Former Talk Show Host Jenny Jones Giving Away Millions

Former talk show host Jenny Jones announced today that she is launching “Jenny’s Heroes,” a nationwide search for individuals wanting to make a difference in their local community. Jones has given one million dollars of her own money to the Jenny Jones Foundation, which will be making continuous grants to selected individuals throughout 2008. Having had the opportunity to host a successful 12-year run of the nationally syndicated talk show “The Jenny Jones Show,” Jones is giving back some of her good fortune. “I have been blessed with a successful career in television and am excited to give back to those who have their own dream but need the funds to make it come true,” comments Jones.

Throughout 2008, the Jones Foundation will be making grants of up to $25,000 each to people who submit the best ideas online at http://jennysheroes.com/ explaining what their community improvement project is and how their grant would be used. To qualify, the project must help a number of people and have long lasting benefits. After reviewing grants during the first week of each month, Jones will then announce the recipients and their causes on every following Friday of that month on http://jennysheroes.com/. Jones will personally select the final recipients of each grant. The site will also provide updates on the various projects that Jones is funding throughout the year.

Jones has quietly donated millions in the past to worthy causes. Her generosity spans from surprising family, friends, and co-workers with cars, homes, and trips all over the world to presenting Chicago’s Cook County Hospital with a fully equipped mobile mammography coach to provide underserved women with breast cancer screening. Jones also donated 100% of her biography and cookbook profits to breast cancer research and often provided financial support for women needing surgeries. She has made generous donations to various schools and funded her own scholarship program for students in need. Dana Stephens, former assistant to Jones, states, “Jenny’s generosity was legendary among the staffers at her show, but no gift compared to when she paid for my Chicago condo just weeks before my daughter was born. She gave my brand new family a completely clean, fresh start. That gift leaves me speechless to this day.”

Keeping with her lifelong desire to help others and contribute positively toward society, Jones is looking forward to seeing the numerous ways her million dollars will help others and their community.
PERU ROCKS!
Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF) is an international charity with chapters in the US, UK and Australia. Founded by leukemia survivors Mike Peters of the Welsh rock band the Alarm and President of CSI Entertainment James Chippendale with the goal of providing all cancer patients with the same opportunities that they had, including access to information, quality cancer treatment and the best medication available. They do some amazing things! Please check out their website!
When: October 8-17, 2008
Where: Peru
What: 100 musicians, mountaineers, cancer survivors and supporters will embark upon a once in a lifetime 10-day Peruvian celebration including a 4 day trek from Cusco, at the foothills of the Andes, to the Inca ruins of Llactapata and Machu Picchu. Special guests will be announced soon. A limited number of spots are available on this trek and based upon the resounding success of Everest Rocks and other past events, they will go fast. Do not miss your chance to be part of this landmark event.

OR join them in Colorado! -- Tri For Your Cause was established in the spring of 2007 to provide athletes and spectators with an opportunity to raise money for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The Love Hope Strength Foundation is a benefiting charity. Simply join the race as an individual or with a team and select Love Hope Strength from the list of charities. September 7, 2008. Check the website for more info.
OR join them in L.A. -- April 21, 2008 at The Cat Club, Los Angeles, CA. An exclusive jam session by rock and roll legends at the infamous Cat Club. Hosted by Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats. Check the website for more information!

Don Cheadle teams up with Annie Duke to Ante Up for Darfur

Don Cheadle teams up with Annie Duke to Ante Up for Darfur

Professional poker player Annie Duke has teamed up with actor Don Cheadle to present the 2008 Ante Up For Africa poker tournament at the World Series of Poker(r)at 2pm (PT) on Wednesday, July 2nd at the Rio(r) All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Over the last four years, fighting in the Darfur region of western Sudan has left 200,000 dead and driven another 2.5 million people from their homes. Now, having survived violence, atrocities and abductions, they are living in squalor in refugee camps in Chad and Sudan. The situation is definitely grim but there is some good news: the world is finally starting to pay attention, in no small part due to concerned citizens who are ratcheting up the heat on political leaders and demanding an end to the violence.

