Look To The Stars News: Lance Armstrong

Tony Hawk Invites P Diddy To Stand Up For Skateparks

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Skateboarder Tony Hawk is to hold a family festival in Las Vegas that features music, action sports, and a unique auction to benefit at-risk youth.

The Las Vegas Strip has seen some incredible productions over the years, but Saturday, November 7 will mark the first time the world of action-sports descends upon the Wynn Las Vegas resort for a day of fun and festivities for the whole family, all to benefit an important cause.

Join Tony, fellow Benefit Committee members Sean Diddy Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dana White, Jr., Ron Burkle, Michael Eisner, Andrew Pascal, Elaine Wynn, Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta III, Robin Greenspun, Travis Barker, and Jeff Fine, and their celebrity guests for an exclusive afternoon of fun, games, music, skateboarding, and BMX, while helping the Tony Hawk Foundation bring free, quality public skateparks to youth in low-income communities across the U.S.

Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks is an outdoor action-sports carnival, featuring a Vert Demo with top skateboarding and BMX pros, including Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek, Jamie Bestwick, Andy Macdonald, Simon Tabron, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, Dennis McCoy, and Kevin Staab riding on Hawk’s personal ramp, plus a special musical performance by Rancid.

Now in its sixth year, Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks raises critical funds to support the Tony Hawk Foundation’s mission to bring high-quality, free public skateparks to youth in low-income communities across the U.S. A special Pledge Drive at the event will also raise funds to help rebuild Freedom Skatepark, which serves at-risk youth in Las Vegas. Through live and silent auctions, Guests will have the opportunity to support the Tony Hawk Foundation and win some incredible items and experiences:

DUB Edition Customized Tony Hawk 2010 Dodge Challenger RT  This Reigning King of the asphalt jungle is a one-of-a-kind custom ride, including 372 Horse Power 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine, 22" Custom TIS Luxury Wheels with Pirelli Tires, Tony Hawk detailing (including Logo Embroidery on Headrest), SAVV DVD Player with two 7" monitors, Rockford Fosgate 10"subwoofer box with 200-watt amp, and more!
Be A Secret Skater in the next Activision Tony Hawk Video Game The winning bidder will get a full-body scan and have a character created in his or her likeness to appear in the next Activision Tony Hawk game.
Roadie For A Day with Miley Cyrus for (4) You and three others will have the exclusive chance to be backstage to see how a superstar concert works. Spend the day with the crew bringing Miley’s show to life and enjoy the show from the side of the stage—plus a special meet and greet with Miley!
JetBlue Airways Fly Anywhere Tickets between any nonstop destinations Enjoy (2) travel letters good for roundtrip travel on JetBlue Airways, from any city to any nonstop city.
Taunovo Bay 5-Star Resort And Spa 4-Bedroom Beachfront Grand Villa, Fiji Enjoy seven-nights in a 4-bedroom beachfront Grand Villa for up to (8) adults and (4) children, including river rafting, waterfalls, zip lining, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and much more in this luxurious, private resort.
The Ultimate Jason Taylor Experience Your Experience will include four (4) tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game of your choice, four (4) pre-game field passes that allow you access to the sideline, an autographed football, a personal tour of the Miami Dolphins training facility, plus a 30-minute training-film session with Jason Taylor!
11,000-Square-Foot Beachfront Punta Mita, Mexico Luxury 5-Bedroom Villa Mita resort development at the north shore of Bahia de Banderas, 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Includes villa staff, houseman, maid, cook and concierge service.
Soccer Clinic with U.S. Women’s Soccer Icon Mia Hamm for (10) Ten (10) youths will experience a soccer clinic with one of the worlds greatest, Mia Hamm, who led the U.S. to gold medals in the Olympics and victory in the World Cup. Includes autographed Nike soccer balls for each participant. Clinic to take place in Los Angeles.

Several other unique items and experiences will also be offered, including a 7-Time Tour De France Champion Lance Armstrong Autographed Trek Bike, Tony Hawk Signature Series Autographed Dynacraft BMX Bike, signed skateboards from Tony Hawk, Shaun White, Ryan Sheckler, Paul Rodriguez, and others, plus other signed memorabilia, dining and vacation packages, and items that would make excellent Holiday gifts.

Tickets and packages for Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks are still available. Order Tickets here or contact C.C. Hafner at 760-477-2479 or cc@tonyhawkfoundation.org.

If you aren’t able to attend Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks but would like to support the creation of a free public skatepark in a low-income neighborhood in Las Vegas, you can text the word RIDE to 90999 to make a $5 donation to the Tony Hawk Foundation*. Through Friday, November 6, all text donations will be dedicated to the rebuilding of Freedom Skatepark in Las Vegas.

