Look To The Stars News: Alfre Woodard

Robert Redford Honored For Social Responsibility

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Veteran actor Robert Redford was honored by the University of Southern California’s School of Theatre with the inaugural Engaged Artist Award on Wednesday, February 10.

“The Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists honors an individual who has used his or her fame to increase public awareness of issues that are of vital importance to us all,” said Madeline Puzo, dean of the USC School of Theatre. “Robert Redford truly embodies all that an `engaged artist’ represents. He is a distinguished actor, an Academy Award-winning director, and ardent conservationist, philanthropist and environmentalist, a man who stands for social responsibility and political involvement and an artist and businessman who is a staunch supporter of uncompromised creative expression.”

The ceremony was attended by a wide selection of Redford’s peers, including Sally Field, Rene Russo, Tom Skerritt, Alfre Woodard, Robin Wright, Olivia Munn, director Richard Donner and producer Sid Ganis.

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela's audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

All of the publisher’s profits benefit the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and ANSA. Both organizations are working to address the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in South Africa, which has more people living with HIV/AIDS and more children orphaned by the disease than any other country in the world. The audiobook, which is recommended for children 7 and up and for people of all ages, is published and distributed by Hachette Audio, a division of Hachette Book Group and subsidiary of Hachette Livre, the second largest publisher in the world. The publisher, performers, director, producers, engineers, designers, attorneys, manufacturers, pr team and studios all donated their services.

The website www.mandelasfavoritefolktales.com, includes discussion questions, family activities, coloring book pages, background on the performers, audiobook and issues, and other information.

The 3-disk audiobook, which includes a PDF with full color illustrations, has already received critical acclaim and awards and has been featured in best of lists including a Grammy Award nomination, National Parenting Publications Gold Award , iTunes’ Best Fiction Audiobooks of 2009, AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of 2009, Audible.com’s 2009 Top 5 Audiobooks for Kids and Young Adults, a Library Journal’s Fall 2009 Pick, and an Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio 2009 Platinum Award.

To find out more about the audiobook and pick up your own copy for Christmas, visit the official website.

Stars Write Letters To Themselves For Charity Book

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

If you were to write a letter to your 16-year-old self, what would it say?

In the new book Dear Me, some of the world’s best loved personalities have written just such a letter. Their letters range from the compassionate, to the shocking via hilarity and heartbreak – but they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique glimpse at the teenager who grew up to be a house-hold name.

£1 from each copy sold will be given to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“We’ve all written a letter to our sixteen-year-old selves collected together in the fabulous new book, DEAR ME: A LETTER TO MY SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD SELF,” said Sir Elton John. "It’s a wonderful, uplifting and poignant journey through the lives of some of the country’s best-loved personalities and would make a great gift for all your friends and family this Christmas.

“Your purchase will also directly benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which works throughout the world to provide support to those affected with HIV and AIDS.

“DEAR ME made me laugh, cry and reminisce to when I was 16 – so I went and wrote a letter too. It starts ‘Dear Reg’ and ends ‘CHANGE YOUR NAME!’ I hope you enjoy it!”

Some of the stars featured in the book include Annie Lennox, Burt Bacharach, Alan Carr, Rosanne Cash, Julian Clary, Jackie Collins, Jenny Éclair, Tracey Emin, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jane Fonda, Mark Foster, Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, Debbie Harry, Peter Kay, Patsy Kensit, Lynda La Plante, Baz Luhrmann, Joanna Lumley, James Nesbitt, Yoko Ono, Jonathan Ross, Emma Thompson, Desmond Tutu, Suzanne Vega, Alfre Woodard, and Sir Elton John.

Dear Me is the perfect gift for anyone, mum, dad, cousin, aunt, nephew or perhaps someone who is turning 16.

To buy a copy, click here.

Look To The Stars Film Pick: Reach For Me

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles (DFFLA) is proud to announce A MediaVision Production’s of LeVar’s Burton’s film “Reach for Me” as the 2009 Centerpiece Gala film, to be presented on Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 7:30pm at the United Artists Screening Theater inside the AT&T Center.

The film’s star, Seymour Cassel will be presented with the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and a gala party will follow the evening’s programming. The award will be presented by actress and Screen Actor's Guild Foundation executive Connie Stevens, with video tributes from Wes Anderson, Steve Buscemi, Angelica Houston, Luke Wilson and more!

