Celebrity Do Gooders

Gloria and Emilio Estefan honored for work at Miami's Children's Hospital

2011-06-30T10:47:00.001-04:00

Gloria and Emilio Estefan are going to be inducted into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame at Miami Children’s 2011 Diamond Ball for all the great work they do.

"Miami Children’s Hospital has been an institution in our community for decades," said Gloria and Emilio. "We have personally been involved with the hospital and foundation on many levels and have witnessed firsthand the incredible care and service they provide to their patients and families. To be recognized and receive an honor of this caliber from an organization that does such great work for our families is truly an honor."

This is the highest honor bestowed by MCH Foundation. Other advocates include Beyoncé, Dwyane Wade, Barbara & Jack Nicklaus, Kelly Preston, Jonas Salk and Walt Disney, to name a few.

The Estefans were selected for their work on behalf of children, not just in their own backyard, but on a global scale. For years, they have donated countless amounts of money and created awareness for a variety of leading children's causes through the Gloria Estefan Foundation. They are active supporters of MCH Foundation as well as other non-profits. Much of the time, their donations are made anonymously.

To learn more about becoming a part of the 2011 Diamond Ball, contact Morgana Rolle at mrolle(at)mchf.org or 786.624.2038 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 786.624.2038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Congratulations to Gloria and Emilio Estefan!

Buy wristbands to benefit Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation

2011-06-24T15:00:00.001-04:00

To commemorate his upcoming milestone, Derek Jeter will wear "DJ3K" wristbands, which he designed with Major League Baseball and the Yankees. The bands feature the Turn 2 Foundation and Yankees logos and are available for purchase at the MLB.com Shop, retail outlets and Yankee Stadium. Proceeds from sales of the bands will benefit Turn 2's 2011 Jeter's Leaders Leadership Conference in July. The conference brings together Jeter's Leaders from New York City and West Michigan to present eight workshops to other youth leadership programs.

For more information on Turn 2, visit here.

Ride for a Cure

2011-06-24T12:28:00.000-04:00

Over 450 riders rallied at the Roundabout Plaza in downtown Nashville, ready to Ride For a Cure in support of the T.J. Martell Foundation and its research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. Thanks to the riders and generous donations, the event was a huge success and raised $70,000!

Performers included Bo Bice, Eric Paslay, Dean Alexander, Kalleigh Bannen, and Cali Rodi took the stage for the morning jam. By 10:30am the riders headed south to Harley-Davidson Columbia where Little Big Town hosted an afternoon jam. Storme Warren of GAC’s Headline Country, and WSIX’s Big D, co-host of the popular syndicated radio show Big D and Bubba joined the event as emcees, and additional artists appearing included Jake Owen, David Nail, Jarrod Niemann, and Laura Bell Bundy.

The T.J. Martell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that supports innovative research for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research through eleven top research hospitals in the United States. In Nashville, the Foundation annually supports cancer research through the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The Frances Williams Preston Laboratories were established in 1993 in honor of Frances Williams Preston, past President of the T.J. Martell Foundation and former President and CEO of BMI. For more information about the T.J. Martell Foundation, log onto www.tjmartellfoundation.org.

Toby Keith and the OK Kids Korral

2011-03-21T22:48:00.004-04:00

So I was in the car last night listening to the radio and heard an interview with Toby Keith. I never knew about Toby's Foundation and he was talking about the OK Kids Korral, a nurturing home for pediatric cancer patients and their families to stay while they are undergoing medical treatment. Toby and his wife have been working hard at fundraising for the Korral and are finally able to break ground soon. Congratulations Toby and keep up the great work!

Golf & Celebrity-Am Tournament and Charity Concert

2011-03-18T07:08:00.000-04:00

Want to golf with a celebrity. If you're in California, check out the Golf and Guitars Celebrity-Am Tournament and Charity Concert, May 17 at the Alister MacKenzie Golf Course in Sacramento, Calif.

The event, hosted by Jack Ingram, also includes Clay Walker, Jimmy Wayne, Steel Magnolia, Chuck Wicks, Ty Herndon and more. It includes a silent auction, concert and celebrity golf tournament. After the auction, there will be a four hour concert.

Concert tickets are only $30 and can be bought here.

Help Japan

2011-03-17T08:54:00.003-04:00

To help Japan during their devastating recent tragedies, Charity Buzz is connecting you with your favorite celebrities all for a good cause, including Kim Kardashian, Jimmy Kimmel and James Taylor. Check out Charity Buzz!

Jo Dee Messina helps to raise $20,000

2010-12-10T08:47:00.003-05:00

My absolutely most favorite country music singer ever...EVER!

WITH HER “INSPIRATIONAL EVENING OF WORDS AND MUSIC WITH JO DEE MESSINA”

Over 1,500 people were part of a special evening of music, love and giving back this past Saturday evening (12/4) at Brentwood United Methodist Church in Nashville.

Country artist JO DEE MESSINA performed a free Christmas concert for the second year in a row on behalf of Harvest Hands Community Development Corporation, a non-profit, faith-based organization in South Nashville. Concert-goers were asked to donate a “love offering” for this incredible cause and raised over $20,000.

For more information, read the rest of this info on Jo Dee's website here....

Didn't get a chance to go? Still want to donate in Jo Dee's name? Visit Harvest Hands here and send in a donation.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx hosts contest to raise money for charity!

2010-10-28T12:08:00.003-04:00

Cy Curnin, lead singer for The Fixx, has an innovative competition that will help benefit the Love Hope Strength Foundation. The winner will get two weeks at Cy's place in France for 10 years. Ah, serenades around the dinner table! Bucolic splendor! Sheep!

http://www.lagaucherieholidays.com/

Enter this now! It's for a great cause and Cy's place is beautiful!

Attention New York Giants Fans!

2010-09-28T22:51:00.003-04:00

New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin will host his sixth annual charity gala on Friday, October 1, at Cipirani’s in midtown Manhattan.

All proceeds from the "Champions for Children" gala will benefit the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, which provides financial assistance and emotional support to families of children with cancer. The special honorees of the evening are Charles W. Allen, President and CEO of Athlon Sports Communications Inc; and Jerald F. Irving, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of ICAP Securities USA LLC, who will be honored for their philanthropic work for children. Both honorees exemplify excellence and teamwork in their fields of endeavor as well as outstanding civic leadership.

Scores of current and former New York Giants -- including Eli Manning -- are expected to attend the event, which has raised over $3 million since its inception in 2005. There will also be a major silent auction as the foundation pursues a fundraising goal of $600,000.

The event will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. with a red carpet cocktail party and silent auction, followed by a formal sit-down dinner and live entertainment. WNBC-TV Sports anchor Bruce Beck will serve as master of ceremonies.

Following the "Champions For Children" gala, the Giants will take on the Chicago Bears at the Meadowlands on Sunday, October 3rd. The season opener is September 12th at home against the Carolina Panthers.

About The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund

Founded in 1996, The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in the honor of Jay McGillis, a member of the Boston College Football team who developed leukemia while a member of the team.

Then-Boston College head coach Tom Coughlin was inspired by the courage, compassion and faith he and his family demonstrated during the course of his illness. It is the mission of The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation to assist children with leukemia and other cancers and their families by providing emotional and financial support to help improve the children’s quality of life and to help reduce the family stress associated with going through this crisis. This allows the families to focus on what matters most – the health of the child.

The Jay Fund has expanded its outreach to pediatric oncology patients in the New York area by adding therapeutic diversion programs at the NYU Langone Medical Center; sending 10 pediatric oncology patients to Camp Happy Times this summer; and establishing an emergency fund at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey to aid families in crisis with transportation and household expenses.

Wynonna Wins The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award

2010-08-03T16:08:00.001-04:00

Wynonna Judd will receive The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award for 2010. Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte will be on hand for an evening of music and heartfelt memories on Tuesday, August 24th, as Nashville celebrates Wynonna for her countless contributions to the Nashville community and future generations who wish to pursue a career in the music industry.

The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award was founded in the name of the Music Row pioneer and veteran, who was instrumental in the formation of the music business program that is now known as the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

Passionate about the music industry and education, it was Scaife’s vision to form a college level program to produce successful musicians, artists and music business executives by giving students an opportunity to formally learn about the industry that was so fulfilling and exciting for him.

“Wynonna personifies the spirit of this award. She has given so generously of her heart, talent and time to help the next generation realize a better life and better chance at success through her work with youth in our community and students pursuing a career in the music industry,” said LaRawn Scaife Rhea. “It is a great honor to award The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award to Wynonna for the many special opportunities that she has made available to students through her special mentorship.”

About Cecil Scaife
Cecil Scaife was highly respected for his love of the music industry and education. It was his vision to see the formation of an educational program to produce successful musicians, artists and music business executives by giving students an opportunity to formally learn about the industry that was so fulfilling and exciting for him.

It was Cecil Scaife who originally conceived the idea of creating a music business program and, along with the assistance of many friends from Music Row and good friend Bob Mulloy, founded the program that grew to become The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

Scaife, a native of Helena, Arkansas, started his career in the music business working at KFFA radio in Helena. He went on to work for legendary producer Sam Phillips, and was the first Marking Manager/Promotion Manager at Sun Records during the early days of Elvis Presley's career. Over the years he worked with artists Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and others. Cecil Scaife was a founder of the Gospel Music Association, President of NARAS, Nashville, and founder of Music, Inc.

Congratulations Wynonna!

County music star Craig Morgan's Charity ride

2010-07-15T23:35:00.003-04:00

The Craig Morgan Charity Ride is set for Saturday, August 7th and Sunday, August 8th, 2010, in Morgan’s hometown of Dickson, Tenn. (30 miles west of Nashville). Proceeds from the two-day event, which includes a ride and concert will benefit the Craig Morgan Charity Fund.

On Saturday, August 7th, the event will kick-off in Van Leer, TN (near Dickson), where you can join professional motocross riders Kevin Windham, Cowboy Kenny Bartrum, Fred Andrews, Barry Hawk and others for a motocross exhibition and a group trail ride – fun for the entire family. Gates will open at 8 am, exhibition and ride begin at 10 am and lunch will follow at 11 am.

The Ride tickets are as follows:

Pre-registration: Ride Tickets $40.00 and includes lunch

Day of Registration tickets $45.00 and includes lunch

Spectator tickets are available for $15 and include lunch.

Sunday, August 8th, Craig will host an acoustic concert with special guest Aaron Tippin at the Dickson Middle School in Dickson, TN. Doors will open at 6 pm the show will start at 7:30 PM. Tickets for this event are $35.

Tickets may be purchased by clicking the link below http://bit.ly/CMCharityRide

More details are available at www.craigmorgan.com

About Billy’s Place:

The mission of the Craig Morgan Charity Fund is to build and maintain a home called Billy’s Place for temporarily displaced children in Dickson County Tennessee and to provide lasting funding to the home and various other children’s organizations whose primary goal is to ensure the well-being of children, integrating outdoor activities in their daily lives with the long term goal of starting such homes around the country.

So excited!

2010-07-15T23:08:00.002-04:00

Did an interview with the amazing Valerie Smaldone today! I'm looking forward to being a regular guest on her radio show on WOR710 talking about the celebs and their causes! I met Valerie when I interviewed her and her work on behalf of Ovarian Cancer research. Tune in!

Taylor Hicks Releases New Charity Single

2010-07-05T17:01:00.005-04:00

Taylor Hicks released a single to benefit SOS Children’s Villages, to support homeless and abandoned children. “SOS (Save My Body, Save My Soul)" was written by Genevieve Rose is available now on both Amazon and iTunes.

Taylor will perform the song at a world kickoff concert for SOS Children’s Villages, taking place at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on September 26.

I'm a huge Taylor fan, and I absolutely love the way he sounds in this song! Click here for to buy on iTunes and here to buy on Amazon - just $1 for charity, and you get a great song!

Thanks to mjsbigblog for the announcement!

Update: Thanks to a reader of this blog, I was told about this article that shows Taylor and the work he's doing for the Alabama area that was hit by the oil spill. Keep up the celeb-do-good work Taylor!

Congratulations to Derek Jeter

2010-07-03T08:56:00.003-04:00

Derek Jeter was named USA Weekend's 2010 Most Caring Athlete for his work through his Turn 2 Foundation. The mission of his program is "To create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "TURN 2" healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets that promote and reward academic excellence, leadership development and positive behavior. Turn 2's goal is to see the children of these programs grow safely and successfully into adulthood and become the leaders of tomorrow."

Congratulations Derek and keep up the good work.

Maintenance

2010-06-26T21:49:00.001-04:00

Celebrity Do-Gooders is undergoing maintenance - a layout overhaul and various updates. Regular posting will resume within the week! Stay tuned.

Bret Michaels and the American Diabetes Association

2010-05-16T22:00:00.003-04:00

I'll admit I was one of those people who underestimated Bret Michaels at the start of The Celebrity Apprentice. But he grew on me. Not because of his illness, but because of his creativity. Several of the contestants have personal connections to their causes, but I have to pick someone to win, right? It's not that I want others to lose, but I want Bret to win. It's very hard to overcome a party hardy, I-seem-to-care-about-nothing-but-women (Rock of Love) rock-star image, but Bret has done it. If you're interested in donating to Bret's cause, visit The American Diabetes Association.

I'll be tuned in on May 23rd to see if Bret wins!

In honor of John Ritter -- gone, but not forgotten

2010-05-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

I borrowed Three's Company's DVDs from the library the other day (I used to watch this all the time when I was growing up) and learned a little about the beloved John Ritter (I am a huge fan of his work and he was definitely taken from us too soon). I found out that John, who was the younger son of Western film star and country music great, Tex Ritter, and Dorothy Ritter, founded the United Cerebral Palsy's affiliate in Los Angeles. John's brother has cerebral palsy and for more than 15 years, John was one of the national hosts for UCP telethons to raise funds and awareness for UCP.

In John's honor I'm posting a link to the UCP website and to The John Ritter Foundation. Gone but not forgotten.

Want to own a celebrity doodle?

2010-05-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

As part of NF Awareness month, celebrity doodles are available for auction on eBay during May. Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system which causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. This progressive disorder affects all races, all ethnic groups and both sexes equally. NF is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States (one in every 3,000 to 4,000 births).

These doodles raise money that will benefit NF, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing support to individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis (NF).

To learn more about NF, please visit www.nfinc.org.

Taylor Swift Auction

2010-05-13T06:18:00.002-04:00

Taylor Swift Auctions off an Experience to Make a Difference in Children’s Lives.

MyWorkButterfly.com presents this auction with Taylor Swift to help raise funds to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, which relies on donations to execute its mission. The highest bidder will win two Tickets to Taylor Swift’s Fearless Concert on June 2nd, 2010 at the Verizon Center in Washington DC, Meet & Greet, A Personalized Autographed Acoustic Guitar, two Roundtrip Domestic Air Tickets from JetBlue to Washington DC, Hotel Room for One Night, gift Bag from MyWorkButterfly.com. Bidding will take place over a ten-day period, May13-May 23, 2010. Visit MyWorkButterfly.com to bid on “A Night to Remember with Taylor Swift.”

Project Save Our Surf

2010-05-12T23:13:00.001-04:00

World champion surfers Shaun Tomson and Peter ‘PT’ Townend join Project Save Our Surf founder/actress Tanna Frederick when they co- host the Third Annual Project SOS: SURF 24 a 24-hour surfathon to benefit Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay and Inside the Outdoors

Recreational surfers will be joined by pro-surfers and celebrities from TV and film as they compete to put up the best wave each hour from 12 noon Saturday, June 19th to 12 noon Sunday, June 20th. One surfer will receive the “SURF 24 Surfer of the Year” trophy.

Celebrity surfers include Sam Trammel (True Blood), Dylan Bruno (Numb3rs), Jesse Spencer (House), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints), Chad Lowe (24), Michael Munoz (Amazing Race), Eric Balfour (24), Brandon Boyd (Incubus), David Chokachi (Beyond the Break), Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, MD), Chris Bruno (Dead Zone) and Kathy Zuckerman (Gidget). Surf luminaries participating include James Pribram, Matt Beacham, Mary Osborne, Angie Reno and Jon Rose (more names to be added.)

Project SOS: SURF 24 coincides with International Surfing Day, which was established by Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine to celebrate the sport of surfing and to give back to our oceans, waves and beaches.

To register to surf, visit www.projectsaveoursurf.org or call 424-781-0865.

Nick Jonas contest

2010-05-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

A new contest, “Give Back. Simply Win.” sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care will shine a spotlight on people with diabetes who are making a difference in their local communities. Three grand prize winners will meet international singing sensation Nick Jonas and Bayer will donate $5,000 to three not-for-profit charitable causes, one selected by each winner.

For more information Bayer’s visit www.NicksSimpleWins.com.

Jarvis Green -- Helping Single Mothers

2010-05-07T21:29:00.003-04:00

This Mother's Day I'd like to thank a professional football player who is making a difference in the lives of single mothers, of which I am one. It doesn't matter what football team you like or don't like, you have to respect Jarvis Green, a defensive end with the Denver Broncos and what he does on the field is impressive to most, but what he does off the field is what is even more impressive to me. He founded the Jarvis Green Foundation, a non-for-profit organization that provides support to single working mothers in disadvantaged, low-income areas.

Happy Mother's Day to all moms, but especially to those who are doing it alone. Today more than one in five American children (23 percent) lives in a family headed only by a mother. Jarvis Green is doing what he can to help those mothers and today, I thank HIM.

Why single moms?

I know how they get neglected by the government, especially those who work for a living and have one or more kids. I lost a lot of family with Hurricane Katrina and the best thing I could do is help a few families each year.

I contacted my CPA and we put together a foundation, do events and started plugging away, doing luncheons and networking and meeting people.

Have you gotten to know the moms you're helping?

The first mom we helped, Michele Jefferson, is a single mom family of four and after Katrina we couldn't find one of the fathers who was involved. Another father is still around and we a relationship with her.

(Jarvis donated $25,000 to Michelle Jefferson, a single mother from New Orleans, to assist with her recovery after Katrina.)

We contacted the government to find out the worst case scenario, and they gave us the names of the recipients who really need it, whose working a consistent job. We always get emails through Facebook -- letters from other people who suggest friends that they know. It's hard to help everyone.

Where does your giving come from?

