Look To The Stars News: Shannon Elizabeth

Star Power At Evening of Electric Youth

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:25:00 -0000

Singer Deborah Gibson hosted an Evening Of Electric Youth last week at Café La Boheme in West Hollywood for a benefit event for the Gibson Girl Foundation, and Look To The Stars was there.

The evening included dinner & live performances from Pop/Broadway star Deborah Gibson; Ryan Black’s 88’s Cabaret, stars from television, stage & film and special performances from the kids from “Deborah Gibson’s Electric Youth.” The was also an auction of rare items from The Fray, the Jonas Brothers, New Kids On The Block, Pierce Brosnan, Donny and Marie Osmond, Paris Hilton and others, as well as amazing travel packages, tickets and backstage passes to top Vegas shows, an intimate musical evening with Deborah Gibson, and more.

The Gibson Girl Foundation awards scholarships to young performers. In 2008 alone, Gibson Girl Foundation provided more than $75,000 in scholarships to kids in need allowing them to attend the Los Angeles Summer Camp of “Deborah Gibson’s Electric Youth” as well as songwriting intensives, recording boot camps, and the New York City Winter Camp of “Deborah Gibson’s Electric Youth.”

Joining Gibson at the event were Jeremy Piven, Shannon Elizabeth, Lorenzo Lamas, Jonathan Knight, Vivica Fox, Michael Rosenbaum, Nolan Funk, Samantha Droke, John Lloyd Young, Dick Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten, Greg Fellows, Gabrielle Union, Hayley Hasselhoff, Nathalia Ramos and many more.

To watch a special video of Look To The Stars at the event, click here.

Photos copyright Mario Sanchez.

Kim Kardashian Hosts Charity Poker In The Playboy Mansion

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Saturday, July 11, the Playboy Mansion and the Kardashians will host the ‘Aces & Angels Celebrity Poker Tournament’ to benefit Aces and Angels, an organization which raises money for families of Southern California firefighters who were either injured or killed in the line of duty.

Kim Kardashian will host the event alongside sisters Khloe and Kourtney, and their mother Kris, as dozens of Playboy bunnies, playmates, top models, Hollywood celebrities, and the poker stars attend the highly anticipated event being held at the Playboy Mansion.

The event, which is being emceed by 11-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, has already received RSVP’s from: Nicole Richie, Jayde Nicole (2008 Playmate of the Year), Sara Jean Underwood (2007 Playmate of the Year), the Ikki twins (featured in Playboy and MTV’s Double Shot at Love), actress Shannon Elizabeth, recording artist Ryan Cabrera, Jerri Manthey (of Survivor and Playboy fame), retired baseball player Jose Canseco, and poker professionals Jamie Gold, Annie Duke, Greg Raymer, Nenad Medic, Isabelle Mercier, Marcel Luske, Gavin Smith, David Williams and Steve Dannenmann.

Ticket prices for the event range from $1,000 to $3,500, but even the most basic package includes access to the Playboy Mansion grounds, pool area, and grotto, along with a gourmet dinner and an unlimited amount of premium liquor. More than $50,000 in prizes will be distributed at the poker tournament, with a grand prize of ‘the ultimate Vegas fantasy giveaway’ which includes a four-day, three-night stay in a high-roller suite in Vegas, a VIP foursome at a Golf Gone Wild golf tournament (featuring 150 nude body-painted models), a helicopter tour of the Vegas Strip and the Grand Canyon, a skydiving trip, and more.

For more information please visit Aces-Angels.org.

Deborah Gibson To Host Charity Night Of Electric Youth

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Deborah Gibson will be joined by a long list of celebrities on Tuesday, April 28, at Café La Boheme in West Hollywood for a benefit event for the Gibson Girl Foundation. The evening will include dinner & live performances from Pop/Broadway star Deborah Gibson; Ryan Black’s 88’s Cabaret, stars from television, stage & film and special performances from the kids from “Deborah Gibson’s Electric Youth.”

