Look To The Stars News: Make-A-Wish Foundation

Stars Believe In Santa

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Carlos Santana, and Donald Trump have signed up to help brighten the lives of children at Christmas.

Beginning this Sunday, the four will appear in commercials for the Macy’s Believe Campaign, based on the 1897 New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial.

Macy’s will provide mailboxes at “Believe stations” in its stores across the U.S., at which children can mail letters to Santa; kids can even write to Santa at the in-store letter-writing stations. Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every letter received, up to $1 million.

Further commercials will feature Tommy Hilfiger, Ana de la Reguera, Carlos Ponce and Kenneth Cole.

”’Believe’ is the articulation of everything we treasure about the holiday season and is an authentic celebration of the Christmas spirit,” the company says in its release. “We felt strongly that this year it was important to remember and embrace the real sentiment of the season. We’d like to inspire all of America to believe.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation works to bring joy to the lives of children suffering from life-limiting conditions.

To learn more about the Believe Campaign, watch this space, and to learn how you can help the Make-A-Wish Foundation in their work, click here.

Sarah Ferguson Launches Charity In Dubai

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, was in Dubai last week to launch her new charity, Sarah Selects.

The charity has been established to help disadvantaged children in the United Arab Emirates and was launched with a charity auction in which AED3.5 million (US$1 million) was raised.

‘The plight of children is an issue close to my heart, and I intend to devote time to choosing the right causes within the UAE in which to donate the money,“ said Ferguson. “The Aquitainia launch party was the perfect opportunity to coincide the launch of Sarah Selects as the event was attended by some of the most influential people in the UAE. The UAE is the springboard for launching Sarah Selects globally, helping children’s causes all over the World by using Select Property and Select Group’s development locations as the foundations for growing the charity.“

All proceeds from the auction will go to charitable causes for children within the UAE, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Duchess has also agreed to become a patron of the Mullany Fund – named after a British couple murdered while on Holiday in Antigua in July – set up to support prospective medical students and physiotherapists. She will donate US$17,000 from the Sarah Ferguson Foundation to the cause.

Earlier this month, Ferguson gave the keynote address at Inspiring Women ‘The Experience’—a professional development event for female professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders in Canada.

“Sarah Ferguson is an inspiring role model whose extraordinary life is a testament to the powers of faith, resolve and resiliency,’’ said Kathy Weiss, Chair of the Inspiring Women event committee. “Sarah is an excellent choice for our keynote speaker because she has overcome adversity and successfully rebuilt her life. She truly embodies the vision of our event.”

Celebrities Love 2 Love T-Shirts

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Teen stars Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens have designed T-shirts for a charity lifestyle brand.

Launched in 2003, 2 LOVE is an initiative that endorses “a message of love while benefiting charities that elevate lives through a range of celebrity-designed products. The company inspires young women to love themselves, and in turn spread the love to others. Their unique marketing initiative – designed to empower women and promote philanthropy – has struck a chord among Hollywood’s A-listers, who have signed on in droves to join the 2 LOVE mission”.

Those A-listers include Monique Coleman, Alyssa Milano, Ashanti, Molly Sims, Mischa Barton, Jessica Alba, Brittany Murphy, Mariska Hargitay, Alison Sweeney, Mena Suvari, and Michelle Branch, all of whom have designed products to raise money for charities such as Best Buddies International, the 1736 Family Crisis Center, UNICEF, the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Joyful Hearts, Step Up, and more.

As well as celeb-designed T-shirts, 2 LOVE is also soon to launch celeb-designed cosmetics, and next year will feature a fashion collection designed by costume designers from Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, and many more hit shows.

To view the T-shirts currently on offer, visit the 2 LOVE website.

Baseball Stars Offer A Glove Of Their Own

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Baseball stars across the country are stepping up to support a new children’s book, A Glove of Their Own. The book aims to teach children the value of sharing what you have with those in need.

Craig Biggio, Sean Casey, Jack Hannahan and Robb Quinlan are some of the Major League Players to give the book their approval, and charity partners include Good Sports, Sports Gift, Pitch In For Baseball, Make-A-Wish Foundation ® of New Jersey, Cheerful Givers, and the Sunshine Foundation.

