Look To The Stars News: Special Olympics

Celebrities Attend First-Ever American Giving Awards

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) was awarded a $1 million grant from Chase at the first-ever American Giving Awards (AGAs) on NBC on Friday.

The program, hosted by 22-time Emmy Award-winner Bob Costas, featured celebrity tributes to five charities selected through online voting. Stars including will.i.am, Miley Cyrus, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 50 Cent, and Rodney Atkins celebrated the accomplishments of the charities.

To Write Love on Her Arms is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

Eva Longoria Fronts Toy Guide For Special Needs Kids

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

For nearly 20 years, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has provided parents, caregivers and gift-givers with reliable toy recommendations for the children with special needs in their lives through the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. Continuing that tradition, the company has announced the launch of the 2011 edition of the Guide featuring actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria on the cover, alongside Elijah De La Cerda, a 5-year-old boy with Down syndrome from Fresno, CA.

Released annually, this complimentary resource is created with guidance from the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making play accessible to children of all abilities. The Guide is available in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide and online, in English and Spanish, at Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled.

Along with the company’s long-standing commitment to children of all abilities, this year’s Guide cover model, Eva Longoria, also has strong ties and a deep passion for the special needs community. One of her sisters was born with developmental disabilities and inspired her to establish Eva’s Heroes in 2006. Based in Longoria’s hometown of San Antonio, Eva’s Heroes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with special needs to interact, play, learn and enrich their lives.

Maria Shriver Remembers Father as "Legendary Public Servant"

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Sargent Shriver was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends, and dignitaries including Vice President Biden, former President Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama and Shriver’s son-in-law, former CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It was 8 years ago that the brother-in-law of former President John Kennedy and the late Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease. He died on January 18, at the age of 95.

Attending the funeral were Clint Eastwood, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Muhammad Ali. Bono, Vanessa Williams and Wyclef Jean sang at the funeral.

Roger Moore Makes Charity Trip To Kazakhstan

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore traveled to Kazakhstan last week in a first visit for the popular British actor to help raise awareness and support for vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities.

Accompanied by his wife, Lady Kristina, Sir Roger’s five-day visit included an event organized by Special Olympics and UNICEF to highlight the importance of sports and healthy living in developing children’s cognitive skills and providing a sense of social inclusion. UNICEF and Special Olympics work in partnership throughout the world to champion the rights of children with disabilities and to encourage national action to ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in December 2006. The Convention has increased the status and visibility of disability as a human rights issue.

Sir Roger and Lady Kristina also saw a school near Almaty where children are taught how to better protect themselves in the event of disaster such as flooding, fires or earthquakes. In addition, they visited a home that provides care for abandoned children, including those with disabilities, along with a Youth Friendly Services Centre, which promotes healthy life styles for adolescents and young people by offering free medical, social, psychological and legal assistance.

Amy Roloff Raises $10,000 For Special Olympics Oregon

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Amy Roloff, star of TLC’s hit show Little People Big World and celebrated author, and the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation proudly awarded Special Olympics Oregon $10,000.00 (US) as a beneficiary of their 2nd annual dinner and celebrity charity golf tournament, Starry Night, Summer’s Day.

Attendees and participants at the event were able to hob knob with local and national celebrities while raising needed funds for Special Olympics Oregon and Portland’s Shriners Hospital for Children.

Special Olympics Oregon To Benefit From Amy Roloff Charity Golf

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Amy Roloff, star of TLC’s hit show Little People Big World and celebrated author, and the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation proudly announce Special Olympics Oregon as an additional beneficiary to their 2nd annual dinner and celebrity charity golf tournament, Starry Night, Summer’s Day.

Attendees and participants will be able to hob knob with celebrities while raising needed funds for Special Olympics Oregon and Portland’s Shriners Hospital for Children. Those interested in registering for the event as an attendee, sponsor and/or donor can register online here.

Richard Marx To Play Charity Show For Cystic Fibrosis

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Richard Marx is to play a special charity concert in Dayton, Ohio, this Sunday.

The 13th Annual Celebrity Concert for Charity will raise money to support research into cures for Cystic Fibrosis, as well as the Martha Franz Fund at the Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, which supports the needs of local CF families.

Richard has been involved with many charitable organizations throughout his career. He has performed benefit concerts for organizations including Children of the Night, Toys for Tots, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. In 1987 he donated the royalties of his 1987 hit single “Should’ve Known Better” to build a room at the NYU Medical Center where pediatric cancer patients can play while at the hospital. Perhaps closest to Richard’s heart is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which he has raised over $3 million for. He organized Newsapalooza in Chicago, an annual benefit concert to raise funds for research to cure the disease.

Amy Roloff To Hold Charity Golf And Dinner Event

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Disabled actress Amy Roloff will reach out to kids and families at the annual Amy Roloff Charity Foundation Golf and Dinner Benefit.