Last year's event featured dozens of Hollywood celebrities and poker professionals including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, Cheryl Hines, Mekhi Phifer and many more and raised more than $700,000 for the victims of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Rebecca Gayheart and Brett Ratner raise money for Chrysalis

Chrysalis (http://www.changelives.org) is Los Angeles' only
nonprofit exclusively dedicated to helping economically
disadvantaged and homeless individuals become self-sufficient 
through employment opportunities. They currently help more
than 2,200 individuals each year change their lives through jobs. 

Sitting on their board are Rebecca Gayheart and Brett Ratner.
I've been told that Rebecca is responsible for creating one
of Chrysalis' largest fundraisers, The Butterfly Ball, and has
taught classes and been a spokesperson for the organization.
Brett Ratner, during the making of Rush Hour 3, collected 
$1,000 for Chrysalis by having people donate money to the
organization every time their cell phone rang on set!
(Note: now if we can just get people to donate money
when their cell phone rings in the MOVIES!)

Check out this YouTube video too!

Wilmer Valderramma is Hispanic Ambassador for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

Through public appearances, public service announcements, other means of communication, Hispanic Ambassadors are committed to increasing awareness of the PRC's (Paralysis Resource Center) mission promoting the health and well-being of people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment or paralysis by providing comprehensive information, resources and referral services, and grants.

The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), a program of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and formed through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has established a Multicultural Outreach Program to promote informed health care decisions and active and independent living among those in the Hispanic, African-American, Asian-American/Pacific Islander and Native American communities living with paralysis.

At a recent event for the Foundation, Wilmer said, “I feel blessed to be a part of something so classy and so fantastic. I was always looking for different charities to be a part of. I read the brochure and I really loved what they're about which is promoting life after tragedy, which is so uplifting. It shows people there's a second chance at life.”

Celebrities Learned through the Arts

The Center for Arts Education (CAE), is a voice in restoring, stimulating and sustaining arts education in NYC schools, and has launched it’s first-ever “Celebrity Yearbook.” Published for the first time online, CAE’s “Celebrity Yearbook” is a compilation of familiar faces who share their stories about learning through the arts and how it has affected their careers and their lives today. Exposure to the arts has influenced today’s leaders in a number of fields – from politics to entertainment to finance. CAE’s Celebrity Yearbook has been created as a means to raise awareness about the important impact of arts education in children and the need for arts education as part of a quality, well rounded education. As proven by CAE’s inaugural class of familiar names including Tony Bennett, Heather Graham, Sutton Foster, Ed Koch, Barbara Corcoran, Ken Burns, and others, experiences in arts learning can have a positive and lifelong influence lasting well beyond a child’s school days.

CAE is asking these and other leading names to do the following: Share a memory or story about arts learning and how the arts influenced you growing up. The Yearbook helps to raise awareness about the need for arts education in NYC public schools. Read excerpts from CAE’s Celebrity Yearbook here.

What are YOUR faves up to?

They volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters: “CSI: NY” fans know Hill Harper as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes, reclusive coroner who walked away from a promising surgical career after the traumatic loss of two patients. Harper is also has been a Big Brother for eight years, who graduated from Brown University and earned his law degree and master’s in public administration from Harvard. When not appearing on TV or on stage, Hill volunteers at BBBS of Los Angeles and the Inland Empire and is speaking in schools and community centers throughout the country about mentoring as the way to help young men realize their dreams. He shared his concern for troubled boys who are failing and the positive effects of having role models in his recent appearance on Oprah. "Mentoring is the key,” Harper emphasized. “…If a young man has a positive male role model in his life, his chances for success and his education achievement far outweigh those that don't."

Troy Aikman, the star of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in the '90s, is helping to attract more mentors to Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Troy remembers how important his mentor was as a child, so today, he's starring in a new public service announcement, or PSA, for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Angela Park LPGA will donate a portion of her winnings to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and will also meet with children from local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies at various stops along the LPGA Tour. Park will also host her own golf clinics and be featured at Big Brothers Big Sisters events and in their public service advertisements throughout the season.

