Look To The Stars News: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Jennifer Aniston Narrates Charity Audio Book

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Earlier this year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Jennifer Aniston’s newest charity project: narrating a children’s audio book. We can now reveal that the book will be released on October 24 – National Make A Difference Day.

The story – written by Nick Katsoris – is called Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, the third release in an ongoing series about doing nice things for other people. The stories feature Loukoumi the lamb and her friends Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog and Marika the Monkey – a group of characters that like doing good deeds. Among the actors voicing characters for ’Loukoumi’s Good Deeds’ are Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Gaynor and US news presenter Alexis Christoforous.

The actress has promised that $2 from every purchase of the audio book will go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and to celebrate the release, the book’s author will hold a special reading of the book at the hospital on October 20.

“It is a wonderful story, plain and simple,” said a spokesperson for Aniston. "She did it because she wanted to do it with her dad, as well as she loved the story.”

To order the book and find out more, visit the official website.

Charlie Daniels Busy With Charity Work

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country music legend Charlie Daniels is busy with charity work at the moment.

The Devil Went Down To Georgia singer and country music legend has announced he will host a Christmas charity concert this November, with special guests that include Gretchen Wilson and Phil Vassar.

The Charlie Daniels & Friends annual Christmas For Kids Concert is set to take place on November 23 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The event raises money to fund a day-long Christmas shopping trip for 400 children.

Earlier last week, Daniels and his wife, Hazel, hosted Painting a Bright Future to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Even though the incredible researchers at St. Jude Research Children’s Hospital have improved treatment that has taken some diseases to a 95 percent survival rate, that’s still not enough for them,” said Daniels. “They are passionately determined to continue their work and help as many children as possible with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. That’s what it’s all about.”

To find out more about the Christmas For Kids concert, visit the official website.

Elvis' Hit Making Team Returns For Charity

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

The unmistaken Memphis Sound is back in full force. For the first time since the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, the King’s entire “Hit Making Team” recently returned to the recording studio with the singer/songwriter John Krondes to make new music and keep the dream alive.

A celebrity red carpet CD launch and book signing event hosted by Elvis’ friend George Barris with Joe Esposito – Elvis Presley’s best man – will rock the music world on Tuesday September 22nd. The event will benefit Elvis’ favorite charity, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The guest list for the event is incredible and includes Suzanna Leigh (Elvis’ co-star “Paradise Hawiaan Style”), Darlene Tompkins (Elvis’ co-star “Blue Hawaii”), Ray Walker (The Jordanires), Jay Leno, Bo Derek, Shirley Jones & Marty Ingels, Lou Ferrigno, Nancy Sinatra, John Schneider, Phyliss Diller, Joe Mantagna, ZZ Top, Billy Bob Thornton, Erik Estrada and many others.

Featured in the new recordings are all of Presley’s vocal groups: the Jordanaires, the former original Stamps Quartet, Imperials, and Sweet Inspirations. Both of the King’s Bands rock the house for the comeback; included are the TCB Band and the “Memphis Boys” – the American Studios Band. Elvis Presley’s first drummer DJ Fontana, and star drummers Ronnie Tutt, Gene Chrisman, Steve Gadd and Anton Fig keep the beat for the “Hit Team”. This heart-Stirring project also includes scores of super talent who accompanied the King; Millie Kirkham, Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin, Gary Herbig, Lanny Morgan, Elvis Presley’s original Horn Section, Arrangers, Elvis composers Paul Evans, Paul Parnes, Al Byron, Jimmy Krondes, Randy Starr, and many others.

John Krondes and the “Hit Making Team” salute the King and dedicate this epic CD as a fresh start and New Beginning for the music. Spectacularly friends, the melodious Memphis Sound is Back, the spirit has risen, and the music will never die.

The event takes place tonight at Barris Kustom City, 10811 Riverside Drive (at Lankersham Blvd. north of Universal Studios) N. Hollywood, CA 91602

Joe Jonas: Running For A Good Cause

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

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Joe Jonas is lacing up his sneakers for charity.

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

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

Stars Want To Be Millionaires For Charity

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire will make a return to American TV screens next week, with a special 11 show run.

Every night of the two-week run, a different celebrity will answer a single question to win $50,000 for the charity of their choice, and a host of stars have lined up for the chance.

