Look To The Stars News: United Service Organization

Joan Jett's Greatest Green Hits

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Joan Jett's new Greatest Hits album is to be 100% green.

The singer, known as a vegetarian and huge supporter of PETA and the USO, has announced that her new CD packaging will be manufactured from 100% recycled paper and will feature biodegradable trays.

“I am a vegetarian,” she says on her website. “So I avoid contributing to the major environmental damage that the meat industry creates. I hope that soon we can make sure that everything we do is earth-friendly.”

Earlier this month, Jett performed with her Blackhearts band at the 23rd annual Celebrity Dog Wash Festival in Florida to raise money for the Safe Harbor No Kill Animal Sanctuary and Hospital.

To watch a video of Joan encouraging people to support PETA, click here.

Stars To Come Out For The USO

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:30:00 -0000

The USO will be the beneficiary of a night of entertainment next weekend, when a host of stars come out to celebrate the organization.

The LAPD Concert Band, “C.O.P.S.” and The Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX, will present musical and video tributes to the seven decades of USO service at the Sabine Theatre in Beverly Hills on Sunday, February 21.

Hosted by Stacy Keach and Eva La Rue (CSI: Miami) and featuring Vegas headliner Terry Fator and his Cast of Thousands (winner of 2007 America’s Got Talent), the Gala concert will also include the First Ladies of the USO – Connie Stevens, Nancy Sinatra and Barbara Eden, as well as American Idol’s Kimberley Locke, recording artist Pat Boone, John Schneider, and many more – PLUS the amazing musicians of the Los Angeles Police Concert Band.

Guests include many members of the armed forces and local law enforcement, along with community, business and political supporters, will come together to support men and women in uniform. All proceeds benefit the LAPD Concert Band and The Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX.

More information can be found here.

Stephen Colbert Broadcasts From Iraq

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stephen Colbert is broadcasting “The Colbert Report” from Iraq this week to support an initiative with DonorsChoose.org, the online charity that connects individual donors nationwide to classrooms in need.

Colbert is taping four episodes of “The Colbert Report” in Baghdad. According to the New York Times, "It’s the first time in the history of the U.S.O. that a full-length non-news show has been filmed, edited and broadcast from a combat zone."

Colbert is a long-time supporter of DonorsChoose.org and the USO. Last month he donated his birthday to address the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in public schools, and all iTunes downloads of the Iraq shows will go to the USO.

The “Support Our Troops by Supporting Their Children” campaign calls on everyday citizens to donate to classroom projects, which include anything from basic school supplies to field trips, submitted by teachers at high-need, military-serving public schools. “Support Our Troops” fuels a fun competition between the five branches of the Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard – to see which branch’s supporters can have the biggest impact on classrooms. DonorsChoose.org estimates that “Support Our Troops” will benefit 10,000 children of service members.

More info about the campaign can be found here. Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando is being broadcast on Comedy Central all week. Broadcast times can be found here.

Toby Keith To Visit Troops In Afghanistan

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country singer Toby Keith has pulled out of a new movie so he can visit U.S. troops posted in Afghanistan.

Keith is a long-time supporter of the USO, and also helped set up Ally's House, a nonprofit organization that helps families dealing with childhood cancer. Every year he holds a golf tournament that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.

His dedication to charities such as the USO has earned him the honor of being awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Military Officers Association of America. He picked up the honor on 21 April in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes civilians who give back to military personnel. He will also take part in a 17-show USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour at the end of April, meaning he has had to pull out of the upcoming film, Provinces of Night.

“There aren’t enough words to describe just how grateful I am to our nation’s troops,” he said. “I’ve participated in several USO tours over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand their sacrifice. And I will not stop doing all I can to show my support and lift their spirits.”

Renee Zellweger Attends USO Awards Gala

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Renee Zellweger was on hand at the annual USO of Metropolitan Washington's award dinner on Wednesday, March 25, to honor Al Franken for 10 years of service entertaining troops overseas.

The 27th annual awards dinner was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, with 34 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients in attendance.

“I love this event,” said Zellweger. “It is so special to have been invited here tonight to dine in honor of our military and in celebrating the work that the USO of Metropolitan Washington does. I’ve met a lot of true heroes through the USO. The hardest road the soldiers walk is the one he or she faces after the battle is over. It’s inspiring, but it’s extraordinarily moving. I have to say, it’s tremendously humbling.”

Franken also gave thanks to the troops and recalled some of the experiences that he has had during his time with the USO.

“Some of the troops knew I’d been a critic of the way we’d gotten into the war, and the way we were doing the war,” he said. “But in a way, they didn’t care. It just told them that everybody in the States supported them. It didn’t matter what your politics were. What you learn, of course, is that they cheer you up, and that you leave with more than what you came with.”

Also in attendance at the event were professional wrestler Mick Foley, actress and model Leann Tweeden, Miss American 2009 Katie Stam and several National Football League former players.

LTTS Exclusive: Hollywood Knights Slam-Dunk For Charity

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Look To The Stars’ Delinda Lombado recently got the chance to talk to the CEO of Hollywood Knights International, whose celebrity basketball team is a leader in charity fundraising.

Back in 1973, David Mirisch was way ahead of the curve. As founder of Hollywood Knights International, he is credited with being the first (or at least most important) person to pair celebrities with fundraising, producing some of the first consecutive tennis and golf charity tournaments in Hollywood.

Now headed by David’s son Michael (who took the reins as CEO in 1992), Hollywood Knights International are still going strong and its Celebrity Basketball Team has become a symbol for fundraising world-wide.

This years celebrity roster includes: Aaron Carter (House of Carters), Frankie Delgado (The Hills, Bromance, Keeping up with the Kardashians), Josh Henderson (90210, Desperate Housewives), James Kyson Lee (Heroes), James Lesure (Lipstick Jungle, Las Vegas), Cody Linley (Dancing With The Stars, Hannah Montana), Venom (American Gladiators), Wolf (American Gladiators) and Aaron Yoo (Friday the 13th, Disturbia).