The Judges Are Serving Time... doing good things. Do you watch the judges on television? Judge Glenda Hatchett serves as national spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a non-profit volunteer organization that trains volunteers to represent abused and neglected children and help them navigate the court system. Judge David Young sits on the board of both the Miami-Dade Humane Society and was just named to the honorary board of the Gay American Heroes Foundation. Judge Maria Lopez sits on the board of the Cuban Artist Fund based in New York City.

Sports Stars are Donating Time and Money: Milwaukee Brewer and 2007 Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun pledged his $10,000 Rookie of the Year bonus money to Habitat for Humanity! (In this day and age of huge sportssalaries, this is cool. -- lisa) "I knew I was a part of something special at the Jimmy Carter Work Project,and as I came to know the partner families and meet the other volunteers, I couldn't help wanting to do more," said Braun. "I am fortunate to make a living doing what I love and if I can help Habitat build more homes and change more lives, that is a greater gift than any bonus I could receive." Ryan Braun (L), Milwaukee Brewer & Honorary House Leader with Jonathan T.M. Reckford (R), CEO of Habitat for Humanity International at 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles Hannah Teter (pro snowboarder): Olympic gold medalist from the Green Mountain State of Vermont who's family makes their own brand of syrup for personal use. Following her gold medal performance at the 2006 Olympics, Hannah decided to bottle the family syrup, brand it Hannah's Gold, and form a partnership with World Vision to help underprivileged children in Africa.

Chris Paul (NBA All-Star and BOWLER! (I'm a bowler too! -- Lisa): Born/raised in Winston-Salem, NC, Chris learned the valuable lessons of lending a hand and giving back to others from his late Grandfather/best friend. He hosts the "Chris Paul Winston-Salem Weekend" as the major fundraising initiative of his CP3 Foundation which is designed to give back to the Winston-Salem community. The inaugural weekend raised money to endow a scholarship in honor of his grandfather - Nathaniel Jones Scholarship Fund - which will send a student from Forsyth County (NC) to Wake Forest University and last year the CP3 Foundation sponsored a Habitat for Humanity House for the Jones Family of Winston-Salem. The 3rd Annual Chris Paul's Winston-Salem Weekend will take place Sept 19-21, 2008.
Ronnie Lott (NFL Hall of Fame): Known throughout his playing career as a hard-hitting safety, Lott's post-career life has been nothing but full of love and opportunity. He founded All Stars Helping Kids in 1989 in an effort to provide children with the opportunity to be their own "star". Almost 20 years later, Lott and All Stars continue to make an impact on children across America.

Stay tuned...more coming on Monday! Let me know who your fave star is and I'll find out where they are volunteering their time!

Until next time,
lisa

Blogging

A family that blogs together...

Here's my 30 second commercial about me and my family --

I have several blogs, my daughter has one (http://www.wordforteens.blogspot.com/) and my son, Travis, just started his own http://www.thegamechallenger.blogspot.com/. It's late at night and I'll explain later why this means a lot to me (my youngest might be next LOL) but if you could check out my kids' blogs I'd appreciate it. Nicole writes about books and Travis writes about video games. Travis is 13 and he's just getting started in this field. He's excited about it! Nicole is doing incredibly well, with a local radio interview, newspaper promotion and access to book promotions and books before they hit the market now. Unreal! I promise to explain soon... Thanks so much for my 30 second family commercial.

lisa

Incubus Donates $10,000 to Rock the Earth

Incubus Donates $10,000 to Rock the Earth

Rock the Earth, the Denver-based environmental advocacy and defense organization that draws support from musicians and their fans, has received a grant from the alternative rock band Incubus for its ongoing promotion of environmental awareness at concerts and festivals across the US. The $10,000 donation from Incubus’s Make Yourself Foundation, not only is the largest single donation the organization has received to date, but is the second grant of note within the last two months. In November 2007, Bonnie Raitt’s Aria Foundation also donated money to the three-year-old organization. The Incubus grant will have a significant impact on Rock the Earth’s overall outreach efforts this summer.