When I was younger, we didn’t grow up in a big house, but we still went out and helped others, from the church to the school to different charity. It was doing those little things. Now I have the means to do what I want to do. We can help people now.

How do fit the events in to your schedule?

It’s not hard. I have a good team -- a good publicist, marketing team. Those people help to make things easier. I'm also very proactive, making phone calls, going to different events. We still have time and my wife is very understanding -- it was hard when I first started, but it's become a norm now.

Things I do outside of football I don’t do for notoriety or for a pat on my back, I do them because I’m able to. God blessed me with all the things I have. The reason I am here is not because of me but because of people who helped me. People look at football on the negative side, but there are a lot of guys that care not just about themselves.

Thanks Jarvis and keep doing what you're doing!

Celebrity-do-Gooder News Roundup

2010-05-05T07:02:00.004-04:00

George Lopez celebrity golf tournament was held to benefit The Ann & George Lopez-Richie Alarcon CARE Foundation. Read about it here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers go bowling for charity! " James Loney has been the host of the State Farm Dodgers Dream Foundation Bowling Extravaganza for three years running, and he still isn't the best bowler in the family." Read the rest of the article here.

Want to own an autographed pair of Ryan Seacrest's shoes? Or shoes from any of your other fave celebs. Check out this online auction. Hillsides Foster Soles is holding the Second Annual online auction of celebrity autographed shoes to raise money as part of Foster Care Awareness Month.

Ray Romano's special fund-raising performance

2010-04-27T06:24:00.005-04:00

Beloved television sitcom comedian Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age) takes the stage in New York City's newly renovated SVA Theatre (333 West 23rd Street) on Friday, May 14th to perform his Vegas-style comedy act in a rare New York appearance. The Queens-born performer will be coming back to his home town for this performance specifically for this one night only special event, to be a part of a fundraiser for ovarian cancer research.

A Ray of Hope, in its inaugural year, is an event to benefit the early detection, treatment and cure of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer, and one of the five leading causes of cancer death among women in the United States.

Each year, approximately 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States and about 15,000 American women die from the disease. These numbers are underscored by the sobering fact that currently there is no reliable screening test for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The majority of cases (81%) are not diagnosed until the disease is advanced, at which time a woman’s survival is significantly compromised.

One hundred percent of the evening’s proceeds will go through the Sass Foundation for Medical Research with monies funnelled to Mt. Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center, to help fund research projects for ovarian cancer.

Valerie Smaldone also co-producer of the event will emcee the event. Broadway performer Craig Schulman will perform some of the best loved songs from Broadway and Jon Manfrellotti, from Men of a Certain Age, will introduce Ray and his vegas Style act.

WHEN: Friday, May 14. Doors open at 8 pm, performance begins at 9. There will also be a VIP after-party, where ticket holders will be treated to craft beers, wine and cheeses as well as Italian pastries.

WHERE: SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, between 8th and 9th

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Merchandise available for sale, live auction of exciting products from Coach, Brooks Brothers, Bose, Tiffany & Co. as well as a condo in Naples, Florida and a trip to Vegas to see Ray Romano's show, with a Ray Romano meet and greet!

TICKETS: Tickets for A Ray of Hope starring Ray Romano range from $150-$275 and can be purchased at Theatermania.com.
http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/shows/a-ray-of-hope_165888/

On the Path to Cure Ovarian Cancer starring Ray Romano was conceived by Linda John, an ovarian cancer survivor (and Ray's first cousin) after she went through treatment for the disease. John, CEO of Corporate Family Network, felt that there was not enough targeted research being done for early stage testing and wanted to be actively involved. In addition to her work with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliances's Survivors Training Program, Linda wanted to do more. She enlisted the help of media personality Valerie Smaldone, who has created events in the past for ovarian cancer awareness and funding, and had herself dealt with ovarian cancer years ago, to co-produce and emcee the event.

The Sass Foundation for Medical Research, Inc. was established in 1986 as a non-profit, non-sectarian foundation dedicated to medical research, education and patient care programs for cancer and related diseases. For more information go to www.sassfoundation.org or www.arayofhopeforovariancancer.com

Tom Coughlin's Big Heart

2010-03-17T10:20:00.003-04:00

Check out my article on New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin on CBS Sports' Bleacher Report!

Stories on several more athletes coming over the next few days. Stay tuned!

Spotlight on Broadway -- Arnie Burton

2010-03-11T22:34:00.005-05:00

Several months ago I had the absolute pleasure to see The 39 Steps on Broadway and starring in the show was Arnie Burton. Honestly I laughed so hard my stomach hurt at the end of the show. The entire cast was hilarious and they certainly put a smile on my face for days. (Arnie Burton played the character next to the driver in the front seat.)

How appropriate then that after putting smiles on the faces of his audience members, Burton supports The Smile Train charity which is focused on solving a single problem: cleft lip and palate. Clefts are a major problem in developing countries where there are millions of children who are suffering with unrepaired clefts. Most cannot eat or speak properly. Aren’t allowed to attend school or hold a job. And face very difficult lives filled with shame and isolation, pain and heartache. They want to smile and laugh like I did when I saw The 39 Steps.

Arnie, why did you pick The Smile Train to support?

I did some research on it and it speaks to that kid in you. I felt different and alone as a kid and I was incredibly shy. I had few friends, and I didn’t like sports, I liked theater, so I always felt very alone. I saw these pictures and I knew how they must feel. My supporting them was an outward manifestation of how I felt and what that could bring to them.

But you’re not a one-man charity either. You also support United Cerebral Palsy.

That started a few years ago, when I was in the play Eugene’s Home playing someone with cerebral palsy, so I went to the UCP in Manhattan and I met and worked with people with CP. I learned so much about them and I had preconceived notions because it wasn’t on my radar. People think they are mentally handicapped because they are physically handicapped. Most of the people with CP are completely functional and brilliant, but they have this muscular disease. They have the same struggles as everyone else -- more so -- falling in love, sex, working.

How do you support these organizations?

When I was a struggling actor I would write checks to charities because I always felt that I could give something each month, even if I was broke and I’ve been doing it ever since. Struggling actor -- write checks to charities and give money.

Everyone on Broadway gives back so much. Is that discussed at all or is it just known that if you’re on Broadway you help out?

We’re very much a community. After awhile everyone knows each other. We do what we do, not for the money, but because we love theater. Theater happens live and it’s affecting people right there, it’s interactive with the public. When AIDS came upon us in the 80s/90s, it really affected the theater community and when you feel part of the community, it’s easier to band together and you can make a difference.

What can your fans do?

Anyone can give something. It enriches your life so much. There’s just something that changes how you feel about yourself and it enlarges you. If you give five dollars, it will make a difference in how you feel about yourself.

For Celebrity-do-Gooder readers -- here's a special discount to see Arnie in The Temperamentals!

The Temperamentals

New World Stages

340 West 50th Street

www.thetemperamentals.com

MAD MEN meets MILK

After a sold-out summer run, Michael Urie (UGLY BETTY) and Thomas Jay Ryan (IN THE NEXT ROOM) return to the stage in Jon Marans' intelligent and witty hit new play, THE TEMPERAMENTALS. Set against a backdrop of 1950's Hollywood and the McCarthy Era, the play brings to light and life the moving and engaging story of the first gay rights organization in the United States. THE TEMPERAMENTALS is "excellent drama, excellent entertainment"; "a worthy tribute" that "you must see"!

"With style and a sense of humor, THE TEMPERAMENTALS mixes politics with campy comedy and unexpected bursts of emotional candor."

- Time Out New York

DISCOUNT OFFER:

$49.50 (Reg. Price: $65.00)

HOW TO ORDER:

1. VISIT www.BroadwayOffers.com and use code TEOFFER110

2. CALL (212) 947-8844 and mention code TEOFFER110

3. BRING a printout of this discount to New World Stages at 340 West 50th Street

RESTRICTIONS:

This offer is valid through 5/9/10. Limit 10 per customer. All prices include $1.50 facility fee. Subject to availability. Additional Blackout dates may apply.

I'm baaaack and I'm bringing a lot of people with me!

2010-03-11T22:27:00.004-05:00

I'm finally done with my next book that's coming out in June. Betcha never guess what it's about. Nope, not celebrities (although I have written books on Ellen DeGeneres and Will Smith). It's about bowling! LOL. Yup, my Bowling for Dummies book will be out in July!

So over the next few weeks I have several athletes for you, the infamous coach of the New York Giants, Broadway personalities and many many more! So stop back frequently!

I'll be back soon!!!!!

2010-02-23T22:51:00.002-05:00

Coming back in March. My apologies. I don't want to let blogs lapse, but I was busy with a new book. Will be back soon with several interviews and great celebrity charity news!

Funny man Tommy Davidson to hand out toys to homeless children

2009-12-23T13:05:00.004-05:00

Comedian TOMMY DAVIDSON will help deliver toys to homeless children at the PATH Homeless Center, 340 North Madison Avenue in Los Angeles today! There's nothing a comedian likes more than to see someone smile.

Tommy and I are going to chat tomorrow so check back to see when his story will be published!

Davidson, who was in the foster system as a young child in Washington DC , has a personal story to tell.

Happy Holidays to All!!!!!

2009-12-23T10:05:00.004-05:00

I just want to thank everyone who follows this blog, the celebrities who contribute and the behind-the-scenes people who help me set up interviews and keep this blog running. Please have the happiest and healthiest of holidays and don't forget to give to the less fortunate. My charity of choice at holiday time is St. Jude's.

Many people ask what I want for Christmas -- not the mushy stuff, but what I would 'really' want for the holidays. Let's start with this...

Well, I can hope! LOL...In addition to my traditional Christmas festivities with the family, I'll be seeing Sherlock Holmes this weekend! Enjoy your holiday!

News on Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift

2009-12-17T15:58:00.003-05:00

Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift: When stars like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers aren't busy making music and movies and hitting the road on tours, they spend a good amount of time giving back by working with charities. And now these pop superstars have made nonprofit auction site CharityFolks.com's list of the 10 hottest celebrity draws, according to "Extra."

The Jonas Brothers raised $300,000 for their Change for the Children Foundation in 2009 by using their celebrity to auction VIP meet-and-greet sessions through Charity Folks. The Jonas Brothers, in conjunction with the Change for the Children Foundation, also work with Bayer Diabetes Care to help spread awareness about the condition. Nick Jonas has diabetes and wrote the song "A Little Bit Longer" about his struggles with it. Read the rest of this article here.

Alec Baldwin donates $1 million to alma mater

2009-12-16T14:17:00.004-05:00

So I'm a college student walking in New York City from my job to class. I walked the same way every day -- from 42nd Street to the New York Institute of Technology on 61st St. One night, Alec Baldwin walks right by me. He was in The Doctors at that point and I loved him on that show. I was thrilled, but he was walking pretty fast.

The next night, Alec Baldwin walks by me AGAIN. Okay, something's up, I thought, and I promised myself that if he walked by me the same time the next day I was going to stop him and ask him for an autograph. Guess what! The next day he walked right by me and I grabbed his arm! I'm sure I startled him, but it was before the day of entourages...LOL. Ends up he was in a play and was going to rehearsal every night. I told him I was going to school and this was the 3rd time he walked by me. He asked me what I was majoring in and I told him Journalism and Communications. We talked about it for a few minutes, but GUESS WHAT. I didn't have a pen! Maybe that's why I have 5 pens in my pocketbook all the time now -- just in case.

Well, Alec, if you're reading this, I'm the one that grabbed your arm on the New York Street one day when you were in a play while in The Doctors. Doubtful if you remember, but I just wanted to say that I think it's really cool that you remembered your roots and donated money to the School. And hey, I have a pen now if you want to send that autograph.

The UNICEF Ball

2009-12-15T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ah. An amazing A-lister party for charity. On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date. Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award.

The UNICEF Ball was co-chaired by Bryan Lourd, Ghada Irani and Tamar & Bob Manoukian. The evening included performances by Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Jane Morgan-Weintraub and Franki Valli & The Four Seasons. Paul Anka added his own special touch to the night by changing the lyrics to his popular song “My Way” to reflect the guest of honor. George Clooney, Bruce Willis and Bryan Lourd were among those who spoke about Jerry Weintraub as a friend and colleague. Guests were also treated to special surprise appearance by Mr. Weintraub’s long-time friend Muhammad Ali.

During dinner, George Clooney presented the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award to Jerry Weintraub, Special Advisor to UNICEF USA. Committed to helping others in need, Weintraub’s philanthropic endeavors are just as great as his professional career. Most recently, Not on Our Watch, co-founded by Weintraub, has supported UNICEF‘s at-risk Zimbabwean refugee children living on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border.

“Every day 24,000 children die from preventable causes. I believe that number should be zero,” said Weintraub. “UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world and I am committed to supporting their efforts to provide children worldwide the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood.”

In spirit of the evening, Jerry Weintraub, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle donated $250,000 on behalf of Not on Our Watch in support of UNICEF’s mission to reduce the number of preventable deaths of children from 24,000 to zero. Guests of the UNICEF Ball included Ellen Barkin, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford & Rande Gerber, Luciana & Matt Damon, Larry David, Selena Gomez, Elliot Gould, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Anthony Kiedes, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Rebecca Mader, Alyssa Milano, Jeremy Piven, Sumner Redstone, Bruce Willis and more.

Dinner hosts included Shelli and Irving Azoff, Peggy and Jeff Bewkes, George Clooney, Carole Bayer Sager and Bob Daly, Luciana and Matt Damon, Brynne and Dan Fellman, David Geffen, Harvey S. Gettleson, Brad Grey, Cindy and Alan Horn, Lucy Liu, Michael Meldman, Wendy and Barry Meyer, Kelly and Ron Meyer, Lori and Michael Milken, Julie and Leslie Moonves, Robin and Gerald Parsky, Brad Pitt, Nicole and Jeff Robinov, Ande and Bruce Rosenblum, Steve Roth, Ellen and Richard Sandler, Jane and Terry Semel, Steven Spielberg, Emma and Bruce Willis, Ellen and Ken Ziffren and Jane Morgan Weintraub.

Dr. Andrew Ordon's Surgical Friends Foundation

2009-12-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Jennifer Haupt, a very talented writer for Psychology Today, has written about Dr. Andrew Ordon's (The Doctors) new Surgical Friends Foundation. According to the Foundation's site, the vision of the founding members was to create a surgical foundation which reached out to all those who suffer from physical deformities, whether they reside in the US or abroad. The goal was to create an organization that is working to provide reconstructive surgery and improved access to quality medical care by uniting patients, physicians and philanthropists on a global level. Read Jenn's article here.

George Jones and wife Nancy hold Toy Drive at their home

2009-12-14T16:20:00.006-05:00

Now I seriously have to visit Tennessee! You are all just too cool! Country music icon George Jones and wife Nancy invite the public to their home on Friday, December 18 in Franklin, TN. The Jones family has once again put up an incredible light display and will also be hosting a visit by the seasonal saint himself, Santa Claus, this Friday from 6-8pm. Each year George and Nancy look for a way to give back to the local community, and have reached out to The Give Hope project of The People’s Church to help take donations of toys to distribute to needy families throughout middle Tennessee.

ADMISSION IS FREE (TOY DONATIONS ACCEPTED AND REQUESTED).

Toys may also be donated during regular business hours to:

The People’s Church

828 Murfreesboro Rd

Franklin, TN 37064-2905

An Equality party AFTER the ball drops

2009-12-14T16:07:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Broadway's Gavin Creel (Claude in Hair on Broadway) for this party information!

Attention New Yorkers: After the ball drops, kick off the New Year with Broadway Impact and Joe's Pub at 2010: an EQUALITY Odyssey! Join the crowd at Joe's Pub to ring in the new year with equality. Come start the year off on the right side of history!

The night will include launching into the new year with good music, drinks, a raffle of prizes and special guests! 100% of the proceeds go to Broadway Impact! About Broadway Impact: Broadway Impact is a grassroots organization of the Theatre community and its fans, mobilizing in support of marriage equality.

Joe's Pub is committed in 2010 to fight for equality for all of our LGBTQ friends and loved ones and we invite you to start the year off with us and our friends at Broadway Impact.

Tickets available here: http://www.joespub.com/component/option,com_shows/task,view/Itemid,40/id,4968

Doors open at 12:30am. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tennessee fans: Meet your faves, get autographs and help a charity!

2009-12-11T19:52:00.005-05:00

Oh you have no idea how much I wish I could be here!

This coming Monday, these artists will be signing autographs and posing for photos with fans in an effort to help raise money for the Christmas 4 Kids organization (which seriously has one of the cutest websites I've ever seen). Look who you can meet -- Darryl Worley (I love his song "Sounds Like Life") Gretchen Wilson (I'm a longtime fan!), Danny Gokey from American Idol (I voted and he has my heart since we both lost someone at a young age!!!), Randy Houser, Keith Anderson, Cowboy Troy, Burns & Poe, Bo Bice, The Grascals, Steve Harwell with Smashmouth (SMASHMOUTH!), Bryan White, T.G. Sheppard, The Roys, Julia Burton, Shane Thomas, Danielle Peck, Grady Nations, Candice Crain, Dustin Wilkes, Paul Stout, Scott Lindsey, Crystal Hunt (One Life to Live), Casey Jamerson, Woody Bradshaw, Adam Fisher, Anna Garrott, Matt Gary, Crystal Rose, and Alexandra Samson!

Artists Appearances and schedule subject to change without notice***

Here are the details:

WHAT: Christmas 4 Kids Tour Bus Show

WHERE: Hendersonville Wal*Mart,

204 North Anderson Lane

Hendersonville, TN 37075

WHEN: Monday, December 14^th

5 – 9 pm

Artists appearing will be located on their own tour bus or one provided for them. They will be signing autographs and posing for photos to help raise money for the Christmas 4 Kids organization. On Tuesday, the organization will take over 400 children shopping at this same Wal*Mart!!!!! What an awesome event! Come on Tennessee, don't let us down!

Tell Danny Gokey I said hi!

Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig sell the shirts off their backs for charity

2009-12-11T06:22:00.007-05:00

So I'm twittering with Broadway.com the other day just for fun -- I love Broadway and like keeping up on what's happening. They decide to give tickets away! I lost the first time they did this but I won this time! Two free tickets to see two of the hottest names on Broadway -- Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman -- in the play A Steady Rain. My daughter and I hopped on the train, headed into the city and claimed our orchestra seats. The play was good and it was interesting seeing both Jackman and Craig without their accents in a play, not a musical, just the two of them, two chairs and their acting skills. Impressive.

