celebrity

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Compassion is showing itself to be a universal language, as people from around the world are taking steps to help victims of the recent natural disasters in Asia. Celebrities are flocking to support the desperate nation of Burma/Myanmar, with Not On Our Watch, the charity started by Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, George Clooney and Jerry Weintraub, donating $500,000 towards rescue operations.

The group will use $250,000 for its own relief efforts, and has donated $250,000 of that amount to Save the Children, who, with UNICEF, are two of the few relief organizations currently deployed due to the military government’s reluctance to allow aid workers into the country. According to Britain’s Department for International Development, the country needs at least 10 times the amount of aid that the ruling junta leaders are currently allowing in.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have just released a PSA made in support of UNICEF’s work towards helping the victims of May 2nd’s cyclone, asking people to give what they can to help the survivors of the disaster which has left tens of thousands dead, and hundreds of thousands suffering.

Queen Elizabeth II has also made a “significant” personal donation to the efforts. While the amount of the donation was not disclosed, it is believed that the donation went to Britain’s Disasters Emergency Committee. The first British relief flight left Dubai on Monday, carrying shelter material for 43,000 families.

Organizing aid for victims of Monday’s 7.9 earthquake in China is Jackie Chan, who donated $1.4 million with charity-fund partner Emperor Entertainment Group chairman Albert Yeung. The earthquake, which has killed 12,000 people, was felt as far away as Thailand.

To make donations to help cyclone victims in Burma, visit the Save the Children, UNICEF and the Disasters Emergency Committee websites, and to help victims of the earthquake in China, visit Jackie Chan’s donation page, and choose “China Earthquake Fund”.

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Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

As previously reported, Jerry Seinfeld will perform in a benefit concert on June 2 at Madison Square Garden. The highly-anticipated show will be hosted by Alec Baldwin, and accompanied by an online auction to benefit Stand Up For A Cure.

Stand Up For A Cure’s strategy in eradicating lung cancer begins with the development of relationships. By creating meaningful partnerships with people in the entertainment industry, they gain high-profile artists who donate their time and talent. This brings much-needed attention and funding to their cause. By creating meaningful relationships with researchers, this funding is directed to the programs that show the best results and hope for progress in lung cancer research and improved treatments.

The key, Stand Up For A Cure believes, is in public awareness. Lung cancer research is seriously under-funded, in part because public opinion believes that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease, even though 60% of the newly-diagnosed don’t smoke or have never smoked. The use of celebrities on TV, radio, in print and on the Internet helps to bolster awareness, and so do their concerts. Next in line after Seinfeld is Brian Wilson in July, Dave Matthews Band in September, and Andrea Bocelli in the fall.

Seinfeld has performed previously for Stand Up For A Cure, campaigning against the cancer that kills 450 Americans every day. According to the non-profit’s website, a new case of lung cancer is diagnosed every 3 minutes and carries a 5-year survival rate of only 14%.

Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $254.50 to just over $1500 for the Seinfeld VIP Offer. For more information on the Seinfeld VIP Offer, call 212-209-3871, Option #1. To learn more about the upcoming concerts, visit the Stand Up For A Cure website.

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Written by Linda Burton

When Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller walk down the aisle on May 30, 2008, their guests will not need to bring along a gift – the generous Two and a Half Men star is rejecting presents at his upcoming nuptials in favor of donations to Chrysalis.

The couple’s wedding invitations include the request “no gifts, just donations to Chrysalis – an organization in Los Angeles that is dedicatied to changing lives through jobs,” reports the New York Post.

A source tells the newspaper, “Charlie [Sheen] has been working with the group, which gets people off skid row, for many years, and the money will go to towards the charity’s big annual gala, the Butterfly Ball.”

Chrysalis provides critical employment services to nearly 2,300 individuals annually through their centers based in the Los Angeles area.

For more information on Chrysalis please visit www.changelives.org**

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Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Liam Neeson will attend London’s première charity showing of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian at The O2 arena on June 19, the latest film Neeson has loaned his voice to.

The big deal about this première, the sequel to the 2005 film of C. S. Lewis’ book “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”, is the size of the screen and audience: a giant cinema screen will be installed into the arena for 10,000 viewers.

Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media will donate proceeds of “ticket sales”:http://www.theo2.co.uk to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, a world-leading children’s hospital that hosts a wide range of specialists for research and treatment of children’s rare, complex and life-threatening conditions.

