Look To The Stars News: Danny Glover

Stars To Support Anti-Death Penalty Awards Dinner

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Advocacy organization Death Penalty Focus is to hold its annual Awards Gala on Thursday, May 21, with some high profile guests slated to attend.

The 18th Annual Awards Dinner will honor Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico; John Van de Kamp, former Attorney General of California; Nancy Miller, creator of TV series Saving Grace; and several others. Guests will include Six Feet Under’s James Cromwell, Mike Farrell and Amy Brenneman, and the host committee includes Alec Baldwin, William Baldwin, Jackson Browne, Morgan Fairchild, Danny Glover, Lily Tomlin and Noah Wyle.

Founded in 1988, Death Penalty Focus is dedicated to the abolition of capital punishment through public education; grassroots and political organizing; original research; media outreach; local, state and nationwide coalition building; and the education of religious, legislative and civic leaders about the death penalty and its alternatives.

More information about the event, including tickets, can be found at the organization’s website.

Meet Chris Rock On The Set Of His New Movie For Charity

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Comedian Chris Rock has launched a new charity auction in which you can meet him on the set of his new movie.

Proceeds from the charity auction will go to Journey for Change, a charity set up by Malaak Compton-Rock to empower young people through global service.

“Journey for Change is a great cause,“ said Chris Rock. "Not just because it is my wife’s charity… well she is making me say this… but the kids from Brooklyn that she helps are kids that are just like me. Someone helped me and I came out okay. Now we are trying to help them. So bid on the auction and come hang out with me on the set of my new movie "Death of a Funeral.“

Death at a Funeral is a remake of Frank Oz’s 2007 British comedy of the same name, and co-stars Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, and James Marsden. It is expected to be released next year.

In addition to your set visit and meet & greet, the winning bidder will receive a VIP tour of SONY Studios, an autographed copy of the script, an autographed copy of the day’s filming schedule, an autographed DVD, and an autographed book.

To be part of this auction, which ends on May 1, visit the Charity Folks website.

Movies That Make A Difference

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Look to the Stars likes to keep a look out for break-out informative films.

In 2007, we showcased Cover, a film by Actor/Director Bill Duke. Cover put the spotlight on the dangers of keeping secret when you have AIDS from your partner. We got a number of comments from our readers about this article.

In October of 2008, we deemed Trouble the Water an important film. It is a documentary about Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath. Trouble the Water went on to receive an Oscar nomination. Danny Glover is among the executive producers of the piece.

In 2009 we will seek to find more important films as we travel to more film festivals, beginning with the Method Fest March 26- April 2, 2009 in Calabasas, CA and NALIP in April. The festival is named for the famous school of acting which was advanced in popularity by Lee Strasburg. Among the famous students of this form of acting include the late great actor and philanthropist Paul Newman.

Last spring the festival gave top honors lesser known veteran actors Melissa Leo (Frozen River_) and Richard Jenkins (_Frozen River). Both would garner Oscar nominations in 2009. In The Visitor, Jenkins loaned his acting talents to a piece which showcased deep personal story of illegal immigration.

At LTTS, we make it our our mission is to shed light on the good works of artists be it the form of charity or social awareness.

Peter Buffett Joins Akon For Anti-Slavery Song

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

In observance of the 2009 Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the 25th of March, Emmy-award winning musician and philanthropist Peter Buffett and R&B/pop star Akon will publicly debut an issue-inspired song, ‘Blood Into Gold’, with a live performance at a star-studded cultural evening and concert in the United Nation’s General Assembly Hall.

Peter Buffett was asked by non-profit organization, the Culture Project, to write the song specifically for this commemoration. Akon, who has previously collaborated with Peter, loaned his voice and production expertise on ‘Blood Into Gold’. All proceeds from the download of the single will go to an organization whose purpose is to educate and bring an end to human trafficking worldwide. A poignant video to accompany the song is currently in production.

For the first time at the United Nations, the evening concert will bring together: Akon (Senegal/USA) & Peter Buffett (USA); Mezzo-Soprano Audrey Babcock (USA); Soprano Angela Brown (USA); The Blind Boys of Alabama (USA); Izaline Calister (Curacao/The Netherlands); Toumani Diabaté (Mali); Danny Glover (USA); Gilberto Gil (Brazil); Bill T. Jones (USA); Sarah Jones (USA); Salif Keita (Mali) and his Band; Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa); Emeline Michel (Haiti); The Marley Brothers (Jamaica); CCH Pounder (Guyana/USA/Senegal); Stephanie Benson (Ghana); Phylicia Rashad (USA); Tenor Noah Stewart (USA); Randy Weston (USA) and his Quintet; Choreographer Gabri Christa (Curacao/The Netherlands) and others. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann will deliver testimonies at the concert and pre-taped testimonials from Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali will be broadcasted.