For more info about the event, go to the official website.

Today Is Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Day

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Javier Lee

13 years ago, on this very day, professional cyclist Lance Armstrong – at age 25 – was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

This, however, did not stop him from winning the Tour de France in a record-breaking seven consecutive years, from 1999 to 2005.

In 1997, he founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Over the years, his foundation has supported cancer research and education, as well as awareness and advocacy campaigns all around the world.

With over 28 million people around the world living with cancer today, the Lance Armstrong Foundation believed strongly that there can be – and should be – life after cancer for more people.

That’s why the fight begins in the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. The Foundation is constantly seeking new, creative and innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. By connecting people and communities to drive social change, they call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Now, anyone from anywhere on Earth can join this fight against cancer.

Today is LIVESTRONG Day. It is the day members of our community celebrate survivorship and raise awareness about the fight against cancer in communities across the globe. On this special day, Lance is calling out to volunteers and the public to join him and his foundation in the global fight against cancer.

We can now get involved with Lance’s incredible work and spread the good word about LIVESTRONG Day by signing a world cancer declaration form on the Foundation’s website. In addition, individuals can also create a personal dedication page for someone who has inspired them to join the fight against cancer.

Besides signing the declaration form, passionate volunteers from all around the world are also strongly encouraged to host their own events on this day, in line with helping the Foundation to reach the goal of hosting 1000 events in communities throughout the world! This link makes it easy for volunteers to join in any organized events in their respective communities on 2nd October.

The call to action is indeed something that all of us possess deep within our very own hearts. Let us take this opportunity to join Lance Armstrong and his Foundation in their inspiring journey to fight cancer worldwide, right now today on LIVESTRONG Day.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

Armstrong Aids Injured Cyclists

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:12:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Lance Armstrong is helping some injured cyclists get back on bikes again after receiving a heartfelt plea from a stranger who heard of the hit and run incident.

Armstrong was touched by the story of five cyclists, who were hit by a minivan in the Ottawa suburb of Kanata last month, and dedicated the 16th stage of the Tour de France to the victims, as well as to a woman in Montreal and Beastie Boys member, MCA, who are both battling cancer.

“I hope everybody there is doing well and we’re all thinking about you,” he said in his video blog.

But his support didn’t stop there. Anne Paliwal learned of the group’s plight when one of their friends posted online looking to replace gear damaged when the cyclists were struck. Although Anne didn’t know the cyclists personally, she decided to see what more could be done to help them, and wrote to Armstrong. The seven-time Tour de France champion then donated the bib he wore on the July 15th Tour de France leg from Vatan to Saint-Fargeau, which fetched $5000 at auction.

Four of the cyclists have been released from hospital; the fifth, who has been in a coma, is still recovering.

Lance Armstrong Looking For Charity Volunteers

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Lance Armstrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation are looking for volunteers to help out at a major conference in Ireland later this month.

The LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit will take place in Dublin between August 24-26 and will attract over 500 delegates – including health ministers and representatives from cancer organizations – with an aim to urgently address the global cancer burden and introduce new commitments to cancer control by bringing together world leaders, corporations, non-governmental organizations and advocates in an unprecedented show of solidarity. More than 200 organizations and individuals making extraordinary commitments are being invited to attend the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other advocates, network, gain media exposure and access tools and resources.

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is the main venue for the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit. Other event venues include Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate. The Foundation is seeking around 250 volunteers to act as greeters, runners, and representatives.

To find out more about volunteering, click here. To learn more about the event, visit the official website.

Lance Armstrong Launches Cancer Petition

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Lance Armstrong has revealed the reasons he is riding in this year’s Tour de France and how you can help him find a cure for cancer as he competes for his 8th title.

“I returned to cycling this year for one reason: to fight for the 28 million people affected by cancer worldwide,” wrote the cyclist in an email to his fans. "We are making tremendous progress in this fight, but there’s still so much to be done. By next year cancer will be the #1 killer in the world and yet most of the world’s leaders lack any real plan to fight back. During my 20-day ride in the Tour I’m calling on leaders around the world to make major commitments to fight cancer worldwide – but I can’t do it alone.

“As a first step, will you join me and sign the World Cancer Declaration – a major global push to pressure the world’s leaders to act now on cancer? As an added incentive, a donor has pledged to give $30,000 if we can collect 30,000 signatures before the end of the Tour.

