Look To The Stars News: Autism Speaks

Bruce Springsteen To Rock Autism Concert

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Autism Speaks is proud to announce the next performance in their Concert for Autism series.

This year’s star-studded event will feature comedian Jerry Seinfeld, with a special appearance by “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen. The evening will be hosted by NBC’s Meet the Press moderator, David Gregory, on November 17, at world famous landmark Carnegie Hall.

The event will benefit the families and individuals who live with autism every day by supporting research, awareness and family services initiatives

Jamie Foxx, Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Seth Rogen, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, Glenn Close, Céline Dion, Will Ferrell, Edie Falco, Troy Aikman and Harry Smith are a few of the many committee members supporting this unprecedented, one-of-a-kind event. Serving as the evening’s honorary Co-Chairs are Sir Elton John, Senator Al Franken, Donald and Melania Trump, Ambassador Nassir Abdul Aziz al Nasser and Mrs. Muna Rihani Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, and Ernie and Liezl Els.

Event sponsorships include entry to a VIP reception prior to the concert, and preferred seating in Carnegie Hall. For inquiries on sponsorships or individual tickets for the 2009 Concert for Autism, please contact us via e-mail at ConcertforAutism@AutismSpeaks.org.

Celebrities To Perform Acts of Love in October

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:41:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Stars such as Debra Messing, Alfred Molina and Zachary Quinto are gearing up to perform Acts of Love in support of Autism Speaks.

Acts of Love is Autism Speaks’ annual awards reception celebrating those who have made a difference in the Autism Community. The event raises funds and awareness which allows Autism Speaks to continue its work in finding a cure for autism.

International performers and celebrities including Adam Arkin, Benjamin Bratt, Austin Butler and Michael Chiklis, make up some of the cast which will perform an array of readings and quotes for the 7th Annual Acts of Love event. Also taking part are Emmanuelle Chriqui, Gary Cole, Michaela Conlin, Keith David, Carla Gugino, John Heard, Mary McDonnell, CCH Pounder, Amanda Seyfried, Amber Tamblyn and Lynn Whitfield.

Musical performances will include vocalist Niki Haris with Tim McAfee-Lewis & New Thought and The Agape House Band.

Many more celebrities are expected to walk the Red Carpet.

Autism affects 1 in 150 children born today, making it the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet still receives less than 5% of the research funding going to less prevalent childhood diseases. Autism Speaks aims to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders through funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism.

Acts of Love will take place Saturday, October 3rd, at Santa Monica City College on the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, starting at 5 p.m. with a VIP & Celebrity Pre-Show. The theater doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the performance and Awards Presentation.

To find out more or purchase tickets, visit the Acts of Love website.

There is currently a call for help with ticket sales and volunteers; those interested in getting involved “behind the scenes” should email Emma Petievich at epetievich@autismspeaks.org.

Yoko Ono’s Promise On World Autism Day

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Artist Yoko Ono’s two-metre jigsaw puzzle mural, called Promise, is being auctioned piece by piece to raise money for Autism Speaks. The art work was unveiled on April 2 on the United Nation’s World Autism Awareness Day.

Yoko explains the mural’s white clouds on blue sky, already missing some pieces: “Once the solution for autism is discovered, we will see the sky shimmering in its original beauty, with no holes.”

Her long-time friend, Peter Brown, explains the 67-piece acrylic puzzle further: “She met John [Lennon] in ’67 and, coincidentally, there are an estimated 67 million people around the world with Autism.”

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that effects language development and the ability to have social relationships. Autism Speaks funds research into its causes, preventions, treatments and support for families affected by it. The charity also raises awareness, and attention is exactly what autism is getting.

On World Autism Awareness Day, many world leaders spoke out. US President Barack Obama issued this statement: “…We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes and discrimination. Policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and we must ensure that everyone has the chance to live independently as full citizens in their communities. For too long, the needs of people and families living with autism have gone unrecognized and underappreciated. That is why my administration supports increased funding for autism research, treatment, screening, public awareness, and services for Autism Spectrum Disorders.”

