Look To The Stars News: Entertainment Industry Foundation

Carrie Ann Inaba iParticipates At Food Bank

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

ABC’s Dancing with the Stars judge and iParticipate celebrity ambassador Carrie Ann Inaba donated her time – along with 50-plus volunteers – for a day of service at the Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 21.

The event was part of the iParticipate initiative that Look To The Stars reported on earlier this week, in which celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Blythe Danner, Morgan Freeman, Faith Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Baker (CBS’ The Mentalist), Emily Deschanel (FOX’s Bones), Eva Longoria Parker (ABC’s Desperate Housewives), Julia Louis Dreyfus (CBS’ The New Adventures of Old Christine), Masi Oka (NBC’s Heroes), Michael Strahan (FOX’s Brothers), Kate Walsh (ABC’s Private Practice) and Rainn Wilson (NBC’s The Office) have joined with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to encourage people to volunteer for good causes.   

Inaba joined her fellow volunteers in sorting and packaging food for distribution to needy residents of Southern Nevada. Three Square is the only food bank in Las Vegas and prepares more than 8 million meals annually for underprivileged families.

The photo shows iParticipate celebrity ambassador Carrie Ann Inaba, center, and UnitedHealthcare employees Brian Elkjer, left, and Jay Sivasailam at the Three Square food bank in North Las Vegas during the event.

Photo © Isaac Brekken/UnitedHealthcare

Inaugural Noble Awards Celebrate Hollywood Philanthropy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars was proud to be part of the inaugural Noble Awards on Sunday, October 18 – an event that honored a host of charities and the celebrities that support them, elevating awareness of the significant impact of their work.

Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the event honored Morgan Freeman with a lifetime achievement award, as well as Laila Ali (Women’s Sports Foundation), Billy Bush (Lollipop Theater Network), Kenny Edmonds (Stand Up To Cancer), Teri Hatcher (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles), Norman Lear (Playing for Change), Joel Madden (The Art of Elysium), AnnaLynne McCord (The Blind Project), Nancy O’Dell (Best Buddies International), Eva Longoria Parker (Padres Contra El Cancer) and Brett Ratner (DoSomething.org).

Lionel Richie was on hand during the ceremony to present an award to Joel Madden, who attended the event with Nicole Richie and his brother Benji.

“I want to welcome him to our family and present this Noble award to a guy I love very much – Joel Madden!” said Lionel as he introduced Joel to the crowd.

“They are just as much a part of it,” said Madden, paying tribute to Nicole and Benji. “Nicole does just as much as I do with Art of Elysium and all the charities we work with. And so does Benj – Benj actually does more then I do, and he plays the guitar better then I do, so he is a little more entertaining for the kids.”

Madden later Twittered about the emotions he felt as he accepted his award: “Just left the NOBLE awards. Got an award that was really for the people at the Art of Elysium. Awesome folks and I’m humbled to know them. By the way got totally choked up when I got my award. I hate thinking about kids in the hospital, they should be getting the awards not us.”

The award itself was designed by Antonio Banderas, with personal touches added by children who participated in The Art of Elysium workshop at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Morgan Freeman received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work and dedication to over a dozen non-profits. Freeman’s diverse charitable efforts include working with American Red Cross, Artists for a New South Africa, the Campaign for Female Education, Earth Biofuels, Grenada Relief Fund, Mississippi Animal Rescue League and Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman has also done PSAs for Sierra Club, and a number of Entertainment Industry Foundation campaigns, covering issues like colon cancer prevention, health care reform and volunteerism.

“I think so often we don’t know that our gestures matter,” said Teri Hatcher, who was also honored. “I think when you get involved in your local community charity you really do see you make a difference and it’s empowering for you.”

Look To The Stars was at the awards, and we will bring you more about the fantastic event over the coming days.

Stars Want Fans To iParticipate In Charity Initiative

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The Entertainment Industry Foundation has mobilized the entertainment community around a groundbreaking initiative designed to inspire a new era of service and volunteerism.

Called iParticipate, the initiative aims to show what we can achieve when we all pull together. A number of celebrities have given their support to the campaign, including Michelle Obama, Blythe Danner, Morgan Freeman, Faith Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Baker (CBS’ The Mentalist), Emily Deschanel (FOX’s Bones), Eva Longoria Parker (ABC’s Desperate Housewives), Julia Louis Dreyfus (CBS’ The New Adventures of Old Christine), Masi Oka (NBC’s Heroes), Michael Strahan (FOX’s Brothers), Kate Walsh (ABC’s Private Practice) and Rainn Wilson (NBC’s The Office).