Besides the millions the Hospital is trying to raise for refurbishment of the 150-year-old facilities, it is partnering with Disney to raise £10 million for the construction of a new restaurant, café and Disney Interactive Zone. The zone, which will be created by Disney ‘imagineers’ together with hospital design teams, will be a meeting area for patients and families.

If Disney’s Prince Caspian special effects are any indication, the Zone should be the perfect place for children to forget about their health troubles, at least for a while.

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Tennis star Andy Roddick wrote about Andre Agassi’s generous spirit for this year’s Time 100 list:

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” —Arthur Ashe

“Arthur could well have been talking about Andre Agassi. We are all aware of his tennis accomplishments, the brilliance and flash of his career. It’s impossible to forget his epic U.S. Open victories, and also—though he might want us to forget—the mullet and acid-washed jeans. But the greater challenge for an athlete is to have a positive impact away from the cameras. I’ve been privileged to witness firsthand Andre, 38, do just that.

“When I was 17 years old, we were on a flight together. I was very nervous, but Andre was kind and encouraged me to ask him questions. When I asked about his biggest regret, I expected some answer related to our profession. Instead he said it was not starting his charitable foundation earlier. I was shocked that a person who has set such a high bar for athletic philanthropy still felt like he could do more. But that is Andre.

“There are most likely plenty of kids at Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model K-12 charter school for disadvantaged children in Las Vegas, who have never watched a match of his. I promise you that Andre could not care less. He would rather be viewed as the man who gives them dreams and opportunities.”

Roddick is the No. 1 tennis player in the U.S., and has his own foundation, which raises funds for children in need.

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Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Annie Lennox will receive the British Red Cross’ Services to Humanity Award, given each year to honour outstanding humanitarian work. Lennox’s efforts to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS through music, video and campaigning throughout her career has earned her this recognition.

On June 12, after Lennox receives the award, she will perform at The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair Royal Charity Gala Evening, a fund raising event to benefit the Red Cross. A charity auction for victims of the Darfur crisis will also take place, with the goal of raising at least half a million pounds (approx $970,000).

Lennox’s regular performances benefit a variety of causes, such as the environment, sustainable organic farming, human health, disaster relief, fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, human rights, poverty, homelessness and much more.

Maria Shammas, International Fundraising Chair for the British Red Cross, said, “Ms. Lennox’s ability to raise awareness through her music and to use her international profile for the benefit of others is an example to us all. We are delighted that Annie Lennox will be bestowed this honour.”

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Written by Delinda Lombardo

Five-time Grammy Award winning singer, actor, and humanitarian Usher Raymond, also known as Usher, has announced a new partnership with the WNBA Atlanta Dream team and his New Look Foundation.

“I’m extremely excited about Camp New Look’s partnership with the Atlanta Dream, and look forward to witnessing how this new partnership motivates our young people to even greater heights,” says Usher. “We wanted to do something extra special for our students, and I’m happy that the Atlanta Dream have provided an avenue for our young entrepreneurs to attain real life experience.”

Usher’s New Look Foundation, now in its fourth year, has helped over 1,300 teens from across the country through Camp New Look in Atlanta and mini-camps in New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Milwaukee. This year, Usher is stepping it up a notch by expanding its youth services with the launch of the New Look Internship program for those who want to develop a career in the sports and entertainment industries.

Of the new partnership Atlanta, Dream President & COO Bill Bolen says, “The Atlanta Dream shares Usher’s commitment to inspiring young men and women to reach for their dreams. We are excited to partner with Usher’s New Look Foundation and look forward to the New Look youth participating with us this season.”

The new partnership with the Atlanta Dream allows New Look participants to receive hands-on experience in sports management, player development and game day operations and marketing.

Usher’s New Look Foundation, was established to empower youth from underserved communities by giving them the skills necessary to enter careers in the sports and entertainment industry with the intent of increasing their economic stats and decreasing at-risk behavior. We accomplish this through exposure, experience and employment opportunities.

For more information about Camp New Look, visit http://www.ushersnewlook.org

The Dream will tip-off its first regular season home game on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. against defending Eastern Conference Champions the Detroit Shock. The team was officially announced as the 14th team in the WNBA on October 17, 2007. The Dream will be a member of the WNBA’s Eastern conference and play their home games at Philips Arena. Other Eastern conference teams include the Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Detroit Shock, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty and Washington Mystics. For more information visit http://www.AtlantaDream.net.

