Look To The Stars News: Forest Whitaker

Mary J. Blige Performs At (RED) Event

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Hollywood stars and LA’s finest attended Belvedere Vodka’s pre-Grammy party at Avalon to celebrate its partnership with (RED) to raise proceeds for the Global Fund – among the world’s leading financiers of programs to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Chelsea Handler, Forest Whitaker, Sheila E., Kelis, Heather Graham, Sam Trammell, Malin Ackerman, Sophia Birch, Natasha Bedingfield, Skrillex, Tulisa Constavalos and Paris Hilton all attended a private performance by Grammy award-winning artist Mary J. Blige who performed some of her greatest hits including ‘Family Affair,’ ‘One’, ‘No More Drama’ and ‘Just Fine’.

Stars To Feed The Homeless For Christmas

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Celebrities will once again help the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission this Christmas.

Stars including Forest Whitaker, Gilles Marini (Parenthood), Melissa Gilbert, Boo Boo Stewart (Twilight – Breaking Dawn), Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys), Aldis Hodge (Leverage), and more will take part in a special event on Friday, December 23.

The Los Angeles Mission Christmas Event will provide real relief for families and children with generous donations of thousands of toys, and other gifts. Hundreds of volunteers from the entertainment industry, political leaders and others will bring the joy of the season to Skid Row.

Stars To Celebrate World Peace Day At Bullets4Peace Event

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

A number of celebrities will come together on Wednesday for a very special World Peace Day celebration in Hollywood with Bullets4Peace.

The third annual Reloading Life event will feature a very special live performance by peace activist and international vocal sensation Liel Kolet, with a guest list that includes host Chris Noth, Bullets 4 Peace founder Rafi Anteby, LOVA Tea co-founders Stephanie Cence and Tara Wilson, Akon, America Ferrera, Bill Maher, Bobby Brown, Boris Kodjoe, Brandon T. Jackson, Brandy, Brian McKnight, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Pine, Cynthia Nixon, Dennis Haysbert, Donald Faison, Eric Dane, Esai Morales, Eva Marcille, Forest Whitaker, George Lopez, Hill Harper, Idris Elba, Jill Hennessy, John Corbett, John Slattery, Jordin Sparks, Julie Benz, Kathy Griffin, Kiefer Sutherland, Keke Palmer, Kristin Davis, Kyle Maclachlan, Lance Gross, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Johansson, Regina King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sean Penn, Shannon Elizabeth, Taraji P. Henson, Tatyana Ali, Travis Barker, Vivica Fox, Zoe Kravitz, Wayne Brady and many others.

Bullets4Peace is a jewelry line made of recycled bullet casings taken from reload centers, streets, and war zones. When a bullet is fired the tip flies towards the target and the casing falls to the ground. Manufacturers reload these casings with live ammunition. Bullets4Peace intercepts this vicious cycle by transforming the casings into unique and stylish pendants insuring that these bullets will never find their way back to war zones, thus promoting harmony and peace. Bullets4Peace transforms war bullets into beautiful and unique jewelry as a way of spreading consciousness of peace.

Farm Sanctuary Celebrates 25 Years Of Animal Protection

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

This year, Farm Sanctuary, the organization responsible for bringing farm animal issues into the mainstream consciousness celebrates its 25th anniversary.

As the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, Farm Sanctuary urged passage of the first U.S. laws to protect animals on farms, initiated the first cruelty convictions at stockyards and slaughterhouses, and established the first and largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America. Along the way, the organization has encouraged the public to embrace compassionate living through public campaigns, like getting the first veggie burger on Burger King menus and welcoming visitors to its sanctuaries, where thousands of people have had transformational experiences — including Twitter Co-Founder Biz Stone, who became a vegan after a visit to the New York Shelter.

Susan Sarandon To Host Celebrity Charity Ping-Pong Ball

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Susan Sarandon will join Mary-Louise Parker as host of a very special night of celebrity charity ping-pong and live music in New York later this month.

The Ping-Pong Ball will benefit Hope North – a 40-acre campus in northern Uganda where refugees, orphans and escaped child soldiers find a place to call home – and will feature live music from Rufus Wainwright, Josh Ritter, Jesse Malin, Martha Wainwright, Charlie Mars and Hope North founder Okello Kelo Sam. There will also be an auction hosted by Ryan Willard.

The host committee for the event includes Forest Whitaker, Chris Rock, Malaak Compton-Rock, Julianne Moore, Adrian Grenier and many more.

Halle Berry to be Honored at Celebrity Fight Night

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:37:00 +0000

One of the nation’s premier charity events, Celebrity Fight Night, has announced that this year Halle Berry will be honored while multi-platinum recording artist Matchbox Twenty will open the musical portion of the evening.

This annual star-studded gala presented in honor of featured guest, Muhammad Ali, will be held on Saturday, March 19th at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz.

In addition to Matchbox Twenty, there will be performances from Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson, Legendary country singer, Lee Greenwood, the Top 12 American Idol 2011 finalists as well as Bret Michaels.

Wyclef Jean To Perform At The Truth For Haiti

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean will perform at a special charity event to help the people of Haiti tomorrow, December 16.