Additionally, a silent & live auction will include rare items from The Fray, the Jonas Brothers, New Kids On The Block, Pierce Brosnan, Donny and Marie Osmond, Paris Hilton and others, as well as amazing travel packages, tickets and backstage passes to top Vegas shows, an intimate musical evening with Deborah Gibson, and more.

Expected celebrities include: Deborah Gibson, Jeremy Piven, Shannon Elizabeth, Lorenzo Lamas, Jonathan Knight, Vivica Fox, Michael Rosenbaum, Nolan Funk, Samantha Droke, John Lloyd Young, Dick Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten, Greg Fellows, Gabrielle Union, Eden Espinosa, Dave Coulier, Zoe Myers, Scott Bakula, Sharon Case, The Clique Girls, Brando Eaton, Lisa FOXX, Savvy & Mandy (Radio Disney) and others.

The event is open to the public and General Admission Tickets are available for only $25 (Includes performance); Premiere tickets $100 (Includes dinner and performance with main floor seating); and VIP Tickets $250 (Includes VIP preferred seating, VIP menu selection, performance, private post-performance meet-and-greet with Celebrities and Electric Youth Performers, a photo with Deborah Gibson, a VIP Gift Bag, and cocktails).
Tickets available at www.DeborahGibsonsElectricYouth.com.

Celebrity Gift Lounge Aims To Feed LA

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

As Hollywood gets ready for the 22nd Annual Kids’ Choice Award this week, Melanie Segal’s Celebrity Lounge is where celebrities are celebrating before the show.

Located in the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and the brain child of Platinum Publicity’s Melanie Segal, the lounge invites celebrities to enter a lounge where they will receive the latest in gifting while helping out a great cause. For every celebrity guest that attends the lounge, Stouffer’s is donating 1,000 meals to LA’s needy. They are planning to “Feed LA for the Day” by donating funds to pay for approximately 70,000 meals. Feeding America and the LA Food Bank will be on hand at the event. Celebrities will also be asked to autograph an arcade-game from Dream Arcades, which will be auctioned off for charity.

“This is a great time for people to escape from the worries of the economic climate and enjoy themselves!” says owner of Platinum Publicity, Melanie Segal. “We’ve been hearing so much negativity in the news lately — it’s nice to just forget about all of that, be a kid again, receive some fun gifts, and give back to society at the same time! I think it’s what a lot of people really need right now!”

From the moment celebrities enter the lounge they can expect lots of fun and surprises. Guests will play on Dream Arcade games and Dance Dance Revolution. Big kids will try exotic teas at the Tea Bar and little kids can eat from the Candy Bar. Caricaturists, airbrush tattoo artists, Tarot Card readers and Grammy Award winning pianist/composer Charles Segal will entertain guests, and ManiPedi Cutie will be polishing nails.

Guests so far have included Pete Sampras & Bridget Wilson, Wayne Brady, Calista Flockhart, Adam Gregory (90210), Sally Field, Eric McCormack, Patricia Heaton, Don Cheadle, Monica Potter, Katie Price & Peter Andre, Shannon Elizabeth and many more.

Celebrities Take A Gamble On Charity

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Over 430 celebrities, VIPs and poker superstars went toe to toe last weekend in the 7th Annual World Poker Tour Invitational poker tournament at Commerce Casino to benefit charity partner, The Vine Group USA (TVG).

In the end, professional player Freedy Deeb bested actor Nicholas Gonzales at the final table to win the event, then donated $34,000 from his first place prize to the charity, bringing the total funds raised for the non-profit organization to more than $112,000.

“This event has become the most popular on the poker circuit, and this year’s record field shows it,” said John Griffo, Director of Poker Operations at Commerce Casino. “Everyone loved that they were able to play while giving back. We look forward to making this an even bigger and better element in years to come.”