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As previously mentioned, this year’s “Time 100 List” is out. We would like to share with our readers some of Time’s chosen Heroes & Pioneers, celebrities who are making a difference. Below is the full tribute to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, written by George Clooney, and we’ll feature further tributes in the coming days:

“It is one thing to talk about the problems of the world and quite another to actually try to change things.

“As a team, actors Brad Pitt, 44, and Angelina Jolie, 32, have served as our goodwill ambassadors worldwide. They brought help to Pakistan in 2005, after a catastrophic earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and left millions homeless. They have tended to the poor and sick in Africa. And they’ve raised global awareness—and contributed $1 million of their own money—for the victims of atrocities in Darfur. Brad co-founded Not On Our Watch, an organization set up to focus global attention on Darfur and other hot spots.

“In the U.S., Brad and Angelina didn’t just talk about, or even just throw money at, the tragic fallout from Hurricane Katrina. They actually moved to New Orleans and have set about trying to make right what so many have made wrong. Brad established a project to finance and build 150 new homes in the Ninth Ward.

“Angelina has worked tirelessly through the United Nations on behalf of refugees around the world, touring border camps in Africa, Asia and Latin America and lobbying on Capitol Hill. The couple cares for three adopted children, from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam, in addition to their biological daughter.

“There are hundreds of people who could be honored for their good works, but I’ve seen Brad and Angelina firsthand, and their commitment together is truly impressive.”

Clooney himself is well-known for philanthropic work, and is actively engaged in trying to resolve the Darfur crisis.

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Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Cynthia Nixon, best known as Miranda from Sex and the City, auctioned two tickets to May 12th’s World premier of the new Sex and the City movie, including a return flight to London and chauffeur service to the show. Money raised from the 3-day auction is to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Nixon became an ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure after her own successful lumpectomy and radiation therapy in 2006.

“As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, and a breast cancer survivor myself, I have experienced the disease from both sides. I will do whatever it takes to end breast cancer,” said Nixon.

Komen for the Cure, which was created as promised by Nancy Brinker to her dying sister, Susan Komen, intends to do just that – end breast cancer. It has invested $1 billion in research to date, as well as providing community health programs and raising awareness campaigns.

Nixon says, “One of my main reasons I got involved [with Komen for the Cure] was that I feel like I have a very concrete story to tell. It’s my mother’s and my story, which is be proactive, get your mammograms, don’t be afraid. Luckily, because of Susan G. Komen, and because of all the medical advances in the last 25 plus years, this is a really handleable disease if you catch it in time.”

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Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Look to the Stars is very proud of our own Crystal A. Johnson , who took part in the weekend’s Revlon Run/Walk.

The 15th EIF Annual Revlon Run/Walk in Los Angeles took place Saturday Morning, kicked off by Halle Berry, Tom Selleck and Dancing With the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba strapping on their shoes for a great cause. The charity raises money to help in the fight against breast cancer.  

However, I was not prepared for how touching it would be to see an ocean of walkers sporting tags or shirts dedicated to the memory of a loved one.  Immediately, one is stricken with the gravity of the mission.  Coverage of this event was double duty for me because I participated as a walker for the first time.  My grandmother, Josephine Wilson had a mastectomy in the 60’s and was a proud survivor until a ripe old age.    At the completion of the race, walkers and runners entered the LA Colliseum.  By the time many of the walkers finished, 80’s classic group the Go Go’s were on stage performing hit tunes.  Belinda Carlisle was looking great and still has the beat. Jesse McCartney also performed. Other stars such as Days of Our Lives’ Deidre Hall and actor Jonathan Hensley also showed their support.

The EIF Revlon Run/Walk happens annually in New York and Los Angeles.

Picture: Alexandra Wyman, WireImage.com

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Written by Delinda Lombardo

Actor, director, activist and humanitarian, John Cusack, asks ‘What would you do with $3 Trillion dollars?’ Would you feed a war torn country? Would you spend it on a night with David Beckham? Use it to build a school in Tibet? Or would you spend it to wage war?

