Look To The Stars News: Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America

Barry Manilow To Play Concerts For 25 Charities

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Barry Manilow fans listen up: the man himself will be performing in a series of charity concerts in California at the end of the year!

Manilow will perform 5 concerts at McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs in December, with each show benefiting five different charities.

“Being able to give back to my hometown, both in song and charitable support, makes this concert series a very personal and special event for me,” said Manilow. “The 25 recipient charities are invaluable to the Palm Springs community, so extending the holiday spirit of giving to these nonprofit organizations is really a special treat.”

Charities bebefiting from the shows include ACT for MS, Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation, Animal Samaritans, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS of the Desert), Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley, Desert AIDS Project, Desert Arc, Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, Desert Paws, FIND Food Bank, Inc., Gilda’s Club Desert Cities California, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Healthy Family Foundation: The Ophelia Project, Joslyn Senior Center, Mourning Star Center, Olive Crest, One Heartland, Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped, Shelter From The Storm, Stroke Recovery Center, Temple Isaiah Fund, The Living Desert, United Cerebral Palsy – Inland Empire, and Variety Club of the Desert.

Tickets will be available by clicking here from October 26. More information can be found here.

Black Eyed Peas Unveil Music Academies

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:30:00 -0000

The Adobe Foundation and The Black Eyed Peas Foundation will unveil two new state-of-the-art music and multi-media academies for youth in Oakland and Redwood City, California.

The collaboration focuses on giving youth access to multi-media production tools for video, dance, music and art. Through the creation of digital media, teens are given the opportunity to comment on critical issues and inspire social change in their communities.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug.1, Grammy award-winning recording artists The Black Eyed Peas – will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and Fergie – will officially open the first integrated Peapod Adobe Youth Voices Academy located in Redwood City at the Mervin G. Morris Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula. A second Academy will be housed in a new facility operated by Art In Action, a local non-profit youth leadership program in Oakland. Both academies will begin offering services starting in the fall for youth up to age 19. An estimated 200 Bay Area youth will participate in the academy programs annually.

“As a group, music has given us amazing opportunities. With the Peapod Foundation, we want to give back to inner-city kids so they can realize their potential through artistic and digital expression,” says will.i.am, who grew up in the projects in Boyle Heights, Calif. “Together with the Adobe Foundation, we are giving more kids a chance at a better future.”

The academies will incorporate a high-tech curriculum developed by Adobe Youth Voices with the latest professional-grade multi-media production software – including Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection Suite, donated by Adobe Systems Incorporated, and professional music studio tools for a state-of-the-art recording facility donated by the Peapod Foundation. In addition to mentoring in the performing arts, youth participants will receive structured multi-media training in video, audio, photography, design and art, enabling them to creatively express their points of view on vital issues and contribute to social change in their communities.

“The Adobe Foundation and the Peapod Foundation share a vision for empowering youth to address social issues that directly affect them,” said Michelle Mann, executive director of the Adobe Foundation. “The launch of these two academy sites is just the beginning of our journey. It’s exciting to make such a direct, tangible impact by inspiring youth to demonstrate their potential and take action in their communities.”

Following the Redwood City academy opening, The Black Eyed Peas will make a special appearance to kick off Adobe Youth Voices Live! The event is the closing session of the first annual Adobe Youth Voices Summit, a three-day digital immersion experience bringing together 100 international youth (ages 14-19) and educators from underserved communities around the world.

The Adobe Youth Voices Summit at Stanford University (July 30 – Aug. 1) will focus on all aspects of digital media, including filmmaking, photography, animation and design, with workshops designed to empower youth to create media for social change and cultivate a deeper sense of social and civic engagement.

Summit highlights will include: an opening keynote by David Nakabayashi, creative director of the Industrial Light and Magic Art Department, mentoring in creating collaborative media projects using Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Elements; a visit to Dreamworks Animation, makers of popular movies such as Shrek and Madagascar; and a keynote by Black Nature, a musician and aspiring filmmaker with the Refugee All Stars.

Youth participants will document their own travel and experiences at the summit through videos shot with Flip Video Ultra Camcorders donated through the Flip Video Spotlight program. They will have the opportunity to enhance their films with skills learned during the summit.

The summit will conclude with Adobe Youth Voices Live! an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco the evening of Saturday, Aug. 1. In addition to the Black Eyed Peas’ appearance, the event will include exhibitions and screenings of youth media work developed during the summit.

More info can be found here.

Major League Baseball Ventures Beyond The Diamond For Charity

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Major League Baseball recently completed the 80th run of its annual All Star Week.

The “Going Beyond” theme of this year’s event was achieved when the league collected more than $7 million in donations to charitable organizations. The events were held during and leading up to the midsummer ritual and included an All-Star Workout Day in St. Louis’ Busch Stadium.