The concert is being produced by the Culture Project. Legendary music producer, Nile Rodgers, will be the concert’s music director.

Organized around the theme ‘Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum’, the concert is part of a series of events celebrating the triumph of the spirit over slavery and human trafficking. This year’s theme was chosen because drums are traditionally used throughout the world, especially in Africa, to send a loud message. In this case, drums will serve to remind all of the causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and of the dangers of racism and prejudice.

Peter Buffett and Akon’s social action website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com, will re-launch on March 25th to coincide with the release of ‘Blood Into Gold.’ Powered by YourCause.com, the leading cause-focused social networking site, the site is an online destination where users can get involved, share personal experiences in making a difference, and meet others with common goals and a passion for change. Spotlighting a new social cause of worldwide concern monthly, April will bring much-needed attention to human trafficking as the featured subject with more to come.

Stars Pay Tribute To Paul Newman

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An awe-inspiring array of stars paid tribute to Paul Newman at a benefit gala for one of the actor’s summer camps for sick children in California last night.

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Danny DeVito, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Billy Crystal were just some of the stars who performed a reading of The World of Nick Adams, an adaptation of a number of Ernest Hemingway’s autobiographical stories at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco.

“We expected Paul to be with us and so this kind of turned into kind of a tribute,” said Danny Glover. “This is the first time we are doing this without Paul — there is a void there, without a doubt.”

The event, which attracted over 2,500 people, raised money for the The Painted Turtle, one of Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang camps for ill children.

Founded by Newman and Herb Alpert in 1999, The Painted Turtle provides the 17,000 chronically ill children in California who would otherwise be unable to attend summer camps with an empowering, renewing experience completely free of charge.

“Paul was a member of the ensemble more than anything else,” said Tom Hanks, who starred in Road To Perdition with Newman. “He didn’t care about the hierarchy, but he was a guy, quite frankly, who should have won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Celebrities To Pay Tribute To Paul Newman

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An awe-inspiring array of stars will pay tribute to Paul Newman at a benefit gala for one of the actor’s summer camps for sick children in California next month.

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Danny DeVito, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Billy Crystal will perform a stage reading of The World of Nick Adams, an adaptation of a number of Ernest Hemingway’s autobiographical stories, written by Newman’s longtime friend A.E. Hotchner at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on October 27. Proceeds from the evening will go to the The Painted Turtle, one of Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang camps for ill children.

Tickets for the event are available through the City Box Office website.

Look to the Stars Important Film Pick: Trouble The Water

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Ironically, Trouble the Water, a film about Hurricane Katrina with Danny Glover as one of the executive producers, made it’s national debut this weekend as Louisiana braced itself for Hurricane Gustav.

This year the local and national authorities did all they could to do things right, but in the documentary the audience sees what went terribly wrong three years ago. The film features a unique account which garnered accolades as this year’s Grand Jury Prize winner of 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

It is a powerful story of Hurricane Katrina evacuees Kimberly and Scott Roberts. An aspiring rap artist, Kimberly turns her new camera on herself and her community of the 9th ward on the day before one of the five most deadly storms in American history. Like so many others in the 9th ward, the luxury of affording to leave the 9th ward eludes the Roberts.

Instead, while making preparations for the incoming weather, Kimberly declares that she going to make a documentary about the hurricane. The footage includes their preparation for the storm, the rising of the water while fleeing to the attic of their home and acts of heroism.

Directors Tia Lessen and Carl Deal (producers of Fahrenheit 911 and Bowling for Columbine) were ready to shut down production and start volunteering, but continued with the filming after they were approached by the Roberts at an Alexandria Red Cross shelter on day four of the shoot. For the Roberts, it was life one week after evacuating New Orleans. The meeting would redirect the film and open up a story that helps to not only make sense of this particular disaster, but of issues lingering in America.

More than a compilation of footage from the news, recordings by the documentarians and the Roberts’ footage, Kimberly has a very raw and real way of being entertaining. Her personality is big. Her past is checkered. She will quote Scripture in one minute and utter curse words in the next.

Trouble the Water is a unique gem and an excellent contribution to American history telling. Visit the Trouble the Water website for more information.