From the back cover: “Few things in life are ever as good as the smell of your own glove, the crack of the wood. Or being with friends at that one special spot and sharing what you have… with those who have not.”

Bob Salomon, the head of the grass-roots movement promoting this book, told us, “As a little league coach and proud father of two, I am fortunate enough to be passionate about the “pay it forward” or “give it back” mindset that has slowly been catching on throughout corporate America. Moreover, A Glove of Their Own is a children’s picture book that personifies this “paying it forward” mentality. It utilizes baseball, and an underprivileged group of boys’ childhood experience. Their love of the game is not defined by the equipment they don’t have but rather the passion and dreams that they do have.”

The writers themselves, Debbie Moldovan, Keri Conkling and Lisa Funari-Willever are no strangers to the giving back mentality, and have a track record of volunteerism which they have shared with their own children. The book was inspired by a birthday party held for one of Moldovan’s children. In place of gifts, guests were asked to donate baseball equipment for children who normally do without.

Naturally, A Glove of Their Own caught the attention of big-hearted baseball players. Robb Quinlan is a supporter of the Angels Baseball Foundation, Jack Hannahan has played in the A’s annual Community Fund Golf Classic, Sean Casey helps fight hunger with the charity Labels Are For Jars, and Craig Biggio has been the lead spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids Foundation for more than 10 years.

A Glove of Their Own comes out in October, and those wishing to get their hands on a copy need to reserve now! Go to the Franklin Mason Press website to reserve your copy. Enter the code LTS 127, and we will donate a portion of the sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Make-A-Wish With Jackie Chan

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan has spoken about his support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Over the past ten years, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has received amazing support from people of all walks of life, benefiting quite a few children and their families,” the star wrote in a blog on his website. “Wishes made by these seriously ill children can be as small as a request for a little gift or as big as a trip overseas. Among the wishes, quite a few sick children hope for a chance to meet their favorite idol and there have been many famous people who’ve assisted and participated with the services offered by Make-A-Wish. I’m also involved in assisting the cause because I hope through the Make-A-Wish experience, the lives of seriously ill children can be filled with hope, willpower, and happiness. The thing that delights us the most is that there are many cases which have proven how a child becomes more optimistic and positive towards fighting their illness after having their wish come true.”

The endorsement comes after the 54-year-old Chinese star hosted a 14-year-old boy’s tour of Chan’s studio and office. The boy, who is suffering from a brain tumor, was on a special Make-A-Wish trip from Australia.

“When I saw him, I definitely couldn’t tell from his appearance that he was a child suffering from an illness,” said Chan. “I could sense that he was very optimistic and was no different from any other ordinary child. I took him on a tour around my office, then took him to my house and he played with my cats and dogs. In the end, I gave him a few small gifts. This is all I did; I didn’t know what else I could do. Hopefully when he goes back home, he will continue to have the strength to confront and defeat the illness, and I hope he can fully recover soon.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses, and their mission is to bring joy, happiness, and hope to sick children and their families, and create for them a wonderful memory. The charity originated in Arizona in 1980, before spreading to Canada in 1983, and local chapters are now found around the world.

Kim Alexis To Host Diamonds In The Sky Gala

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Just close your eyes and make a wish… If only it were that easy. For deserving children benefiting from the We Promise Foundation’s series of fundraising events this fall, it truly is that magical! This year, with the help of supermodel Kim Alexis and John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, a spectacular gala evening is followed by a prestigious golf tournament in Virginia Beach to underwrite wishes of children who struggle with debilitating or life-threatening illness through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia.

The 3rd Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala is to be held at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront on September 3, and features silent and live auctions of celebrity memorabilia, athletic event and concert tickets, vacations and much more. The 10th Annual Charity Golf Classic will then be played at the Signature at West Neck Golf Course on September 4. The afternoon event is a sponsor/patron-only event that toasts more than 20 Wish children who join the players on the course.

