Look To The Stars News: David Geffen

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date.

Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. The special black-tie evening took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.

“We are honored to present Jerry as an exceptional individual who has demonstrated visionary and transformative leadership on behalf of children worldwide with the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award.” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “His philanthropic commitment to UNICEF’s mission to reach a day when zero children die from preventable causes, is truly inspirational.”

The UNICEF Ball was co-chaired by Bryan Lourd, Ghada Irani and Tamar & Bob Manoukian. The evening included performances by Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Jane Morgan-Weintraub and Franki Valli & The Four Seasons. Paul Anka added his own special touch to the night by changing the lyrics to his popular song “My Way” to reflect the guest of honor. George Clooney, Bruce Willis and Bryan Lourd were among those who spoke about Jerry Weintraub as a friend and colleague. Guests were also treated to special surprise appearance by Mr. Weintraub’s long-time friend Muhammad Ali.

During dinner, George Clooney presented the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award to Jerry Weintraub, Special Advisor to UNICEF USA. Weintraub’s more than 40 year career in entertainment has spanned all genres of music, film, Broadway Theatre, concerts and television. A celebrated producer and entertainment mogul, Weintraub has produced numerous blockbuster hits such as the Ocean’s 11 series and he has founded several successful production companies including Jerry Weintraub Productions. Committed to helping others in need, Weintraub’s philanthropic endeavors are just as great as his professional career. Most recently, Not On Our Watch, co-founded by Weintraub, has supported UNICEF’s at-risk Zimbabwean refugee children living on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border.

“Every day 24,000 children die from preventable causes. I believe that number should be zero,” said Jerry Weintraub, Producer and Recipient of UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. “UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world and I am committed to supporting their efforts to provide children worldwide the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood.”

In spirit of the evening, Jerry Weintraub, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle donated $250,000 on behalf of Not on Our Watch in support of UNICEF’s mission to reduce the number of preventable deaths of children from 24,000 to zero.

Guests of the UNICEF Ball included Ellen Barkin, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford & Rande Gerber, Luciana & Matt Damon, Larry David, Selena Gomez, Elliot Gould, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Anthony Kiedes, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Rebecca Mader, Alyssa Milano, Jeremy Piven, Sumner Redstone, Bruce Willis and more.

Dinner hosts included Shelli and Irving Azoff, Peggy and Jeff Bewkes, George Clooney, Carole Bayer Sager and Bob Daly, Luciana and Matt Damon, Brynne and Dan Fellman, David Geffen, Harvey S. Gettleson, Brad Grey, Cindy and Alan Horn, Lucy Liu, Michael Meldman, Wendy and Barry Meyer, Kelly and Ron Meyer, Lori and Michael Milken, Julie and Leslie Moonves, Robin and Gerald Parsky, Brad Pitt, Nicole and Jeff Robinov, Ande and Bruce Rosenblum, Steve Roth, Ellen and Richard Sandler, Jane and Terry Semel, Steven Spielberg, Emma and Bruce Willis, Ellen and Ken Ziffren and Jane Morgan Weintraub.

Slash Says No To Proposition 8

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:15:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Guns ‘N’ Roses guitarist Slash has joined the fight against Proposition 8.

The musician has filmed a new video with his wife – Mrs Slash, AKA Perla Hudson – in which they urge people to protest against the decision that will ban same-sex marriages in California.

In the video, Slash plays the Star Spangled Banner on his guitar while Hudson says, “I married my sweetheart, you should be able to marry yours too. Say no to hate and yes to equal rights. Keep up the fight.”

They also urge people to visit www.jointheimpact.com to help fight against Prop 8.

The couple are not alone in her opposition to Prop 8, with donations being made by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), TR Knight ($50,000) David Geffen ($50,000), and Peter Wentz, and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ellen DeGeneres, Drew Barrymore, and Fall Out Boy.

Slash’s new video can be seen at his official website.

Drew Barrymore Says No To Propostion 8

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Drew Barrymore joined thousands of protestors in West Hollywood over the weekend to march against Proposition 8, the controversial initiative to ban same-sex marriage in California.

“Thank you for allowing us be a part of this,” the 33-year said to protestors through a megaphone. “So many people that I love are being affected by this, people who have defined who I am. This cannot happen. We have to change this. This is so wrong. With all my heart, I could not feel more passionate about this.”

The actress is not alone in her opposition to Prop 8, with donations being made by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), TR Knight ($50,000) David Geffen ($50,000), and Peter Wentz, and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ellen DeGeneres, and Fall Out Boy.

“I am honored to be in your presence and I will fight with you,” shouted Barrymore to protestors. “Thank you so much. No on Prop 8! No on Prop 8! No on Prop 8!”

Protests are expected to continue all week.

A video of Barrymore’s address to the protesters can be seen here.

Ellen DeGeneres Records Anti-Prop 8 PSA

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ellen DeGeneres has produced a Public Service Announcement in opposition to Proposition 8, the initiative that seeks to ban same-sex marriages in California.