Among the thousands of stars, musicians, and world-class athletes who have devoted their time and influence at Hollywood Knights International events: Frank Sinatra, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Mariska Hargitay, Coolio, David Arquette, Michael Landon, Merv Griffin, Muhammad Ali, Joe Dimaggio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Evander Holyfield, Mark Harmon, Matthew Perry, Tara Reid, Fergie, Backstreet Boys, Woody Harrelson, Bruce Jenner, Pat Boone, Mario Lopez, Wilt Chamberlain, Gladys Knight, Sugar Ray Leonard, Olivia Newton-John, Pamela Anderson, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk, Wayne Gretzky, Jimmy Connors, Mike Tyson, Buzz Aldrin, Kevin Sorbo, Boyz II Men, Joe Mantegna and many more.

From March 16-22, the full-service celebrity events production and promotional firm will be making our troops happy during their annual USO Hawaii Tour.

Hollywood Knights International’s CEO, Michael Mirisch, along with HKI’s Director of Marketing/PR, Vicky Mirisch, were kind enough to speak to us about their USO Tour and what drives them to produce some remarkable events.

First of all, tell us more about the USO Tour?

“Our second USO tour takes place in Hawaii and consists of basketball games of celebrity players versus our US troops and will be held on Army, Air Force, and Marines bases. The games are high energy, fun antics, lots of fan interaction on the court, and of course some healthy competition between the players. There will also be autograph signings during halftime and lots of pictures taken with fans and celebrities,” explained Vicky.

I know most of your events are open to the public, is this also the case with the USO Tour?

“Unfortunately, the games are not open to the public; only military personnel and their families.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of this organization?

“That’s an easy question. Raising money to help people all over the world through events that incorporate celebrities, fun, and giving back to the community. There is a feeling of incredible satisfaction after every event we produce because we know at the end of the day countless lives are going to change for the better. There is that quote from Emerson that states: “to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.” This quote hangs in our office and we read it every single day. It really sums it all up for us."

Have you seen an increase in awareness about ‘charity’ from the celebrities involved?

“The majority of the celebrities with whom we work are charitable people in general, and want to give back to the community. It’s not something you can fake,” said Michael. “Most of our events are not paid personal appearances where the stars receive a fee, so when you see a celebrity at a Hollywood Knights event, they are lending their name to the cause itself. We are so grateful to the countless celebrities that have year after year taken the time out of their busy schedules to support our events and the charities that are involved.”

Is there any celebrity in particular that has gone above-and-beyond to lend their name and time to the Hollywood Knights International?

“The truth is, it’s impossible to just name one celebrity,” Vicky told us. "But there are several people who, over the years, have contributed so much to our programs: Josh Henderson and Wesley Jonathan, The Miz, Adrian R’Mante, Brutha, Bryan Datillo, Thad Luckingbill.

Michael: What was it like to take over as CEO? Growing up with such an incredible role model (David of course) must have been an amazing experience?

“My father is an icon and pioneer in the celebrity fundraising business. He pretty much invented this genre and at 73, he’s still producing events. He is an incredible role model and it’s been a blessing and my good fortune to have him as a father first and foremost, and also a business mentor. He continues to inspire me every single day. I became CEO when I officially took the basketball team under my wing and infused it with young talent that packed the gyms out with screaming fans.”

What was the public reaction like when HKI first started producing events? Was it embraced by Hollywood?

“It was a new concept, but it was definitely embraced. The fact that we’re still here and thriving is a testament to that!”

What was the driving force behind David establishing HKI? It seems that no one else was doing this in the 70’s, so what ignited the spark?

“Back in the early 1970’s, David was a very successful publicist with clients such as Merv Griffin, Omar Sharif, Johnny Mathis, Pat Boone, Lindsay Wagner, Raquel Welch, The Supremes and Perry Como. He was representing Tony Trabert, the tennis champion and also representing Murietta Hot Springs in Palm Springs. He decided to put the two together and create a celebrity tennis tournament. A few other events were added and the outcome was a successful event that he really enjoyed producing – and the public enjoyed attending. He realized that this was a niche business that he could launch and he’s been doing it ever since!"

If HKI could eradicate one ‘thing’ (hunger, poverty, cancer, homelessness) from the face of the Earth, what would it be?

“Delinda, great question but tough to answer! But HKI seems to gravitate towards causes that help children in need. So many kids are suffering in the world. We also find that celebrities gravitate and involve themselves more when they can lend their names to children’s causes as well. "

In your opinion, do celebrities make better golfers, ballers or soccer players?

“There are so many amazing celebrity golfers, then basketball players, then poker players. The other sports are more for show and fun than skill!”

Who is the best Hollywood Knight Int. celebrity basketball player? Soccer player?

“Basketball player is a tie between Cylk Cozart and Nana Gbewonyo. Golfer is hands down Jack Wagner.”

Craziest stunt one of your ‘celebrities’ has pulled in efforts to raise awareness?

“Wolf from American Gladiators actually climbed up the basketball backboards and caught the balls as they were going in the baskets and slammed dunked them in! At first we were all worried if the backboards would collapse; Wolf is a built like a body builder. But the fans went crazy and it was just the funniest thing to watch. "

Any thoughts, ideas or quotes regarding what we all can do in terms of making this world a better place?

“Try to live your life without being selfish. Focus on the positive, because there’s no benefit to focusing on the negative. Smile at people and show kindness, even if you have to fake it, over time it will feel natural. Most importantly, learn to love yourself first, faults and all, so that you can honestly and sincerely show love to everyone that matters to you.”

