Look To The Stars News: Steve Nash

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).

More information can be found at the Gentlemen’s Fund website.

Yao Ming To Build Schools In China

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

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.”

More than 185 schools were destroyed during May’s earthquake. The Yao Ming Foundation’s website says, “A donation of $100,000 will rebuild a permanent school for approximately 300 students while a gift of $3,500 will provide one prefabricated classroom for 50 students, including desks and chairs.” By working with proven charities, the Foundation will build safe replacements schools and then focus on youth related causes on both sides of the world.

The Houston Rockets, colleagues such as Steve Nash, and many others are answering Ming’s call. Launched only a few days ago, the Foundation raised over $3.5 million in the first week.

Steve Nash Brings Soccer Magic To New York

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

But outscore them they didn’t. The soccer players’ side outclassed the NBA players in all aspects of the game, with Henry teasing his opponents with his usual skills and theatrics, such as juggling the ball for 20 yards at a time or balancing it on his head. The footballers eventually won the 60-minute game, 9-4.

Although the game was free to attend, donations were taken for the Steve Nash Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life.

“Football and my foundation are two of my big passions,” said Nash. “And the chance to bring together guys like Thierry and Baron and Jason and Claudio [was] a lot of fun.”

Ryan Sheckler Offers Range Rover To Best Fund Raiser

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

Written by Myrlia Purcell

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.

Participants can win prizes ranging from a Kids 4 Kids RUN/WALK 2008 Mascot Bear – one bear is donated to a child in the hospital for every bear given to a participant – to the grand prize of a MacBook (laptop) and a 8GB iPod nano. People wishing to support the cause, but not take part in the Run/Walk, can sponsor the family of a cancer patient, helping them to enjoy a fun day out together. For more information on the event, watch the video and visit the Kids4Kids page at the CCRF website.

Kite Runner Auction Raises Afghan Hopes

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

Written by Myrlia Purcell

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.

Other items on the auction block include a visit to the set of the new James Bond film with director Marc Forster, who also directed The Kite Runner film, dinner with Khaled Hosseini, or the chance to name a character in one of his future works.

To see the full list of celebrities, or to bid on kites and tails signed by Jessica Biel, Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal or Reese Witherspoon, go to The Kite Runner Auction page.

Steve Nash Celebrity Roast a Success

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

Steve’s sister, Joann Nash, said that her brother is low-key. “He’s pretty goofy and has known to be a little funny after a few cocktails,” she said. “But, he’s never done anything too embarrassing.” Nash had a chance that evening, when Walt Brown, CEO of Diversified Partners, tried to entice someone to bid on the chance to see Suns star Shawn Marion and Nash jump in the pool. He told guests, “What happens at the Valley Ho stays at the Valley Ho.” Unfortunately, there were no takers.

Auction item included trips to Italy, the Masters Golf Tournament and a San Diego Chargers home game, but the most coveted item wasn’t listed as ‘up for bids’. During the silent auction, Jeff and Stacey Feinberg spontaneously bid $60,000 to have Nash sit with them during a break in the show, adding a delightful twist to very successful charity event.

Formed in 2001 and given charitable status in 2004, the Steve Nash Foundation is a 501©(3) organization dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. Like its NBA MVP founder, the Foundation is fast becoming a leader in assists to a slightly shorter population.

Through grants to public service and nonprofit entities, the Foundation aims to grow health in kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play, and empowerment. The Foundation focuses its resources on communities in Phoenix, Arizona, and British Columbia, Canada, but has recently begun to expand its scope to include areas of high need in other countries.

Nash and McLachlan Support GuluWalk

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

“No man, woman or child should have to live in constant fear of being killed or abducted. We are walking in solidarity with northern Ugandans and are determined to make long-lasting peace in Uganda a Canadian priority,” said Lama Hammad, Committee Chair of GuluWalk Ottawa 2007.

GuluWalk continues to have global reach and has been featured in media outlets all over the world. GuluWalk co-founders Bradbury and Hayward were recognized in 2005 as Newsmakers of the Year by Maclean’s magazine, while Bradbury’s writing on the conflict continues to appear the National Post, the Sudan Tribune and Uganda’s Daily Monitor.  

Since 2005, GuluWalk has grown into a major international movement, with over 30,000 walkers expected in 89 cities and 14 countries in 2007. Hopefully all of you will go out this weekend and join the thousands of people around the world that will march for love.

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

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

Nash began the Foundation to focus on a cause close to his heart, children. Its mission reflects Steve’s genuine compassion for kids and his continued dedication of giving back to the community.

“I started this Foundation because I really felt the need to try to help people.” Nash said, “As a professional athlete, you are in a position and given the opportunity to really have an impact on more than just your immediate surroundings. For me to be able to do that is something that’s sometimes challenging, but always worthwhile.” Worthwhile and then some! Nash has certainly made more than ‘just’ an impact on his immediate surroundings, aside from paying for a new pediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital, in May of 2006, he was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

To reserve your spot for this memorable and unique Celebrity Roast fundraiser and support Nash’s ongoing efforts of giving back to the community, contact Mike Patterson for group tickets, or call: 1-877-341-NASH (6274) x230, or email: mikep@visioncompanies.com. This is one event I wouldn’t miss for the world.

Formed in 2001 and given charitable status in 2004, the Steve Nash Foundation is dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. Through its own initiatives, as well as grants to public service and nonprofit entities, the Foundation aims to grow health in kids by affording access to health and education for children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect. The Foundation focuses its resources on communities in Phoenix, Arizona, British Columbia, Canada, and the country of Paraguay. For more information, please visit www.stevenash.org

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

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.”

