Look To The Stars News: Magic Johnson

Rob Lowe To Honor California's Best At Hall Of Fame Event

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The California Museum, home of the California Hall of Fame, welcomes Visit California’s celebrity spokesperson Rob Lowe as a special guest at the California Hall of Fame on Thurs., Dec 8, 2011. Lowe will join the official State of California ceremony to applaud Californians whose accomplishments have impacted not just the state, but the nation and the world.

“We are delighted that Mr. Lowe will be joining us as a special guest at the sixth annual California Hall of Fame,” said Dori Dennis Moorehead, Executive Director of The California Museum. “Mr. Lowe is a fitting and welcome addition to our evening celebrating the state’s visionaries who inspire us all to achieve the California Dream.”

“The heart and soul of this state lies in its people,” said Lowe. “I am honored to have the opportunity to join the Governor and First Lady to recognize this year’s inductees for pursuing their dreams, demonstrating perseverance and inspiring generations of Californians.”

Denzel Washington And Celebrity Friends Launch New Charity PSA

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America (BGCA) have announced a star-studded new Public Service Advertising (PSA) campaign, featuring 21 notable Club alumni dramatically showcasing the impact of the Boys & Girls Club experience in transforming the lives of young people.

The Great Future Start Here PSA made its debut yesterday during an event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

On hand for the release of “Great Futures Start Here” was its director, Academy Award-winner Ron Howard, and Club alumnus Denzel Washington, who secured Howard’s support, along with that of producer Brian Grazer and Imagine Entertainment. The spot was filmed in June in Los Angeles.

Warren Beatty And Annette Bening To Be Honored At Charity Event

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Warren Beatty and Annette Bening will be among the honorees at the 10th anniversary Eagle & Badge Gala in LA on Tuesday, August 30.

The Eagle and Badge Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by the members and supporters of the Los Angeles Police Protective League that funds community and special projects throughout Los Angeles. Since the Eagle and Badge Foundation was founded in 2001, the members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors have provided assistance to current, retired and fallen in the Line of Duty LAPD employees and their families.

Also being honored at the event are the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Mike Brown and Laker owner Jerry Buss. Magic Johnson is expected to attend.

Jamie Foxx And Magic Johnson: Real Men Give Back At Celebrity Charity Event

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Casa Décor is hosting a huge charity event on June 2, 2011 in downtown Los Angeles titled: Surreal4Real – Real Men Give Back. This event will benefit two charities: The Little Princess Foundation and Haven Hills. Both are local organizations that dedicate their time to helping women and children.

The event already has many celebrities, sports figures and high profile individuals in attendance, such as: Jamie Foxx, Magic Johnson, Mark Jackson, Shawn Marion, Russell Whittenburg, Assemblyman Mike Davis, Ed Roche and Peter Byrne. More names are being added everyday.

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

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

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

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

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

Bill Clinton To Be Honored At Magic Johnson Foundation Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The tenth Annual Heroes in the Struggle Gala concert and awards presented by the Black AIDS Institute and the Magic Johnson Foundation will take place at the Avalon Hollywood on World AIDS Day, December 1.

The invitation-only event will honor Bill Clinton, award-winning actor Blair Underwood, academy award winning producer and director Lee Daniels, award winning CNN correspondent and producer Soledad O’Brien, AIDS activist Marvelyn Brown, billionaire philanthropist, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, owner of WNBA’s Washington Mystics Sheila C. Johnson, award winning producer and casting director, “For Color Girls”, Robi Reed and HIV/AIDS trailblazer Frank Oldham. This year’s corporate hero is the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Cookie and Magic Johnson are this year’s co-chairs. CNN’s Roland Martin and actor/comedian Sinbad are the co-hosts. Presenters this year include TV Guide’s Tanika Ray, Hill Harper, Vanessa Williams, Tasha Smith, Danny Glover, Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier, cast members from Grey’s Anatomy, Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson and many more.

Stars To Attend Black AIDS Film Premiere Tonight

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

In an effort to fight AIDS stigma and raise awareness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in black communities, several black celebrities have joined the Black AIDS Institute to host the Hollywood premiere of “The Other City,” the groundbreaking documentary that shines a light on the HIV/AIDs epidemic in Washington, DC.

With a host committee that includes Danny Glover, attendees will include Magic Johnson, Vanessa Williams, Laila Ali, Jenifer Lewis (The Princess & the Frog), Monique Coleman (High School Musical) and many more.

The event will also feature a special advance screening of a new Public Service Campaign featuring Samuel L. Jackson, Shaun Robinson, Anthony Anderson, Tatyana Ali, Chris Massey, Kyle Massey, Nia Long and more.

Jordin Sparks And Friends Hit The Stage For Hearing Charity

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

More than 1400 supporters packed the RiverCentre ballroom in Minnesota last month for an unforgettable night of entertainment, inspiration, and more than $7 million of generosity.