“I’ll send these signatures to world leaders after the Tour de France and pressure them to make cancer a priority in their own countries. It’s our best chance to push for better treatment, more funding for cancer research and access to care for everyone around the world. Without your commitment, these leaders won’t pay attention. Will you sign the declaration then ask your friends and family to do the same?.

“When you sign the declaration, you’ll be able to dedicate that action to a cancer survivor or caregiver who has inspired you. I dedicated my signature to my mom, who stuck by me – and fought alongside me – throughout my cancer fight. Who will you dedicate yours to? We’ll be keeping you updated on our progress over the coming weeks – meanwhile, join me at [”Livestrong":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/487-lance-armstrong-foundation] and make your commitment now."

Annual Women's Conference To Attract Big Names

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Maria Shriver will once again host the annual Women’s Conference in October, and tickets go on sale on July 13.

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

“I am honored to again be hosting what has become the nation’s premier forum for women, where the world’s greatest hearts and minds convene every year to empower women to find a common purpose, be united by a shared conversation, and see themselves as a collective WE,” said Shriver. “This year, I am urging women to take time to explore their deepest hopes and aspirations, and I hope they leave the conference with a better sense of just who they want to be — and the knowledge of how to get there.”

This year’s event is expected to feature a plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders who will endeavor to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Last year’s event included appearances by Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Russell Simmons and a special performance by Bonnie Raitt. This year will see Cindy McCain, Elizabeth Edwards, Katie Couric, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Kelly Preston, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and racing driver Danica Patrick among the featured speakers.

To find out more about the event – to be held on October 26 and 27 at the Long Beach Convention Center – visit the official website.

Damien Hirst Decorates Bike For Lance Armstrong

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Lance Armstrong is currently working towards winning his 8th Tour de France title, and for the final stage he will ride a special bike decorated by Damien Hirst.

The final stage of the race – due to finish July 26 – will see Armstrong aboard the Hirst bike to promote the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization established to give inspiration and empowerment to people with cancer through education, advocacy, public health and research programs.

The bike reportedly features a butterfly design.

Lance Armstrong Talks Motivation

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Lance Armstrong is currently competing for his 8th title in the Tour de France, and last week talked in a TV special about his motivation to find a cure for cancer and to keep racing.

In “Lance Armstrong: The Comeback Story” – which aired on VERSUS on July 4 – Armstrong talked indepth about his passion to find a cure for cancer as the motivation for his return.

“You look at 2005 and people start to say ‘What a perfect way to end’ and then rides off into the sunset,” he said. "From a sports perspective, it puts it out there as potentially damaging, this “legacy”. But I think in start to bring about change to cancer worldwide, then I’m not worried about the other legacy."

Armstrong established the Lance Armstrong Foundation to give inspiration and empowerment to people with cancer through education, advocacy, public health and research programs.

“It really is the main motivation to be back doing this. We’re at a point now where we felt that we could take this message and we can effect lives, we can effect change, and ultimately create more survivors around the world.”

Lance Armstrong To Cycle For Cancer Center

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Pelotonia, the ambitious new cycling tour founded by NetJets to benefit cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, now has the world’s highest profile cyclist joining its inaugural tour that will take place from August 28-30, 2009.

Pelotonia is proud to announce that Lance Armstrong will participate in its opening ceremony on Friday, August 28 and will cycle Pelotonia’s “century ride” from Columbus to Athens, Ohio on Saturday, August 29 following the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland August 24 through 26.

As the landmark event of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign, the Summit will make the case for acting urgently to address the global cancer burden and introduce new commitments to cancer control by bringing together world leaders, corporations, non-governmental organizations and advocates in an unprecedented show of solidarity.

“The LIVESTRONG movement will take its Global Cancer Campaign to Ohio for Pelotonia 09 because we share the same goals. Pelotonia’s sole mission is to fund life-saving cancer research and that mission aligns perfectly with our efforts to support survivors all over the world and to make cancer a global priority,” confirmed Lance Armstrong. “NetJets’ creation and sponsorship of Pelotonia 09 will help raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer and promote the spirit of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign.”

“NetJets is pleased to join advocates around the world by making this commitment to join LIVESTRONG’s global fight against cancer,” said Daniel Rosenthal, Office of the Chairman, NetJets Inc. “Pelotonia is going to be an incredible experience for everyone involved and we are excited that Lance Armstrong will add to that experience by participating in Pelotonia’s inaugural weekend.”

“We are thrilled that Lance Armstrong will join our community for Pelotonia’s inaugural weekend this August,” said Thomas Lennox, Pelotonia’s Executive Director. “Lance returned to cycling in order to increase global awareness about cancer, and Pelotonia will help him further that mission while also raising the funds necessary to support the high quality research performed every day at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

One hundred percent of the donations raised by Pelotonia and its riders will benefit groundbreaking cancer research performed at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James).

