Look To The Stars News: Lili Claire Foundation

Annie Duke Blogs About Celebrity Apprentice 2

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

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.

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.

Sam Moore To Join Country Singers For Charity Gig

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:48:18 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Country artists Wynonna, Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina, and others will join soul/blues legend Sam Moore on-stage for the “Sam Moore and Friends” benefit concert this March 19 at the historic Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (formerly the Grand Ole Opry) to benefit the Lili Claire Foundation.

“I am thrilled and can’t wait to see my country friends singing some soul music at the Mother Church,” said Moore. “It will be a night everyone will remember and it is all for a good cause.”

The Lili Claire Foundation was created by Keith and Leslie Litt-Resnick in honor of their baby Lili Claire, who died of Williams Syndrome complications as an infant. The organization offers support in the form of medical and social service to families of children with neurogenetic disorders such as Williams Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, and Autism. The Litt-Resnicks’ goal is “to encourage these children and young adults so that they may discover their innate talents and abilities and live productive, independent lives.”

Every year more than 20,000 children are born with a neurogenetic condition. The Lili Claire Foundation enlists doctors, researchers, and specialists and collaborates with top institutions like UCLA to create medical, psychosocial, and advocacy services through programs such as behavioral clinics, genetic clinics, music camp, autism clinics, sibling workshops, holistic resources, and counseling.

“I am honored to be a part of this great charity,” says Tritt. “It will be a wonderful night.”

Fantasy Poker Night Benefits Lili Claire Foundation

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:09:44 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Familiar celebrity faces met with members of the public for a fundraising evening of no-limit Texas Hold-Em poker while enjoying cocktails poolside at the W Hotel. Cadillac cars transported guests to and from the venue for a star-studded fantasy poker experience on July 10th.

Guests included Jeremy Sisto, Jason Ritter, Pete Yorn, Brian Baumgartner, Willie Garson, Jason Mewes, Andy Milonakis, Shari Belafonte, Don Most, Bob Goen, Victoria Pratt, Paul Johansson, Kate Linder, Patrick Fabian, Kelli Williams, Samm Levine, Kato Kaelin, Norby Walters, Josh Charles, Mitch Allan, Shaun Toub, Kathleen Madigan, Michael DeLorenzo, and Ken Howard.

Brian Baumgarter of “The Office” was the lucky winner, and a generous donation was made to The Lili Claire Foundation in his name.

The event was organised by Hollywood Fantasy Experience and NSO Entertainment, in association with HollywoodPoker.com, to benefit the Lili Claire Foundation.

Lili Claire Foundation was established to enhance the lives of children born with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other neurogenetic birth conditions, while providing hope and resources to the families who love them.

Aerosmith Travels for Vegas Charity Concert

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:41:11 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Aerosmith is making a special stop in Las Vegas for a concert in support of the Lili Claire Foundation.

Founder and executive director of The Lili Claire Foundation Keith Resnick says, “The band will be travelling from Latin America to perform at our fundraiser; we couldn’t be more grateful for their respect of our mission.”

The Lili Claire Foundation helps children living with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism and other neurogenetic disorders, and Aerosmith’s concert on the 28th of April will be part of their fifth annual benefit celebrations.

Look To The Stars News: Lili Claire Foundation

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