Look To The Stars News: Michael Jordan

Stars Take Part In A Week Of Giving For Alicia's House

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Alicia’s House Food Pantry closed out their week of celebrity charity events with donations totaling over fifty thousand dollars to help feed the needy.

The week of fundraising started out with Actor/Director/Humanitarian Scott L. Schwartz returning to WGN for an interview, making a first time appearance on NBC’s “The Talk” and visiting the South Chicago Heights Fire Department in Steger, IL.

Later in the week Milt Pappas (Legendary All Star Chicago Cubs Pitcher) joined Kevin “The Butcher” Hughes and Scott L. Schwartz at Rasberry’s Pancake House for “Tip A Star” and Aurelio’s Pizza. The week of charity events ended at Lincolnshire Country Club for a day of golfing with the stars, dinner and silent auction. Some of the silent auction items included: Michael Jordan autographed picture ($500), Mickey Mantle autographed baseball ($800), Derek Jeter autographed picture ($500), Michelle Monroe handbag ($450). Other celebrity supporters included: Yoko Ono, The Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears. Top sponsors included: Goldie’s Auto Body (Mechanical & Towing) in Beecher, Aurelio’s Pizza (Crete), Desiderio Landscaping, Enterprise, Quality Inn (Bradley), Country Financial (Steger), Thrivent Financial for Lutheran and Winpak Portion Packaging.

Michael Jordan Celebrity Charity Golf Tickets On Sale Now

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino at Shadow Creek, returns to Las Vegas for the second consecutive year March 29-April 1, 2012.

Tickets are now on sale for one of celebrity golf’s most popular events, giving fans the opportunity to watch four days of competition with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.

“ARIA and Shadow Creek are incredibly proud to welcome the return of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational to Las Vegas,” said Bill McBeath, ARIA’s president and COO. “We loved opening Shadow Creek to the public for the first time earlier this year for this spectacular tournament and very much look forward to welcoming back Michael, his fans and his celebrity guests. Most importantly, we are honored to be a part of an event that raises money for a variety of important charitable organizations.”

Michael Jordan Makes Wishes Come True For Sick Kids

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The 2011 Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, hosted by Las Vegas’ ARIA Resort & Casino last month, supported the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions with a $100,000 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Michael Jordan, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Chief Wish Ambassador, presented the donation to Make-A-Wish representatives during the annual charity golf event at Shadow Creek. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nevada Cancer Institute, James R. Jordan Foundation and Cats Care, the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats’ charity arm, are benefiting charities this year.

Stars Help Celebrate World Wish Day

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:45:00 +0000

The Make-A-Wish Foundation will celebrate its unifying message of hope, strength and joy by honoring wishes in 41 countries around the globe on World Wish Day, April 29.

World Wish Day is organized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to commemorate the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of what is now one of the world’s leading children’s charities. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer was granted in Phoenix by volunteers from several law-enforcement agencies on April 29, 1980.

“World Wish Day highlights the common cause of people worldwide to bring hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “When children are granted a wish, they receive more than just a great experience for a brief time. A wish granted has a long-term impact in creating more happiness and less fear in a family’s life, improving their quality of life during a difficult time.”

Jamie Foxx Rocks Michael Jordan's Celebrity Charity Golf Event

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The stars of the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gathered at ARIA Resort & Casino for the highly anticipated signature MJCI Celebration during the weekend.

Headlining the celebrity charity gala was Grammy Award-winning artist Jamie Foxx, who put on a special private performance for the golfing celebrities and invited guests. World-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez, funnyman Kevin Hart and R&B sensations Boyz II Men opened for Foxx at the gala. The celebration followed the final round of MJCI’s Celebrity-Amateur play at Shadow Creek. In particularly good moods were athletes Jerome Bettis, Toni Kukoc and Drew Brees who, with their four-person amateur teams, were Friday’s top finishers with scores of 55.

Michael Jordan Gets Celebrity Support For Charity Golf Invitational

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

This week, Jordan Brand partnered with the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational to celebrate the Las Vegas debut of the four-day charity tournament with a welcome celebration at HAZE Nightclub in ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter.

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto

Bill Cosby And P. Diddy To Attend Jackie Robinson Charity Awards Tonight

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The 2011 Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner will be held tonight – Monday, March 7th – at New York’s Waldorf=Astoria Hotel.

Hosted by legendary entertainer Bill Cosby for nearly three decades, the iconic event pays tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson and raises funds for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The star-studded event promises to be an unforgettable evening as the Foundation honors three philanthropists. The ROBIE Humanitarian Award will be presented to Ingrid Saunders Jones. The ROBIE Achievement in Industry Awards will be presented to Sean “Diddy” Combs and Joseph R. Perella.