As a centerpiece for this initiative, EIF has enlisted major broadcast networks including, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, for an unprecedented, week-long television event beginning Monday, October 19. Tune in to seven days and nights of television and watch how your favorite TV shows and personalities shine a light on the power of community service.

The rate at which Americans volunteer regularly has not increased in 40 years and has generally remained around 26% of the population, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While volunteerism usually declines during periods of economic distress, volunteerism is currently on the rise in America, particularly among young people, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.

EIF has also produced a series of public service announcements to reinforce the importance of volunteerism. Through these PSAs, EIF will also recognize and encourage support for five key areas of service: Education & Children, Health & Well Being, Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, and Support for Military Families.

To coincide with the week of programming, hundreds of employees working at entertainment industry companies are answering the call to serve with organized volunteer projects throughout Los Angeles. Planned projects include:

Tuesday, October 20
Paramount Pictures, NBC Universal and United Talent Agency (UTA) will team up to make food packages for families at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Thursday, October 22
Warner Bros. Entertainment employees will be planting trees in Griffith Park, which was devastated by fires last year, in partnership with TreePeople.
WME Entertainment will volunteer at the Lowman Special Education Center with The Art of Elysium, a program that helps children battling serious medical conditions.
Fox Entertainment Group, International Creative Management (ICM) and Screen Actors Guild(SAG) will work side-by-side with CITY YEAR corps members to beautify Carthay Center Elementary School.

Friday October 23
Sony Pictures Entertainment,AEG and Paradigm will build homes for Habitat for Humanity at the first LEED certified housing development in the city of Lynwood.

Saturday, October 24
Disney | ABCTelevision Group and Creative Artists Agency(CAA) will assemble holiday care packages for military troops with Operation Gratitude at the Van Nuys National Guard Armory.

Other entertainment organizations who will volunteer this week include: CBS, Directors Guild of America, Nickelodeon, Producers Guild of America and Writers Guild of America.

Also as part of the initiative, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars judge and iParticipate celebrity ambassador Carrie Ann Inaba will donate her time along with 50-plus volunteers for a day of service at the Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 21st at 10:30 AM.

Inaba will join her fellow volunteers in sorting and packaging food for distribution to needy residents of Southern Nevada. Three Square is the only food bank in Las Vegas and prepares more than 8 million meals annually for underprivileged families. Inaba supports numerous charities along with “iParticipate” including the Face Foundation and Rescue Train.

To find out more about iParticipate, to watch PSAs, or to take part in this amazing revolution of volunteerism, visit the official website here.

Look To The Stars Helps Promote Hollywood Philanthropy At Noble Awards

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Look to the Stars is pleased to announce that we will work year-round with The Noble Awards to promote philanthropy in Hollywood.

The inaugural Noble Awards, taking place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, October 18, has announced five new award honorees. The Blind Project, The Lollipop Theater Network, Padres Contra el Cancer and Playing for Change will be honored along with six previously announced charities. In addition, Morgan Freeman will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. The two-hour event, hosted by “Access Hollywood’s” Billy Bush, seeks to annually honor up to a dozen charities and celebrities who actively support them, elevating awareness of these organizations and the significant impact of their work.

Celebrities who will accept awards on behalf of the charities being honored include Laila Ali (Women’s Sports Foundation), Billy Bush (Lollipop Theater Network), Kenny Edmonds (Stand Up To Cancer), Teri Hatcher (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles), Norman Lear (Playing for Change), Joel Madden (The Art of Elysium), AnnaLynne McCord (The Blind Project), Nancy O’Dell (Best Buddies International), Eva Longoria Parker (Padres Contra El Cancer) and Brett Ratner (DoSomething.org). During the ceremony, each will be presented with an award sculpture, designed by Antonio Banderas, with personal touches added by children who participated in The Art of Elysium workshop at the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Brian McKnight and Julio Iglesias, Jr., along with Emily Bear and Timothy Mitchum will provide live musical performances throughout the evening.

“We are delighted to present these eleven distinguished charities and their celebrity supporters with the inaugural Noble Award,” stated Janeen Mansour, creator and executive producer of The Noble Awards. “With the presentation of The Noble Awards, our goal is to turn the spotlight back onto these celebrities and charities to provide recognition, to educate, to inspire, and to encourage even more support from the Hollywood community and the public at large.”