The grant from the Make Yourself Foundation will help RTE reach their goal of a 50% increase in education, advocacy, and outreach at concerts and events within the next year. Of the several objectives targeted this year, upgrading existing call-to-action materials and exhibits to supply four booths used across the country simultaneously and expanding volunteer management and training programs will be a top priority. The organization also plans to name an outreach coordinator to manage the anticipated 240 dates and events mapped for the coming year.
Based on past experience, Rock the Earth foresees a presence at major festivals including Bonnaroo, Coachella, and the Virgin Festival along with being invited to tour with at least three high-profile bands. The 2007 touring partners included the aforementioned Incubus in addition to Ozzfest, Warped Tour, the Allman Brothers Band, and the Dave Matthews Band.

Founded in 2002 by environmental attorney Marc Ross, Rock The Earth has engaged in over two dozen projects to protect endangered environmental resources and natural spaces, earned loyalty and support from more than 2,000 members in all 50 states, and developed and expanded the relationships in the music industry. Through education and advocacy programs, as well as legal and technical assistance, Rock The Earth strives to be the voice through which the music community speaks for the environment.

Outreach and advocacy takes place at concerts and festivals across the US, as fans are informed, engaged, and given the opportunity to get involved. Over the years, Rock the Earth has received grants and donations from artists such as Jack Johnson, Bonnie Raitt, The Mark Vann Foundation, the String Cheese Incident, The Rex Foundation, and Michael Franti. In addition, Dave Matthews, Bon Jovi, the Allman Brothers, Ozzfest and numerous other artists have assisted the organization by allowing them to have a presence at concerts and donated both music and auction items to help the grassroots organization raise additional funding toward their program activities. Their assistance has enabled Rock the Earth to take action to address environmental threats in the Grand Canyon, the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, and a number of other locations around the nation.

The Make Yourself Foundation, which has raised over one million dollars to date, is a registered non-profit organization that funds various causes and charities both locally and around the world. The band funds the foundation by donating a portion of the proceeds generated from touring, record royalties, online auctions of Incubus concert tickets and memorabilia, and special events. Says front man Brandon Boyd, “We are honored and grateful to be doing this, and we are certain that with the participation of everyone and our wonderfully supportive fans that we will succeed in this first of what will be many goals in the future. One person working diligently alone can do wonders, but many people working harmoniously together can accomplish worlds. Thank you.”

Nancy O'Dell hosts eco-conscious fashion event

Nancy O'Dell hosts eco-conscious fashion event

A bevy of fashion-forward, eco-conscious Manhattanites filed out of Gotham Hall last night after attending the Earth Pledge FutureFashion show, an event that invites top American and European designers to create fashions using natural and sustainable materials. Pure & Natural^TM sponsored the event.

Attendees buzzed about the one-of-a-kind, all-natural designs constructed using sustainable materials that strutted down the runway. With designers that included Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney, FutureFashion, with lead sponsor Pure & Natural^TM, housed the talents of industry heavy hitters under a single roof in an effort to encourage the use of sustainable materials in the fashion industry.

Prior to the show Nancy O’Dell, host Access Hollywood, hosted a press briefing to announce the details of an exciting joint charity venture between Pure & Natural^TM and top veterans from Bravo TV’s breakout hit Project Runway. Four former contestants, including Allison Kelly, Jack Mackenroth, Diana Eng and Kayne Gillaspie are each designing a handbag utilizing Pure & Natural^TM’s biodegradable bar soap packaging that is actually embedded with seeds and when planted, will sprout baby’s breath. Each of the bags created will be auctioned off on Clothes Off Our Back, a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions, with proceeds benefiting the Earth Pledge Seed Blitz program, which teaches urban children the value of growing and using plants to help them connect to the earth.

About Earth Pledge

Earth Pledge is a nonprofit organization that originated as a United Nations committee chaired by Theodore W. Kheel to promote interest in the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Earth Pledge promotes sustainable development by identifying and implementing innovative technologies that balance human and natural systems. It delivers viable, replicable models to government, industry and communities nationwide.

About Clothes Off Our Back

The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation® is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today's hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle," "Help Me, Help You") and Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe. Additional information can be found at www.clothesoffourback.org.