Look To The Stars News: Carlos Santana

Bette Midler Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Bette Midler has launched a new online charity auction, and she wants YOU to be part of it.

“It’s just brimming with fabulous experiences donated by dear friends who share my deep concern about the environment!” she said. "With a tennis lesson with John McEnroe, a walk-on role with Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, lunch with Jann Wenner, a getaway to Richard Branson’s Necker Island, the chance to meet Cher, John Mayer, Tim McGraw – not to mention yours truly - we’ve got something for everyone!

“Proceeds benefit New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a nonprofit I founded to clean & green New York City. We’ve turned 55 vacant lots into beautiful community gardens and planted more than 250,000 trees, and we’re just getting started, so I hope you’ll join in the merriment by placing a bid today!”

There are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities featuring Daniel Craig, John Stamos, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Jackson Browne, Jay Leno and many more.

The auction runs until November 13 and can be accessed here.

Charlize Theron Kisses For Charity Cash

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

ONEXONE, the charitable organization committed to fighting health issues and preserving the lives of children locally and globally, hosted their 2nd Annual ONEXONE Fundraiser at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, October 22.

Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron, Jeremy Piven, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, David Arquette, Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra, Laila Ali and more helped raise funds and awareness for charitable causes.

The evening featured keynote speaker Vicki Escarra, CEO of Feeding America, along with a special headline performance from Snow Patrol. Additional entertainment included performances by Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Spencer Day, the local jazz vocalist from San Francisco, and Ethan Bortnick, the 8-year old pianist and composer who wrote his own song “It’s For the Kids” in honor of the event. ONEXONE also welcomed back Jay Bilas for his second year as Master of Ceremonies.

Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron, on behalf of the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, and 2-time World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Mia Hamm also announced the latest initiative “Home Field Advantage” in partnership with ONEXONE and Academy Award-winner Matt Damon which will bring soccer fields and clean water to the children of South Africa by 2010. The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project and the ONEXONE Foundation will work together on this initiative to bolster impoverished rural South African communities with plans to break ground by the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The highlight of the evening came during the live auction when Charlize Theron helped auction off a two-week trip to South Africa for the World Cup plus a kiss from her for $140,000. Jeremy Piven also jumped onstage during the live auction and encouraged two guests to bid $140,000 each for a walk-on roll on the hit HBO show “Entourage” for a total of $280,000.

“The night was a huge success and we’d like to thank the generous people of San Francisco for their continued support,” said Marc Joubert, President of ONEXONE U.S.

The ONEXONE event in San Francisco focuses not only on raising funds and awareness for the issues, but also on producing a top-notch show that entertains and educates the audience at the same time. ONEXONE was founded in 2005 by Diesel Canada President, Joelle Berdugo Adler, and has raised more than $9 million for children around the world since that time.

Legends Sign Guitars For Charity Auction

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

A huge selection of guitars signed by rock legends both old and new will go under the hammer next weekend to aid in the fight against child cancer.

Stars Guitars is a family friendly gala that will feature a concert by REO Speedwagon, exciting live and silent auctions featuring guitars signed by popular musicians and a gourmet strolling dinner. Proceeds from this high-energy evening support the Charles A. Main, M.D. Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund of Beaumont Hospitals. In addition to college scholarships, health grants will also be awarded to Beaumont Hospitals’ Late Effects Clinic for Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Among the guitars on offer are instruments signed by Carlos Santana, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, Jason Mraz, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Yoko Ono, Paramore, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Les Paul, Bad Company, Melissa Etheridge, Motley Crue, Counting Crows, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Angels & Airwaves, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, Rob Zombie, Staind, The Jonas Brothers, Gretchen Wilson, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and many more.

Stars Guitars will take place on Oct. 24 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

Proceeds support the hospital’s pediatric cancer programs in the Detroit suburbs of Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe and Troy.

To find out more about this amazing event, go to the official website.

ONEXONE Prepares For Star-Studded Fundraiser

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

ONEXONE, a charitable organization committed to fighting health issues and preserving the lives of children locally and globally, will host the 2nd Annual ONEXONE Fundraiser at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, October 22.

Academy Award-winner Matt Damon will be the ambassador for the evening, which features keynote speaker Vicki Escarra, CEO of Feeding America and Master of Ceremonies Jay Bilas. The annual fundraiser will announce details surrounding the organization’s latest program in partnership with ONEXONE Ambassadors Matt Damon and Mia Hamm, and Academy-Award winner Charlize Theron and the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project.

The evening will include a special headline performance by Snow Patrol, along with musical performances by Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, local San Francisco jazz musician Spencer Day and 8-year old pianist and composer Ethan Bortnick, along with other special guests.