Morgan Freeman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work and dedication to over a dozen non-profits. Freeman’s diverse charitable efforts include working with American Red Cross, Artists for a New South Africa, the Campaign for Female Education, Earth Biofuels, Grenada Relief Fund, Mississippi Animal Rescue League and Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman has also done PSAs for Sierra Club, and a number of Entertainment Industry Foundation campaigns, covering issues like colon cancer prevention, health care reform and volunteerism.

“The Entertainment Industry Foundation is pleased to be a part of the inaugural Noble Awards,” said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of Entertainment Industry Foundation. “We are honored and so proud to present our dear friend and exceptional actor Morgan Freeman with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding charitable work and ongoing contributions to so many important social causes.”

The Noble Awards will kick off the “Be A Noble” Movement, a perennial effort to encourage each and every person to “Be A Noble,” and inspire them to give back and take action with a purpose on a global scale. Some of these initiatives include:

Look to the Stars will work year-round with The Noble Awards to promote philanthropy in Hollywood.

As part of next year’s Cup with a Cause program, 7-Eleven, in collaboration with The Noble Awards, will produce a series of celebrity-designed coffee cups featured in stores nationwide. A minimum of $250,000 will go towards each participating celebrity’s charity of choice. During The Noble Awards’ cocktail hour, guests will be asked to design cups as part of the program.

Participant Media and Takepart.com, the official “action” platform for the Awards, have partnered with the “Be A Noble” Movement to provide the Foundation with a web platform to showcase the work of all the organizations they are honoring throughout the year.

ONEHOPE Wine has bottled an award-winning varietal of wine to be labeled “NOBLE.” 100% of all proceeds from each bottle will go towards the “Be A Noble” Movement, to be distributed among the honored charities.

Rumblefish Jewelry will design a jewelry line based on The Noble Awards and “Be A Noble” Movement, where a percentage of sales will be donated to Noble charities.

Additional partners include EIF/iParticipate, The Hollywood Reporter, Audi, Beverly Hilton, Mobile Cause, Rosenthal and GoodSearch.

As the film industry has the Oscars, television the Emmys and the music industry the Grammy Awards, the charity community and its most dedicated Hollywood supporters will gain global recognition with the staging of The Noble Awards. Produced on behalf of the Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, a non-profit organization, the first annual awards will take place on October 18, 2009. The Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation will launch a year-round movement to BE A NOBLE to better unify the efforts of charities with celebrities, influencers, media and everyday citizens in order to create an effective forum for change and service. For more information, please visit www.thenobleawards.org.

Gwyneth Paltrow Encourages Volunteers In PSA

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow and her mother, Blythe Danner, have teamed up to appear in a new PSA encouraging people to volunteer.

The ad is sponsored by the Entertainment Industry Foundation and United Healthcare and aims to get more people interested in helping at a community level.

“The biggest blessing in life is to realise your personal power – community work brings families closer together,” says Paltrow in the ad. "Doing good for others, doing positive action – help always comes back around and enriches your life. It’s the biggest gift you could ever give yourself.

“Join us in volunteering.”

To watch the ad, click here.

Christina Applegate's Charity To Benefit From Celebrity T-Shirts

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Actors, musicians and athletes have designed and autographed one-of-a-kind “I Love. . .” t-shirts to be auctioned off to benefit Christina Applegate’s foundation Right Action For Women.

The auction is in connection with Lee National Denim Day on October 2, one of the largest single day fundraisers for breast cancer in the country.

Celebrities who have lent their support include: Fergie, apl.de.ap & Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas, the cast of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” Ashley Tisdale, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Jennifer Morrison, Carrie Ann Inaba, Gabrielle Union, Fran Drescher, Tiffani Thiessen, Tim Daly, and Melissa Gilbert. The tees will be auctioned off on charityfolks.com. Bidding begins today and will end on October 2. Proceeds will benefit Right Action for Women.

“I’m overwhelmed by so many familiar faces who have designed a t-shirt to help Right Action for Women which is all about getting high-risk women screened appropriately for breast cancer,” said Applegate. “I’ve been honored to be this year’s Lee National Denim Day ambassador and this t-shirt embodies the spirit and power of the campaign.”

Applegate is currently serving as ambassador for Lee National Denim Day which benefits the Women’s Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). The campaign encourages people to wear their jeans on Friday, October 2, in exchange for a $5 donation to support crucial breast cancer research. Visit denimday.com to sign up.

