Look To The Stars News: Jenny McCarthy

Stars Come Out For HollyRod Foundation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0000

On Saturday, July 21st, the stars came out in support of DesignCare 2007, an annual fundraiser from The HollyRod Foundation to benefit adults and children battling debilitating disease and life circumstances.

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband, retired NFL quarterback and Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Rodney Peete celebrated the 9th year of this popular fundraiser, hosting a star-studded couture fashion show, an electrifying musical performance, and both live and silent auctions at a beautiful private residence in Malibu.

The night was a huge success for the HollyRod Foundation, raising more than $350,000 with the help of comedians and live auctioneers, Chris Tucker & Cedric the Entertainer. Holly, Rodney, and celebrity supporters such as Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy, Angie Harmon, Jason Seahorn, Sanaa Lathan, Quincy Jones, Amy Yasbeck, Blair Underwood and Gayle King were among those who enjoyed the breathtaking designs of Naeem Khan and danced to the funky sounds of Morris Day & The Time.

Cedric the Entertainer provided hilarious commentary for the live auction, where one special guest came away as a proud owner of the new Smart Car, which is not yet available in the U.S. and currently has a huge waiting list. Special honors were also handed out, as Maurice White, of the iconic, Grammy Award-winning music group Earth, Wind & Fire, received the Matthew T. Robinson, Jr. Award of Courage for the inspiration he provides to others as he valiantly battles Parkinson’s. The award is named after Holly’s father, Matthew T. Robinson Jr., who battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 20 years before succumbing in 2002, and inspired the formation of the HollyRod Foundation. Future NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jerome Bettis and television producers Yvette and Kyle Bowser also received awards in recognition of their commitment to providing invaluable aid to underserved individuals and groups.

“We are overjoyed by the show of support DesignCare received this year,” says Holly Robinson Peete of the exhilarating night, which included a check presentation from Anheuser-Busch, who pledged $200,000 in support of the HollyRod Foundation over the next two years. Since establishing the HollyRod Foundation in 1997 with Rodney, the annual DesignCare (formerly DesignCure) and Gridiron Glamour events have kept growing, drawing hundreds of supporters and raising millions to enhance the quality of life for adults and children all over the world facing devastating life circumstances.

The foundation recently expanded its mission to address more children’s issues, creating HollyRod4Kids. This organization is the brainchild of the Peete children, twins Ryan and RJ (9), Robinson (4) and Roman (2), and seeks to improve the lives of children living along the Gulf Coast who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and children in sub-Saharan Africa whose communities have been ravaged by civil war, famine and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Tucker taking the mic from Cedric the Entertainer and donating $100,000 to the HollyRod Foundation. Tucker then put fellow actor/comedian Eddie Murphy on the spot by asking him to match his donation. Eddie complies.

Jim Carrey bidding $30,000 and winning a private dinner at the home of Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete hosted by fellow comedians Chris Tucker, Cedric the Entertainer, Sinbad and Chris Rock.

The fashions of Naeem Khan were such a hit that actress Angie Harmon matched the winning bid of $10,000 to take home a one-of-a-kind Naeem Khan design for herself.

Eddie Murphy and current love, Tracey Edmonds, skipping the red carpet and arriving just in time for the show.

The legendary Quincy Jones showing love and gratitude to Maurice White, the famous lead singer and founder of Earth, Wind & Fire who’s been struggling with Parkinson’s disease since the late 1990’s.

Celebrity-Signed Books Up For Grabs For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

Whether you are looking for a good book to read while stretched out on the beach, or – for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere – searching for something to curl up with in bed on a frosty winter’s night, there will be something for you in the SAG Foundation’s Celebrity Autographed Book Auction.

The Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation is raising money for it’s literacy programs by auctioning off books signed by your favorite stars. Going under the hammer are titles such as The Olsen Twins’ Influence, Michael J. Fox’s Always Looking Up, Heidi Klum’s Body of Knowledge, Julianne Moore’s Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully, Tom Colicchio’s Craft of Cooking, William Shatner’s Quest For Tomorrow, Alison Sweeney’s All The Days Of My Life, Kirk Douglas’ Let’s Face It, Jenny McCarthy’s Healing and Preventing Autism, Larry King’s My Remarkable Journey, Tori Spelling’s Mommywood, Sean Astin’s There and Back Again, John Lithgow’s The Poet’s Corner and many more.

Proceeds from the auction benefit the Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s literacy effort, which began in 1992 and now includes such programs as:

BookPALS, a volunteer program comprised of performing artists who read aloud to students in schools, hospitals and libraries.
We The Children, which teaches children the value of books and the importance of their lives by giving them the opportunity to write and illustrate their family history.
Storyline Online, an online interactive website which brings the excitement of books into the classroom and home.

The auction runs until July 28 and can be accessed here.

Annual Women's Conference To Attract Big Names

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Maria Shriver will once again host the annual Women’s Conference in October, and tickets go on sale on July 13.

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

“I am honored to again be hosting what has become the nation’s premier forum for women, where the world’s greatest hearts and minds convene every year to empower women to find a common purpose, be united by a shared conversation, and see themselves as a collective WE,” said Shriver. “This year, I am urging women to take time to explore their deepest hopes and aspirations, and I hope they leave the conference with a better sense of just who they want to be — and the knowledge of how to get there.”

This year’s event is expected to feature a plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders who will endeavor to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Last year’s event included appearances by Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Russell Simmons and a special performance by Bonnie Raitt. This year will see Cindy McCain, Elizabeth Edwards, Katie Couric, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Kelly Preston, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and racing driver Danica Patrick among the featured speakers.

To find out more about the event – to be held on October 26 and 27 at the Long Beach Convention Center – visit the official website.

Natasha Richardson To Be Honored By AmfAR

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Bravo’s second annual A-List Awards will be taped in LA this weekend – ready for a broadcast later this month – and will include a special tribute to Natasha Richardson by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Hosted by Kathy Griffin, the awards show will feature appearances from Gwen Stefani, Neil Patrick Harris, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Procter, Chelsea Handler, Tori Spelling, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland and many more.

“The A-List Awards” will team up with amfAR, the organization dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research, to pay tribute to Natasha Richardson, who was a passionate spokesperson for the cause. Richardson most recently captured Bravo fans’ attention when she appeared on “Top Chef” to promote amfAR, a personal commitment since her father’s death of AIDS-related causes. amfAR – along with Richardson’s family – created a special fund for those who wish to donate in her honor all donations can be made at www.amfAR.org.

Also as part of the event, Housewives from all three Bravo series Orange County, New York City and Atlanta will meet up for a fashion face-off for charity. The women will join together for an interactive fashion show in which the A-List audience at home will vote to award $10,000 to the winning housewife’s charity of choice. Viewers can text which housewife they think deserves to win, or go online on www.BravoTV.com for video, photo galleries and to vote for their favorite.

The show will be broadcast on April 15 on Bravo.

Join Ashton Kutcher For The Super Bowl

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for someone special to watch the Super Bowl with this year? Why not try Ashton Kutcher or Jenny McCarthy?

Kutcher is hosting a VIP Super Bowl party on January 31 to raise money for the Giving Back Fund. The event will be held at a private house in Tampa – to be revealed when you purchase tickets – and the ticket price is $1000.

Established in 1997, The Giving Back Fund provides professional philanthropic management, consulting, and mentoring to athletes, entertainers and others. In the past they have worked with Ben Roethlisberger, Yao Ming, Sam Madison and many more.

Tickets are available here.

Jenny McCarthy is hosting the annual Leather and Laces VIP party on January 30 at Jackson’s Bistro to raise money for her autism charity, Generation Rescue.

Also scheduled to appear at the event are Carmen Electra and Kim Kardashian, and the event will include live entertainment by the amazing world renowned Cirque USA performers doing awe inspiring feats.