ONEXONE is a unique umbrella organization that partners with talented and dedicated NGOs to implement specific programs which align with its mission statement – the alleviation of suffering of children locally and globally – and important programs targeted to health, education, self-esteem and dignity. Through its ongoing campaigns, the ONEXONE foundation is committed to supporting, preserving and improving the lives of children at home and around the world. ONEXONE was founded in 2005 by Diesel Canada President, Joelle Berdugo Adler.

Matt Damon Announces 2nd Annual ONEXONE Fundraiser In San Francisco

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

ONEXONE – the charitable organization committed to fighting health issues and preserving the lives of children locally and globally – along with Academy Award-winner Matt Damon, will host their 2nd Annual ONEXONE Fundraiser at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, October 22.

The evening will feature keynote speaker Vicki Escarra, CEO of Feeding America, along with a special headline performance from Snow Patrol, who is coming off their highly successful solo tour in the U.S. and recent sold-out tour with U2. Additional speakers and entertainment include Carlos Santana on behalf of The Milagro Foundation, Spencer Day, a local jazz vocalist from San Francisco, and Ethan Bortnick, the 8-year old pianist and composer. ONEXONE will also welcome back Jay Bilas for his second year as Master of Ceremonies.

In addition, the annual fundraiser will announce details surrounding the organizations latest program in partnership with ONEXONE Ambassadors Matt Damon and Mia Hamm, and Academy-Award winner Charlize Theron and the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project. The partnership between ONEXONE and the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project pools their resources and combines their dedications in a new and unique charitable initiative that will be unveiled at the October 22 fete.

“We feel lucky to be able to bring this event back to San Francisco after such a successful launch last year,” said Marc Joubert, President of ONEXONE U.S. “It’s a great city and the people of San Francisco are so generous, they genuinely care about the issues and are committed to helping make a difference. We’re also excited to come back and unveil a brand new initiative that will make this year’s event even bigger and better than last year’s.”

The ONEXONE event in San Francisco focuses not only on raising funds and awareness for the issues, but also on producing a top-notch show that entertains and educates the audience at the same time. Last year’s inaugural event to celebrate the launch of their U.S. operation, and the international charity’s first American home, did just that while raising more than $1 million for the organization. ONEXONE was founded in 2005 by Diesel Canada President, Joelle Berdugo Adler, and has raised more than $7 million for children around the world since that time.

For more information on ONEXONE please visit www.onexone.org.

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Music fans now have the chance to wear their love of Rock on their sleeves for charity.

Wear Your Music is a New York-based organization that creates 100% eco-friendly jewelry that rocks – literally. The company makes used guitar strings from artists spanning the musical spectrum into stylish bracelets. 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets goes to charities of the artists’ choice, such as UNICEF, Rock the Vote, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nordoff-Robbins, MusiCares, PETA, HeadCount, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Keep A Child Alive, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Smile Train and many more.

Over 150 musicians have personally donated guitar strings to the initiative, including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Metallica, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Santana and Death Cab for Cutie.

“These are strings that these musicians have used and would normally throw away,” says co-president and designer Hannah Garrison, “It’s great that we can recycle them and also offer people a chance to wear rock n roll on their wrists.” In addition, the fine silver used on each bracelet is also 100% recycled, as is the DVD case each bracelet comes in. "Supporting good causes and the environment have always been important, but even more so now.”

To check out the bracelets and make a purchase, visit the official Wear Your Music website.

Join The Shining Stars At Shane's Inspiration Gala

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A charity that aims to eliminate bias against children with disabilities by creating accessible playgrounds and programs that integrate children of all abilities is to hold a star-studded gala this Saturday, March 14.

Hosted by Joe Mantegna, the Our Shining Stars gala will benefit Shane’s Inspiration, a charity established in 1997 after founders Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams lost their son, Shane Alexander, to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type I: Werdnig-Hoffman Disease) only a few weeks after his birth.

Expected to attend the gala are Dakota Fanning, Slash, and former NBA Star and current NASCAR racer Derek Strong. Guests will be treated to cocktails, dinner, Rockstar Photobooth, entertainment from comedian Chris Fonseca and a special auction featuring a donated one-of-a-kind collaborative painting. Paraplegic artist Tommy Hollenstein – who paints with the wheels of his wheelchair – created the painting with the collaboration and signatures of sixteen rock stars, including Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Slash, and members of Incubus, Santana, The Cars, The Knack, and The Cult.

To date, Shane’s Inspiration has created 22 Universally Accessible Playgrounds in Los Angeles and around the world. It received the first “Heroes for Health Award” by Good Housekeeping Magazine and General Electric, and has been lauded by People Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, L.A. Parent Magazine, L.A. Business Council and numerous others.