This special event will be located at the festival’s main screening venue, LBA Realty’s AT&T Center (formerly, the Transamerica Center), located at corner of Hill St. and 12th St , in downtown L.A.’s burgeoning new South Park district. The gala party will be held on the 32nd penthouse floor of the complex.

“Reach for Me” (2008, USA, 89 minutes) directed by LeVar Burton follows Alvin (Seymour Cassel), a bitter man confined to the Valley Meadow Hospice who unexpectedly discovers the joys of life and its many intricacies. Ready to pass away after a disappointing life, he is interrupted by the vivacious young man named Kevin (Johnny Whitworth), a new patient and roommate who loves to live life to the fullest. Kevin and his girlfriend Sarah (Lacey Chabert) do their best to make Alvin’s life meaningful in his last few days and even get him to fall in love for the first time with Valerie (Adrienne Barbeau). Setting all the wheels in motion for the intersecting relationships is head nurse Evelyn (Alfre Woodard).

Mr Burton says “The heart and humanity of Michael Bruce Adams’ script leapt off the page. When my producing partner Mark Wolfe brought me this amazing project I was committed immediately.” Producer Susan R. Rodgers has been pleased at both the critical and audience reception to the film, commenting, “This is a filmmaker’s dream to make a great film you care so deeply for and put so much work and sacrifice into it that has garnered both commercial and artistic success.” She and producing partner Charlene Blaine-Schulenburg adds, “…we tend to shun the aging and the sick and this film paints aging and dying with both humor and dignity and most of all honor.” Producer Mark Wolfe noted that “Having such a stellar ensemble cast lead by a talent like Seymour Cassel, and under LeVar’s direction, is the essence of successful indy filmmaking.”

Cassel, an Academy Award nominated actor for Faces (1968), will be presented the lifetime achievement award. One of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, Cassel has performed in more than 170 films with numerous distinctions throughout his career as well as television appearances in shows like “The F.B.I.” (1962 ) and “Heist” (2006). He is highly celebrated for his work and dedication with the American indie film community, beginning with director John Cassavetes’ Shadows (1950) and along with other Cassavetes’ titles like Minnie and Moskowitz (1971). In addition, he starred In The Soup (1992), in which Cassel received the Special Jury Recognition for Outstanding Performance at the Sundance Film Festival, and co-starred with Bill Murray in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004).

Much like many others in the film industry, Director LeVar Burton was amazed by Cassel’s heart and devotion to his craft. “By anyone’s standard, Seymour is a legend,” Burton comments. “He’s an amazing actor who’s had the kind of longevity in his career every actor dreams of….”

Starring along with Cassel is Alfre Woodard. In addition to her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards for her work in television, Woodard was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her celebrated role in director Martin Ritt’s 1983 film Cross Creek. As well as appearing in Desperate Housewives, Woodard is the co-founder of Artists for a New South Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating the African AIDS pandemic and advancing democracy and equality in South Africa. ANSA also works to further civil rights and safeguard voting rights in the U.S.

The Centerpiece Gala and Awards Ceremony will be attended by celebrity presenters to be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit the festival’s website: www.dffla.com

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Tales For Charity

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

In honor of Nelson Mandela, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) and Hachette Audio have produced an audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of stories hand-picked by the Nobel laureate.

Diverse, acclaimed performers donated their talents to the charitable endeavor by voicing stories, including: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker, and Alfre Woodard. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recorded a message to the world’s children, and African music legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela composed original music.

Academy Award nominee, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Alfre Woodard, who co-founded ANSA in 1989, served as the audiobook’s director. She said, “I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela last year in London, where he challenged us, saying, ‘…our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are oppressed, there is more work to be done. It is in your hands now.’ With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and hero, Nelson Mandela. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join us and support this effort.”

Samuel L. Jackson, a leading ANSA supporter, commented, “I’ve traveled with ANSA to rural villages and met children whose lives will be changed by this audiobook. This is our way of honoring Mr. Mandela, by assisting children who are the future of his nation and our world.”

“We hope the audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages, increasing awareness of Africa’s rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa’s vulnerable children,” said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his foreword for the book, Nelson Mandela wrote, “It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books.” The audiobook brings these timeless tales to a new oral tradition to be heard around the world.

