Look To The Stars News: Blair Underwood

Kirk Douglas And Friends Feed The Homeless For Thanksgiving

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Despite the economy, joblessness and even homelessness, Skid Row residents received something special on Thanksgiving eve, a gourmet meal served by some of the best known people in the community.

Long-time Los Angeles Mission supporter and Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, along with his wife Anne, namesake of the Anne Douglas Center for Women, hosted the event for the seventh year in a row.

Kirk Douglas Hosts Thanksgiving Meal For The Homeless

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Kirk Douglas will host his annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission today, and some big stars are expected to give him a hand.

Among those expected to help out are Zoe Saldana, Blair Underwood, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilman Dennis Zine, Police Chief Charlie Beck and many others.

The Mission is celebrating its 75th year of service to the community, with special food preparation and demonstrations on the street with Kogi BBQ Chef Roy Choi – best known for the Kogi BBQ Truck (and voted “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine in 2010). Roy has worked to bring a culinary experience to Skid Row unlike any other.

Stars Support Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner, themed “Developing Minds…Delivering Dreams” is scheduled for Monday, October 24, 2011 at The Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City.

The almost 2000 Attendees include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Students, HBCU Alumni, and leaders of the community, corporate, and government sectors. Multi-Award Winning Gospel Music Artist, Pastor Shirley Caesar will be hosting the event.

Musical performances include Marsha Ambrosius, Maya Azucena, Soloist Reverend Mishael Miller, DJ R-WAN, and the Soul Play Band. Scheduled honorees include Russell Simmons, Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, John Esposito, and Ban Ki-moon. Special celebrity guest slated to make appearances include Blair Underwood, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tichina Arnold, Rockmond Dunbar, Lamman Rucker, Terrence J and Carl Lewis.

Alfre Woodard To Attend Desmond Tutu Book Event

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Alfre Woodard, Deborah Santana, Sharon Gelman, Kitsaun King, Marlene Saritzky and noted guests will attend an afternoon of food, drink, enjoyment and a special program on October 30, where Artists for a New South Africa pays tribute from afar to Desmond Tutu.

The event will celebrate the publication of Tutu: Authorized, an extraordinary new book, celebrating eighty years of Archbishop Tutu’s life,

The book features interviews with President Barack Obama, Kofi Annan, Aung San Suu Kyi and ANSA supporters Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Masekela, Deborah Santana, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard and many more.

LTTS Exclusive: Blair Underwood Talks World AIDS Day

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

On December 1, 2010 in Hollywood, LookToTheStars.org’s Erika L. Holmes caught up with actor Blair Underwood, who was honored for his dedication and work in relation to AID on World AIDS day.

Why is it so important you to attend the event tonight?

Kirk Douglas Gets Celebrity Charity Help To Feed The Hungry For Thanksgiving

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:30:00 +0000

The economy shows no appreciable improvement for the people of Skid Row – and the Los Angeles Mission has seen continued high levels of need over the past few months. But Wednesday was an opportunity for the residents of the area to gather and be thankful for what they do have.

Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, along with his wife Anne, hosted the event for the sixth year in a row. They were joined by hundreds of volunteers from the entertainment industry, government, local businesses, and community members – including Kate Linder, John Schneider, Blair Underwood and many more. Many of the volunteers were from Wells Fargo Bank, who sponsored the event with a $40,000 donation.

Bill Clinton To Be Honored At Magic Johnson Foundation Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The tenth Annual Heroes in the Struggle Gala concert and awards presented by the Black AIDS Institute and the Magic Johnson Foundation will take place at the Avalon Hollywood on World AIDS Day, December 1.

The invitation-only event will honor Bill Clinton, award-winning actor Blair Underwood, academy award winning producer and director Lee Daniels, award winning CNN correspondent and producer Soledad O’Brien, AIDS activist Marvelyn Brown, billionaire philanthropist, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, owner of WNBA’s Washington Mystics Sheila C. Johnson, award winning producer and casting director, “For Color Girls”, Robi Reed and HIV/AIDS trailblazer Frank Oldham. This year’s corporate hero is the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Cookie and Magic Johnson are this year’s co-chairs. CNN’s Roland Martin and actor/comedian Sinbad are the co-hosts. Presenters this year include TV Guide’s Tanika Ray, Hill Harper, Vanessa Williams, Tasha Smith, Danny Glover, Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier, cast members from Grey’s Anatomy, Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson and many more.

Eva Longoria To Launch TwitChange Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Eva Longoria has taken to Twitter to encourage her celebrity friends to support charity.

