Look To The Stars News: Michael Jordan

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.”

In addition to unveiling the billboard, Usher recently visited the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta where he was greeted by screams from more than 200 young members. He addressed the crowd with a simple message: “work hard to achieve your goals and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.” During his visit he taped a short film about the positive impact the Club played in his life, which will be the first of several films of prominent alumni for BGCA. The film will debut on BGCA’s Web site www.BeGreatAmerica.org in May, and will also appear on BGCA’s social networking pages including Facebook and YouTube.

Other Club alumni joining Usher in the BE GREAT advocacy campaign include: Academy award-winning actor and national spokesperson for BGCA – Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Ashanti, Swin Cash, Gen. Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O’Neal, Smokey Robinson, Martin Sheen, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

On May 14, Usher will be inducted into BGCA’s prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame (AHOF) at the organization’s 103rd National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are very excited about Usher joining our BE GREAT campaign and the awareness he will bring to the effectiveness of our generation-changing programs,” said BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett. “He is a shining example of the impact of Clubs, and we are so proud of the great things he has gone on to accomplish.”

Usher will collaborate with BGCA and other alumni to urge the country’s political and business leaders to make the young people of America a priority and encourage every citizen to make a difference by supporting organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs — ensuring that every child has a safe, supervised and structured environment during the critical after-school hours.

Michael Jordan Charity Auction Nets $110,000

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

In 1987, the Chicago Bulls founded a nonprofit organization to aid in civic tasks, especially where children are concerned. CharitaBulls was formed with the mission to enhance the lives of Chicago’s youth by actively creating and supporting educational, recreational and social programs. Additionally, CharitaBulls has contributed to global organizations such as the World Food Programme, the United Nation’s Nothing But Nets anti-malaria campaign, and the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugee’s Ninemillion.org campaign to provide education for refugees in Africa. For more information, please visit the CharitaBulls website.

Get Your Hands On Michael Jordan's Locker For Charity

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.”

Celebrity pairings in this year’s tournament included: John Smoltz & Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Brett Hull & Brandi Chastain, Ozzie Smith & Paul O’Neill, Ahmad Rashad & Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jordan & Toni Kukoc, John Elway & Alonzo Mourning, Richard Dent & Ken Griffey Jr., Stone Phillips & Marcus Allen, Boris Kodjoe & Boris Becker, Mike Piazza & Josh Duhamel, and Bill Clinton & Scott Caan among others.

The event winners, Julius “Dr. J” Erving and John Smoltz, donated their winnings to individual charities close to their hearts. Erving donated $20,000 to the Cory Martin Erving Foundation in honor of his son who passed away in 2000, and Smoltz donated $20,000 to Kings Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta, GA. Paradise Island Tourism Development Association (PITDA) was this year’s Presenting Sponsor. The Jordan Brand and ICON International were also major sponsors, among a range of others.

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.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Wish Ambassador Council is composed of people who are passionate about the Foundation’s work, including the Make-A-Wish founders, celebrities and national sports figures such as Jordan, former wish children, wish parents and Foundation supporters.

“An estimated 27,000 children are diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in the United States each year, and I’m eager to do what I can to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation reach out to even more of these courageous children,” Jordan said. “Granting children’s wishes through the Foundation has always been important to me. It’s a truly humbling, inspiring experience to see the smiles and joy that granting a wish brings to a child. I want to help even more children have that same opportunity.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has increased its number of wishes granted each year since 1985, including 13,425 in 2008, the most in its 28-year history. Yet that many more seriously ill children may be eligible for a wish from the Foundation, creating the opportunity to increase its outreach efforts.

“We are extremely honored for Michael Jordan to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation as our first Chief Wish Ambassador,” Williams said. “Michael is one of the Foundation’s most popular celebrity wish granters ever. He has a great appreciation and enthusiasm for our mission, and we’re delighted for him to help us reach out to even more children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

To celebrate the occasion, Jordan also granted the wish of 7-year-old Donovan Russell of Sacramento, Calif. Russell, along with his family, met his basketball idol in a private meeting Friday at Atlantis, Paradise Island, and he is enjoying a number of activities at the resort as part of his wish experience.

Also on Saturday, the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational made a $150,000 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as one of the tournament’s charity beneficiaries. The eighth annual tournament will distribute more than $500,000 to selected charities this year.

“We appreciate the generosity of Michael, Kerzner International and everyone involved with the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational,” Williams said. “This wonderful contribution will help us grant the heartfelt wishes of dozens more children who truly deserve the hope, strength and joy that comes from a wish experience.”