Held on August 22nd & 23rd at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Course, the 2010 “Starry Night and Summer’s Day” event will benefit Portland Shriners Hospitals for Children and Oregon Special Olympics.

Expected to attend the event are Jason Kennedy (E! Entertainment), Dale Schlueter (Portland Trailblazers), Michael Holton (Portland Trailblazers) and Patrick Lamb (Musician).

Stars Shine For Charity At Do Something Awards

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

On July 19, the Hollywood Palladium was filled with more stars in one place than a usual Monday evening should for the 2010 Do Something Awards hosted by VH1 on the blue – not red, but blue – carpet.

Before the event kicked off, Melanie Stevenson from DoSomething.org streamed live and greeted celebrities, creating a Twitter craze. Tweets tagged as #DSawards were displayed across the stage on the electronic banner and questions for host Jane Lynch to answer were welcomed.

Host Jane Lynch, aka Sue Sylvester, delivered as many witty one-liners as her Glee character loves to partake in. The hilarious opening, which can be viewed on VH1 here, shows Lynch with her long list of good things to do, ending with a bang as Sue Sylvester look-alikes flooded the Palladium. Lynch then showed pictures of her very noble “acts” of public service with Mother Teresa, Lindsay Lohan, the 1929 Great Depression, and the Berlin Wall.

Celebrities To Join Special Olympics At FIFA World Cup

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:30:00 +0000

The Special Olympics is proud to announce an incredible roster of celebrities and football legends who will participate alongside 16 Special Olympics athletes in the inaugural match of the “Special Olympics Unity Cup” presented by Coca-Cola, at Cape Town Stadium just prior to a 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match on 3 July.

Participants will include:

Zhang Ziyi, Chinese actress and Special Olympics Global Ambassador

Exclusive Photo Feature: Olympians' Hearts of Gold

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:34:00 +0000

We have witnessed the amazing physical feats of the US Team in the Olympics, and now the Olympians want to share some of the other wonderful ways they use their time and strengths. Look To The Stars is honored to bring you news of their charity work, with thanks to NBC/USOC for providing the images.

Chad Hedrick (Long Track Speed Skating – won a bronze medal)
Competes on Friday and Saturday, February 26th & 27th

We Are The World: Coca-Cola Joins Celebrities For Charity

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, the iconic recording, “We Are The World” generated millions of dollars to help ease suffering in Africa. With a contemporary version of the song being released today to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, Coca-Cola will be doing its part to support the cause.

“When we heard about Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie’s incredible plan to re-record ‘We Are the World 25 For Haiti’ to benefit earthquake relief in Haiti, we knew instantly that Coca-Cola had to be involved and help however we could,” said Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer,  Coca-Cola North America. “Spreading the word about this great program is something we can do quickly and effectively by activating Coca-Cola’s powerful communications network.”

Coca-Cola is joining forces with AEG Live, Group M Entertainment, Fremantle Media Enterprises, iTunes Store, YouTube, and Visa to help amplify awareness for “We Are The World 25 For Haiti.” Beginning today Coca-Cola will use a variety of assets to encourage millions of people across the United States to tune into the television broadcasts of the “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” video and to visit www.WORLD25.org to download the song and support those in Haiti. Downloads will also be available on iTunes, and through a partnership with YouTube, the video will be viewable on the We Are the World 25 YouTube Channel. Immediate donations will be made possible by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on YouTube or by downloading the song on iTunes.

Shakira, Alicia Keys, Usher Join Up For NBA Charity

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

International superstar and Grammy Award-winning pop diva Shakira will team up with 12-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and actress Alicia Keys for a one-of-a-kind performance headlining the 2010 NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, to benefit NBA Cares.

Shakira will dazzle the crowd performing her current single “Give It Up To Me” in addition to the title single “She Wolf” off of her current hit album She Wolf. Alicia Keys will keep the stage hot belting out her classic hit “No One” from the 2007 multi-platinum selling album As I Am. Keys will also perform the chart topping single “Empire State of Mind” as well as deliver a sweet serenade of her smash hit “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” off of her current chart-topping album The Element of Freedom.

Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Usher will perform his high-energy single “More” during the introductions of the 2010 NBA All-Stars. In addition, TNT filmed an exclusive music video with Usher for the single “More” which will run in 600 Regal Cinemas beginning Friday, Jan. 29 and serve as a promotional spot for the 2010 NBA All-Star. Usher will also treat the crowd to a special performance of the fan favorite single “Yeah!” from his 2004 multi-platinum selling album Confessions.

Stevie Wonder Named As United Nations Messenger Of Peace

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has designated Grammy Award-winning songwriter and musician Stevie Wonder as a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special focus on people with disabilities.