“We have enjoyed an ongoing partnership with Lance Armstrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation,” said Michael Caligiuri, MD, CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and Director of the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We were one of the cities selected last year for Lance’s national tour on LIVESTRONG Day, and we hosted the LIVESTRONG Summit last July. We’re one of eight cancer centers in the nation to be part of the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence Network. His participation in Pelotonia 09 is yet another example of his commitment and partnership with Ohio State. We are delighted that he has chosen to participate in this event and help promote groundbreaking research in our cancer program.”

Registration for both riders and volunteers is currently open at www.pelotonia.org. Registered riders may choose from three scenic routes of 50 miles, 100 miles or 180 miles, all of which have been designed to appeal to cyclists of varying experience levels. President of The Ohio State University E. Gordon Gee, Dr. Michael Caligiuri, and NetJets executive Daniel Rosenthal have all registered to ride.

On the afternoon of Friday, August 28, Pelotonia’s festivities will begin with a celebration at Chemical Abstracts Service in Columbus, Ohio. The kick-off will include rider registration, expositions and an opening ceremony.

On the morning of Saturday, August 29, riders on all three routes will clip in at Chemical Abstracts Service in Columbus, Ohio and travel southeast toward Athens, Ohio. Pelotonia will support all of its riders along all of its routes with food and beverages as well as medical and mechanical assistance. Water stops will be located in or around Groveport, Amanda, Sugar Grove, and Nelsonville, Ohio.

Those riders who choose the one-day, 50-mile route will end their tour with a finale on Saturday near Sugar Grove, Ohio, while those who choose the one-day, 100-mile route will end their tour on Saturday with a festival at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Those riders who choose the two-day, 180-mile route will finish their first day’s tour with the festival at Ohio University where they will also spend the night. On Sunday, August 30, the two-day riders will ride back toward Columbus, ending their tour with a celebration near Canal Winchester, Ohio.

In order to participate in Pelotonia, a rider commits to a fundraising minimum that corresponds with his or her chosen route. Two-day, 180-mile cyclists must raise at least $2,000. One-day cyclists riding 100 miles must raise at least $1,500, while one-day cyclists riding 50 miles must raise at least $1,000. Pelotonia will donate every dollar raised by every rider to the OSUCCC-James.

Andre Agassi Talks About Athletes For Hope

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former tennis great Andre Agassi has talked about his charitable efforts and his work with Athletes For Hope is a recent interview with CNBC.

Athletes For Hope is an organization that was established in 2006 to educate, encourage and assist athletes in their efforts to contribute to community and charitable causes, while at the same time increasing public awareness of those efforts, and inspiring others to do the same. Agassi launched the initiative with co-founders Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Warrick Dunn, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning, and Cal Ripken, Jr to pass his passion for philanthropy to others.

“We’ve signed up about 500 athletes in about a year’s time,” Agassi told CNBC. "Myself, Lance and Mia (Hamm) have been reaching out and we just got a bunch of the Portland TrailBlazers who want to be a part of it. We’re just trying to build this thing up as big as we can.

“I feel like it’s a daily effort to get it right and to make sure what I do in the next 20 years trumps the last 20 years. I keep pushing for the things I believe in. I used tennis as a vehicle and I got attracted to education because I saw how it could change the lives of children.”

During the interview, Agassi also talked about how difficult it is to keep a charity going, especially given the current recession.

“It’s difficult. If you want to be successful in any business, you have to put a lot of time into it. And an athlete’s time is a rare commodity. If you want a charity to work, it has to be a full-time commitment and then some. That’s why Athletes For Hope is big because it’s not only for people who don’t have the wherewithal to build their own foundation but will also serve as a great way for athletes to learn the process and what they should value. They are now surrounded by an army of us.”

The full interview can be read here.

Patrick Dempsey To Cycle For Charity

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Television doctor Patrick Dempsey of Grey’s Anatomy has announced plans to hold a charity bike ride in 2009.

“The Dempsey Challenge: A Journey for Hope” will take place on October 3 and 4, 2009, and will consist of a 100-mile bike trek and a 5 kilometer fun walk/run.

“I’ve never done 100 miles in a single day,” said Dempsey. “I wanted to do something that is true to me. It’s promoting health and taking care of your body.”

Dempsey also plans to invite Lance Armstrong to take part.