The shows will be hosted by Regis Philbin and will feature appearances by:

Lauren Conrad
Snoop Dogg, playing for the Snoop Dogg Youth Football League
Patricia Heaton, playing for the Westside Pregnancy Clinic and Lighthouse Medical Missions
Shawn Johnson, playing for Blank Children’s Hospital
Steve Nash, playing for The Steve Nash Foundation
Katy Perry, playing for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Rachael Ray, playing for the Yum-o! Organization and the SPCA
Sherri Shepherd, playing for the March Of Dimes
Vanessa Williams, playing for The Maria Torres Emerging Artist Project at the Amas Musical Theatre
Wynonna, playing for Backpack Mission Ministries
A special “mystery” celebrity

The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’s 10th Anniversary shows begin August 9 at 8pm on ABC.

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Music fans now have the chance to wear their love of Rock on their sleeves for charity.

Wear Your Music is a New York-based organization that creates 100% eco-friendly jewelry that rocks – literally. The company makes used guitar strings from artists spanning the musical spectrum into stylish bracelets. 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets goes to charities of the artists’ choice, such as UNICEF, Rock the Vote, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nordoff-Robbins, MusiCares, PETA, HeadCount, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Keep A Child Alive, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Smile Train and many more.

Over 150 musicians have personally donated guitar strings to the initiative, including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Metallica, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Santana and Death Cab for Cutie.

“These are strings that these musicians have used and would normally throw away,” says co-president and designer Hannah Garrison, “It’s great that we can recycle them and also offer people a chance to wear rock n roll on their wrists.” In addition, the fine silver used on each bracelet is also 100% recycled, as is the DVD case each bracelet comes in. "Supporting good causes and the environment have always been important, but even more so now.”

To check out the bracelets and make a purchase, visit the official Wear Your Music website.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Charities supported by Whatever It Takes include: Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace, Healthlink Worldwide, Heifer International, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, LIFEbeat, LifeLine & Rape Crisis PMB, Opportunity International, Oxfam, ROTA, Rights and Humanity, S.A.F.E., Save the Children, Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program, Snoop Youth Football League, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Teenage Cancer Trust, The BRIT Trust, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Little Dreams Foundation, Lotus Outreach, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Toothfairy Foundation, Trade plus Aid, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WaterAid.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until June 30, click here.

Pitt Family Donates $1 Million To Hospital

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have donated $1 million to a hospital in Missouri to fund children’s cancer specialists.

The couple made the donation – along with other members of the Pitt family – to St John’s Hospital in Pitt’s hometown of Springfield over the weekend.

Along with Pitt’s brother, Doug, the couple have made the donation to fund a treatment unit to be named the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center in honor of their mother. The new facility will include a new pediatric unit, a 10-bedroom hospice and larger neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

Once completed, it will become one of the six affiliates of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tony Bennett Presents Charity Wine And Chocolate Event

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

On Thursday, May 28, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – along with Tony Bennett – will hold a deliciously decadent evening of dancing, desserts and dreams.

The premiere black tie, red carpet event will help raise funds and awareness for the hospital, dedicated to finding cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

Imagine walking into one of the most elegant event spaces in New York City, filled with some of the world’s finest chocolate, wine and food tastings ever assembled in one room all to the sounds of a 20 piece orchestra lead by fifteen time Grammy award-winning legend Tony Bennett.

Chaired by Kristin Davis, the event aims to raise over $1 million for the hospital.

The event will take place at Capitale, 130 Bowery Street, New York. Tickets start at $750 and are available here.

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.”

LeAnn Rimes Wins Humanitarian Award

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country singer LeAnn Rimes was awarded a special Humanitarian Award at the American Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 4.

The 26-year-old singer joined stars such as Carrie Underwood, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and many more famous faces from the country music world at the awards, and picked up her accolade for her ongoing community service, especially in regard to children’s charities.

“I’ve been doing humanitarian work for many years, and you do it out of the goodness of your heart,” she said. “I mean, the Humanitarian Award at the ACM’s never really crossed my mind. But it’s a huge honor.”

Rimes – a spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network – works with several charities, such as the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and A Star For The Night. Last year she was one of the many country artists to auction signed kiss cards for the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, and has also in the past helped to launch The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.