Jordan and Friends Play for the Public

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The formerly private Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational is now open to the public.

Between March 31 – April 3, fans in the Las Vegas area will have the chance to see some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment at the premier celebrity golf celebration. Tickets are on sale now for the 10th annual event, hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino at Shadow Creek.

The four-day tournament will once again offer the parties, A-list entertainment and competitive golf that have earned the event its reputation as one of the best of its kind.

John Cena Grants 200 Wishes For Sick Kids

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

WWE Superstar John Cena has racked up victory after victory during his successful career in sports entertainment. More importantly, he has quietly achieved another impressive record: granting the wishes of 200 children with life-threatening medical conditions through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Cena, who also serves as a Wish Ambassador for the Foundation, granted his 200th wish on CBS’s “The Talk” television program on Thursday, Dec. 9 (airing Dec. 10). Cena surprised the child, 9-year-old Shayan of Agoura Hills, Calif., on the program and invited him to attend Monday Night Raw in New Orleans as part of his wish.

Stars Play American Century Championship Golf For Charity

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:30:00 +0000

The 21st annual American Century Championship golf tournament took place over the weekend in Nevada, in honor of Lance Armstrong.

For an incredible athlete who was diagnosed with testicular cancer, with a tumor that had metastasized to his lungs, this charity golf tournament benefited the Lance Armstrong Cancer Foundation and several local and national cancer institutes.

Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Jerry Rice, Taylor Hicks, Troy Aikmen, Don Cheadle and Mario Lemieux were among the 80 sports and entertainment celebrities and hall of famers who competed this weekend.

Jennifer Lopez Tells Kids To Be Great For Charity

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Jennifer Lopez was in Times Square yesterday, June 10, to unveil a billboard as part of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America’s (BGCA) Be Great campaign.

The campaign – which was launched in 2008 – features a collection of celebrity alumni from the BGCA who have donated their childhood photos for advertising. Stars such as Denzel Washington, Martin Sheen, Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, Swin Cash, Bill Clinton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Smokey Robinson, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Usher, Courtney Vance, Mark Wahlberg, and Kerry Washington have all been part of the campaign.

Ray Romano And Don Cheadle To Play Charity Golf For LIVESTRONG

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Ray Romano will join a host of celebrities at the annual American Century Championship charity golf tournament in July.

Confirmed to take part in the event are Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Ryan Sheckler, Don Cheadle, Kevin Nealon and many others.

The event – now in its 21st year – will take place at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Nevada, July 13-18. The tournament will benefit a number of charities, including Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG Foundation.

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.

Michael Jordan's Celebrity Golf Helps Charity

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational is bringing joy to numerous seriously ill children whose wishes will be granted this year, thanks to a $140,000 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Jordan, the Foundation’s Chief Wish Ambassador, presented the donation to Make-A-Wish representatives at Kerzner International’s Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas last week. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, James R. Jordan Foundation and Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation are the main beneficiaries of the ninth-annual charity golf event, which will distribute more than $500,000 to selected charities this year.

“We are honored to receive this generous donation from Michael, Kerzner International and everyone involved with the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “Last year’s contribution from this terrific event funded the wishes of nearly 30 children with life-threatening medical conditions. They were able to enjoy unforgettable moments and the hope, strength and joy that come with a wish experience.”

Usher Urges Youth To Be Great

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

As part of Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America’s (BGCA) new advocacy campaign — BE GREAT — five-time Grammy award winner, philanthropist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus Usher has unveiled a new billboard featuring his childhood picture and a call-to-action — BE ICONIC. Usher joins 25 prominent alumni in the new advocacy campaign to help increase public awareness and understanding about the positive impact of Clubs.

From academic failure and gang violence to poverty, drugs and obesity, America’s youth face a daunting array of problems — with serious consequences and fewer safety nets at home and in the community. According to a 2007 BGCA alumni survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 57 percent of alumni reported, “The Club saved my life,” while another 28 percent credited Boys & Girls Clubs with keeping them in school.

“Growing up in the Club, I had the chance to experience a lot of positive things; it helped reinforce the values I learned at home including good character, leadership and giving back to my community, my country and my world,” said Usher. “It’s where I developed my love of singing and performing, received help with my homework, and it’s where I found a safe place to go after school.”

Michael Jordan Charity Auction Nets $110,000

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:30:00 +0000

On April 15, we ran a story announcing that the Chicago Bulls had teamed with Hunt Auctions to offer fans a chance to bid on historic Michael Jordan gear – including his locker – with all proceeds going to the Chicago Bulls’ charitable organization, the CharitaBulls.