MLB Charities and Cardinals Care plan to distribute approximately $5 million to various local and national charities. The proceeds will be allotted to the following organizations: Stand Up To Cancer, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Feeding America, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Teach For America.

Other supporting organizations include Bank of America, MasterCard, Holiday Inn, State Farm, and Anheuser-Busch. With friends like these, next year’s All-Star week will be even more successful!

Michael Jackson's This Is It Film To Be Released

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It has been reported that a film is to be released of the final footage from Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his This Is It concerts, with some of the proceeds to go to charity.

Sony Pictures is in final negotiations to acquire the film – at a price of $60 million – with 90% of the profits to go to the Jackson Estate, which will include a charity to be set up in the King of Pop’s name.

Jackson was a huge supporter of charities in his lifetime, and his family hopes to keep his memory alive with the new charity. The singer often visited underprivileged children and children affected by disasters and in hospitals, and worked with organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the TJ Martell Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children, the Prince’s Trust, the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Childhelp USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation and many more.

The film is set for release on October 30.

Michael Jackson's Charity Legacy

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Michael Jackson, who passed away last week, featured significantly on the pages of Look To The Stars. He was a passionate supporter of charity, and was honored by many different organizations for the work that he did and the compassion that he showed.

As well as writing We Are The World with Lionel Richie and helping to organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert in the wake of September 11, Jackson also donated the proceeds from a song to victims of Hurricane Katrina, often donated items to charity auctions, and was to donate some of the proceeds from his upcoming shows in London to charity. He set up a burns unit for children and also established the Heal The World Foundation, whose work has included airlifting 6 tons of supplies to Sarajevo, instituting drug and alcohol abuse education and donating millions of dollars to less fortunate children.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg. A comprehensive timeline of the late singer’s charitable work has been published by Jackson Action. The list includes his work with underprivileged children and children affected by disasters, visits to hospitals, and work with organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the TJ Martell Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children, the Prince’s Trust, the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Childhelp USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation and many more. It also details Jackson’s efforts to airlift 60,000 doses of children’s vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia, and his donations to hundreds of charities. To view the timeline, click here.

The charity world has lost a valuable supporter, and Look To The Stars extends our best wishes to Michael Jackson’s family, friends and fans.

LTTS Exclusive: An Interview With Casey Reinhardt

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Brandy Reynolds

There are so many children and young people out there who don’t have someone to tell them that they are doing a good job as they take part in extracurricular activities and strive to meet their goals academically.

Laguna Beach’s Casey Reinhardt established the CASEY Foundation (Children’s Alliance for the Success and Education of Youth) to fill the gap for unmotivated youth. Let her story of advocacy motivate you to help children build self-esteem and attain their goals.

Can you tell me about the success you’ve had with the CASEY Foundation?

I created the foundation in 2002 when I was in High School. I created it because my family is very involved with helping children and people in general. I found a special place in my heart for them. I wanted to create this foundation because I worked with different organizations.

In seeing my parents being very charitable, I wanted to do the same thing and I decided to create this foundation because I wanted to help kids. I know the importance of an education, and I wanted to share and bring awareness to the importance of staying in school. I really worked closely with all of the Olive Crest Children’s Foundations, which help support abused children. That has been my goal: to help abused children by donating books, food, clothes… anything they need. I love hanging out with kids and bringing them presents. I’m really hands on in that way with my foundation.

Due to the economy and everything that’s going on in our world, have you noticed that the academic intelligence of children is worse when it comes to helping children with literacy and self-esteem?

It’s very different… people aren’t giving a lot of money anymore because people can’t afford it. So I’m really there helping promote the awareness of abuse of children and just making sure they stay in school. Because we are their voice, and they’re helpless and vulnerable and we need to speak up for them because they can’t.

Tell me how you have grown personally from reaching out and helping… What have you learned?

I’ve really learned how lucky I am. I come from a really incredible family and I’m so fortunate of that. That’s why I feel like I need to help – because I’m so fortunate. Not everyone comes from a good family, but making someone’s life a little easier is what I can do. I’ve grown up in philanthropy and have been involved my whole life. It’s really rewarding. Just to touch one person’s life is worth it.

For someone our age who doesn’t have a lot of money to start a foundation, where is a good place for them to start?

Just being totally hands on, getting involved in school foundations. So many schools have foundations in which you can help out. Help the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. You don’t have to give everything… give your love. Kids need love more than anything else. And if you don’t know where to start, you can start out helping in my foundation. I’m always looking for volunteers.

Were you brought up to show acts of kindness or was there a certain event that made you start your foundation and start volunteering as early as you did?

I was brought up to give back. But I really became passionate about it when my best friend died when she was sixteen years old from breast cancer. That really woke me up to really living my life full, and to have meaning and purpose. Going through that extreme with my girlfriend made me realize I really have to do something, and I had to help and be really involved in helping others because I understand how short life is.