“It’s part of what I do," she explained. “It makes me feel good, you know. It’s part of, I think, my responsibility as a human being — but as also a celebrity — to be able to do good for other people.”

Jennifer Aniston Helps Out With Children's Charity Audio Book

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jennifer Aniston is to narrate a new children’s book with her father for charity.

Along with John Aniston, the 40-year-old actress and star of Marley And Me will lend her voice to an audio CD version of Nick Katsoris’ Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, the third release in an ongoing series about doing nice things for other people.

“Jennifer was wonderful, they were so easy to work with and it was the first time they had done something together,” Katsoris told RadarOnline.com. “They recorded in L.A. last fall and she was just a joy to work with… All the proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Jennifer is a big fan of them.”

The stories feature Loukoumi the lamb and her friends Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog and Marika the Monkey – a group of characters that like doing good deeds. Among the actors voicing characters for ’Loukoumi’s Good Deeds’ are Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Gaynor and US news presenter Alexis Christoforous.

“It is a wonderful story, plain and simple,” said a spokesperson for Aniston. "She did it because she wanted to do it with her dad, as well as she loved the story.”

$2 from the sale of every CD will go to St Judes to help seriously ill children. An excerpt from the CD – which is to be released on April 1 – can be heard here.

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.

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.

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-.

Jennifer Aniston Joins Children's Cancer Campaign

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Jennifer Aniston has once again joined the fight against childhood cancer by raising awareness of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 5th annual Thanks and Giving campaign.

The actress has filmed a television PSA with a six year old brain tumor sufferer from the hospital named Elle.

“To help that brain tumor go away, Elle’s mother turned to St Judes, where our discoveries have doubled Elle’s chance of survival,” said Aniston in the short film. “The work of St Judes helps save the lives of children across America. We’ve changed how the world treats brain tumors, sickle cell, and leukaemia.”

Other stars to film PSA’s for the fundraising campaign include Robin Williams, Jason Taylor, Antonio Banderas, and Marlo Thomas. Keith Urban and Brad Paisley have both recorded radio PSA’s.

To join the campaign, you can purchase one of the range of clothes available at the Thanks and Giving website. There are DKNY T-shirts and apparel from Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand, and Liz Claiborne. All products can be purchased online at www.stjude.org or by calling 1-800-4STJUDE.

“Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life,“ said Aniston, “and give to those who are not.”

The PSA’s can be viewed here.

Exclusive Interview: Jeff Probst Talks To Look To The Stars

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Survivor: Gabon finale which will air December 14 marks an important milestone for ‘Survivor’ host Jeff Probst and his charity, the Serpentine Project. After the finale, there will be a special charity auction of Survivor memorabilia from this season, with 100% of proceeds going to the Serpentine Project.

In addition to Survivor memorabilia, items up for bids will include: Tickets to American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Deal or No Deal, the WWE, Project Runway, and the season finale of Survivor 18 in New York. Additionally, fans can bid on a once-in-a-lifetime-experience of visiting ‘Survivor’ on location and hang with Probst himself! The auction starts immediately following the reunion show.

In September 2008, Jeff Probst made history when he became the first Emmy receipient for ‘Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competion Program’. The ‘Survivor’ host was kind enough to speak to Look to the Stars about his charitbale efforts on behalf of his ‘Serpentine Project’, foster children, inspiration, his dream of world peace, and his latest reality show, ‘Live Like You’re Dying’.

What was the inspiration was behind the Serpentine Project and what attracted you to helping foster children transition out of the system?

A former girlfriend of mine was adopted but her first few years as a young girl were spent in foster care. I started learning about the foster care system through her stories. The more I learned the more I became interested in wanting to make a difference. As I researched the statistics of children who come up in the foster care world, I began to understand the backpack of advantage that I was provided simply because I grew up in a stable and consistent home environment. All the things you take for granted that your parents and your friends are there to provide. It was quite sobering to imagine being an 18 year-old kid who had grown up with no support, aging out of foster care and into the world completely on their own.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My childhood dreams ran the gamut from baseball player to rock star. It wasn’t until I was in my first year of college that I really started to find my passion for telling stories.

Tell us about the online auction, how did this come about?