Prompted by his role in the soon to be released film War Inc., Cusack bashes the high cost of war and begs us all to take a closer look at where our priorities lie.

“Honestly, it would have been a whole lot easier just to follow the President’s example and blow it all on one illegal occupation of Iraq. $3 trillion is the projected cost of the Iraq War according to Nobel Prize-winning economists,” writes Cusack on his blog, “That’s a whole lot of zeroes, but what does it really amount to?  How many homes would it buy for Americans who’ve fallen victim to the subprime meltdown?  How many debts would it pay off for developing nations?”  

To find out exactly what you could buy on a $3 Trillion Dollar spending spree, visit http://3trillion.org/. You can restore the Everglades for $20M, end poverty for $200M, eliminate third world debt for $422M and still have plenty left over to buy yourself a private island or two. The site thankfully illustrates that most of us would spread the love if given the reins, and to date over 800,000 people have logged on and ‘virtually’ improved the world.

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Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Hunter Tylo’s new video, posted on You Tube for the American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation (AEOF), was created to raise public awareness about epilepsy. A celebrity spokesperson for AEOF, she is also promoting their First Annual Wings of Hope Benefit to be held June 13 in Chicago.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children, often leading to death. According to AEOF, “Epilepsy is more common than Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis combined.”

Despite those statistics, due mostly to a lack of publicity, the condition is generally thought of as easily treatable and more of an embarrassing condition than life threatening. Tylo, who lost her son last year in an accidental drowning during a seizure, knows better.

An estimated 2 to 3 million Americans have epilepsy, and 50,000 epilepsy-related deaths occur annually.

Tickets to the Benefit cost $100. A limited number of VIP tickets, for $200 each, will get buyers in to the event an hour early for a private cocktail reception with Tylo. Funds generated from a silent auction to be held during the event will support AEOF’s educational and support programs for families of epilepsy sufferers.

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Copyright © 2008 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your news reader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright, and we would be grateful if you would contact us.

Written by Delinda Lombardo

More than 1,300 guests gathered last week at the American Ireland Fund’s 33rd Annual New York Gala to honor acclaimed Irish actor Liam Neeson and renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist, Lewis L. Glucksman, who passed away in 2006.

Neeson, a native of Northern Ireland received the 2008 Performing Arts Award, and was honored for his contribution to film and theatre over the past 30 years, and for the friendship and support he has shown the American Ireland Fund by donating his time and efforts to help promote its mission.

“Enormous strides have been made in my native Northern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated by political, social and economic changes that came about through a combination of courage, generosity and persistence.” Neeson said during his acceptance speech, “The American Ireland Fund has been instrumental in investing in some of the deeper social changes that are needed and has tirelessly supported peace, education, the arts and reconciliation projects on the island of Ireland. I am proud to have been able to play a part in the American Ireland Fund’s efforts and am honored to be part of the continuing transition underway in Ireland.”

The event raised over $3.5 million for important projects in Ireland, including a $1 million gift to PeacePlayers International, an organization that brings Catholic and Protestant children in Northern Ireland together through the neutral sport of basketball.

Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of the American Ireland Funds, accepted the 2008 Humanitarian Award on behalf of her husband, the late Lewis L. Glucksman, who dedicated much of his time to raise funds for many of the peace and educational initiatives of the AIF.

AIF CEO, Kieran McLoughlin commented on this year’s event, “It is a credit to both the philanthropists and the wider patronage of the Gala that this year’s event is among the most successful in our 33-year history. It is also noteworthy that over a third of a million dollars came from Ireland itself this year, an indication that the roots of philanthropy that the Ireland Funds has been sowing in Ireland are starting to yield fruit. Home-grown Irish philanthropy is ready for take off.”

About The Ireland Funds: The mission of The American Ireland Fund is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of Peace and Reconciliation, Arts and Culture, Education and Community Development throughout the island of Ireland. The Ireland Funds host more than 100 events in 40 cities attended by over 40,000 people. Since 1976, The Ireland Funds have raised over $300 million. For additional information please go to http://www.irlfunds.org.

PeacePlayers uses the game of basketball to foster mutual respect and tolerance by enabling Catholic and Protestant children to play the game together. By competing together on mixed teams on a regular basis, children from historically divided groups are discovering common ground and forging new friendships. Prejudices are being overcome by the desires to play, have fun and win. PeacePlayers International can be found fostering mutual respect among kids in Northern Ireland, South Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, and New Orleans. Visit PeacePlayers online to learn more.

