Look To The Stars News: Dakota Fanning

Celebrities And Elephants Never Forget About Charity

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

They say an elephant never forgets… and this new celebrity charity auction will give you something to remember forever.

A host of celebrities have put their time and effort into the latest Elephant Project celebrity charity auction by donating special packages to go under the hammer. Each package consists of an 8×10 photo of a celebrity posing with the elephant, a signed Elephant Project card by that celebrity, and a special elephant beanie baby!

Celebrities taking part include the Jonas Brothers, Tina Fey, Corbin Bleu, Jane Krakowski, Dakota Fanning, Rob Thomas, Nick Cannon, Hill Harper, David Arquette, Christopher Meloni and many more.

Stand Up To Cancer Announces Celebrity Lineup

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

An extraordinary line-up of actors, musicians, athletes and journalists have banded together for Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), the groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising funds to accelerate innovative cancer research bringing new therapies to patients quickly that will saves lives now.

Stand Up To Cancer will return to primetime TV on September 10, 2010, at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT. The one-hour fundraising event will be simulcast live and commercial-free on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Bio, Discovery Health, E!, G4, HBO, HBO Latino, MLB Network, mun2, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, The Style Network, TV One, and VH1.

Executive produced by Laura Ziskin, the special will be hosted Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, and Brian Williams (the anchors, respectively, of the CBS, ABC and NBC evening news programs), and will feature numerous celebrity cancer survivors who exemplify that cancer can affect even the smartest, strongest and toughest people in our lives. Those expected to participate include Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Fran Drescher, Elizabeth Edwards, Delta Goodrem, Michael C. Hall, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sharon Osbourne, Robin Roberts, Maura Tierney, Sofia Vergara, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Ethan Zohn.

Zac Efron And Friends Stand Up To Cancer With Celebrity Charity PSA

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

More than a dozen of Hollywood’s young stars have joined together for a new public service campaign called “Change The Odds,” in support of Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), an initiative raising critical funds for innovative cancer research. The SU2C “Change the Odds” PSA launched online today and will be featured on the upcoming SU2C broadcast event on September 10.

The cast includes Zac Efron, Dakota Fanning, Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Logan Lerman, Kristen Bell, Jon Heder, Aubrey Plaza, Zachary Levi, Sofia Vassilieva, Clark Duke, Olivia Munn, Naya Rivera, Donald Faison, Aaron Yoo and William Moseley. The PSA can be viewed here.

Bono Leads Celebrity PSA For (RED) Charity

Sun, 02 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

(RED) has announced the launch of The Lazarus Effect Campaign, a multi-platform campaign across TV, online and print, including an HBO documentary airing on May 24, that will help raise awareness of the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine for those living with HIV in Africa.

Launching April 29 on HBO, the awareness campaign will roll out across various TV and online networks in the coming weeks. The campaign equates the relative value of 40 cents by comparing trivial items worth 40 cents e.g. a stick of gum, a smear of lipstick — to the value of one day’s worth of life transforming antiretroviral medication.

The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, features Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Claire Danes, Alek Wek, Iman, John Turturro, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Liu, Gabourey Sidibe, Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, LeAnn Rimes, Jane Lynch, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwen Stefani, Hayden Christensen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Don Cheadle, Ludacris, Common, Benicio del Toro, Dakota Fanning, Christy Turlington and the Jonas Brothers.

Stars Come Out For A Stellar Night For Charity

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:00 +0000

At the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s annual A Stellar Night gala on Friday, March 19, 2010 at The Century Plaza Hyatt Regency Hotel, Starlight presented Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield, Co-Founders of California Pizza Kitchen, with its 2010 “Heart of Gold Award” and Noel R. Wallace, President of Colgate U.S., with its “Jacki Carlish Humanitarian of the Year Award.”

Co-hosted by jazz great and Starlight Global Ambassador Dave Koz and actors and StarPower Ambassadors Chris and Kyle Massey, the night also featured live entertainment from the legendary Dionne Warwick and young recording artist Maddie Lauer.

Co-chaired by Starlight board members Carol Savoie, David Getson and John Rosenberg, “A Stellar Night” showcased inspirational stories from Starlight families and paid tribute to humanitarians, who are helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation.

More Stars Join Charitybuzz Heal Haiti Auction

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Taylor Swift, Bono, Kristen Stewart, Lady Gaga and Dakota Fanning are the newest stars participating in the Heal Haiti Charitybuzz Auction.

They are joining celebs including Kate Bosworth, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Lorraine Bracco, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Chris Martin, Larry King, Gisele Bundchen, Tom Brady, Julianne Moore, Paula Abdul, Ben Stiller, Jimmy Kimmel, Heidi Montag, Gilles Marini and David Beckham, who have all donated time, experiences, and coveted collectibles to raise funds for more than a dozen organizations on the ground in Haiti through charitybuzz.