Supermodel Kim Alexis has enjoyed one of the most notable careers in the modeling industry. With nearly 30 years in front of the camera, she has graced more than 500 magazine covers and appeared in thousands of television and print ads including six appearances in the renowned Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. By remaining true to her ideals and successfully balancing family and career, she has continually transitioned herself with the changing times. Most recently, Alexis debuted as host of the new “She’s Got the Look” on TV Land in early June, a reality show in search of a woman age 35 or older who wants to model and exudes sophistication, beauty and confidence. From model to mother to author to competitive athlete, Alexis seems to have it all. Her down-to-earth nature and genuine sensitivity make her both appealing and approachable, an ideal role model for girls and women worldwide and the perfect complement to the dynamic children and families who stand to benefit from the efforts of the We Promise Foundation.

Guests at the Diamonds in the Sky Gala won’t have any trouble remembering the lyrics to sing along with John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band when they take the stage at the Virginia Beach Hilton. Hailing from Rhode Island, the band rocketed onto the radio and topped the rock charts in the early ‘80s when they wrote and performed the soundtrack for the movie “Eddie and the Cruisers,” a 1983 release that landed their first recording contract. With more than 25 years performing together, they’re most recognized for their hits “On the Dark Side,” “C.I.T.Y.” and “Voice of America’s Sons” which also was the featured theme song for the movie “Cobra” starring Sylvester Stallone in 1985.

Additional celebrity guests include former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, a cadre of former Washington Redskins football players, LPGA golfer Cindy Rarick, Survivor All-Star Rudy Boesch and former NASCAR racer Ashton Lewis. In addition to mingling with guests at the Gala, celebrity attendees hit the links during the afternoon golf tournament at The Signature at West Neck Golf Course.

“It’s always a pleasure to see the smiles on the faces of these beautiful [Make-A-Wish] children and their families when they see and talk to the celebrities who come out in support of our events,” says Chartway President and CEO Ronald L. Burniske. “But what they don’t realize is how those same celebrities, in turn, are awed by the strength and courage that these kids show every day, often battling for their lives. It’s that very premise that drives the We Promise Foundation to support these wonderful kids, each of whom deserve to have their greatest wish granted.”

Last year’s annual gala and golf classic raised a combined $386,000 for Make-A-Wish through the We Promise Foundation, a non-profit, public charity formed by Chartway in 2005. For additional information, please contact Jill Haag at #757-233-7111 or jahaag@chartway.com, or visit www.wepromisefoundation.com.

Steve Carell Gets Smart For Charity

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Comedian Steve Carell held a special screening of his latest movie, Get Smart, for charity last night.

The 45-year-old held the screening at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to benefit the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund, a special initiative named after a teenager Carell met on the set of his show ‘The Office’ last year through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Tickets to the screening cost movie-goers $100, and included the chance to take part in an auction featuring items such as the opportunity to have Carell record a voice mail message.

The fund was set up after 19-year-old Zachary Carson died from diffuse pontine glioma, a type of pediatric cancer, and this is the second time Carell has used a movie screening to raise awareness of the disease – in 2007 he put together a premiere in Boston for his film Evan Almighty.

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

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

Look To The Stars Asks Melora Hardin

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:58:03 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

You probably know her as Jan from NBC’s The Office, but Melora Hardin’s face is one that has been gracing our television screens for years. A trained dancer, she is a veteran of all the shows we used to love – The Love Boat, Diff’rent Strokes, Little House on the Prairie, Magnum PI, Friends, Monk … the list could go on and on. And with big screen appearances in films such as Reckless Kelly, The Hot Chick, Absolute Power, Thank You For Smoking, and 27 Dresses, it is almost certain that most people have seen her face somewhere.

As if television and film acting was not enough, Hardin recently made her feature film directorial debut with You, and has released two CDs of her original vocal stylings – a talent that will see her perform the role of Fantine in Les Miserables at the Hollywood Bowl in August. This will be followed by the release of her latest movie, Seventeen, – alongside Zac Efron (High School Musical) and Matthew Perry (Friends) – in October.

With the new series of The Office set to debut in America on April 10, Melora found a few minutes to talk to Look To The Stars about how people can make the world a better place.

Hi Melora. A few weeks ago you went to the bebe Luncheon and Fashion Show in LA, which was a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tell us a little about the day and what attracted you to it.

I found out about the Make-A-Wish Foundation many, many years ago. I started acting professionally when I was 6 years old, and when I was about 12 my close friend’s mother was volunteering for Make-A-Wish. I had appeared on some show at that time that one of these kids really loved, so I went to the hospital and met this kid about my own age, shook their hand, signed a picture. And I was so moved by that. I felt that I could do something – I could use the celebrity that I have to give back as much as I can.