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Written by Crystal A. Johnson

There was a bevy of good will Mother’s days weekend in support of research for the cure of breast cancer, including not only the highly publicized Revlon Run/Walk but top celebrity chefs were involved with “Cook for the Cure.” Presented by KitchenAid, it is an effort by the culinary community and cooking enthusiasts to support and raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure .

Lidia Bastianich, Mario Batali and Sara Moulton (Gourmet magazine executive chef and Good Morning America, food editor) appear in the May issue of Gourmet to raise awareness and give credit to the women who inspired them: their mothers. All three chefs signed the popular pink KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer, which is being auctioned on Charity Folks through May 15th.

In order to create breast cancer awareness, celebrity chefs and waitstaff wore pink aprons over the holiday weekend which read “I cook for mom.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement.

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Written by Delinda Lombardo

Wednesday, May 14, will see Metallica perform at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles to benefit the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. Joining the iconic heavy-metal band at the fundraising concert will be Scars On Broadway, fronted by Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan from the band System of a Down.

100% of all ticket sales will go directly to the support of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, but you gotta act fast if you want to be part of the celebration, only 2,200 guests will be admitted.

The Silverlake Conservatory of Music (SCM), was founded in 2001 by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and Keith Barry, who feel that “that the study of music enriches not only the life of the musician, but the community and society as well.”  It serves to foster music education among low-income students. The school’s summer camp program and new building initiative will also benefit from the proceeds of the concert.



General Admission Tickets are on sale through www.ticketmaster.com at a price of $200 per ticket. 

Limited VIP tickets at $500 each will be available only for purchase at Silverlake Conservatory of Music (3920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles , CA. 90039) or by calling 323-665-3363. The VIP tickets will include Loge special assigned seating, gift bag, drink tickets, and entry into the after party at the Wiltern.

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Written by Delinda Lombardo

Glenn Close is a five-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Golden Globe winner, but it’s her latest role at Fetchdog.com that’s earned the actress a ‘Golden Bone’ from Look to the Stars.

“I’m in a redemption mode, to get back to my real self,” joked Close, who’s portrayed characters that haven’t always been kind to animals, “The real truth is that I’ve been surrounded by dogs my entire life.”

Last October, Close and her husband David Shaw started Fetchdog.com, a site that sells high-end dog products while raising money for charity. Included on the site is Close’s blog, Lively Licks where she interviews celebrities about their dogs, profiles people who work with dogs and dishes out tips on anything from puppy training to canine health.

The most unique aspect of the site is that Fetchdog.com funnels a portion of its sales to dog-related causes. All you have to do is purchase an item and a percentage of the total will be donated to select dog charities with no added cost to you. Martha Stewart, for example, chose the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. When shoppers place their orders through Stewart’s page, the ASPCA receives roughly 6 percent of the price.

“Our dogs love us and keep us laughing through good times and bad,” writes Close on her blog, “This blog is a tribute to all the fabulous dogs who trot and wag their way through our lives and to the people who they have so successfully trained.”

Close has interviewed many dog lovers such as Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson, who directed contributions to Little Angels Pug Rescue, and Dan Zelman and Debra Messing, who selected Animal Rescue New Orleans.

In one of her blogs, there is a great video of Close and her husband taking part in a training exercise with ski patrol member Tracy Christensen and his avalanche rescue dog, Mick. The video, narrated by Close, shows the couple buried beneath 4 feet of snow while Mick catches their scent and leads his handler to their rescue.

Close has more than one furry friend herself, including several canines whose lineage appears to be a mix of cairn terrier, West Highland white terrier and indeterminate other breeds. And wouldn’t you know it, she always brings her ‘kids’ to the set while shooting “Damages,” FX cable network’s critically acclaimed legal drama in which Close plays high-powered attorney Patty Hewes.

“They really change the atmosphere of the set when they come on. People just love it,” Close said. “And as long as they’re in a place where you can’t hear their toenails click when the camera turns on, then we’re fine.”

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Copyright © 2008 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your news reader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright, and we would be grateful if you would contact us.

