Fifth Annual First Star Celebration Features Major Star Power

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:40:00 -0000

A bevy of stars, including Youth Ambassador and actress Dakota Fanning, came out to support the First Star organization’s Celebration for Children’s Rights on June 7, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles.

Industry moguls were honored for their extraordinary contributions, such as Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity Media, receiving the Humanitarian Award. Additionally, Peter Levinsohn, President of Fox Interactive Media received the Community Award.

Celebrities from the worlds of music, television and film showed their support for the mission of First Star to improve the life of child victims of abuse and neglect. That’s So Raven/Corey in the House star Kyle Massey and his older brother Chris Massey – featured on Zoey 101 – have been involved with First Star since 2005. Kyle expressed, “This is a great organization… It gives the children hope.” He added that he hopes to be a part of the organization for a really long time.

First Star and the Child Advocacy Institute are pushing for changes in state and federal laws. They support changes that would clarify and strengthen disclosure requirements so states know how to comply with the intent of the legislation. Another matter of great concern relates to the release of information about child fatality or near fatality unless a person is criminally charged. The First Star advocacy group believes that disclosures should not be dependent on a district attorney’s decision to prosecute.

When asked how she came to be involved with an organization which deals with such heavy issues, Dakota Fanning replied, “Peter Samuelson is someone that I came to know through Starlight Starbright. He told me be about this, and I thought would be another really great organization to be a part of.”

Other young stars in attendance included Maria Lark of the hit show Medium, and actress Alexandra Rose Rieger. Before the awards ceremony took place, kids got the opportunity to indulge in play in a carnival environment. Celebrity kids joined in the festivities.

Big time celebrity support also came from Val Kilmer, Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Every Body Hates Chris actress Tichina Arnold, actor Robert Knepper of Prison Break, host Spike Feresten of Talk Show With Spike, film & TV star Arlen Escarpeta, and rap artist David Banner.

David Banner Takes Kids to Six Flags

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:26:31 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

David Banner provided the opportunity for 80 kids to travel from Jackson, Mississippi to Six Flags in Georgia, as part of the Stewpot Neighborhood Children’s Program.

The children, who would rarely have the chance to take any trips, were given transportation and admission to the park, t-shirts and food. Banner has sponsored this annual trip since 2005.

“The children that we serve at Stewpot would not normally be able to go on an ‘out of town’ trip,” said Stewpot Community Services Counselor, Sherry Adams. “Most of the kids in the community have not been out of Mississippi. Because of Banner’s love for our community, he makes it possible for our kids to travel outside of Mississippi, on a fun and exciting summer trip every year. David made it all possible because these kids don’t have to pay a dime.”

The community children’s program offers safe havens after school and during the summer, and provides educational help, self-esteem building and positive role models. Their after-school program and summer camp help over 200 at-risk youths from Mississippi.

Look To The Stars News: David Banner

Fifth Annual First Star Celebration Features Major Star Power

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