Do you think that young women in Hollywood are doing a great job at setting a example for other young females, or do you feel they’re really taking their stardom for granted?

You know, I think that some of them are and some aren’t, and they have the opportunity to do so. Like Hayden Panettiere – she’s fighting for the dolphins. I think that’s so great that she’s a part of that and that she’s showing young girls that she’s fighting for a great cause and showing such passion. But I believe that other celebrities have the forum but don’t really take the advantage of it.

Will any of your upcoming projects reflect the work you’ve been able to do with young children?

I’m sure they will. I really want to write a book. I have a few projects that I’m actually in the process of starting. I’m working on them. I want to bring awareness to children in need in general. It’s a big huge part of my life – I’m very passionate about it and I really want to incorporate it into my career. It’s really important to me.

What can the fans look forward to seeing you in next?

I just finished a film. It’s a thriller called LURE. I’m really excited about it. I have a few appearances on The Hills. And I’m really into this philanthropic project that I’m doing right now, this project I’m working on which I can’t wait to tell you about. It’s in the works. So I can’t really say anything. I really want to put a lot of time into charity since I just graduated from college. I really want this year to be a great year for me and the children philanthropy wise.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Casey Reinhardt for taking the time to talk to us.

You can contact Casey at Casey.Reindhadrt@yahoo.com or Casey@ CaseyReindhardt.com to volunteer at the CASEY Foundation. She would love volunteers.

Usher Urges Youth To Be Great

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

As part of Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America’s (BGCA) new advocacy campaign — BE GREAT — five-time Grammy award winner, philanthropist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus Usher has unveiled a new billboard featuring his childhood picture and a call-to-action — BE ICONIC. Usher joins 25 prominent alumni in the new advocacy campaign to help increase public awareness and understanding about the positive impact of Clubs.

From academic failure and gang violence to poverty, drugs and obesity, America’s youth face a daunting array of problems — with serious consequences and fewer safety nets at home and in the community. According to a 2007 BGCA alumni survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 57 percent of alumni reported, “The Club saved my life,” while another 28 percent credited Boys & Girls Clubs with keeping them in school.

“Growing up in the Club, I had the chance to experience a lot of positive things; it helped reinforce the values I learned at home including good character, leadership and giving back to my community, my country and my world,” said Usher. “It’s where I developed my love of singing and performing, received help with my homework, and it’s where I found a safe place to go after school.”

In addition to unveiling the billboard, Usher recently visited the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta where he was greeted by screams from more than 200 young members. He addressed the crowd with a simple message: “work hard to achieve your goals and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.” During his visit he taped a short film about the positive impact the Club played in his life, which will be the first of several films of prominent alumni for BGCA. The film will debut on BGCA’s Web site www.BeGreatAmerica.org in May, and will also appear on BGCA’s social networking pages including Facebook and YouTube.

Other Club alumni joining Usher in the BE GREAT advocacy campaign include: Academy award-winning actor and national spokesperson for BGCA – Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Ashanti, Swin Cash, Gen. Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O’Neal, Smokey Robinson, Martin Sheen, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

On May 14, Usher will be inducted into BGCA’s prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame (AHOF) at the organization’s 103rd National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are very excited about Usher joining our BE GREAT campaign and the awareness he will bring to the effectiveness of our generation-changing programs,” said BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett. “He is a shining example of the impact of Clubs, and we are so proud of the great things he has gone on to accomplish.”

Usher will collaborate with BGCA and other alumni to urge the country’s political and business leaders to make the young people of America a priority and encourage every citizen to make a difference by supporting organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs — ensuring that every child has a safe, supervised and structured environment during the critical after-school hours.

No Doubt To Headline Tiger Jam

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Golf legend Tiger Woods is to host Tiger Jam XII on May 16, a charity concert with some very special guests.

Tiger Jam is an annual event that benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation and a selection of Las Vegas-based charities, such as Child Haven, Center for Independent Living, Greater Las Vegas Inner City Games, Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas, GRAMMY in the Schools, and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

This year’s Tiger Jam will be headlined by Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, and will also feature Paramore and The Sounds.

The concert will take place at the Manadaly Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, with tickets ranging from $64 to $164.

To purchase tickets or find out more, visit the official Tiger Jam website.

Anna Kournikova Pulls On Her Running Shoes For Charity

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Anna Kournikova competed in the Second Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon in Florida on Sunday, an event that raised money for charity.

The annual event – which last year attracted a host of celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey – raised money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This was also the second time Kournikova has competed in the event as part of the K-Swiss team. She ran 4km as part of the three-person team.

The tennis star has also blogged about her recent trip to New York, in which she rang the Stock Exchange Bell for the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America.