While Haitians are still facing darkness and despair almost a year after the tragic earthquake that rocked Haiti, their courage and vibrancy continue to shine and inspire. THE TRUTH exhibition is Urban Zen’s celebration of Haiti’s resilient spirit, showcasing a dynamic country bursting with life. The Premier Exhibition and Auction will raise funds to give “Gifts of Love” packages to the Haitian people this holiday season and into the New Year. These packages will include vital supplies: shoes, solar flashlights and whistles to offset night attacks and rapes on women living in the Haitian camps. Cholera relief supplies will also be added as a critical component in these “Gifts of Love.”

Fashion icon and Urban Zen founder Donna Karan & music mogul Andre Harrell will host the launch of THE TRUTH at the Urban Zen Center, 711 Greenwich Street, New York, tomorrow night. Human rights activist Kerry Kennedy will be Master of Ceremonies, renowned fashion photographer Marc Baptiste is the Exhibition’s Curator, and Christie’s Lydia Fenet is the evening’s Auctioneer. The Premier Reception will also feature musical performances from Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean and special guests. Plus, a LIVE three-hour Twitter party hosted by Kim Kardashian will also take place.

Jennifer Lopez To Perform At Carousel Of Hope Charity Gala

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

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

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 23, and will honor Maria Shriver and Quincy Jones for their charity work.

This year celebrates 31 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 19th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Stand Up To Cancer To Return With Second Celebrity Charity Telecast

Thu, 20 May 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Two years after an historic fundraising telecast and the start of a groundbreaking grassroots movement, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) will return to primetime television on September 10, 2010, at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT, with a star-studded appeal to build continuing public support and donations for cutting-edge cancer research that translates at a rapid pace from the laboratory to treatments and technologies that benefit patients.

Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer and Brian Williams announced the upcoming show during individual live appearances on CBS’s “The Early Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and NBC’s “TODAY” show, respectively. The three network evening news anchors — who will host the September 10th telecast, executive produced by Laura Ziskin — participated in an interview together last week, discussing the upcoming fundraising event as well as the encouraging progress of “Dream Teams” of researchers SU2C has funded to date. Portions of that interview, the first joint appearance by this group of anchors, also aired on the morning shows.

Every Monday Matters For Stars At Charity Party

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Forest and Keisha Whitaker were in Hollywood on May 3 for the Every Monday Matters Foundation’s 1st annual Party With a Purpose.

The Every Monday Matters Foundation was established after Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza, co-authors and co-founders, wrote Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference to communicate that it is the plain, simple, ordinary individual, either acting alone or together with others, who can change the world.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Ben Affleck To Host Charity Gala For Children Mending Hearts

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ben Affleck is set to host a massive charity fundraising gala event next month with a host committee that includes Jennifer Garner, Michelle Williams, Forest and Keisha Whitaker, Sheryl Crow, Kate Walsh, Quincy Jones and Hank Azaria.

The Children Mending Hearts 2010 Fundraising Gala, sponsored by Reality Cares, will take place on April 16 at the Music Box, Fonda Theater, in Hollywood. Funds raised from the event will support the Children Mending Hearts arts & cultural exchange programs with homeless and at-risk children in the United States and refugee children suffering from armed conflict worldwide. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will also benefit Women for Women International, which since 1993 has given more than 243,000 women survivors of war and other conflicts the financial support, rights education, job skills training and business development skills they need to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

The night’s entertainment will include Five For Fighting and Band From TV, the all-star charity group that includes James Denton, Greg Grunberg, Adrian Pasdar, Bob Guiney, Scott Grimes and Jesse Spencer.

Leonardo DiCaprio Heads Star-Studded Video For The Environment

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:30:00 +0000

A host of celebrities – including Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, Justin Long, Emmy Rossum, Forest Whitaker, Jason Bateman, Chace Crawford and Felicity Huffman – have recorded a special video mobilizing America towards a sustainable future.

On the heels of President Barack Obama’s push to move America toward a clean energy economy in his State of the Union address last night, the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund launched This is Our Moment, a web-based video campaign urging Congress to pass the first-ever climate and clean energy bill, currently pending in the Senate.

“This is our moment – our moment to fight for a cleaner and more secure future,” said DiCaprio, a longtime champion for the environment, and a NRDC Trustee. “The time is now for people across the country to stand up and have their voices heard. We all must call on the Senate to act on this historic opportunity.”

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela’s audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Stars Come Out For HollyRod Foundation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, July 21st, the stars came out in support of DesignCare 2007, an annual fundraiser from The HollyRod Foundation to benefit adults and children battling debilitating disease and life circumstances.

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband, retired NFL quarterback and Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Rodney Peete celebrated the 9th year of this popular fundraiser, hosting a star-studded couture fashion show, an electrifying musical performance, and both live and silent auctions at a beautiful private residence in Malibu.