ANSA is a nonprofit organization working in South Africa and the U.S. to combat HIV/AIDS, assist children orphaned by the disease, educate and empower youth, advance human rights, and build bonds between our nations through arts, culture, and the shared pursuit of social justice.

To find out more about the recording, click here.

LTTS Exclusive: An Interview With Nicole Beharie

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Brandy Reynolds

Nicole Beharie is best known for her roles in American Violet with Alfre Woodard, and most recently The Express. She’s a passionate philanthropist using her education as a Julliard graduate to give other children a voice to express themselves and tell their stories through the arts and other activities with ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty).

ASTEP is an organization that uses the arts as a tool to empower young people with creativity, knowledge, and a strong sense of self-esteem, factors which help them advance their lives and communities. ASTEP provides artists with opportunities to connect with global youths, allowing them to use their gifts to create meaningful and effective change for young people in need.

Look To The Stars recently had the chance to talk to Nicole about her work with ASTEP.

Tell us a little about the ASTEP organization?

We have camps in India, South Africa, Florida, and I believe they are trying to open one in Ohio now. It’s basically a bunch of artists working with kids, and it initially started through a guy by the name of Maricio Selgato at Julliard. He gets these artists together and we do camps or projects. We also work with other organizations, especially when the camps are overseas – this fall I went to South Africa and worked with ASTEP and another camp called Global Camp South Africa with the South African Aids and HIV organizations. There were kids from the ages of 7- 16 doing theatre, and allowing them to tell their stories. We had theatre classes for an entire month there, so it was pretty hectic to have 200 kids.

The camps are all over and every camp has a different feel.The one in India is an orphanage for blind girls; I haven’t been to that one yet. This summer I’m going to Tampa, Florida.

In working with this organization, what improvement have you seen?

Working with artists that we’ve seen in productions, everyone gets the opportunity to stretch and expect more and genuinely find more within themselves and the other person. Especially the kids, a lot of the kids in South Africa are coming from impoverished neighborhoods where their parents are struggling or their parents have all died because of HIV or AIDS, and a lot of them have been abused. So this is really a opportunity for them to have a voice. For example, there was this one little girl who had never spoke before… ever. I was working with her and talking to her and doing really embarrassing things myself – I would do anything. I would roll around on the ground, I’d make fun of myself. By the end of the whole thing we had a production, we had a small showcase at the end and she sang a solo.

It was really awesome; everyone knows that so many amazing things happened. I think the difficult thing was the parting at the end. After giving them all this encouragement and then saying ok take it home with you. I want you to maintain it. We do try and give them tools to do so like…a book, journal, or something to be able to reflect upon. I gave my girls at least a month worth of activities to do once they got home, so they can continue in a positive way.

For other young females whom want to get involved in volunteering, what would be a good place to start?

Decide what you care about. What would you really like to invest your time and money in? You don’t have to get involved and then feel funny and obligated. It definitely has to come from the heart. The other thing is go online once you think you know what’s important to you. Even if you don’t find something right away, go online and read some stories, read the newspaper, see what’s going on in your neighborhood if you don’t want to fly half way around the world. I think there are so many organizations that are burning for volunteers. I also feel because of the economic situation right now we’re getting far fewer volunteers. People don’t really have time. I think this is the time when we really need to be volunteering, because everyone is feeling it a little bit. If you feel like it’s going to cost you too much, go to your nearest hospital and read to people, there’s lots of opportunities.

Were you raised to give back, or was there a certain event in your life that made you want to start giving back?

The truth is even though my mother and I don’t get along very well, she had it infused in us growing up every season that we’d give all of our old clothes away and old books. During Thanksgiving we went and fed the homeless, and at Christmas we gave money to the church. When I was in middle school we would sing at the hospitals. So the things we did I always just thought of as fun and having a good time. I’m a performer now, so any opportunity to perform was a great time. I didn’t realize I was doing anything any different than anyone else. As I got older I kind of stuck with it throughout college and continued every Sunday to do something with an organization. Now that I’m working, there’s a little less free time to do that. But, I try to make it something I at least do twice a year, and if I can’t do that then I just run around the corner to the hospital.

Do you think that young women in Hollywood are doing enough to raise awareness about the issues that are going on in our world?

