Look To The Stars News: Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray Pledges Support To Katherine Heigl's Animal Charity

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Longtime supporters of animal rights, daytime host and bestselling author Rachael Ray and actress Katherine Heigl, are joining forces to address the pet overpopulation crisis.

Katherine appeared on the syndicated “Rachael Ray” show on Friday to announce that Rachael has pledged $150,000 in proceeds from the sale of her Nutrish line of super premium pet food to Katherine’s animal charity, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation (JDHF), $75,000 of which will be donated to JDHF in the 4th quarter of 2012. One hundred percent of Rachael’s proceeds from the sale of all the Nutrish product lines are donated to charities and shelters that support animal welfare and humane education causes similar to the JDHF. JDHF will use 100% of the donation to fund spay/neuter initiatives directly aimed at reducing the number of unwanted, yet highly adoptable and loving, pets abandoned or relinquished to municipal shelters and subsequently euthanized.

“I’m thrilled to have a passionate friend like Katherine to help animals in need,” said Rachael. “There are so many pets that have no one to love them and I am very excited that together we can donate our celebrity to give these animals a voice, a home and a healthy life.”

iCarly Star Wants Healthier School Meals

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

iCarly star Reed Alexander and world-class chef Lorena Garcia have pledged to collaborate with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to create healthier school meal recipes that will be available for free to any school in the country.

The announcement was made last week by Chelsea Clinton at Health Matters: Activating Health in Every Generation, a special conference kicking off The Humana Challenge this week in Indian Wells, CA.

“This announcement builds on the successful launch of healthy school lunch recipes from Rachael Ray and the Alliance last fall,” said Ms. Clinton at the event. “Since the launch, thousands of schools have joined the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program. We are grateful to Reed and Lorena for lending us their talents and for helping inspire thousands of students, parents, teachers and schools to take action and make health a priority.”

Michelle Obama To Talk School Nutrition Standards

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, January 25, First Lady Michelle Obama will be joined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Parklawn Elementary School in Alexandria, VA to speak with parents about USDA’s new nutrition standards for school lunches.

These new standards seek to ensure kids are offered fruits and vegetables every day of the week, increase the offerings of whole grain-rich foods, offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties, as well as focusing on proper portions.

Celebrity cook Rachael Ray will be serving a healthy, delicious meal that meets new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches. Following their remarks, Mrs. Obama and the Secretary will then join students for lunch.

Rachael Ray Supports No Kid Hungry Campaign

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

To help combat hunger in the classroom, Rachael Ray and her Yum-o! organization are teaming up with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign, a national movement to end childhood hunger in America. In addition to raising awareness about the issue, Yum-o! is donating $100,000 to support Share Our Strength’s work to increase participation in school breakfast programs.

Could you pass a pop quiz on an empty stomach?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly one in five children in America live in households that can’t consistently put enough food on the table, which means families are not always able to provide their kids with a healthy breakfast before school. Unfortunately, that means that kids are trying to learn on an empty stomach.

Surprise A Loved One With Celebrity Charity Gifts

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Surprising a loved one this Christmas is just the beginning. Create goodwill that lives on well beyond the holidays when you shop at www.charityfolks.com and give a gift that “give backs.” With dozens of unique ideas, ranging from one-of-a-kind experiences to fun and unique stocking stuffers, even the most discerning of shoppers can find something this holiday season.

Need that perfect gift for the sports fan in your life? How about the chance to be on the field for the Red Sox batting practice; to catch a Yankees game from amazing seats right behind home plate; to watch Sunday football with Michael Strahan or have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to caddy for golf great Justin Rose at the Arnold Palmer Invitational? Perhaps someone on your list is looking for their big break? You can help them and others too by shopping for “foot in the door” opportunities like an internship at MTV, a mentor meeting with #1 New York Times Bestselling author Brad Meltzer or meetings with some of the most successful directors, producers, agents & writers in Hollywood. Or maybe you need an unforgettable gift for the hobnobber in your life? Surely lunch with soap legend, Susan Lucci, set visits to “Mad Men,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “NCIS,” VIP tickets to Saturday Night Live or the chance to attend Elton John’s 84th Academy Awards viewing party will do the trick!

If not, you can customize gifts for your loved ones. Maybe it’s lunch with their favorite actor, visiting a movie set, walking the red carpet or having VIP access at their next concert. No matter what it is that you’re day dreaming of, chances are that Charity Folks can make it happen – and all while making the world a better place! Email concierge@charityfolks.com to connect with your personal gift concierge.