The extravaganza will take place on Friday, January 30th from 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. at Jackson’s Bistro, located in the heart of Downtown Tampa connected to the Wyndham Harbor Island and only one block from the Tampa Convention Center, Marriott Waterside and the TECO Line streetcar.

More info and tickets can be found here.

Alicia Keys Celebrity Charity Auction To Support Keep A Child Alive

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:25:00 -0000

Alicia Keys and many of her celebrity friends are coming together for a star-studded celebrity charity auction benefitting Keep A Child Alive.

The list of celebrity ambassadors for Keep a Child Alive is as extensive as it is impressive and they are urging others to support the fight against AIDS in Africa. Join Alicia and celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Bill Cosby, Britney Spears, Russell Crowe, Rachael Ray, Kirsten Dunst, Magic Johnson, Forest Whitaker, Jenny McCarthy, Josh Brolin, Denzel Washington, the NY Giants and many more as they come together to raise support and money for an inspiring cause.

The celebrity-inspired auction features numerous items that have been generously donated by some of Hollywood’s most talented and brightest stars with big hearts. Bidders have a chance to win hot items such as VIP tickets to the Black Ball hosted by Alicia Keys and Iman.

This auction package ends Monday, November 10th, so make sure to get your high bid in early. Other auction packages include autographed American Gangster posters and scripts from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, signed High School Musical poster from Vanessa Hudgens, 2 signed DVD’s of the Nanny Diaries from Scarlett Johansson, a signed Alex Rodriguez jersey, spending a day with Bonnie and Thor, the reigning King and Queen of Tweens, signed Brooks & Dunn jean jacket and photograph, a signed “How I Met Your Mother” script from Britney Spears, and many more items from celebrities such as Marlon Wayans, Mariska Hargitay, Rick Fox, Tyler Perry, Channing Tatum, the Cheetah Girls, Ryan Seacrest, Dwayne Wade, Julian McMahon and others! This group of auction packages and many others end on November 15th.

This auction is crucial for saving the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. AIDS is a growing epidemic in Africa and has left nearly 13 million children orphans, young mothers without children, and husband’s without wives. The proceeds from this auction will help provide communities with life-saving medication, support, and orphan care to keep children and families alive. Keep a Child Alive is a global initiative to help those who cannot help themselves; bidders are urged to take a stand against this fatal disease and help make a difference.

For more information and to view all the lots, visit www.auctionwire.com/keepachildalive.

Jenny McCarthy To Host Autism Motorcycle Event

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy is to host the 2nd annual Leather Meets Lace motorcycle event at the Playboy Mansion this weekend.

The event begins at 9am on Saturday, October 4, on Hollywood Blvd’s Walk of Fame, where motorcycle enthusiasts and celebrities will join together to ride for Generation Rescue to support families and children with autism. Later that evening, the event moves to the famed Playboy Mansion where Jenny McCarthy, board member and spokesperson for Generation Rescue, will host an exciting night of entertainment.

“Jenny McCarthy has made such an impact in so many lives through her work as an author, activist, spokesperson and board member of ‘Generation Rescue’ that we felt compelled to continue to raise awareness and funding for this amazing foundation.” stated Billy Gordon, founder of the Motorcycle Charities Association. “What more meaningful and beautiful place to bring her message than the Playboy Mansion, among friends and fellow supporters.”

Generation Rescue is an international movement of scientists, physicians and parent-volunteers researching the causes and treatments for autism and helping more than 20,000 children begin biomedical treatment.

More information about the Leather Meets Lace event can be found at www.motorcyclecharity.org.

Jenny McCarthy And Lance Armstrong Host Autism Poker Night

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Lance Armstrong are teaming up this Friday, October 3, for a special poker event to raise money for autism research.

Ante Up For Autism will raise money for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), an organization for which McCarthy is a spokesperson. It will feature a night of celebrity poker at its very best – featuring Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Jim Everett, Ernesto Fonseca, Jeremy McGrath, John Schneider and many others – as well as a live and silent auction.