After the show, Wolverine, er...Jackman (sorry can't help it) asked for a minute of our time for a good cause. And when Hugh Jackman asks for a minute of your time, well, you sit. Jackman and Craig were raising money for Broadway Cares, an amazing charity that fights AIDS and one that I fully support, and were selling autographed posters and playbills. Granted, I couldn't swing the $1,000 asking price, but I donated some money anyway because every bit helps.

Then they decided to auction off the shirts off their backs! Women screamed and the actors turned their backs to the audience and teased us with a quasi strip tease. They asked for an opening bid of $1,000 which would get the winner the shirts, personally autographed, and backstage passes to meet the actors and take pictures. Boy I wish I was richer! In less than 5 minutes, the actors raised $30,000 between three bidders who each bid $10,000 and the actors decided to give each of them something for their bids. Plus they earned whatever they raised with the posters and playbills. An amazing experience for everyone involved.

While I was waiting for the show to start, I read that Jackman's auctioned off things from other plays he's been in to raise millions for Broadway Cares. It's obvious that Jackman and Craig care. And we should too. (I saw Hugh Jackman do a strip tease 20 feet in front of me!!!!!!! Okay I'm calm now. No I'm not!!!!!!!)

Congrats to Hank Azaria and Olivia Wilde

2009-12-09T12:11:00.005-05:00

At the beginning of December, The Artivist Collective announced the Artivist Award winners for the 6^thAnnual Artivist Film Festival Awards. Actress and activist Olivia Wilde ("House") and Actor Hank Azaria accepted the Artivist Award, honoring artists whose exemplary work in their community stands out as a shining example of one person's ability to change the world for the better.

Actor Hank Azaria ("The Simpsons” Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) is the founder of Determined to Succeed, an educational non-profit organization dedicated to providing an exceptional group of low socio-economic students with comprehensive year-round support.

Olivia Wilde (left) has helped numerous causes including Power Up Gambia, Artists for Peace and Justice, the ACLU and the Barack Obama campaign.

Producer and President of Rhino Films Stephen Nemeth also received an award for his advocacy on behalf of numerous causes including the Wildlife Ecostation, Wheels For Humanity, Children Uniting Nations, Shine On Sierra Leone, OneVoice, the Veggie Van Organization, LACMA, Amnesty International, Rock the Vote and more.

Past Artivist Award recipients include: Ted Danson, Alyssa Milano, Joaquin Phoenix, Matthew McConaughey, Mira Sorvino, James Cromwell, Ed Begley Jr, Tippi Hedren, Claes Nobel of the NOBEL Prize Family and Mike Farrell.

Artivist is the first film festival dedicated to addressing International Human Rights, Children's Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Advocacy. In addition to the artist awards, Artivist also awards a feature and short in each of these four categories. Additionally the Artivist Spirit Award goes to the film that best embodies the overall mission of the festival.

The Artivist Film Festival screens over 40 independent, narratives, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films from around the globe at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood from December 1-5, concluding with the Artivist Awards. The festival’s mission is to strengthen the voice of advocate artists - "Artivists" - while raising public awareness for global causes.

Since its inception in 2004, the Artivist Film Festival has showcased over 400 films representing more than 45 countries around the world. Artivist has reached millions of people with its film festivals in Hollywood, London, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Lisbon, and through its website at www.ARTIVISTS.org

Additionally, in recognition of the socially conscious platform it provides, Artivist has been endorsed by Claes Nobel of the Nobel Prize family, Amnesty International, and the United Nations Department of Public Information.

Many films awarded at Artivist have gone on to great acclaim including Academy Award winner Born Into Brothels, Academy Award Nominees Super-Size Me and God Sleeps in Rwanda. The festival has also held the Los Angeles Premieres of Fast Food Nation, Emmanuelle's Gift, Stolen Childhoods, Zeitgeist, Zeitgest Addendum and Trudell.

All proceeds benefit the Annual Artivist Film Festival, creating a platform for socially conscious "Artivists" to share their inspirational and informative films with the world.

New York Mets -- Whatever Happened To Ed Hearn

2009-12-01T23:32:00.004-05:00

Here's my latest Bleacher Report blog on Ed Hearn, a professional catcher who played for the New York Mets (my fave team!).

I've been away a bit working on a book, but I'm back...look for more from me soon!

The 39 Steps to Broadway

2009-10-30T13:01:00.003-04:00

This isn't a celebrity-do-gooder piece (it will be later!) but I wanted to talk about this Broadway show!

On Saturday, my daughter and I saw The 39 Steps on Broadway. I didn't know what to expect. I prefer musicals and this was not a musical, but I heard it was funny and I always like funny. So we ventured in the pouring rain for a 3pm show.

The website describes the show as 'mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have THE 39 STEPS, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre!'

"In THE 39 STEPS, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she's a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called "The 39 Steps" is hot on the man's trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale"

The cast of four -- played by Arnie Burton, Jeffrey Kuhn, Sean Mahon, and Jill Paice -- is absolutely hilarious. I had a soft spot in my heart for Jeffrey Kuhn who probably went to the "Tim Conway School of awesome facial expressions and voices." It's a laugh riot as the actors transpose themselves into multiple characters right in front of you, while not missing a beat. The slapstick, the facial expressions, the hilarious choreography as sets are moved around and become part of the jokes make this show a don't miss.

According to Playbill magazine, "here's how the producers characterize the madness: "The 39 Steps features a cast of four actors who, against all odds, breathlessly and hilariously attempt to reenact all of the characters, locations and famous scenes in Hitchcock's 1935 film thriller with just a few props and a lot of theatrical ingenuity and split second quick changes."

Sadly, this show is ending its run on Broadway in January and I wish it wasn't. If you're looking for something to see, this is it. The house should be full and the word of how funny this show is should be spreading like wildfire.

My cheeks literally hurt after the performance and my daughter and I talked about our favorite moments all the way home.

SugarHill Gang helps to fight cancer

2009-10-28T13:07:00.002-04:00

Yes THAT SugarHill Gang! Are you singing their Rapper's Delight song in your head already? LOL. Well they are helping out a friend of mine, author Jen Singer, at her Kiss Cancer Goodbye party! Check it out!

http://nj.lls.llsevent.org/pledge/index.cfm?mid=KISSCANCERGOODBYE

Jen is amazing and a true inspiration. Buy her books, support her causes.

Ethan Zohn needs your votes!

2009-10-05T06:54:00.004-04:00

Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor:Africa is fighting the cancer battle of his life. However, he's still working like mad to raise money for OTHER causes. I'm proud to say that i know Ethan and he's truly an inspiration. Can you vote for him in this contest...he wants to donate the money for a good cause he says, "I need your help now more than ever! Voting for The "GQ Better Men Better World Search” ends on Wednesday and it would be a blessing to have your vote. Vote for me at http://www.thegentlemensfund.com/final_vote.asp"

Marisa Petroro -- Cancer Survivor and Inspiration

2009-10-04T20:07:00.000-04:00

If you've watched Deal or No Deal, you might recognize actress Marisa Petroro as one of the gorgeous models carrying the briefcases. She is truly a beauty -- inside and out.

Outside of acting, Marisa holds philanthropy close to her heart. She recently accepted a second term as spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), an organization dedicated to increasing sarcoma related research. Currently, there are about 50,000 people living with sarcoma. Roughly half of who are children.

In fact Marisa is a cancer survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood sarcoma that affects the muscles and has said that taking on this responsibility has allowed her to achieve one of her lifetime goals. Not only does she participate in a variety of programs and events to help SFA fulfill its mission, she continues to volunteer her time to helping individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy.

Marisa and I talked some time ago regarding her own diagnosis.

When I was 19, I had a tumor removed from my arm. It's a rare childhood cancer and affected the muscle on my right forearm.

When did you notice a problem?

I was at Rutgers University and I had my nerve in my arm was painfully numb. A few weeks later, I was putting my hair in a pony tail and noticed a lump on my arm. I went to the campus doctor who said you bumped yourself, it's just blood vessles. But over the holidays I showed my family and got another opinion and it was cancerous. I had the tumor removed on February 11, 1991. I've been a cancer survivor for 18 years.

Did you have treatment?

I had a year of chemotherapy.

Can it come back?

Yes, there is a chance that it can come back. Surgery takes it all out and you hit it with chemo. If you are in remission for five years you are cured supposedly.

It could have spread to my bones where it is worse. One-third of those with rhabdomyosarcoma don=t survive. It's very rare.

How did you get involved with the Sarcoma Foundation of America? (The picture above is a photo from the Sarcoma Foundation Of America (SFA) Gala this past April. Couple with Marisa are board member Gary Tomei and his wife, Addie (parents of Marisa Tomei).

I was at a movie screening and it was a film and Adam Tormei (actress Marissa Tormei's brother) was stricken with sarcoma. We started talking after about how he has to go to New York and has sarcoma. We just started chatting, and his parents were on board of the foundation. I investigated it and approached them. I wanted to be a spokesperson to get the word out. Whatever I can do to spread the word, since people don=t know what it is.

Sarcoma is most prevalent in young adults and children. Fifteen percent of pediatric cancer is sarcoma! It was in my right forearm inside the body, I really didn't notice.

You have a scar from it now right?

You can't see it unless I raise my arm or have on a short sleeve shirt. I also had a portacath from chemo and I have a scar from that.

You're a model. How are your scars treated?

Sometimes it will get (photo) shopped out, it depends on what it=s for.

You seem to have a lot of patience. How did you cope with your disease?

When I was first diagnosed, my oncologist sat me down and told me I needed to have chemo and radiation for a year. He said how you get through it is to take a calendar and black marker and take it one day at a time. Staying in a positive light and having positive people around you.

What advice do you have for those already going through the treatment?

If you can have positive people around you, do so. Otherwise, watch comedies. I wasn=t open to this back then, but it=s also about nutrition. I cut meat and chicken out of my diet. I eat fish. I went to a place one-and-a-half years ago and they teach you how to eat raw. It's amazing how wonderful you feel. If there are any issues where you are out of place, don=t let it go for week or months, just get into a doctor and see what=s going on. You know when something isn=t going right. The longer you wait the worse it can get. If you don't have your health, you don=t have anything.

How can we help?

Visit the website curesarcoma.org. You can donate money online and then there=s always sponsorships for the annual gala and educational conference every year. You can also become a member of SFA, it's free to sign up and you get an annual newsletter and quarterly updates. You can also find out events that are taking place in the state.

Currently, Marisa is also involved with multiple non‑profit and charity organizations including the Tomorrow's Children Fund at the Hackensack University Medical Center, The Young Storytellers Foundation, Tag the World, Operation Shoebox New Jersey, The Embrace Kids Foundation, Team Sarcoma B Los Angeles, Crime Survivors, REDWING 19 and the Sarcoma Foundation of America.

Over the past few years, Marisa has been Commencement Speaker at her alma mater, Kean University in New Jersey and was honored as AWoman of the Year@ by The Center for Italian and Italian‑American Culture. She also contributed to the book The Vision Board: The Secret to An Extraordinary Life by Joyce Schwarz. She's now on Showtime's Dexter.

Marisa, thank you for being such an inspiration!

Mayim Bialik talks about Holistic Moms Network

2009-09-13T22:11:00.002-04:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I watched Blossom when I was young and always wondered what happened to actress Mayim Bialik. I knew she went to college, but then what? Well, thankfully, she’s back and we had a nice long talk about her involvement with the Holistic Moms Network, a non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living.

Why did you get back in the Hollywood eye now?

When Blossom ended, I was 19 and I went to college, because that’s what you do in my family. And I kind of went straight through to grad school. I did some acting, a couple episodes of Fat Actress, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but I really wanted to focus on my degree. My initial hope was that I’d be a research professor or something like that. I studied neuroscience, but once we had our first son, who’s now almost 4, my husband and I just started realizing that, in terms of lifestyle and how we wanted to raise our kids, being a research professor was not the best way to go. It was a lifestyle decision in terms of what kind of hours and schedule can allow us to be with our kids

So I finished my thesis, but was thinking about what it would be like to see what it’s like to act fulltime, because I’ve never really done that. Last time I acted, my mom was with me doing everything, and I was really still a kid. And I do love performing. I’m still sort of learning how to be an adult in this industry, in terms of premieres and things like that. .

Now though, you can’t even breathe without somebody knowing about it?

You can’t tweeze your eyebrows without someone saying you missed a hair, you know? Because it’s all on the Internet. There was really not an Internet like that. When I started acting I was 11-years-old and it was 1986. It was a very different world.

How did you get involved in the Holistic Moms organization?

My husband and I just started seeing friends of ours who made certain parenting choices and we started learning about it, even before we got pregnant. We started learning about home birth, and extended breastfeeding, and home schooling. It seemed really off the wall to us, so we started doing research. And with my neuroscience degree, I was in child psychiatry, I studied some child development, so I was already reading a lot of this stuff. We started interviewing midwives, and pediatricians, even before we got pregnant, just to see what it might look like to be in different circles than we were raised in. So when we had our first son, we made certain decisions, and then as we started raising him, we made more and more decisions, and then we just had our second son less than a year ago.

What kind of personal decisions did you make?

Well, home birth. I’m thinking about the things that sort of shocked our parents the most. So I’d say home birth was right up there. Natural birth people are more comfortable with. But the idea of home birth was something that was very hard for us in terms of really everybody on the street challenging us.

My second son was a home birth. My first was a transport after a natural induction that often doesn’t work as well as a chemical induction, but I didn’t want the chemical. Also, extended breastfeeding without giving solids for the first year is something that’s important to us and works well for us, but a lot of people were very surprised about. And I never even thought you could grow a baby on breast milk for a whole year until we did it…twice. Bed sharing is also big one.

I say that I only know how to raise two people, and that’s my two kids. I don’t know how to raise your kids. That’s why you’re their parent, so whatever choices I make are the ones that I’ve decided work for me, and I don’t pass judgment. If other people want to have a conversation about the choices I’ve made, I’m more than happy to talk about it. And I think it’s organizations like Holistic Moms that give people that support, who are kind of doing things against trends, at least against current trends in parenting. But the fact is, what works for people is what works for them. If you’re asking me about statistics, I’m more than happy to talk about them, but otherwise, I really only do what works for my kids, and assume that everyone else is making educated decisions too, for their kids.

It’s hard to make those first decisions…how do you do that and feel comfortable?

For me, there was a book written called Parenting Without a Map, and sometimes I think when you’re in these circles, you can feel like you’re really parenting without a map. But I don’t think I would have been able to make any of these choices without like-minded friends. Mothering magazine has a friend finder, so I made some friends that way. Really finding like-minded people, not just so that you can be agreed with, you know, even though we like to be agreed with in general. To find people who are parenting similarly, I mean, this is the way people used to transmit information so that you were never doing something alone for the first time as a parent. Now, I feel like we live in these very separated communities, but we’re missing that support system.

How were you raised?

I was raised by politically active, concerned parents from an immigrant family in New York. So my parents made anti-war films against Vietnam, they were very politically active. My mom made sandwiches for the local health food store. She used soymilk when she stopped breastfeeding, which was very radical in 1975. She had me, I was a breach, with no medication. Which was not a C-section, which was surprising also. But I think a lot of this stuff wasn’t even on my parents’ radar. My mom never even knew she could keep her maiden name. It was almost not even an issue. And I was the kind of teenager who was really into the planet, and using canvas grocery bags, and people always laughed at me. And now I say to my husband, you know, who’s laughing now? Now we get a little refund every time we use my bags.

And I’m not looking to be cool. I really am one of those people who really believes very strongly in doing all those little things. It’s also a very like Jewish ethic I was raised with, that you save the world, one thing at a time.

How have you found the reaction to being back in the spotlight and talking about this?

I don’t want people to think that I’m taking this opportunity to try and make myself feel like I’m the best parent in the world. As I said, I’m only the best parent to two people, and that’s my kids. I’ve had a lot of people say to me, you’re doing something wrong by fill-in-the-blank. And I really don’t think that’s the way we build a strong community of parents or kids. So that’s kind of what I think is really discouraging, and that’s what I would hope that maybe people would get out of this, that you don’t have to agree with each other, but there needs to be open dialogue so that we can all parent better in our community. Because our kids are going to have to live with each other and they’re the next generation that has to make decisions, and be the teachers, doctors, lawyers, and postmen. That’s what we’re raising them.

What advice would you give moms?

Attend a La Leche League meeting, even if you’re not sure about breastfeeding. Their advice really runs the gamut of help for people who want to be home, who don’t want to be home, who can breastfeed and who can’t.

Get involved in some sort of support group or parenting group. And if you are leaning green or holistic, something like Holistic Moms Network is especially important. The third thing is to read as much as you can and I don’t mean on the Internet, but to actually go to the resources of some of the pediatricians you’ve looked into, or to a library. Go to a place where there are actual books you can read start to finish because you really get only one chance to be educated about your kids. And I hear people say that it was too much work to research vaccinations, so I just decided to let them do whatever. You can make whatever decision you want, but I think it’s super important to go ahead and get as educated as you can, so that you can then be present when you make those decisions and not feel like you’re kind of a passive participant in your kids’ lives. The saddest thing I hear is when people say my pediatrician knows my kids better than I do. And the fact is, I really, I don’t believe that’s true. I think we instinctually know our children best.

It’s really nice to be part of an organization that I’ve been a member of even when I was off the radar, because it’s easy. It’s easy to talk about something that provided that support for me, because I needed it, and I still need it.

Thanks Mayim and welcome back!

Off the Field: Alonzo Mourning

2009-08-06T16:49:00.002-04:00

If you're in Westchester, New York, you can't miss this!

NBA champion, author, and nationally recognized philanthropist, Alonzo Mourning, will be joined by other like-minded golf enthusiasts and supporters of youth initiatives on the golf course for the 6th annual Zo’s Million Dollar Shootout – giving one lucky golfer the chance to win $1,000,000! The 6th Annual Zo’s Million Dollar Shootout will tee-off at 12:00PM on Monday, August 17th, 2009 at the Trump National Golf Club at Briarcliff Manor in New York, to benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities.

Zo’s Million Dollar Shootout has been a staple golf outing for the past five years, where golfers not only come out to compete for the chance at one million dollars but also to support the programs of Alonzo Mourning Charities. The foundation empowers and educates today’s youth through various enrichment services that help further stimulate the educational development children residing in low socioeconomic communities.