“Christina is such a powerful leader in the fight against breast cancer, it’s no surprise her peers are standing up to show their support for her and the fight to end this disease once and for all,” said Liz Cahill, VP of Marketing and Communications for Lee Jeans. “We’re thrilled to see the positive response and hope to see Americans follow her lead by joining us for Denim Day this October 2.”

As part of the fundraising campaign, the limited edition “I love life” t-shirt is available for purchase on denimday.com. denimday.com/. Five dollars of every $19.99 purchase will benefit Right Action for Women.

Since its inception in 1996, Denim Day has raised more than $75 million to fight breast cancer.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Leads Diabetes Campaign

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Dwayne Johnson has joined with Novo Nordisk, a world-leader in diabetes care, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, to encourage families to get active together as a means to help prevent diabetes.

As an ambassador for the Diabetes Aware campaign, Johnson will appear in a public service announcement (PSA) to educate families about the prevalence of diabetes and the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle.

The PSA is part of the ongoing Diabetes Aware educational campaign sponsored by Novo Nordisk and the EIF. The campaign aims to reach the 24 million Americans who are living with diabetes, as well as the estimated 6.2 million Americans who are unaware that they have the disease, to underline the importance of detection, monitoring and proper management of diabetes.

A lifelong athlete and known for starring in family-friendly movies, Johnson recognizes the value of a healthy lifestyle in helping to prevent and manage diabetes for both children and adults.

“I’m honored to serve as an ambassador to the Diabetes Aware campaign, and I want to encourage families to be active and eat right,” said Johnson. “Small steps can go a long way in managing diabetes, its complications, and raising healthy, active children.”

With the launch of this new PSA, Johnson becomes the latest celebrity ambassador to join the Diabetes Aware program since its inception in 2004. Past ambassadors include Halle Berry, Cuba Gooding Jr., Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Kline and Jon Lovitz among others.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and believe Dwayne Johnson is a great ambassador for the Diabetes Aware program based on his dedication to reaching families, both on-screen and off-screen,” said Andrew Purcell, Vice-President of Strategic Business Development at Novo Nordisk. “This partnership truly exemplifies Novo Nordisk’s dedication to prevention and ultimately changing diabetes.”

For additional free patient education resources, visit www.ChangingDiabetes-us.com.

Celebrities To Run And Walk For Women

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) has announced that Revlon spokeswomen Jennifer Connelly and Jessica Alba, along with NBC late night host Jimmy Fallon, will host the 2009 EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

The organization has also announced that Emmy-nominated star of ABC’s “Samantha Who” Christina Applegate will join with Miley Cyrus, her mother Tish Cyrus, Revlon spokeswoman Beau Garrett and “Dancing with the Stars” Carrie Ann Inaba at the Los Angeles event the following week on Saturday, May 9 during Mother’s Day weekend.

EIF’s Revlon Run/Walk event is one of the nation’s largest single-day fundraisers to support women’s cancer research, counseling and outreach programs in New York City and Los Angeles.

The 12th annual New York race starts in Times Square and finishes in the East Meadow of Central Park and attracts nearly 40,000 participants. The 16th annual Los Angeles Race takes place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park and attracts close to 60,000 participants each year. The EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women was launched in 1993 through the combined efforts of Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman, chairman of Revlon, Inc. and EIF. Since inception, nearly $55 million in grants have been made from the combined events in New York and Los Angeles.

“Hundreds of thousands of women and men have come out year after year to support the cause and for loved ones who have been personally affected by cancer. Their devotion and commitment to finding a cure is what has made the EIF Revlon Run/Walk so successful,” says Ronald O. Perelman, chairman of Revlon, Inc., co-founder of the Run/Walk and co-founder of the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program. “Through significant advancement in education and research, so many women today are finding resources and treatments made available to them and with that aid they are beating the odds and surviving cancer.”

Proceeds from past EIF Revlon Run/Walks have funded cutting-edge research, contributing to the development of the breakthrough gene treatment Herceptin as well as other targeted therapies, bringing new and innovative treatment approaches to women’s cancers worldwide. Monies raised have also helped numerous organizations in providing education, advocacy and outreach services to those affected by women’s cancers.

“The heartfelt support that we receive each year for this event is overwhelming,” says Lilly Tartikoff, co-founder of the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women and co-founder of the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program. “Every single person that participates helps to take us one step closer to a cure. Without our loyal supporters we would not be able to do this.”