Austism Speaks says: “It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.”

Heroes Come To The Rescue For Autism

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of NBC’s Heroes will be excited to learn about an event to take place in April featuring the cast from the hit show, live music from Band From TV, and a silent auction – all to benefit children with autism.

Heroes For Autism will take place on April 19 at the Avalon Hollywood, and will kick off with a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction featuring art work designed and created by the cast and crew of Heroes. Guests will then enjoy a concert performance by the ‘Band From TV’ – featuring Greg Grunberg, Adrian Pasdar, James Denton, Jesse Spencer, and Bob Guiney – and a special performance by the show’s music composers Wendy & Lisa. Wendy & Lisa will perform their music from the series, as well as music from their newly-released CD, ‘White Flags of Winter Chimneys.’

General admission to the event is $70, although $200 will buy you a VIP ticket that includes entry to the cocktail reception and early bids on auction items. All proceeds from the evening will go to Autism Speaks, an organization that funds global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism. Autism Speaks also raises public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society, and brings hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

There will be over 80 pieces of art from 22 artists up for auction – including works from Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia – featuring a range of mediums, including photography, painting, drawing, and animation. The auction will continue until 8:30 p.m. and at 9:30 p.m. the winners will be announced.

For tickets or to learn more about the event, visit the Heroes For Autism website.

Yoko Ono To Auction Artwork On World Autism Awareness Day

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Yoko Ono – artist, singer and widow of former Beatle John Lennon – is to unveil a new mural titled at UN headquarters next month in honor of World Autism Awareness Day.

Titled Promise Piece, the mural is to be auctioned off in support of the non-profit group Autism Speaks, and will be revealed at an event that marks the 2nd Annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2.

The artwork is to broken apart into smaller pieces, and the 58 signed puzzle pieces will be auctioned throughout the month of April, with the caveat that they are to be “re-united” and re-assembled when the cure for autism is found. The event will be sponsored by the Chilean Mission.

  "I am proud to partner with Autism Speaks in promoting awareness and advocacy for children with autism," said 76-year-old Ono. “World Autism Awareness Day is not only a day to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, but also to celebrate another big step towards healing our world.”

WAAD was created by the UN General Assembly in 2007 to increase public awareness about autism and to stress the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, and is one of only three health issues honored by the UN with its own special awareness day. Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, will hold a series of national and international events to mark the second annual celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, on multiple continents and in venues ranging from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to the United Nations.

“Last year’s WAAD events were a remarkable success, and we are confident that the scope of this year’s activities will help elevate autism as a topic of international discussion and exploration,” said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “On this day, we will highlight the tremendous contributions of individuals with autism, as well as the strength and dedication of their families. Together, we are inspiring compassion, inclusion and hope by building a global autism community whose voice is finally being heard.”

To find out more about WAAD events, visit the Autism Speaks website.

Walk-On Role In New Steve Carell Film Nets $14,000 For Charity

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

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Do love Tina Fey? Do you love Steve Carell? Do you love charity? Of course you do – that’s why you are reading this article!

Lovers of the comedy titans Tina Fey and Steve Carell recently got their chance to not only help others, but also to win a big screen debut with their favorite comedians, when the online charity auction site CharityFolks.com offered bidders a walk-on role in the upcoming Fey/Carell flick Date Night. The event brought in $14,000 and will benefit the community focused organizations DreamYard and The Urban Ecology Institute.

Fey and Carell are no strangers to charity. Carell is an avid supporter of pediatric cancer and has used the special premieres of two of his recent films for the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund. Fey has used her comedic genius to participate in events such as 2007’s A Night of Too Many Stars to bring attention to Autism as well as raise proceeds for Autism Speaks and Autism education programs.

Love Ride 2008 Attracts The Big Names

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

20,000 motorcyclists from across the U.S. and around the world rode in the 25th Annual Love Ride late last month and raised over US$1 million for Southern California-based charities.

