Look To The Stars News: Alyssa Milano

Kanye West Takes To Stage At Charity Event

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

The Common Ground Foundation held its second annual “Common & Friends” concert at the famed Hollywood Palladium on Saturday night. The show raised funds for the foundation, created by Grammy-Award winning hip-hop artist and actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, best known as Common.

The concert featured live performances from Common, The Roots, Nas, De La Soul, Ludacris, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Heavy D, while Freddy Rodriguez, Garth Trinidad, Rasual Butler, Toccara Jones, Serena Williams, Amber Rose, Erica Hubbard, Alyssa Milano, Eva Amurri and Ian Ziering were all in attendance to support the Common Ground Foundation.

“I am very grateful and thankful to all who attended and supported the 2nd annual Common Ground Foundation event. To all the gifted artists that participated – I thank you for giving your time, energy, and creativity,” said Common. “To all the sponsors, thank you for your ongoing commitment to the progress of the future of our youth. God bless… Love.”

The Common Ground Foundation continues to show support through partnerships, events and programs reaching many dynamic groups. Recent initiatives have included being the recipient of Cartier’s LOVE Charity program; the Chicago White Sox’s “Be in the Game” day at Cellular Field; and the Emmy-award nominated “A Minute” campaign. Last year’s inaugural event, “Start the Show & Bowl” featured will.i.am, Lupe Fiasco, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Bilal, and Marsha Ambrosius.

Charlize Theron Gets A Kick Out Of Charity Soccer

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Charlize Theron was joined by a host of celebrities at a charity soccer match in LA on Tuesday.

The actress attended the match to officially announce that the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project and the LAFC Chelsea Soccer Club have joined forces to give kids living in underserved communities – in Southern California and Umkhanyakude District of the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa – more opportunities to play competitive soccer.

The match saw Chelsea take on Inter Milan at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, and attracted stars such as Ashton Kutcher, Will Ferrell, Alyssa Milano, Gilles Marini, Brandon Routh and Anthony LaPaglla.

“The World Cup is a huge, huge thing for South Africans and for Africa. The pride Africans have of hosting this is tremendous,“ said Theron. "The question is, how do we generate that into other areas and have more of an impact?“

The fundraising event will help continue LAFC Chelsea’s mission to give economically challenged youth living in Southern California real opportunities to play competitive soccer as a means to keeping them in school through graduation. Money raised will also allow LAFC Chelsea to help expand its reach, building a viable youth soccer club in a rural community of South Africa in cooperation with Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP).

“LAFC Chelsea has always been focused on leading economically challenged young people to brighter futures and a better life through the universal sport of soccer,” says Don Sheppard, President of LAFC Chelsea. “When I learned about Charlize’s incredible plan to give sustainable opportunities to young South Africans who are at enormous risk, I knew that LAFC Chelsea was in position to help.”

Stars Speak Out Over Prop 8 Decision

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The celebrity world has shown its disappointment at yesterday’s Prop 8 decision, in which the Californian Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages should remain outlawed.

“This just should invigorate people to get it back on the ballot in 2010 and 2012 and every two years until all people are allowed a basic civil right,“ George Clooney told E Online.

“This really makes me sad,” said Kim Kardashian, who also expressed disbelief at the decision. "I thought we were more forward thinking than this, and I’m disappointed in the Supreme Court for being so close-minded.

“Everyone – gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered — EVERYONE should have equal rights to marry who they want to. I have many gay friends, and all I want is for them to be happy, yet this is just another obstacle in their way. Now they must continue fighting to be granted a basic civil right that many people take for granted. Shame on you, California! We must all continue to fight the h8!”

Former Star Trek actor George Takei – who married Brad Altman in September last year – expressed his hope that another ballot will overturn the decision: "I am confident that if we go through this again, we will ultimately prevail and our [State] Supreme Court will go into the dust of history.“

Many celebrities chose Twitter to air their grievances about the decision. Alyssa Milano called it "a sad day for equality,“ while Eliza Dushku wrote “Shame on California Supreme Court!” Kelly Osbourne is "sick to think that people cant have equal rights,“ and Holly Montag wrote: “BOO CALI! Our Bill of Rights and Constitution intended equal rights for ALL regardless of race, gender, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, age or creed!”