LTTS and Delinda would like to thank Vicky, Michael and David Mirisch for their time and dedication to helping the less fortunate and keeping all of us entertained while doing so.

Here’s just a sampling of what the Hollywood Knights have planned for this year: The Foothill Aids Project Celebrity Bowling Classic (April 09); Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley Celebrity Golf Classic (May); Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Celebrity Fishing Tournament (May); A.G.Spanos Golf Tournament (June); Cedars Sinai Sports Spectacular at the Century Plaza Hotel, California (June); Byron Scott Foundation Gala Dinner in Century City CA (August); The K.I.S. Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament (Oct).

For more info and a list of all events, please visit:
HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL

James Reynolds Leads Veterans Program

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Daytime actor and Emmy nominee James Reynolds is chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2009 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.

Reynolds, best known for his long- running performance as police officer Abe Carver on the popular “Day’s of Our Lives”, led VA’s annual patient recognition program that invited the public to visit and honor hospitalized veterans during National Salute Week, Feb. 8-14. He serves as the national spokesperson for more than 131,000 volunteers serving veterans at VA facilities across the nation.

Reynolds was born and raised in the small farming community of Oskaloosa, Kan. During high school, he performed in many school plays and played football, basketball and track.

Following graduation, he joined the Marines and was assigned to an information service office in Hawaii as a reporter. He was sent to Vietnam and served for almost a year with a variety of units in and around Chu Lai, adding battlefield reporting to his combat duties. A wound ended his military service.

Reynolds enrolled in Topeka’s Washburn University, majoring in pre-law and journalism. Advised that the best place on campus to meet girls was the theatre department, he began auditioning and performing in plays – discovering a passion for acting. He used his journalism background to land jobs with newspapers such as the Topeka Daily Capitol and the Colorado Springs Sun where he wrote about theatre, film and music. That allowed him to report on his passion while pursuing acting as a career.

In 1974, he landed his first television commercial and a featured role in “Mr. Majestyk,” with Charles Bronson. He moved to Los Angeles, amassed an impressive list of prime-time television and motion picture credits, and became one of the foundation blocks of “Days of our Lives.” He has logged more hours on television than any other African- American actor in the U.S. – averaging over a 100 hours of airtime each year for 25 consecutive years.

Reynolds received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Carver, as well as NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series. He was also nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award for his work in the theatrical production “Buffalo Soldier.”

Reynolds is deeply committed to charitable works such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities and touring with the USO. He has been to Cuba, the Mediterranean, Kuwait and Afghanistan to meet and show support for troops overseas. In 2007, Reynolds was honored by the Beverly Hills/ Hollywood NAACP Veteran Affairs and Armed Services Committee for his contributions to the Unites States Armed Forces.

Kellie Pickler Blogs About USO Tour

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country music star Kellie Pickler has just returned from a tour with the United Service Organization and has blogged about the experience – which she describes as "the most incredible thing I have ever done in my life – on her MySpace page.

“I don’t think I have ever flown this much in my life,” she wrote. “Monday we flew to Washington where we joined Admiral Mike Mullen (chairman of the joint chief of staff) to board our flight on a C-32 to Germany. That is where we kicked off our first show. I still can’t believe that in a matter of 6 days we flew to Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and England. The shows did not start until we landed on Tuesday and if I remember correctly we did 9 shows in 5 days!!!! I guess I am still on auto pilot, not sure why I am even up right now as I just got in from England late last night. lol. I don’t think this trip has really sunk in yet so it might take me a while to absorb everything.”

The singer first became involved with the USO in late 2007 when she participated in performances for troops stationed in Iraq.

“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the men and women serving our country. I will never take what you do for granted. God Bless You and God Bless the USA!”

The full blog can be read at Pickler’s MySpace page.

Gary Sinise Awarded Presidential Citizens Medal

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Gary Sinise was at the White House last week to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from George W. Bush.

The actor and musician was awarded the medal for his support of US troops and wounded veterans.

Sinise formed The Lt. Dan Band (named after the character he played in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump) with Kimo Williams, a Chicago-based composer, and plays 30-40 shows a year, mostly for the United Service Organization, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide US troops stationed around the world with morale, welfare, and recreation-based services. In 2004, he founded Operation Iraqi Children, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping the U.S. military distribute school supplies in the war-stricken country, with “Seabiscuit” author Laura Hillenbrand.

“Gary is a true friend of the American soldier,” said Michael Yon, a Special Forces vet and war journalist. “He does not hesitate to travel into war zones to express his admiration and personal support for those who defend us. He visits wounded soldiers, some of whom I personally know. All love him. Soldiers from privates to generals admire Gary for his dedication to a cause greater than any of us. Gary’s dedication went much further. He personally supported sending millions of dollars worth of school and clothing supplies to Iraqi children. I saw this effort with my own eyes. Gary Sinise is a Great American.”

“I have seen Iraqi kids climbing on our soldiers and hugging them and kissing them,” said Sinise. “I have seen their smiling faces and their attempts to say ‘I love you’ in broken English. The folks I saw had hope in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts for what was done for them.”

A one-hour special about The Lt. Dan Band’s work entertaining troops stationed overseas will be televised on Fox News on January 10. More information on the band and their charity appearances can be found at www.ltdanband.com.

Joan Jett Rocks For PETA

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Joan Jett might love rock ‘n’ roll, but she also loves animals and the planet.

The 50-year-old vegan rocker has recorded a 30 second PSA for PETA, explaining how cutting meat out of your diet is not only good for you, but good for the whole planet.

“Factory farming is one of the biggest contributers to one of the most serious environmental problems,” said the star. “The meat industry causes more greenhouse gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world.”

Jett is also a big supporter of the USO, and has toured for them for over 20 years.

The full PETA PSA can be viewed here.

Bob Hope's Belongings Auctioned For Charity

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A charity auction featuring over 800 items belonging to the late great Bob Hope was held over the weekend.