Rachael Ray To Host Celebrity Charity Cook-Off

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Two of Food Network’s biggest icons, Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri, will square off against each other for culinary bragging rights in Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off, premiering Sunday, January 1st at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

In this six-episode competition series, the Emmy-winning talk show host Rachael Ray and best-selling cookbook author and successful restaurateur Guy Fieri, will each serve as coaches and mentors to eight multi-talented celebrities, all of whom are passionate about food and cooking. Divided into ‘Team Rachael’ and ‘Team Guy’, each episode features celebrity contestants battling it out in a fun, fast-paced culinary fight-to-the-finish, with the two bottom-rated contestants from the losing team going head-to-head in a blind tasting elimination challenge. In the end, the last contestant standing is crowned king or queen of the Celebrity Cook- Off and wins $50,000 for the charity they are playing to support.

“Rachael vs. Guy is the most exciting, funny and suspenseful piece of television I have ever made. This show is true reality television; no staging, no tricks and no do-overs,” said Rachael Ray. “These contestants bonded with each other making the drama of the competition even more thrilling and intense. I think everyone will be amazed to see our contestants compete at the highest level and perform like master cooks, we honestly couldn’t believe it.”

Adrienne Shelly Foundation Launches Annual Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation (ASF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the memory of adored writer, director and actor Adrienne Shelly, is hosting its 4th annual celebrity charity eBay auction, which kicked-off on the 5th anniversary of Shelly’s passing, November 1, and will run through November 10.

The auction of 60+ items features once-in-a-lifetime celebrity experiences including:

Exclusive breakfast/lunch dates with celebrities like Jon Hamm, Cheryl Hines, Rosario Dawson, Alison Brie, Paul Haggis, Keri Russell, Paul Rudd, Michelle Williams, Bill Hader, Meredith Vieira, Rosanna Arquette, John Slattery, Patricia Clarkson, and more

Jewel To Co-Host Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Veterans Day Special

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:15:00 +0000

ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is teaming up with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to present a one-hour special: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition “Rise and Honor” A Veterans Day Special, featuring appearances by some huge celebrities.

Jewel and Ty Pennington

Rachael Ray's Holiday Gift To Animal Shelters

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Celebrity chef Rachael Ray is donating all the proceeds from her pet food lines to animal shelters this holiday season.

“If you want to look at the state of humans, you should look at the state of animals first,” Ray told People.com. “People are choosing whether or not they can feed an animal and their family. And every shelter coast-to-coast is stuffed.”

100% of proceeds from Rachael’s Nutish and Just 6 pet foods will go to animal shelters across the US, amounting to $775,000.

Urban, Kidman, Midler and More Support Mayor's Fund

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:17:00 +0000

Auction Lots including items from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler and Mariska Hargitay are up for grabs in support of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.

The CharityBuzz auction will benefit New York City’s Family Justice Centers, serving victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as New York City Housing Authority’s Early Childhood programs, which provide children in public housing communities with high-quality early care and learning opportunities.

Featuring a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences and merchandise, the auction can be found online at www.charitybuzz.com/fete until October 6.

Shaun White Auctions Snowboard For Charity

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

From sending pow sprays to climbing bulletproof pipe walls and negotiating jibs to kickers in rapid-fire succession – snowboarder Shaun White relies on one board – “The Operator.”

Fresh out of the Winter Olympic Games, where Shaun White won his 2nd Olympic Gold Medal, he visited the set of the Rachael Ray Show where he signed his signature snowboard live on air to be auctioned for Rachael’s nonprofit, Yum-o! The board is up for auction at CharityFolks.com until March 10th.

Rachael Ray Challenges Animal Charities In New Contest

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Rachael Ray is challenging 64 animal organizations to take part in a contest with a total prize pool of $200,000 up for grabs.

Mutt Madness is to be run in the format of basketball’s March Madness, and will see the 64 organizations whittled down to a winner by September 30.

“Welcome to Mutt Madness, the fun “brackets” program designed to help the good guys," said Ray. “If you’ve got a [charity] organization that practices no-kill animal wellness, then enter to win up to $50,000! How does it work? Our panel will choose 64 qualified organizations to participate in a fun, brackets-style program where the public votes for the winners. After 6 rounds of cash rewards, the grand prize winner will receive $50,000! All in all, we are giving away over $200K to organizations that have shown a serious committment to helping animals in need.”

Stars Want To Be Millionaires For Charity

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire will make a return to American TV screens next week, with a special 11 show run.

Every night of the two-week run, a different celebrity will answer a single question to win $50,000 for the charity of their choice, and a host of stars have lined up for the chance.