Every season we auction off various items from the show and donate the proceeds to a charity. This year Mark Burnett and CBS were nice enough to make my charity the beneficiary. It’s a really wonderful opportunity for us and we are trying to make the most of it. I called Ryan Seacrest, Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, and asked them all to donate tickets to their shows and everybody said yes! So the auction is loaded with great items, including a set visit to the next season of Survivor. Two people will get to fly to location and hang out.

Currently, you have a reality show in development called ‘Live Like You’re Dying’? Can you tell us a little bit more about it, and the inspiration behind it?

The idea behind this show is to inspire people to realize that life is meant to be lived now, not tomorrow. Too many of us postpone our real living until “we retire” or “the kids are grown.” I think most of us tend to fall into the trap of believing that there will always be another tomorrow. The truth is there won’t always be another tomorrow. Lives are stopped short every day. We are going to take someone who has a terminal illness and take them on their last adventure as their reunite with old friends, heal old wounds, maybe fulfill a once-in-a-lifetime dream they’ve always wanted to do and finally, share with us how they wished they would have been living now that they know they are dying. If we do it right it should inspire you to get up off the couch and say, ’what am I waiting on?!"

As host of Survivor what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about human behavior, and how has it personally helped you?

On Survivor, the lesson I learn again and again is that we all tend to justify our ethics to fit the situation at hand. Survivor gives you an excuse to lie, “it’s the game that made me do it” but I have seen that Survivor is no different than normal life. We do what we want to do and then we justify it. It has helped me to see this in myself and I work hard every day to be “in charge” of my decisions and own them, not pawn them off on circumstance.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

There are so many aspects of my career that are rewarding. From a strictly professional point of view, I’m very proud of the storytelling on Survivor. For 17 seasons we have kept up a standard that has never dipped. We continue to find ways to reinvent the show without deviating from the original premise. That gets tougher to do with each passing season. I’m also so grateful that I am able to parlay a bit of my recognition toward The Serpentine Project. It’s not lost on me that if not for Survivor, it would be much more difficult to raise awareness and money to help the youth in our program. I’m not above trading on the Survivor name if it is a means to an end and will help our youth achieve their dreams.

Do you feel celebrities have a responsibility to use their status in efforts to give back to the community?

I really don’t think you can assign any kind of responsibility to someone merely because they’re famous. People do what they want. If you have a voice and you are inclined to use it for good, you will. If, at the end of the day you’re more concerned with getting free clothes then you’ll probably have a full closet. I would want to be involved with The Serpentine Project whether I was on television or not. Being recognized merely helps the cause.

In terms of charitable giving and awareness, do you think we are reaching the younger generation?

I believe we have to teach each other to take care of each other. If you see someone in need, it should be a natural instinct to share with them what you can afford to live without. It’s a cliché, but this starts with the parents of the world.

Aside from family, who’s been a personal inspiration?

So many people have inspired me in my life, but there is one young woman whose approach to life has impacted me more than anyone else. Ali Mills was an eleven year-old cancer Survivor when we met doing some work for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. We became fast friends and although her cancer returned and Ali passed away at 13, I learned more from her about living than any other person in my life. It was as if she had been given a gift to see ahead and she was trying to share with me what was worth worrying about and what wasn’t. She wrote me a poem that I keep on the mantle of my house and refer to often.

Favorite ‘Survivor’ location?

Palau, Micronesia. The most beautiful water ever.

What trait do you admire most in others?

The trait I most admire in others is the courage to be faithful to yourself regardless of the impact it has on others.

What makes you happy?

Nothing makes me happier than love.

What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession at this point in my life are the memories of the amazing life I have had so far.

Finally, if Santa Claus were real, what would be your ultimate Christmas wish?

Peace. I would give up everything I have or will ever have if we could just find a way to live and let live.

Look to the Stars and Delinda Lombardo would like to thank Jeff Probst for taking the time to speak with us and most importantly, for making this world just ‘that’ much better.

Stars Hit The Catwalk For St. Judes

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A bevy of stars stepped out on the catwalk on Saturday night for the 5th annual Runway For Life benefit in Beverly Hills.

Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ross McCall, Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez, Jonny Lee Miller, Daisy Fuentes, Jason Alexander, Nancy O’Dell, Cybill Shepherd, Natasha Henstridge and Jaime Pressley were among the stars to show their fashionable sides in the fundraiser for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and William Shatner was spotted in the audience.