Celebrity Auctions Kick Off The New Year

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:24:10 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The new year has kicked off with a flurry of celebrity charity auctions, with items for sale to benefit a plethora of worthwhile causes and issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization that advocates individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad range of issues, including free speech, AIDS, human rights, racism, and more. The Southern California branch of ACLU has launched an auction on www.charityfolks.com to raise much-needed funds.

Items up for auction until January 3 include lunch with Jake Gyllenhaal on the set of his new film, a framed and autographed art print by Viggo Mortensen, the chance to dine with Harry Belafonte or Mike Farrell, a signed T shirt and photo from Danny Glover, and original artwork from singer Maria McKee, and an autographed copy of Corinne Bailey Rae’s single, “I’d Like To”.

Also up for auction on the Charity Folks website are 12 twelve very special packages to see Hilary Duff in concert. VIP tickets and the chance to go backstage to meet the young diva are included, and the concerts are being held across the US, Mexico, and Australia.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Blessings in a Backpack, a program run by USA Harvest to generate public awareness of child hunger. The organization will use the money to assist in providing weekend meals to needy children and ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. The auction runs until January 25.

Virgin Unite has put several items up for auction, including a leather jacket designed and signed by Jon Bon Jovi, a guitar autographed by Jewel, and a cymbal signed by members of the Beastie Boys.

Virgin Unite is the non-profit entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, established by Richard Branson as a catalyst for business based solutions to social and environmental problems. The auction ends on January 3.

Artists for a New South Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 to advance human rights in Africa, and now encompasses a whole raft of issues, including the fight against AIDS, assisting children orphaned by AIDS, and educating and empowering youth. They are offering some incredible items for auction until January 18, including original Star Wars comics signed by Samuel L. Jackson, a signed photo of ex-X Files star Gillian Anderson, and signed CDs from Mandy Moore.

And finally, the Friends and Helpers Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence, is auctioning items such as a Red Hot Chili Peppers poster signed by bass player Flea, a signed photo of Donald Trump, a flag autographed by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan, and a guitar signed by LeAnn Rimes.

2008 looks set to be the year of celebrity giving.

Gere Awarded Humanitarian Honor

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:29:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Richard Gere has received a prestigious humanitarian award in his home city of Philadelphia.

The Golden Globe winner accepted the Marion Anderson Award, named after the famous African-American opera singer who fought racial segregation in the 1930s, at a ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on November 12.

“I’m not worthy of this award in any way whatsoever,” said the 58-year-old star of films such as “Chicago” and “Pretty Woman”. “I can’t tell you how this makes me feel. My heart is so wide open.”

Gere received the award for his charity and humanitarian work over the last three decades. A devoted Buddhist, Gere has advocated Tibetan independence since 1978, and is a friend and student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has made numerous trips through India, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and China, and has released a book featuring his own photographs of these regions, with a foreword written by the Dalai Lama.

In 1987, Gere co-founded Tibet House, and is now Board Chairman for the International Campaign for Tibet. He has testified on Tibet’s behalf before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the European Parliament, and the House International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee in an attempt to free the nation from China’s grip. His own charitable organization, the Gere Foundation, was set up to award grants to humanitarian foundations, especially in relation to Tibet.

Gere also established Healing the Divide, an organization dedicated to improving care for HIV/AIDS patients, and in 2004 instigated the Heroes Project, which addresses the spread of AIDS in India. He is a spokesman for Meals On Wheels, and earlier in 2007 appeared in the charity’s first ever advertising campaign, along with his father who has been a volunteer for 17 years. He is also a longtime supporter of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

“We are proud to honor Richard Gere with the Marion Anderson Award,” said Philadelphia Mayor, John F. Street. “His accomplishments as an actor are only surpassed by his accomplishments as a humanitarian and as a advocate for human rights issues around the world. We are particularly pleased to honor Mr Gere this year as it will mark the first time that the award will be conferred upon a native Philadelphian.”

Gere attended the award ceremony with his friend and co-star of three films, Diane Lane, and made special mention of the woman the award is named after. He told the audience that Marion Anderson paved the way for artists to use their celebrity status for humanitarian work, and urged people to adopt her traits.

“I think that is what we are here for,” he said during the ceremony. “To make the road easier for those who follow us.”

The Marion Anderson Award, which includes a $100,000 honorarium, is bestowed annually upon individuals whose support for a cause upholds humanitarian principles and benefits society, and previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Harry Belafonte. Marion Anderson gained international fame in the music world in the 1930s, although she faced racial segregation at home in the United States. She bravely fought racism with her music, and became the first African-American person to perform at the White House in 1939. She was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Johnson in 1963, and died in 1993 at the age of 96.