The gala will take place at the Beverly Wilshire on Saturday, March 14, starting at 7pm. More information can be found here.

Celebrity-Signed Guitars Up For Auction This Weekend

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars would like to remind readers about the Phoenix Guitar Gala being held on Saturday, February 28, in Petaluma, California. As reported earlier, the event features an auction of guitars signed by some awesome stars.

Over 20 guitars signed by famous faces such as George Lucas, Carlos Santana, BB King, Seth Green, Devo, Stan Lee and many more will go under the hammer, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the free-of-charge after-school music, theater and arts programs for at-risk youth of the North Bay – as well as to help preserve the historic Phoenix Theater, which has served as an important performing arts venue for over 100 years – hosting a diverse group of artists ranging from Enrico Caruso to Louis Armstrong, from Carlos Santana, Sublime, and Metallica to Green Day and Hilary Duff.

The mission of the Petaluma Phoenix Theater is to foster the emotional, physical and social development of the young people we serve, specifically at risk youth, by enabling them to create and engage in programs for music, the arts, and health and wellness, while preserving and improving the historic Phoenix Theater as a resource for youth and the community at large.

The event will feature a Brazilian Carnival theme, and will take place at the Phoenix Center at 201 Washington Ave, Petaluma, on February 27-28. More info and tickets can be found at the Guitar Gala website.

George Lucas Signs Guitar For Charity Gala

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A long time ago (earlier this week) in a galaxy far, far away (called Petaluma, California), Star Wars creator George Lucas signed a brand new Gibson guitar for a special charity auction.

The film making legend is one of 20 artists to sign instruments for the Phoenix Guitar Gala, an event that aims to raise money for the Petaluma Phoenix Center, a facility that offers music and arts programs. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the free-of-charge after-school music, theater and arts programs for at-risk youth of the North Bay. They will also help preserve the historic Phoenix Theater, which has served as an important performing arts venue for over 100 years and has hosted a diverse group of artists ranging from Metallica to Green Day and Hilary Duff.

Other artists who have signed guitars for the event include Carlos Santana, BB King, Seth Green, Devo, Stan Lee and many more.

The event will feature a Brazilian Carnaval theme, and will take place at the Phoenix Center at 201 Washington Ave, Petaluma, on February 27-28. More info and tickets can be found at the Guitar Gala website.

Bid On Celebrity Autographs At Heart Ball

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Autograph Store, a leading online auction dealer of celebrity signed collectibles and memorabilia, is pleased to sponsor the American Heart Association’s charity auction at the Heart Ball on February 7, 2009.

The Heart Ball will be held at the Oasis Convention Center, Springfield, MO at 6:00 p.m. The theme for this year’s Heart Ball is “Heart & Soul Tour 2009.” In addition to bidding on the unique signed celebrity collectibles in the charity auction, attendees can dance to the music of The Allie Catz, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind “World Tour Buffet” provided by Fire & Ice, Touch, Restaurante’ Gilardi, Kai and Bijan’s with dessert provided by Hiland Dairy.

Autograph Store is proud to be the supplier of autographed celebrity memorabilia items for this fundraiser. The Heart Ball charity auction will feature a variety of unique celebrity autographed memorabilia from Autograph Store including albums signed by Aretha Franklin, Billy Idol, Carlos Santana, and Yusuf, and a photo signed by Eric Clapton.

Anthony Nurse, CEO of Autograph Store, is pleased to partner with the American Heart Association for this event. “Autograph Store strives to assist celebrity charity auctions as often as we can throughout the year. It is Autograph Store’s pleasure to be associated with such a vital organization. This is a big event and it is another example of how Autograph Store Charity Fundraising supports charities in increasing their fundraising through our silent and live auction program."

The Heart Ball will raise funds to support American Heart Association cardiovascular disease research which will improve the lives of Springfield community residents. The American Heart Association has allocated over $21 million for 179 research studies at seven institutions in Missouri in the past five years. The vital issue of children’s heart health will also be highlighted at the Heart Ball through the American Heart Association’s Learn and Live Special Appeal. This special campaign focuses on a number of issues including teaching kids about the dangers of smoking, childhood obesity and heart-related birth defects.

Tickets are $125 and for more information interested parties can contact Candy Letterman by phone at (417) 881-1129, or via email at Candy.Letterman@heart.org. Check out the Autograph Store here.

Carlos Santana Launches Socially-Conscious Website

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Carlos Santana has rocketed into the new year by launching a new website designed to engage people of all walks of life to work together to create positive change in the global community where love can replace fear and where peace can replace conflict.