Joining Mourning on the course this year will be John Starks and Allen Houston (former New York Knicks players), Ben Gordon (Detroit Pistons), Kenny Lofton (former NBA player), Lawrence Taylor and Bruce Smith (former NFL players), and Stephen A. Smith (ESPN analyst). “It’s always fun to get on the golf course with old colleagues and meet new friends too - of course, the anticipation of waiting for that one lucky person to win a million dollars can be very gripping,” said Mourning, Founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities. “Also, the support of our guests can not be understated. Their participation really helps advance our mission. With increased financial resources, we’re able to change the lives of so many deserving children through education and mentoring.”

Donald Trump and the Trump National Golf Club hosts Zo’s Million Dollar Shootout each year. The golf course is among the most highly regarded in the area boasting world-class facilities and a 7,291-yard par 72 golf course designed by golf course architect Jim Fazio. Located in the heart of Westchester County, Trump National Golf Club is just 30 minutes from Manhattan and under an hour from Newark.

Participants in the tournament will not only shoot it out for the chance to win one million dollars, but will also enjoy a complimentary gift bag with top-of-the-line golf gear, welcome breakfast reception prepared by top chefs, putting contest, round of golf, post-reception feast featuring culinary delights, awards ceremony, and a live auction with exclusive items and celebrity experiences up for bid.

Register for a foursome and/or receive additional information by visiting www.ZoShootOut.com or calling 305/476-0095.

ALONZO MOURNING CHARITIES
Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. Its mission is to encourage the educational development of youth by creating programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities. Since 1997, AM Charities has raised more than $7 million for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. In addition to supporting numerous educational initiatives, AM Charities also includes:

• Honey Shine Mentoring Program, founded in 2002, this program works to empower young girls to shine as women through bi-weekly workshops and summer camp that help encourage the balance of mind, body, and soul in girls and women by providing nurturing experiences that enlighten their paths and empower their future (www.HoneyShine.org).
• Overtown Youth Center, the first youth enrichment center opened by AM Charities in 2003 in the historic area of Overtown in South Florida, which inspires and empowers youth and families by fostering hope through enrichment services (www.OvertownYouth.org). The next youth center is targeted for Bunche Park in Miami Gardens.
• Zo’s Fund For Life was launched by Alonzo Mourning during the 2001 NBA All-Star Weekend, a program that raises funds for research, education, and testing to fight Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a degenerative kidney ailment that Mourning was diagnosed with at the start of the 2001 season (www.ZosFundForLife.com).

Off-the-Field: Sports report

2009-08-06T16:40:00.001-04:00

My recent athlete's blog on Bleacher Report, a CBS blog affiliate!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/231548-off-the-field-indianapolis-colts-ryan-diem

Lisa

Blogging for CBS Sports/The Bleacher Report

2009-08-04T08:12:00.003-04:00

I'm excited to announce that I'm blogging for CBS Sports/The Bleacher Report about athletes who are doing great things. I'll post here too with a link to my blog there, so you won't miss a thing. I'm very excited about this!!!

The first post is information on an event that Shaq will be holding in Orlando for the charity he named and created in honor of his grandma. Check it out here.

Later today, check back to this site for an interview with one of the Deal or No Deal models and her awesome story!

Event Info: Chefs for Scher Invitation for You!

2009-07-07T10:51:00.007-04:00

A culinary event celebrating late New York restaurateur Steven Scher benefiting the Steven Scher Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Restaurateurs & The James Beard Foundation.

Featuring the award winning cuisines of Host Chef Laurent Tourondel BLT Restaurants, Franklin Beckler Abe & Arthur's, Ed Brown Eighty-One, Scott Conant Sarpetta, John DeLucie The Waverly Inn, Bobby Flay Mesa Grill, John Fraser Dovetail, Alexa Garcia Calle Ocho, Michael "Bao" Hunynh Barboa, Stephen Kalt Epicurean Concepts, Elizabeth Katz B.R. Guest Restaurants, Pault Liebrandt Corton, Marc Murtphy Landmarc, Nancy Olson Gramercy Tavern, Jean-Gorges Vongerichten Jean-Georges with featured wines by simmelier Jean-Luc Le Du Le Du's Wines.

Where: Bowery Terrace at The Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery - Newe York City
When: Monday, July 13, 2009
7:30 - 10:30 pm

Live Auction - 9 pm
Silent Auction Throughout Night

Tickets Per Person: $150 General Admission
$225 VIP

Donations over $100 are 100% Tax Deductible

For tickets, info, and auction preview visit chefsforscher.com or call 1.800.838.3006

If you're in Miami, check this out!

2009-07-07T10:40:00.004-04:00

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES ZSG ALL-STAR BASKETBALL GAME PLAYER LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
NBA Players From Across U.S. Join Zo and D. Wade for Old School vs. New School Showdown

WHO: NBA Champs Alonzo Mourning (Founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities) and Dwayne Wade (Founder of Wade’s World Foundation), hosts of the 2009 RRA & Seminole Hard Rock Present The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo and D. Wade (ZSG), announce their impressive list of some of their All-Star friends who will join them on game day (subject to change):

Carmelo Anthony, Andray Blatche, Aaron Brooks, Caron Butler, Kevin Durant, Larry Hughes, Lebron James, Mike James, Joe Johnson, Damon Jones, Kenyon Martin, Joakim Noah , Zaza Pachulia, Chris Paul, James Posey, Quentin Richardson, Rajon Rondo , J.R. Smith, Delonte West, Chris Wilcox, Mo Williams, and many more!

WHAT: NBA Champions Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade, and league friends will battle it out on the court during “old school” versus “new school” team challenges during the hottest basketball game of the year. Along with great competition, fans will enjoy a jam-packed evening of entertainment, giveaways, exciting contests, the much-anticipated half-time show, and the opportunity to interact with top players in the league.

WHEN: Sunday, July 12, 2009 – 6:30-9:00 pm

WHERE: AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132

ATTEND: Tickets are available and range from only $15 to $60, depending on seating preference. To purchase tickets, call Ticketmaster at 305-538-5885 (Miami-Dade), 954-523-3309 (Broward), or 561-966-3309 (Palm Beach) or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

ABOUT THE SUMMER GROOVE
NBA Champions Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade have joined forces once more to host the largest event of the summer – RRA & SEMINOLE HARD ROCK PRESENT THE SUMMER GROOVE HOSTED BY ZO AND D. WADE (ZSG). Held in South Florida, July 8-12, 2009, ZSG is a five-day weekend event that has something for everyone: golf, comedy, concert, benefit dinner, youth summit, youth sports conference and basketball clinic, a free block party, an all-star basketball game and numerous exclusive functions. Now in its 13th year, ZSG proceeds benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Wade’s World Foundation. Visit www.ZSG.com for more information.

a Journey for 9/11 George Martin golf tourney

2009-07-05T21:03:00.001-04:00

a Journey for 9/11
1st Annual Golf Tournament

Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Crystal Springs Golf Club in Hamburg, New Jersey

Hosted by the Founder and New York Giants Legend
GEORGE MARTIN

JOIN US FOR A GREAT DAY OF GOLF, SOCIALIZING WITH SPORTS LEGENDS, WWE SUPERSTARS AND DONATING TO A MUCH NEEDED CAUSE!

To register online, visit: http://www.golfdigestplanner.com/11925-aJourneyfor911/

Want to run with Vanessa Williams and Dress for Success?

2009-06-26T11:57:00.005-04:00

Vanessa Williams and hundreds of New Yorkers will participate in one-of-a-kind “Rack Relay Race” in Grand Central Terminal to donate professional clothing to the not-for-profit Dress for Success. Teams of four will compete to “dress” mannequins for success from racks of clothing donated by participants. Vanessa Williams and her friends and family will participate in a “Rack Relay Race” at noon.

Vanessa says, “There is truly no better time to get involved than now, so I ask all women to join our efforts by pledging their support online, joining us at our local events and participating in our New York City launch event. I have found my personal journey to success to be very fulfilling – though not without adversity – and learned early on that the key to success is expressing confidence in what you do. With our help, more women will have the opportunity to gain confidence and express success in their own lives.”

The public is invited to join Vanessa in the race by donating nearly new professional clothing and registering to race on ExpressSuccessCampaign.com. Tuesday, June 30^th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., participant races begin at 11:00 a.m. and Vanessa Williams will race at noon. NYC’s Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall. Entrance at Park Avenue and 42^nd Street.

(Look for pics here next week!)

Good Luck Vanessa!

3 Doors Down, Taylor Hicks, James Frey, Allison Winn Scotch, Valerie Smaldone

2009-06-21T21:16:00.002-04:00

On April 16th, 2009, five year old Frankie Flora was tragically and horrifically attacked by a pit bull right near my own hometown. Thankfully, Frankie survived, but he will be scarred and need many, many surgeries that insurance doesn't cover. I'm a mom of three and this story touched my heart. So, I have helped to organize a fundraiser to help cover Frankie's costs. To do this, I reached out to some awesome celebrities who have graciously helped me put together a fantastic set of raffle prizes.

I wanted to thank the amazing rock group 3 Doors Down who donated an autographed drumskin and photo! Thanks to Taylor Hicks, who is sending along an autographed copy of his latest album! Best selling author James Frey sent along two autographed books, including A Million Little Pieces! Best selling author Allison Winn Scotch, author of Time of My Life, is sending along copies of her books. New York personality Valerie Smaldone has tapped into her sources for some great prizes as well! The generosity has been overwhelming and it's absolutely touching. If you are a celeb or represent a celeb and can donate a prize for our July 11th event, I'd really appreciate it. In the meantime, celebrate the amazing generosity of these celebrities and support them in what they do. They truly have a heart of gold.

Thanks,
Lisa

David Cook talks about raising money for cancer

2009-06-16T12:38:00.004-04:00

I'm a big fan of David Cook's so I'm happy to promote his hard work on behalf of raising money for cancer charity. Mjsbigblog.com (a great site for all things Idol and reality) linked Cookie's interview with Larry King, so I'm going to link that link here (follow?? LOL).

http://mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-larry-king-live-video-2.htm

Raising Money for Cops4Causes

2009-06-16T12:10:00.007-04:00

Tommy Davidson headlines “Comedy Uniting Communities”

at The Laugh Factory

The first Cops4Causes fundraiser of the summer is scheduled for Friday, June 19^th at the world famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood. This is the first evening of a three-part summer benefit series that will raise money for the organization’s “Returning Heroes Veterans Program,” “Fallen Heroes Scholarship Program,” “International Cop X- Change Program” and “Restorative Justice Program.” Tommy Davidson, Godfrey, Johnny Sanchez, Bret Ernst, and Carlos Alazraqui among others, join the all-star lineup at the Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 8 p.m. Star of The Closer Robert Gossett, (Compton) Assembly member Isador Hall and Honorary Board Chairman Sheriff Lee Baca will also be in attendance to lend their support. Tickets, $25 per person (general admission) and $40 (VIP), are on sale now at www.cops4causes.org. Donations are tax deductible.

COPS4CAUSES is comprised of all levels of law enforcement in raising funds and awareness to give back to the community and benefit children, adults and law enforcement personnel with life-altering afflictions. Cops4Causes is the hand that helps those in need devastated by life-altering circumstances. For the past four years Cops 4 Causes has achieved their mission by bringing together peace officers, members of the law enforcement community, musicians, artists, celebrities, civic leaders, financial benefactors and members of the community to raise funds in order to make a difference in the lives of others. For more information, log on to www.cops4causes.org.

Ovie Mughelli -- Meet a Green Falcon!

2009-06-16T12:00:00.004-04:00

Ovie Mughelli:

Atlanta will roll out the green carpet as Go Green Expo, the largest environmentally focused business and consumer show in the United States, travels to the Cobb Galleria Centre on June 26 - 28. In addition to visiting over 150 interactive booths with new green products and services, guests will mingle with national eco-celebrities, test drive the latest fuel-efficient cars, preview eco-fashion and beauty products, enjoy local acoustic bands, the latest in green building and solar products and more. To boost Atlanta's "green economy" Go Green Expo is excited to partner with CareerEco to host a green job fair in Atlanta, Saturday and Sunday at the show.

On Sunday, June 28  meet Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, one of the "greenest" football players in the NFL.Ovie will be signing autographs, posing for photos and discussing how to inspire kids to go green through his foundation,The Ovie Mughelli Foundation. Check it out!

Julianne Hough -- KABOOM

2009-05-30T21:39:00.004-04:00

Two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion and Mercury Nashville recording artist Julianne Hough has partnered up with KaBOOM!, a national non-profit, to map and rate playspaces everywhere online. Once it has this comprehensive user-generated playground audit, KaBOOM! will know which areas of the country have a great place for kids to play every day and which areas fall short. Toward this end, Julianne will donate $1 to select charities every time someone uploads a new place to play (up to $100,000).

The challenge runs 100 days, from March 23 – June 30, or until Julianne gives away $100,000 to national non-profits that have teamed up with KaBOOM! for this project: YMCA of the USA, National Wildlife Federation, Shaping America’s Health, Jumpstart, America’s Promise Alliance and First Book. To participate, users go online to the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder (kaboom.org/playspacefinder) pick a great charity to earn money for, then post a picture they took of a place to play, and rate it.

Julianne will then give the non-profit they selected $1 each time they load a new playspace to the map. In addition to benefiting charity, every playspace loaded counts as an entry in a sweepstakes to meet Julianne or win autographed merchandise. By using online technology to activate and engage individuals, the 100,000 Playspaces in 100 Days Campaign will alert communities of the importance of play, and motivate individuals to start taking action.

“In the U.S. childhood obesity numbers have tripled since I was little. Statisics say that nearly a third of our nations kids are overweight or well on their way. I have joined with KaBOOM to try and make sure that kids have a place to play and run around every day,” said Julianne. When complete, the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder will serve as a national audit of playspaces, allowing communities to evaluate how many there are, their quality, and how accessible they are.

Growing up in Utah, Julianne had a very active childhood. She and her siblings were always outside playing together as well as dancing and singing. She wants to help other kids have some of the same opportunities as she did.

To do something about the situation, Julianne teamed up with KaBOOM! to help them complete an online map of playgrounds, the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder. “I want to help parents know where all the great places are to play in their neighborhood,” Julianne said. Once 100,000 new playspaces are entered onto the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder, KaBOOM! will have a national map full of places to play, parents can see where to take their kids, and KaBOOM! can spot areas that need attention.

The KaBOOM! Playspace Finder is a Google-based map that currently shows more than 16,000 user-generated entries with photos, amenities, and ratings of places kids play. The KaBOOM! Playspace Finder includes all different sorts of places to play: playgrounds, athletic fields, ice rinks, basketball courts, skateparks, and swimming pools, even nature trails and community gardens.

Since 1995, KaBOOM! has constructed almost 1,600 playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America. KaBOOM! also created the KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play.

Brady Quinn makes fan's dream come true!

2009-05-28T10:24:00.002-04:00

I love these stories!

While doing work for The Granted Wish Foundation, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn made a dream of a lifetime come true for a young fan recovering from heart transplant surgery. Alexandra Courville, 13, of Toledo, Ohio, was surprised when Quinn paid her a personal visit just four days after her surgery.

Quinn was a guest at the foundation’s annual fund-raiser last summer and has met with several disadvantaged children on behalf of the organization, which included his visit with Courville. After being born with a hole in her heart and several open heart surgeries, Courville was placed on the heart transplant list at the Cleveland Clinic. She also received her biggest wish of all, to meet Quinn, who is her hero. Alexandra’s wish was to meet her hero Brady Quinn. After seeing Quinn on YouTube doing work for Granted Wish, she contacted the non-profit foundation. She was invited to a movie premiere he was attending for underprivileged and disabled children. Due to a sudden complication while waiting for a heart to become available, she was unable to attend the event.

When Quinn heard that the young fan was unable to attend, he asked Granted Wish to facilitate the visit at the Cleveland Clinic, which was held four days after her surgery.

“The Granted Wish Foundation helped my dream come true,” Alexandra said. “Those 20 minutes I spent on YouTube has changed my life now and forever. When Brady surprised me, it was just as big of a surprise as my new heart. This visit means a lot more than people think. Brady took time out of his life to come meet with me. Now I’m nothing like I was before. I would someday love to throw a football with him!”

Now Quinn wants to expand his love of helping others through his new role as the National Spokesman for The Granted Wish Foundation, a national, non-profit organization whose mission is “to provide wish fulfillment to disabled, disadvantaged and deserving individuals and families.”

“We’re very pleased and honored to have Brady Quinn work with our organization,” Executive Director Stefanie Coletti said. “We admire his personal character and his genuine willingness to give back. His affiliation will help us provide the life-changing power of granting wishes to more individuals and families who need our help.”

“I’ve been privileged to see the work of The Granted Wish Foundation through experiences like my visit with Alexandra,” Quinn said. “This foundation continues to make such a positive impact on many lives and I am eager to be a part of it. I look forward to my role as the National Spokesman and build a team of life changers to help as many people as we can.”

Look where Celebrity-do-Gooders has been mentioned!

2009-05-27T12:18:00.001-04:00

www.wisegroup.com/blog

Sterling Beaumon -- Starting Early

2009-05-15T10:06:00.002-04:00

I love when I have a chance to talk to a teen who is well-spoken and Sterling Beaumon is way beyond his 14 years. When you talk to this young actor, who has recently played young Ben Linus in Lost and has made appearances in Bones, House and ER, you’re impressed with his accomplishments both on and off the screen. Sterling not only enjoys acting, but he enjoys giving back and he knows that it starts at home. His mother has been his guiding force, teaching him about the importance of recycling and saving energy. After he was done riding his bike, Sterling and I had a chance to chat for a few minutes.

How do you feel about the recycling and saving energy your mom taught you to do?

If we don’t save our world now, we won’t have one later. Mom always had us take two-minute showers and turn off all the lights. We hang our clothes out to dry instead of putting them in the dryer.

Do you learn about saving the planet in school?

I attend a school through the Internet and that conserves paper. It’s just me and online. I skateboard, bike and walk everywhere within five miles.

What about on your sets during filming?

On Lost, we recycle everything that can be recycled. We use the backs of the scripts as paper and we use metal water bottles.

Do you feel pressured to do the right thing all the time?

