Each nominee is honored for their commitment to service and social change with a community grant of $10,000. Of these five nominees, a grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 grant for their cause during the live broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation’s best young world-changers, 25 and under. The Do Something Award is the premier national award for community service, and nominees and winners represent the pivotal “do-ers” in their field, cause, or issue.

Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night Hits Phoenix For Charity

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Reba McEntire resumed her hosting duties at this year’s Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix on Saturday night.

American Idol judge Randy Jackson had the honor of introducing the boxing legend on stage at the event, while Glenn Frey, David Foster, Sam Moore and Charice provided entertainment.

Among those to receive awards at the event included NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and film producer Jerry Weintraub. The evening also featured a live auction that included lots such as dinner with Muhammad Ali, Steve Nash, Kevin Costner, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal or Robin Williams, a day out with Reba McEntire, a meet-and-greet with Michael Buble and much more.

Jackie Chan, Scarlett Johansson, Serena Williams - Haiti Charity News

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:55:00 +0000

Jackie Chan was in the recording studio yesterday to record a special song in honor of eight Chinese peacekeepers killed in the Haiti earthquake.

The action star/singer has recorded “To Welcome You Home” with pop star Tan Jing. The song was written by the same team who wrote Love Through Life and Death for victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

Actress Scarlett Johansson has also been busy organizing earthquake relief, and has launched an online charity auction to raise funds for Oxfam.

Stars Want To Be Millionaires For Charity

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire will make a return to American TV screens next week, with a special 11 show run.

Every night of the two-week run, a different celebrity will answer a single question to win $50,000 for the charity of their choice, and a host of stars have lined up for the chance.

The shows will be hosted by Regis Philbin and will feature appearances by:

Kevin Costner To Tee Off For Charity

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

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.

Steve Nash To Hold Charity Soccer Showdown

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash is agile with more than a just basketball. The well-known humanitarian is also making a name for himself in the world of soccer, electrifying fans with soccer skills while playing host to some amazing celebrity fundraisers. And this year, the Phoenix Suns guard has several charity soccer games planned to raise awareness and funds for the Steve Nash Foundation.

Nash’s soccer Showdown series includes a charity soccer game in downtown Vancouver on Sept. 19. The match will include appearances by fellow NBA stars, some of soccer’s best players and other celebrities. No ‘official’ date has been set, but Nash spoke about his plans earlier this week.

“We’re trying to bring the world’s best athletes to the street, a really grassroots level, where the fans can reach out and touch them,” he said.

Join Timbaland For The Gentlemen's Ball

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Join GQ and The Gentlemen’s Fund on October 15 for an exclusive fundraising event – The Gentlemen’s Ball – to celebrate and support all five 2008 Gentlemen’s Fund partner charities — MENC: The National Association for Music Education, The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, The Alliance For Climate Protection, Hope North, and the Steve Nash Foundation.

The Gentlemen’s Fund was established to provide support and awareness for five cornerstones essential to men: opportunity, health, education, environment, and mentorship. A celebrity ambassador has been selected for each cornerstone, including Mark Wahlberg for opportunity, Steve Nash for health, Forest Whitaker for mentorship, Usher for the environment, and Timbaland for education.

The Gentlemen’s Ball will include cocktails and dinner, and a special performance from Timbaland. One ticket is $2,500 and admits 2 guests, and includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, full open bar, seated three-course dinner, live music performance, and chauffeured roundtrip car service to and from the Edison Ballroom (from one designated address within the New York Metro area only).

Yao Ming To Build Schools In China

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Following the devastating earthquakes last month in China’s Sichuan and Gansu provinces, Yao Ming – Chinese center for the Houston Rockets basketball team – felt compelled to do something and to do it quickly… so he created the Yao Ming Foundation.

In the long term, the Foundation will “raise funds and awareness of children’s wellness and welfare issues in China and the United States.” But more importantly in the short term, it will address the immediate needs of the children in China affected by the quake, specifically the need for earthquake-proof schools.