“We will extend an invitation to him and hopefully he’ll come,” he said. “He’s done a lot for cycling and cancer, so it would be a wonderful thing to have him there.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing, an integral part of cancer care at The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated cancer clinics at Bridgton and Rumford hospitals. Located on the CMMC campus, the Dempsey Center was established by the actor earlier in 2008.

The event will take place in Maine, and more information can be found at the Dempsey Center website.

Stand Up For Skateparks With Tony Hawk

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk has come a long way since he first landed the ‘900’- a spine-tingling stunt that he nailed during the 1999 X Games. Since then, the man has become an empire unto himself – he’s got everything from an autobiography, a clothing line, a skateboard company, a film company, and even a roller coaster named after him.

But Hawk never lost sight of what’s important and, in 2002, he established the Tony Hawk Foundation to assist low-income communities create well-designed skateboard parks. In four years, the Foundation gave away over a million dollars in grants and assistance.

Aside from being one of the founding members of Athletes For Hope, Hawk has some pretty impressive charity work under his belt. So we shouldn’t be surprised that he – along with Lance Armstrong, Rob Dyrdek, Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mia Hamm, Dana White, Jr., Jon Favreau, Mat Hoffman, Shaun White, Robert Kotick, Bob McKnight, Scott Greenstein, and Ron Burkle – has issued an invitation to the 5th Annual Tony Hawk’s Stand Up for Skateparks Benefit.

Join Tony Hawk and his celebrity friends as they raise money for his foundation via silent/live auctions set among live music, interactive games and a vert skateboard and BMX demo.

The Tony Hawk’s Stand Up for Skateparks Benefit for the Tony Hawk Foundation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2008, from 12 – 4 PM at Green Acres in Beverly Hills, California.

More info can be found at the Tony Hawk Foundation website.

Warrick Dunn To Host Fundraiser Tonight

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Sixth Annual Warrick Dunn Foundation Gala will be held tonight, October 13, in Atlanta.

American football legend Warrick Dunn will be joined by former and current NFL teammates to raise money for his charity – which he established after his mother was shot to death in 1993 – to help struggling single parents buy their own homes.

“Despite Warrick’s move from the Atlanta Falcons to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers there is still a need for the Foundation’s assistance in Georgia,” said Natalie Boe, Warrick Dunn Foundation Executive Director. “We look forward to continuing our support of the greater Atlanta area.”

The evening will include live musical performances, a live and silent auction (including a Super Bowl XLIII package), Macy’s Fashion Extravaganza and much more.

Earlier this year, Dunn joined a host of professional athletes – such as Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning, and Cal Ripken Jr. – to found Athletes For Hope, a charitable organization which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and inspires millions of non-athletes to volunteer and support the community.

More information about the Gala can be found at the Athletes For Hope website.

Jenny McCarthy And Lance Armstrong Host Autism Poker Night

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Lance Armstrong are teaming up this Friday, October 3, for a special poker event to raise money for autism research.

Ante Up For Autism will raise money for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), an organization for which McCarthy is a spokesperson. It will feature a night of celebrity poker at its very best – featuring Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Jim Everett, Ernesto Fonseca, Jeremy McGrath, John Schneider and many others – as well as a live and silent auction.

The event will take place at the St. Regis Hotel in Monarch Beach/Dana Point, California, and there is a $500 per person buy-in for general admission tickets and a $1000 per person buy-in for poker tournament tickets. If you can’t make it on the night, special Ante Up For Autism playing cards can be purchased from TACA for $5.50.

Tickets and playing cards can be purchased by clicking here, and the silent auction can be accessed through the Gavel Group website. More information about the event can be found at www.anteupforautism.org.

Bono Joins The Voices At Clinton Global Initiative

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

Written by Tim Saunders

Irish rock legend Bono is currently in New York, as one of the many attendees at the annual Clinton Global Initiative.

The 48-year-old singer joins Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Al Gore, Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali, Barbra Streisand and many other famous faces at the three-day conference that opened on Wednesday.

“It is extraordinary to me that you can find $700 billion to save Wall Street, and the entire G-8 can’t find $25 billion to save 25,000 children who die every day of preventable disease and hunger,” said the 48-year-old singer during a session of the conference. “Bankruptcy is a serious business – this is moral bankruptcy.”

Participants at the Clinton Global Initiative are asked to take definite steps to tackle specific global problems, and draws world leaders, celebrities, activists and scholars for a series of discussions about pressing global issues such as climate change and poverty. It coincides with the General Assembly meeting taking place at the United Nations Headquarters on the other side of the city.