So, on September 12th, Nash, Yao and nine other NBA players kicked off their collaboration with a press conference that coincidently fell on Yao’s 27th birthday. Yao explained that this was simply a coincidence while thanking his friends for joining him to do something for the kids in China.

Steve Nash has already proven himself a true humanitarian. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who’s got a bad thing to say about the 2-time MVP. Generous, sincere, caring, socially responsible. That’s what Nash is made of. In the off-season, you won’t find him partying in Las Vegas, you’ll find him giving back to the community-whether its raising money by hosting his Steve Nash Charity Classic basketball game or opening an “eco-friendly” sports club in Canada, this guy is good. In fact, he’s so good that he even chartered a plane and flew the players playing for his team to China, namely, Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Baron Davis (Golden State Warriors), Leandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Chuck Hayes (Houston Rockets), Alando Tucker (Phoenix Suns), DJ Strawberry (Phoenix Suns), Amir Johnson (Detroit Pistons), and Paul Davis (L.A. Clippers).

All 9 NBA players attended the Charity Auction Party, which took place at the Diao Yu Tai State Guest House on the 13th. Ironically, this is the same location where the 6-country nuclear talks between North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Japan, USA and China were held, making it an ideal location for NBA good guys to showcase their remarkable intentions. The following 7 items were auctioned during the Charity Gala (winning bids are approximate):

6 VIP tickets for the Charity Gala game on the 14th + 10 autographed jerseys from the Nash Invitational Team (including Yao Ming) + 12 basketballs autographed by the China national team: $39,000.
2 VIP tickets each for the October China Game in Shanghai and Macau + 2 autographed jerseys of Lebron James and Dwight Howard + 5-star hotel accommodation for 2 nights in Shanghai and Macau: $16,000. (Winner bidder Song Tao, former Chinese National team center)
Autographed jerseys of Yao Ming and Steve Nash, 2 VIP tickets (with Les Alexander’s signature/approval to be closest to the court) for Houston Rockets versus Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center + 2 passes to the Rockets players’ locker room + lunch with Yao Ming and Steve Nash: $132,000.
An exclusive VISA platinum card with the imprint of Yao Ming and Steve Nash images on it; the only one in the world. $59,000.
An autographed jersey of soccer legend Pelé + an autographed jersey of Michael Jordan in his 1996 championship campaign + autographed boxing glove of Muhammad Ali + autographed jersey of Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong: $50,000.
2 VIP tickets for the opening ceremony of 2008 Olympics + 1 weeks’ 5-star hotel accommodation in Beijing + 2 round-trip first class air tickets to Beijing from anywhere in the world: $478,000 .
The China Discovery Car which has traveled all over China: $86,000. (Won by Lu Hao, Yao Ming’s China agent)

A total of about $900,000-plus was raised at the auction gala, which was just shy of the original $1M target, but Yao was having none of it and generously kicked in his own money to make up the difference. At one point during the auction, Golden State Warrior Baron Davis even took the stage, performing a few basketball tricks in efforts to bump up the bids.

On Friday, our NBA good guys joined members of the Chinese National Basketball Team to showcase their skills in the star-studded charity game at the Beijing Capital Stadium. The sold-out event gave all 12,000 attendees more than their moneys worth. Team Yao defeated Team Nash 101-92 in a game watched by over 200 million television viewers in China. Prior to the game, Nash pumped up his team and gave a heartfelt speech in the locker room, thanking them for traveling a long distance to join him for this effort. Actor Jackie Chan even made a guest appearance and conducted the ceremonial toss at mid-court to start the game.

SportsBusinessRadio.com’s writer Brian Berger was granted all access for the event, and writes: “Yao Ming came in the locker room after tonight’s charity game and thanked the NBA players who played in tonight’s game. He spoke of how much the effort means to him and to the Chinese people and how impressed he was that these players flew halfway around the world just a few weeks prior to the start of training camp. He told the players in the locker room that if he could ever assist them with their charitable efforts, he’d be happy to do so. It was a really nice moment for these players who play in the most exclusive basketball fraternity on the planet – the NBA. Once Yao finished his speech, the Team Nash players sang a song that the game operations people played whenever Yao scored in tonight’s game. Its a cheesy but catchy song that chants, “Yao Ming, Yao Ming, Yao Ming, Yao Ming……..Yao Ming, Yao Ming”. The Chinese fans love it though.”

In total the charity game and related events raised close to $2.5M for kids in China. Specifically, the funds will be used to support and build more Project Hope schools in the poorer area of China’s Western regions; to help impoverished girls in the Xinjiang Kezilesu Keerkzi Autonomous Region to receive education; to upgrade the facilities of schools for mentally challenged children in Western China and to work with children with AIDS through the Chi Heng Foundation which also supports the Special Olympics and China Youth Development Foundation.

For this, we thank you Yao Ming, Steve Nash and all the NBA good guys who were involved in spreading some much needed love around the world.

Charity Heavyweights Support Muhammad Ali

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

Written by Myrlia Purcell

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.

Sharon Stone will receive the “Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award”. Stone has kept herself very busy with her humanitarian work, and so far this year has helped to raise $4.2 million for charity at Sir Elton John’s post-Oscar party, and led the charity auction at Cinema For Peace with Richard Gere.

Celebrity Fight Night has raised over $38 million in the last 12 years for the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation. The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute is the primary beneficiary of the evening, with some funds going to other charities such as the Ali Care Program, which helps those without insurance get the care they need.

Look To The Stars News: Steve Nash

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