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Jul 17, 2017 09:00 am
For the 12th consecutive year, Make-A-Wish and ESPN are joining forces to give sports fans everywhere a glimpse at the transformation that takes place when children with critical illnesses meet their favorite athlete, team or sports personality.
The “My Wish” series can be seen on SportsCenter beginning the evening of Sunday, July 16. The series continues throughout the week with a new, inspirational sports wish featured daily from July 16-19. On Thursday, July 20, a compilation feature showcasing all four wishes will debut.
From international icons and gold medalists to hall of famers and MVPs, the series has documented nearly 60 wish kids meeting some of the most distinguished athletes of all time. This year will be no different as sports wishes granted this summer will be shared with the ESPN audience. As he has since the start of the series in 2006, Emmy-award winning reporter Chris Connelly once again lends his unmatched storytelling abilities to the series.
Featured in this year’s series are the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. This year will also give viewers a never-before-seen peek at the process of making a “My Wish” feature as part of Jalan’s wish “to motivate others by telling my story on ESPN.”
“Recent research has proven that a wish-come-true can not only make children with critical illnesses feel better, but actually get better,” said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “The ‘My Wish’ series invites the public to witness sports wishes that will forever change the wish kids and their families, which is truly incredible to see.”
Make-A-Wish extends its thanks to Disney and ESPN for their support of the “My Wish” series, and for their help in creating these incredible wish experiences. Beyond assisting with this year’s series, Disney – which owns ESPN – has been a steadfast friend of Make-A-Wish for 37 years and has helped the organization grant more than 110,000 Disney-related wishes, including the first official wish in 1980.
For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org.
From: https://www.looktothestars.org/news/16878-make-a-wish-and-espn-announce-the-return-of-the-annual-my-wish-series
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Jul 17, 2017 07:30 am
The Actors Fund — the national human services organization that helps everyone in performing arts and entertainment in times of need, crisis or transition — celebrated “FAME” 35th Anniversary Reunion Concert on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.
A one-night-only celebration of the music and memories that made the television series “FAME” a worldwide phenomenon, this landmark reunion marked the first US concert by the cast since 1985. 100% of the proceeds from the event benefit The Actors Fund’s programs and services.
The concert was headlined by “FAME” stars Debbie Allen (“Lydia Grant”), Jesse Borrego (“Jesse Valesquez”), Lee Curreri (“Bruno Martelli”), Cynthia Gibb (“Holly Laird”), Erica Gimpel (“Coco Hernandez”), Billy Hufsey (“Christopher Donlon”), Carlo Imperato (“Danny Amatullo”), Valerie Landsburg (“Doris Schwartz”) and P.R. Paul (“Montgomery MacNeil”). Surprise guests included composers William Goldstein and Robert Kraft, legendary vocalist Oren Waters,, and original “Fame” dancers Shaun Earl, Melissa Hurley Cassidy, Kim Layton Hurley, Eartha Robinson and Bronwyn Thomas. The concert featured Dedrick Bonner, Melissa Haygood, Jesimiel Jenkins and Margaret M. Spirito on background vocals. The band was comprised of Mike Walker on keyboards, Steve Garcia on guitar, Roy Venturina on keyboards, Carter Aristei on drums and percussion, and Joey Clement on bass.
The “FAME” 35th Anniversary Reunion Concert was written and directed by Luke Yankee, musical direction by Mike Walker, and produced by Scott Appel for The Actors Fund.
The evening’s set list was as follows: “Life Is A Celebration” (Erica Gimpel, Carlo Imperato & cast),“On The West Side” (Cynthia Gibb & Valerie Landsburg, featuring Robert Kraft), “I Still Believe In Me” (Erica Gimpel, featuring Lee Curreri), “Dogs In The Yard” (P.R. Paul), “Be My Music” (Lee Curreri & Erica Gimpel), “Friday Night” (Carlo Imperato with Jesse Borrego, Billy Hufsey and P.R. Paul) “Beautiful Dreamer” (Valerie Landsburg), “Out Here On My Own” (Cynthia Gibb), “High Fidelity” (Valerie Landsburg), “The Other Side Of The Road” (Jesse Borrego), “A Special Place” (Debbie Allen, featuring William Goldstein), “Starmaker” (Cast) and “Fame”(Erica Gimpel & cast).
“FAME” originally premiered on NBC on January 7, 1982 and won 2 consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical in 1983 and 1984. Based on the 1980 film of the same name, the series followed the lives of the students and faculty at New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts. Over the course of 6 seasons on NBC and in syndication, 136 episodes were produced. The worldwide popularity of the show led to several hit records and sold-out concerts tours.
The “FAME” 35th Anniversary Reunion Concert follows The Actors Fund’s concert presentations of “Bombshell” (the musical created within NBC’s “Smash”) and “Grey’s Anatomy: The Songs Beneath The Show.”
The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone — performers and those behind the scenes — who works in performing arts and entertainment. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund’s programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org.
From: https://www.looktothestars.org/news/16876-the-actors-fund-celebrates-fame-35th-anniversary-reunion-concert
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Jul 17, 2017 07:00 am
Avril recorded a John Lennon song for a CD compilation to raise funds for Amnesty International.
She also supports charities such as the Make A Noise Foundation, Amnesty International, AmericanCPR.org, Camp Will-a-Way, Music Clearing Minefields, US Campaign for Burma, Make-A-Wish Foundationand War Child. She has also appeared in ALDO ads with YouthAIDS to raise money to educate people worldwide about HIV/AIDS.
She also recorded a version of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” for a CD in support of British-based children’s charity War Child.
Charities & foundations supported
Avril Lavigne has supported the following charities:
Read more about Avril Lavigne’s charity work and events.
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Jul 17, 2017 06:00 am
The leading national nonprofit organization that honors and respects children. Prevention, keeping children safe and strengthening families is its goal. Its message is positive and filled with hope. Love Our Children USA has become the go-to prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S.
Its mission is to break the cycle of violence against children. It works to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential. It redefines parenting by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes and behaviors through public education. Love Our Children USA works to empower and support children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy and online youth mentoring.
Celebrity supporters
Love Our Children USA has 48 known supporters, including Elton John, Sting, and Ellen DeGeneres
Areas of work
Read more about Love Our Children USA’s work and celebrity supporters. |