“The purpose of my trip was to promote Cartoon Network’s “Get Animated / Red Rubber Ball” campaign during National Boys and Girls Club Week," she wrote. "Basically, I appeared on some TV shows in order to encourage kids to stay active, get outside and play, and to socialize with each other in person. These days, kids have so many gadgets that it’s hard to get them to put down the video games and go outside to play; but we all know the amazing benefits of physical activity! All together, I made 5 press appearances. Each show was fun to do in its own way, and I was even able to do some of them with kids from the local Boys and Girls Clubs. They were all very excited to be on TV and were constantly texting their friends about it.

“Ringing the Opening Bell at The New York Stock Exchange was a very educational experience. It was interesting to see how everything works on the trading floor, especially nowadays with everything that’s going on with the global economy.

“Overall, the trip went really well and hopefully I was able to get out the message of encouraging kids to stay active, socialize, and just be kids, to the audiences of each of the shows.”

Anna Kournikova Rings The Bells Of Charity

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tennis star Anna Kournikova was in New York yesterday to ring the opening bell on the stock exchange for charity.

The 27-year-old attended the event on behalf of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, an organization she has been involved with since 2004. First established in 1860 and affiliated in 1906, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America can be found in over 4,300 locations around the US and help over 4.8 million children and young adults to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

“I’m proud to be associated with a group like Boys & Girls Clubs of America who recognizes this need and is proactively providing resources to make this happen,” she said.

Last month, Kournikova undertook a charity mission of another kind when she visited Haiti for Population Services International’s Five and Alive/Youth AIDS programs, initiatives that help improve the lives of kids around the world, ages five and under, by educating and helping their families to prevent causes of death such as AIDS, malaria, malnutrition and diarrhea (caused by unsafe drinking water).

In her official blog, Kournikova wrote: "As I’m sure most of you are aware, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and it’s been extremely difficult to try to describe and express what I saw while I was there. You can read all the statistics on paper, see pictures of the kids and families that are there and see pictures of all the destruction that occurred during last year’s hurricane season, but all that information fails to tell the real story of the people that live through it every day. It is completely devastating and difficult to process in one’s mind. It becomes even harder to understand when you realize that Haiti is only about 2 hours away from Florida (by plane) and how close it is to the prosperity that we enjoy here in the United States.

“For me personally, I’ve seen poverty before, that wasn’t what shocked me the most. Having grown up in Russia, where 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, I’ve seen kids running around barefoot because their families couldn’t afford shoes. What shocked me about Haiti, where 70% of the population lives on less than $2 a day, was just the complete lack of basic human needs, and the amazing amount of disease and sickness that is so prevalent within the population. Diarrhea is rampant and is a major cause of infant deaths, simply due to the lack of clean drinking water. I’ve never seen so much trash and waste, on every street, on every single road. They don’t have the systems to get rid of the waste in a proper way, not to mention recycling, so they have to burn it in the streets. There’s no infrastructure or programs of any kind, whether it’s plumbing, waste control, sewers, clean water, etc. It was so difficult to see those conditions with my own eyes.”

Hill Harper Becomes A Scholarship Namesake

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

CSI vet Hill Harper can now add scholarship namesake under his list of many achievements.

The talented star recently had an educational award created in his honor. The award is managed by the United Negro College Fund and will be an exclusive scholarship of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. The Hill Harper Mentoring Scholarship will be granted to financially challenged college bound students.

Harper comments: “I am honored to have a scholarship that represents so much that I believe in named for me… at a time when [”President Obama":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/998-barack-obama] is urging Americans to serve and First Lady Michelle Obama is asking us to consider making that service mentoring at-risk children."

Hill Harper is a dynamic force in the realm of celebrity charity. The actor is a prominent author and activist. His charity work includes leading the United Negro College Fund’s HBCU Empower Me Tour, serving as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, and creating the MANifest Your Destiny foundation. His dedication to charity shows no signs of wavering. Look for more of Harper in the future.

Annie Duke Blogs About Celebrity Apprentice 2

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Poker star Annie Duke is currently appearing on Celebrity Apprentice 2 to raise money for Refugees International, and she is blogging about her experiences.

Every week Duke writes about what goes on behind the scenes of the show, which sees celebrities such as Dennis Rodman, Brian McKnight, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Clint Black, Tom Green, Khloe Kardashian and many others raising money for charities such as the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, the Lili Claire Foundation and StandUp For Kids.

As well as writing about the show, Duke is also guest blogger for Refugees International.

“I find it kind of shocking that there is more attention to the poker tournaments I participate in than in the tragedy ongoing in Darfur,” she wrote. "Since 2003, nearly 2.5 million people have been forced out of their homes, living in makeshift huts in large, sprawling camps in this western region of Sudan. Up to 400,000 people have been killed according to some estimates.