The event – which was hosted by Jay Leno and featured celebrity riders such as Gene Simmons, Peter Fonda, Robert Patrick, Rutger Hauer, Larry Hagman, Mark-Paul Harry Gosselaar, Michael Trucco (Battlestar Galactica_), and Carmine Giovinazzo (_CSI: NY) – culminated in a concert featuring the Foo Fighters, ZZ Top, and members of Velvet Revolver.

The annual Love Ride – held along the West Coast of the US from Glendale to Pomona – has raised over $21 million since it was launched in 1984, and is now one of the biggest one-day motorcycle events in the world. Beneficiaries of this year’s event included the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Autism Speaks, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Reading By 9 Child Literacy Initiative, Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, Catholic Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Special Olympics of Southern California, Frostig Center, Scleroderma Foundation, Glendale Community College, Rett Syndrome Foundation, Optimist Youth Homes & Family Centers, Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation, Friends of Castaic Lake, and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Autism Speaks With Acts Of Love

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Autism Speaks is inviting you to a special evening of theatre featuring Bill Pullman and Joe Mantegna.

Acts of Love 2008 is a one-night only literary and musical celebration of Miracle Workers with inspiring celebrity readings and musical performances to raise money for autism. It is a WordTheatre production created, produced, and directed by Cedering Fox. Autism Speaks is proud to partner once again with WordTheatre and the entire entertainment community to inspire creativity, heighten awareness and draw support for families affected by autism.

In 2007, an ensemble cast performed a celebration children in the words of those who love them. Through ticket sales, sponsorship and donations the event benefiting Autism Speaks raised more than $185,000 for autism research and treatments.

Joining Pullman and Mangtegna are Marc Blucas, Linda Cardellini, Matt Dallas, Keith David, Gary Dourdan, Peri Gilpin, Tess Harper, Sally Hawkins, Sung Kang, Camryn Manheim, Adrian Pasdar, Julia Sweeney and Charlayne Woodard.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, affecting 1 in 150 children born today. Despite the high prevalence and growing health care costs associated with caring for a child with autism, autism research receives less than 5% of the research funding of many other less prevalent, childhood diseases.

The show is on November 10 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. More information and tickets can be found here.

Look to The Stars Asks Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik

Fri, 09 May 2008 11:35:08 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

John Ondrasik, the recording artist behind the pop-rock sensation Five For Fighting, has been offering Americans support and inspiration for more than 10 years. His song, Superman (It’s Not Easy) became an anthem after the 9/11 attacks, and was performed at The Concert for New York City in late 2001, and then added to the charity album Live in the X Lounge IV.

His support has continued through a USO tour of Guantanamo Bay and other bases in Cuba in February/March of 2007, followed by a tour of Japan, Guam and Hawaii in November. That same month he coordinated the release of 13 free songs for US military members called CD for the Troops consisting of tunes from Billy Joel, Gary Sinise, Brooks and Dunn, Jewel and many others.

Ondrasik created WhatKindofWorldDoYouWant.com, the first video charity website, early last year. Based on his song, World, the website offers a place where people can go to be creative and entertained, while supporting charity.

John was kind enough to take some time to answer our questions about what inspires him, and what he feels people can do to make a difference.

Where did the idea for What Kind Of A World Do You Want come from?

We’d noticed over the years how folks would make home movies to a few of my songs. We thought, in this age of You Tube, we’d build a platform to allow expression and raise money for good causes at the same time.

You’ve made a few changes to the site over the last year, how is it going? Are you pleased with the response and the way it is growing?

Now that we have a sponsored model (companies and private individuals send donations) we are raising more money. Still, the beauty of the site to me is the community and cathartic nature that the comments and videos have on those who make and watch them. To see a couple hundred families with Autistic children make there own video’s shows the potential of what we are doing…

What do you hope to achieve with the site?

I think the combination of an individuals creativity combined with the desire to give to something to those in need has no bounds.

Why do you think people should take an interest in the site and visit it?

Beyond the charitable aspects, there are some great videos. Some are educational, some are amusing, but virtually all will make you think and move your spirit…

What was your inspiration behind the CD For The Troops? Why is this issue important for you?