More than US$600,000 was raised in the auction, which will be distributed to charities that were important to the comedy actor, who died in 2003.

An autographed photo of Lucille Ball – complete with blacked out teeth – was sold alongside a signed photo of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, cufflinks from Richard Nixon, and a handwritten letter from Bing Crosby. But the most interest was reserved for the executive desk that sat in Hope’s Toluca Lake office for more than 50 years.

“Presidents sat in front of it, Mr. Hope conducted countless meetings from behind it,” said Darren Julien from Julien’s Auctions. “Everyone cheered when it sold. It wasn’t the most expensive item, but it was the most exciting sale.”

One of the eager bidders at the auction was comedian George Lopez.

“They were both fanatical golfers,” said producer Ann Lopez, George’s wife. “George hosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic for two years. He wants to wear the hats on the course to keep Mr. Hope out there in spirit, still golfing.”

A large proportion of the proceeds will go to the United Service Organization. Hope was a huge supporter of the USO, and headlined over 60 USO tours for American troops stationed overseas.

Melissa Etheridge, Kelsey Grammar, Matthew Perry - A Week Of Charity Events

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Is the change of seasons bringing you down? Are you bored with waiting for winter to roll in (or, for you in the Southern Hemisphere, are you getting impatient for summer to hit)? Well, this week sees three great events to put a “spring” in your step.

Later tonight, September 30, singer and breast cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge is kicking off the Hard Rock Café’s month-long Pinktober campaign with a show in Universal City.

Pinktober is the ninth annual breast cancer awareness campaign launched by Hard Rock Café, and will feature special Pinktober parties and live music events at Hard Rock Cafes and Hotels around the world raising awareness and money for local, national, and international charities, such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A huge range of music events are listed on the official Pinktober website, as well as awesome pink merchandise. Hard Rock Hotels will also be donating 25% of every room rate to breast cancer research.

After a late night tonight, you’ll have to be up early in the morning to catch the USO of Greater Los Angeles’ Fourth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament. The event – to be played at Trump National Golf Club, One Oceans Trail
Drive, Palos Verdes – will feature a range of familiar faces, including Kelsey Grammar, Home Improvement’s Richard Karn, John Ratzenberger, Michael Reagan, Mickey Dolenz, and Kevin Farley.

Tee Off is at 8:30am, and the event will raise funds and support operational programs at the Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX and the USO Centers at Palm Springs and Ontario, California International Airport. These USO Centers serve as recreation and service areas for American troops and their families on the move to and from duty stations worldwide. The centers serve more than 55,000 troops annually and have been increasingly active due to the continuing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And finally, keep your calendars open for Saturday, October 4. That’s the night of the 11th Annual Lili Claire Foundation Benefit Dinner and Concert, hosted by Matthew Perry.

The evening will take place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and promises to feature a talented line-up of performing musical guests, including Ed and Dean Roland of Collective Soul, Terri Nunn of Berlin, and many more. Guests expected to attend the event, chaired by Randy Jackson, include Joely Fisher, Brad Garrett, Bianca Kajilich, Sara Rue, John Schneider, and Bradley Whitford.

Due to the new venue hosting this year’s event, concert only tickets are available at an affordable price which includes a California wine tasting party. All guests will have the chance to enter the draw for three luxurious vacation giveaways, as well as a diamond raffle where one lucky drinker will win a diamond from Simon G. Jewelry!

For more info – and tickets – visit the Lili Claire Foundation website.

Taylor Swift Teams With Def Leppard For TV Gig

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

On October 6, a very special fusion of musical styles will take place in Nashville when teen country sensation Taylor Swift joins with classic British rockers Def Leppard for a one-off gig for TV. And although the event is invitation-only and closed to the public, they really want you to be there.

Swift and the Leppards have organized a charity auction that will let two couples attend the taping of Crossroads, with proceeds going to Country Music Television’s (CMT) One Country charity, Hands On Nashville.

“Every time I’ve seen ‘Crossroads’ on CMT I’ve always thought, ‘If I ever get to do one of those, it HAS to be with Def Leppard!,’ so this is really a dream come true for me,” said Swift. “I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years so it’s amazing that I’m going to get to share a stage with them this year!”

Led by Advisory Board members former President Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and Gen. Colin Powell, CMT One Country offers tools that enable virtually anyone to start making a difference immediately. They also celebrate the accomplishments of everyday heroes and showcase other nonprofit partners – including Second Harvest, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, the USO, and Habitat For Humanity – working to keep America great.

According to CMT executive vice president and general manager Brian Philips, “CMT will enlighten our fans and inspire them to take action in the places where they live. With the help of our biggest stars, we’ll reinforce the messages that resonate in so much of CMT’s music. We know our viewers care deeply about the needs of their neighbors. One Country will make it easy for them to help.”

The auction, which runs until October 2, can be accessed via the CMT Auctions website.

Trace Adkins To Visit Troops In The Gulf

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country singer Trace Adkins is planning to visit and perform for U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf.

The 46-year-old – who was awarded with the United Service Organization's Service Medal in 2007 – will perform for troops as part of a tour sponsored by the Armed Forces Entertainment, which marks his first trip back to the Persian Gulf since 2002.

“I’m really humbled by the opportunity to spend more time with our nation’s finest,” said the singer, who has charted more than 25 hit songs on Billboard’s country music charts and released seven studio albums. “This is such an honor for me to be able to visit with our military and tell them how much we truly appreciate all the sacrifices they make for our country and our freedom.”

During his week-long trip, Adkins will perform for troops, visit remote forward operating bases, sign autographs and pose for pictures. He will also share personal accounts of how he started out in the music industry, talk one-on-one with troops and extend his heartfelt gratitude to those currently serving overseas in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring.