Taylor Swift is auctioning off the dress she wore at the Hope for Haiti telethon to benefit Oxfam International.

Pipeline To A Cure A Huge Success

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Honorary co-chairs and surf legends Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama welcomed guests to the 2nd Annual PacSun Pipeline to a Cure event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday night, July 18. The evening brought together the surf world to support the direct positive effect surfing has on those afflicted with cystic fibrosis and raised nearly $300,000 for research and patient care in the process. The Pipeline to a Cure campaign was initiated after research showed that young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who surf had healthier lungs.

The event featured a special headline performance from Shiny Toy Guns which included their popular songs Ghost Town, Le Disko and We Are The One. During the 14-song set lead singer Chad Petree even brought up his close friend and publisher Tim James (along with friends Steve McClintock and Chuck Martin) for a jam session of “The Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors. The night also featured a performance from former American Idol Season 8 contestant Kai Kalama alongside his brother Ryan Kalama as part of the band Off White. Chris Cote, Editor-in-Chief of TransWorldSURF, served as emcee for the evening which included a live auction with radio personality Shawn Parr of Go Country 105. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation honored Mike Sullivan of LAcarGUY as their 2009 PacSun Pipeline to a Cure honoree. For the second year in a row, Mike Sullivan generously donated a new Toyota Prius to the opportunity drawing. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ambassador Emily Haager was the evening’s star guest as she received warm wishes from the night’s biggest guests and gave a moving speech about her battle with CF during the program.

The Surf Is Up For Cystic Fibrosis

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Pro surfers Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama will lead a group of celebrities and surfers – including Andy Irons – at the 2nd Annual PacSun Pipeline To A Cure event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this Saturday, July 18, at Huntington Beach, California.

The evening will bring together the surf world to support the direct positive effect surfing has on those afflicted with cystic fibrosis. The event will feature a special headline performance from Shiny Toy Guns, along with former American Idol Season 8 contestant Kai Kalama. Chris Cote, Editor-in-Chief of TransWorldSURF, will emcee the evening which includes a live auction with radio personality Shawn Parr. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has chosen Mike Sullivan of LAcarGUY as their 2009 PacSun Pipeline to a Cure honoree.

During the silent auction, PacSun Pipeline To A Cure will auction off items including celebrity autographed Havaianas flip flops from Zac Efron, Dakota Fanning, Chris Pine, Eva Longoria, Kate Bosworth, Selena Gomez, Hayden Panettiere and more. Shaun White has donated an autographed snowboard in addition to other celebrity items from Kelly Slater, Shia LeBeouf, Ryan Sheckler and more. For the second year in a row, Mike Sullivan has generously donated a new Toyota Prius to the opportunity drawing.

LTTS Exclusive: Shane's Inspiration Shooting Stars Gala

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ lead host Michele Vink attended the star-studded Shane’s Inspiration gala in LA on Saturday, and met one of the children who benefit from the charity’s efforts.

“I will sing for everybody in the world….Once I see some people. I will walk on stage on my legs!” His brand new robot legs to be exact.

These are the words of the brave young Spencer that I interviewed briefly before he prepared for his musical performance. Tonight he would be singing with some of his other friends from Shane’s Club Children’s Choir. I asked him for a preview of the song from the musical, Wicked, that they were to perform later that night but was denied so I would pay special attention for his important stage entrance.

Join The Shining Stars At Shane's Inspiration Gala

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A charity that aims to eliminate bias against children with disabilities by creating accessible playgrounds and programs that integrate children of all abilities is to hold a star-studded gala this Saturday, March 14.

Hosted by Joe Mantegna, the Our Shining Stars gala will benefit Shane’s Inspiration, a charity established in 1997 after founders Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams lost their son, Shane Alexander, to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type I: Werdnig-Hoffman Disease) only a few weeks after his birth.

Expected to attend the gala are Dakota Fanning, Slash, and former NBA Star and current NASCAR racer Derek Strong. Guests will be treated to cocktails, dinner, Rockstar Photobooth, entertainment from comedian Chris Fonseca and a special auction featuring a donated one-of-a-kind collaborative painting. Paraplegic artist Tommy Hollenstein – who paints with the wheels of his wheelchair – created the painting with the collaboration and signatures of sixteen rock stars, including Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Slash, and members of Incubus, Santana, The Cars, The Knack, and The Cult.

