Look To The Stars News: SickKids Foundation

Look To The Stars Asks RyanDan

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:55:18 -0000

RyanDan is a Canadian singing duo currently taking the world by storm. Their tight sibling harmonies and operatic pop have gained them millions of fans, and their self-titled album reached number 7 in the UK charts in 2007 and is set to be released in the US this month.

Look To The Stars recently caught up with the duo, which consists of identical twins Ryan and Dan Kowarsky, and asked them about their thoughts on making the world a better place.

Hi guys. You dedicated one of your songs, “Tears of an Angel”, to your niece, Tal Doron. Tell us a little about the Tal Doron Memorial Fund, why it is important to you, and how you are supporting it.

When we were recording our album in London, we were shocked to get a call from our family in Toronto letting us know that our 3 and a 1/2 year old niece, Tal, had a malignant brain tumor. We flew home right away to be with her. She went through a very difficult year of treatments, but unfortunately the tumor was very aggressive, and she passed away last August. We were very close to her. Through this experience, we learned that brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children, and the main cause of cancerous death in children… yet there is still so much that isn’t known about how to prevent or treat them.

The Tal Doron Memorial Fund was set up to help fund research projects at SickKids Hospital, which will help in the understanding and treatment of brain tumors in children. SickKids is one of the leading centers for children’s health care in the world. The fund will also support b.r.a.i.n.child, a volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness about childhood brain tumors, providing funding for research, and supporting families.

How can people get in touch with the Tal Doron Memorial Fund and make donations?

You can make donations directly through our website, www.ryandan.com. There are also links to more information about this cause.

So far, our fans have been extremely supportive of our cause and we are amazed at how people are willing to help… not only by donating, but volunteering their time, etc.

You recently performed at the One Night Live benefit concert in support of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center’s Women and Babies Program, along with Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban. Tell us a little about the night and what drew you to it.

With all of the difficulties we have gone through with our little niece Tal, we try to do anything we can for children in the world. This was a perfect opportunity for us to help raise money for a great cause. It was incredible to share the stage with Bryan Adams and the rest of the performers. Bryan is someone we grew up listening to, and to actually sing with him on stage was a dream for us.

Are there any other charities or causes you support that you think need help?

Of course – there are many, many important causes that need attention in the world today. Right now, we are focusing our efforts on paediatric brain tumor research. We are all touched by the particular things we experience in life. As time goes on and our career grows and takes us in different directions, we hope to be able to learn more about other needs, and to raise awareness and funds for other charitable causes.

To what extent does the music you perform reflect your desire to make the world a better place?

Being able to express ourselves through our music is something that we don’t take for granted. We are so blessed to be able to touch so many people all around the world. We get tons of fan mail from people telling us how are music has taken them through a very difficult time in their lives. Hearing that makes it all worth while.

Where do you find your inspiration to help others?

Our inspiration comes from some of our favourite artists – from Mario Lanza through to Boyz II Men. We like to write about things that we go through in our lives, and also things we see our friends and/or family go through.

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

The famous writer Henry James put it perfectly: Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.

Kindness is the only thing that keeps this world going. Without it there’s no point.

What would you say to someone who wants to help a cause but doesn’t know where to start?

Start by getting as much information as you can about what is already being done to help this cause. This should give you some direction about what is needed. The internet is a great tool… both for gathering this type of information and for reaching a lot of people.

Many of our readers are non-profit organizations that wish to attract high profile supporters. How would a charity gain your attention?

We try to support as many charities as we can. Obviously there are so many out there, but I think it’s important for people in the public eye to use their position to bring awareness to so many things going on in the world.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing the world today, environmental or social? How can one person make a difference and help solve that problem?

Ignorance.

We have a responsibility to learn…each person should take it upon him or herself learn more about the problems in the world… As long as you remain ignorant, you will not see the need to help make changes.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, guys. All the best with the album release in the US.

Good Music, Excellent Wine With Aykroyd in June

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:16:31 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

June has been a busy month for Dan Aykroyd. On June 9th, he performed a free Blues Brothers concert with James Belushi, the brother of Mr Aykroyd’s late Blues Brother partner, John Belushi.

The show raised $100,000 in donations, which Eblen Charities, serving western North Carolina, will use to create the new Seven Falls Foundation. Various creative fund raising events and partnerships with companies, municipalities or other organizations enable Eblen to assist families and children who are battling the effects of illnesses and disabilities by providing medication, travel to hospital and information services. They also offer emergency services in the form of rent payment, utility assistance and food, and much more. Eblen hopes to increase their outreach from the 65,000 needy last year to 75,000 this year.

Last weekend Mr Aykroyd hosted the Niagara Wine Auction, featuring world class Ontario VQA wines and the finest food at some of the most beautiful wineries in Niagara. The 1,100 seats were sold out for the $500-a-plate fundraiser. Besides mingling with winemakers, wine tasting and celebrity chef food, guests bid on wine packages, merchandise and getaways. Proceeds will benefit SickKids Foundation and St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation.

Dan Aykroyd To Host Niagara Wine Auction

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:00:13 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Canadian-born comedian and actor Dan Aykroyd is to host the inaugural Niagara Wine Auction and Gala later this month. The former Blues Brother, an accomplished winemaker, plans to turn his epicurian passion to a good cause by involving himself in the event.

The Auction and Gala takes place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, on June 22-24. The event plans to raise funds for the SickKids Foundation, although it will also support the local St Catharine’s General Hospital Pediatric Division.

The event includes a Winemaker’s Dinner, a garden party, and a main Gala Dinner, complemented by local award-winning and celebrity chefs. The venues are spread around some of the most beautiful vineyards in Ontario, and guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Aykroyd, as well as taste a variety of wines, and bid on special local wine packages.

Up for auction is an evening with Dan Aykroyd at his homestead in Kingston, Ontario. This includes a meal created and cooked by his personal chef, and featuring wines chosen by Aykroyd himself. Other items for sale include getaway weekends to several well-known vineyards in the area, golf tours, concert tickets, home theatre equipment, guitars, and more.

Look To The Stars News: SickKids Foundation

Look To The Stars Asks RyanDan

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