“We are truly grateful to the entertainment community for their invaluable support, helping us raise much-needed funds for crucial research and support programs to help the women we love,” said Lisa Paulsen, president and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. “Step by step, all who participate in this even bring change and hope to women everywhere, like my cousin Dawn. She heard our message to get screened and went for her first mammogram at age 40 to learn she had early stage breast cancer. While this has been a challenging year for her, she’s going to be okay.”

2009 New York event beneficiaries include: Actors Fund of America, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, CancerCare, Cancer Control Center of Harlem, Cancer Schmancer, Gilda’s Club NYC, Gouverneur Healthcare Services, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Nassau University Medical Center – The Breast Imaging Center, National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Women’s Cancer Research Alliance, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York, William F. Ryan Community Health Center, and the YWCA of Brooklyn.

2009 Los Angeles event beneficiaries include: AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research & Training, Cancer Schmancer, Citrus Valley Medical Center, Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance, Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program, Team Survivor Los Angeles, UCLA Digital Mammography Program, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital, Wellness Community, and Women of Color Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Project.

Information about the event is available here.

Gwyneth Paltrow And Courteney Cox Honored For Charity Work

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Gwyneth Paltrow and Courteney Cox were honored at the 14th Annual Saks Fifth Avenue’s Unforgettable Evening benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund in Beverly Hills last night, February 10.

The annual event raises much needed funds each year for innovative cancer research, and recognizes one remarkable individual for his or her unwavering commitment to the cause.

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow received the 2009 Courage Award. She, along with her mother, Blythe Danner, and brother, Jake Paltrow, established the Bruce Paltrow Fund in memory of her father who lived with oral cancer for several years. The Bruce Paltrow Fund, set up through The Oral Cancer Foundation and with support from the EIF, works to prevent oral cancer through public education, early detection and patient support. In 2008, Paltrow served as ambassador for EIF and Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE Initiative, appearing in a nationwide public service announcement to raise funds and awareness for women’s cancers.

Courteney Cox was presented with the 2009 Nat King Cole Award for her dedication to helping people, especially those near to her, who have battled cancer.

The evening included a special performance by Beyoncé Knowles and featured guests such as Jennifer Aniston, David Arquette, Sheryl Crow, Lisa Kudrow, Laura Dern, Jennifer Meyer and Tobey Maguire, Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, Josh Groban, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Kirk Douglas, Jessica Capshaw, along with EIF’s WCRF honorary chairs Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, EIF’s WCRF co-founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Jamie Tisch, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie, and Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills’ Vice President & General Manager Larry Bruce.

Black Eyed Peas To Help Underprivileged Youth

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Underprivileged youth in California have been given the chance to get involved in film and music programs thanks, in part, to hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas.

The group – through their charitable Peapod Foundation – have formed an initiative with the Adobe Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to give kids the opportunity to interact with their community through music, dance, video and art.

“As a group, we’ve made a commitment to help give teens the artistic tools and opportunities to help them realize their fullest potential,” said frontman will.i.am, “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Adobe Youth Voices (AYV), we are able to expand our vision and give even more kids a chance to be productive, enterprising adults.”

Last year, the Black Eyed Peas opened the first Peapod Academy, a state-of-the-art music and educational/recording facility serving foster care youth and other at-risk teens, at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club.

The new joint Adobe Youth Voices/Peapod Academy sites plan to expand worldwide, building on more than 160 sites in 31 countries. The facilities include a high-tech curriculum developed by AYV with the latest multi-media production tools and mentoring programs. Past students enrolled in AYV programs have had their work showcased at venues such as the Sundance Film Festival and the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival

The Adobe Foundation’s commitment includes a $1 million cash donation along with other in-kind support, including a comprehensive training program designed for youth and educators, and volunteer support from Adobe employees. The Peapod Foundation will contribute an on-site fully-equipped recording studio at each site, along with expertise and mentoring.

Slip Into Kate Beckinsale's Cat Suit For Charity

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The skintight black cat suit Kate Beckinsale wore in Underworld is to be auctioned for charity.

The item will join a selection of props and costumes from the series of vampire movies in an auction to be held at Premiere Props in El Segundo, California, on February 7. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Entertainment Industry Foundation, an organization that raises awareness and funds for important causes such as childhood hunger, cancer research, creative arts, education, cardiovascular research, and much more.

“Fans and movie collectors will be truly amazed with the rare hero costumes and movie memorabilia from all three ‘Underworld’ movies that will be up for bid,” said Dan Levin, Vice President of Marketing for Premiere Props.

Other items from the films up for auction include a medical book, a serum vial and a serum injector.

More info can be found here.