The event will take place at the St. Regis Hotel in Monarch Beach/Dana Point, California, and there is a $500 per person buy-in for general admission tickets and a $1000 per person buy-in for poker tournament tickets. If you can’t make it on the night, special Ante Up For Autism playing cards can be purchased from TACA for $5.50.

Tickets and playing cards can be purchased by clicking here, and the silent auction can be accessed through the Gavel Group website. More information about the event can be found at www.anteupforautism.org.

Jenny McCarthy And Jim Carrey Host Autism Fundraiser

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey hosted a celebrity-studded fundraiser for autism research on Saturday night.

The gala raised money for Generation Rescue – an autism support charity established in 2005 of which McCarthy is a board member – and featured a large number of high-profile guests, including Britney Spears, Charlie Sheen, and Rose McGowan.

McCarthy is well known for her work supporting autism research, a cause she became involved with after her son was diagnosed with the condition. As well as supporting a number of organizations dedicated to children with autism, such as the TACA and the HEAL! Foundation, the model-turned-actress also wrote a book called Louder Than Words documenting her struggles to cope with a son who suffers from autism.

Jenny McCarthy will also be appearing at Maria Shriver’s annual Women’s Conference in October.

Stars Line Up For Women's Conference

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

California First Lady Maria Shriver has announced the lineup of celebrity speakers confirmed for this year’s annual Women’s Conference in Long Beach.

The event – to be held on October 21 and 22 at the Long Beach Convention Center – sold out in record time, and it is no surprise considering the plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders that will appear at the conference to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Russell Simmons are just some of the 50 speakers set to take the stage, and there will also be a special performance by Bonnie Raitt.

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

This year’s conference will include a new event – the Night at The Village – which will consist of exhibitor booths, stage presentations, book signings, shopping, food, musical entertainment, and a conversation with Rachael Ray.

“We envision ‘Night at The Village’ as the place for celebrating women, launching products for women, and having fun,” said Shriver. “The Village is our answer to a call from women for more time to just be — whether it is to mingle casually, network for work, or shop around for items and experiences that will enrich their mind, body and soul. All of this can now happen only at The Village.”

More information about the conference can be found at First Lady Shriver’s official website.

Carrey And McCarthy Walk For Green Vaccines

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy recently lead a march in Washington DC to promote toxin free childhood vaccinations and a slower vaccine schedule.

The couple support the notion that children are receiving too many vaccinations too soon. Additionally, there is a provocative yet growing belief that there is a link between vaccination toxins, including mercury, and a rise in autism and other neurological disorders in children.

Unexplainable by simple genetic reasons or public awareness, the rise in autism is five to seven times higher than the increase of cerebral palsy, mental retardation or epilepsy. In the United States, an estimated one in 150 children has some form of autism. McCarthy, whose son is autistic, feels that the US can and should provide safer vaccines.

Over eight thousand joined the rally to promote its motto: We’re not anti-vaccine, we’re anti-toxin.

In an interview preceding the march with Good Morning America, Carrey said, “We’re not here to destroy the vaccine program. We’re here to lend our voices to the millions of people who are calling for balance and moderation when it comes to the substances we give our children. They’re not bottomless pits that you can endlessly pour these substances into. You have to consider the cumulative effect. And not only that, but the possible interactions. Every other drug has interactions with other drugs and yet they assume that vaccines won’t.”

McCarthy added, “In 1983, the shot schedule was 10, and that’s when autism was one in 10 thousand. Now today, there are 36 shots and autism is one in 150… We really need parents to speak up and say, ‘No I don’t want these toxic ingredients in here and I want to space the schedule out.’ Thirty-six shots is too many.”

Jenny McCarthy Raising Awareness for Autism

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:24:28 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Sunday, September 30, actress Jenny McCarthy teamed up with TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) for their 2007 Annual Family Picnic in Irvine, California.