Each year, Commerce Casino puts up a $200,000 prize pool for participants to win. This year, WPT and Commerce Casino added a new twist by allowing players to “re-buy,” or make a donation to The Vine Group USA and receive additional chips to keep playing and increase their chances of winning a piece of the prize pool. The new element was a hit, with almost 90 percent of the field opting to participate. One hundred percent of the re-buy proceeds will help provide scholarships, textbooks, and technological equipment to academic institutions in various English-speaking countries in Africa.

“This is huge,” said Mekhi Phifer, Chairman of The Vine Group USA. “The funds raised will allow us to complete the Mekhi Phifer Research Center we are currently building in Nigeria, which will service more than 100,000 students as well as neighboring universities. Our goal is to save millions lives by providing the tools for education and the ability to build a future full of possibilities.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about the positive impact this will have,” said Steve Lipscomb, WPT Founder, President and CEO. “To be able to give back in times like these is a very good feeling, and what makes it even more exciting is that it was the collaborative effort of hundreds of people who learned about an important cause while having fun and playing the game they love.”

Don Cheadle, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Joel Madden, Benji Madden, Nicky Hilton, Jon Hamm, Michael Vartan, Jennifer Tilly, Oliver Hudson, Danny Masterson, Camryn Manheim, supermodel Helena Houdova, Jose Canseco, Ricki Lake, Marlon Wayans, Shannon Elizabeth, Tia Carrere, Lou Diamond Philips, Vanessa Branch and Shanna Moekler were among the many celebrities at the tables trying their hand against poker pros like Mike Matusow, Mike Sexton, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Chip Jett, Andy Bloch, Gavin Smith, Jaime Gold and Erik Seidel.

The WPT Invitational will air in two-part one-hour episodes on Fox Sports Net May 24 and May 31. Check your local listings or visit www.worldpokertour.com for more information.

The Vine Group USA is a non-profit organization established in 2000 to provide educational resources to tertiary institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to alleviate poverty and help in building a workforce necessary for a sustainable economic development.

Bid For Signed Coffee Cups For Charity

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fancy sitting down for a cup of coffee and helping to fight breast cancer at the same time? Now you can, with the launch of the Second Annual Nonni’s Biscotti Celebrity Mug Auction.

The auction launches today, October 1, and features over 90 pink Nonni’s mugs signed by some of your favorite stars. 100% of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the auction features cups signed by Barbara Walters, Montel Williams, Zachary Levi, Jason Mewes, Joel Madden, Debra Messing, Cameron Mathison, Daniel Goddard, Julianne Hough, Shannon Elizabeth, Susan Lucci, and many more.

Nancy Brinker created Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of her dying sister’s wish to speed up research and make the treatment process a little more esthetic and feminine friendly. A global breast cancer movement was launched, “fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.”

“We are proud to help raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment that will hopefully eliminate this disease one day,” said Nonni’s marketing manager Matt Duffy, “We hope this charity auction will not only help raise funds, but also increase awareness about breast cancer.”

The auction can be accessed via eBay and runs until the end of the month.

The Chips Are Up For Africa

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Second Annual ‘Ante Up for Africa’ poker tournament was held on July 2nd in Las Vegas, and drew an impressive field of poker pro’s, celebrities and athletes – all of who helped make the event a success by raising over $400,000 for charity.

The event, co-hosted by humanitarian/actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke, is already having a positive impact in Darfur – notably in reference to a UN Security Council vote authorizing a peacekeeping force in the area. “It wouldn’t have taken place [without us],” said Cheadle.

“It’s just great to see everybody,” Cheadle said as the event began.

The mood was comical at some tables,“All the tournaments I’ve ever won have been for charity,” said actor Jason Alexander. “When there’s no actual money for me, I’m very good.”

Adam Sandler cracked his first joke as the first hand was dealt, “I just want to hurry up and lose my money and go home to my wife.”