I think it’s our duty to do our part for those who secure our freedom. I can’t pick up a gun and go to Iraq, but I can try and help morale by producing efforts that express or appreciation and thanks to our troops and their families. The best thing about the CD is that is non-partisan with artists for both sides of the political worldview. Whatever we think about policy, we must never forget that over our nations history 2.8 million soldiers have died for that luxury.

In the aftermath of 9/11, you played benefit several concerts for New York. How did the attacks affect you? Do you think it affected the nation in a philanthropical way… do people want to help each other more?

I think after 9-11 the country rallied spiritually. It showed the character of New York and America as a whole. Sadly we’ve lost some of that. I do think the press does not focus on how philanthropic American’s are, both private and corporate. I’ve been blown away by some great work done by corporate America for various causes and met some amazing people who change the world every day. American’s are for the most part incredibly caring and giving.

Do you believe America is a nation of givers? Can the nation do more on a personal level? A national level?

I guess I answered that question. We can always do more but we have to smart with our efforts and our dollars. We don’t need photo ops we need to commit to causes and have partnerships around the world. Charities need to be responsible to their donors and we need to be better at getting resources to those who need it.

Why do you think it is important to give freely and help others?

Giving is a selfish enterprise; you always get more than you give.

Where do you find your inspiration to help others?

From those who have given much more than I ever will.

At the present point in time, what do you think is/are the biggest problems, social and/or environmental, facing the world today? What can people do about it? How can 1 person make a difference?

We can all make a difference in our private circle of influence and in the larger world. Taking your child to a VA fundraiser or Special Olympics is as voluble as writing a big check. Every person can find his or her way. As far as problems in the world, I’ve always been a fan of that which allows us to proper and help each other. Until every man, women and child has Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Religion, and basic human rights we can’t rest.

Do you have any more ideas or future plans involving philanthropic work that may interest our readers?

We’re working on CD for the Troops II and continuing to focus on whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com.

Do you have a personal message for our readers?

I just took my son to a Stephen Hawking lecture this week, and I’m sure Hawking would agree. Look to the Stars.

Thanks so much for your time, John. We wish you the greatest success merging music with philanthropy!

Those wishing to help support John’s efforts can visit WhatKindofWorldDoYouWant.com, buy a CD in support of US Troops, or purchase a Five for Fighting charity bracelet from the Do Good Jewelry Collection.

Stewart to Host Night Of Too Many Stars

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:53:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart is set to host the Night Of Too Many Stars, an “Overbooked Concert For Autism Education”, on April 13th. The music-and-laughter-packed event will be televised live from The Beacon Theatre in New York City.

Some of the guests joining the comic news anchor in the fundraising efforts are Matthew Broderick, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Conan O’Brien, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Proceeds of the evening will be split among autism education programs, including new schools which provide vocational and life skills for teenagers and adults with autism, and outreach programs which provide training and consultation to families of young autistic children. A portion of the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks, an organization which funds research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, while raising public awareness about the disorder.

Other performers spending their time raising autism awareness at the event are Will Arnett, Rosie O’Donnell, Maroon 5, Kevin James and Amy Poehler. Past performers have included Martin Short and Ricky Gervais.

Autism is a growing concern in the US, as one in 150 children is diagnosed with the neurological disorder, and the number of new cases is growing rapidly. Severely autistic children are unable to communicate and understand, leaving them incapable of functioning normally in the world; even playing with other children can be impossible.

For ticket information and more information about the event, visit the Night Of Too Many Stars website.

Stars Keep On Giving

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:28:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The giving just keeps on going this holiday season, with a whole bunch of celebrities donating items to charity auctions, and others taking the time to attend events and fork out massive amounts of money for good causes.

Such was the case on December 11, when the husband and wife team of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith paid $50,000 for a pair of artworks by Joan Miro and Salvador Dali at an auction in Chile.