This extremely popular family event sells out each year, and this year more than 1,000 families with autistic children attended the event. The picnic for children affected by autism is a primary fundraiser to help TACA continue to provide important services to families affected by autism. McCarthy, who recently authored a new book Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism held a book signing during the event and was recently named as the spokesperson for TACA.

In her new role as spokesperson, McCarthy will also be hosting the Ante Up for Autism Fundraiser presented by TACA in partnership with the Orange County Business Group on October 20, 2007 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA. This worthy event promises to attract a number of celebrities including World Series of Poker champion Daniel Negreanu. With only 240 general admission tickets available, the Ante Up for Autism event is sure to be a sell-out. General admission tickets include access to an exclusive pre-event with Jenny McCarthy where she will speak about autism and her new book. If you’re feeling lucky, 90 tournament tickets are available for this event, which includes a seat in the poker tournament and admission to the “best practices” poker lecture given by professional poker players. To purchase tickets please visit: Ante Up For Autism.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a not-for-profit organization focused on building the autism community by connecting people – families, friends and professionals – and sharing information which can help children with autism be the best they can be. TACA provides support, education and information to more than 3,000 people in California who are touched by autism through monthly education and support meetings, parent mentoring, the Autism Journey Guide, and seminars and conferences. Ninety-five percent of TACA’s services are provided at NO cost. Donating to TACA offers corporations the opportunity to build public and community relations as well as improve the quality of life of employees and customers. By supporting a cause that affects one in 150 children, you are directly supporting your community.

Jenny McCarthy Releases Book on Autism

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:41:24 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy is not normally a name associated with serious issues. The actress and former Playboy Playmate of the Year from Chicago is known to be one of the funniest actresses in Hollywood, and is the author of several humorous books on not-so-humorous topics, such as pregnancy and motherhood. Yet September 18 saw the release of a book that tells a “heartbreaking story of a serious issue”, an issue that is close to her heart. Louder Than Words tells of her son’s struggle with autism, how it affected their family, and their mission to find a cure.

McCarthy’s son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism in 2002, causing him to be extremely sensitive to air and water. It is a brain disorder that affects 1 in 150 children, and can cause problems with children’s communication, social interaction, and creative abilities. It often persists through adulthood. McCarthy hopes her new book, which chronicles the hurdles Evan and his mother have faced, will help others who are in a similar position.

“This book is everything to me,” said the 35 year old star of movies such as Scream 3 and Scary Movie 3. “It’s about faith. It’s about loving your child no matter what. It’s about acceptance.”

Since Evan was diagnosed, McCarthy has been actively involved with organizations and fundraising events dealing with autism. In June 2007, she hosted a Celebrity Dinner Gala and Charity Golf Tournament for the HEAL! Foundation, which raised over $400,000 for the non-profit organization. HEAL! (Healing Every Autistic Life) was founded in 2004 by parents Bobby and Leslie Wood, and paediatrician, Julie Wood, MD. It supports families of children who suffer from autism, and is committed to helping them grow into adults that are accepted and useful members of the community. Based in Ponte Vedra Beach, it does this by addressing education, awareness, treatment, research, and prevention. McCarthy is also the new spokesperson for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), a similar organization which provides resources and support to families affected by autism in California.

Through these organizations, McCarthy approached Dr Jerry Kartzinel, of Paediatric Partners in Ponte Vedra. With his help and support, Evan is now able to express himself and hold full conversations.

“When my son was diagnosed, I had this vision in my head of him playing with his friends at a birthday party,” said McCarthy. “And on May 18, that came true. And he’s doing really great.”

The rest of September will be busy for McCarthy, with a national tour promoting the book, as well as appearances on Oprah and several other shows. She hopes her work will reach out and give hope to those in need, and will assist with increasing the quality of life for those that suffer from the debilitating disease.

“I want our children to start each day in silent meditation. I want organic cafeterias, outdoor class sessions… I want it all.”

More information on “Louder Than Words” can be found at www.talkaboutcuringautism.org and www.healautismnow.org.

Look To The Stars News: Jenny McCarthy

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