The Desperate Housewives superstar has enlisted the help of the stars to launch TwitChange, a massive online auction that will hit the Net on September 15. The idea is simple: TwitChange is the only global celebrity auction where Twitter users can bid to get three things: be followed by their favorite celebrity on Twitter, retweeted, or mentioned by them in a special tweet!

All proceeds from the TwitChange celebrity auction will provide AHomeInHaiti.org the means to ﬁnish rebuilding the Miriam Center. The Miriam Center houses, educates and loves on Haitian children with cerebral palsy, severe autism, and other major life challenges and is one of the only facilities of its kind in Haiti. The current facility houses children in the earthquakeʼs aftermath and is extremely overcrowded. These kids need and deserve a permanent home.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The 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, 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.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrities Join African First Ladies At Health Conference

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Fifteen first ladies from African nations have joined a host of celebrities in attending a two-day summit in Los Angeles on health, women’s issues and HIV/AIDS.

The conference – organized by US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) and the African Synergy Against AIDS and Suffering, a nonprofit organization formed by 22 first ladies from Africa – will feature appearances by Hillary Clinton, Maria Shriver (wife of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jessica Alba, Natalie Cole, Sharon Stone, Kristin Davis, Maria Bello, Diane Lane, Blair Underwood, Joely Fisher, Lawrence Bender, Pras Michel, Wolfgang Puck, Steven Seagal, Selita Ebanks (VS model), Vince Young (NFL QB), Robert Horry (former Laker), Emeka Okafor (NBA Player) and the first ladies from Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Swaziland and Zambia.

“Empowering Africa’s first ladies is an innovative approach to bettering the lives of millions of Africans,” said USDFA Chairman Ted Alemayhu. “The summit will pair these leaders with U.S. experts, key political figures and important organizations to create ongoing partnerships.”

Celebrities Sign Bags For Earth Day

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Sak’s is joining a host of companies celebrating Earth Day by offering a celebrity bag auction.

Earth Day will be celebrated on April 22 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, the Earth Day Network promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Their mission is to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet.

The celebrity bags have been signed by celebs such as Robin Wright Penn, Rosie Perez, Blair Underwood, Justine Bateman, Jessica Alba, Alec Baldwin, Sandra Oh and Mena Suvari. The bag auction will support The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign and for each dollar contributed, one tree will be planted. The conservancy has already protected over 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide.

Take The Clothes From Celebrities' Backs For Awards Season

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:02:00 +0000

February is already upon us and that can mean only one thing: the start of the Hollywood Awards Season! And to celebrate, Clothes Off Our Back is giving you the chance to bid on red carpet clothing and Hollywood memorabilia to raise money for charity.

From now until March 10 you have the opportunity to bid on items such as sunglasses owned by Robert Downey Jr and Pushing Daisies’ Kristin Chenoweth, a shirt worn and autographed by David Duchovny, clothing and a book signed by Blair Underwood, a jacket worn and signed by Mark Harmon, the gown America Ferrera wore to the Directors Guild Awards, gowns belonging to Melora Hardin, Carrie Underwood and Tricia Helfer, Teri Hatcher’s handbag, a book autographed by Jodie Foster, and much much more.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Feeding America, The Art of Elysium, Hope North and H.E.L.P. Malawi. The auction can be accessed by clicking here.

Tom Arnold Joins Love Our Children USA

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Tom Arnold is certainly no stranger to charity work, and he now adds another organization to the many non-profits he supports.

Arnold recently joined the Board of Governors for Love Our Children USA, the leading national charity that honors and respects children.

Established over 10 years ago, the goals of the organization are prevention, keeping children safe and strengthening families. Its message is positive and filled with hope. Love Our Children USA has become the go-to prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S.

Mischa Barton Joins Nicole Richie At Children's Carnival

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:34:00 +0000

The sun shone on a host of familiar celebrity faces attending a special charity children’s carnival in LA during the weekend.

Mischa Barton joined Nicole Richie and Joel Madden at the “A Time For Heroes Celebrity Carnival” in Brentwood on Sunday afternoon to raise funds for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and there was face painting and fun galore as the stars mingled with some of their youngest fans. The former OC babe sported a pair of pink angel wings for the event, and even read a children’s book – Olive My Love – to a bunch of kids who were eager to see their heroes in person.

The annual event, which has raised over $25 million over the last 18 years, also drew a plethora of other special guests, including Robin Williams, Blair Underwood, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Denise Richards. This year’s carnival was expected to generate a further $1 million for the charity.

Artists Come Out To Shake the Blues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:17:00 +0000

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.

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.