Written by Delinda Lombardo

First Star’s fifth annual Celebration for Children’s Rights takes place on the evening of June 7, 2008 and honors humanitarians and visionaries who are devoted to helping children, and to support First Star’s legislative, public awareness and professional education programs to help abused and neglected kids across the country.

Dakota Fanning has confirmed her spot at the event, which will be held at the Wilshire Ebell in Los Angeles.  First Star is a national public charity that has attracted such star supporters as Salma Hayek, Pierce Brosnan, Katherine Heigl, Kristin Davis, Debbie Mazar, Sir Ben Kingsley, Macy Gray, Gary Marshall, and many more.  



The ‘Come Be a Kid Again’ theme will prevail as celebrities turn in their traditional black tie clothing for jeans and tennis shoes for carnival games, live music, and a special performance by members of the original Los Angeles cast of Wicked.


This years honoree’s include Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity Media LLC, Peter Levinsohn, President of Fox Interactive Media and Stephanie Sperber, Executive Vice President of the Universal Studios Partnership Group-all to be recognized for their specific humanitarian efforts on behalf of children.  


The event is open to the public, for more info and to purchase tickets, please visit FirstStar.org.

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Copyright © 2008 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your news reader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright, and we would be grateful if you would contact us.

Written by Dawn Fantasia

Do you have what it takes to be a mentor? Two-time Golden Globe-winning actress, Jamie Lee Curtis certainly knows what is essential for dreams to become a reality. On Friday, October 5th, (6:30 am – 9:00 am), she will be mentoring the women who participate in the Oxygen Mentor Walk at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, CA.

Curtis’ success as a mentor is not only because she is among the best in her field, but more importantly because she finds enjoyment from teaching and motivating young women who aspire to be like her. Successful women in areas such as Advertising, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, and Fashion also plan to attend.

Each of the mentors will have the opportunity to answer questions, inspire, and make a difference in a woman’s life. Oxygen’s CEO Geraldine Laybourne plans to walk, as well as Cathy Benko, managing principal of talent and leader of Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative (WIN), and Debi Picciolo, President of the LA North Division of Time Warner Cable. Geena Davis, Janice Dickinson, Leeza Gibbons, Rikki Klieman, and Tanika Ray, among others, have participated in past walks with the organization.

For more information about becoming a mentor or if you would like to register to walk go to the Oxygen Walk webpage.

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Copyright © 2008 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your news reader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright, and we would be grateful if you would contact us.

Written by Tim Saunders

John Ondrasik, the recording artist behind the pop-rock sensation Five For Fighting, has been offering Americans support and inspiration for more than 10 years. His song, Superman (It’s Not Easy) became an anthem after the 9/11 attacks, and was performed at The Concert for New York City in late 2001, and then added to the charity album Live in the X Lounge IV.

His support has continued through a USO tour of Guantanamo Bay and other bases in Cuba in February/March of 2007, followed by a tour of Japan, Guam and Hawaii in November. That same month he coordinated the release of 13 free songs for US military members called CD for the Troops consisting of tunes from Billy Joel, Gary Sinise, Brooks and Dunn, Jewel and many others.

Ondrasik created WhatKindofWorldDoYouWant.com, the first video charity website, early last year. Based on his song, World, the website offers a place where people can go to be creative and entertained, while supporting charity.

John was kind enough to take some time to answer our questions about what inspires him, and what he feels people can do to make a difference.

Where did the idea for What Kind Of A World Do You Want come from?

We’d noticed over the years how folks would make home movies to a few of my songs. We thought, in this age of You Tube, we’d build a platform to allow expression and raise money for good causes at the same time.

You’ve made a few changes to the site over the last year, how is it going? Are you pleased with the response and the way it is growing?

Now that we have a sponsored model (companies and private individuals send donations) we are raising more money. Still, the beauty of the site to me is the community and cathartic nature that the comments and videos have on those who make and watch them. To see a couple hundred families with Autistic children make there own video’s shows the potential of what we are doing…

What do you hope to achieve with the site?

I think the combination of an individuals creativity combined with the desire to give to something to those in need has no bounds.

Why do you think people should take an interest in the site and visit it?

Beyond the charitable aspects, there are some great videos. Some are educational, some are amusing, but virtually all will make you think and move your spirit…

What was your inspiration behind the CD For The Troops? Why is this issue important for you?