To learn about other artists touring for the USO, visit their current schedule.

Eat With The Sopranos... If You Dare

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of the Sopranos will be licking their lips in anticipation at a new charity auction to hit the World Wide Web this week.

Charity Folks – the online charity auction specialists – are hosting an exciting opportunity to benefit the United Service Organization, and are offering bidders the chance to meet and eat with some of the stars from the hit TV show. One lucky winner and three friends will join Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa – otherwise known as Paulie Walnuts and Bobby Balcala – for an intimate dining experience at New York City’s Giardino’s Restaurant and enjoy the ambiance only members of New Jersey’s most beloved crime family can provide.

And if you can’t get to New York to be part of that unique dinner, perhaps you would like to spend an evening dining with Jon Voight in Los Angeles. The USO is also offering a meet and eat experience with the 69-year-old Academy Award winner.

The USO is the only organization chartered by the US Congress to meet the human service needs of American Armed Forces personnel and their families. Their mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to men and women in uniform.

Both auctions run until August 5 and have already reached bids of $2,500.

Kellie Pickler Picks A Tune For The AARP

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country singer Kellie Pickler is well known for her support of charities such as the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the USO, but lately she has had the elderly on her mind, and has been devoting her time and money to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

“I love working with different charities, but the big foundations and organizations already get so much exposure and so much attention,” Pickler told CMT recently. “I wanted to bring awareness to a smaller charity that might not have gotten that kind of attention had I not helped them. The AARP is amazing, and I can really relate to it. My grandparents raised me, so I know the struggles that they have to go through financially and legally and all that.”

And the 19-year-old singer has certainly been putting her money where her mouth is – she donated $25,000 of prize money from her appearance on Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader to the charity, and recently performed at the AARP-sponsored Grand Rally outside the Capitol building in Washington, DC.

“It was just to bring awareness and educate people about the situation,” she said. “There were so many grandmas and grandpas there at the show. I spoke on my experience and living with my grandparents, sang a couple of songs, and actually performed a song I wrote about my grandmother. It was really a magical day, a very special day. What a lot of people don’t know is that four-and-a-half million kids in America are raised by their grandparents, and over seven million are part-time with their grandparents. It’s really amazing to see how much those numbers have grown, and really sad. It’s great to get out and help these elderly people who are struggling but want to take on the responsibility of raising their grandkids because it’s better than having them thrown into foster care.”

There'll Be Feuding And Fighting Between Celebrities... All For Charity

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Celebrity Family Feud is set to invade primetime next week, when it premieres on Tuesday, June 24, on NBC.

Hosted by Al Roker, the familiar show will get a star twist when 24 celebrity “families” front up to do battle on behalf of their favorite charities. First up in next week’s maiden broadcast are Law & Order: SVU star Ice-T and family – playing for Unity 2 – going up against Team Rivers, led by the queens of the red carpet, Joan and Melissa Rivers, playing for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

During each episode of the new series, four celebrity families will be pitted against each other in tournament-style fun and games, with the winners from each round moving on to the final round — where they’ll compete to win up to $50,000 for their designated charity.

Other stars to compete on the show will include Vivica Fox, Raven Symone, Kim Kardashian, and teams from The Office and My Name Is Earl, and charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the USO, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation will benefit.

Charles Barkley and Buddies Tee Off For Charity

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Legendary athlebrities from football, baseball, basketball and hockey, gathered under the hot desert sun on June 7 and 8 to raise money and awareness for several very worthwhile causes. The Pro Sports Team Challenge Golf Tournament at the Eagle Falls Golf Club at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino (near Palm Springs, California) settled the debate as to which sport has the best golfers, while competing for a total purse of $250,000 for chairty.

Team Basketball hit the greens for the USO. Led by NBA great Charles Barkley and featuring his buddies Clyde Drexler, Jason Kidd, George Gervin and Kenny Smith, the team made every swing count in efforts to help comfort our hardworking military. While Barkley was psyched for the event, he didn’t have high expectations for his team.

“One of the highlights of my life was [when] the USO took me to Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai,” said Barkley during the event. “I got to visit with some of the troops. So it’s a great organization and, um, unfortunately we’re not going to win a lot of money for them because my team [Basketball] sucks!”

But the event wasn’t marred by the lack of golf talent, as inspiration was the forerunner of the competition.

“Many athletes, like Charles Barkley and John Elway, have spent their holidays, vacations and precious free time to thank our nation’s heroes for their daily sacrifices," said Kathy Mejasich, the Vice President of Corporate Alliances for the USO. “The difference they make in the morale of the troops is more than just palpable, but energizing and inspiring.”

Team Basketball also spent some time with 20 year-old Brandon Akey, who was flown out from Ohio to play with the big boys after winning an online competition.

“I’m only 20 years old and this is only the second time I’ve been out of Ohio – the last time I took a trip was to Florida when I was a kid, and suddenly I’m here playing golf with these guys.” Brandon played in the Pro-Am with basketball legend, George Gervin. “He was such a good guy. Whenever we hit bad shots he was really cool and supportive, he said ’that’s all right, we’re a team, it’s like basketball.’”

Also inspiring was Team Football, who didn’t stop grinning all weekend as they polished their putters in the hope of earning a hefty donation for Operation Kids. Led by Team Captain Drew Brees and including LaDainian Tomlinson, John Elway and Michael Strahan, the team brought style, smiles, class and sass to the event.

“I just love helping kids,” said NFL good guy Michael Strahan. “When they see any player come to spend some time with them, their faces light up and they share their hopes and ambitions and dreams with us. I can’t even begin to tell you how good it made me feel.”

Rest assured, Strahan was speaking from the heart. There wasn’t one child in attendance that the big guy didn’t stop for. In fact, all the players involved were constantly chatting with young starry-eyed kids as they tousled their hair before signing footballs, programs, posters, and even jerseys being worn by ‘soccer moms’.