The gala event raised money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the Global Leader in the Gift of Hearing, delivering more than 50,000 hearing aids annually through hearing missions in 86 countries. Founded by William F. Austin in 1984 with the vision So the World May Hear, countless numbers of lives are touched by better hearing through SHF missions.

Crowd-pleasing performances by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Doobie Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Sam Moore, and Canadian Tenors had guests on their feet and singing along with enthusiasm.

Football Star Invites Celebrities To Charity Golf Tournament

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:30:00 +0000

A huge number of sports stars, actors and singers – including Rodney Peete – are to hit the greens near Dallas on May 15 for the inaugural Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit the Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities – an organization that creates educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children.

Stars invited to play include Don Cheadle, Kenny G, Wayne Gretzky, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez, Ludacris, Chris Rock and many more.

Emmitt Smith is a Hall of Fame Footballer who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. To find out more about the charity and the tournament, click here.

Arnold Schwarzenegger And KISS Sign Poker Table For Charity

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Poker fans will be itching to get their hands on a poker table signed by some great celebrities being auctioned for charity.

The San Manuel table has been signed by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, as well as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ray Romano, Magic Johnson, Mary Hart, Huell Hauser and Mayor Villaraigosa. 100% of the proceeds will go to City of Hope, a research, treatment and educational institution dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The auction runs until March 15, and can be accessed via eBay.

LTTS Exclusive - Ashley Judd Awarded As Hollywood Hero

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars contributers Fatima Fofana and Crystal A Johnson were guests at a very special event that honored a philanthropic actress this week. They filed this report and exclusive photos.

USA Today honored Ashley Judd with its annual Hollywood Hero award this week at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The award is presented to an exceptional entertainment industry humanitarian who has made a notable contribution to a non-profit organization. The recipient is recognized for his or her efforts that extend far beyond charitable contributions or lending’s one’s celebrity status to enhance a cause or concern. Judd’s work as a Global Ambassador for the past ten years with YouthAIDS, the education and prevention program of Population Services International (PSI), earned her this noteworthy award.

Ashley Judd To Receive Hollywood Hero Award

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Accomplished film, television and Broadway actress and philanthropist, Ashley Judd will be honored November 10 as the recipient of the fourth annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award being presented by USA TODAY President and Publisher David Hunke. The award recognizes her work as Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS, the education and prevention program of Population Services International (PSI).

Judd will be feted at a private award gala on the evening of November 10 at The Montage Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Guests will enjoy special celebrity tributes to Ashley Judd, dinner, a silent auction and an exciting live auction, with all proceeds to benefit PSI.

“I am honored to receive the USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award. I accept it on behalf of the world’s poor, vulnerable, and exploited, who in my capacity as global ambassador for YouthAIDS and board member for PSI, I am committed to serving. I am grateful to PSI and its grassroots mission of providing basic health products, services, and the care necessary to empower people to lead healthier lives, which is the basis for all sustainability and is vital for what we are all working toward: stability and peace,” said Ashley Judd.

Curtis Granderson Hosts Charity Bachelor Auction

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Major League Baseball player Curtis Granderson hosted a charity wine evening and bachelor auction last night, July 23, to raise money for his Grand Kids Foundation.

The Detroit Tigers star raised around $40,000 for his foundation – which he established to help underprivileged children in Detroit and other areas – and the auction saw some of his MLB friends go under the hammer as eligible bachelors. Memorabilia from Magic Johnson, Joe Montana and Kid Rock was also sold for the cause. Two women paid over $6,000 each for dates with Granderson.

The foundation helps provide educational resources for schools and students in need while establishing scholarship programs in Detroit and Flint, and providing equipment for inner-city athletics programs.

Charitable Stars Shine For Obama

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Celebrities were out and about in droves on Tuesday to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration by attending several charity balls.

One of the largest was the Creative Coalition Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington DC. The sold-out event cost between $10,000 and $100,000 to attend, and attracted appearances by Ashley Judd, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachael Leigh Cook, Ron Howard, Heather Graham, Forest Whitaker, Magic Johnson and many more. Entertainment was provided by Elvis Costello, Sam Moore and Sting.

The Creative Coalition is a nonprofit public charity organized by the creative community to learn about pressing issues so they can better inform and influence the community and nation.

CNN Hunts For Humanitarian Heroes

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Anderson Cooper will host the “CNN Heroes – An All-Star Tribute” event this weekend to find ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary deeds.

CNN launched its search for the most outstanding humanitarian in February, and has been showing weekly profiles of the finalists chosen from over 3,700 nominations from 75 countries. The Top 10 finalists have been chosen by philanthropic leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Magic Johnson, George Lopez, and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.