Michael Jordan Golf Invitational Set For This Month

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

Written by Aime Pingi

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.

“I love golf and I love the Bahamas, I can’t think of a better location than the Ocean Club Golf Course and Atlantis, Paradise Island for my eighth annual golf tournament," said Michael Jordan. "January is the best time of the year to be in the Bahamas. The weather is fantastic and the competition is always fierce. I hope to see you there!”

Over $500,000 will be dispersed to the following:

Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation
The James R. Jordan Foundation

Forty additional charities will be designated by celebrity participants.

In its first six years, over $3 million has been donated to various charities.

In 2008 the golfers competed for a purse of $200,000 that was donated to the charity of their choice.

One of the highlights last year was a concert at Atlantis featuring Ashanti, Fat Joe, The Pussycat Dolls, and the O.J.s. Some of the other stars in attendance were Spike Lee, Kid Rock, Boris Kodjoe, Alan Thicke, Stephen Baldwin, John McEnroe, Stone Phillips, Mario Lemieux, Dave Annable, Flex Alexander, Angie Everhart, Dan Jensen, Brandie Chastain, Dennis Haysbert, Connie Chung and Maury Povich.

For more information, contact Dusty Ann Williams at the MJCI Tournament Office: Telephone 561.964.0382, Email: dwilliams@jpse.net.

Denzel Washington Urges Kids To Be Great

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

All of the stars involved in the new campaign attended Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs as children, and include 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.

“As someone whose life was changed dramatically by the Boys & Girls Club, I can think of no better organization to lead the country in addressing the pressing needs of today’s young people,” said Washington. “I also believe that as adults, we must assume responsibility for many of the conditions that are preventing our young people from achieving their full potential.”

The full advertising campaign can be seen at the BE GREAT 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.

Michael Jordan Swaps Hoops For Cards

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.“

2008 sees the tenth year that Trent Tucker has hosted the fundraiser, with over $1 million being raised since 1998 for local charities and the Trent Tucker Youth Program. Jordan has attended every year, and last year won the poker tournament.

The poker tournament kicks off at Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, Minneapolis, on Thursday, September 11. Spectators are welcome at a cost of $50. An invitation-only celebrity VIP reception is set for Friday, followed by an open-to-the-public party at the Epic in Minneapolis. The golf tournament will be held Saturday, September 13, at Rush Creek Golf Club, Maple Grove.

For more information about tickets, visit www.trenttucker.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.

NBA Star Charles Barkley Donates to Fire Victims

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

“This is unbelievable,” Barkley said after touring the area with an NBC Sports film crew. “I really want to let people know that this is really unfortunate. It’s going to take years for everybody to rebuild their houses here. If we stay over there at the golf and casino, we’re not going to think anything is going on here. That’s why I wanted to come here with a camera. When you live in different parts of the country and they show you two houses burned down, you don’t get the full effect. We need to do something like this every year we come here … to show the progress."

In February, Barkley toured the hurricane-ravished areas in New Orleans. “That hurricane could have hit last week, that’s how bad it was. Houses were all watered out and streets were nothing but mud everywhere, and that was two years later,” said Barkley, who donated a whopping $1 million to help New Orleans residents recover.

Angora fire victims still needing assistance should contact Carrie Reiter at the CDRC to complete an application. For additional information on registering for help or assisting, call (530) 542-4656. OR to make a donation to the fire victims, please visit Help Tahoe for more info.

And don’t forget Lake Tahoe’s annual celebrity golf event that will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and feature 78 entertainment and sports superstars. It takes place on July 8-13, 2008, at the Edgewood Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe. This year’s field includes Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Dennis Miller, Ray Romano, Mario Lemieux, Dan Marino, LaDainian Tomlinson, John Elway, and Jerry Rice. First timers include NASCAR superstar Dale Jarrett, actor Aidan Quinn, skateboarding icon and babe magnet Ryan Sheckler, sports announcer Joe Buck, baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, and 11-time national sports writer-of-the-year Rick Reilly

More information can be found at www.tahoecelebritygolf.com.

Michael Jordan And Friends Help Damaged Boys' And Girls' Club

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:41:22 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Jordan Brand, a division of Nike, has tipped off the NBA All Star festivities in New Orleans with class by donating $500,000 to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana’s Slidell Unit. Basketball legend Michael Jordan and All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul were joined by more than 250 community leaders and New Orleans-area youth for the official dedication and check presentation ceremony.