James Caan Joins Stars At Callaway Charity Golf Event

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Callaway Golf Foundation will host it’s second professional/celebrity golf tournament, the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on December 15 to benefit groundbreaking cancer research projects supported by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Professional golfers will be paired with actors, business leaders and entertainment industry executives for a round of golf, while amateur golfers will have a chance to improve their swing at the David Leadbetter Clinic, taught by the infamous golfing instructor himself.

Celebrities anticipated to attend include: Greg Kinnear, James Caan, Kyle Maclachlan, Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon, George Lopez, Josh Kelly, Matthew Lillard, Andy Richter, Peter Gallagher, Joe Mantegna, Bruce Greenwood, Jillian Michaels, and Callaway Golf staff professionals Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller, Morgan Pressel, Rocco Mediate, David Leadbetter, Rich Beem, Jim Colbert, Leta Lindley, Fredrik Jacobson, Cameron Beckman, Roger Cleveland and Vicky Hurst.

Proceeds from the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge will support Entertainment Industry Foundation’s efforts to fast track better prevention methods and improved therapies for ovarian, breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Please visit www.callawaygolfoundation.org to learn more and to make a donation.

Halle Berry Reveals Philanthropic Inspiration

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Academy Award winner Halle Berry has revealed how she was inspired to become a major spokesperson for women’s cancer causes after discovering her obstetrician’s wife was battling breast cancer.

Berry – who is an Ambassador for the Calloway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative – watched her doctor, Bobby Katz, and his wife battle heroically with the stresses of cancer while he guided the actress through her pregnancy.

“Watching them go through their struggle made me respect the resilience of those who are suffering,” said Berry, who went on to take part in the 15th annual Entertainment Industry Foundation Run/Walk for Women in Los Angeles in May.

The Callaway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative was established through $2 million of donations to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Programs. The initiative aims to fast-track breakthrough treatments and tests at leading cancer institutions to beat women’s cancer.

Kyle Maclachlan To Front Women's Cancer PSA

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Desperate Housewives star Kyle Maclachlan is to feature in a new cancer awareness advertisement.

The 49-year-old former Twin Peaks actor is to front a new public service announcement on behalf of the Callaway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative urging women to seek early detection for ovarian cancer. His mother died of ovarian cancer in 1986, and MacLachlin wants to honor her memory by taking part in the campaign.

Earlier this year, Halle Berry was announced as the 2008 Ambassador for the initiative’s public service campaign, and has been appearing in magazine and newspaper advertisements for the program.

For more information about the initiative, visit www.callawaygolf.com.

Gwyneth Paltrow Pushes For A Key To The Cure

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) have announced that Gwyneth Paltrow is their new Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s 2008 Key To The Cure campaign.

Key to the Cure is a women’s cancer initiative founded in partnership with EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, and 35-year-old Paltrow will appear in a series of advertisements wearing a limited edition T-shirt to raise awareness. The T-shirts – created by celebrated designer Karl Lagerfeld – will be available from Saks Fifth Avenue from October 1, with $35 from each shirt going to the Cancer Fund.

“Key to the Cure is one of Saks Fifth Avenue’s most important initiatives because of the numbers of people within our communities who are affected by cancer and depend on both the advancement of research and the efforts to ultimately find a cure,” said Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue. “We are… truly privileged to have the support of Karl Lagerfeld and Gwyneth Paltrow in our momentous 10th anniversary year.”

Saks Fifth Avenue will also hold a charity shopping weekend from October 16-19 at all of its stores nationwide and online, during which 2% of sales will benefit local organizations through EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation raises awareness and funds for important causes such as childhood hunger, cancer research, creative arts, education, and cardiovascular research by using the talent and compassion of entertainment industry members who donate money and volunteer time on their behalf.

Berry, Selleck Run/Walk For Women

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:05:05 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Look to the Stars is very proud of our own Crystal A. Johnson , who took part in the weekend’s Revlon Run/Walk.

The 15th EIF Annual Revlon Run/Walk in Los Angeles took place Saturday Morning, kicked off by Halle Berry, Tom Selleck and Dancing With the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba strapping on their shoes for a great cause. The charity raises money to help in the fight against breast cancer.

However, I was not prepared for how touching it would be to see an ocean of walkers sporting tags or shirts dedicated to the memory of a loved one. Immediately, one is stricken with the gravity of the mission. Coverage of this event was double duty for me because I participated as a walker for the first time. My grandmother, Josephine Wilson had a mastectomy in the 60’s and was a proud survivor until a ripe old age.