“I did something this year I thought I’d never get to do – I got married,” said the talk show host, who wedded Portia De Rossi in September. “It was the happiest day of my life… I believe in fairness, I believe in compassion, I believe in equality for all people – Proposition 8 does not. Please, please vote No on Prop 8.”

The PSA follows a blog posted on her website earlier this month, in which she openly blasted the bill, and her appearance at a high profile “Say Yes To Prop 2” party.

Another name to add her support to the cause this week is 1980’s star Molly Ringwald.

The original Brat Pack sweetheart has made her own video against the Bill with her husband, writer Panio Gianopoulos, and their daughter Mathilda. The video can be viewed at YouTube.

Ellen’s PSA can be viewed at her official website.

Grey's Anatomy Star Says No To Proposition 8

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Grey’s Anatomy actor TR Knight is the latest star to step up against Proposition 8 in California.

The 35-year-old has donated $50,000 towards the campaign to defeat the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California. His support of the issue follows recent donations to the cause by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), David Geffen ($50,000), Peter Wentz, and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ellen DeGeneres, and Fall Out Boy.

Knight’s donation comes in response to Ohio entrepreneur Jonathan Lewis’ challenge to the entertainment industry for LA’s actors to raise $500,000 against Prop. 8. Lewis and his family has pledged to match the contributions dollar for dollar. The issue goes to the polls on November 4, and according to a new survey carried out by CBS in San Francisco this week, 47% are going to vote for the ban with 42% likely to vote against.

In other news relating to Proposition 8, Loni Anderson will be joined by Dana Delany, Chad Allen, Charlie David, Doug Spearman, Heather Tom, and Nia Vardalos at the Heroes & Historymakers event being held at the Mondrian in West Hollywood on Sunday, October 12. The event will raise support for the fight against Prop 8, and is being hosted by GLAAD.

Tickets can be bought through lovehonorcherish.org.

More information about the campaign against Proposition 8 can be found at www.votenoonproposition8.com.

Ellen DeGeneres Says No To Proposition 8

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ellen DeGeneres has joined the fight against Proposition 8.

“There’s a California Proposition on the ballot that’s a little confusing,” said the talk show host on her Blog. "It’s Proposition 8. It’s called, ‘The California Marriage Protection Act’ – but don’t let the name fool you. It’s not protecting anyone’s marriage. Not yours. Not mine. The wording of Prop 8 is tricky. It’s like if someone asked you, ‘You don’t want dessert, right?’ But you do want dessert so you say, ‘Yes,’ which really means you don’t want dessert. And if you say, ‘No,’ which means you do want dessert – it sounds like you don’t. Either way, you don’t get what you want. See – confusing. Just like Prop. 8.

“So, in case I haven’t made myself clear, I’m FOR gay marriage. And in order to protect that right – please VOTE NO on Proposition 8. And now that you’re informed, spread the word. I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts – I love my new toaster.”

DeGeneres attended the “Yes on Prop 2” party with her new wife Portia De Rossi in Los Angeles on Sunday and last night appeared on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show to talk about Proposition 8 and what it would mean for people’s freedom.

Her support of the issue follows recent donations to the cause by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), David Geffen ($50,000), and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

More information about the campaign against Proposition 8 can be found at www.votenoonproposition8.com.

Brad Pitt Says No To Proposition 8

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 to the campaign to defeat Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California.

The donation is the largest so far in the fight against Prop 8, and follows David Geffen's recent contribution of $50,000 towards the fight against the Bill. Other opponents include Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger. If passed, Proposition 8 would amend the California Constitution with a new section that would read “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

“Because no one has the right to deny another their life even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn’t harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8,” Pitt said in a statement.

It is an issue the star has supported in the past – in 2006 he told Esquire Magazine: “Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able.”

“I think Brad sees this as a human rights issue and an issue of justice,” said political consultant Trevor Neilson, who advises Pitt and Angelina Jolie on their philanthropic campaigns. “I would say the entertainment community needs to step up to the plate and fight this.”

Encouraging other celebrities to support the cause is an issue that is hot in Hollywood at the moment, with political strategist Chad Griffin saying: “It is our hope that others in the entertainment industry will step up and match Brad Pitt’s heroic commitment to quality and defeating Prop. 8. This isn’t a special interest issue – this measure affects every business and every family. With California’s budget and the national economy in chaos, the last thing we need is an unnecessary measure that threatens health benefits and protections for children.”

More information about the campaign against Proposition 8 can be found at www.votenoonproposition8.com.

Oprah Tops Celebrity Philanthropy A-List

Sat, 12 May 2007 08:24:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A list of the 30 largest public donations made by celebrities in the past year puts Oprah in the top spot.

The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and advises on celebrity philanthropy, compiles its list each year. President Marc Pollick said, “Encouragement-by-example is the main reason for the Giving Back 30 list.”

Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah's Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy.

Of the other celebrities high on the list, Barbra Streisand was in fourth spot, having given $11.75 million through her Streisand Foundation.