The Top 10 finalists for 2008 are:

Alicia Keys Celebrity Charity Auction To Support Keep A Child Alive

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Alicia Keys and many of her celebrity friends are coming together for a star-studded celebrity charity auction benefitting Keep A Child Alive.

The list of celebrity ambassadors for Keep a Child Alive is as extensive as it is impressive and they are urging others to support the fight against AIDS in Africa. Join Alicia and celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Bill Cosby, Britney Spears, Russell Crowe, Rachael Ray, Kirsten Dunst, Magic Johnson, Forest Whitaker, Jenny McCarthy, Josh Brolin, Denzel Washington, the NY Giants and many more as they come together to raise support and money for an inspiring cause.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend 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 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Macy's Passport Hits The Big Screen

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

For the first time ever, Macy’s Passport – the number 1 fashion fundraising event – will be brought to the silver screen across the US this month.

Keep the evening of October 23 free because special screening parties will be held in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Long Island , Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Petersburg in Florida, and Washington DC. Each party will include performances from celebrities such as the Pussycat Dolls and Fall Out Boy. Proceeds from each party will go to a local HIV/AIDS charity.

Macy’s Passport 2008 celebrates 25 years of dedication to people with HIV/AIDS, and is the result of fashion and compassion joining forces for the common good.

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.

Magic Johnson Receives 3rd Annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:30:43 +0000

NBA Legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson received the 3rd annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award presented by USA TODAY President and Publisher Craig A. Moon. A long-time humanitarian and social advocate, Johnson was honored for his work in entertainment, underserved communities and the founding of the Magic Johnson Foundation.

“He’s the perfect Hollywood Hero,” said USA TODAY president and publisher Craig Moon, “the award is about someone who gives more than just their name or money. Magic is a man who gives his time.”

The caliber of celebrities who came out to honor Magic Johnson for his outstanding work in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention in minority communities was nothing short of spectacular. Guests including Chaka Khan, Samuel L. Jackson, Regina King, Russell Simmons and others, offered their words of praise to Magic Johnson, and by the end of the night there was barely a dry eye in the house.

Charity Folks Help Charity Drives

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:42:02 +0000

Charity Folks takes on the daunting task of organising online auctions for celebrity-driven fund raisers for charity.

Winning bidders acquire celebrity memorabilia or attend various types of events, such as television show tapings, concerts, trips abroad or the opening game, donated by celebrities, musicians, sport stars and high-profile personalities, all to support non-profit organisations.

Right now you can bid on meeting hip-hop icon Ludacris at his restaurant opening and dine with 11 of your friends on a special chef’s menu, your donation benefiting the Magic Johnson Foundation. Or you could bid on meeting Magic Johnson himself. Or two tickets to the new Sex And The City movie to support ACLU of Southern California, front row tickets to a Police concert to benefit Unitus, or tickets to the Broadway production of South Pacific and a backstage tour for Only Make Believe.

Celebrities Put Their Votes Where Their Hearts Are

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:44:00 +0000

Celebrity endorsement and music have been essential features of political campaigns for the last 70 years. One of the earliest examples dates back to 1932, when Franklin D. Roosevelt used “Happy Days Are Here Again” as the theme song to his first presidential campaign. It eventually became the unofficial anthem for the Democrats, was used for years afterwards, and set a new standard in the way elections were campaigned.

Jump forward to 1960 and you find crooner Frank Sinatra openly supporting the presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy by singing a specially revised version of “High Hopes”. Jump forward further and you will hear the Republicans of 1988 singing the chorus of Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (although McFerrin later asked them to stop using it).

And who can forget Bill Clinton blowing his saxophone along to Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” in 1992?

Supporting A Colorful Vision Of Hollywood

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:23:33 +0000

The 15th annual Diversity Awards, a night when Hollywood celebrates diversity in the fields of film and television, took place at Universal Studios on November 17. The event is a benefit for the Multicultural Motion Picture Association’s (MMPA) Educational and Development Scholarship Fund, which helps talented and dedicated students seeking entry into the film and television professions.

The black tie event was open to the public at a ticket price of $300.00, and included a live auction conducted during the dinner in an effort to raise funds for the scholarship fund. A signed guitar by the members of R&B group Outkast was among the items for bid. A basketball signed by the original members of the Olympic Dream Team, including Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson, was also up for sale, and from the newer regime of basketball fame, there was a sneaker autographed by Kobe Bryant.

Celebrities of varied cultural backgrounds, including those of British, Haitian, Indian, Latino, Italian, and American descent, came to present awards and support the event. Antonio Sabato Jr, Tatayana Ali, Sharon Leal, Kel Mitchell, Kal Penn, Sally Richardson, Michael DeLorenzo, and Romeo were just a few of the stars of the film, television and music worlds to attend.