At the completion of the race, walkers and runners entered the LA Colliseum. By the time many of the walkers finished, 80’s classic group the Go Go’s were on stage performing hit tunes. Belinda Carlisle was looking great and still has the beat. Jesse McCartney also performed. Other stars such as Days of Our Lives’ Deidre Hall and actor Jonathan Hensley also showed their support.

The EIF Revlon Run/Walk happens annually in New York and Los Angeles.

Picture: Alexandra Wyman, WireImage.com

Halle Berry, Jonas Brothers Support Revlon Run/Walk For Women

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:59:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Pop-Rock band Jonas Brothers, took time out during a recent guest appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to sign an Epiphone guitar, courtesy of Gibson Guitars in support of the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Revlon Run/Walk For Women. The guitar, along with the pen Kevin, Joe and Nick used to sign it, is currently available on CharityFolks.com.

The Revlon Run/Walk for Women takes place annually in New York and Los Angeles, with the 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women Los Angeles taking place this Saturday, May 10. Our own Crystal A. Johnson is set to take part in this celebrated event. The New York Run/Walk took place on May 3rd.

Hosting the LA event this year are Halle Berry, Tom Selleck, Beau Garrett and Carrie Ann Inaba. Funds raised help further research into finding a cure for women’s cancers. For more information, visit the LA Run/Walk For Women website.

(Photo copyright ABC)

A Game, A Dress, And A Brawl For Charity

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:29:30 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A special surprise for Look to the Stars readers

Be sure to visit Look To The Stars tomorrow, Wednesday March 12, to read our exclusive interview with Leeza Gibbons as she tells us a little about the causes that are closest to her heart.

Between a Rock and a hard place

It’s a case of a bad boy wanting to be good with singer Kid Rock. The Devil Without A Cause looks like he is turning over a new leaf, and is returning to the Waffle House restaurant where he was arrested last year – but this time it’s for charity.

The 37-year-old was charged with battery after a brawl in Duluth, Georgia, in October. But the musician has now decided to make amends by greeting fans and signing autographs at the scene of the crime as part of a fundraiser for a local homeless shelter, Nicholas House.

“For a while now, we’ve been working with Kid Rock’s management to try and turn a negative into a positive,” said Waffle House spokesperson Pat Warner. “We’re hoping to raise some money for a worthwhile charity.”

The event will occur later today, March 11.

Tennis for charity in the desert

Another event taking place today is the fourth annual K-Swiss Desert Smash Charity Tennis and Golf event being held at the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs. The event benefits the Coachella Valley chapter of Variety – The Children’s Charity and features a special tennis match between 2008 Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic.

Other celebrities expected to attend include Bush frontman (and husband of Gwen Stefani) Gavin Rossdale, Borat star Ken Davitian, and David Spade.

Theron shares her threads for charity

Another star in the mood for giving is the stunning Charlize Theron, who is auctioning off the first red carpet gown she was ever given to wear by a designer.

No, the dress isn’t made from red carpet – it’s actually a one-of-a-kind silk dress designed exclusively for the actress’ debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000 by Narciso Rodriguez.

All of the proceeds from the auction, which can be accessed through Theron’s eBay page, will go to the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, a mobile clinic that serves more than 3000 high school students in Theron’s home country of South Africa. The project was launched in 2007 in association with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to create a safer, healthier, and better life for families in South Africa, especially those touched by the effect of HIV/AIDS.

The auction runs until March 13, and the bids have already gone over $1,000.

Other auctions running on eBay Giving Works right now include the chance to have lunch with JAG and Bruce Almighty star Catherine Bell in LA. The auction runs until March 17, and proceeds go to Communities in Schools, nation’s largest dropout prevention organization. The original Hannah Montana_, Miley Ray Cyrus, is also holding an auctionW0QQitemZ260217660695QQihZ016QQcategoryZ61QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QqcmdZViewItem right now. The young star is selling an autographed chair, with proceeds to go to Variety – The Children’s Charity.

Leona Lewis – a star on the rise

Another star with an interest in South Africa at the moment is singer Leona Lewis. The 22-year-old X Factor winner is currently enjoying a meteoric rise to fame, with her album Spirit holding the record for the fastest selling debut album ever released in the UK. And now the young star has witnessed the extent of the AIDS pandemic during a recent trip to South Africa.