“The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America has been a visible contributor to the families and children of New Orleans, during and post Hurricane Katrina,” said Jordan. “Slidell is a community that has been somewhat overlooked in recovery efforts, and we are proud to aid with its rebuilding and leave a lasting legacy for the community.”

The Slidell Boys & Girls Club was one of 16 Gulf region Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs damaged in Hurricane Katrina. The location was completely gutted, and the facilities were in ruins. But the Jordan Brand donation is about to change that, as the hefty donation is earmarked towards the construction of a new state-of-the-art gymnasium named after Jordan Brand. The facility will be complete with a professional basketball court, scoreboard, and bleachers to be used by the children of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club and other related community groups.

“On behalf of the people of Slidell and the parish of St. Tammany Parish, we’d like to thank the Jordan Brand for their generous contribution,” said Johnny
DiBartolo, president of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club of Southeast Louisiana. “With significant donations from partners like Jordan Brand, we are confident that the Slidell Boys and Girls Club will help our children continue to grow, learn, develop, and improve their lives and surroundings.”

Jordan Brand believes that physical activity plays a vital role in building character in youth, and donations back up their beliefs. In 2006, Jordan Brand donated $450,000 to Habitat For Humanity to aid in the rebuilding efforts in Louisiana. By auctioning off 21 pairs of Michael Jordan autographed AIR JORDAN shoes to raise the funds, the money helped rebuild homes in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans.

Supporting A Colorful Vision Of Hollywood

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

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

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.

Oscar Torre, of the CBS hit “Cane”, expressed his excitement about presenting an award to “The Bronx is Burning”, a miniseries that represents multiple cultures. In a red carpet interview, Torre shared his sentiments about working on “Cane”: “I grew up watching very few Latinos on TV and when I would see them… they would be playing criminals, delinquents, and maids. It is great to do a show about Latinos, and Latinos doing well.”

Heroes star Jimmy-Jean Louis – commonly known as “The Haitian” – presented an award to his “Phat Girlz” co-star, Monique. Answering the question of how important it was to present drama that is diverse, Louis said “It is a shame that we have to make it a point, nowadays, when it should be normal to see all kinds of people on TV.” He also spoke proudly of the diversity on Heroes, “It has Japanese, Indians, Blacks, Haitians, Latinos and it is doing really well. The whole world is watching. Hopefully, in the next few years, there will be more shows like that which will bring people closer together to being able to accept each other.”

The awards gala opened with a spirited song and dance featuring moments from High School Musical 2, in homage to Kenny Ortega, winner of the award for Best Director of a Comedy or Musical for the blockbuster Disney sequel. Other distinguished award honorees included Leonardo DiCaprio and fellow producers of the eco-crisis documentary The 11th Hour, which received the award for Best Documentary.

Currently starring in American Gangster, Idris Elba took home the award for Best Actor in a Drama for Daddy’s Little Girls. When asked what it meant to him to receive the Diversity Award in this category, he replied “It‘s huge! The Diversity Award is a great award to get as a best actor…this is actually my first award ever. It’s also great to show there is diversity in our industry. The fact that a black man in a predominately black film can win this award is a huge step forward.”

Brittany Snow and Elijah Kelly won the Nova award for their artistic performance in the cult-classic turned hit summer film Hairspray. The Nova award is for rising young stars. Other Diversity Award winners included actor Jon Heder, and the casts of House, The Office, Shark, and Passions.

More information on winners can be found at www.thediversityawards.org.

Yao Ming-Steve Nash Charity Gala & Basketball Game in Beijing

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:52:58 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Two of the NBA’s greatest players joined forces to raise money for various charities in Beijing, and it took just under six-months for Yao Ming and Steve Nash to bring their idea to fruition.

The Steve Nash-Yao Ming Charity Basketball Game and events were held September 12-14 and raised over $2M for needy kids in China.

“I was talking with a friend of mine about the difficulties the children face there,” Nash told Suns.com. “I feel really fortunate that I am in a position where I was able to go to Yao Ming and ask him if he was interested in doing something over there. It’s an exciting opportunity to go to China and hopefully give thousands of kids an opportunity for an education that right now doesn’t exist.”

So, on September 12th, Nash, Yao and nine other NBA players kicked off their collaboration with a press conference that coincidently fell on Yao’s 27th birthday. Yao explained that this was simply a coincidence while thanking his friends for joining him to do something for the kids in China.