The auction was held on Saturday (April 18) at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, where 13 Jordan items were auctioned, along with items from basketball legends such as Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.

All in all, the Jordan items brought in more than $110,000 to benefit the Bulls non-profit organization, the Charitabulls.

Get Your Hands On Michael Jordan's Locker For Charity

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

The Chicago Bulls have teamed with Hunt Auctions to offer fans a chance to bid on historic Michael Jordan gear – including his locker – with all proceeds going to the Chicago Bulls’ charitable organization, the CharitaBulls.

A sampling of items available include one of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls lockers, game worn jerseys, and autographed sneakers.

The auction is now in the online pre-bidding phase and the live auction will begin April 18, 2009, at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. Click here to take part.

Michael Jordan's Charity Golf Tournament A Success

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The eighth annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) – held at the Ocean Club Golf Course in the Bahamas – was once again a huge success. Jordan was joined by numerous friends who helped his four-day event raise over $150,00 for several worthy causes including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the James R. Jordan Foundation and the Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation.

Since the MJCI began in 2000, nearly $5 million has been raised for charity, making it one of celebrity golf’s most popular events.

“All year long, I look forward to hosting my friends at the Ocean Club Golf Course,” said Michael Jordan. “There’s no place I’d rather be in January than in the Bahamas, on Paradise Island, raising money for some very worthy causes.”

Michael Jordan Named Chief Wish Ambassador

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Michael Jordan, regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time and a successful business leader, now has a new title announced Saturday – Chief Wish Ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Jordan was formally introduced in his new role by David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer, at the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. The tournament continues through Sunday at Kerzner International’s Atlantis, Paradise Island resort and Ocean Club Golf Course in the Bahamas.

Jordan, who has granted more than 175 wishes during the past two decades, will serve as lead figure for the Foundation’s newly formed Wish Ambassador Council and as a national spokesman, assisting the Foundation’s efforts to increase wish-granting outreach.

Michael Jordan Golf Invitational Set For This Month

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The eighth Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) will be held this year at the luxurious Ocean Club Golf Course from Wednesday, January 21, to Sunday, January 25, on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

MJCI consistently brings in an incredible array of talent from the worlds of sports and entertainment to compete on the course and participate in various events – all in the name of charity.

Denzel Washington Urges Kids To Be Great

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Denzel Washington, Martin Sheen, and Shaquille O’Neal have lent their childhood photos to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America for a new advertising campaign.

The “BE GREAT” campaign launched last week, and aims to encourage volunteers to work at the clubs.

“What’s going on with children doesn’t worry me,” said the Oscar-winning actor. “What’s going on with adults worries me. If we are not more committed to these young people … they will go as far as we take them, so the onus is on us, not on the children. We’ve created this world for them, we are the ones that fall and we are the ones that can rectify it.”

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.

Michael Jordan Swaps Hoops For Cards

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Michael Jordan is set to put his cards on the table this week when he joins his old friend Trent Tucker at the annual Trent Tucker Charity Golf and Poker Tournament.

“A Weekend of Fun and a Lifetime of Impact” is the theme of the event, which raises money for the Trent Tucker Youth Program – an organization established by Tucker in 2001 to help at-risk youth by developing the skills they need to make positive choices.

“It’s gratifying to see so many celebrities and friends, such as Michael Jordan, return to our event year after year,” said Tucker, a former NBA basketball star and founder of the Trent Tucker Non-profit Organization. “They come back because they really want to make a difference in the lives of young people, and this is one way they can put their commitment into action.”

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.

NBA Star Charles Barkley Donates to Fire Victims

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:05:02 +0000

Last July, former NBA player Charles Barkley took a time out from the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament to check out the damage caused by a fire that swept through South Lake Tahoe. After seeing the fire’s devastation, Barkley donated $25,000 and also promised to send a generous donation to support the fire victims. And this week, as promised, the 11-Time NBA ALL Star sent the Community Disaster Resource Center (CDRC) for Angora fire victims a check for $100,000.

“This additional aid is coming at a time when the plight of the survivors has passed from many minds, and the need is greater than ever,” said CDRC Board Chairman Dick Schwarte. “There are so many families in the throes of trying to rebuild their lives so that they can stay here in South Lake, and these additional funds will enable us to assist those individuals in response to their requests.”

The Angora Fire was a wind-driven fire that started near a North Upper Truckee Road subdivision near Angora Lakes, Fallen Leaf Lake, and South Lake Tahoe in California around 2:15 PM on Sunday, June 24, 2007. The devastating fire destroyed 254 homes, displaced 3,500 residents, and caused more than $160 million in damages.