Recognized for his ability to focus attention on and mobilize support for civil and human rights issues, Stevie Wonder joins ten other United Nations Messengers of Peace who advocate on behalf of the Organization.

Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the fields of art, academia, literature, sports and entertainment, helping to raise worldwide awareness of the Organization’s ideals and activities. Through their public appearances, contacts with the international media and humanitarian work, they expand public understanding of how the United Nations helps to improve the lives of people everywhere.

Joe Jonas: Running For A Good Cause

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Joe Jonas is lacing up his sneakers for charity.

The pop star will take time out from touring to support the iWin Joe Jonas Fun Run. The event will benefit the brothers’ Change for the Children Foundation and Special Olympics Texas. 15 lucky runners will be able to sprint with Joe as he leads the 3.1 mile race. After the run, Joe will join the rest of the Jonas brood to perform at the AT&T Arena for a sold-out concert.

The Jonas brothers are familiar with both sold-out concerts and charity. The brothers started the Change for the Children Foundation to support programs that motivate children to face hardship with confidence and a will to succeed. The charity currently supports five organizations: Nothing But Nets, the American Diabetes Association, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts.

Eunice Shriver's Charity Legacy

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Eunice Shriver – founder of the Special Olympics – has died at the age of 88.

The fifth of nine children and sister of John F Kennedy, Shriver led a life of service to the community that she handed down to her children. Her daughter, Maria Shriver, is the First Lady of California and is married to Arnold Schwarzenegger. She runs the annual Women’s Conference in California. Her son, Bobby Shriver, is well known for co-founding the organizations DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa), the ONE Campaign and (RED) with U2 lead singer Bono. Her other sons are also leaders in philanthropy: Timothy Shriver is the Chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics; Mark Shriver is the Vice-President and Managing Director of U.S. Programs for Save the Children; and Anthony Shriver is the founder of Best Buddies International.

Awarded the US Medal of Freedom in 1984, Eunice Shriver was a founder of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community of Caring in the 1960s. But it was her work with the Special Olympics for which she will be remembered. Her work with the disabled started early – In 1962, she started a day camp, known as Camp Shriver, for children with intellectual disabilities at her home in Potomac, Maryland. From there, she promoted the concept of competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Camp Shriver became an annual event, and the Kennedy Foundation (of which Shriver was Executive Vice President) regularly gave grants to universities, recreation departments and community centers to hold similar camps. In 1968, Shriver was approached to help fund a huge Olympic-style athletic competition for over 1000 people with special needs. The Special Olympics were born, and today it involves over 2.5 million in 180 countries.

LTTS Exclusive: An Interview With Kim Kardashian

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars recently had the chance to talk to television personality Kim Kardashian about the charities she supports.

Which charities do you support?

I am a heavy supporter of the Dream Foundation. My mom and stepdad are on the board. The Dream Foundation grants wishes to terminally ill adults. Every six months I do huge Ebay auctions through Auction Cause, where I give a portion of the proceeds to the Dream Foundation.

Celebrities Urge People To Stop Using The "R" Word

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Celebrities & Special Olympics Bocce Athletes joined together for the Southern California’s inaugural Celebrity Bocce Tournament held on the lawn at the historic Culver Studios, where all proceeds benefited the Special Olympics Southern California, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

This inaugural event saw guests, athletes and celebrities strolling the lawn dressed in white attire while eating and drinking One Hope Wine, while asking the world to “Spread the Word to End the Word.” It was just one such event encouraging people to stop and think before using the disparaging and hurtful word: ‘retard.’ To learn more, please visit www.r-word.org.

Maria Shriver To Be Honored For Commitment To At-Risk Families And Youth

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:30:00 +0000

California First Lady Maria Shriver will be honored for her commitment to “empowering, educating and inspiring youth and at-risk families” at the 6th Brass Rings Awards Dinner on April 16th.

Funds raised from the dinner, held by the United Friends of the Children at the Beverly Hills Hotel, will benefit foster youth who participate in the group’s housing and education programs. This year’s dinner will also celebrate UFC’s 30th Anniversary of providing foster youth in Los Angeles County with the resources necessary to finish high school, prepare for college, and develop skills to live independently. Support services are also provided to the 2,000+ current and former foster children that work with the organization; while participants develop the skills necessary to address their most immediate needs, youth are also provided a supportive environment in which they can address issues relevant to their emotional well-being and sense of identity and self-esteem.

The First Lady recently expanded her WE Connect Campaign, a “public/private partnership designed to help California’s working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources.” The initiative seeks to make information about vital resources ranging from tax preparation assistance to help locating local job fairs and tips for financial empowerment readily available through the website’s accessible format as well through community events, media partnerships, and workplace “development centers.” Stemming from the predicament that many miss opportunities for advancing their goals simply because of a lack of awareness about existing resources, the WE Connect Campaign was started to bridge the gap between providers and they people they serve, thus empowering California’s working families to obtain the resources they need to advance their lives.