“A few years ago, [”Don Cheadle":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/447-don-cheadle] and I were having lunch in Los Angeles and started talking about the crisis in Darfur. He had just released his book Not on Our Watch and was actively campaigning for more attention and meaningful action on Darfur. I felt that what was happening in Darfur was so horrible, and just said, “Nobody knows what’s going on in this part of the world. We should do a poker event for them.” At the time I thought it would raise around $25,000 or $50,000. This small idea turned into Ante Up For Africa — a hugely successful celebrity-studded series of charity poker events that has raised $2.5 million since July 2007.

“This year, I have added Refugees International as one of our partners. Why? Because organizations like Refugees International affect lasting change. Governments can do more to help refugees in Africa and around the world, but that’s not going to happen without pressure.

“It makes me even more excited to be supporting Refugees International knowing that the organization is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. For thirty years, the organization has demanded that policy makers save lives and respond to crises that the world is neglecting. Their work on Darfur is one powerful example.

“In 2004, the fighting in Darfur had barely registered on anyone’s radar. However, Refugees International knew that hundreds of thousands of people had fled Darfur and crossed the border into neighboring Chad. They traveled to Chad where they discovered that some of these Darfur refugees were near starvation. Agencies had underestimated the number of people in need and were distributing too few supplies. “Tell the world what is happening to us,” one of the refugees said.

“Refugees International did as they were told. They immediately called on the United Nations and aid agencies to address this problem. Within weeks, the number of refugees receiving assistance rose from 110,000 to 200,000.

“Since then, through op-eds, media interviews, and meetings with elected officials and aid organizations, RI has continued to urge more action in Darfur. They’ve convinced agencies to increase reproductive health care services for Darfur’s women. They’ve successfully called on Congress to fund a stronger peacekeeping force that can protect people living in desolate camps from more attacks. And today, they’re working to make sure that the U.S. does not forget about the people of South Sudan with their fragile peace agreement – there will never be peace in Darfur if another region of Sudan returns to war.

“This is why Refugees International calls itself “a powerful voice for lifesaving action.” And this is why I’m proud to help strengthen that voice."

Annie Duke’s blogs can be read here.

Stars Donate Items To Charity Auction

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club’s first annual Reach for the Stars Celebrity Auction and Dinner was held last week and raised $7,800.

Fon du Lac is a city of 43,460 people located at the foot of Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin.

“We were very pleased with the results,” said Dan Hebel, director of operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac. “This was our first year, and with the economy, a very difficult year to be raising money.”

Items up for grabs at the auction included personalized drawings and photos from stars such as James Earl Jones, Jeff Bridges, Barbra Streisand, Roy Clark, Martin Sheen, Bo Ryan, Ruvell Martin, Mario Andretti, Michael Waltrip and Barry Alvarez.

Over 130 people attended the event.

Shaq Brings On The Peanut Butter For Charity

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

“You want some peanut butter? I’ll get you some.”

If you were at Church on the Rise in Westlake, Ohio, last week, you would have heard NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal utter these words and more at the church’s PB and Shaq Challenge. O’Neal served as the event’s featured guest and charged an admission of ten jars of peanut butter. The donated goods will be received by Feed the Children and will be included in care packages for Wilmington area families overwhelmed by the recent closing of a DHL center.

The event raised over one thousand jars of peanut butter – all of which will be closely scrutinized in light of the recent salmonella scare.

Shaquille O’Neal has quite the impressive charity track record. The 7 foot one athlete is a one million dollar supporter of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America and is a sponsor of at-risk/disadvantage children. O’Neal routinely holds “Shaq’s Mama Said Knock You Out” charity golf tournament and gala and has recently recorded a PSA for Childhelp USA.

Katy Perry Performs While Stars Shoot Hoops For Charity

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:30:00 -0000

T-Mobile USA, Inc. launched the T-Mobile myFaves Shot of a Lifetime with an exclusive celebrity shoot-out in Phoenix to benefit charity. Eliza Dushku, Jermaine Dupri, Donald Faison, Bill Simmons and Zachary Levi joined Dwyane Wade in the challenge to benefit the charity of their choice during the weekend.

T-Mobile created the charity shoot-out to officially launch the Shot of a Lifetime national sweepstakes, which gives one lucky winner and their fave five the opportunity to play HORSE against Dwyane Wade during the Eastern Conference Finals for a chance at $50,000. More information on the sweepstakes can be found at www.t-mobile.com/nba or text “MYSHOT” to 72579 to enter.

Stars including Yao Ming and Gabrielle Union joined T-Mobile to witness Dwyane Wade, Eliza Dushku, Jermaine Dupri, Donald Faison, Bill Simmons and Zac Levi square off against each other on a custom myFaves half-court. Emcee Sal Masekela was on the mic, getting the crowd to cheer in support of each participant, who each stepped onto the court for three shots at the basket to win up to $50,000 for the charity of their choice. The charity challenge concluded with an astonishing $170,000 donated to Camp Hale Alumni Association, Global Exchange Uganda Trauma Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta, Global Green, The Jimmy Fund and Operation Smile.