Architects Of A New Dawn is a community network site based on creativity, peace, love and understanding that lets people post messages, videos, and photos.

“One of the things that has become very clear to me in recent months is that after carrying an idea in my mind and soul for decades that the time had come to bring my vision of Architects Of A New Dawn into reality,” said Santana. “The world today is as deeply challenged as it is inspired. Never has there been a more profound time to harness the possibilities for positive change, especially in this era of mass communication. This is my invitation to you to join us in this transformational work.

“As the title implies, my vision for AOAND is a multi-tiered media company whose approach to building a new reality for the planet is based on inspiration, creativity, love & forgiveness. This is where my passion lies, and I wish to bring it forth by combining music, sacred thoughts and inspirational media.”

The site launched at midnight on December 31, and offers people the chance to register as “Architects” to find ways to effect change and transform our world together.

“Our goal at AOAND is to inspire, motivate and activate our global audience. We are working to give each individual a sense that they literally can – and actually do – make a difference in a world that they are building and working on every day… thus, the concept of being an architect. Our way of entering into the minds and hearts across cultures and theologies will be to use questions to stimulate the audience/participant. Questions are a powerful bridge to move the mind beyond limited thinking towards what is possible.

“AOAND’s efforts are focused in the areas of film, music, television and online social networks. The new world of the web will facilitate awakening minds and opening all hearts to realize that no matter what the problem or challenge may be… love, being the most powerful force in the Universe, is the answer. We believe that peace and mutually beneficial co-existence is possible in our lifetime and that this is the time for all of us to do all that we can to help create it.”

Architects Of A New Dawn can be accessed here.

Feed America With George Clooney's Bowl

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of your favorite actors and musicians have autographed bowls for a new charity auction to raise money for the hungry.

The Fill A Bowl, Feed America campaign is being run in conjunction with Clothes Off Our Back, the celebrity charity auction site founded by Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek.

Now is your chance to eat from quality bowls signed by stars such as George Clooney, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Adam Sandler, Rascal Flatts, Paris Hilton, Sacha Baron Cohen, Maroon 5, Wyclef Jean, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Annie Lennox, Ben Harper, Josh Groban, Jordin Sparks, Carlos Santana, Sarah McLachlan, Richie Sambora, and many more.

All of the proceeds from the auction – which runs until December 12 – will go to Feeding America. The auction can be accessed here. And remember – it only takes $1 to provide 16 meals for a child.

Stars Believe In Santa

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Carlos Santana, and Donald Trump have signed up to help brighten the lives of children at Christmas.

Beginning this Sunday, the four will appear in commercials for the Macy’s Believe Campaign, based on the 1897 New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial.

Macy’s will provide mailboxes at “Believe stations” in its stores across the U.S., at which children can mail letters to Santa; kids can even write to Santa at the in-store letter-writing stations. Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every letter received, up to $1 million.

Further commercials will feature Tommy Hilfiger, Ana de la Reguera, Carlos Ponce and Kenneth Cole.

“‘Believe’ is the articulation of everything we treasure about the holiday season and is an authentic celebration of the Christmas spirit,” the company says in its release. “We felt strongly that this year it was important to remember and embrace the real sentiment of the season. We’d like to inspire all of America to believe.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation works to bring joy to the lives of children suffering from life-limiting conditions.

To learn more about the Believe Campaign, watch this space, and to learn how you can help the Make-A-Wish Foundation in their work, click here.

Matt Damon Hosts ONE X ONE Gala In San Francisco

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Matt Damon, Wyclef Jean, Carlos Santana, Josh Groban, David Arquette, and the African Children’s Choir came together in San Francisco on Thursday night for a fundraising extravaganza to benefit ONEXONE.

The evening raised money to be distributed between organizations such as H2O Africa, Feeding America, Water Partners, and the Yéle Haiti Foundation, and featured an auction that included lots such as the chance to feature Damon on the set of his next movie, The Human Factor. The film – which will be directed by Clint Eastwood – will tell the story of Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom, and three people paid $20,000 for the opportunity to visit the set.

“If Eastwood doesn’t like the idea of having a lot of people around the set,” Damon said, “I guess my trailer’s going to be pretty crowded with a lot of people playing video games.”

Damon, Arquette, and Jean also took the time to visit the San Francisco Food Bank and help out by filling bags and boxes of food for the city’s underprivileged.

Damon’s philanthropic attitude is something he is interested in passing on to his own children: “It’s a hard thing to explain to a kid,“ he told People Magazine, referring to poverty. “And it is also unbelievable the way other kids are forced to live. The way you have to parent them is to show them the world. Explaining the world can only go so far. You can read about devastation every morning – it’s on the front page of the newspaper – but when you actually go there and see it, you realize this isn’t something you can turn the page on.”