The conference gives the movers and shakers of the world the chance to launch initiatives designed to make an impact on global problems. In 2006, Angelina Jolie launched the Education Partnership For Children Of Conflict at the conference, and this year the conference has already spawned Lance Armstrong’s promise to commit $8 million over the next five years to a global awareness campaign for cancer, including a meeting that will convene in Paris after the Tour De France.

“Since we met here last year, the world has lost ground to the climate crisis,” said Al Gore, who is using the conference to raise awareness of his environmental activism. “This is a rout. We are losing badly. This is the result of a dysfunctional, insane global system pattern that we have to change.”

For more information on the issues being raised at the conference, which ends today, visit the Clinton Global Initiative website.

Giving Back Fund Announces Top 30 Celebrity Givers

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

The Giving Back Fund has released its second annual Giving Back 30 survey, a ranking of the celebrities who have made the largest donations to charity in 2007 according to public records.

Heading the list was Oprah Winfrey, who donated $50.2 million to the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Oprah’s Angel Network to “support the
inspiration, empowerment and education of women, children, and families around the world and to encourage people around the world to make a difference in the lives of others”. Coming in second was Herb Alpert, who donated a total of $13 million to the Herb Alpert Foundation, followed by Barbra Streisand, who gave over $11 million to the Streisand Foundation.

To compile the most accurate rankings, The Giving Back Fund culled media reports of charitable giving by sports and entertainment professionals; reviewed PF-990 tax-forms; contacted more than 250 publicists, attorneys, agents, agencies, and managers for information about their clients; sent inquiries to more than 150 charities known for their celebrity associations; and contacted the major sports leagues.

“Our hope is that celebrities will begin to become more comfortable sharing information about their charitable giving - perhaps not disclosing everything they give, but sharing enough that they will serve as role-models to their peers and fans,” said Marc Pollick, President and Founder of The Giving Back Fund. “We know that many celebrities re-direct income from sponsorship and merchandising deals to charity, or help to raise funds in other ways. We are researching reliable means to report this information in a separate list.”

The Giving Back Fund did not include grants made by foundations in the list so as to avoid counting the same funds twice - once when the donor gave money to a foundation and again when the donor decided on a beneficiary for that money. The Giving Back did not calculate giving as a percentage of the celebrities income because there is no consistent way to calculate income when taking into account income from sponsorship and merchandise sales.

Donations to private foundations are disclosed in public documents. However, donations to public charities are not publicly disclosed and therefore may not be reported in the Giving Back 30.

The rest of the list included Paul Newman, who gave away over $10 million; Mel Gibson, who gave $9.9 million to the AP Reilly Foundation, the tax-exempt entity named for his late mother, which supports Holy Family Catholic Church in Malibu, California; Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who collectively donated over $8 million to good causes; and Lance Armstrong, who pledged $5 million to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Other celebrities listed included Michael Jordan, Rosie O’Donnell, Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Hefner, and Tiger Woods.

To see the full list of celebrities and their donations, see the Giving Back Fund website.

Lance Armstrong To Announce Global Cancer Plan

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Lance Armstrong is to make a special announcement today regarding the new global effort in the fight against cancer and his return to professional cycling at the Clinton Global Initiative being held in New York City.

The annual meeting launches at 10am ET today, with Bill Clinton, Bono, Al Gore, Queen Rania of Jordan and President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia all in attendance. The initiative brings together current and former heads of state, corporate leaders, celebrities and activists to address pressing issues like climate change and global health.

More than 12 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year and eight million will die from the disease. And by 2010, cancer will be the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet a third of all cancers could be cured if detected early and treated adequately. For the past two years, the Lance Armstrong Foundation has researched ways to take their mission to other countries. Combined with Lance Armstrong’s return to professional cycling, the Clinton Global Initiative is the perfect vehicle to take the cancer fight international.

Armstrong – a cancer survivor himself – will use the meeting to outline his three-part initiative to fight cancer on a global level, a campaign that will include ending the stigma of cancer and turn cancer victims into cancer survivors; building an international grassroots movement that will take cancer from isolation to collaboration; and working with world leaders to focus on developing international partnerships, cancer advocacy, research and data collection.

To watch a live feed of Lance Armstrong’s speech to the Clinton Global Initiative, click here at 12pm ET. For more information about the cyclist’s new global effort to fight cancer, visit the LiveStrong Foundation website.

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.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Don’t miss Stand Up To Cancer on ABC, CBS and NBC today, Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m. (EST).

A spectacular line up of talent including Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Kirsten Dunst, Charles Barkley, America Ferrera, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Forest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon and Keanu Reeves will appear on the one-hour telecast. The celebrities are set to educate you, move you and entertain you, and will even be on hand to answer your calls in the celebrity phone bank.