“It is very hard to put into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction,” said Yao. “My thoughts and actions are now focused on helping to rebuild the schools that were destroyed in this tragedy and I hope that others around the world will join in our efforts.”

Steve Nash Brings Soccer Magic To New York

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:30:00 +0000

While Euro 2008 was reaching its climatic final stages in Europe, American soccer fans enjoyed a match dubbed the Showdown in Chinatown in New York City last night, in which professional football players went head-to-head with NBA stars for charity.

Organized by the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash, the game featured appearances from Barcelona forward Thierry Henry, Red Bulls midfielder Claudio Reyna, former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler, and NBA players Baron Davis, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, and Leandro Barbosa.

“We want to play just like we do in basketball,” said the NBA’s Baron Davis before the game. “I know that we can win if we outscore the other team.”

Ryan Sheckler Offers Range Rover To Best Fund Raiser

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:48:33 +0000

MTV’s Ryan Sheckler is offering his Range Rover to the person who can raise the most money for cancer research. The Life of Ryan star has partnered his Sheckler Foundation with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, and will personally hand over the keys to the most successful fund-raiser at the charity’s 2008 Kids4Kids 5K Run/Walk.

Sheckler is part of the National Spokesperson Team for the event, joining Brandi Chastain, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Luc Robitaille and Emma Roberts. The event is set to take place in Los Angeles on April 27, with Race Day registration beginning at 8 AM and the official start at 10 AM.

Also participating in the event as part of the All Star Team are Tate Donovan, Olivia Wilde, Vanessa Lengies and Constance Marie. The team is completed by a host of young stars from film and television, including Madisen Beaty, Lauren Clinton and Denzel Whitaker.

Kite Runner Auction Raises Afghan Hopes

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:38:15 +0000

Madonna, Will Ferrell and Angelina Jolie are among the many celebrities who have joined the Kite Runner Auction, which runs until the 15th of December.

The auction corresponds with the theater release of The Kite Runner on December 14th. Based on the book of the same name, the film explores the world of Amir, who returns to Afghanistan after 20 years in America to set right his past mistakes.

The book’s author Khaled Hosseini is joined in the auction by tail-signers Edward Norton, Steve Nash, Cher and Halle Berry. 75% of the auction’s proceeds will be donated to the Afghanistan Relief Organization.

Steve Nash Celebrity Roast a Success

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:03:03 +0000

On October 12, 2007, at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho, Steve Nash hosted his inaugural Celebrity Roast to benefit the Steve Nash Foundation. More than 200 guests shelled out $1,500 each to attend a poolside dinner, celebrity shoot-out, a silent & live auction, and special concert by Grammy winner John Legend.

“Roast me, toast me,” said Nash before the event, “Our new platform in Phoenix is education, primarily for at-risk kids.” Nash, who was just named one of 2007’s Most Caring Athletes by USA WEEKEND, remains humble and sincere even when being roasted by his celebrity guests. Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky took to the stage and roasted his fellow Canadian. “In Canada, for basketball, Steve has done what Tiger Woods has done for golf in the US,” praised Gretzky. Nash was also praised by Raja Bell, Sun great Eddie Johnson, his coaches- Dick Davey from Santa Clara University and Sun’s coach Mike D’Anotoni, and former Sun Dan Majerle, who was the first to arrive: “Steve is a great guy,” said Majerle. “He’s been called the greatest basketball player ever to come out of Canada. But can anybody name anybody else? Seriously?” asked Majerle. Suns teammate Raja Bell: “Phoenix has benefited tremendously from having him (Nash) here and will continue to do so,” Bell said. “He’s a tremendous asset to the city.”

Guests enjoyed a four-course poolside meal prepared by celebrated chef Charles Wiley while listening to Grammy Award winner John Legend perform. Legend set the ambiance with his smooth vocals and piano playing before taking part in the ‘celebrity shootout’. Hugo Boss president and CEO Tony Lucia offered to donate $200 for every basket made during the chaotic 45-seconds. NBA players and celeb’s lined up to take shots, but Legend was a bit hesitant. “I like to follow the games, especially during the play-offs,” said Legend. “But, I only occasionally play because I’m not that fast or that tall.” After a little prodding, Legend took the ball and contributed two of the 40 shots made, raising a total of $8,000 from Lucia.