Team Hockey, led by cancer survivor Mario Lemieux, chose Hockey Fights Cancer as their beneficiary. Lemieux, Brett Hull, Grant Fuhr and Pierre Larouche went into the competition with an edge, seeing as they all have notorious golf skills.

During Friday’s Pro-Am event, one lucky sweepstakes winner enjoyed a round with the big boys. Matt Lesage, who has little golf experience, was a bit nervous going into the competition when he learned he was playing with Team Hockey. “I played with Pierre Larouche in the Pro-Am,” he said, “Mario Lemieux, Pierre, Grant, all those guys were so nice. Pierre is a great guy and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him. At first, I was a bit skeptical on how the athletes were going to act towards someone like me, not being a big golfer, but they were all class acts and they couldn’t have been nicer.”

While Lesage was hyped to play golf, he was also keen on the fact that this was for charity, “I heard Team Hockey talking about Hockey Fights Cancer, and a lot of people in my family had cancer so it made me really happy to be part of it. All these guys inspired me.”

Team Baseball captain Ozzie Smith led George Brett, Vince Coleman and Bret Saberhagen around the greens as they swung away for the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) in efforts to help the families of players who have fallen on tough times.

“B.A.T. provides assistance to members of the ‘baseball family’ who are in need…We help take care of health care, medical, housing, burial, utilities, household expenses and prescriptions,” wrote Erik Nilsen of B.A.T. “It’s an honor to be nominated by Ozzie Smith, a Hall of Famer who truly understands the history of our organization.”

The big question remains though – which team brought home the first place $100,000 prize for their charity and which teams split the remaining purse? You’ll have to watch the Fox Sports Net broadcast on Saturday 6/28 and Sunday 6/29 to find out. It was a great competition, filled with lots of trash talking and love coming from the participants, but in the end all of the charities came out winners thanks to the dedication of these mighty mighty fine men.

Special celebrities lending their time to the event included Hercules star Kevin Sorbo, actor Dennis Haysbert (The Unit_), Actor/producer Matthew Hatchette (_The Take), and comedian Martin Short provided some comical poolside entertainment during the VIP party.

If you’d like to make a donation to any of the ProTeam charities named, you can still visit the Team Challenge website and sign up as a ProCoach – $1.00 from each participant will go to the charity of your choice.

Look To The Stars Asks Kevin Sorbo

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Kevin Sorbo shot to fame in 1994 for his starring role in the popular TV series Hercules, the Legendary Journeys. Since then, he’s guest starred on such hit shows as Just Shoot Me, According to Jim, Hope and Faith, Two and a Half Men, USA Network’s Psych, and had recurring appearances on Dharma and Greg and Fox’s The OC in 2006-2007.

In 2005, when Sorbo was named as the spokesperson for the Afterschool Alliance, he said, “I am proud to do whatever I can to promote the afterschool programs that children and families need.”

Remarkably, Sorbo has remained true to his words, spending countless hours helping children in need. He has solidified himself as a true giver, acting as the spokesman and chair of A World Fit For Kids! (WFFK!), a non-profit organization that offers gang, drug and dropout prevention programming to at-risk kids by providing mentoring training for teens and using them as positive role models for youngsters.

Look to the Stars caught up with Kevin Sorbo when he made an appearance at the Pro Team Sports Challenge held in Indio, California, June 6-8. The event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the USO, Baseball Assistance Team, Operation Kids, and Hockey Fights Cancer.

Tell us a little bit about your charity, Kevin.

Well, it’s called A World Fit for Kids – readers can go online to www.worldfitforkids.org, and see what we’ve been up to. We just got the Gold Star from Governor Schwarzenegger for having the best after-school program in the State of California. We’ve got 100% graduation rate in Los Angeles County, which has about a 40% drop out rate. So I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished.

We’ve seen you at quite a few charity events, what’s been your inspiration?

I really wanted to work with kids. It started about the third year of ‘Hercules’ when we actually passed ‘Baywatch’ as the most watched TV show in the world, and with that sort of notoriety, I started getting inundated with all kinds of causes – Pediatric, AIDS, everything – and while those kinds of things are wonderful, l really wanted to work with kids that were healthy but living in an unhealthy environment.

You’re obviously doing something right!

Yeah, and we’re [WFFK!] actually going to go nationwide with it because we’ve got a lot people from out of state asking us why we’re so good. So, I’m having my own celebrity-golf tournement – on October 10/11, in Las Vegas. Planet Hollywood is hosting, Darius Rucker [from Hootie and the Blowfish] will be performing. It’s going to be a great event and golf tournement and I’m very excited about it.

What’s your opinion as to whether or not celebrities are ‘obligated’ to give back to the community?

I don’t think people are obligated. You know, some people have different personalities. I like helping people. I’ve been doing this for 11 years now and I love it.

Is there any celebrity that you would ‘call-out’ for lack of charity work?

I got to be honest with you – I don’t know who I’d call out because most of the people I know are giving back to the world in some way. I don’t know what celebrities aren’t doing these days to give back.

Look to the Stars and Delinda would like to thank Kevin Sorbo for taking the time to speak with us. We applaud his good work and hopefully he inspires you as much as he’s inspired us.

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.

Charles Barkley’s Pro Team Sports Challenge for Charity

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:40:40 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Four Teams, four captains, and four charities! On June 7-8th, in Palm Springs California, the Pro Team Sports Challenge will finally settle the debate as to which athletes are the best golfers. Led by Team Challenge Commissioner and NBA legend Charles Barkley, the two-day golf event will pit some of the best athletes from four sports – baseball, basketball, hockey, and football – against each other on the greens. The event will raise money for four different charities while introducing a cool new feature: fan interaction.