I don’t feel pressure. It’s not something you have to do, it’s something you choose to do. I think it’s cool to save the environment and work for other charities. Some kids don’t have things that you have – good health, clothes, a lot of stuff. It’s good to help.

How can kids start to help?

Volunteer in your neighborhood – that’s how I got started – picking up trash, cleaning up around the house. Cleaning up the gutters. It all starts at home.

What else are you involved with?

My aunt works for a non-profit organization that helps blind and dyslexic kids with reading. It gives them special reading materials, and I’m helping to promote it.

Thanks Sterling -- keep an eye on this kid.

What's been going on...

2009-05-10T19:17:00.006-04:00

There are many things going on in the world of celebrity and charity. Let's get right to it! Here's what I wanted to talk about tonight!

If you've been watching The Celebrity Apprentice (and I don't like plugging shows) you'll know that this show is based on who can do the best job each week. If the celebrity wins, they win money for their charity. Tonight is the finale of Joan Rivers versus Annie Duke. I've heard of Annie before this, but of course Joan is more known in the entertainment business. Joan might have done well for her charity by making it to the finals, but I honestly thing Joan has seriously damaged herself with the names she called Annie. Annie "played the game," because after all, that's what it is. She never called anyone such vicious names that Joan did. If I even did have any respect for Joan, even just the respect of her 200 years in show business, it's gone. Annie, YOU HAVE TO WIN THIS.

Annie's charity is Refugees International while Joan's is God's Love We Deliver. Both the charities deserve support.

More tomorrow!

Carlo Ponti -- Music in the Schools

2009-05-06T22:45:00.004-04:00

My son, Travis, plays tuba and trumpet in school. If it wasn't for the music lessons he started with in fifth grade, I don't know if he would have been interested in playing an instrument, especially since I don't play (although I've always wanted to play piano) Today, Travis is in high-school and is playing college level music. He's in wind ensemble, jazz band and marching band. This was all because of school music programs, but not all students have this same opportunity. Some parents can't afford private lessons. Others can't afford to rent or buy an instrument . Not every school district can afford a music program. When school budgets are cut, music programs are one of the first to go.

So I love it when I hear that someone is working hard to provide children with opportunities in music. I had a chance to talk to Carlo Ponti, who is the conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and son of movie legend Sophia Loren (can I say I could listen to him and that accent forever! :))

Carlo is instrumental in bringing classical music to young people -- he leads his symphony’s participation in the public outreach program called “Music in the Schools,” which takes classical music instruments and instruction into every third grade class in the San Bernardino Unified School District in California. He also just completed the annual “Children’s Corner” performance, where he selected an hour’s worth of material for the young audience and supplemented it with commentary to help explain the pieces and their significance.

Carlo Ponti began his musical studies in Paris as a pianist and subsequently attended the Conductor's Institute in Hartford, Connecticut. He holds a master's degree in conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles and has also studied with Maestros Zubin Mehta, Mehli Mehta, Andrey Boreyko and Harold Farberman, and under Leopold Hager and Erwin Accel at the Vienna Musikhochschule.

When were you introduced to music?

I started taking piano when I was about nine years old. Music was always a part of my life. My parents are big fans of classical music, so at a very young age I was trained to the sounds of classical music. My father always suggested that I should be a conductor, so I owed that to him.

What does music mean to you?

I really like that I can express myself through music and I don’t need words...also I’ve generally loved making music.

Committed to encouraging and educating young talent, Ponti holds regular master classes in orchestral conducting and has led the American Youth Symphony Orchestra. Why did you start working with the kids?

We have a musical outreach program which we go in the schools and work with instrumental groups and coach them. We are really fighting to keep the music programs going. Music is the first thing to go (when budgets are cut) and that’s part of the problem in this country. Support for orchestra music is difficult people aren’t as educated about it here. In Europe, music is always an intrinsic part of education.

Why do we not give it the same respect?

It's not the same focus here. There's no tradition of honoring music education in this country. You really need to petition schools, showing the will to make the music education a mandatory part of the program. It has to come from the parents. they need to show that music education is important.

How can we help keep the music alive?

Introduce your child to music -- it teaches them cooperation, diligence and focus. The earlier you teach it to them, the better it is for the child.

When I work with the kids in San Bernardino, we show them how their actions and dedication pay off and it trickles down to them. Maybe you will encounter some children who see you loving something and it will trickle down to them too.

What does working with the kids teach you?

It teaches me so much -- the community doesn’t have much money and the kids are underprivileged. There's gang violence right in their background, but if they see it coming from you, they build a love for something and many of them stick with their instrument, many of them actually flourish as students of music to playing music later.

Ponti's critically praised debut with the Russian National Orchestra in Moscow led to his appointment in 2000 as the Orchestra's Associate Conductor. In 2001, Ponti was named Music Director and Principal Conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra in the United States, a position recently extended through the 2014/2015 season.

Ponti was awarded Italy's prestigious Premio Galileo Award in 2006 for exceptional musical achievement. In the United States, he was the recipient of the 2008 Artistic Achievement Award from the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition for his contributions to the development and advancement of young musical talent throughout the world.

Thanks Carlo!

Keep the music alive!!!!!

Shea Curry -- Safe Passage Home

2009-04-25T21:02:00.003-04:00

When an actor or actress works on a movie, there’s a lot of down time. They are often waiting for lights to be set, scenes to be made and directors to get their shots right. What do they do when there’s nothing to do but wait?

Well, if you’re Shea Curry, you take advantage of the time you have by doing something creative and start another business. Then, you take the time to give a portion of those profits to charity. Shea Curry is a busy actress – she’s been in the Will Smith movie “Hancock,” appeared in “Georgia Rule,” and “Princess Diaries 2.” She has had credits in television including “CSI: Miami,” “Las Vegas” and “Malcolm in the Middle” to name a few and has been featured in soap operas “Guiding Light” and “Days of Our Lives.”

So Shea knows what it’s like to wait in her dressing room. While there, she decided to start a jewelry design business and the cast and crew were interested in buying the jewelry, including the legendary Julie Andrews. She even outfitted her bridal party with jewelry that she custom designed.

The jewelry, now called “Aspire by Shea Curry,” is gorgeous – it’s jewelry collection features moissanite jewels set in precious metals, and 10 percent of all proceeds are donated to Safe Passage Home, a charitable cause that is committed to restoring abused women and their children to a new and better life. Their mission is to provide them with extreme life make over within a three-month period by offering restorative services including safe shelter, counseling, corrective dental and plastic surgery to restore physical damage and neglect, job placement, housing and follow-up support.

Shea and I talked about her jewelry business and Safe Passage Home.

Why did you pick Safe Passage Home?

I did a lot of charity research and sometimes when you put the energy out things come to you. A friend of mine then asked me if I wanted to go to a charity event and it was an event for Safe Passage. I knew it was exactly the kind of charity I was looking to work with. I wanted to do something that empowered women. It pulled at my heartstrings.

Do you know women who have been in abusive relationships?

Yes, this was personal for me. I do have friends that have been in relationships that have not been good. I know how difficult it is to be abused and then want to get out of the relationship and the commitment to do it. To do it, you need so much support.

Have you met women from the Home?

Yes, this past summer I attended the summer annual charity event and met several of the women who have gone through Safe Passage. They like their privacy, but they are still afraid that their abusers might find them – they are terrified. Some have children, a lot of times it’s not the women but the children too. If you are a child, you’re watching your dad beat your mom and the patterns continue. I did get to meet some of them and hear some of their horror stories. Some are missing front teeth, others have miscarried. Horrible stories.

I wanted to meet founder, Trish Steele, because for me it just isn’t about giving proceeds to the charity. I wanted to meet the people involved in it and I did. They were thrilled. They can use all the support financial they can get, as well as the support of wanting to be part of the program.

Why did you make jewelry?

It’s like acting, it fills a creative process. When there was the writer’s strike it allowed me to keep my mental capabilities. Plus, I don’t need to wait for someone to okay a design; it’s mine. It’s therapeutic.

Shea’s jewelry is gorgeous and she says that the women from Safe Passage Home inspire her next designs. Each one is hand made and uniquely different.

Check out her jewelry at www.sheacurry.com.
Part of the jewelry proceeds are donated to Safe Passage Home. Please help support this organization.

Thanks Shea!!!

David Cook runs for Brain Cancer Charity

2009-04-20T09:22:00.004-04:00

In the midst of a busy tour schedule, David Cook is planning to take a break for a cause close to his heart on May 3 in Washington, D.C. Cook, 26, whose brother Adam has been battling brain cancer for over a decade, will serve as grand marshal in the Race for Hope 5K, which benefits brain cancer research, and run the race as part of a team he set up – which has already raised more than $40,000. For more on the race, visit curebraintumors.org.

Run hard Cookie!!!!!!! (and feel free to stop by here for an interview when you're done!)

Leonardo diCaprio -- Global Green Auction

2009-04-15T15:24:00.007-04:00

Leonardo DiCaprio will offer exclusive items & experiences on eBay.com to benefit Global Green USA. eBay bidders have the opportunity to win:

Personal meet & greet for you and up to three guests with DiCaprio at the red carpet premiere of his upcoming film, Shutter Island; Autographed costume pieces from Catch Me If You Can; Signed memorabilia from Titanic and personalized headshots for the ultimate Leo fan; Additional auction items include an Antarctica coffee table book signed by DiCaprio & Mikhail Gorbachev, Global Green t-shirt signed by DiCaprio, Short eco films DVD signed by DiCaprio with stickers designed by Shepard Fairey, as well as six Global Green USA custom Forest Stewardship Certified wood guitars signed by top recording artists including George Benson, Ozomatli, Counting Crows, T Bone Burnett, Taj Mahal and Brad Paisley.

100% of the proceeds benefit Global Green USA, an organization focused on stemming global climate change.

The Auction runs from 7:00 pm PST on Wednesday, April 15^th, through 7:00 pm PST Wednesday April 22^nd (Earth Day). Bid at www.ebay.com/globalgreen.

About Global Green: Global Green USA is the American affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by President Gorbachev, to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. For more than a decade, Global Green's LEED-accredited green building staff has spearheaded applying green technology to green schools and green affordable housing projects throughout California and the nation. Global Green USA is a national leader in advocating for smart solutions to global warming including green building for affordable housing, schools and communities. Global Green USA has influenced more than $20 billion dollars for green building projects and educates millions of people about climate friendly solutions through its annual Red Carpet/Green Cars Oscars campaign. Global Green is also leading efforts to help rebuild a green New Orleans through its sustainable green village and green schools initiatives.

Clay Walker -- Band Against MS

2009-04-13T22:50:00.006-04:00

Thirteen years ago, country music superstar Clay Walker had just finished his last show of a tour. His career was going really well and he was about to take two months off to relax a bit. It was perfect timing, because he wasn’t feeling so well. Although he was in good shape, he was experiencing double vision, had cramps in his right hand and his right leg felt like it was asleep. The scariest symptom – a facial spasm – hit him after the show and lasted for eight weeks all day, every day.

Clay didn’t think about his skyrocketing career – he only thought about his health and seeing his children grow up. He went to the doctor and after testing was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, known as MS. MS is a chronic, neurological disease that is thought to attack the healthy areas of the body. In MS, these attacks are aimed at the central nervous system. There’s no cure for MS. Clay talked to me about how he felt when he was diagnosed and how he used his diagnosis to create awareness.

At first I had thought that I had Muscular Dystrophy and I thought I was going to die. After the diagnosis, I was put on a heavy dose of steroids. My symptoms subsided and I prayed a lot during that time.

What did you think about during this time?

Going through this was a great lesson. It really made me think and become introspective. I was raised a Christian and I read the Book of Job every day for eight weeks. You’re taught something your whole life and then you go through something drastic and your faith is tested.

But you didn’t think about what this was going to do to your career?

When you get a diagnosis like this, you can care less about your job. When someone’s on their deathbed, they don’t say, ‘Well, I wish I spent more time at work,’ but it did make me appreciate my career so much more.

How did your fans handle it all?

I found out that fans really do care about the artist. My relationship with the fans was a lot different after that. They said prayers, sent notes – this was real.

Why go public with your condition?

Because hiding something would put too much pressure on me and I didn’t know what it was going to do to me or how it would affect me physically, so if symptoms showed up, I wanted to be able to explain it.

You’ve had MS for 13 years?

Yeah, and you wouldn’t know it right now. It’s been a combination of therapies – therapy does work and folks should know that. I still see people affected by the disease and I admit it does scare me sometimes. But I won’t let myself be there.

What changed you?

For a few months, I was in a cave because I didn’t know if I was going to die or be crippled, but I met this guy at Texas Stadium. He was the building manager, Bruce Hardy. He was walking up to me while I was on a golf cart getting ready to perform in front of 50,000 people in a giant concert. He says, “Man, you’re smiling in all your pics, but now you have a half-hearted smile. What’s wrong?” I told him he wouldn’t understand. He says, “What wouldn’t I understand, I have MS too. I don’t let it get me down, and you can’t let it get to you.” I went out there and performed.

How do you feel now?

I’ve been on therapy for eleven years without one exacerbation. I feel great. I have good and bad days and some days are better than others. Every success is about connecting the dots – connecting dots until we find a cure for this disease. We don’t even know what causes it, so we’re looking for doctors to become part of our team, Band Against MS. I’m hoping people read this article and get involved and help to give us insight. We want to find the code to crack it.

What can my readers do?

We want to hear good news. We want to hear from people who are coping with the disease and nominate someone for our “heros” page. We want to hear from people who are an inspiration in having MS and not letting it beat them. It’s mind body and soul and if someone conquered one of those parts, we want to hear about it.

Clay Walker established BAMS in February 2003, because he wanted to help others. More information about BAMS is available at www.bandagainstms.org

The five goals of BAMS currently include:

To help provide hope for those living with MS;
To educate those living with MS about the importance of working with a doctor to help manage MS;
To encourage individuals living with MS to seek appropriate treatment;
To fund research seeking a cure for the disease; and
To fund programs providing assistance to people living with MS.

Band Against MS plans to provide educational information and research grants to institutions searching for a cure or treatment for MS, and fund programs that help those living with the disease.

Anyone wishing to get involved with BAMS' goal to raise money for MS research can make a donation by logging on to the BAMS Web site noted above or by mailing a check or money order to Band Against MS, Inc., 54 Music Square East, Ste. 350, Nashville, TN 37203. Donations will be used to provide funding for programs that impact people living with Multiple Sclerosis, to fund research towards a cure or treatment, and/or to further our goals as stated above.

Thanks Clay!!!!

Hollywood and Broadway Mourn

2009-03-20T08:04:00.002-04:00

Hollywood and Broadway are mourning the loss of two terrific actors this week: Natasha Richardson and Ron Silver.

Natasha Richardson, who died after a skiing accident this week and who I loved in Parent Trap, supported the amfAR Foundation for AIDS research. According to the amfAR Foundation website, the organization was founded in 1985 and amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. With the freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to emerging areas of scientific promise, amfAR plays a catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. amfAR-funded research has increased our understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $275 million in its mission and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.

In lieu of flowers, Natasha's family is asking fans to donate to amfAR. Click here to do so.

Ron Silver (who although he had a huge list of accomplishments, I personally loved him in the sitcom Victoria's Closet) was co-founder of The Creative Coalition, a premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. It was founded in 1989 by prominent figures in the creative community, including actors Alec Baldwin, Ron Silver, Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon, Blair Brown and Stephen Collins, TCC educates and mobilizes leaders in the arts community on issues of public importance, specifically in the areas of First Amendment rights, arts advocacy and public education.

If you were a fan of Ron's, please make a donation in his name to The Creative Coalition. Click here to do so.

I have a list of interviews coming starting next week. I've been finishing a book and then will have more celebs on the site!!! Thanks!!!!

Lisa

Ethan Zohn, Survivor and Philanthropist

2009-03-02T19:57:00.003-05:00

Ethan Zohn is a nice guy. He’s not on the front page of the tabloids, he’s not in jail for tax evasion, he’s just a nice guy who works incredibly hard to raise awareness for an important topic. I’ve known Ethan for a few years now, since I started the blog and was approached to write about him. Later, we had the opportunity to work on a possible book project together (it didn’t come to fruition, unfortunately). But through these emails and talking about the book project, I’ve learned about Ethan and I’m excited that we finally had a chance to do this interview.

Ethan’s passionate about what he does. He wants to help people and he doesn't just say it, only to remove himself from the public eye with his winnings. He MEANS it. Ever since winning a million bucks on Survivor: Africa, he’s been on the go. But he’s not jet-setting and spending his winnings (although I’m sure he enjoys it). Instead, he’s dedicated this phase of his life to helping children with AIDS. He took his money and founded Grassroot Soccer, an organization whose goal is to "mobilize the global soccer community to combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa".

Last year, starting on August 20, 2008, he dribbled a soccer ball 500-miles (!) from Foxboro, Massachusetts to Washington, D.C. to raise money/awareness for Grassroot Soccer. We had a chance to talk after the event was over.

How did that go?
It was a great finale to a 100-day journey.

Are you exhausted?
Yeah, I’m pretty wiped out. It was a long campaign, 100 days. And I got some injuries in the middle of that, which didn’t help things. But overall, obviously, it was a great event.

How did you connect with the kids in Zimbabwe and want to help them?

I started playing professional soccer in 1997, and I played for the Hawaii Tsunami and for the Crusaders. Then I got the chance to travel to Zimbabwe to play for a team called the Highlanders Football Club in the Zimbabwe Premier League. That was my first time I got to go to Africa. While I was there, I had some amazing experiences, and I witnessed firsthand what was happening with HIV and AIDS and how it was just destroying this community that I was now part of.

A young kid on my team, 19-years-old, ended up getting sick from AIDS and dying. So that was my first time knowing someone that was just completely affected by the disease. But at that time in my life, I was a struggling soccer player, who didn’t know what I could do about it, so I didn’t do anything about it – I figured it’s not my problem. I thought that someone else will kind of deal with this stuff that’s in Africa.

And then you were on Survivor...

Right, I came back home, continued playing, living my life, coaching, playing, then Survivor came along. And my Survivor was coincidentally filmed in Kenya, Africa. While I was playing the game, I got to play hackey sack with all of these Kenyan children during one of these reward challenges that I won, but I later found out that all these children that I was playing with were HIV positive. So here I am, in the middle of this kind of game of Survivor, this cutthroat game, and I had a real-life experience.