With the bebe event, Manny [Mashouf] invited me – he’s a really lovely guy – and so I thought it would be a fun day. I offered my support to both him and Make-A-Wish. I had great fun. Lots of yummy food and lots of nice people, and they gave away some great prizes and people won some good things. I think Make-A-Wish is a wonderful charity.

Where do you find your own inspiration to help others?

I feel like we’re all equal, and that some of us are luckier than others – born into situations with more opportunities, more education, more love, more culture, and all those things. But that doesn’t make anyone more important, just because they’ve been born into it. So I really do feel like everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and I really do try to treat people that way. I’m often shocked when people are bad. But I think there are very few really bad people in the world. I’d say most of the people in this world are good people who do the best they can. Unfortunately, the few really bad people can affect the way we see things. So I guess it’s really trying to live and let live.

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

I would say the first thing is the internet, that is one of the greatest tools we have in our time. Now you can go online and find anything from anywhere across the world, if you try hard enough and keep on searching. And if you don’t have access to the internet, then you can just ask – if you need something, if you’re looking for something, just ask where ever you can. If it’s the internet, great, if it’s friends and family, then start there, then branch out and just go as wide as you can until you can find your way.

How would a charity attract your attention?

Well firstly and obviously I would have to feel aligned with whatever their message is, and then secondly I would want to feel that whatever the money is that they were getting is really going towards the cause, and not just creating more and more paper to send out to people. If they send that out to everybody, then that’s thousands of dollars and hours of time, and thousands and thousands of trees. To me it’s such a waste, and it’s not a great use of money. So when I look at charities that are really successful, like Greenpeace or Make-A-Wish, they’re really using the funds that they’re gathering to do what all of their supporters want them to do. So I would say that would be a very high priority for me.

If you could start a charity, what would it be?

I’ve often said that I wish every graduate from high school would be handed a Euro Pass to go round Europe – that’s what I did when I graduated high school. I traveled around Europe for three months by myself. It was one of the most wonderful and balancing experiences, and I think that if you get out of your own backyard and see the world a little bit, you realize that there are good people everywhere. The conflicts that happen in our world are really based on politics, they’re not based on the things that everybody believes they are based on. I feel that people should get on a plane and fly somewhere, live somewhere, and have to deal with the way the cultures differ, to make friends and start to have compassion and empathy for the different ways of doing and being. That’s one of the greatest gifts you can give a young person, and I really wish there was such a program.

I just think we would have a much better chance of peace if people got the chance to see the world and spend a little time traveling. Even if it’s the only time they ever do it in their whole lives. I think it’s appalling to me that we have a president who never traveled out of this country until he was elected. I don’t know how you can possibly run a country when you haven’t seen other countries and the way they live their lives. You don’t get a sense of that from television. You just don’t.

That would be a charity I would be really interested in if there was such a thing, where young people had the opportunity to see the world and learn a little about other cultures by being immersed in it.

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

I’m on the Board of Directors for Victoria Rowell’s Foster Children Positive Plan, which brings fine arts to foster children. It means that if a foster child would like ballet lessons, we get them their lessons and whatever they need. I have found that it really reaps benefits. Victoria Rowell is a soap actress here and was a foster child. She had a great foster family that put her into ballet, and from there she became a successful actress. I find that things like that can really change someone’s life.

What do you think are the biggest problems facing the world today, and how can one person make a difference and help solve them?

I think we are a consumer-driven society, and that really affects all of us. People really don’t know much about it. I just got emailed a video called The Story of Stuff. It’s really wonderful and very informative about where our “stuff” comes from, how it becomes our stuff, and then where it goes. And how that affects the environment to a really drastic and horrible degree. You know, when you look at our stuff today as opposed to the 1930s, things were made to last back then. Now things are made to break, so that you have to buy more. And its really so unfortunate for our planet. The more things we make, the more the planet suffers. It’s really fascinating, and I would encourage everybody to have a look at that video, because it really taught me a lot.