Over 1,000 guests attended the event – held at the Beverly Hilton – which raised well over $1 million for St. Judes. Runway for Life is one of the biggest fundraising events of the hospital’s calendar, and has netted over $6.5 million since it was first staged.

Past events have included appearances by Cindy Crawford, Anna Kournikova, Alison Sweeney and many more.

Teen Power At Charity Gala

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of Hollywood’s most exciting and energetic teenage stars attended the ‘Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth’ event held at the Nokia Theatre in L.A. on Saturday night.

The event celebrated the activism of the young Hollywood community with an afternoon full of performances and activities for patients and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and “produced an opportunity to harness the enthusiasm and activism of the young Hollywood community in a focused effort to encourage their peers and audiences to get involved in philanthropic and humanitarian causes.” Making an appearance at the gathering were the Jonas Brothers, Hilary Duff, Miranda Cosgrove, Miley Ray Cyrus, Dakota Fanning, Selena Gomez, Angus T. Jones, Demi Lovato, Corbin Bleu, Elle Fanning, Eliza Dushku, Olivia Thirlby, Ashley Tisdale and Emma Roberts.

“Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth campaign is a powerful one; one that harnesses the energy of more than 150 young performers who are in a position to influence their peers and fans,” said Brian Gott, associate publisher of Variety. “With the support of Target and our other sponsors, the Power of Youth effort has the opportunity to generate millions of dollars to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and create a bedrock of social awareness within the next generation of entertainment.”

As part of the celebration, a public online auction is running to raise funds for St. Jude, the nation’s leading children’s cancer research and treatment hospital, and the only one that covers all of the costs for medicine, treatment, food, travel and lodging. It features items and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as a guitar signed by the Jonas Brothers, the chance to interview Coldplay, a walk-on role on Weeds, and many more awesome lots.

The auction runs until October 23 and can be accessed through eBay.

Gloria Estefan To Receive Humanitarian Honor

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Grammy winner Gloria Estefan will be honored as the 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year for her philanthropic, professional and cultural accomplishments.

The 50-year-old pop star will receive the honor at a star-studded concert and tribute dinner on November 12 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, with a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s tribute dinner going to the Gloria Estefan Foundation and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“The Latin Recording Academy and its Board of Trustees are elated to recognize Gloria Estefan as an extraordinary Latina woman, humanitarian and talented musician who has made a global impact on music and culture,” said Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa. “She is one of Latin music’s most enduring icons, and we are privileged to be honoring such a dedicated, generous, and gifted lady.”

Estefan – who will play concerts in October benefiting schools – established the Gloria Estefan Foundation to promote good health, education and cultural development. One of the main benefactors of the Foundation is the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis – the leading research center for spinal cord injuries. She also served as chairwoman for a campaign that raised more than $40 million to build the Lois Pope Life Center neurological research facility.

Keith Urban Thinks You Would Look Good In His Old Shirt

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kiwi-born country singer Keith Urban has launched a special new charity auction inspired by his latest hit, You Look Good in my Old T-Shirt.

The country star – who recently became a father for the first time with his wife, Nicole Kidman – has convinced a wide cross-section of his musical friends to join him in donating previously worn T-Shirts to the internet sale to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Stars to take up his cause include Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner, Keith Anderson, Ronnie Milsap, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Trace Adkins, Faith Hill, Darryl Worley and members of Little Big Town.

“St. Jude is a charity that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Urban. “Our fans have always graciously offered their support in past fund-raisers we have done for St. Jude, so I think this auction will be a great success.”

The auction, which runs for 2 weeks, can be accessed through www.keithurbanauction.com.

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.”

Memphis Grizzlies Star Donates To Children's Hospital

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:25:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Memphis Grizzlies swingman Mike Miller has made a $200,000 donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I love what St. Jude does for the community,” said Miller. “Jennifer and I have always been very supportive for what they do with children. I really wanted to do something to help out the community here in Memphis.”

In honor of Millers’ contribution – the largest ever to St. Jude by an individual Grizzlies player – the hospital has named its exercise room the Mason and Mavrick Miller Fitness Room, named after the NBA star’s two boys.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been a partner of St. Jude since April 2002, and has shown their support through hospital visits, by creating special St. Jude nights at Grizzlies home games, and by donating tickets to St. Jude patients and their families. In September 2002, the Grizzlies extended the partnership by pledging $5 million toward construction of the $10 million Memphis Grizzlies House, a short-term housing facility on the St. Jude campus for patients and families undergoing treatment.

