Oct 26, 2016 01:30 pm
Alt-pop/adult contemporary singer-songwriter Jennifer Saran has teamed up with South African Grammy-winning male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Grammy and Emmy-winning producer, drummer, singer and songwriter Narada Michael Walden (Producer/Co-writer), known for his work with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey, to create her newest single, “Wake Up.”
Narada Michael Walden and Carlos Santana in the studio collaborating on Jennifer Saran’s new single Wake Up
Making a special guest appearance on the track is Grammy-winner and legend Carlos Santana (Featured Guitarist), whose guitar licks generate inspiring vibes. The stunning collaboration is a heartfelt appeal to the world to recognize and address inequality and impoverishment, a cause incredibly personal and important to all the amazing artists involved. “Wake Up” will be featured on Saran’s third album, produced and co-written by Narada Michael Walden, which will be released in early 2017.
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“Wake Up” is a rousing and uplifting anthem for the world at large. Saran takes meaningful action through her lyrics to encourage change – “It’s time to Wake Up!” This worldly, heartfelt, and thought-provoking singer has been dazzling listeners with her message of positivity and encouraging them to stand up to the world’s struggles and incite change, first on her debut album Walk With Me (2016), and now on this new song.
Each of the legendary guest artists joining her on the song believe strongly in her cause. Carlos Santana, whose searing guitar work is featured on the track, says Saran’s song is “a beautiful mission of sound and healing.” Saran adds, “‘Wake Up’ is the second inspirational song that Narada and I have written. Eighteen months ago we were inspired to write ‘Rise Up Time,’ which came from an inspired jam session. We had put aside time to experiment with a new idea in the wake of so much hate and violence in America and what came from that time together was this song.”
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Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who won a Grammy for “Best World Music” in 2015 for their album Live: Singing For Peace Around The World, was brought in through Walden, whose goal was “to make a new sound for the world and inspire a new consciousness in the world – that of waking up.” It was Walden’s responsibility to create a space between these artists – passionate about the same worldly concerns – with the intention of inspiring a global movement of like-minded people with a single goal in mind: peace.
Proceeds from sales of the song, which is available now on iTunes, will go directly to the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. As an outspoken defender of human rights and campaigner for the oppressed, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is one of the world’s most revered peacemakers. The mission of his US-based nonprofit is to support and promote the creation of a culture of peace throughout the world.
Saran created an accompanying web-based video that was released on the Archbishop’s 85th birthday. Watch it here.
Help spread the word of peace with “Wake Up” by clicking here.
Oct 26, 2016 12:30 pm
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) celebrated its 27th annual A Time for Heroes family festival on Sunday, October 23 at Smashbox Studios in Culver City.
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Laura Marano performs at 27th A Time for Heroes Family Festival in support of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Credit/Copyright: 2016 Tasia Wells
This widely celebrated event raised critical funds and awareness for the effort to end AIDS in children worldwide.
Celebrity attendees who showed their support included Celebrity Heroes Mario Lopez, Heidi Klum, Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”), Nolan Gould and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (“Modern Family”), Heather & Terry Dubrow (“Real Housewives of Orange County”), Kelly Overton (“Van Helsing”), Gilles Marini (“Switched At Birth”), Marcus Scribner and Marsai Martin (“Black-ish”), Garcelle Beauvais (“Grimm”), Tori Spelling (“Tori and Dean”), Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tahj Mowry, Skai Jackson (“Jessie”), the Golfieri twins, G. Hannelius, Stef Dawson, Ryan Cargrill, Noah Centino, Hudson Yang, Jacob Bertrand, Ian Chen, Mace Coronel, Baron Davis, Jason Dolley, Patrick Fabian, Lizzy Greene, Jack Griffo, Bianca Kajlich, Chloe Lukasiak, Carson Lueders, Kate Linder, Chrissy Metz, Dash Mihok, Andrea Navedo, Jenna Ortega, Bradley Steven Perry, Dania Ramirez, Katee Sackhoff, John Salley, Maria Sansone, Sherri Saum, Jojo Siwa, Albert Tsai, Kym Whitley, Alison Holker, Jeffrey Nicholas Brown & Jennifer Carta, Brec Bassinger, Diana Madison, Courtney Lopez, Rosa Blasi, Kennedy Lea Slocum, and Kellie Martin, among others.