I think there are a lot of simple things people can do. You know, yesterday I was at Whole Foods buying my groceries, and I bought seven cloth bags that from now on I’m going to take my groceries home in and keep using them every time. I’ve wanted to do that for a long time, and finally I said this is something I can do.

The environment is really a serious issue, and it really doesn’t take that much to make a difference. I would just say that people should do whatever they can do – it’s good not to litter, it’s good not to pollute, it’s good to recycle when you can.

Then there are food issues.

In our country, we have more childhood diabetes now than we have had ever before. And that’s because everything is packaged with sugar. So when someone thinks they are giving their child a slice of bread, they are actually giving their child a slice of bread that has sugar in it. Everything that they’re eating has sugar in it. Then we end up putting kids on anti-hyperactive drugs instead of adjusting their diet and realizing that sugar is a drug. I have a real issue with sugar because I really see how it changes my kids’ personalities, and it’s a really tough one because at every single party they go to there’s sugar, it’s just constant sugar for kids. I’m sure it’s different in different parts of the world, where sugar isn’t quite so available or common. But in Western culture it’s a problem, and I’m concerned about that because I do have young kids.

Can you give our readers a final message on how they can make the world a better place?

You have to be aware and conscious. I understand it’s hard, it’s easier to slide through life and pick up what’s there. But it starts with just one person. The more conscious the person can become the better. Whatever they feel they can wrap their brain around and take on and feel responsible for, the world will become a better place.

Thanks for your time, Melora.

Bebe Holds Luncheon And Fashion Show For Make-A-Wish

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:20:40 -0000

Written by B. Todi

Look To The Stars reporter B. Todi attended the bebe Luncheon and Fashion Show in Los Angeles on Wednesday, and witnessed firsthand the lineup of celebrities who gathered to make a girl’s wish come true.

Philanthropist and bebe stores owner Manny Mashouf, reality star Kristin Cavallari, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles came together again on Wednesday, March 5, to give a young person fighting to live something to live for.

The hostesses of the beautiful afternoon fundraiser were the charming ladies of the Beverly Hills Women’s Club. The wish-maker, Nyamabu, is a young woman battling sickle cell anemia who wants to be a gospel singer. And the wish granter is music producer Brent Woods, who joined Mashouf and the ladies for the afternoon.

Also at the luncheon and bebe fashion show – held at the intimate 1925 Spanish Colonial Clubhouse – were Melora Hardin (The Office), Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives), Maud Adams (Octopussy), and Debra Christofferson (Carnivale).

Mashouf, bebe, Cavallari, and MAWLA initially joined forces as fundraisers to kick-off fashion week in LA last October. Mashouf, in addition to being a MAWLA ambassador board member, has with his wife Neda made major gifts to the College of Creative Arts at their alma mater San Francisco State University and to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Since 1916 the Beverly Hills Women’s Club has engaged in philanthropic endeavors to strengthen the community with the support of early Hollywood stars such as Gloria Swanson, Will Rogers, Norma Shearer, and Joan Crawford.

Eva Longoria Accepts Donation For Children's Cancer Charity

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:30:31 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eva Longoria was on hand at a benefit in Burbank on Saturday, March 1, to accept a donation to one of her favorite charities.

AT&T Inc, the telecommunications holdings company, handed over a cheque for $200,000 to Padres Contra el Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latino children battling cancer.

“We are extremely grateful for AT&T’s generosity and commitment to PADRES and the Latino community,” said Longoria, actress and PADRES national spokeswoman. “The money AT&T raised will help us continue supporting families coping with the devastating effects of childhood cancer.”

The donation is a result of AT&T’s second annual Answer Hope’s Call campaign, which featured a massive fundraising effort to increase awareness of childhood cancer. Donations were collected at stores throughout the Los Angeles area, and a bone marrow drive set a national record by adding 253 new donors in one day to the National Bone Marrow Program.

“AT&T has a long-standing tradition of supporting charitable organizations and initiatives that strengthen the Hispanic community,” said Andy Shibley, vice president and general manager of AT&T’s Greater Los Angeles wireless market. “Nearly 50 percent of the children suffering from cancer in California are Hispanic, and PADRES provides critical support for families that need it most.”