Santana Tells Kids To Value Themselves

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Guitarist Carlos Santana paid a visit to a school near San Francisco on Thursday with words of wisdom for the students.

The star addressed hundreds of students at Davidson Middle School in San Rafael on behalf of the Milagro Foundation, a charity he started with his wife ten years ago to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

“It’s important for each one of you, no matter where you come from or where you’re going, to value yourself," he said during his speech. “Just like we can teach history and arithmetic, it’s important to teach unconditional love.”

His address ran a gauntlet of issues, including the fact that California spends more on prisons than it does on schools, and also challenged the Education Department to introduce a new curriculum that would combat racism and promote self-esteem.

“The best way to do it is to just roll up your sleeves like Mother Theresa and just bring three things: hope, trust, and faith in yourselves,”

During Santana’s speech, Samsung Electronics America’s Four Seasons of Hope program presented the Milagro Foundation with a check for $100,000.

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas this weekend.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Agassi. “We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we’ve accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

The concert will raise funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The concert will be preceded by an invitation-only concert tonight – October 10 – featuring James Taylor and Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

“This year the Grand Slam for Children is being held at Wynn Las Vegas, which offers a first-class, intimate experience for our guests,“ said Agassi. “The event is sure to be a hit with top exclusive entertainment at this beautiful venue.”

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Don Henley, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Goo Goo Dolls, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Seal, Duran Duran and Josh Groban. More than 98,000 fans and VIP guests have attended the past 12 Grand Slam events, raising more than $70 million for charity.

Agassi’s 2008 Grand Slam for Children will take place tomorrow night, October 11, with musical direction by David Foster. More information about tickets can be found at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation website.

Matt Damon Hosts ONE X ONE Awards

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Matt Damon returned to Toronto on Monday to host his third consecutive Difference Awards ceremony for ONEXONE.

Over 500 guest attended the gala, which featured performances from Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Nikki Yanofsky, and the African Children’s Choir.

ONEXONE is a non-profit organization that supports children in Canada and abroad. Established less than four years ago by Joelle Adler, it has already raised over $5 million and created partnerships with major corporations and foundations, such as H2O Africa, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, Millennium Promise, War Child and Spread the Net.

“This is stupid poverty we’re talking about,” said Damon, during his speech about helping people in Africa. “Every day, malaria claims thousands of lives that we didn’t need to lose.”

Damon also revealed that he credits becoming a parent for his commitment to helping children through charity work: “At a certain point it becomes difficult to look at other children and not see your own. Something does change in you once you become a parent… There definitely is a shift there that makes you, I think, a little more obsessed about helping children – But it’s not like before I had kids, I was like: ’to heck with those kids!’”

ONEXONE will launch in the US in October, with an event featuring Carlos Santana planned for San Francisco. And Damon is proud to announce that next year Eddie Vedder has been confirmed to perform for the organization.

“A lot of my friends and a lot of the people I admire in the business choose to spend their celebrity capital trying to raise awareness about things and improve the conditions in people’s lives,” said Damon. “We’ll all be lying on that bed one day, and you have to make your peace with who you’ve been.”

Matt Damon Returns For ONE X ONE

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

For the third year in a row, Matt Damon will host ONEXONE’s annual charity benefit gala, where celebrities and activists will gather for an evening of musical performances, words from key speakers, fundraising and entertainment.

ONEXONE’s Difference Awards will also be presented at the gala, recognizing individuals for their extraordinary efforts in fighting child poverty and suffering. One of last year’s honorees, Wyclef Jean, is returning this year as musical director and performer. Other entertainment will include John Legend and the African Children’s Choir, which is raising awareness of the needs of Africa’s orphans and destitute children.

A fairly young organization, ONEXONE raises millions of dollars each year for projects within Canada and abroad for partners such as H2O Africa, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, Millennium Promise, War Child and Spread the Net to “directly impact children in need around the world – one by one.”

“There is an old biblical adage that says ‘You save one life, you save the universe,’” said Joelle Adler, ONEXONE’s founder. “That should be our motto. We cannot look across the water and pretend it is not our responsibility because together we can change the world.”

The gala and concert will be held at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on September 8 and a second gala will take place at Exhibition Centre in San Francisco on October 23 honoring Carlos Santana.

Santana Plays Four Seasons Of Hope

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:36:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Guitarist and music legend Carlos Santana gave a special live performance to 650 guests at the seventh annual Four Seasons of Hope charity gala in New York on Sunday night.