The night was a huge success for the HollyRod Foundation, raising more than $350,000 with the help of comedians and live auctioneers, Chris Tucker & Cedric the Entertainer. Holly, Rodney, and celebrity supporters such as Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy, Angie Harmon, Jason Seahorn, Sanaa Lathan, Quincy Jones, Amy Yasbeck, Blair Underwood and Gayle King were among those who enjoyed the breathtaking designs of Naeem Khan and danced to the funky sounds of Morris Day & The Time.

Nelson Mandela's 91st Celebrated In Style

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A galaxy of stars turned out to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday in New York during the weekend, with proceeds going to one of the South African legend’s charities.

Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and many more appeared at the Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, July 19, with money raised going to 46664, Mandela’s campaign to help raise Global awareness of AIDS/HIV. 46664 aims to highlight the emergency of AIDS/HIV through unique live events and music related initiatives.

Mandela himself was unable to attend the event, but did send a video message in which he said “It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” President Barack Obama also appeared via video, saying that Mandela’s life “teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen.”

VIP Tickets To Mandela Day Concert Available

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation announced this week that a number of extra VIP tickets are available for the Mandela Day concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The concert forms part of the celebrations for Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday on July 18, 2009 at 8pm.

Mandela Day serves as a global call for people to recognize their individual power to help change the world for the better.

The concert will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean and many more. Special guests include Whoopi Goldberg, Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and Susan Sarandon.

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Tales For Charity

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

In honor of Nelson Mandela, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) and Hachette Audio have produced an audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of stories hand-picked by the Nobel laureate.

Diverse, acclaimed performers donated their talents to the charitable endeavor by voicing stories, including: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker, and Alfre Woodard. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recorded a message to the world’s children, and African music legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela composed original music.

New York To Host First Mandela Day Concert

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:01:00 +0000

New York takes world center-stage next month when the city hosts the inaugural ‘Mandela Day.’

Centered around a massive music headliner concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday, July 18, the event is designed as a call around the world for people to honor Nelson Mandela’s inspiration and values, and observe the day annually as a celebration, not as a holiday, but as a day to opt in.

Stand Up To Cancer Announces Celebrity Ambassadors

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Stand Up To Cancer announced its list of celebrity ambassadors for 2009 last week.

The organization – which aims to raise money for cancer researchers and scientists to come together and reach their common goal: the cure for cancer – has brought names such as Marcia Cross, Kirsten Dunst, Sally Field, Mandy Moore, Dave Annable, Fran Drescher, Dana Delany, Sharon Osbourne, Patrick Wilson, Sofia Vassilieva and David Archuleta on board to help raise awareness of the cause.

“We are eternally grateful for the continuing support of the Hollywood community who have lent their time and talent to this cause, and engaged the public to do the same,” said Laura Ziskin, who is a member of SU2C executive leadership team. “The entertainment industry generously offered this initiative the most incredible resources—we want to make sure that they know all of their hard work is going toward something monumental.”

Forest Whitaker Gets Behind Mandela Day

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Forest Whitaker joined a host of celebrities at an event yesterday to raise awareness of Mandela Day, an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.

Yesterday’s event was held in Los Angeles and was attended by stars such as Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Marisa Tomei, Sharon Stone, Noah Wyle, Alfre Woodard and Viola Davis.

Nelson Mandela has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years, beginning in 1942 when he first started to campaign for the human rights of every South African. The annual celebration is being created to inspire others to embrace Nelson Mandela’s values as they seek to improve their lives through service to their communities. 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation are calling on people around the world to support the creation of an official Mandela Day, to be held annually on July 18, Mr. Mandela’s birthday.

BBC Interviews LookToTheStars.org Founder

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:45:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org founder Myrlia Purcell was invited by the BBC’s World Today show to take part in a radio interview on the subject of celebrity philanthropy.

Myrlia explains what the site is trying to accomplish, and responds to the suggestion that celebrities undertake charity work mainly for publicity.

The segment includes soundbites from George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Mia Farrow, and other celebrities mentioned include Paris Hilton, Forest Whitaker, John Hurt, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Lucy Liu, and Run DMC frontman Darryl McDaniels and his Felix Organization.

LTTS Exclusive: An Interview With Raul Julia-Levy

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Starring alongside Damon Whitaker and Danny Venegas, Raul Julia-Levy has played the leads of a positive role model in film.

In real life, Julia-Levy plays the role of a philanthropist, actor, producer and activist with a heart. He grew up in a prominent family in Mexico City and met his famous father for the first time in Hollywood when he was 17. Despite any life challenges he has faced, he has remained dedicated to his passions and his cause.

I had the opportunity of meeting of Raul and asking him a few questions on why philanthropy is so important to him.

Muhammad Ali Attends Celebrity Fight Night

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

The legend himself, Muhammad Ali, was the guest of honor at Celebrity Fight Night XV, held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. And this year’s event once again lived up to its reputation as one the nation’s largest fundraising efforts, as celebrities and sport stars lined up to support the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.

Since it’s inception 15 years ago, Celebrity Fight Night has raised more than $52 million for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center in Phoenix and other charities.

Country star Reba McEntire emceed the event for the fourth time, while guests such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and Forest Whitaker were this year’s honorees who ‘best represented the qualities associated with the Champ and his fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.’