Matt Damon busted out of the tournament early, while seasoned poker pal Ben Affleck made it all the way to the final table before losing to John Hennigan.

Affleck said he remains optimistic about the situation in Darfur, “I do think that [Sudan’s leaders] are afraid of the next administration being tougher, and are probably a little bit more willing to be more cooperative. But I’m optimistic about what’s going to happen.”

Other celebrities who kicked in the $5k for a spot at the felt included Charles Barkley, Jennifer Tilly, Shannon Elizabeth, Ray Romano, Casey Affleck, and poker pro Phil Helmuth among others.

The tournament benefited two charities: ENOUGH, a project co-founded in 2007 by the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress; and Not On Our Watch (NOOW), a group co-founded by Cheadle, Damon, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Stars Take A Gamble At Charity Poker Tournament

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:01:58 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Look To The Stars reporter Delinda Lombardo recently attended the star-studded World Poker Tour Invitational in Los Angeles and caught up with some of the celebrities involved.

On March 1-3, celebrities and poker professionals hit the felt for the 6th Annual World Poker Tour Invitational at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. More than 100 celebrities were invited to compete for a seat in the WPT Championships while raising money for charity, including a side pot worth nearly $30,000 that went entirely to charity in the names of the final 13 celebrities in the field. The three title charities of the event, guaranteed to receive at least $2,500 each, were Soles United, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Harbor Private Funds.

Poker professionals, including Phil Laak, Shawn Sheikhan, Allen Kessler, Kathy Liebert, Jennifer Tilly, Billy Baxter, David Pham, Kenny Tran, and Antonio Esfandiari (who was just named the official spokesperson for the WPT) flocked to the highly successful event, which is now in its sixth year.

Actor James Woods has already established himself as one of the ‘best celebrity’ poker players out there. After losing his brother to a stroke in 2006, it came as no surprise that he plays for the American Stroke Association Charity.

“I’m playing for my brother,” he told me.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss was also playing cards, but it was Lakers forward Ronnie Turiaf who came out a winner. Turiaf has been coping with a heart aliment that didn’t seem to stop him from making the best of it.

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “You know, things happen for a reason, and I just try to make the best of it. God tests us all in different ways.”

And part of this ‘test’ includes corroboration with NBA player/poet/humanitarian Etan Thomas. Thomas recently underwent open-heart surgery. When I asked Turiaf what charity he was playing for, he dropped the bomb on me:

“Right now, I’m working on putting together something with Etan Thomas so we can help others going through the same thing,” he said. “Etan and I talked about it when I went to Washington, my part is going to be here and his part will probably be in Washington. We’re hoping to have it established later this year.”

The name of his foundation – Heart to Heart.

“You know, heart to heart,” he said with his hand over his heart. “As in my heart and his heart, and our hearts reaching out to others.”

Another celebrity taking the time to discuss his charitable efforts was actor Nicholas Gonzalez (Undressed). Gonzalez plays poker on a regular basis, but was much more interested in promoting his charity than his poker skills. Gonzalez was playing for Friends of El Faro, an organization that helps needy kids and families in Tijuana, with celebrities making routine visits across the border into Mexico. When asked about his role, he was quick to take the attention off himself.

“You know, it’s a great cause that I’ve been working with for a while,” he said. “One of the biggest proponents of El Faro is [”Molly Sims":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1062-molly-sims], who has a contract with Cover Girl. They even supported her work, went down there and talked to the younger girls, made up their faces and took pictures. Also Shannon Elizabeth, Adam Rodriguez, and especially Sharon Lawrence, who has been a really huge supporter – there’s a lot of celebrity friends. We used to have big gala every year in Hollywood that’s very well attended, but really, like I said it’s about getting down there, it’s not about who anybody is, it’s about spending time with the kids. We do everything from build playgrounds, to rebuilding kitchens, to knocking down walls – that kind of thing. "

Also on the red carpet was actor Justin Henry (The Junior Defenders), sitting in for actor Heath Ledger, who recently passed away. When asked about his charity, Henry simply stated “I’m playing for Heath.”