Following the celebrity shoot-out, Katy Perry took to the stage to the delight of the crowd, which included stars such as Sarah Chalke and Chris Tucker.

Nick Lachey Tees Off For Charity

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Nick Lachey and three-time defending NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson took part in their second annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic at the TPC Tampa Bay Golf Club on Super Bowl weekend, raising over $200,000 for charity.

The money will go to charities such as the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, the Nick Lachey Foundation, the March Of Dimes, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“The way our racing season falls, the Super Bowl is always one of the sporting events I get to enjoy,” Johnson said. “Now that Nick and I started Super Skins, the weekend has taken on a whole new meaning. Again, we want to thank everyone who supported our efforts this entire weekend and helped to get some well deserved funds to some great organizations.”

Joining Lachey and Johnson for the tournament were Sprint Cup driver Brian Vickers, Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, Ken Griffey Jr., Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz, Nsync’s Chris Kirkpatrick, Drew Lachey, the New York Giants’ Justin Tuck and the New York Jets’ Jay Feely.

Jay-Z Donates Instruments To School

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rapper Jay-Z is joining together with NBA star LeBron James to donate over 150 musical instruments to a school in Arizona this week.

The pair will meet with over 200 students at Mesa Arts Academy in Mesa on Friday, February 13, to hand over the instruments – donated through a partnership with Coca Cola’s Sprite Green – and will also sign a donated piano which will permanently stay in the school’s auditorium.

“We are so delighted Sprite Green is donating instruments to the students of Mesa Arts Academy and the Boys & Girls Club,” said Ramon Elias, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley. “Our kids love to perform, and we know the instruments and musical equipment . . . will be a great way to motivate the kids to go to class and come to the Club after school.”

The stars are in Arizona to mark the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend and will hold their annual Two Kings Dinner later on Friday night.

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.

Chuck Wicks Goes Home For Charity

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country star Chuck Wicks returned to his hometown in Deleware last week to play a concert that raised $25,000 for charity.

The star performed the benefit concert to support the Smyrna-Clayton Boys & Girls Club and has vowed to make the concert a yearly event.

“I’m going back to the community that raised me,” he said. “As long as people want to come out I’ll keep coming back.”

The Stealin’ Cinderella singer is also set to continue his charitable ways by appearing at a benefit concert in Brentwood, Tennessee, on February 16, alongside his girlfriend, Julianne Hough. The concert will raise money for the Ravenwood High School Band.

VIP tickets are $75 and include seats on the stage or front two rows as well as a VIP reception where you will be able to meet the artists. General admission tickets are available for $45 and $35. Tickets and more info are available here.

Bob Hope Classic Attracts Celebrity Players

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

Thirteen-time Pro Bowler and all-time leading NFL scorer Jerry Rice, legendary guitarist and Rock And Roll Hall of Fame member Stephen Stills, and actors Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Nash Bridges), Kyle Maclachlan (Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives), William Devane (24, The West Wing) and Bruce McGill (Animal House, The Legend of Bagger Vance) have joined the list of athletes and celebrities committed to playing in the 50th Bob Hope Classic Hosted by Arnold Palmer, Jan. 19-25, 2009.

Other celebrity participants for the Classic, a desert tradition since 1960, include former Major League Baseball and National Football League standout Bo Jackson, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman and 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria, famed musicians Huey Lewis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles), Josh Kelley and country singer Clay Walker, actors Kurt Russell, Chris O’Donnell, Thomas Gibson, Oliver Hudson and Jeffrey Donovan; actor/comedian Kevin Nealon, actor/game show host John O’Hurley, timeless New York Yankees baseball legend Yogi Berra, comedian Tom Dreesen, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and sportscaster Dan Fouts, Hall of Fame sportscaster Keith Jackson, television financial host Joe Kernen, Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and NFL analyst Sterling Sharpe, and former Vice President Dan Quayle. The celebrity field’s schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 21, SilverRock Resort; Thursday, Jan. 22, Bermuda Dunes Country Club; Friday, Jan. 23, Nicklaus Private at PGA West; Saturday, Jan. 24, Arnold Palmer Private at PGA WEST.

PGA TOUR professional D.J. Trahan will return to defend his 2008 Bob Hope Classic title, which he won by three strokes after firing a final-round, 7-under-par 65 to finish at 26-under 334 over 90 holes. All five days of The Classic will be televised on Golf Channel. At stake is a purse of $5.1 million, $918,000 to the winner.