During the course of the event, fan interaction will influence the outcome of the game; think ‘American Idol’ meets sports. Fans can sign up at Team Challenge to become one of the ‘ProCoaches.’ ProCoaches will act as ‘virtual’ coaches from their computers or mobile devices, where they can make strategic decisions that will have a real impact on the outcome of the match. Do you think Team Hockey has a more competitive edge with their roster of established pros? Then get online, vote, blog, debate and trash talk with those who think Team Football has better golfers. You could actually win a spot on the greens and walk with your favorite Team inside the ropes as a ProCoach.

The $250,000 prize will be split among the designated charities for each team, as selected by the Team Captain. First place earns $100,000 for their selected charity; second place $75k; third place $50k; fourth place $25k. Additionally, the purse will increase for a charity by $1 for each fan that registers as a paid ProCoach for the sponsoring team. But you must register before May 19 in order to cast your votes, decide which players are playing better or worse than their stated handicaps, and help raise money for the selected charities.

You’ve got, of course, Sir Charles in charge of Team Basketball, Drew Brees leading Team Football, Ozzie Smith taking the reins of Team Baseball, and hockey great Mario Lemieux keeping his Team Hockey in check.

The team captains spoke about the event last week and revealed which charities they selected.

“This is one of the most unique events I’ve ever played in.” said Drew Brees. “To find four guys from major sports and bring them together in a fun atmosphere – it’s incredible. I’m gonna have a chance to meet and play with guys I’ve watched growing up – Hall of Famers, world champions.”

Brees also spoke sincerely about playing for charity: "Our charity is Operation Kids. Its an international charity whose mission is to care for the total wellbeing of the child. They focus on education and healthcare for kids, and they’ve done some phenomenal things."

Baseball team Captain Ozzie Smith was equally as enthusiastic about participating and raising money at the same time: "To have all these guys at the same place at the same time makes it a great event. My charity is Baseball Assistance Team (BAT), they assist families and players that have fallen on hard times, older players who didn’t reap the benefits of long contracts."

Hockey team Captain, Mario Lemieux, spoke about his participation: “Just having the fans involved at the same time and, most importantly, to raise money for some great charities.” His charity? Hockey Fights Cancer. “Its been going on for a few years, and helps those who’ve had cancer – I’m one of them. in 1993 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, so it’s very dear to my heart.”

Commissioner Barkley, whose charity is the United Service Organization, was not available for the press-call, and Drew Brees opined as to why: “I’m sure he’s strategizing as we speak.” Brees has his own strategy: “Everybody has their own little ritual, I just grip it and rip it!” he said.

The Pro Team Sports Challenge will be held on June 7-8th in Palm Springs, California, at the Eagle Falls Golf Course.

Celebrities' Festive Gifts

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:21:24 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A pledge to walk one of the biggest man-made structures in the world, a successful celebrity auction, a tour of far away places, and a donation of time and energy were just some of the ways celebrities gave to the poor, the sick, and those unable to spend time with their families this Christmas.

Singer Olivia Newton-John met with the founders of Welsh breast cancer charity In The Pink over Christmas to discuss fund raising opportunities, and revealed her plans to walk the length of the Great Wall of China in April. Proceeds from the walk will go to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia, and the 59-year-old breast cancer survivor will also donate items to In The Pink to auction later in the year.

Meanwhile, socialite Kathy Hilton organized a charity auction over Christmas, featuring a selection of items donated by some of her famous friends. Mel Gibson's jeans, Tom Cruise's sunglasses, and an Ocean’s Thirteen script signed by the movie’s stars, including George Clooney and Brad Pitt, raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” said Hilton, mother of Paris Hilton. “I have worked with Make-A-Wish before, and I wanted to do something really special. Hopefully… I’ll make it an annual event.”

Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong, Kid Rock, and Lewis Black were also busy over the festive season, and joined current Miss USA Rachel Smith on a 14 show tour with the USO in Afghanistan.

The shows were well received by soldiers from all nations, stationed away from their homes and families this Christmas.

“Afghanistan is sometimes called the forgotten war,” said one soldier who watched the shows. “We don’t get a lot of attention here, and conditions are pretty miserable. So it means a lot.”

The USO organized 52 celebrity tours in 2007 – which included over 300 shows.

And in Los Angeles, Jennifer Love Hewitt joined her new fiancé Ross McCall, as well as Melissa Joan Hart and Melissa Gilbert, to dish out dinners to the needy at the Los Angeles Mission.

“I have made it a point to come to the Los Angeles Mission at Christmas,” said the 28-year-old actress. “There are so many hurting people on the streets of our city, but when I’m here I get to see the smiles of the children and the great food for everyone. I come to give something back, but invariably I get more blessings than I give.”

Billy Joel - A Philanthropic Man

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:26:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Billy Joel is back with his first new song since 1994 – sort of. The 58-year-old singer has made a triumphant return with “Christmas in Fallujah”, a protest song about the war in Iraq, with proceeds going to charity.

“I guess [it’s] just a cumulative effect of this war,” said the Grammy winning singer about how he came to write the song. “We’ve been there longer than World War II. I’ve been getting mail from service people over there, and there seemed to be a similar theme running through the letters, which was a sense of alienation from the home front. I think a lot of people are starting to feel like they’re forgotten.”

However, don’t expect to hear Joel’s trademark piano on the recording – in fact, don’t expect to hear much of Joel himself. The semi-retired entertainer decided to let a young musician from Long Island, 21-year-old Cass Dillon, take the lead vocals.

“I wanted to help somebody else’s career,” said Joel. “I’ve had plenty of hits. I’ve had plenty of airplay. I’ve had my time in the sun. I think it’s time for somebody else, maybe, to benefit from my own experience.”

Proceeds from the song, available on iTunes, will go to Home For Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely disabled veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a cause close to the singer’s heart, and earlier this year he contributed to Five For Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's CD produced exclusively for troops stationed overseas. The compilation also featured songs donated by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban.