Nash and McLachlan Support GuluWalk

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:19:10 +0000

On Saturday, October 21, 2006, GuluWalk Day, over 30,000 people, in 82 cities and 15 different countries took to the streets to urge the world to support peace in northern Uganda. The event raised over $500,000 for programs for a generation of children being left behind and GuluWalk Day 2007 is set to take place globally once again on Saturday, October 20.

GuluWalk will take place to support what the former U.N. Secretary General of Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland called “the world’s most neglected humanitarian crisis” and “one of the biggest scandals of our generation.” The GuluWalk is supported by Phoenix Suns’ good-guy Steve Nash, recording artist Sarah McLachlan, vocalist Measha Brueggergosman, actress Melissa Fitzgerald, singer Chantal Kreviazuk, Lt-Gen. Romeo Dallure, and Stephen Lewis, who said: “The phenomenon of the ‘night commuters’ in northern Uganda is so surreal that it almost defies description. It has been one of the worlds worst crises facing children, and every effort to bring attention to the impact this war is having on children is commendable. The GuluWalk is an imaginative project that will bring a ray of hope to the future of the children, and the communities of northern Uganda.”

GuluWalk began in 2005, when two Toronto men, co-founders Adrian Bradbury and Kieran Hayward, began hearing stories about the “night commuters” of northern Uganda. Over 40,000 children were forced to walk from their rural villages into the town of Gulu and other urban centers to find a safe place to sleep. The journey was necessary to avoid abduction by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) for use in the country’s 21-year civil war. Today, peace is unreliable and the lives of children are threatened by conflict, poverty and disease such as HIV/AIDS.

The Inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast to Benefit The Steve Nash Foundation

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:47:03 +0000

Steve Nash, leader of the Phoenix Suns and two-time NBA MVP, leads by example both on and off the court, and now, spectators can enjoy a memorable night with the NBA star while supporting his foundation.

The Inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast will take place Friday, October 12th, 2007, at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale Arizona. Benefiting the Steve Nash Foundation, proceeds from the Roast will stay in Arizona, where the Foundation’s primary initiative is focused on improving the lives of children through high-quality early development and education programs.

The Roast will include an unforgettable dinner and dessert created by award-winning chef Charles Wiley, celebrity guests, a live auction, a poolside concert, and musical entertainment by non-other than five-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum singer John Legend.

Yao Ming-Steve Nash Charity Gala & Basketball Game in Beijing

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:52:58 +0000

Two of the NBA’s greatest players joined forces to raise money for various charities in Beijing, and it took just under six-months for Yao Ming and Steve Nash to bring their idea to fruition.

The Steve Nash-Yao Ming Charity Basketball Game and events were held September 12-14 and raised over $2M for needy kids in China.

“I was talking with a friend of mine about the difficulties the children face there,” Nash told Suns.com. “I feel really fortunate that I am in a position where I was able to go to Yao Ming and ask him if he was interested in doing something over there. It’s an exciting opportunity to go to China and hopefully give thousands of kids an opportunity for an education that right now doesn’t exist.”

Charity Heavyweights Support Muhammad Ali

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:03:24 +0000

Celebrities and professional athletes are coming together for the 13th Annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona. The elite charity event set for March 24th is in honor of Muhammad Ali, and will see awards going to Sharon Stone, Donald Trump, NBA MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.

Tickets for the event start at $2,000, with a table for 10 ranging from $10,000-50,000. The evening features an auction with items such as dinner with Reba McEntire and a trip for two to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, including airfare, tickets to the All-Star festivities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and hotel accommodations.

Diana Ross will be the headline performer for the event, with Reba McEntire as MC and 14-time Grammy Award winner David Foster as the Musical Director.