“They bought the two works for a price much higher than their commercial value, because the proceeds of the auction went to [”UNICEF":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-unicef]," said Denise Ratinoff, head of the auction house that ran the event. “It was virtually a donation to UNICEF, and it helped a lot. Their presence in the auction made many other people also pay steeply for what they purchased.”

The previous day, on the other side of the world, another auction also saw generous donations for a good cause. A classic car belonging to actress Sharon Stone was sold for $400,000 at a charity auction during Dubai’s fourth international film festival, with the money going to the American Foundation for AIDS Research, of which Stone is the Global Fundraising Chairperson.

The 1961 Lincoln Continental was valued at only a fraction of the price it attracted, and went to a mystery bidder. It was the biggest item to be sold at the event, which drew other celebrity guests such as Michelle Yeoh and Hayden Christenson, and raised a total of $3 million for the charity.

Rockers Linkin Park launched their third charity auction through their non-profit organization, Music for Relief, last week, and raised thousands of dollars for survivors of the November 15 cyclone in Bangladesh.

The band donated items such as VIP concert tickets and a customized Xbox to the eBay auction, and were joined by donations from Avril Lavigne, the Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna, Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, and the Deftones, with all proceeds going to the humanitarian organization, CARE.

Over 3,500 people were killed during the cyclone, and many more were left homeless, with the government seeking $2.2 billion in foreign aid to assist with helping survivors. The auction followed Linkin Park’s auction in November to raise money for victims of the California wildfires.

That auction may have finished, but one still running right now offers bidders a vehicle with a difference – a BugE. If you don’t know what a BugE is (or even how to pronounce it – the advertising information says it is pronounced “Bugeeeeeeeee”), then you are not the only one. However, to enlighten you a little bit, a BugE is a clean, green cross between a motorcycle and a three-wheeled car that draws its power from electricity stored in batteries, instead of from harmful liquid fuels. And this particular BugE up for sale has been signed by nearly 100 different celebrities, such as John Legend, Rodney Peete, Ne-Yo, and Chris Daughtry.

The eBay auction runs until December 20, and 30% of the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks to help people who struggle with this debilitating condition.

Another celebrity stepping into the world of internet auctions this month is Brad Pitt, who is going to part with his favorite gray hat. Pitt and his gray cap have seemed inseparable since he moved to New Orleans, and he has worn it for photos, at the Beowulf movie premier, and even during his recent Larry King Live interview. But now he is going to throw his hat into the ring, so to speak, for charity, with all proceeds going to his Make It Right organization. There will be more information when the auction dates are finalized.

And finally today, Paris Hilton is set to make a splash with her new champagne in a can, Rich Prosecco.

The hotel heiress was in Berlin, Germany, last week to launch her new “bubbly blonde” drink – which comes in original, passion fruit, and strawberry flavors – and to announce that 20% of all sales will go to a charity that provides fresh drinking water to those in need.

“It is the perfect ‘starter drink’ for your night out,” said the 26-year-old. “Or a special pleasure as a reward for the end of your day.”

The drink will be released in the US early next year.

John Ondrasik Asks What Kind Of World You Want

Tue, 08 May 2007 18:58:56 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting has started a charity music video community. The site, www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com, offers the public the chance to upload videos which explain the type of world in which they want to live.

At the end of every video viewers can click on the sponsor link; each click donates up to 49 cents to one of the charities chosen by Ondrasik. He encourages submissions, saying, “There are no rules here, your film can be personal, political – write a story, tell a story – anything goes.”

The charities benefitting from the website include Fisher House Foundation, Breast Cancer 3-Day, Save the Children, Autism Speaks, Save The Music Foundation and New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund. John tells us that another charity, Augie’s Quest will be added within the next few months.

For those who need more of a reason to create a video, there are prizes on offer. The grand prize winner will be chosen at random from the 20 most popular videos, and will be treated to a private concert with John Ondrasik including roundtrip airfare and lodging for two in Los Angeles.

Look To The Stars News: Autism Speaks

Bruce Springsteen To Rock Autism Concert

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Yoko Ono’s Promise On World Autism Day

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Heroes Come To The Rescue For Autism

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