Palmer, a sporting and Coachella Valley icon, played in the tournament 42 of its 50 years and is the only five-time champion, winning the inaugural tournament in 1960 and again in 1962, ’68, ’71 and ’73. He won a total of 62 PGA TOUR titles. The five-day Classic features 128 top PGA TOUR professionals and 384 amateur contestants, including a stellar list of 30 celebrities.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary tournament, the Bob Hope Classic’s host course will be the Palmer Private at PGA West. Other courses in the 2009 rotation include Bermuda Dunes Country Club, an original tournament course, La Quinta’s SilverRock Resort, which debuted in 2008, and the Nicklaus Private Course at PGA West, in the rotation for the first time.

In 49 years, the tournament has donated more than $45 million to charities throughout the Coachella Valley, including the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Habitat For Humanity and many more. Tickets are only $25 per day, with several packages offering additional savings. For more information, go to www.bhcc.com

Kevin Nealon Raises Funds For Lake Tahoe Children

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Weeds star Kevin Nealon has recorded a series of humorous public service announcements as part of a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe that will raffle off a $650,000 home.

The goal of the raffle is to raise $1 million for the club housed in an old middle school in South Lake Tahoe, and about 1,100 tickets have been sold so far – but organizers say 7,000 must be sold by March 1 to make the $1 million mark.

“It sounded like a great cause,” Nealon said in a recent interview with the Las Vegas Sun. “I love that area up there. It’s close to my heart.”

Nealon – who is well known for participating in charity golf events – recorded four PSAs in November.

“He plays in the American Century Championship golf tournament each year, so we figured why not ask a celebrity who’s practically a local to help our cause?” said Karen Houser, executive director of the local Boys and Girls Club. “Not to mention he’s a father and shares our concern for helping children.”

“Even in these times of nonexistent credit, there are plenty of ways to get into a home, including that trusty oversized key known as the crow bar,” Nealon announces in one ad. “Yes, but a simpler more legal method is buying a $150 raffle ticket from the Boys and Girls Club that may win you a $650,000 South Lake Tahoe home.”

The 2,100-square-foot home has three bedrooms with views of the mountains and forest, and the odds of winning it with a single $150 ticket are approximately 1 in 7,000.

To purchase tickets, visit the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Lake Tahoe website.

Doobie Brothers To Play Charity Concert

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Legendary American rock band, The Doobie Brothers, will perform inside Cobo Arena at the 2009 North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) annual black-tie Charity Preview gala on Jan. 16. The band will entertain Charity Preview attendees at 9 p.m. in Cobo Arena with doors opening at 8:30 p.m.

“The Doobie Brothers performing at Charity Preview will make this truly a night to remember for our guests,” said Joe Serra, senior co-chair of the 2009 NAIAS. “Adding a band like this with their history and caliber to the evening’s festivities is a perfect fit for a fun night for Detroiters while supporting 12 local children’s charities.”
Attendees must present their Charity Preview ticket stub at the entrance to Cobo Arena to see the Doobie Brothers performance. Seating and standing room will be available at the performance along with food and refreshments.

The Doobie Brothers have been a top concert attraction since the band began in 1969 in San Jose, Calif. The group has many memorable hits including “Black Water,” “Listen To The Music,” “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “Long Train Runnin,” and “China Grove.”

Since its inception in 1976, Charity Preview has raised over $77 million for children’s charities in metro Detroit, over $32 million of which was raised in the last five years alone. Medical treatment, clothing and support services for local kids in need all are made possible through the purchase of Charity Preview tickets.
Tickets for the event are $400 each and can be purchased by calling 888.838.7500. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.charitypreview.com.

Metro Detroit area beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children’s Center, Judson Center, Children’s Services of Northeastern Guidance Center Assistance League, The Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, Easter Seals – Michigan, March Of Dimes, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund – a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

On January 18, the Jonas Brothers are also set to take to the stage for the Charity Preview.

Jonas Brothers To Play Charity Concert For Auto Show

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has announced the Grammy nominated Jonas Brothers will play a special concert at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena on January 18, 2009 to help raise funds for the annual Charity Preview.

The 2009 Charity Preview will take place at Cobo Center on January 16 from 6-9 PM. Since its inception in 1976, Charity Preview has raised over $77 million for children’s charities in metro Detroit — over $32 million of which was raised in the last five years alone. Medical treatment, clothing and support services for local kids in need all are made possible through the purchase of Charity Preview tickets. The annual event has delivered more than $6 million to children’s charities in Southeastern Michigan.

The Jonas Brothers join a growing list of celebrities that have attended Charity Preview in years past to help raise funds for children in need. Previous attendees include Céline Dion, Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock, Kevin Bacon and Jay Leno. Through their Change for the Children Foundation, the Jonas Brothers raise funds to support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and the will to succeed. Their first fundraising initiative – You Decide. You Donate. – launched this past summer and through the generosity of their fans, was able to donate to charities including NothingButNets.net, American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Camp, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Summer Stars.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that an act as large as the Jonas Brothers have offered their support to Charity Preview,” said Joe Serra, senior co-chair of the 2009 NAIAS. “Not only will attendees be supporting local children’s charities in this time of dire need, but they will be able to provide the kids in their life with a ticket to the hottest concert in town.”