The shows will be hosted by Regis Philbin and will feature appearances by:

Julianne Moore Hosts Charity Gala

Wed, 20 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Actress Julianne Moore hosted Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance’s 35th anniversary gala earlier this month, with big names such as Rachael Ray, Amy Grant and Vince Gill also in attendance.

TS Alliance is the leading organisation funding research into the cure for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on organs, which can be life threatening. TSC is also the leading genetic cause of infantile spasms, epilepsy and autism. Surprisingly unheard of in the general population, over one million people are known to have TSC and many more as yet undiagnosed.

Moore, who is now the honorary chair of the charity, was introduced to it through a stranger. She recalls: “A dad and his little boy approached me on the streets of New York. The child’s head was stitched and bandaged. The man explained his son had tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder that can cause brain tumours, epilepsy, autism, kidney failure and even death, but not enough is being done to find a cure.”

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

An exciting new charity auction has been launched featuring an unbelievable number of celebrity experiences.

Ever want to meet Oprah Winfrey? Hop in the pool for a swim lesson from Michael Phelps. Get fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn over lunch at Bryant Park Grill? Learn the arts of comedy and paper sales from Steve Carell on the set of the Office. How about talking politics with the most powerful woman in Washington, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, during a tour of the U.S. Capitol or crossing the aisle to discuss backyard BBQ recipes and foreign policy with Senator John McCain? See Iron Chef Bobby Flay in action at Kitchen Stadium? Make your Hollywood debut in Ridley Scott’s new “Robinhood” film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Seek enlightenment and meet Richard Gere with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC. Or ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction. With the help of CharityBuzz, the online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. The auction is open now and runs until December May 28th with new lots continuing to be added each and every day.

Stars Design Plates For Parkinson's

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

More than 40 celebrities from around the world are doing their part to help the Parkinson Society Maritime Region (PSMR) fight a disease that affects over a million people in North America.

Plates for Parkinson’s is a collection of celebrity signed and designed plates that are auctioned on eBay to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s. Celebrities are asked to draw a tulip – the Society’s symbol of hope on a plate – and this year over 40 plates will be auctioned – including designs by Chris Daughtry, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dennis Rodman, Martin Sheen, Jeff Bridges, Rachael Ray, Eartha Kitt, Sidney Crosby, Muhammad Ali, Alan Alda, Robert Downey Jr., Peter Facinelli, The Cast of CSI and many more!

Canadian favourites Paul Gross, David Suzuki, Paul Brandt, Alanis Morissette, George Stroumboulopoulos, Jully Black, Serena Ryder, The Cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation and Nickelback are also joining the 2009 honor roll.

Rachael Ray To Be Awarded By Animal Charity

Fri, 01 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

The North Shore Animal League America is to honor television host and author Rachael Ray with the President’s Award for Humanitarian Excellence at its annual Humane Awards luncheon in June.

According to the League, "Rachael’s devotion to her own dog, Isaboo, her championing of the often unfairly maligned pit bull breeds and her support of shelter and rescue groups has brought attention to the plight of homeless animals. Nutrish, Rachael’s pet food company, has generously supported the Animal League in helping us save the lives of countless pets.

“Rachael and her husband John stirred up the excitement attending the DogCatemy Celebrity Gala where they shared their home-made video of their beloved Isaboo. Her concern for the wellbeing of all animals is reflected in the Rachael’s Rescue website, where the Animal League stands as one of several shelter and rescue groups benefitting from proceeds of Nutrish sales.”

Stars Design Necklaces For Charity Auction

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The World Gold Council has launched its charity auction featuring jewelry designed by some of entertainment’s biggest stars.

As reported by Look To The Stars last year, a range of celebrities – including Debra Messing, Christina Applegate, Whoopi Goldberg, Marcia Gay Harden, Samantha Harris, Eric McCormack, Chris Noth (“Mr Big”), Lena Olin, Rachael Ray, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, and Pauletta & Denzel Washington – have designed gold pendant necklaces incorporating a leaf motif. Participants will choose to have proceeds from the sale of their designs benefit their favorite charity or Jewelers for Children, the jewelers industry charity that has invested over $30 million in special programs to reach children whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect.

Other charities to benefit from the auction include YouthAIDS, Right Action for Women, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Project Angel Food, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Hope for Henry Foundation – a charity which improves the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses by providing carefully chosen gifts and specially designed programs to entertain and promote comfort, care and recovery – Yum-o!, and the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Bid On Dinner With Your Favorite Celebs

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Fans of Jon Hamm, Edie Falco, Keri Russell, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Sisto, Patrick Duffy, David Schwimmer, Rosanna Arquette, Ally Sheedy, Nathan Fillion, John Slattery, and Lili Taylor have the chance to join their favorite stars for lunch in a new charity auction running now.