Eva Longoria has been National Spokesperson for the organization since 2005, and joins Oscar Torre as a celebrity supporter. The charity has been bringing together children, families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer and other blood disorders, as well as effective methods for treatment, for over 20 years. Their programs, activities and services, while primarily oriented to the Latino community, serve childhood cancer patients from all races and ethnic origins. No family is turned away, and the organization is in constant need of donations – cancer affects approximately 1,500 children annually in California; nearly 50% of those children are Latino. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among children under 15 years old and is second only to accidents in most age groups.

In the past, AT&T have donated over $500,000 to the organization. They are also currently supporting a Telethon to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as sponsoring a celebrity skiing and snowboarding event to raise money for the Special Winter Olympics.

Detroit Pistons To Hold Telethon For Make-A-Wish

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:41:42 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

All season long the Detroit Pistons have been celebrating 50 years in Michigan, and now they are about to become the first team in Detroit sports history to devote an entire day, including their game and broadcast, to a telethon that will raise money for charity.

On Friday, March 14, the team will host the Pistons Cares Telethon benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation (Michigan Chapter), while asking everyone in the Pistons community to help them reach their goal of granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

“We want everyone involved – fans, sponsors, staff, players – because Make-A-Wish does so much good, for so many kids,” said Tom Wilson, CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment. “The day we grant these wishes will be a great day…for all of us.”

The telethon will run throughout the day and into the evening on WDIV-TV4, as the Pistons host the San Antonio Spurs. The entire telecast will be devoted to the telethon, with representatives from the Pistons community asking fans to call and pledge. Sponsors will present their donations and the Pistons will introduce stories of past and present Make-A-Wish kids.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan is delighted to partner with the Detroit Pistons and our community to bring joy to the brave kids we serve,” said Susan Lerch, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. “We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership to grant wishes and we are so grateful!”

Since February 22, the Pistons have been donating a percentage of their overall merchandise sales to Make-A-Wish, and have even stepped it up a notch by adding ‘Make-A-Wish Mondays’ to their website. Any merchandise ordered from the site, whether the order is for the Monday special or not, will garner a donation of $5.00 to the Pistons Cares Telethon.

Also lending their support is AT&T. Starting March 9 and running to Mach 21, AT&T will donate $50 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan for every new subscriber to AT&T Advance TV that mentions the Pistons Cares Telethon.

On March 14, fans can call in their donations to a toll free number starting at 6 a.m. Donations can be made immediately by visiting www.pistons.com and clicking on the “Donate Now” button. Online donations will be taken up to March 14 at 6 p.m. Donors interested in participating immediately can call toll free 1-877-DPC-WISH (1-877-372-9474) to contribute to the telethon.

Kristin Cavallari To Host Make-A-Wish Fashion Show

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:10:27 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Reality TV star Kristin Cavallari is set to host the Bebe Luncheon and Fashion Show supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event will be presented by The Beverly Hills Women’s Club, and will take place on Wednesday, March 5. The reception begins at 11:30, with the luncheon starting at noon.

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has many celebrity supporters, including Halle Berry and Jude Law, who help to bring joy to the lives of terminally-ill children.

21-year-old Kristin Cavallari shot to fame with her role in the reality series, Laguna Beach. She supports a number of charities, but over the last 12 months has made several appearances at Make-A-Wish Foundation events. In the Fall of 2007 she hosted the Make-A-Wish Foundation Los Angeles Fashion Week fundraiser that raised over $16,000 for the organization.

Tickets for the Bebe luncheon and fashion event are $175, or $1,400 for a table of 8. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call The Beverly Hills Women’s Club at (310)367-8982.

Celebrities' Festive Gifts

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Versus Blue

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:24:56 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Mission Australia and Make-A-Wish Australia are two charities reaping the benefits of the Microsoft sponsored ‘Red V Blue’ Charity campaign. Microsoft enlisted the help of some top-notch celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Kanye West to sign one-of-a-kind airbrushed Xbox 360s before putting them up for bids on eBay to raise money for the two charities.