Lewis has just returned from a 3-day trip to Johannesburg with Sport Relief, an initiative of Comic Relief, in which she raised awareness of the plight of AIDS orphans and sufferers. But it was all almost too much for the singer, who describes in her diary how she broke down while visiting some of the worst cases.

“Some of the horrors I have seen will never leave me,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the great work that Sport Relief does firsthand and the difference they make, their projects and centres keep communities going and give them something to be proud and positive about.”

In response to her trip, Lewis has just announced that the stunning purple gown she wore for her performance at last month’s Brit Awards will be auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds going to Sport Relief.

“It’s been a great pleasure for me to work with Leona Lewis right from the start,” said Roberto Cavalli, who designed the dress. “She has an incredible voice, beautiful eyes, and a fresh and positive attitude. I’m happy that a dress I have created for her for an important occasion is now being auctioned for a charity. It’s a sign of her great generosity and I’m proud that the name Roberto Cavalli is linked to it.”

As if all of that is not enough, the singer is also donating the proceeds from her new double A-side single, Footprints In The Sand/Better In Time, to the charity.

Hilary Swank Honored For Charity Work

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:08:35 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank was honored at a special function in Los Angeles last week for her work with cancer charities.

The 33-year-old was presented with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s 2008 Courage Award, in recognition of her efforts on behalf of the EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. Past recipients of the award have included Melissa Etheridge, Lance Armstrong, and Nicole Kidman.

Among the stars to pay tribute to Swank at last week’s ceremony, held at the Beverly Wiltshire, were Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Christian Slater.

The award was presented by Swank’s Million Dollar Baby co-star Morgan Freeman, who said “she truly has the heart of a champion.”

In November 2007, Swank chopped off over 9 inches of her hair on Oprah and donated it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign working with the American Cancer Society to provide free wigs to women who have lost their hair after cancer treatment.

Stars Record Public Service Announcement

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

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.”

It is a view shared by MPTF Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. “Hollywood can call attention to these problems and help galvanize the public into taking action,” said the producer of Shrek and head of the organization of entertainment industry leaders dedicated to supporting health and human service needs. “[This] is a key first step in solving them.”

The director of the video, Tony Goldwyn, had a very specific message to get across: “People wind up feeling that the two sides are just too far apart; that these problems are so big and complex that we can’t fix them. What we’re saying is, if we all get together and start talking, we can.”

Americans struggling with financial and health care problems are invited to share their stories at www.aarp.org, and their experiences may be used for the Divided We Fail project. The PSA video can also be viewed on the site. The AARP organization is dedicated to enhancing the experience of aging through advocacy, information, and service, with a focus on the needs for health, financial security, giving back to society, family and social connectedness, and joy in life.

Swank Takes A Cut For Charity On Oprah

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:45:11 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oprah Winfrey had a surprise for viewers of The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday, November 2.

“It’s taken months to get to this moment,” announced the multi Emmy Award winning host. “And it involves a two-time Academy Award winner, a sharp object… and me.”

The surprise featured an appearance by Hilary Swank, who had her long and flowing blonde hair cut off by Winfrey on the show for charity. Over 9 inches of Swank’s golden locks were lopped off and donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign working with the American Cancer Society to provide free wigs to women who have lost their hair after cancer treatment.

“I’ve been growing it for the last six months,” said 33 year old Swank. “I’ve been taking a lot of vitamins and taking really good care of it, knowing that it would go to a woman in need.”

Pantene Beautiful Lengths was launched in July 2006, in response to a survey that revealed that 58% of woman say hair loss is the most dreaded side effect they face when undergoing chemotherapy. Over 17,000 ponytails have been donated to the cause so far, and last year Pantene made a $1 million donation to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, a campaign committed to saving lives by raising money and awareness for women and families affected by the disease.

“I’ve had a lot of people in my life, loved ones and friends, who have been devastated by cancer,” said Swank. “I’m really thankful for my health, and I wanted to find a way to give back.”

During the show, Swank also talked about the high rates of cancer in America, revealing that 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer during their lifetime. This means that 700,000 American women are diagnosed with the disease every year.

“Eight percent won’t get their potentially life-saving treatment, because they don’t want to lose their hair,” said Swank. “I thought, ’Here’s my hair, cut it off, save your life!’”

“I’m proud to promote the goals of such a unique and heartfelt program,” she continued. “It’s an honor to be associated with Pantene’s campaign, and I just hope my contribution will help to inspire others to get involved in whatever way they can.”

More information about Pantene Beautiful Lengths can be found at www.pantene.com and www.myspace.com/beautifullengths.

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