The auction is raising funds for The Adrienne Shelly Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated in loving memory to the uniquely gifted actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, whose highly accomplished life was tragically cut short November 1, 2006. The foundation supports the artistic achievements of female actors, writers and directors through a series of scholarships and grants. Reflecting Adrienne’s spirit, generosity, courage and whimsy, its goal is to recognize the tremendous passion and commitment of women artists in creating their own work, and provide them with support and guidance particularly during periods of transition and struggle.

Also up for grabs in the auction are walk-on roles in Kevin Smith’s new movie, A Couple Of Dicks, starring Bruce Willis, and a walk-on part in Drew Barrymore’s new movie, Going The Distance. There is also a signed print from Meg Ryan, tickets to Rachael Ray, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, as well as Fox Television’s Bones DVD sets signed by the entire cast, Jimmy Buffett VIP tickets & backstage passes, and much more.

Celebrity Chefs Cook Up Tasty Treats In Florida

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:59:00 +0000

The Food Network South Beach Food and Wine Festival took over the city last weekend for the yearly fundraiser to benefit various South Florida charities.

The annual event attracts food lovers from around the globe and it’s easy to see why. Some of the finest culinary experts – including Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay – flock to the event in efforts to support the charities, take part in cooking demonstrations, and to simply tantalize your taste buds.

From Rachael Ray’s ‘Burger Bash’ to Tom Colicchio’s ‘Bubble-Q’, the city was filled with the aroma of fine foods, tasty treats and highly sought after nibbles. Fancy cocktails, fine wine, and juicy burgers filled various tasting parties, which were held in chic tents sprawled out across the white sandy beaches.

Celebrities Slip Into Red Dresses For Women's Heart Health

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0000

New York Fashion Week kicked off with a celebrity bang during the weekend with the 7th annual Red Dress fashion event for The Heart Truth.

Stars such as Katie Couric, Tori Spelling, Patricia Arquette, Brittany Snow, Amanda Bynes, Hilary Duff, Jennie Garth, and Vivica Fox all strutted their stuff on the catwalk at the show in fashions created by America’s top designers for women’s heart health.

The Heart Truth is an awareness campaign created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. It is designed to warn women about their number one health risk, heart disease, and the need to take action against its risk factors. The organization created and introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wakeup call to American women.

Join Celebrity Chefs At Food Festival Charity Event

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:30:00 +0000

One of the largest and most popular festivals of its kind, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is set to take place February 19-22 in Miami.

Now in its eighth year, the event combines the international appeal of top-quality food and wine from around the world with the international appeal of the worlds most celebrated chefs to benefit multiple South Florida charities.

The four-day event showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned winemakers, chefs and culinary personalities. Those taking part this year include: Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Rick Bayless, Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Tom Colicchio, Martha Stewart and many, many more.

Have Lunch In Style With New Celebrity Auction

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again – time for the Annual Celebrity Lunchbox Auction to benefit the Food Bank For New York City.

The Lunchbox Auction is a non-profit organization that runs a yearly auction of celebrity designed lunchboxes and splits the proceeds between the Food Bank For New York City and The Lunchbox Fund, a foundation that provides lunch to pre and high school children in South Africa.

This year’s auction includes lunchboxes designed and signed by celebrities such as Mario Batali, Beastie Boys, Gwyneth Paltrow, David Chang, Tom Colicchio, Salman Rushdie, Cameron Diaz, the cast of Gossip Girls, Rachael Ray, Eva Mendes, Mike Myers, Ellen Page, Michael Stipe, Liv Tyler, Diane Von Furstenberg, and many others.

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.

New York Food Festival Raises Money For Food Bank

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Celebrity chef Rachael Ray was one of the many guests to appear at the Food Network’s New York City Wine and Food Festival last weekend.

The star joined Jessica Seinfeld – wife of Jerry Seinfeld and founder of Baby Buggy – for one of the many events held over four days from October 9 to October 12 to benefit Food Bank For New York City. The pair talked about one of the biggest health challenges parents face today – preparing healthful, convenient meals their children will actually eat. They shared practical advice for feeding kids and avoiding the common mistakes many parents make when facing down a picky eater.

The festival attracted a wide range of chefs and celebrities, including Rocco DiSpirito – recently voted off Dancing With The Stars – as well as Gordon Ramsay, Al Roker, Pat Neely, Gina Neely, Nigella Lawson, and Anthony Bourdain.