Numb3rs actor Will Wheaton walked the Red Carpet while commenting on his Curious George doll, “My son gave it to me for good luck.”

Actor John Hawkes (American Gangster, Deadwood) was knocked out of the poker tournament early on, so I spent some time chatting with him about his charity efforts. Had he not been eliminated, his winnings were earmarked to help save a few animals.

“I love animals,” he said. “So I would have given it all to support Friends of Animals in Utah, they do really great work and are a worthwhile cause that really I believe in.”

Hawkes in also involved with the 1-Second Film Project, a non-profit collaborative film that anyone can be part of. Hawkes is listed as one of the celebrity producers, along with Brett Ratner, Spike Jonez, and Kiefer Sutherland, who are raising money while creating the Worlds Biggest Short Film. All profits raised by the finished film will be donated to the Global Fund for Women.

Tom Everett Scott (Cashmere Mafia, Saved) was playing for a cause close to his heart.

“I’m playing for autism” he said prior to the tournament. “It runs in my family so it’s really important for me to personally get involved.”

Brian Baumgartner (The Office) was there to help raise money for those writers who were affected by the writers strike.

“I’m playing for the Motion Picture and Television Fund for the below the line workers that were affected by the writers strike,” he commented. “Its really an important organization that does a great deal of good work.”

Other celebrities in attendance included Mimi Rogers, who was playing for the Dream Foundation, actor Dwayne Adway (Into the Blue_), who was very proud to support the Creative Coalition, and James Kyson Lee (_Heroes) who has been inspired to start his own foundation.

“I’m just getting it established” Lee happily stated. “Im really excited about being able to help others and give back, I’d like to help the children in some way.”

Other celebrities in attendance included actor Don Cheadle, Meat Loaf, Ryan Stiles (Drew Carey Show_), Donnie Wahlberg (Kill Point_), Mekhi Phifer (E.R_.), Eric Paladino (E.R.), Jonathon Schaech (Prom Night_), Joshua LeBar (Entourage_), Joshua Morrow (Young and the Restless_), Lukas Haas (Death in Love_), comedian Doug Benson, Camryn Manheim (Ghost Whisperer_), Louis Lombardi (Sopranos, 24_), Jeremy Sisto (_Law & Order, Six Feet Under), Andy Milner (Weeds), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Michael Vartan (Big Shots, Never Been Kissed), Ron Livingston (The Time Traveler’s Wife), Tia Carrere, and Andy Hirsh (Big Love).

Congratulations to the winner of the event, Van Nguyen, who became the first female in history to win a mixed WPT tournament. She is married to poker pro Men ’The Master" Nguyen.

Wyclef Plays for Pick Your Charity Poker

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:38:13 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Vail Hold ’Em Poker Event for Your Cause, held last month in Vail, Colorado, raised nearly a quarter million dollars for various charities. Hosted by Mario Lopez, with Wyclef Jean performing many of his popular hits, a host of celebrities competed to win $100,000 for their charity of choice.

Competing stars included Kelis, Joey Fatone and Boyz II Men playing for The Fatone Family Foundation and Lift Up America, and Shannon Elizabeth playing for her own charity Animal Avengers. Also playing were James Kyson Lee, Danny Masterson, Robert Iler, Kevin Brown and Jason Chambers.

Chris Masterson, playing for Citizens Commission on Human Rights, made it to the final round but lost to investor Mark Lotke, the only top prize winner, who donated his $100,000 to the Spotlight Foundation. Wyclef Jean was supporting his own charity, the Yéle Haiti Foundation.

Following the poker championship were live and silent auctions. The Alex Rodriquez 500 baseball bat, which went for $15,000, was the biggest hit.

Such was the event’s success that it has already been decided to make it an annual occasion.

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