Country Singers Promote Dream Home Raffle

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:35:23 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singers Vince Gill and Amy Grant appeared onstage at a show late last week to raise awareness of the June raffle of the 2008 St Jude Dream Home – a 3,871-square-foot house valued at $650,000.

The show, held in Franklin, Tennessee, also featured performances by the Wooten Brothers and American Idol finalists Melinda Doolittle and Phil Stacey. Over 800 people attended the event, many purchasing tickets for the Dream Home raffle.

The Tennessee Dream Home is one of 34 Dream Homes across America, and organizers of the raffle hope to raise $1.6 million in what has become an annual event. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centres.

“We’re hoping for a very strong kickoff for the raffle ticket sales,” said Grant. “Some people are already passionate about St. Jude and I feel like this a no-brainer. This is exciting — someone is going to win that house.”

Tickets for the raffle cost $100, and there is a range of exciting prizes up for offer. Tickets are available through www.stjudedreamhome.org, and the homes will be raffled live on WZTV Fox 17 on June 22.

“I like the community spirit of this,” said Gill. “There are so many ways people find to give and to help out. And when you talk about a great project to give to, with St. Jude, you’re reaching out to kids and sick kids. And it just doesn’t get any more godly or kindly. It’s the best.”

Stars Compete For Charity On Celebrity Apprentice

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

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

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

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

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

The female celebrities have lost two challenges and two teammates – former Playboy Playmate Tiffany Fallon and Olympic Gold Medalist Nadia Comanechi. The remaining competitors include actress Marilu Henner, former supermodel Carol Alt, Olympic Gold medalist Jennie Lynch, Elemundo executive Nely Galan, and infamous veteran Apprentice star Omarosa.

The charities the celebrities are fighting for are:

Nadia Comanechi- Special Olympics
Jenni Finch- The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Marilu Henner- The Physician’s Committee For Responsible Medicine
Carol Alt- The Tony Alt Memorial Foundation
Lennox Lewis-The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
Gene Simmons-The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Piers Morgan- The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
Stephen Baldwin- The Carol M. Baldwin Cancer Research Fund
Tiffany Falon- The Walter Reed Society
Tito Ortiz- The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Vincent Pastore- The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Nely Galan- Count Me In
Trace Adkins – the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)
Omarosa – Tomorrow’s Aeronautic Museum

Vijay Singh Donates To Children's Hospital

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:40:15 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in association with the Stanford Financial Group, kicked off the 2008 Eagles for St. Jude campaign last Friday when Mike Weir sunk the first eagle of the 2008 PGA TOUR season. As part of the Eagles for St. Jude campaign, Stanford will donate $1,000 per eagle for the duration of the season.

Vijay Singh, who serves as an Eagles for St Jude Ambassador, has pledged to donate $5,000 for every eagle he makes on the Tour. This is a major increase from the $1,000 per eagle pledge Vijay made for the 2007 season, during which he made 12 eagles. Although Vijay was slated to donate $12,000 in 2007, he actually gave $50,000, a $38,000 donation above his commitment.

“Making eagles on the Tour takes on a whole new meaning with the Eagles for St. Jude program, because I know my accomplishments help St. Jude achieve its mission to find cures for these special children,” said Singh. “It touches my heart to see these brave kids – they have so much courage to fight. It makes me feel proud every time I make an eagle and it gives me added drive and passion to play my best golf.”

Sir Allen Stanford, Chairman and CEO of Stanford Financial Group, is also ecstatic about the program.

“St. Jude is vital in the battle against catastrophic childhood diseases and we want the world to know it,” he said. “It is our hope that the Eagles for St. Jude program will increase awareness for this special place and encourage golf fans and those who support St. Jude to donate to this worthy cause.”

“Eagles for St. Jude is a wonderfully unique program that shows Stanford’s amazing commitment to the kids of St. Jude,” said John P. Moses, CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “It will be thrilling to watch the eagles accumulating throughout the PGA TOUR, knowing that each one will help support St. Jude’s ground-breaking research and life-saving care.”