Frank Bruno's Night Out With Charitable Gentlemen

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Former world champion boxer Frank Bruno joined boxer John H Stracey and ITV World of Sport wrestler Tony ‘Banger’ Walsh at a charity black tie dinner in the UK last week.

47-year-old Bruno – who won the WBC Heavyweight Championship in 1995 – was one of 200 guests to attend the dinner, held at the Nailcote Hall Hotel near Berkswell, to raise money for Gentlemen’s Night Out, a charity helps sick or disabled children or their parents. Established over 40 years ago, Gentleman’s Night Out distributes funds to those that do not have the ability to raise funds themselves. Beneficiaries they have helped include Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Special Olympics, the Variety Club, and many more.

Last week’s dinner raised £2,500 through ticket sales and an auction that included boxing memorabilia.

Chris Evert Charity Tennis Event Attracts Celebrities

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:30:00 +0000

The 2008 Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic was held at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, November 1-2nd, and once again proved to be a raging success – so much so, that tennis legend Chris Evert has now raised close to $20 million for charities!

The event kicked off with a Pro-Am at the Boca Raton Resort & Club tennis courts and attracted some new faces this year. Comedian Billy Crystal and 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres joined regulars such as Chevy Chase, Stone Phillips, Maeve Quinlan, Bud Collins, Vince Spadea, Alan Thicke, Jana Novotna, Gavin Rossdale, and Jon Lovitz.

Evert created the fundraising event to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in South Florida.

Love Ride 2008 Attracts The Big Names

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

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.

Tracy McGrady Foundation Benefits From Donation

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:06:53 +0000

Tracy McGrady entered the National Basketball Association in 1996 as the third youngest player ever drafted out of high school. Since then, he’s nabbed seven NBA All-Star awards and currently plays for the Houston Rockets. But it’s T-Mac’s efforts at spreading the love that has this writer giving him an ‘off-the-court’ All-Star award.

Since it’s inception about ten years ago, the Tracy McGrady Foundation has made substantial contributions to several charities and non-profit organizations, including the Special Olympics and the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. McGrady also plays Santa every year during his annual Holiday Toy Drive before bringing the kids to Toys R Us for a giant shopping spree; he loves to feed the elderly at Thanksgiving; he holds celebrity softball games to raise money for needy kids; he has renovated and reconstructed two learning centres at elementary schools in Houston; and he recently teamed up with The Enough Project to get a firsthand look at the genocide in Darfur

“Once you know what is happening over there,” said McGrady, “you’ll understand and will want to make a difference.”

Stars Compete For Charity On Celebrity Apprentice

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:26:17 +0000

16 million people tuned into the first episode of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice on January 3, a show in which celebrities work to win money for the charity of their choice. Critics may argue it is a publicity stunt to boost ratings, but when $250,000 is at stake to go to a good cause, all is fair in ratings and charity.

The show marks the 7th series of reality television show The Apprentice, and features a return to the original format of a male team versus a female team. The men’s team named themselves Hydra, and the women have chosen the name Empresario.

Every week, the money earned on a project goes to the team leader’s charity. In the first episode, actor Stephen Baldwin headed the winning team, and the breast cancer charity named for his mother – the Carol M. Baldwin Cancer Research Fund – was the first charity to reap the benefits of male star power. Baldwin proudly presented a check in excess on $69,000 to the charity. His celebrity teammates include KISS bass player Gene Simmons, Heavyweight Boxing Champion Lennox Lewis, country singer Trace Adkins, America/Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, Ultimate Fighting Champion Tito Ortiz, and Sopranos star Vincent Pastore.

Bono's Fishy T-Shirt Benefits African Farmers

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:41:00 +0000

Bono has designed a new T-shirt for charity, joining a host of other celebrities in an on-going and major charity campaign.

The 47-year-old singer from U2 is the 25th artist to design a shirt for Hard Rock Café’s Signature Series clothing line, an initiative started in 1990 as a way for musicians to raise money for charities of their choice. Sales from the shirts have raised over $6 million for a variety of causes.

Bono’s creation, available for $26 from the Hard Rock website, features his stylized drawing of a fish soaring past the moon, and is adorned with the words “Fish Can Fly”, as well as his signature. 15% of the proceeds will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Conservation Cotton initiative – a scheme designed to lift African farmers out of poverty by providing education on proper land management, organic cotton growing techniques, and wildlife conservation. The shirts will also support the trade for aid ethos of EDUN, the conscious consumerism fashion label founded by Bono and his wife in 2005, by being made from 100% African cotton and manufactured by African garment workers.