The premiere TV performance of Just Stand Up – the star studded charitable single in support of Stand Up To Cancer – will be performed by legendary recording artists 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.

Doug Ulman, President of the Lance Armstrong Foundation says, “Inspired to act by their own personal experiences with cancer, the Stand Up to Cancer team recognizes that we can no longer rely on the current system alone to give us the breakthroughs we need. They are calling on the public to help take matters into our own hands, investing in a revolution that will change the way scientists and clinicians work to understand and treat cancer. Stand Up To Cancer is more than a rallying cry. It is a galvanizing force created to urgently move cancer research forward.”

Tonight’s program is raising funds to build “Dream Teams” made up of scientists, clinicians, technicians and other experts.

For more information about Stand Up To Cancer, and a complete list of celebrities who will be appearing during the show, visit the Stand Up To Cancer Website.

Female Stars Unite For New Charity Single

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fifteen of the hottest female stars on the planet are joining together for a brand new charity single to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Just Stand Up will be released on September 2 to coincide with the Stand Up To Cancer television special that will run on NBC, ABC, and CBS on September 5. The new song – which was conceived and produced by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – will feature the soaring voices of Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood, and all sales of the star-studded single will benefit cancer research.

All 15 singers will perform the song during the primetime television event, which will also feature appearances by Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon.

The single will be available through iTunes, and more information can be found at www.standup2cancer.org.

Sports Stars To Raise Money To Cure Paralysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Stars Stand Up To Cancer

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stand Up To Cancer has announced another selection of stars that will take part in their television extravaganza on September 5.

Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, and Scarlett Johansson have been confirmed to join Meryl Streep, David Cook, and Christina Applegate in appearing on the primetime television event that hopes to raise funds for cancer research. Lance Armstrong has already filmed a segment that will be shown during the one hour event which will be broadcast simultaneously on ABC, CBS and NBC.

Organizer Sherry Lansing is pleased with the celebrity support the event is getting, and is grateful for their assistance.

“It hasn’t been hard getting celebrity involvement,” she told Look To The Stars. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and they want to stand up, just like everyone else.”

A star-studded PSA for the event – featuring Christy Turlington, Tobey Maguire, Susan Sarandon, Morgan Freeman, Keanu Reeves, and Casey Affleck – can be viewed here.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Cancer survivor Lance Armstrong has taped a special segment to be shown during the Stand Up To Cancer television special.

The clip, taped before a Chicago White Sox-Texas Rangers game, will be part of the one-hour fundraising special that airs September 5 on ABC, CBS and NBC.

“Hopefully it raises a lot of money, which is what we need,” said Armstrong. “But more importantly it reminds people that [cancer] is the number-one killer in this country for people under the age of 85. I like a little challenge and a little fight, but we all picked a very big fight, and a tough fight. So we have to remind people that this will not be easy.”

Stars from film, television, sports, journalism and music will come together for the September 5th primetime television event to raise funds for cancer research, and it will feature live performances as well as filmed content giving viewers insight into cancer.

Andy Roddick To Hold Charity Weekend

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tennis champ Andy Roddick is to hold the 8th annual Andy Roddick Foundation Weekend in December.

To be held over two days – December 6 and 7 – at the Boca Pointe Country Club, the event will kick off with a special gala and cocktail reception, featuring a dinner and live auction. But it is Sunday’s events that will stir up the most interest with tennis fans: the day will begin with nine lucky people having the chance to play Pro-Am Doubles with some of the world’s top ranked tennis players. For younger fans, a special Andy Roddick Kid’s Zone will be set up, which will include sumo-wrestling, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall, tennis activities, music and more. At 1 pm will be the highlight of the day: a Pro-Celebrity Tennis Exhibition, featuring Roddick, and Men’s Doubles champs Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan.

Roddick established the Andy Roddick Foundation to raise funds for institutions that care for children who are neglected, abused, at risk or with catastrophic illnesses – and with both Elton John and Lance Armstrong on its Board of Directors, the foundation is well-known for its fundraising ability.

This year’s Andy Roddick Foundation Weekend will benefit a number of charities close to the tennis star’s heart, including Habitat For Humanity, Kids in Distress, Here’s Help, Deliver the Dream, and many more.

Courtside tickets to December 7’s exhibition match are $100 each; VIP Canopy tickets are $75 each; Reserved tickets are $50 each; and General Admission tickets are $25 each. Children, under age 12, are complimentary in the Reserved and General Admission sections only and receive a free gift when accompanied by a paid adult. To book tickets – which go on sale on August 4 – visit www.andyroddick.com.