So it was at that moment that I decided that something had to be done. (I thought) if I come out the big winner, I’m going to do something good with my money and with the fame that comes along with it. When I came back from the show, which I won, I got a call from a close friend of mine, Dr. Tommy Clark, and he had a fantastic idea to use the power of soccer and the fight against AIDS. I just jumped at the chance to get involved.

Are you type of person that believes that this is fate?

I think destiny helps. I’ve never been asked that question before. I guess everything happens for a reason, I guess I kind of believe that. But you know, on the flip side, I think you make your own destiny. And I think I could’ve come away from those experiences saying oh well, you know, that kind of sucks…that sucks for those people. But I was personally touched. And I think any human being with feelings and with any sense of responsibility to the human family, would do the same thing I would do.

There’s a great quote that I always say, “To do nothing is also to act.” After I knew it existed, I couldn’t just do nothing. If I did nothing, I’m consciously making a decision to do nothing about this problem and that just wasn’t an option for me.

How has this changed you?
The whole celebrity thing is a little bit strange. Here I was, literally just a dude coaching and playing soccer, and then, in a span of 3 months, you’re from nothing to being on the cover of magazines. It was a little hard for me to grasp and hard for me to adjust to. But I think putting my efforts into the charity, gave me a platform to focus my celebrity on.

I thought, “I’ll do your interview for Sirius Radio, but I’m talking about Grassroot Soccer, or I’ll make an appearance on Fear Factor, but I’m wearing a Grassroot Soccer t-shirt.” I know it’s flavor-of-the-month, it’s 15 minutes of fame, it’s my moment in the spotlight, and I just wanted to use this time to really try to create change in the world, and make an impact, and leave a legacy. And when it’s over, it’s over. That’s fine with me, but I did my best to use it to my advantage.

You train pro soccer players to teach HIV/AIDS prevention to African children?

The way our curriculum works is we really saw the value in using professional soccer as role models for the community. When they show in an area, people will follow and kids will listen to what they have to say. Our goal is to change these kids’ behavior. They are making the wrong decisions. So if we can change their behavior to have them make right choices in life, that’s what we’re going for. We promote open communication about HIV/AIDS between parents and teenagers – we have the info on HIV– how it’s spread, how it’s caused, how the biology of it works.

We also direct them where to get information about HIV/AIDS. We encourage them to be leaders in the community once they graduate and they can teach their friends. There will be no gender inequality, peer pressure, sexual coercion or stigma. We address all these things. A lot of these kids have a very negative look into the future, so we address their future and how to create a hopeful one.

How do you do that?

We use fun, interactive games, where the kids are on their feet, running around, maybe using drama, role-playing, singing, poetry, art, soccer, sports, and the people that are delivering these messages are their heroes. For example, there’s one game, Find the Ball, where kids line up with their arms behind their back and pass the ball behind them so you can’t see where the ball is. Other kids try to guess where the ball is at the end of the little session. They can’t guess it, because they can’t see who’s holding the ball. Now, this ball represents HIV and you play the game again. You look at someone, and just by seeing their face and the way their body is, can you tell they’re HIV positive? No, you can’t. The only way to know is to get a blood test. Where can you get a blood test? A hospital or a clinic. So we use these fun games to get the messages across.

Any kid that has stuck out in your mind?

One of our final games is kind of like a Oprah-type show. We have a host and a panel of people and the kids can ask anonymous questions. But we have the kids write the questions the night before on a piece of paper. They don’t sign them. They hand them in to us and we pick them out of a hat. One of the questions was from a girl, and she says, I would rather die of AIDS than starve to death. We were addressing the idea of sugar daddies, – because they need school books, money for food, etc. and their parents can’t afford it. So they’re encouraged to go get sugar daddies, which are these guys who will give them the stuff in return for sex, which is a major issue obviously for all the real reasons, but also the spread of HIV.

The girl that said that is a 12-year-old girl. I just can’t get that out of my mind. She stood up, she raised her hand, she said, I would rather die of AIDS than starve to death. These are the decisions 12-year-old girls are making in Africa! Do I die of starvation, or do I sleep with this dirty old disgusting man and get AIDS? I can live longer and go to school and hang out with my friends?

In Zambia, this kid named Evie, a 19-year-old semi-professional soccer player, lives in a shack in the middle of one of the slums. His father was one of the most famous sports broadcasters in all of Zambia; he announced all the soccer games. In 1980, his father announced to the entire country when the Zambia national team’s airplane crashed; there was only 1 survivor. So Evie’s father died of AIDS, and his mother died of AIDS, and his brother and sister died of AIDS. So here’s this 19-year-old kid who’s lost everyone in his family. He could just curl up in a ball and do nothing, but instead, he joined Grassroot Soccer and he’s one of our expert trainers and now he’s using this sport that teaches kids about AIDS. It’s a wonderful story.

Does he have AIDS?

He does not have AIDS, no. About 8000 people a day die of AIDS. That’s every day that people are dying of a preventable disease. Bird flu gets front-page news and it’s killed like 30 people worldwide. You don’t hear about AIDS front news anymore and that’s why it’s my mission to keep AIDS on front-page news.

Whose idea was the dribble?

The dribble was my idea with another guy over 2 ½ years ago, so we were working on it for awhile now. We finally got to a point where we could do it about six months ago getting corporate sponsors and figuring out a program that works.

I went from Boston to Washington, D.C., 100 days, 550 miles. In the morning, we’d get up, we’d dribble on the side of the road about 15 miles and then the afternoon was a speech, soccer tournament, college game, TV appearance, home-based fundraiser in the back, etc.

What do you have next?

I have a new television show, Earth Tripping, about eco-friendly travel and adventure. So we get to go to Singapore, Malaysia, Chile, Argentina. We just land at a major metropolitan city, and where people think there aren’t many options to have fun and still maintain an eco-friendly attitude. But we really would go there and teach them how to travel in a big city and not leave a footprint on the environment.

Ethan is now a motivational speaker and has won awards for his work with Grassroot Soccer. If you’re interested in helping Ethan and his organization, check out the website and feel free to donate or host an event. There’s plenty to do!

Bruuuuuce!

2009-02-10T14:08:00.001-05:00

JASON HEATH & THE GREEDY SOULS CONTRIBUTE NEW SONG "A FIGHTER'S LULLABY"AS A FREE DOWNLOAD TO DANNYFUND.ORG

Website launched in honor of late mentor and E Street Band member Danny Federici. Bruce Springsteen's PSA for website debuts during Super Bowl pre-game.

Jason Heath & the Greedy Souls have contributed a moving new song, "A Fighter's Lullaby" as a free download on charitable website Dannyfund.org, in honor of their late friend and mentor, Danny Federici, who passed away last year from melanoma. The website, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for melanoma research, officially launched this week with a PSA featuring Bruce Springsteen that broadcast during Super Bowl XLIII. "Danny was an absolute inspiration to all of us," says Heath. "Our song is dedicated to him, along with anyone who's found themselves traveling through the wilderness of personal struggle."

Dannyfund.org was created by Federici's son, Jason, a member of the Greedy Souls who has appeared onstage with the E Street band. "This organization was started to grant my father's final dying wish," says Federici. "He wanted to touch as many people as he could to raise awareness about melanoma and the dangers of the sun." All funds will benefit a major study conducted by Danny Federici's doctor, Jason Chapman at the Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital in New York City.

Jason Heath and the Greedy Souls are currently promoting their debut album The Vain Hope of Horse, dedicated to Federici's memory.

Listen to "A Fighter's Lullaby" for free at:
www.dannyfund.org/downloads

Alonzo Mourning Stops By...

2009-02-04T12:35:00.004-05:00

Alonzo Mourning just retired from a successful career as a professional basketball player. But don’t expect this superstar to sit around and do nothing during his retirement. Mourning is a man on a mission to give back.

A few weeks ago, I read Alonzo’s book Resilience and I have to tell you it is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read in a long time. I had the opportunity to talk to Alonzo, but we didn’t chat about his basketball years. I wanted to know more about the man who has faced his own obstacles and yet has organized a foundation to help others, including a little boy named Omar.

I was inspired by Alonzo, who as a young boy decided he wanted to be placed in foster care instead of choosing between his parents when they split. I’m inspired by the man who fought with everything he had through his kidney transplant and now shows others how they can do the same. I’m inspired by the man who started a foundation that has made a difference in the lives of many young people.

Mourning is founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities), a foundation created to encourage the educational development of youth by developing programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities.

Since 1997, Mourning has raised more than $6.5 million for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. In addition to supporting numerous educational initiatives, he focuses his attention to stimulating the development of youth enrichment centers. With the help of donors, Mourning opened the first center in 2003 in the historic area of Overtown, in South Florida, known as the Overtown Youth Center with plans that call for more centers to open in the future.

Major initiatives led by Mourning include more than seven annual events held throughout the country such as Zo’s Summer Groove, as well as the Honey Shine Mentoring Program that works to empower young girls to shine as women. Mourning is an advocate for youth initiatives and foster care programs that assist abused, abandoned and neglected kids. He is a sought-after speaker engaging audiences of all sizes and ages on the importance of education, leadership and perseverance.

Mourning has received the NBA’s Community Assist Award in 2006; National Urban League’s Outstanding Community Service Award in 2003; Silver Medallion Community Service Award by the National Conference for Community and Justine in 2003; NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Sportsmanship Award in 2002; and The Children’s Trust Excellence Award for Public Policy in 2007, to name a few.

You might know the basketball player, or remember the rookie from years back like the Boston Herald recalled, but here you’ll get to know Alonzo Mourning, the man who gives back. Read the book. If only other professional athletes could do the same.

I loved the book. I think it’s a great read for everybody.

It’s great to hear how much you liked it. I wrote the book to encourage and inspire and help educate other individuals towards overcoming some of the challenges that they may face in life.

But you talk about faith to get you through the rough times. How does someone find the faith if they don’t have it already?

It’s really just about believing and understanding that there’s a greater power than you that’s orchestrating everything that’s going on in our lives. And I know that there is a God. There has to be, because there had to be someone who designed our bodies, designed the life that we live in, you know, this just didn’t evolve out of the ground.

But he’s given us an opportunity to make decisions. So based on our decisions, we determine our overall success in our lives. So thinking positively, that’s a start. Because regardless of how bad you’ve got it, regardless of what the scenario is, there’s somebody else out there that has it ten times worse than you do.

If you’re dealing with some pretty tough and hard and difficult times, then you can overcome it, given the right approach. And when it comes to physical issues that you may be dealing with the body follows the mind. Staying positive is number one. Putting forth that type of energy will help you towards overcoming some of the difficulties and obstacles that you may be facing.

I wrote this because of influences in my life that helped me understand my true purpose here, and also to help other people overcome so many different adversities and obstacles they’re dealing with.

So are there benefits of having an obstacle or adversity?

In every adversity there’s a seed of equivalent benefit. You might not know what that benefit is initially, like when I was diagnosed with this kidney disease, I didn’t know the benefits of that. But now I look back on it, and it’s like, ‘Wow.’ I would not change the path and the journey that I’ve taken. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Because it’s made me stronger, it’s enabled me to touch more lives off the basketball court than I have on the court, and it’s been amazing. It’s been an amazing journey. And I’m hoping that my story will continue to inspire and uplift the lives of other individuals as well.

You’ve always seemed to be the type of person who knew what he wanted, even back to when you were a child.

I didn’t always know what it was going to be. I just took a leap of faith. As a child, I took a leap of faith and said you know, I’m not happy right now. I’m not happy, and I love my parents dearly, and I don’t want to be put in a situation where I have to choose which parent that I love. I have to choose which one I want to live with. That just didn’t feel right to me at that time. Not really knowing, at the age of 11 years old, that there’s millions and millions of families out there that are dealing with divorce and different complications of their marriage and family issues and what have you. There’s millions of families out there that are dealing with that on a regular basis. But as a child, I didn’t understand that. All I knew was, I loved my parents dearly and I wasn’t going to choose between either one of them. At the same time, I wasn’t happy, period. So I followed my heart. But at that particular time, I knew that was a part of my journey.

So when I think about, I don’t believe in coincidences at all in life. I don’t believe it. The word coincidence, I think, should be taken out of the dictionary. Because I don’t believe in coincidences. I think that there’s a plan for everything. There’s a plan. There’s just like a reason why Dr. King went through what he went through, that paved the way for a Barack Obama. You understand what I’m saying? So there’s a plan for everything.

Why not just sit back and enjoy your life instead of helping others?

Well, I’m going to pose a question to you, and you don’t have to answer this, but how many people have helped you be the person that you are today? Think about those individuals. Without those individuals, I wouldn’t be talking to you today. So I’m in a position now where I have a responsibility to utilize my overall experiences and what I went through to change the lives of other individuals, provide opportunities for other individuals – especially young people. Having a situation resonate with me, foster care, helping people, young people in underprivileged situations and impoverished situations, I just feel like it’s a responsibility of mine to do that. Instead of me having the selfish intent of ok, I’m just gonna focus on my life and screw everybody else. I mean, there’s a purpose why we’re here on this earth. We’re here to make this world a better place to live. Not everybody has that particular mentality...giving is probably the most powerful act on this earth. If we all had that mentality in giving and helping, then again, I echo this, we would not have the problems that we have in this world today

I know I can’t save the world, but I know giving is contagious.

Read about how Alonzo helped to save little Omar’s life here.

How is Omar doing?

Oh, he is doing great, thank God. He is in the Ronald McDonald house now. His liver is functioning extremely well and the doctors are very pleased with his progress. Omar was on life support when a two-year-old passed away from a car accident. Omar was literally hours away from leaving us. Immediately, his body started responding to it; it’s amazing. And thank you so much for your support in helping us get the word out and what have you.

You’re so welcome. What do you have coming up with your charities?

Right now, on the agenda coming up, is our bowling event. I am truly excited about the possibilities that are in front of us, because I know we’ve got so much work to do. With the youth center that we have in Overtown, we’ve been able to touch so many lives and attack this vicious cycle of illiteracy.

How are you feeling personally?

I feel fantastic. My kidney function is going extremely well. And right now, I’m just rehabilitating my knee in hopes I can possibly come back at the end of this tour, the latter part of this year to help this young team. But if that’s not in God’s plan, then I’m sure, as in life, as one chapter closes, another chapter starts. So I’m looking forward to that next chapter in my life because I know there’s a lot of things in store.

Thanks Alonzo, we’re looking forward to it too!

What's Happening...

2009-01-23T15:21:00.003-05:00

So today I found out that Nick Lachey is doing more than sitting on the beach with his girl (which is what the tabloids want you to believe). He's helping out V8 in their efforts to feed the needy. According to their site: V8 recognizes that for too many Americans, the possibility of a day without food is a constant reality.

More than 35 million people nationwide face the everyday challenge of wondering where their next meal is coming from. As a result, V8 has teamed up with Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest) to donate more than 30 million servings of fresh vegetables to local food banks throughout the country over the next six months. Good job Nick!

Attend a free concert and help raise money for Parkinson's Research

If you're in New Jersey, attend a free concert to help raise money for Parkinson's Disease research. Record Store Day, presented by a consortium of independent music retailers spanning the United States and overseas with hundreds of store locations, will be sponsoring Buddy Holly Lives on January 31st, 2009. Vintage Vinyl Records will host "Buddy Holly Lives," a live in-store concert event. The free concert will seek to raise money for the Light of Day Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease. The event begins at noon and is expected to run until about 5 PM. The performers, including celebrated NY rocker Willie Nile, Columbia recording artist Nicole Atkins, Pat Dinizio, lead vocalist of the Smithereens, MTV featured artists Locksley and more, will each perform their favorite Buddy Holly tunes to celebrate the life of the rock legend and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of his tragic plane crash. The event will take place on the Vintage Vinyl in-store stage. Vintage Vinyl Records is an independently owned and operated records store in NJ since 1979. To learn more about this event, visit vvinyl.com and vvinyl.com/buddy.php Location: Vintage Vinyl Records, 51 Lafayette Road, Fords, NJ

Daytime Actor James Reynolds Will Visit the Veterans

Daytime actor and Emmy nominee James Reynolds is chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2009 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. Reynolds, best known for his long- running performance as police officer Abe Carver on the popular “Day's of Our Lives” will lead VA's annual patient recognition program inviting the public to visit and honor hospitalized veterans during National Salute Week, Feb. 8-14. He serves as the national spokesperson for more than 131,000 volunteers serving veterans at VA facilities across the nation.

Reynolds was born and raised in the small farming community of Oskaloosa, Kan. During high school, he performed in many school plays and played football, basketball and track. Following graduation, he joined the Marines and was assigned to an information service office in Hawaii as a reporter. He was sent to Vietnam and served for almost a year with a variety of units in and around Chu Lai, adding battlefield reporting to his combat duties. A wound ended his military service.

Reynolds is deeply committed to charitable works such as the Ronald McDonald's House and touring with the USO. He has been to Cuba, the Mediterranean, Kuwait and Afghanistan to meet and show support for troops overseas. In 2007, Reynolds was honored by the Beverly Hills/ Hollywood NAACP Veteran Affairs and Armed Services Committee for his contributions to the Unites States Armed Forces.

Event Info: Let's Go Surfin' Now!

2009-01-21T08:15:00.006-05:00

If you like to surf or just want to help out a great cause, check this out dude! (Do surfers even say that anymore? LOL)

WHO: Project Save Our Surf (S.O.S) was launched by actress Tanna Frederick and world renowned Shaun Tomson, both avid surfers concerned about the world's oceans. They were inspired to embrace the surfathon concept as a fun and rewarding family event, bringing together the legendary sport of surfing and beach lovers who want to make a difference. Project S.O.S. is collaborating with a number of generous local and national sponsors including: ZJ Boardinghouse, Quiksilver, Val Surf, Rocker Board Shop, Kreation Café and American Latino TV.

Surf participants will raise money by asking people to sponsor their commitment to surf non-stop during a six-hour shift. Other activities at the event include Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, live acoustic music, environmental guest speakers, face painting, team relay races, yoga sessions, free massages and raffle prizes. Event will be followed by a Celebrity Gala with a live band, cocktails, tapas, and a celebrity “blue” carpet. The live auction will be co-hosted by actor Noah Wyle (“ER”) and director Henry Jaglom. Celebrities such as Judd Nelson and Miss Universe 2002 Justine Pasek will be in attendance.