No. I feel like the older women are doing it. The younger women feel like its novel. It’s a novel idea, kind of cool. I don’t think so. I feel like we should spend a little bit more time talking about those things.

What would you like to see change about the world when it comes to charity work?

I think that we should get tax deductions. I think that will make more people want to volunteer. I really believe that makes since.

What have you learned personally from giving back?

There’s no better feeling. It’s like cutting the grass – an instant satisfaction. Sometimes you get that, sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you feel like people aren’t appreciating it. We did this thing 2 years in the East Village. It was a home where people had HIV and AIDS, and this woman lost her sight. We did poems and talked with them. We asked people to get up and tell their story, and she just told this poem about how she lost her sight and now she had an audience – one could feel the joy and relief she had in telling this story. She had wanted to tell this story. To give people that opportunity and to encourage them and let them know that that’s more important than who some movie star is dating. To be able to tell others to protect themselves against whatever the situation is.

What do you want to leave the people with when it comes to ASTEP?

You don’t have to be trained artists – anyone can come in and their excepted. Everyone’s input is taken. It’s a grassroots type of thing. There were four of us going to the South Africa camp. We planned what we were going to teach, things changed accordingly when we met the kids. Basically, everyone is accepted and valued. It doesn’t really cost you anything at all. You get to travel and meet other people… and I know I definitely made some life long friends.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Nicole Beharie for taking the time to talk to us. To find out more about ASTEP, visit the official website.

Mayor Villaraigosa To Host Fundraising Gala

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Fatima Fofana

On Friday, May 29th, the Honorable Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and council member José Huizar will co-host the 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala to benefit the Boyle Heights Music and Arts Program at the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center.

The Center, which first opened in September of 2006, is a 20,000 square foot state of the art full-time learning center, located on a corner that was once plagued by violence and drug trafficking. The center boasts a music recording studio, an accredited alternative high school, recreation areas and plans for a television studio.

The Youth Opportunity Movement of Los Angeles has partnered with the Los Angeles County of Education to operate the center and help at-risk-youth achieve their educational, employment, and personal goals by providing them with opportunities to develop skills that will help them build a viable future.

The Gala will also honor Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard 34th District, Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries, and Taboo of Black Eyed Peas for their notable contribution to inner city youths. Other celebrities that are expected to attend include Alfre Woodard – award winning actress, “Desperate Housewives,” Tatyana Ali – “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” LisaRaye McCoy – “All Of Us”, “Beauty Shop,” Sugar Ray Leonard – Boxing Champ, and Esai Morales – “Resurrection Blvd”, “Jerricho.” For more information about the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center, click here.

Forest Whitaker Gets Behind Mandela Day

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Forest Whitaker joined a host of celebrities at an event yesterday to raise awareness of Mandela Day, an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela's life and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.

Yesterday’s event was held in Los Angeles and was attended by stars such as Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Marisa Tomei, Sharon Stone, Noah Wyle, Alfre Woodard and Viola Davis.

Nelson Mandela has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years, beginning in 1942 when he first started to campaign for the human rights of every South African. The annual celebration is being created to inspire others to embrace Nelson Mandela’s values as they seek to improve their lives through service to their communities. 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation are calling on people around the world to support the creation of an official Mandela Day, to be held annually on July 18, Mr. Mandela’s birthday.

This year, the celebration includes a series of special events in New York City involving many of the charity’s global ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, music and film.

46664, the campaign that bears Mr. Mandela’s Robben Island prison number, was originally launched to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Working alongside the other Mandela organizations, it is now expanding its focus to champion Mr. Mandela’s broader humanitarian work. A centerpiece of 46664’s activities will be the celebration of Mandela Day each year, and funds raised from Mandela Day will support the ongoing work of 46664 and the Nelson Mandela charitable organizations.

For more information, visit MandelaDay.com or follow at http://twitter.com/mandeladay.

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Stories

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

In honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday this week, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) announced plans to produce an audiobook version of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of legendary tales hand-picked by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

An array of celebrated performers are donating their talents to the charitable endeavor; those already signed on to voice stories include Gillian Anderson, America Ferrera, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Rickman, and Jurnee Smollett. Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will record a special message to the world’s children that will be featured on the audiobook.