“We Have to Do This:” Stars Urge Answer To Obama’s Call To Service

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Actors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have recorded a star-studded “Presidential Pledge” in collaboration with MySpace and Katalyst Films to encourage Americans to get involved in community service via USAService.org. The move is part of an effort to answer President Barack Obama’s call to begin the “work of remaking America.”

During his inauguration speech on January 20th, President Obama asserted that despite all that “government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”

“The price and promise of citizenship,” according to Obama, is that “we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world.”

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

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

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.

Teen Power At Charity Gala

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +0000

A host of Hollywood’s most exciting and energetic teenage stars attended the ‘Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth’ event held at the Nokia Theatre in L.A. on Saturday night.

The event celebrated the activism of the young Hollywood community with an afternoon full of performances and activities for patients and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and “produced an opportunity to harness the enthusiasm and activism of the young Hollywood community in a focused effort to encourage their peers and audiences to get involved in philanthropic and humanitarian causes.” Making an appearance at the gathering were the Jonas Brothers, Hilary Duff, Miranda Cosgrove, Miley Cyrus, Dakota Fanning, Selena Gomez, Angus T. Jones, Demi Lovato, Corbin Bleu, Elle Fanning, Eliza Dushku, Olivia Thirlby, Ashley Tisdale and Emma Roberts.

“Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth campaign is a powerful one; one that harnesses the energy of more than 150 young performers who are in a position to influence their peers and fans,” said Brian Gott, associate publisher of Variety. “With the support of Target and our other sponsors, the Power of Youth effort has the opportunity to generate millions of dollars to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and create a bedrock of social awareness within the next generation of entertainment.”

Hollywood Philanthropy: LA GOAL

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Celebrity Ambassador Rachel Zeskind has been voluteering at L.A. GOAL for several years, and shares her enthusiasm for the work they do in her latest column:

L.A. GOAL is an organization that has developed innovative programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Their vision is ‘to create a more open society where their members and all people with developmental disabilities can achieve their highest level of independence, including employment and full inclusion in the community’.

The organization is a non-profit agency that provides Independent Living Skills training for adults with developmental disabilities. Their programs offer vocational training, counseling, family support, social interaction, sports, and visual/ performing arts that encourage independence and feelings of self-worth. Through its art and outreach activities, L.A. GOAL educates the community about the abilities of people with developmental disabilities.

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.

First Star's Children’s Rights Celebration

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:16:24 +0000

First Star’s fifth annual Celebration for Children’s Rights takes place on the evening of June 7, 2008 and honors humanitarians and visionaries who are devoted to helping children, and to support First Star’s legislative, public awareness and professional education programs to help abused and neglected kids across the country.

Dakota Fanning has confirmed her spot at the event, which will be held at the Wilshire Ebell in Los Angeles. First Star is a national public charity that has attracted such star supporters as Salma Hayek, Pierce Brosnan, Katherine Heigl, Kristin Davis, Debbie Mazar, Sir Ben Kingsley, Macy Gray, Gary Marshall, and many more.

  The ‘Come Be a Kid Again’ theme will prevail as celebrities turn in their traditional black tie clothing for jeans and tennis shoes for carnival games, live music, and a special performance by members of the original Los Angeles cast of Wicked.

Eat From Your Favorite Celebrity's Plate!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:35:18 +0000

“Let them eat cake,” said Marie-Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, and now you have the chance to do just that – eat cake from a plate designed and signed by one of Tinsletown’s finest.

The auction, currently underway at the Auction Wire website, features one-of-a-kind plates from stars such as Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, and Carmen Electra, and is raising money for the Parkinson Society Maritime Region – an organization in Canada that aims to be the voice of Maritimers living with Parkinson’s disease. Funds will be used to supply services such as exercise programs, speech therapy, massage therapy, conferences, and workshops, and will also be used towards the National Research Program of the Parkinson Society Canada.

“The Parkinson Society is thrilled that so many celebrities from a variety of backgrounds – movies, television, politics, the arts – have come together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and raise funds through this auction of celebrity designed plates,” said Paul McNair, executive director of the Parkinson Society Maritime Region.

Stars Record Public Service Announcement

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:44:27 +0000

Ben Affleck, Dakota Fanning, Eva Mendes, Garth Brooks, Jeremy Piven, Joaquin Phoenix, Morgan Freeman, and Reese Witherspoon have filmed a Public Service Announcement for all Americans, stating that the country’s health care and financial security crisis is about to explode. But if people on both sides of the issue would start a dialogue, the problems are not insurmountable.

The video is part of the American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) “Divided We Fail” project, an initiative that has just garnered support from the Entertainment Industry Foundation and the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF).

“We need to build a national conversation around these issues,” said AARP CEO Bill Novelli, who is more than happy with the union. “The entertainment industry is uniquely suited to help us do that.”