Other stars to indicate their disappointment included Fall Out Boy’s Peter Wentz, Sophia Bush, Kathy Griffin, Fran Drescher, Adrianne Curry, Emmy Rossum, Bryan Greenberg, Diablo Cody, Meghan McCain and many more.

Celebs To Attend Girl Prep

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The first empowerment youth conference event of its kind developed and targeted to reach and teach girls ages 10-13 will take place on March 28, and plenty of celebrities will turn out to take part.

Co-founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Manuela Testolini (formerly married to Prince), Girl Prep aims to help raise self-esteem, leadership skills, and confidence amongst young inner city girls, and is a response to increased community concern for early intervention in the lives of disadvantaged teen girls.

Hosted by Maiara Walsh and Brando Eaton, guests will include Jansen Panettiere, Scott Bakula, Austin Butler, Jason Dolley, Madison Pettis (Corey in the House), Vitamin C, and many more.

The evening will benefit In A Perfect World, a foundation founded by Manuela Testolini to help children around the US become compassionate, socially-conscious, and responsible leaders. In A Perfect World partners with schools and community-based organizations that implement innovative strategies and programs to develop this type of leadership in children.

“Through close collaboration, In a Perfect World will seek to enlarge what community-based organizations and public schools are able to do,” said Testolini. “We believe this to be important because so many schools and organizations are creating such significant, meaningful, and positive change in their communities, yet their innovative models and powerful messages do not receive the level of support needed to sustain and expand this change. We want to help give these types of organizations and programs a voice for the betterment of our communities…for the betterment of our children.” She goes on to say, “This foundation is based on the belief that when children and youth are given the platform and opportunity to express their dreams, thoughts and ideas, their desire for a perfect world can and will lead to significant changes in the world.”

For more information about the event, click here.

Stars Come Out For The Congo

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

On Wednesday, February 18, the stars came out to join Children Mending Hearts for an event honoring International Medical Corps for their dedication in supporting the women and children victimized by war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The event was hosted by writer/producer Grant Heslov – of “Good Night and Good Luck” – and his wife Lysa at the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd. With Oscar week at a fever pitch, the A-list crowd was in town to support a good cause and listen to the musical styling of Sheryl Crow. Anderson Cooper was also honored for his work

In attendance for the event were Alyssa Milano – looking stunning in red satin – Ben Affleck, Joel Madden, Hank Azaria and many others.

When asked about his show of support for the event, Affleck replied: “I am involved because I spent some time with the international medical corps in the refugee camps they work in Goma and North Kebo which is in the Eastern Congo as well as a little bit in Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan. I got a chance to see what their work was like…I have personally seen them save lives and I was so struck by it that the least I could do was come to a party.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suffered 20 years of continuous fighting which has led to an estimated 5.4 million deaths. Lysa Heslov, has personally traveled the DR Congo in January of 2009. She filmed her efforts to raise awareness.

While on the red carpet, actor Hank Azaria admitted that events like this one help to raise awareness for him.

Actress Andie MacDowell was also in attendance and shared her thoughts with The Associated Press: “I want to participate in education and teaching people about what’s happening in the Congo, because I think unfortunately we don’t know. And I think knowledge is everything and once people understand what’s happening and start voicing their opinions about what’s happening – to women particularly in the Congo, about all these women being raped – we can make a change. People are powerful.”

Celebrities Blog In The New Year For UNICEF

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For the final 12 days of 2008, UNICEF’s celebrity ambassadors and supporters have been blogging on their site about the impact UNICEF Inspired Gifts are having on children around the world.

“Thanks to lifesaving vaccines, measles is mostly history in our country,“ wrote Al Roker. “But in working with UNICEF, I was shocked to learn that this terrible disease still affects hundreds of thousands of children every year. In fact, it steals the future of 540 children around the world every day.

“Not one child should die needlessly, and UNICEF is giving us a chance to help those remaining few whose lives could be saved with simple vaccines. For just $26.30, you can give the gift of health to children in need, providing 100 doses of anti-measles vaccination. This year, let’s celebrate the New Year together by resolving to make measles a thing of the past.“

UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu, who was recently honored with the prestigious Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award in recognition of her tireless work on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable children, also took part.