Emmy/Golden Globe winner/Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard, who co-founded ANSA in 1989, will serve as Creative Director of the audiobook. She said, “I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela recently in London, where he challenged us, saying, ‘…our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are oppressed, there is more work to be done…after nearly 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.’ With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and our hero, Nelson Mandela, on his 90th birthday. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join in and support this effort.”

Proceeds from the audiobook – slated for a Summer 2009 release – will benefit the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF), a South African organization founded in 1995 to improve the way society treats its children; and ANSA, which works in the U.S. and South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS, provide comprehensive assistance to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, advance human rights, educate and empower at-risk youth and build bonds between both nations through arts, culture and the shared pursuit of social justice. Both organizations are working to address the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in South Africa, which has more people living with HIV/AIDS and more children orphaned by the disease than any other country.

“We’re deeply grateful to our generous partners and to the gifted artists who are helping bring these remarkable stories to life,” said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “Our goal is to create an audiobook that can be enjoyed by people around the world, increasing awareness of Africa’s rich cultural heritages and creating a better future for South Africa’s most vulnerable children.”

In his original foreword for the folktale collection, Nelson Mandela wrote, “It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books.” With the forthcoming audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, his vision comes full circle, as the timeless tales he selected return to the great oral tradition that allowed them to be passed down for centuries, and will now enlighten and entertain children of all ages the world over

Artists Come Out To Shake the Blues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:17:00 -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.

ANSA Shakes the Blues With Stars in Los Angeles

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:42:33 -0000

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) will host “Shaking The Blues,” a star-studded benefit, at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The evening combines the power of music and activism to shake off our blues – from the personal to the global – and make a difference in the world. The event will feature blues-influenced musical artists as well as a multi-cultural array of renowned entertainers who are donating their time and talents to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the US and Africa.

The event begins with a pre-show cocktail party for major donors at 6 PM. Shaking The Blues performances start at 7:45, immediately followed by a VIP after-party. Those confirmed to appear include Erykah Badu, Nikka Costa, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal Trio and The Roots, with Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson serving as the event’s musical director. Additional highlights include appearances by George Lopez, Jurnee Smollett, Blair Underwood and other special guest stars soon to be announced.

Shaking The Blues, which continues ANSA’s tradition of presenting one unique and extraordinary major fundraiser annually, is chaired by Dianna Cohen & Jackson Browne, Myrna Colley-Lee & Morgan Freeman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson & Samuel L. Jackson, Ann & George Lopez, Deborah Santana, Alfre Woodard & Roderick Spencer and Keisha Nash-Whitaker & Forest Whitaker. Host committee members include J.J. Abrams, Gillian Anderson, Johnny Clegg, Danny Glover, Dulé Hill, Quincy Jones, Norman Lear, Lebo M, Alexandra Paul, Chris Rock, Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Alice Walker, Denzel Washington and other luminaries.

“Last year, ANSA was honored to host the 75th birthday celebration for our dear friend and advisor Archbishop Desmond Tutu," said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “He embodies the belief that justice and love will ultimately triumph and maintains a remarkable sense of humor, even in the face of enormous challenges. It is activists like him who inspire us to shake off the blues and take action to fix our world. That’s the spirit of Shaking the Blues, which promises to be one of ANSA’s best events ever.”

Proceeds from the event will support ANSA’s work in the US and Africa. ANSA will also donate a portion of the proceeds to the Treatment Action Campaign, the grassroots organization that is at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Tickets range from $45 to $100, and are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and (213) 480-3232. For major donor and VIP tickets, ranging from $250 to $75,000, contact Blue Room Events: (310) 491-1401.

A Shaking The Blues online auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences from President Bill Clinton, Denzel Washington, J.J. Abrams, Dulé Hill, and many others, launched October 29 at www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

ANSA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization working to combat HIV/AIDS, safeguard voting rights and democracy, advance human rights and equality, and assist and empower AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth. By working in partnership with effective grassroots organizations and pivotal movements on the frontlines of these issues, ANSA makes a substantial difference. Founded in 1989 to support South Africa’s quest to end apartheid and build a new democracy, ANSA is now dedicated to eradicating social and health inequities that are the legacies of apartheid, segregation, and generations of poverty. In the past decade alone, ANSA has raised $9 million for effective African programs, shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of adults and young people in the US, South Africa, and across the African continent about HIV/AIDS and voting rights. For more information go to www.ansafrica.org

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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