For every Charity Preview ticket purchased, patrons will receive one free ticket to see the Jonas Brothers live in concert on January 18, 2009 at Joe Louis Arena. There are a limited number of Charity Preview tickets that are tied to the Jonas Brothers concert. Tickets must be purchased between December 23, 2008 and January 5, 2009. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to benefit Charity Preview. Charity Preview ticket holders who purchased prior to December 23 will be contacted and given the option for Jonas Brothers tickets as well.

For details on how funds from the Charity Preview are used to give back to the local community, see here-.

Jackie Chan Hands Over Cash To Boys' And Girls' Club

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan took a break from filming his latest movie last week to present two checks to organizations that benefit children.

The actor is currently filming The Spy Next Door in New Mexico, and was asked to attend the ceremony to present the money to the children’s charities in Albuquerque. Chan – who told Look To The Stars that the biggest problem in the world today is the “suffering of children” – presented the checks on behalf of Pulte Homes, which owns the model home village where The Spy Next Door is being filmed. The company donated $5,000 to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Albuquerque and $5,000 to Southwest Multimedia.

“I’m very lucky to be able to help children who are suffering the the world,” Chan told Look To The Stars last year. “Since I am Ambassador for [”UNICEF":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-unicef] and UNAIDS, I am able to help raise interest in the problems that children face. Plus I am involved with my own charities here in Asia – the Dragon’s Heart Charity and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. There are so many problems for children! Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do enough for them – as soon as I solve the problem of one group, I notice that another group is suffering. I try, but it’s never enough."

Stars Raise Megabucks At ICAP Charity Day

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

ICAP (IAP.L), the world’s premier interdealer broker, raised $16.3 million (£11 million) worldwide on its 16th annual Charity Day, beating the $13.7 million (£9.2 million) raised in 2007. The money raised will be donated to over 100 charities worldwide.

“To raise over $16 million in one day is an incredible achievement, particularly in the current environment,” said Michael Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of ICAP. “It is the efforts of our customers, staff and supporters that made Charity Day 2008 such a fantastic success. Many needy people around the world will benefit from their efforts.”

In New York, ICAP hosted many celebrity spokespeople from the various charities it gave to this year, including: Boomer Esiason, Gary Carter, Anna Kournikova, Don Zimmer, Amy Adams, Joe Montana, Matt Dillon, Jeff Gordon, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Julianne Moore.

“I was thrilled to be involved in ICAP’s charity day,” said Julianne Moore. “They were so generous and so excited to be helping so many. It was really wonderful, in a year where there has been so much economic distress, to be with a group that focused on giving so whole heartedly. Every one of us at the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance was so thankful to be included in their tremendous generosity. Thank you, thank you ICAP!!”

The charities the celebrities raised cash for included the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Communities in Schools, Four Rings Family Foundation, Goal USA, Refugees International, The Jeff Gordon Foundation, Partners in Health, Equality Now, Robin Hood Foundation, and the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

“It’s disheartening to see and hear all the bad news that’s going around these days, and that’s why we can’t change the way we look at the world and interact with others, especially those groups like ours, which focus on an illness or disease and really change it for the better,” said Boomer Esiason, veteran NFL quarterback and founder of BEF. “I want to send a heartfelt thanks to all my new friends at ICAP and their customers for such a wonderful and supportive day.”

ICAP has raised a total of $79.2 million (£53 million) for Charity Day since it was started in 1993. A full list of the charities ICAP supported this year as well as more information about how ICAP’s donation will make a difference to the many lives receiving this aid can be found at www.icapcharityday.com.

Charity Day Stars Announced

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported by Look To The Stars last week, ICAP – the world’s premier interdealer broker – will hold its 16th annual global Charity Day on Wednesday, 10 December. On this day, all company revenues will be donated to over 100 charities around the world. We can now reveal some of the stars confirmed to make appearances.

Heading the lineup will be Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore. They will be joined by tennis ace Anna Kournikova, race car champion Jeff Gordon, and football legends Joe Montana and Boomer Esiason.

The stars will be appearing at Harborside Financial Center, Plaza 5, Jersey City between 9am and 5pm to rally employee enthusiasm and interact with clients to help boost trading volumes.

Charities that will benefit from the ICAP Charity Day – which has raised over $84 million for charities around the world since ist inception – include Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Communities in Schools, Equality Now, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Center; Partners In Health; Stop Hunger Now; The Boomer Esiason Foundation; Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance; and the Four Rings Montana Family Foundation.

There will be more surprise guests on the day, so stay tuned to Look To The Stars for more information.

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