The gala, hosted by Michael Strahan, Jason Taylor, and Live With Regis and Kelly’s Regis Philbin, recognized the charitable efforts of sports, entertainment, and political celebrities, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Palmer, Joe Torre, Boomer Esiason, and Dan Marino. The evening, which included an auction, raised over $1.1 million for a host of children’s charities, including the Arnold Palmer Foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis, the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, the Dan Marino Foundation, the Jason Taylor Foundation, the Michael Strahan Foundation, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, and the Milagro Foundation.

“It is so rewarding to be able to come out and work with a first-class organization such as Samsung on a night like this,” said Santana. “We had a great crowd and were able to raise a lot of money for the charities Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope program supports. It’s not often you get such an eclectic group of athletes and celebrities together in one room, but when you do, special things happen and we were able to help a lot of children and families in need in the process.”

Launched in 2002 by Samsung Electronics America, Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope is an innovative goodwill program dedicated to raising awareness and funds through national retail initiatives with Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and Staples, and has raised more than $12 million for a range of children’s charities.

Bono's Fishy T-Shirt Benefits African Farmers

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:41:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bono has designed a new T-shirt for charity, joining a host of other celebrities in an on-going and major charity campaign.

The 47-year-old singer from U2 is the 25th artist to design a shirt for Hard Rock Café’s Signature Series clothing line, an initiative started in 1990 as a way for musicians to raise money for charities of their choice. Sales from the shirts have raised over $6 million for a variety of causes.

Bono’s creation, available for $26 from the Hard Rock website, features his stylized drawing of a fish soaring past the moon, and is adorned with the words “Fish Can Fly”, as well as his signature. 15% of the proceeds will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Conservation Cotton initiative – a scheme designed to lift African farmers out of poverty by providing education on proper land management, organic cotton growing techniques, and wildlife conservation. The shirts will also support the trade for aid ethos of EDUN, the conscious consumerism fashion label founded by Bono and his wife in 2005, by being made from 100% African cotton and manufactured by African garment workers.

Other artists to have designed shirts for the initiative in the past include Green Day, who raised money for Amnesty International’s Campaign To Save Darfur, Shakira who chose to benefit Pies Descalzos, Ozzy Osbourne for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program, Bruce Springsteen for World Hunger Year, Eric Clapton for the Crossroads Centre, Peter Gabriel for Witness, Sting and Elton John for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Michael Stipe for Artists for a New South Africa, Don Henley for the Walden Woods Project, John Mellencamp for the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation, and Stevie Nicks for the Special Olympics. Carlos Santana and Aerosmith have also contributed designs. Many of these shirts are still available from the Hard Rock website.

Bono’s “Fish Can Fly” is more than just a phrase – it is a message that tomorrow can be better than today.

Artists Come Out To Shake the Blues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:17:52 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

The charity Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) held its annual concert and auctions on Thursday November, 15, 2007 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The “Shaking the Blues” benefit supports ANSA’s work fighting HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and Africa, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Treatment Action Campaign, a grassroots organization at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Among the celebrities in attendance were Blair Underwood, Eric Benet, Anthony Anderson, Alfre Woodard, Heroes star Jimmy Jean-Louis, and Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. Event chairs include Jackson Browne, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, George Lopez, Carlos Santana’s wife Deborah, Alfre Woodard and Forest Whitaker.

Not only was a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield on hand at the silent auction, but Dave and his wife Tonya attended the event. Close friends with Samuel and Latonya Jackson, the Winfields hope to personally visit South Africa soon.

The musical line-up featured stirring performances by The Roots and friends, Erykah Badu with Edith Funker, Nikka Costa, Doyle Bramhall II, Keb Mo, and Taj Mahal. The Roots roused the crowd with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Masters of War, and the audience rose for Erykah Badu’s performance of her classic On and On.

In keeping with many other recent celebrity events, acknowledgement was given to the writers’ strike; James Pickens Jr spoke of supporting the writers before he introduced the grand finale performance by Taj Mahal.

Movie and K-ville star Anthony Anderson served as auctioneer for the live auction. As Blair Underwood battled for a diamond earring lot, Anderson comically referred to him only as “the man with the orange leather jacket on”. Underwood’s counter-bidder upped the ante, requesting a date with her opponent be included along with the earrings, which she won at $9,000. Not only did Underwood accept, but he promised it would be a dinner at the world-famous restaurant Spagos.

To encourage higher bids on a private lunch with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Anderson jokingly suggested that the winner could take a picture with Tutu and put it on Myspace.com to be the envy of their friends. The lunch went for $15,500.

Los Angeles-based non-profit organization ANSA was originally founded in 1989 by noted members of the entertainment community, with an initial goal of supporting the struggle against apartheid. Over time, the organization’s focus has shifted to the fight against the African AIDS pandemic, advancing democracy, and equality in South Africa.