The Surfathon will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Celebrity Gala Event and Auction will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm. WHERE: Surfathon Celebrity Gala Event and Auction: Ocean Park Beach Shutters on the Beach, 2600 Barnard Way One Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA Santa Monica, CA.

Project Save Our Surf is holding its first annual surfathon to raise money for the non-profit organization Oceana. Oceana is a non-profit organization that campaigns globally to protect and restore the world's oceans. Oceana seeks to make our oceans as rich, healthy and abundant as they were in the past. They look to a future in which dolphin sightings are common along any temperate coast; swordfish, marlin and tuna are abundant once again; whales and sea turtles thrive, cod are plentiful on both sides of the Atlantic, local fishing cultures evolve rather then decline and in which fish are a safe, growing and plentiful source of food around the world. For more information visit www.projectsaveoursurf.com.

Off-screen, Frederick has co-founded the Project Save Our Surf and was also behind the creation of the Iowa Film Festival, which debuted successfully two years ago and has since

tripled in size.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-20T14:40:00.003-05:00

What a great year this is going to be. Barack Obama was sworn in just a few hours ago and we're heading toward a new direction!

So is this blog! LOL (Did you like that lead in???) I have a few interviews lined up for the next few weeks -- look for an interview with former NBA superstar Alonzo Mourning and with Survivor winner Ethan Zohn. I also should have an interview with former N'Syncer Chris Kirkpatrick. All of these men are working very hard for charity and awareness.

This year, I plan on bringing you more events and more interviews, possible contests, and even a bigger website!

So onward to a great year. I hope you're doing your part to help those less fortunate than you.

Omar Got His Transplant!

2009-01-01T17:04:00.004-05:00

This what it's all about! A celebrity has such power to make change and you can now see what kind of an impact that had! It saved a little boy's life!

Zo’s Fund for Life has successfully helped Omar get the liver transplant he needed so badly--and now the public is needed for support to reach the entire goal necessary for post-transplant related medical expenses.Here's the update:

Alonzo Mourning, NBA All-Star and Founder of Zo’s Fund For Life, an organization Mourning launched shortly after he learned he would need an organ transplant, has been leading a campaign to quickly raise funds for a three-year-old boy named Omar Ferguson who was in desperate need of a liver transplant. Omar’s health began deteriorating rapidly last week and he was put on life support with only one effective treatment option: a liver transplant.

Zo’s Fund for Life raised the initial funds needed in order to place Omar on the transplant waiting list and doctors at the Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center campus in Miami, Florida quickly moved Omar to priority status. A donor liver became available on Saturday, December 13, 2008 and was flown in from California to Miami where doctors immediately performed a successful transplantation on little Omar who was clinging to life.

Just over 48 hours since the transplant surgery, Omar remains in intensive care and is being closely monitored by the pediatric transplant team. “The new liver is functioning well and has allowed Omar to be disconnected from the hemodialysis machine,” said Andreas G. Tzakis, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Liver/GI Transplant Surgery, Director of the Miami Transplant Institute, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and Miami Transplant Institute. “He is still in critical condition but is making a very steady progress. The next few days will be very decisive for his outcome.”

The race to “Give Omar Life,” a campaign initiated by Zo’s Fund for Life who recognized the importance of giving Omar the chance to live, is not over yet. Omar will need ongoing post-transplant care and several immunosuppressant medications to help fight against organ rejection in addition to the current transplant-related expenses, which are all a part of the overall $300,000 goal to be raised. Omar’s mother took a leap of faith when she left their hometown in the Bahamas, whose hospital did not have adequate medical facilities to perform the necessary transplant, and came to the U.S. without health insurance.

Zo’s Fund for Life has donated $50,000 of the $300,000 needed to “Give Omar Life” and has raised a total of $142,000 to date. Donations have been streaming in from all over the country but there is still $158,000 to be raised. Zo’s Fund for Life continues to call on the public’s support in order to meet the goal needed for the entire cost of the transplant as well as post-transplant related medical expenses.

“It’s because of the support and heartfelt gratitude from folks in our community and around the nation that Omar received the greatest gift of all this holiday season: a chance at life,” said Mourning. “We’re nearly halfway to reaching our goal and need your help to successfully get there.”

In the spirit and season of giving, Mourning is urging the public to contribute to the “Give Omar Life” fund as soon as possible. Donations are tax-deductible and accepted by:

· Debit or credit card via PayPal at www.ZosFundForLife.org/Omar or by calling 1-888-520-ZFFL (9335).

· Mail a check payable to Zo’s Fund For Life (reference: Omar) at Zo’s Fund for Life, PO Box 330110, Miami, FL 33233.

· Drop off cash or overnight/courier a check to Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc., c/o Zo's Fund For Life, 2901 Florida Avenue, Suite 806, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133.

· Wire transfer to Zo's Fund for Life, Regions Bank, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, Account #: 9660220568, ABA/Routing #: 062000019.

For more information, visit www.ZosFundForLife.org, call 1-888-520-ZFFL (9335), or email Amanda@ZosFundForLife.org.

Project Angel Food Auction

2008-12-09T17:54:00.004-05:00

This year at Divine Design, the West Coast's premiere fashion and home shopping event, 100% of proceeds from sales will directly benefit Project Angel Food's mission to nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses.

At the event, leading designers donate gorgeous fashions, furniture, beauty and gift items that are sold 50%-90% off retail. Trina, a line of luxury cosmetic bags, is donating close to $20,000 worth of product for the event but will also be raising additional money for Project Angel Food in a special auction on E-Bay starting December 5.

Auctioned off with be several fabulous Trina bags signed by your favorite celebrities including:

John Mayer

Adam Sandler

Neil Patrick Harris and the cast of How I Met Your Mother

Vanessa Williams, Eric Mabius, Michael Urie and Ashley Jensen from Ugly Betty

Ryan Seacrest

Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Judd Apatow, producer of Step Brothers, Superbad, and 40 Year-Old Virgin

Actors from LOST

Enjoy! Makes a great holiday gift!

Soul Patrol ornaments are here!

2008-12-08T07:37:00.004-05:00

I just received this from the New England Soul Patrol:

Happy Holidays Soul Patrol! The 2008 Annual SP Holiday Ornaments have arrived. This year we are helping the Home for Little Wanderers-a well known charity that helps children and families in need. They especially appreciate donations this holiday season with the current situation in our economy. For more info or to order the ornaments just go to:


http://newenglandsoulpatrol.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=3139

Here is a photo.

Place your order now so you can receive by holiday time!

Update on Alonzo Mourning...Keep it up!

2008-12-05T18:15:00.001-05:00

Since just one week ago, a total of $129,000 has been raised with donations streaming in from all over the country. There is still $171,000 to be raised and Zo's Fund for Life urgently needs yours as well as the public's support as we approach our goal.

Check out the last post here about Alonzo's cause!

NBA Star Alonzo Mourning Needs Urgent Help!

2008-12-03T22:44:00.003-05:00

Alonzo Mourning (who will be featured here later this month!) knows what it's like to fight for his life and now he's hoping to help a 3-year-old boy do the same. Please read below and do what you can to spread the word...thanks. In this holiday season, a gift of life is the best gift of all. Zo's Fund For Life Urges the Public to Join Campaign to "Give Omar Life" Alonzo Mourning, NBA All-Star and Founder of Zo's Fund For Life, an organization Mourning launched shortly after he learned he would need an organ transplant announced that he is leading a campaign to quickly raise funds for a three-year-old boy named Omar Ferguson who is in desperate need of a liver transplant. The announcement was made during a news conference at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center campus in Miami. Little Omar lies in a hospital bed this holiday season at the Holtz Children's Hospital at UM/Jackson. He has been diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare condition he acquired as a newborn in which the common bile duct between the liver and small intestine is blocked or absent. Most patients with this diagnosis will undergo a procedure as infants to remove the atretic biliary ducts outside the liver and attach the small intestine directly to the liver at the spot where bile is found or expected to drain in an effort to re-establish bile flow. If this procedure is done before two months of age, success is likely. Omar was not fortunate enough to have received this procedure as an infant and as a result the blocked bile flow has caused severe liver cirrhosis which has led to liver failure. He is in end-stage cirrhosis experiencing complications including life-threatening intestinal bleeding, fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites), and abnormal blood ammonia levels which, if left untreated, can result in coma. The only effective treatment option for Omar to survive is a liver transplant. Omar is without health insurance, so the only way for him to be placed on the transplant waiting list is when the total cost of the liver transplant, including physician and facility fees, of $300,000 is raised and paid to the hospital. Due to the severity of Omar's illness, he will be given priority once he is placed on the transplant waiting list. Liver transplant survival rates are excellent with over 90% survival in the first year and patients can move on to leading normal lives. Zo's Fund for Life recognizes the importance of giving Omar the chance to live and is donating $50,000 towards his transplant. "Omar is a true fighter as most kids with this disease don't live past the age of two," said Mourning who is also a spokesperson for the Miami Transplant Institute at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and serves on the Institutes advisory board. "Omar deserves a chance at life and with your help we can give him the gift of transplant that keeps on giving this holiday season." "The child is in Holtz Children's Hospital and his condition is critical. He needs to have a liver transplant before he has more complications from his liver disease which could further compromise his outlook," said Andreas G. Tzakis, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Liver/GI Transplant Surgery, Director of the Miami Transplant Institute, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and Miami Transplant Institute. "We are very thankful to Alonzo for his commitment to transplantation and help to the needy. His help could not have come at a better time." In the spirit and season of giving, Mourning is urging the public to help save Omar's life and donate as much and as soon as possible. Show gratitude for your good fortune and give to those who are less fortunate, like Omar, because you can truly make a difference in his life today by donating to Zo's Fund for Life's "Give Omar Life" fund. Donations are tax-deductible and accepted by: · Debit or credit card via PayPal at www.ZosFundForLife.org/Omar or by calling 1-888-520-ZFFL (9335) or email Amanda@ZosFundForLife.org. · Mail a check payable to Zo's Fund For Life (reference: Omar) at Zo's Fund for Life, PO Box 330110, Miami, FL 33233. · Drop off cash or overnight/courier a check to Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc., c/o Zo's Fund For Life, 2901 Florida Avenue, Suite 806, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133. · Wire transfer to Zo's Fund for Life, Regions Bank, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, Account #: 9660220568, ABA/Routing #: 062000019. For more information, visit www.ZosFundForLife.org, call 1-888-520-ZFFL (9335), or email Amanda@ZosFundForLife.org.

Avon Foundation's Hope Honors

2008-11-29T20:29:00.004-05:00

Looking for a place to donate this holiday season? Consider the Avon Foundation whose causes are breast cancer and domestic violence. They raised a lot of money this year at their awards celebration, but more is always needed.

The Hope Honors, the star-studded eighth annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration, honored leaders in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Since its inception in 2001, the Avon Foundation awards celebration has raised $15.6 million, including $1.6 million this year.

Hosting this year’s event were Andrea Jung, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation. Award presenters and special guests included award-winning actor Patrick Dempsey; celebrity makeup artist and Avon Global Creative Color Director Jillian Dempsey; actress and designer Lauren Conrad; personal finance expert Suze Orman; designer Cynthia Rowley; and renowned breast cancer surgeon and best-selling author, Dr. Susan Love.

The celebratory event culminated with a special musical performance by 19 Recordings/Jive Recording Artist Jordin Sparks.

The Avon Foundation, a public charity, is a global leader and change agent in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, and Avon is the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. These issues continue to be of grave concern: there is a new diagnosis of breast cancer in the U.S. every three minutes, and one in three women worldwide is a victim of violence, while some 10 million children witness domestic violence in the U.S. each year. Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has supported access to care and finding a cure in more than 50 countries. Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence was launched in 2004 and has now rolled out in a dozen countries. In addition, the Avon Foundation supports emergency and disaster relief. Total funds raised and awarded worldwide for all these causes exceed $660 million.

Avon Foundation Awards Recipients

Every year since 2001, the Avon Foundation has recognized individuals, organizations and companies for leadership in the breast cancer and domestic violence causes. This year’s honorees included the following:

The Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer Award was presented by Andrea Jung to Dr. Steve Whitman and Dr. David Ansell for their tireless efforts at identifying causes and solutions to the disparity in breast cancer mortality between black and white women in Chicago, where a black woman is twice as likely to die of breast cancer than her white counterparts. Two black women die each week in Chicago, totaling 111 deaths each year, because they do not have the same access and quality of care as white women. Doctors Whitman and Ansell identified this disparity and now lead a groundbreaking city-wide effort, the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, which brings together every key Chicago area hospital and institution, the city and state governments, and women throughout Chicagoland, to collaborate on ending this disparity.

The Community Advocacy Champion Award was presented by Andrea Jung to The Northern Westchester Shelter, a highly effective private non-profit organization founded in 1980 in Pleasantville, NY, to provide a safe haven and caring services to survivors of domestic violence. Beyond the impact on their own community, the Northern Westchester Shelter programs provide a model that other shelters emulate. The award will be accepted by Executive Director CarlLa Horton. In addition to their efforts to assist domestic violence victims, the Northern Westchester Shelter partnered with the Avon Foundation to create a unique video, which will be shown at The Hope Honors, to increase awareness of domestic violence and provide hope that the cycle of abuse can be broken. The video has been distributed to domestic violence programs nationwide since its completion in spring 2008.

The Women’s Empowerment Crusader Award was presented by Suze Orman to Sandi Gallagher, an Avon Sales Representative from Dracut, MA, in recognition of her personal work on behalf of victims of domestic violence. The Crusader award recognizes an Avon Sales Representative or Sales Manager who has demonstrated outstanding philanthropic efforts in the community. In her Avon career Sandi has achieved the level of Unit Leader, and she is also a dental assistant. In 2007 Sandi was the recipient of an Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund award, a cash award to individuals to support programs or projects that empower women. Sandi volunteers her services to support pro-bono reconstructive dental treatments for victims of domestic violence at the all-volunteer St. Luke Dental Clinic, and she donated her $5,000 Hello Tomorrow Fund award to this program. Through her work at the Clinic, Sandi has helped restore not only many women’s smiles, but also their self confidence and ability to build a new life.

The Avon Foundation Safety Net awards provide funds to hospital and clinics that provide breast health services for the medically underserved in their community. Jillian and Patrick Dempsey presented the 100th Avon Foundation Safety Net grant to the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center to provide state-of-the art digital mammography equipment as well as patient navigator staff. The grant will enable Central Maine Medical Center to reach community members in Lewiston and the surrounding rural area, including Somali refugees, and link women in need to cutting-edge breast cancer detection and treatment services. This award will be accepted by Mary Dempsey and Kerry Irish, Director of the Dempsey Center, on behalf of Central Maine Medical Center.

New this year is the m.powerment awards, recognizing programs focused on empowering young women to prevent dating abuse and partner violence. The m.powerment campaign was created by mark, Avon’s boutique beauty brand, and grants were announced by Lauren Conrad to seven domestic violence agencies nationwide. Representing one of the recipient organizations were Tracey Weber from the New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence and Rahquan Brown, a Peer Educator with the New York City Healthy Relationship Training Academy.

The Avon Foundation Hall of Fame Award recognizes the support of companies that have shown a consistent, significant commitment to the Avon Foundation mission. This year Andrea Jung inducted Verla International, a consulting company for beauty product development, manufacturing and distribution; and Li & Fung USA, a leading consumer goods supply chain management company. Both have been generous allies that are helping bring the Avon Foundation closer to the goal of eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence.

Jesse Cutler and the importance of music education

2008-11-28T12:33:00.003-05:00

Arts programs are getting cut from school nationwide. Did you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Those schools and their marching bands that participated wouldn't be there without the arts programs in schools. My son and daughter are musicians who are being taught in school to play. My son plays the tuba and trumpet and my daughter is just starting out on the violin. These programs are vital to our children's education.

Who's Jesse Cutler? From his website, "Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, entrepreneur and even a Playgirl centerfold. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print."

Jesse Cutler, a Grammy Award-winning musician, is now the author of StarLust: The Price of Fame (Morgan James, 2008). Ten percent of the proceeds of the book benefit music education through the Guitar Center Music Foundation. It's a good cause and a good book.

Link to buy StarLust: The Price of Fame (Morgan James, 2008).

Here is an excerpt from the book printed with Jesse's permission:

MUSIC IS THE MAGIC
The body of my first guitar, that Harmony acoustic, was too big for me at first. Its length and width actually forced me to stretch the muscles of my upper torso, and as I grew physically, I learned how to fit around her and she around me. My guitar became my passion. She was the nurturing mother who would soothe my troubles. She became a true friend with whom I could laugh, sing, cry, and think. While cradling my guitar, I felt powerful, and I progressed in my abilities. As I observed my improvements, as subtle as they may have been, I developed a very special relationship with music. Here was something that responded sincerely to my innermost feelings and desires.

One evening, my father was walking down the five steps to my sanctuary in the basement and seemed quite impressed with my dedication to the guitar that he’d brought home to me. “How would you like to take lessons, have a teacher?” he asked. I just sat thinking in front of my little chrome music stand with the beginner’s version of “Fly Me To the Moon,” to see if he really meant it or not.

I looked up at him a minute later and said, “You know Dad, I would really love to have a teacher.”

Well, there’s a fellow I met in Valley Stream who has his own studio where he teaches during the day. At night he plays professionally with his own band. His name is Joey Polaris,” my father spouted with conviction. “I’ll set it up one evening this week, okay?”

“You got a deal,” I replied with enthusiasm.

My father, a very agile person, quickly vanished, leaving me to continue practicing my song.

A few days later my father came home and told me, “Tonight we’re gonna meet the guitar teacher, Chuck. Be ready after dinner.” My father had a peculiar twinkle in his eye—one I had never seen before. As we pulled out of our garage I felt as though I was beginning the first stages for something in the future, something big and very exciting, something I had never experienced before. After a couple of weeks of lessons, I felt comfortable with Joey, and my father was glad my lessons proved worthwhile. Joey even started coming to my house for the lessons.

After our fifth session, while we were going over fingering techniques, scales, and bar chords, my father came downstairs to the basement and asked Joey if I was a worthy student. Joey replied without reservation, “Lou, your son is not only my best student, but this kid is a natural. In a few more weeks he’ll be playing as well as me. How’s that for a reference?”