Tiger Woods took fifth place, giving $9.5 million to organisations including the Tiger Woods Learning Center funded by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Giving Back’s Marc Pollick praised an increasing trend in celebrity donations, saying, “Ten years ago when Slate magazine first published the Slate 60 reporting on the most generous American philanthropists, the last donor on their list gave $5 million. This year the last donor donated $30 million to charity. This is the type of growth we are hoping to inspire within the sports and entertainment community. One cannot help but be influenced by the generosity of his or her peers.”

The full list and information about how it was compiled can be found at givingback.org. This site has previously reported on many of the list’s featured celebrities and their donations; a comprehensively linked version of the list appears below:

Position	Celebrity	Donation	Cause(s)
1	Oprah Winfrey	$58,300,000	Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, Oprah's Angel Network, and other groups
2	Geoffrey Beene	$44,000,000 (bequest)	Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
3	Jack and Marie Lord	$40,000,000 (bequest)	Hawaii Community Foundation
4	Barbra Streisand	$11,750,000	Streisand Foundation, numerous civil liberties, environmental, and civil rights organizations “dedicated to democratic values”
5	Tiger Woods	$9,500,000	Tiger Woods Learning Center, Earl D. Woods Sr. Scholarship Fund, and other Tiger Woods Foundation programs
6	Rosie O'Donnell	$5,700,000	Katrina Relief efforts including Renaissance Village (a temporary shelter for Katrina victims), day care centers, a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, and a Habitat For Humanity sub division in Baton Rouge
7	Martha Stewart	$5,000,000	New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital for a center on healthy aging
8	Carmelo Anthony	$4,282,000	CAF Youth Center in Baltimore, AAU Basketball, Syracuse University Recreational Center, and other charities
9	Pat Boone & Shirley Boone	$3,000,000	Pepperdine University for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology Center for the Family
9	LeRoy Neiman	$3,000,000	The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to support a Master’s class in figure drawing
11	Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt	$2,415,000	School and Community Center in Swakopmund in Namibia, Daniel Pearl Foundation, Namibian hospitals, Doctors Without Borders, Global Action for Children and others
12	Nicolas Cage	$2,000,000	Amnesty International for a fund to help child soldiers
12	Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”) and Dany Garcia Johnson	$2,000,000	University of Miami to name new Alumni Center living room
12	Paul McCartney	$2,000,000	Adopt-A-Minefield
12	Arnold Palmer	$2,000,000	Pledged to the Arnold Palmer Foundation ultimately to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
16	David Geffen	$1,600,000	David Geffen Foundation
17	Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol	$1,300,000	The Gunnery to help pay for a new dormitory in memory of their son Teddy killed in a plane crash
18	Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg	$1,250,000	Boston University to renovate facilities
19	Andre Agassi	$1,070,000	Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
20	Tiki and Ronde Barber and family	$1,000,000	University of Virginia to support the McIntire School of Commerce, the Virginia Athletics Foundation, Childrens Hospital, a scholarship fund for African-American students, the Young Alumni Council, and to challenge young alumni to participate in the capital campaign
20	Bob Barker	$1,000,000	Georgetown University to endow a fund at its law school that will focus on the study of animal rights
20	Gloria Estefan	$1,000,000	The Miami Project
20	Dr. Phil McGraw & Robin McGraw	$1,000,000	Dr. Phil Foundation
20	George Steinbrenner & family	$1,000,000	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Boshamer Stadium for baseball
20	Tony Stewart	$1,000,000	Victory Junction Gang Camp
20	Denzel Washington	$1,000,000	Save Africa's Children
27	Mike Sexton	$560,000	Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Children, Inc., Wounded Warrior Project, Ohio State University, and other charities
28	Lance Armstrong	$500,000	Lance Armstrong Foundation
28	Dolly Parton	$500,000	Fort Sanders Medical Center
28	Elizabeth Taylor	$500,000	New Orleans AIDS Task Force to purchase mobile medical unit for AIDS sufferers in New Orleans

Jon Stewart to Appear With L.A. Mayor to Benefit Geffen Playhouse

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 18:03:28 -0000

Written by Robert Powers

Famed Daily Show host Jon Stewart and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will perform at L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse on November 17 for a performance to benefit the theater itself.

“Anything goes,” the theater’s producing director, Gilbert Cates, told the Los Angeles Times. Stewart and Villaraigosa are set to share the stage for the entirety of the evening, as their performance should take on the form of an extended conversation. Audience members will be invited to participate by asking the two performers questions during a special open-mic segment.

The Geffen Playhouse is raising funds to account for the more than $3 million left it has to pay on its $19 million renovating and remodeling costs. In 2002, music mogul David Geffen gave $5 million to the theater through the David Geffen Foundation.

Tickets for the event are selling at prices ranging from $250 to $500 and can be claimed as tax-deductible. For another $500, ticket holders will be able to attend a special VIP pre-performance cocktail party. To purchase tickets, visit the Geffen Playhouse website at www.geffenplayhouse.com.

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