I think it’s our duty to do our part for those who secure our freedom. I can’t pick up a gun and go to Iraq, but I can try and help morale by producing efforts that express or appreciation and thanks to our troops and their families. The best thing about the CD is that is non-partisan with artists for both sides of the political worldview. Whatever we think about policy, we must never forget that over our nations history 2.8 million soldiers have died for that luxury.

In the aftermath of 9/11, you played benefit several concerts for New York. How did the attacks affect you? Do you think it affected the nation in a philanthropical way… do people want to help each other more?

I think after 9-11 the country rallied spiritually. It showed the character of New York and America as a whole. Sadly we’ve lost some of that. I do think the press does not focus on how philanthropic American’s are, both private and corporate. I’ve been blown away by some great work done by corporate America for various causes and met some amazing people who change the world every day. American’s are for the most part incredibly caring and giving.

Do you believe America is a nation of givers? Can the nation do more on a personal level? A national level?

I guess I answered that question. We can always do more but we have to smart with our efforts and our dollars. We don’t need photo ops we need to commit to causes and have partnerships around the world. Charities need to be responsible to their donors and we need to be better at getting resources to those who need it.

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

Giving is a selfish enterprise; you always get more than you give.

Where do you find your inspiration to help others?

From those who have given much more than I ever will.

At the present point in time, what do you think is/are the biggest problems, social and/or environmental, facing the world today? What can people do about it? How can 1 person make a difference?

We can all make a difference in our private circle of influence and in the larger world. Taking your child to a VA fundraiser or Special Olympics is as voluble as writing a big check. Every person can find his or her way. As far as problems in the world, I’ve always been a fan of that which allows us to proper and help each other. Until every man, women and child has Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Religion, and basic human rights we can’t rest.

Do you have any more ideas or future plans involving philanthropic work that may interest our readers?

We’re working on CD for the Troops II and continuing to focus on whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com.

Do you have a personal message for our readers?

I just took my son to a Stephen Hawking lecture this week, and I’m sure Hawking would agree. Look to the Stars.

Thanks so much for your time, John. We wish you the greatest success merging music with philanthropy!

Those wishing to help support John’s efforts can visit WhatKindofWorldDoYouWant.com, buy a CD in support of US Troops, or purchase a Five for Fighting charity bracelet from the Do Good Jewelry Collection.

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Copyright © 2008 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your news reader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright, and we would be grateful if you would contact us.

Love Our Children USA announced today the Third Annual “Mothers Who Make A Difference List.”

What is the most difficult job in the world? Parenting!!

As Mother’s Day nears on Sunday, May 11th, and at a time when violence against children affects over 3 million children in our country, Love Our Children USA recognizes mothers throughout the country who truly do make a difference.

This year all of the moms who made the list are celebrities, with the exception of one. Yet, what they share in common are their busy careers and the way they balance their lives to be loving and nurturing mothers who make a difference!

Ross Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Love Our Children USA said “For the third year we are delighted to honor and celebrate these selfless and caring women who contribute so much to their children, families, society and to various causes.”

Ellis also stated “At a time when our country’s youth are plagued by bullying, cyberbullying, Internet dangers and the latest teen danger of beating down other teens to post on the Internet …not to mention those parents in need of more positive parenting solutions, these mothers serve as role models for others, as their children are their first priority.”

The 2008 Mothers Who Make A Difference List include

Ashleigh Banfield, Cate Blanchett, Marcia Cross, Geena Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Salma Hayek, Jill Hennessey, Finola Hughes, Holly Hunter, Iman, Vanessa Mathison, Nancy O’Dell, Kim Raver, Melania Trump, Naomi Watts and Kate Winslet.

Love Our Children USA salutes the Mothers Who Make A Difference in 2008 and wish them a Happy Mother’s Day!

See Mothers Who Made The List In 2006 And 2007.

In its ninth year, Love Our Children USA is the leading national nonprofit that honors, respects and protects children. Its mission is to break the cycle of violence against children. Love Our Children USA has become the go-to prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S. It works to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential. It redefines parenting and creates kid success by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes and behaviors through public education. It works to empower and support children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy, and online youth mentoring. Its goal is to keep children safe and strengthen families—Its message is positive … one of prevention and hope.

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Copyright © 2008 Look To The Stars. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your news reader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright, and we would be grateful if you would contact us.