The effort to raise money is not over. If you want help the cause their are several items available at the online auction. To bid on the online items: www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

12th Annual Andre Agassi Benefit Concert Raises More than $9 Million for Children

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:01:30 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 12th Annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert presented by Genworth Financial proved to be a raging success last weekend, raising more than $9 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. The AACF raised $8.1 million through ticket sales and a silent auction, while Charles Heers, owner of Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas pledged an additional $1 million to bring the total to $9.1 million.

“I am grateful that there are so many people dedicated to helping kids,” Agassi said. “I’m thrilled with the turnout from the public, the generosity of our sponsors, donors and bidders, and the commitment and talent of the performers who so graciously give their time to the Grand Slam. It was one of the greatest nights of the year.”

The star-studded concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 6th attracted more than 8,200 fans who enjoyed live music by Tony Bennett, Kelly Clarkson, Matchbox Twenty and George Wallace. Several surprises throughout the night included performances by Jerry Seinfeld, the Goo Goo Dolls and Hall & Oats. Fans were also treated to a fantastic performance from Carlos Santana and Matchbox Twenty front man Rob Thomas, who teamed up to close the evening with their multi-Grammy Award- winning hit “Smooth.”

A pre-concert reception and live auction was held for VIP sponsors, who bid on a variety of items including a Porsche Cayenne from the Sopranos signed by James Gandolfini and Edie Falco; Robin Williams’ movie premiere and after-party; an in-home food and wine pairing for 12 with Emeril Lagasse; an evening at a Six Flags park for 500 friends; and vacation packages such as a Costa Rican getaway with private tennis lessons from Agassi and Stefanie Graf.

The two most noteworthy auction items were the Porsche Cayenne and a Dale Chihuly chandelier. The 2005 Porsche Cayenne SUV, which was plucked from the set of the Sopranos, fetched $100,000. The vehicle once driven by ‘Carmela Soprano’ boasts a 4.5-liter V8 engine, as well as a 350-watt, 14-speaker Bose stereo and only has 6,758 miles on it. Richard and Theresa Beauchamp from Steamboat Springs, Colorado placed the winning bid for $90,000, but auctioneer Jack Williams added $10,000 of his own money to bring the total price to $100,000. The Beauchamps’ new ride comes complete with a bronze plaque bearing the signatures of Sopranos stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco.

Perhaps earning the highest bid of the night was the Mercato del Pesce di Rialto Chandelier, sculpted by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly created the chandelier during his two years of work in Finland, Ireland, Mexico and Italy, where the chandelier was then suspended over the canals and piazzas of Venice. The historical piece is six feet wide and six feet tall and is composed of approximately 126 glass elements. Final bid: $250,000.

Since its inception in 1994, the Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser to benefit the AACF has raised more than $70 million for charity. Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser include the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas’ Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars presented by Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic’s Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; and YMCA of Southern Nevada.

The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation is a 501©(3) not-for-profit public charity created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities. For information, visit http://www.agassifoundation.org.

Genworth Financial is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle
protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of
more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 24 countries,
including the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand,
the United Kingdom and 17 other European countries. For more information,
visit http://www.genworth.com.

Celebrity Shoe Auction for Women’s Heart Health

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:42:26 -0000

Spirit of Women Health Network and Carlos by Carlos Santana footwear announce today the opening of bidding for the Spirit of Women Red Shoe Celebrity Auction, an online auction of celebrity-autographed footwear that will benefit several health organizations, including the National Stroke Association and P.A.D. (Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition). Shoes up for auction were autographed by celebrities including Courteney Cox, Nicollette Sheridan and Carlos Santana.

“While women are typically the caretakers of their families, they often fail to take action for their own health,” said Josh Davis, president, Spirit of Women. “We hope this auction will catch women’s attention by encouraging them to take action for their heart health while simultaneously giving them a wonderful opportunity to raise money for important women’s heart health issues.”

The Red Shoe Celebrity Auction is the national cornerstone of “The Red Shoe Initiative”, a national health education and action campaign that aims to encourage women on a local level throughout the year to take important steps for their heart health.

Other stars involved in the auction include Brenda Strong, Felicity Huffman and Laila Ali. Each of the participating celebrities has autographed a single shoe of the six red pairs donated by “Carlos by Carlos Santana” footwear, which will be on display at www.spiritofwomen.com/donate and auctioned in September.

In addition to the online auction, the 2007 The Red Shoe Initiative will include local “Red Shoe” events in communities across the United States. Each event will take on the flair and character of the community that serves as a host. These events will consist of evening receptions, fashion shows, and various activities in skating rinks and other venues that encourage women to take action for their heart health.