Steve Nash has already proven himself a true humanitarian. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who’s got a bad thing to say about the 2-time MVP. Generous, sincere, caring, socially responsible. That’s what Nash is made of. In the off-season, you won’t find him partying in Las Vegas, you’ll find him giving back to the community-whether its raising money by hosting his Steve Nash Charity Classic basketball game or opening an “eco-friendly” sports club in Canada, this guy is good. In fact, he’s so good that he even chartered a plane and flew the players playing for his team to China, namely, Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Baron Davis (Golden State Warriors), Leandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Chuck Hayes (Houston Rockets), Alando Tucker (Phoenix Suns), DJ Strawberry (Phoenix Suns), Amir Johnson (Detroit Pistons), and Paul Davis (L.A. Clippers).

All 9 NBA players attended the Charity Auction Party, which took place at the Diao Yu Tai State Guest House on the 13th. Ironically, this is the same location where the 6-country nuclear talks between North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Japan, USA and China were held, making it an ideal location for NBA good guys to showcase their remarkable intentions. The following 7 items were auctioned during the Charity Gala (winning bids are approximate):

6 VIP tickets for the Charity Gala game on the 14th + 10 autographed jerseys from the Nash Invitational Team (including Yao Ming) + 12 basketballs autographed by the China national team: $39,000.
2 VIP tickets each for the October China Game in Shanghai and Macau + 2 autographed jerseys of Lebron James and Dwight Howard + 5-star hotel accommodation for 2 nights in Shanghai and Macau: $16,000. (Winner bidder Song Tao, former Chinese National team center)
Autographed jerseys of Yao Ming and Steve Nash, 2 VIP tickets (with Les Alexander’s signature/approval to be closest to the court) for Houston Rockets versus Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center + 2 passes to the Rockets players’ locker room + lunch with Yao Ming and Steve Nash: $132,000.
An exclusive VISA platinum card with the imprint of Yao Ming and Steve Nash images on it; the only one in the world. $59,000.
An autographed jersey of soccer legend Pelé + an autographed jersey of Michael Jordan in his 1996 championship campaign + autographed boxing glove of Muhammad Ali + autographed jersey of Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong: $50,000.
2 VIP tickets for the opening ceremony of 2008 Olympics + 1 weeks’ 5-star hotel accommodation in Beijing + 2 round-trip first class air tickets to Beijing from anywhere in the world: $478,000 .
The China Discovery Car which has traveled all over China: $86,000. (Won by Lu Hao, Yao Ming’s China agent)

A total of about $900,000-plus was raised at the auction gala, which was just shy of the original $1M target, but Yao was having none of it and generously kicked in his own money to make up the difference. At one point during the auction, Golden State Warrior Baron Davis even took the stage, performing a few basketball tricks in efforts to bump up the bids.

On Friday, our NBA good guys joined members of the Chinese National Basketball Team to showcase their skills in the star-studded charity game at the Beijing Capital Stadium. The sold-out event gave all 12,000 attendees more than their moneys worth. Team Yao defeated Team Nash 101-92 in a game watched by over 200 million television viewers in China. Prior to the game, Nash pumped up his team and gave a heartfelt speech in the locker room, thanking them for traveling a long distance to join him for this effort. Actor Jackie Chan even made a guest appearance and conducted the ceremonial toss at mid-court to start the game.

SportsBusinessRadio.com’s writer Brian Berger was granted all access for the event, and writes: “Yao Ming came in the locker room after tonight’s charity game and thanked the NBA players who played in tonight’s game. He spoke of how much the effort means to him and to the Chinese people and how impressed he was that these players flew halfway around the world just a few weeks prior to the start of training camp. He told the players in the locker room that if he could ever assist them with their charitable efforts, he’d be happy to do so. It was a really nice moment for these players who play in the most exclusive basketball fraternity on the planet – the NBA. Once Yao finished his speech, the Team Nash players sang a song that the game operations people played whenever Yao scored in tonight’s game. Its a cheesy but catchy song that chants, “Yao Ming, Yao Ming, Yao Ming, Yao Ming……..Yao Ming, Yao Ming”. The Chinese fans love it though.”

In total the charity game and related events raised close to $2.5M for kids in China. Specifically, the funds will be used to support and build more Project Hope schools in the poorer area of China’s Western regions; to help impoverished girls in the Xinjiang Kezilesu Keerkzi Autonomous Region to receive education; to upgrade the facilities of schools for mentally challenged children in Western China and to work with children with AIDS through the Chi Heng Foundation which also supports the Special Olympics and China Youth Development Foundation.

For this, we thank you Yao Ming, Steve Nash and all the NBA good guys who were involved in spreading some much needed love around the world.

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