“In honoring Richard Gere, we celebrate the achievements of an outstanding artist and humanitarian,” said Pamela A. Crawley, Chair of the Marion Anderson Award. “He has used his remarkable career as an actor to support his unparalleled advocacy for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. He has traveled the globe supporting efforts that allow people to live in health, in the integrity of their cultures, and with the fundamental human rights that all citizens of the world must possess. These are the qualities of a leader, and we are deeply honored by his acceptance.”

“Richard is a man whose heart dictates his choices,” added award winning actress, Diane Lane. “He has cultivated this tenacious advocacy for those who are in danger of being railroaded, shut out, and trampled under the big machine of ‘Business As Usual’.”

Gere intends to share the prize money between selected charities.

ANSA Shakes the Blues With Stars in Los Angeles

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:42:33 -0000

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) will host “Shaking The Blues,” a star-studded benefit, at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The evening combines the power of music and activism to shake off our blues – from the personal to the global – and make a difference in the world. The event will feature blues-influenced musical artists as well as a multi-cultural array of renowned entertainers who are donating their time and talents to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the US and Africa.

The event begins with a pre-show cocktail party for major donors at 6 PM. Shaking The Blues performances start at 7:45, immediately followed by a VIP after-party. Those confirmed to appear include Erykah Badu, Nikka Costa, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal Trio and The Roots, with Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson serving as the event’s musical director. Additional highlights include appearances by George Lopez, Jurnee Smollett, Blair Underwood and other special guest stars soon to be announced.

Shaking The Blues, which continues ANSA’s tradition of presenting one unique and extraordinary major fundraiser annually, is chaired by Dianna Cohen & Jackson Browne, Myrna Colley-Lee & Morgan Freeman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson & Samuel L. Jackson, Ann & George Lopez, Deborah Santana, Alfre Woodard & Roderick Spencer and Keisha Nash-Whitaker & Forest Whitaker Host committee members include J.J. Abrams, Gillian Anderson, Johnny Clegg, Danny Glover, Dulé Hill, Quincy Jones, Norman Lear, Lebo M, Alexandra Paul, Chris Rock, Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Alice Walker, Denzel Washington and other luminaries.

“Last year, ANSA was honored to host the 75th birthday celebration for our dear friend and advisor Archbishop Desmond Tutu said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “He embodies the belief that justice and love will ultimately triumph and maintains a remarkable sense of humor, even in the face of enormous challenges. It is activists like him who inspire us to shake off the blues and take action to fix our world. That’s the spirit of Shaking the Blues, which promises to be one of ANSA’s best events ever.”

Proceeds from the event will support ANSA’s work in the US and Africa. ANSA will also donate a portion of the proceeds to the Treatment Action Campaign, the grassroots organization that is at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Tickets range from $45 to $100, and are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and (213) 480-3232. For major donor and VIP tickets, ranging from $250 to $75,000, contact Blue Room Events: (310) 491-1401.

A Shaking The Blues online auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences from President Bill Clinton, Denzel Washington, J.J. Abrams, Dulé Hill, and many others, launched October 29 at www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

ANSA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization working to combat HIV/AIDS, safeguard voting rights and democracy, advance human rights and equality, and assist and empower AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth. By working in partnership with effective grassroots organizations and pivotal movements on the frontlines of these issues, ANSA makes a substantial difference. Founded in 1989 to support South Africa’s quest to end apartheid and build a new democracy, ANSA is now dedicated to eradicating social and health inequities that are the legacies of apartheid, segregation, and generations of poverty. In the past decade alone, ANSA has raised $9 million for effective African programs, shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of adults and young people in the US, South Africa, and across the African continent about HIV/AIDS and voting rights. For more information go to www.ansafrica.org

Jazz Stars Help Out In New Orleans

Sat, 26 May 2007 13:32:26 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Last month’s Jazz Festival in New Orleans saw artists such as Harry Connick Jr. and Joss Stone taking time out to participate in community projects reviving the city after the damage it sustained in the 2005 Katrina hurricane.

R&B star John Legend washed clothes as part of a free mobile laundry service for families still living in trailers.

Singer Connick Jr and his daughters helped clean and paint a new house in the “Musicians’ Village”, a new development he conceived with saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

Joss Stone gave her time to promote volunteer work after her performance on the festival’s final day.

Further performers helped fundraising efforts to buy musical instruments for local schools, in part by recording a Fats Domino tribute. Domino himself recorded an album to raise funds for a Katrina relief charity.

Actor Danny Glover and politician John Edwards were also in the city on the same weekend helping with rebuilding work.

Look To The Stars News: Danny Glover

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