My father was delighted and probably felt that his money was well spent. I, of course, was pumped with enthusiasm and motivated to continue until I stumbled upon a tremendously important question: Was I to continue learning to perfect playing other people’s music, or was I to expand my imagination and create my own melodies and compose my own songs? I reflected back to that day when I returned home from summer camp, asking myself out loud, “Are there any more songs left to be written?” The answer, I joyously decided, was a definite Y-E-S!

With that revelation, my hands were untied and my mind was totally free to create any configuration of notes I desired as long as it didn’t resemble any other sixteen bars that already existed. I was blessed like a painter with a palate full of unlimited colors, which could be blended and brushed on an unlimited number of canvasses. My guitar had an unlimited supply of notes that I could manipulate into something that sounded good to me. And I was thrilled. I could excel at this. I had a purpose in life that went beyond merely wanting to impress girls—even though that has always been one of the best side benefits of playing the guitar. Now I could write music. I could create wonderful music on this instrument.

My book on Green Building and Remodeling

2008-11-11T23:01:00.001-05:00

My book on Green Building and Remodeling is available for pre-order. It will be out January 9th! I'm so psyched. It's a great way to start off the new year. Not many of us can build a new house in this economy, but how about green remodeling the one you have? Whether you have $50 or $50,000 there are things you can do that can start paying off for you now. Reap the rewards of being environmentally conscious -- save money and do good for the environment! Don't know how? We'll teach you step by step!

Click here to place your order!

Thanks!

Chris Kirkpatrick does good after NSync!

2008-11-03T18:35:00.004-05:00

Chris Kirkpatrick and his foundation, The Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation, partnered with The Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families for 2 major fundraising Halloween events that took place in Orlando, Florida over the last few weekends. The events were The Mask Car AID Bash and the Halloween SPOOKTACULAR.

Chris Kirkpatrick, founding member of *NSYNC, along with former band-mates Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, Orlando Magic, Wesley Jonathan, Denyce Lawton and others attended. Both fundraising events celebrating classic Halloween fun focused on raising money for children in need for the Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation whose mission is to enhance the lives of under-privileged children throughout the United States.

Says Kirkpatrick, “I am thrilled to host these Halloween events for my foundation and to have my friends join me in my fundraising efforts which will allow me to continue to create life changing opportunities geared toward enhancing the lives of children through health care, educational and developmental programs.”

I'm hoping we'll hear more from Chris in a future blog post!

What's Happening...

2008-10-31T13:53:00.006-04:00

There are many happenings crossing my desk (and that's good news!) so I thought I'd give you a synopsis of what's been going on with celebrity-do-gooders and where you can find more information:

Jennifer Hudson Announces Foundation

Out of tragedy, comes hope and goodness. People magazine announced that Jennifer Hudson has formed The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims -- named in honor of the singer-actress's slain mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and nephew Julian King. For more information, including the address of where you can send donations, read here.

Celebrity Astronauts
They have soared into outer space, performed daring space walks, took giant leaps on the moon and now want to spend time with you! More than 50 celebrity astronauts, including John Glenn, Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin, are offering once-in-a-lifetime one-on-one experiences, cool space artifacts and autographed items in the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's (ASF) 6th Annual Online Auction of Astronaut Experiences and Memorabilia which opens today, October 31, 2008. Source: MarketWatch

Debra Messing designs jewelry for Youth Aids

I am a huge Debra Messing fan, so I'll always write about her. Click here for more information!

Celebrity Athletes helping Single Moms

I'm a single mom and I know what it's like to struggle. It's nice to see celeb athletes stepping up and recognizing that some single mothers need assistance. As a dedication to my own mom, who was a single mother since I was 7, and is a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan, I'm posting about Roy Williams who is hosting Bowling with the 'Boys for his Safety Net Foundation that helps low-income, single-parent mothers next Thursday at 300 Dallas in Addison, Texas. According to his website, "Inspired by his sister Alecia, a single mother doing her best to raise her young son, Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Safety Roy Williams launched the Roy Williams Safety Net Foundation in July 2004 to help ensure low-income single mothers in the Dallas area receive support, guidance, and assistance to enhance their quality of life."

Baltimore Ravens Terrell Suggs Supports Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease

This past weekend, Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Terrell Suggs, celebrated his birthday by hosting the 1st Annual Team Sizzle Worldwide Celebrity Weekend in Baltimore, MD. Proceeds raised went to The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, which partners with major institutions to provide ongoing financial support for sickle cell awareness, education and research at Mid-Atlantic area children's hospitals. A caring community servant, Terrell was inspired to direct his energy and resources toward care for sickle cell patients after meeting a teenager who loves football but whose condition has prevented him from playing and therefore expresses his frustration through paintings. "After meeting him, I really felt the need to help him and others in his condition," said Suggs. "I'm incredibly blessed and the children I've met remind me how many people are unable to do some of the things many of us take for granted. I am honored to assist the William E Proudford Sickle Cell fund in their quest to ‘imagine a world without sickle cell' and hope that my community and other attendees will continue the effort."

Alonzo Mourning is Bowling! (Hey, it's one of my favorite things to do!)

The Annual Zo's “King Pin” Classic is back, bringing Tracy and Alonzo Mourning and VIP guests, to bowl alongside them, at Lucky Strike Lanes on South Beach in early 2009! The event will help to raise funds for the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities. The event will offer rounds at the billiards tables, relaxation at massage stations, and virtual bowling on Nintendo Wii, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for all. In addition, bowlers will receive a bowling shirt, commemorative team gift, and photo with the Mournings. Auctions and raffle prizes accompanied by great music from Miami’s own DJ Irie and crashing pins will keep guests on their toes throughout the night!

When: Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm at Lucky Strike Lanes, 1691 Michigan Ave., South Beach, Florida.

South Florida media and the public are invited to attend (I would if I could!) Teams of 10 may enter for $5,000, individual slots are available for $500, and general
admission is $125. For more information, contact Alisha Sanford at asanford@amcharities.org.

Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. Its mission is to encourage the educational development of youth by creating programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities. Since 1997, AM Charities has raised more than $6.5 million for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. In addition to supporting numerous educational initiatives, Mourning focuses his attention to stimulating the development of youth enrichment centers. With the help of donors, Mourning opened the first center in 2003 in the historic area of Overtown, in South Florida, known as the Overtown Youth Center. For more information, visit www.AMCharities.org.

ABOUT HONEY SHINE MENTORING PROGRAM

Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities, works to empower young girls to shine as women. The bi-weekly workshops and summer camp that make up the program help develop and nurture the mind, body, and soul, of young women by providing experiences that enlighten and create balance in their lives. For more information, visit www.HoneyShine.org.

More on Monday...

Lisa

Daphne Zuniga takes a toxic tour

2008-10-23T15:09:00.006-04:00

Did you grow up learning about being a good environmentalist?

I grew up at a time in a town in which helping people was the norm. In Berkeley in the late 1960s we recycled, composted and shared with other families—it was all about community. Because of this upbringing, I know that we are ALL stronger if we help each other.

More recently, living in Los Angeles, I began working with several environmental justice organizations and have learned firsthand how little attention these crucially important, hardworking organizations receive. Specifically, I’ve become very involved with Southern California-based Communities for a Better Environment (CBE). CBE works to bring environmental health to these poorer, toxin-burdened neighborhoods, which in turn cleans the air quality in the whole Los Angeles area, and reduces the millions of tons of pollutants which contribute to Global Warming. These communities, mostly lower income areas with large Hispanic populations, are the places where power plants, oil refineries, manufacturing plants, incinerators, and waste treatment facilities are built. In many, it’s so bad that the EPA won’t even measure the air quality. Mainstream media doesn’t cover this issue, corporations continue releasing toxic fumes waste, and the people who live there are stuck in poisonous environments. And as a result, as many as 1 in 5 people living in these neighborhoods have respiratory illnesses like asthma. And the rest of us suffer these violations on our water, air and land.

The CBE took me on a Toxic Tour; I saw this and I knew I had to do something to try and help bring attention to the issue.

How did you get involved with the CBE and why did you want to?

One day, I called Bill Gallegos, the executive director of CBE. He was surprised to hear from me, but I asked to have lunch, and then he suggested I take the tour. There is no doubt — seeing really is believing. I was shocked and troubled by what I saw, and grateful not to be living in one of these areas. That’s when I knew that others needed to take this tour and see for themselves what the media and lawmakers were ignoring.

What stood out in your mind that you didn't know before you went on the tour?

I was shocked at how residential homes with children were located literally right next door to oil wells. I could never have imagined the proximity of homes to these industrial, environmentally hazardous areas. My first thought was, "Well why don’t they move?!" But then I learned that residents were living there BEFORE the Conoco oil refinery—which illegally flares off their oil build up and offers neighbors $200 so that they won’t make a fuss—was built. And even if these residents were to move, where would they go? Many can’t afford to live in other areas.

How does being green helps to fix these problems?

The LESS we all consume and waste energy, the less of a burden it places on our fellow humans in the South Bay where the energy factories are located. It’s one thing to say we must act in a conscious manner, but bearing witness to how others live makes this much more important and real. We are all connected, and seeing these atrocities firsthand is different than just thinking about it or theorizing. Our neighbors are stuck breathing and drinking poisons.

What have you done in your own personal life to be green?

I’ve downsized tremendously by selling my house, which was too big for me—a single person with no kids—and now I have a smaller place that suits my needs beautifully. I drive a Prius, buy less over all, use organic cleaning liquids, wash clothes in cold water with biodegradable soap, use a natural dry cleaner, and buy local and organic produce. I’ve changed my lights (which I’m very good about turning out when I leave a room) to make them more energy efficient and I offset the CO2 produced in my everyday life through American Forests. I also give money to important environmental causes and work to help raise awareness.

When you’re trying to get the word out what obstacles are you coming up against and how do you overcome them?

I feel hesitant sometimes because it’s hard to make a Toxic Tour sound sexy. Asking people to take the tour is asking them to look at and deal with the ugly part of environmentalism—the dirty part of our lifestyle, which makes people uncomfortable. But people are actually very interested and want to go on it. While saving a baby seal, an owl, or a coral reef all seem the more appealing thing to do, we can’t shy away from the environmental risks affecting our own human race. At an Environmental Justice conference I attended, someone said, "Our children are the Snowy Owl; we need to save THEM."

What can we do?

I think the first and most important step is to look at your lifestyle with bare honesty. To look at and admit where you know you can be better, less wasteful, and look into a more impactful way you personally can correct the way we all have become used to living. People have the ability to help protect and improve the environment on all different levels. Whether small or large, any contribution to environmental causes makes a difference. You don’t need to be able to write a big check to fight for environmental justice. Taking a Toxic Tour, raising awareness about organizations like the CBE or other ones, and making choices that are better for the planet—which is obviously a better choice for the humans living on it, are the first steps!

Thanks Daphne!

Oh, and readers, check out my article on The Fixx's lead singer Cy Curnin right here!

I wrote that for the Bob Vila website.

Matthew Modine: Bicycle For a Day

2008-10-23T12:20:00.006-04:00

I decided to add a new feature to this site -- celebrities who are actively doing work on environmental issues. My book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Building and Remodeling" (pre-order please!) will be out in January, 2009 and I'm excited about spreading the word about the benefits of becoming more environmentally conscious. To kick-start this new addition to the site is actor Matthew Modine, the founder of Bicycle for a Day, a great idea as a transportation alternative. It's a simple thing that everybody can do to help reduce carbon emissions. Matthew talks about his organization and the impact that race car driving has on the environment.

Everybody has a moment where they remember how they came up w/an idea or a desire to help someone. What was yours?

I was asked a simple question: if there was one thing I could do to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, what would I do? The answer for me was simple and practical, ride a bike. If the 'greatest generation' could storm the shores of Normandy to help bring an end to the second world war, this generation could certainly get off their butts and ride a bike to reduce their carbon footprints. The group that asked the question thought this was a great idea and they asked how it could be done, so I made a film for them which was presented at the economic forum in Davos, Switzerland. The film had a tremendous reception and then I was asked how I was going to accomplish the goal of getting people to 'bicycle for a day' and two years later, Bicycle for a Day (BFAD) had its first event to raise awareness at New York City's South Street Seaport. Approximately 14,000 people learned about the project and the two charities BFAD supports: Waterkeeper Alliance and American Forests: Global Re-Leaf.

Bicycling in New York City has its own challenges. How do you teach people that it's an important thing to do?

NYC is a great place to bicycle. It's relatively flat and you generally can get what you want or where you need to be by riding less than three to five miles. And because of the automobile traffic, you can travel much faster than by car or subway. Also, because of the tremendous efforts of Mayor Bloomberg and organizations like Transportation Alternatives, bicycling is safer than it has ever been in New York City and it's only getting safer and more convenient.

Everybody is talking about greening -- do you think people are really listening? If not, what do you think needs to be done?

Yes, everybody is talking about being green. Well, almost. There are, remarkably, those people that think the world is 6000 years old and the Earth's resources and infinite and not finite. People that think there is no global warming and that the changing weather is all part of a 'higher powers' plan. And there are a lot of those people.

If we really want to make a step in the right 'green' direction, let's put an end to this incredible waste of gasoline. America is the world's largest consumer of energy. Race cars going around in endless circles is a perfect metaphor for the most spoiled generation in our country's history. Endlessly consuming and going around in circles. Is this the kind of American freedom that the country's founders imagined? Is this the land of the free that so many Americans have fought and died for? Is this gross consumption of fuel what our nation's young men and women are fighting for today? If you want to go around in circles and see how fast you can do it, let's make the cars electric, or better, make it a bicycle race for freedom and dependence from foreign oil.

Thank you Matthew!

Matthew had the right idea. Just as soon as I posted the article, Clean Air NY sent out an email with this information:

Starting in January 2009, people who use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation for their work commute will be eligible for a $20/month, tax-free reimbursement from their employers for bicycle-related expenses. In return, participating employers will be able to deduct the expense from their federal taxes.

The Bicycle Commuter Act amends the federal tax code, allowing employers to offer employees this benefit. If you bike to work, ask your employers if they can provide this benefit.

Amy Yasbeck -- John Ritter Foundation

2008-10-15T13:57:00.004-04:00

I've watched Amy Yasbeck on everything from The Cosby Show, Wings, Just Shoot Me and in the Problem Child movies. Unfortunately, we have something in common. We're both young widows. John Ritter, one of my favorite comedic actors ever, died on September 11, 2003, leaving Yasbeck and Stella, the couple's young daughter.

Yasbeck went on to create The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health and TV Guide did an article on her and the organization. She says,

"John really did heal people with laughter, and more and more, as the days, months and years have gone by, we have been able to choose to transform the grief into something positive."

I admire her the way I admire all other widows, regardless of age. But Amy turned John's death into something more and I know many of you have too, just like I did with this website.

Healing with laughter is a tremendous thing. When I get down, I put on The Odd Couple, Laverne & Shirley, I Love Lucy and Three's Company. I laugh, or try to. It's not always easy, but it does help. Check out the organization or start one of your own.

Want to win Ethan Zohn's Dribble Ball???

2008-10-09T10:55:00.005-04:00

For all you reality show fans, Ethan Zohn (winner of Survivor: Africa) is auctioning off the official dribble ball from the Grassroot Soccer United Dribble 2008. This ball traveled from Boston, Mass to Providence, Rhode Island. Ethan is dribbling a soccer ball 550 miles to raise awareness for his charity WWW.GRASSROOTSOCCER.ORG.

Ethan will sign and personalize this ball! PROCEEDS GO HIS CHARITY WWW.GRASSROOTSOCCER.ORG

Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre

2008-10-03T07:13:00.004-04:00

I was at the doctor's office the other day and picked up a copy of Diane magazine, published by the Curves fitness centers. I knew about Olivia Newton-John's battle with breast cancer, but an article "Living Life Without Any Limits" showed exactly what Olivia has been through and how she has persevered. In addition, she has been raising money for cancer research and formed a partnership with Austin Health, a research hospital in Melbourne, Australia that established The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. This centre uses modern medicine and complementary therapies. It was a terrific interview written by Diane Heavin and if you have an opportunity, check it out. Olivia has been through a lot in her life and has really become an inspiration to all.

Paul Newman

2008-10-01T09:50:00.003-04:00

Sadly, the world lost Paul Newman this past week, but his legacy will live on in his movies and through his charitable work and his Newman's Own charity.

Today, I pause to remember one such celebrity who knew how to use his power for good and how to do it right.

Here is his own company's tribute to him. Other celebs can only hope they can do this much good in their career.

R.I.P. Mr. Newman.

Johnny Colt

2008-09-29T13:09:00.000-04:00

Check out my article on Johnny Colt!

http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/29/johnny-colt-goes-green/

Lisa

Musicians Donate Art for War Child International Benefit

2008-09-26T07:29:00.002-04:00

R.E.M., Modest Mouse, Spoon, Death Cab for Cutie, Jarvis Cocker, The Flaming Lips, The Decemberists, Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, and Fleet Foxes are just a few of the artists whose handmade signs featured in Under the Radar’s Protest Issue will be auctioned off beginning September 30th to benefit War Child International.

Earlier this summer, Under the Radar magazine published its Protest Issue, which featured an array of musicians sharing their thoughts on today’s political climate. Along with interviews, Under the Radar conducted photo shoots with those artists, each holding protest signs of their own making. Beginning September 30th, Under the Radar will host a 7-day eBay auction of the protest signs featured in the issue. All proceeds will go to benefit War Child International. (www.warchild.us), a nonprofit that helps children in areas of conflict across the globe. This auction provides individuals with an opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of art while also contributing to a worthwhile cause.

Musicians whose art will be featured in the auction include The Protest Issue’s cover stars R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock, Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla, The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy, and Spoon’s Britt Daniel, as well as Billy Bragg, British Sea Power, Built to Spill, Jarvis Cocker, Death Cab for Cutie, The Dresden Dolls, The Duke Spirit, Elbow, The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne, Fleet Foxes, Foals, Michael Franti, Sharon Jones, Talib Kweli, Jamie Lidell, Metric, Moby, My Morning Jacket, Neon Neon, Noah and the Whale, OK Go, Peter Bjorn and John’s Peter Morén, Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Rilo Kiley, Rogue Wave, Shout Out Louds, Stars, St Vincent, Supergrass, and more.

To view all the signs up for auction, visit: www.undertheradarmag.com/protestauction.html