“I don’t get up on a soapbox and do political messages,” said Joel in Rolling Stone Magazine. “I believe in talking about the human being, and the conditions humans find themselves in. I never liked it when a rock star got up on stage and told people how to vote. I find it insulting. But I believe if an artist feels strongly about something, it should be reflected in their art. Ultimately, everything’s political. Even love is political.”

Billy Joel is certainly no stranger to philanthropy, a fact that was recognized when he was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in 2002 for his accomplishments as a humanitarian. Joel is well known as being a supporter of several causes, and contributes regularly to organizations around his hometown of Long Island. Over the years he has played benefit concerts for Charity Begins At Home, Farm Aid, USA For Africa, several AIDS groups, the United Service Organization, as well as many concerts to raise money for environmental causes, such as Sting's Rainforest Benefit Concerts in the late 1990s, and Don Henley's Concert For Walden Woods. While on tour in Japan in 1994, Joel experienced the disastrous Kobe earthquake, and donated the proceeds from several shows to relief efforts.

Joel’s record for benefit concerts looks set to continue into 2008, with the singer being booked to headline the Soles4Souls Opening Night at WSA concert on February 21 at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit organization with a simple aim – to change the world, one pair of shoes at a time. The foundation was established by Wayne Elsey during the Asian Tsunami in December, 2004, with the idea to donate shoes to people devastated by the disaster. A quarter of a million shoes were donated by shoe companies and individuals, and another three quarters of a million were donated after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“I’m happy to be able to help people with such a simple mission,” said Elsey. “The growth of this organization has been rapid and I am excited to get involved on a daily basis so that I can devote more time to a cause that makes a difference in people’s lives.”

The benefit concert will be hosted by Miss Massachusetts 2005, Cristina Nardozzi, who appeared in the movie “Ocean’s Thirteen” and also hosts “The Good Show”, a celebrity-driven television program that features stars and their favorite celebrities.

Tickets are available at www.openingnightatwsa.com.

Johansson Donates To Sri Lankan School

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:43:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Movie star Scarlett Johansson has made a significant donation to a school in Sri Lanka, following her visit there earlier this year.

The 22 year old travelled to India and Sri Lanka with aid workers from Oxfam for 10 days in February. During the trip, Johansson visited schools and healthcare facilities, met with women who had experienced domestic violence, and also talked to survivors of the 2005 Tsunami.

“Having visited Oxfam-funded school programs in rural communities, it has made me realise how vital education is to developing countries,” said the star of “Lost In Translation” and “The Island”. “It brings people out of poverty and gives them a sense of dignity, self-worth, and confidence.”

Johansson was especially moved after spending time with children in Sri Lanka’s poverty stricken Dalit community.

“The most gratifying opportunity was visiting a Dalit school,” she said. “The Dalit community in Sri Lanka is considered the lowest status in the caste system, and children as young as four are working in the fields.”

“I met a young girl named Gudiya at the Dalit school. She was an amazing, bright young girl, full of ambition and attending fifth grade. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said “a government official”. Every morning she rises at 3am to study and then completes the household chores, before walking for half an hour to school. I asked her how she felt she would be able to raise her family and also hold a government position. She responded confidently “I can manage!” Her self pride and drive to succeed was an obvious outcome from her schooling."

There are over 40 million Dalits living in India and Sri Lanka, most of them working in slave-like conditions to pay off debts incurred in previous generations. The majority of Dalits live in segregation, and there are 110,000 registered cases of violence, murder, rape, and atrocities involving their communities every year.

“Hopefully the money I have given will financially support the school there for the next three years,” said Johansson.

“By supporting Oxfam, Scarlett is making a stand alongside millions of people globally who are working to overcome poverty,” said Jeremy Hobbs, Oxfam’s Executive Director. “Her support is crucial in helping to show how the smallest donation to Oxfam can mean the world of difference to a poor community.”

Johansson will continue with her philanthropic endeavours early next year, when she is expected to visit US troops stationed overseas for the United Service Organization.

“She will make the trip in early 2008, for about a week,” said a representative. “We can’t give out more information than that for security reasons”.

Gary Sinise to Play Benefit Concert

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:38:13 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Gary Sinise is to play a concert to raise funds for a new memorial wall in Brooklyn on August 11. The Oscar nominated actor will join his rock group, The Lt. Dan Band, on stage at the Whitman Theater for an evening of entertainment, including a catalog of songs that covers everything from Jimi Hendrix to Bruce Springsteen to Evanescence.

Sinise, who plays bass guitar in the 11 piece band, hopes the gig will raise over $100,000 for the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, a special monument planned for Keyspan Park. The 30 by 12 foot granite wall will honor the 155 police and fire department workers from the area killed on 9/11. It will also incorporate a 6 foot high bronze statue, designed by sculptor Jamie Lester.

“It’s a beautiful memorial,” said Sinise, who has donated some of his own money to the project. “For the families of those fallen heroes, it’s going to be very, very meaningful.”

The Lt. Dan Band (named after the character Sinise played in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump) was formed by Sinise and Kimo Williams, a Chicago-based composer, and plays 30-40 shows a year. Many of their concerts benefit good causes. They have also completed five tours for the United Service Organization, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide US troops stationed around the world with morale, welfare, and recreation-based services.

“I try to do shows that can help various charities,” said Sinise, who is aware of the pulling power of his celebrity status and takes advantage of it to attract audiences. “Or support the troops.”

Sinise’s benefit work does not stop with his involvement in the band, and he has recently co-founded Operation Iraqi Children with Laura Hillenbrand (author of “Seabiscuit: An American Legend”) in an effort to help educate the young people of Iraq.

More information on the band and their charity appearances can be found at www.ltdanband.com.

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