An additional auction scheduled to coincide with “Day of Dance for Women’s Health”, which takes place on February 23, 2007, is expected to include shoes autographed by other high-profile celebrities.

Carlos by Carlos Santana

“Carlos by Carlos Santana” fashion forward footwear reflects the dynamic passion and energy that defines the music of Santana. Hip, fun and fashionable, Carlos brand shoes are available in a rainbow of contemporary styles sporting the latest trends in materials, colors, shapes and detailing. The vibrant “Carlos by Carlos Santana” line donates a portion of it proceeds from sales to the Milagro Foundation.

Best known for the legendary group that bears his name, Carlos Santana has been an elemental force in global musical culture for almost four decades. Since Santana’s landmark 1969 debut album and explosive performance at Woodstock that year, Santana has sold over 100 million records and performed for more than 100 million fans internationally. Carlos’ many major awards include a record-tying nine GRAMMYs for a single project for 1999’s Supernatural, as well as three Latin GRAMMYs and scores of other music and humanitarian honors. As central to Santana’s identity as his visionary artistic legacy is his spirit of giving back – in 1998, Carlos and his wife, author Deborah Santana, established the Milagro Foundation, which has granted over $2 million to organizations supporting underserved youth in the areas of health, education and the arts worldwide. For more information, visit www.santana.com

Spirit of Women

The Spirit of Women Health Network is a national coalition of hospitals and healthcare facilities in more than 70 U.S. cities joined together to improve women’s health by inspiring access and action on local, regional and national levels. Utilizing national resources to improve healthcare in local communities, Spirit of Women aims to educate and care for women in a unique way that emphasizes total well-being — body, mind, and spirit – and impacts all aspects of a woman’s life, including family, health and work. Though a variety of means, including educational events, networking opportunities, consumer loyalty programs, national awards, and promotion of research, Spirit of Women addresses health topics such as menopause, cancer, incontinence, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, healthy pregnancy, and many more. For more information, visit www.spiritofwomen.com/donate.

AIDS Orphan Project in Running to Win $5M in American Express Contest

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:32:51 -0000

American Express Members Project, an online initiative for card-members to vote on ideas to make a positive impact in the world, announced results of elections for the Top 25 projects. Among the winners is Artists for a New South Africa’s innovative program “Help African Children Orphaned by AIDS,” the only orphan or AIDS effort in the Top 25.

ANSA’s initiative to Help African Children Orphaned by AIDS now has the chance to move into the Top 5. American Express card-members can vote online for ANSA’s project #6841 to help the charity win up to $5 million. Top 5 voting begins July 17 at 12:00 am EST and ends Sunday, July 22 at 11:50 pm EST. Card-members may vote once in each round.

ANSA’s project empowers African communities to care for orphans in their midst. South Africa has more people with HIV/AIDS and more AIDS orphans than any other country. Recognizing the magnitude of the crisis, ANSA brought together leading African AIDS and child welfare experts to develop It Takes A Village (ITV), a cost-effective method of delivering essential services to orphans. Implemented by local organizations, ITV’s pilot programs have operated successfully for three years in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa’s hardest hit province), served over 5,000 orphans, and strengthened local capacity to provide vital services. ITV provides loving care, food, clothing, counseling, legal aid, medical assistance, and other essential help to an orphan for under 50 cents a day.

ITV was initiated with funds donated by Deborah and Carlos Santana. George Lucas, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson supported ITV with the 2005 Los Angeles fundraising premiere of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. In October 2006, the Santanas, Jacksons, Alfre Woodard, Jurnee Smollett, and CCH Pounder traveled to South Africa to witness ITV’s impact in Ingwavuma, a community where 40% of adults have HIV/AIDS.

ANSA is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization working in Africa and America to combat HIV/AIDS, assist AIDS orphans, empower at-risk youth, and advance human rights and democracy. Founded in 1989 to support South Africa’s quest for freedom, ANSA has raised $9 million for effective African nonprofits, shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and books to poor communities, and educated millions in the U.S. and Africa about HIV/AIDS and voting rights. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is the Honorary Chair of ANSA’s AIDS programs. President Nelson Mandela said, “We will never forget those who stood by us in our darkest days…You have become a part of the progress we are making…We are strengthened by the knowledge that Artists for a New South will be with us.”

American Express Members Project Top 5 will be announced July 24, and one more elimination round will follow, with the winning project announced August 7. American Express donates $1 for every cardholder who registers, up to $5 million. To vote, visit www.membersproject.com. For more information go to www.ansafrica.org.

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