“Of the 25,000 children who die every day from preventable causes, many of those children lack the most basic nourishment needed to survive,“ she wrote. “On my recent trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, I witnessed firsthand how something so simple could save so many lives.

“High-energy/protein biscuits (a kind of nutritious “cookies”) were specially developed to help children in emergency situations and are crucial to their survival. For only $40.26 you can purchase two cartons of biscuits, full of the vitamins and micronutrients needed to improve children’s health and prevent them from developing severe malnutrition, which can be deadly.“

Tea Leoni – a board member of the US Fund for Unicef – had this to say: “A mother will always do whatever it takes to protect her child from danger. And no mother would intentionally put her child in harms way. Yet every minute of every day, somewhere in the world, a child dies of AIDS-related causes and another child becomes infected with HIV—usually contracted during pregnancy, labor or delivery.

“Your gift of $100.00 will provide 100 HIV/AIDS tests so expecting mothers can be sure they are doing whatever it takes to save their child.“

Other stars to blog on the UNICEF site include Benji Madden and Joel Madden from Good Charlotte, Nicole Richie, Mia Farrow, Ne-Yo, Marcus Samuelsson, and Alyssa Milano. The full celebrity blogs can be read here.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

The gala will feature performances from Josh Groban, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and many more under the music direction of David Foster. The guest list is expected to be huge, with stars such as Tom Arnold, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas, Halle Berry, Valerie Bertinelli, Lara Flynn Boyle, Bo Derek, Geena Davis, Daisy Fuentes, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, Anjelica Huston, Magic Johnson, Dr. Phil McGraw, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Nicole Richie, Jane Seymour, Nicollette Sheridan, Forest Whitaker and James Woods all expected to attend. Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier will take part in Denzel Washington’s presentation.

The evening will feature a silent auction that includes an array of eco-friendly shirts donated by Guess and signed by Jason Bateman, Halle Berry, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Cuba Gooding Jr., Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Lee, Jared Leto, Bill Maher, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson, Ray Romano, Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Stewart, Usher and many more. There will also be handbags signed by Joan Collins, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Dakota Fanning, Mariska Hargitay, Fergie, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and Racquel Welch, as well as items from Trace Adkins, P. Diddy, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andie MacDowell, Alyssa Milano, Eva Longoria, Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, Denise Richards, Joel Madden, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Carrie Underwood and many more.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Celebrities Love 2 Love T-Shirts

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Teen stars Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens have designed T-shirts for a charity lifestyle brand.

Launched in 2003, 2 LOVE is an initiative that endorses “a message of love while benefiting charities that elevate lives through a range of celebrity-designed products. The company inspires young women to love themselves, and in turn spread the love to others. Their unique marketing initiative – designed to empower women and promote philanthropy – has struck a chord among Hollywood’s A-listers, who have signed on in droves to join the 2 LOVE mission”.

Those A-listers include Monique Coleman, Alyssa Milano, Ashanti, Molly Sims, Mischa Barton, Jessica Alba, Brittany Murphy, Mariska Hargitay, Alison Sweeney, Mena Suvari, and Michelle Branch, all of whom have designed products to raise money for charities such as Best Buddies International, the 1736 Family Crisis Center, UNICEF, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Joyful Hearts, Step Up, and more.

As well as celeb-designed T-shirts, 2 LOVE is also soon to launch celeb-designed cosmetics, and next year will feature a fashion collection designed by costume designers from Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, and many more hit shows.

To view the T-shirts currently on offer, visit the 2 LOVE website.

Look To The Stars News: Alyssa Milano

Kanye West Takes To Stage At Charity Event

Related past articles

Charlize Theron Gets A Kick Out Of Charity Soccer

Related past articles

Stars Speak Out Over Prop 8 Decision

Related past articles

Celebs To Attend Girl Prep

Related past articles

Stars Come Out For The Congo

Related past articles

Celebrities Blog In The New Year For UNICEF

Related past articles

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Related past articles

Celebrities Love 2 Love T-Shirts

Related past articles