Stand Up To Cancer: Sherry Lansing Tells Us How And Why

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Sherry Lansing was the chair of the Motion Picture Group of Paramount Pictures from 1992 to 2005, where she oversaw the release of more than 200 films including Academy Award winners Forrest Gump (1994), Braveheart (1995), and the highest grossing movie of all time, Titanic (1997).

A pioneering studio executive, Lansing is the first woman in the film industry to oversee all aspects of a studio’s motion picture production. She is currently involved with Stand Up To Cancer, a non-profit organization/website/TV special that hopes to enable cutting-edge research aimed at finding a cure to all types of cancer. Stars from film, television, sports, journalism and music will come together for the September 5th primetime television event to raise funds for cancer research, and it will feature live performances as well as filmed content giving viewers insight into cancer.

Look To The Stars recently caught up with Sherry Lansing to find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and its goals.

Tell us how Stand Up To Cancer started.

SU2C got started when a group of us wanted to do something big for cancer research, so we dreamed… and, as in Hollywood, we dreamed BIG. We dreamed of the networks giving us a simultaneous commercial free telecast in an attempt to educate people about prevention, create awareness, and raise funds for cancer research.

All of us were involved in working in various ways to help scientists stop cancer, focusing on different areas of the disease, but we put our competitive interests aside to create Stand Up To Cancer, just like how the Big 3 networks [NBC, ABC, and CBS] will come together under the same tent to air our September 5th show.

We are patient advocates, we have all been touched personally by cancer, and we want it to end. I lost my mother to cancer, but since then I see it’s become an epidemic, everyday I pick up the telephone and hear of someone else who has been struck by this disease. I just want to help. I hate cancer. I just don’t want it to exist.

What sets SU2C apart from other cancer research fundraisers?

We are raising money for dream teams of researchers and scientists. Regretfully, cancer foundations, scientists, and researchers have all competed with each other for funding due to lack of money and didn’t share research because of intellectual property, which in essence held back breakthroughs. Instead, we are bringing together scientists from all the around the world to form dream teams that will be funded and who will work together in a collaborative way. We’re identifying the most promising opportunities for success and leveraging our resources and knowledge to drive breakthroughs and find cures.

Our show is just the beginning. This is a movement, much like what Al Gore did with An Inconvenient Truth, we hope to be the tipping point for cancer, and we hope cancer will be on the front page much like the economy and the War in Iraq.

There is quite a celebrity-studded Public Service Announcement up on your site. How did you get so many celebrities on board with this cause? Why do you think so many celebrities choose to become advocates for cancer research?

Luckily it hasn’t been hard getting celebrity involvement. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and they want to stand up, just like everyone else.

What else are celebrities doing to help this cause?

They are helping in many ways by creating PSAs, donating their time, providing website content, participating in our show – answering phones, performing on air, honoring people with cancer.

The MLB was our first major donor, they gave 10 million dollars and we just launched with them a PSA that Jessica Biel did for us about how to txt to donate, which will be shown throughout the baseball season at stadiums.

I’m very grateful that it hasn’t been hard getting talent, the only thing limiting is that we only have an hour show.

Can you tell us who any of the show’s performers or phone operators will be?

We are still finalizing this, but the names will be big. We already have advocates like Lance Armstrong and Katie Couric… and that’s just the beginning.

How can people get involved with SU2C?

Everyone can be involved, from a company to a third grade kid. People can stand up now by joining teams to fundraise online, email congress to request funding for cancer research, or for just a $1 donation launch a star in memory or dedication to someone with cancer in The Constellation on our site.

In your estimation, how will SU2C contribute to the overall progress of cancer research?

In many ways I think we can make an incredible change. This is the beginning of a movement, and when people start to create a movement – civil rights, women’s rights, the green movement – it’s going to be impactful. This show is unprecedented – except for 9/11, the networks have not banded together like this over a cause, never for a disease. If this constituency is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore that one out of two men and one out of three women will get cancer in their lifetimes – and as a result people become aware of ways to prevent cancer – then that alone will change things tremendously by just getting people to talk about it and wanting the government to fund research.

We’ve never been so close to a cure thanks to technology and science, and we want to create a people’s movement to change their lifestyles, to go out and get the tests needed to catch the disease in time and to also raise money to give scientists what they need to continue the cause. All the tumblers are in place… it all starts with the people.

Tune into Stand Up To Cancer on September 5th, 8:00 pm ET/PT on ABC, CBS and NBC.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Sherry Lansing for taking the time to talk to us about this fabulous initiative.

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