Only 30 exclusive Red v Blue Xbox 360’s are being offered during the course of the four-week auction. Each console is hand painted with the artists face on one side, and their signature on the other. Raising money for Mission Australia, team Red members include Snoop Dogg, Neyo, Ice Cube, Justin Timberlake, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna and Kanye West. On the other side and raising money for Make-A-Wish Australia, are team Blue members: Lupe Fiasco, Evermore, Linkin Park, Talib Kweli, Paramore and Eskimo Joe. Bidding is currently open on Ebay, and so far, team Red has raised over AU$1,200 ($1000) and team Blue has raised AU$283.00 ($250). I’d get ‘em while you can, as they no doubt will become collectors items and a must have for Xbox junkies.

Celebrities Play Bingo For Charity

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:29:17 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British pop star Robbie Williams is one of a host of celebrities involved with Legendary Bingo, a weekly fundraising event held in Los Angeles. The singer was part of a charity evening earlier in August, held at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grill, with proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

The evening was a colorful and fun affair, with Williams winning the grand prize – a Diane Merrick leopard-print handbag. The following week, it was Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines’ turn to play the game.

“She asked if we would consider doing a wild bingo night for one of her favorite charities,” said Jeffery Bowman, producer of the Legendary Bingo events. “She was one of the most normal, nicest people I’ve ever met.”

Proceeds from that evening went to the Voice For The Animals Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, advocacy, and legislation. Maines had so much fun that she is already in negotiations to be involved in another Legendary Bingo event for charity.

Legendary Bingo was started by Bowman in 1998, as a fundraising event for AIDS projects in Los Angeles. It proved so popular that within a few months it was benefiting a different charity every week, including Habitat For Humanity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Caring For Babies With Aids, and the American Cancer Society. Before long, celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Courteney Cox, Daryl Hannah, and Tori Spelling also started to get involved, both as players and ball-callers.

Legendary Bingo has raised over $1.5 million for local and national charities and the arts since its inception.

Morgan Fairchild Emcees for Children's Charity Gala

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:17:13 -0000

When the limousine stops at the red carpet, the guests applaud the arrival of the celebrity passengers. But veteran actress Morgan Fairchild and members of the Little River Band likely will take second billing to a group of 25 local Make-A-Wish kids who many consider the real stars of a series of annual events hosted by Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation.

A pair of golf tournaments follow a spectacular gala designed to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia. Fairchild returns to the gala as celebrity emcee, complemented by a live performance from the Little River Band and appearances by a host of additional celebrities from sports, stage and screen. The Make-A-Wish children, ages 2 ½ to 18, also play key roles throughout the events and are given the “star” treatment by celebrities and guests alike.

The 2nd Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala is taking place at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Wed., Sept. 5th and features silent and live auctions of celebrity memorabilia, athletic event and concert tickets, vacations and more. The 9th Annual Charity Golf Classic is played at Heron Ridge Golf Course and at the neighboring Signature at West Neck Golf Course on Thurs., Sept. 6th. The morning tournament at Heron Ridge is open to the public, and the afternoon tournament at the Signature course is a private, sponsor/patron-only event. For golf and gala tickets or more information, contact Jill Haag at 757-233-7111.

Morgan Fairchild has long been an advocate for social and political causes that touch her heart, and the We Promise Foundation’s partnership with Make-A-Wish does just that. Last year’s inaugural gala and annual golf classic raised a combined $350,000 for Make-A-Wish through the We Promise Foundation.

The We Promise Foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children struggling with degenerative, life-threatening, debilitating or chronic illnesses, or those facing tremendous hardship. The foundation provides funding within the communities the credit union serves with a single goal: to put smiles on children’s face by making their dreams come true. The foundation was launched in 2005 based on the enduring success of Chartway’s previous golf events. Since 1999, Chartway and its We Promise Foundation have raised more than $1.3 million in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia, Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater and other Hampton Roads-area charitable groups. For more information, click on www.WePromiseFoundation.com.

Buffett Goes Broke After 45mins of Charity Poker Tournament

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 20:47:34 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Bridge skills failed to help the chances of billionaire investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett in a charity poker tournament to benefit the Nebraska chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Losing all his chips after only 45 minutes of the 50-person competition, the 76-year-old lamented, “It’s different than bridge. I was confused. I thought the low score won.”

Buffett is best known in philanthropic circles for his $37bn contribution to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation earlier in 2006. However, he regularly demonstrates a personal commitment to smaller-scale charity, this year auctioning off his car and a lunch with himself for good causes.

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