Several options are available for members of the public who would like to participate in the Eagles for St. Jude program. People can make a donation to St. Jude for every eagle made by Vijay Singh, make a donation to St. Jude for every eagle made on the Tour, or just make a one-time donation to St. Jude by visiting their website: http://www.eaglesforstjude.com.

In 2007, Stanford Financial Group assumed the title sponsorship of what was previously known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic and is now named the Stanford St. Jude Championship, a premier PGA TOUR event that has benefited St. Jude since 1970. The Eagles for St. Jude program was created in Stanford’s inaugural sponsorship year out of the desire to provide a season-long fundraising component to the Memphis tournament. During the 2007 PGA TOUR, 1,222 eagles were made, which resulted in Stanford donating $1,222,000 to St. Jude for the Eagles program.

Stars Design Ugg Boots For Charity

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:56:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It may be cold, and snow may be falling outside your window, but a new charity auction might have just the thing to keep you warm and cosy this winter. A host of celebrities have got together to fight the winter blues by designing a range of sheepskin-lined Ugg boots, with all proceeds going to fight childhood diseases.

Sharon Stone, Penelope Cruz, and John Travolta are just some of the 22 stars trying to keep your toes toasty this holiday season, with a variety of designs on offer in the auction to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, America’s third largest healthcare charity.

St. Jude’s is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, and offers free treatment to all of its patients. The hospital, based in Memphis, Tennessee, was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, and shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities all around the world, making it a leader in children’s healthcare.

The auction has been organized by Ugg Australia, the company behind the famous sheepskin boots, established in 1978 when a young Australian surfer named Brian Smith started selling the boots while on a trip to America. The boots soon became the preferred footwear of Californian surfers, and have now become almost legendary around the world.

The surfing theme has been captured in Ashlee Simpson’s design, which incorporates surfers and dolphins splashing in the ocean, and Eva Longoria’s design highlights the importance of love, with bronze hearts adorning the toes. Matthew McConaughey’s design is emblazoned with the phrase “Just Keep Livin’”, and Liv Tyler’s boots look fit for an Elven Princess. Other stars to donate specially designed boots include Ashton Kutcher, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Minnie Driver, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart, Kelly Ripa, and Kelly Preston.

The boots start with a reserve price of $200, and the auction runs from December 1-14 on www.cmarket.com.

Also in the mood for giving this holiday season is actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has teamed up with non-profit organization Trickle Up to offer a special piece of jewelry available when people make donations to the charity.

“Would you like to give a gift that will change someone’s life?” said the 30-year-old in a letter published on Trickle Up’s website. “This holiday season, make a donation of $100 in honor of a friend or family member and Trickle Up will send them the beautiful Trickle Up necklace, designed by one of my favorite designers – TENTHOUSANDTHINGS. Trickle Up will use your donation to help someone living on less than one dollar a day to start a micro-enterprise and take the first steps out of poverty. With their successful businesses, Trickle Up entrepreneurs are able to feed their families more nutritious meals, send children to school, receive medical care, and improve their housing. The Trickle Up necklace is a great holiday gift that will always remind you of an even greater gift: a hopeful future for a very poor family. You can seed a dream.”

The necklace is available from www.trickleup.org.

Princess Madiha Dances For St. Jude

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:52:15 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Syrian dancer Princess Madiha hosted her 16th annual dance workshop and dinner concert earlier this month, raising over $500,000 to date. All of the proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an internationally recognized biomedical research center in Memphis, Tennessee, that searches for cures for childhood diseases, primarily pediatric cancers.

St. Jude sees over 4,000 patients a year from over 60 countries across the globe, most treated on a continuing outpatient basis. It is supported mainly by volunteer contributions and federal grants.

Princess Madiha’s dedication to St. Jude, the patron saint of those in need, was born from her desire to give back to the community that saved her son many years ago after a car accident.

This latest event, attended by over 400 Arab-Americans, began with an all-day Middle Eastern dance workshop, and was followed by a family-style Middle Eastern dinner with live, professional, ethnic dance entertainment in vivid costume colour.

What began many years ago as a small, local event with only the Princess and her students performing, has grown to attract local and international troupes and performers, and a growing and generous audience, already eager for next year’s production.

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