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Musical sensation Laura Marano dazzled guests with a live performance of her singles, “LaLa” and “Boombox.”
Families in attendance enjoyed fun activities, including the Nickelodeon Animation Station, Cinema Makeup School play station, a Revlon art installation, a “mad scientist” exploration station, human-bowling, basketball toss, Activision video games, and more.
Jake Glaser, EGPAF Ambassador and son of Elizabeth Glaser, celebrated at the event by helping kids create characters at the Nickelodeon activity and photo booth, and at the “mad scientist” activation center.
“Thanks to all of you for helping us in the fight to create a world where no child has AIDS. It is because of your support that we are closer than we have ever been before to realizing an AIDS-free generation,” said Glaser in his remarks at the event. “My mother believed that each one of us can be a hero; that each one of us has a role in changing the world. Together we can do just that.”
Guests indulged in a selection of food offerings from top L.A. eateries in this year’s “Restaurant Row,” which featured AR Cucina, Salt & Straw, the Grilled Cheese Truck, Bon Puf cotton candy, Made by Meg Catering, Melissa’s Produce, RUFFINOWines, Superba Food & Bread, beverages by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and chefs Vicki Fan and Kazuto Matsusaka.
Every day, 400 babies become newly infected with HIV. EGPAF is committed to getting that number to zero through its lifesaving work to treat and prevent pediatric HIV around the world. Since 1989, A Time for Heroes has raised more than $35 million to support EGPAF’s commitment to creating a world where no child has AIDS.
The Television Academy is once again partnering on Storytellers, an annual event produced by the veteran empowerment campaign Got Your 6 to celebrate the accomplishments and inspirational stories of our nation’s veterans.
Scheduled as a lead up event to Veterans Day (November 11), the Television Academy hopes the Tuesday, November 1 event will increase awareness among content creators of Got Your 6’s campaign to shift the narrative of veterans as “broken heroes” to one focusing on veterans as leaders and civic assets.
Storytellers gathers veterans, who deliver TED-style talks about their ideas, accomplishments, philosophies, and the many contributions they are making in their communities and workplaces. A study commissioned by Got Your 6 revealed that the general population stereotypes veterans as more likely than civilians to be unemployed, undereducated, homeless, and experience mental health issues. The reality is much more complex and the entertainment industry can play a role in changing the narrative.
Hosted at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center in Los Angeles, Storytellers will feature veteran and actor Jeff Bosley; founder and CEO of Combat Flip Flops, Matt Griffin; founder and CEO of the nonprofit TentEd, Zack Bazzi; Marjorie Williams of Endemol Shine; singer/songwriter Stephen Covell; and comedian Thom Tran.
The event will include remarks by Ryan Phillippe, who stars in the upcoming USANetwork drama “Shooter,” which was honored by Got Your 6 as a “6 Certified” project. Phillippe plays Bob Lee Swagger, a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is coaxed back into action to prevent a plot to kill the President.
“Our veterans have compelling, inspiring narratives to share, and it is imperative that we as an industry celebrate them,” said Television Academy President and COOMaury McIntyre. “We are honored to present these moving and thought-provoking stories to the creative community in Southern California, and to host one of this year’s ‘Got Your 6’ events in recognition of Veterans Day.”
“Veterans are as diverse as the country we served, and Storytellers addresses the public’s stereotypes about veterans head-on by showcasing the talents and groundbreaking innovations of those who wore the uniform,” said Bill Rausch, Iraq War veteran and executive director of Got Your 6. “We thank the Television Academy for demonstrating their commitment by allowing veterans themselves to speak directly to the writers, producers, studio executives, and performers who create popular media.”
The fourth annual talks will be live-streamed at facebook.com/GotYourSix and later distributed online. Videos from the 2015 event were viewed more than three million times.
In addition to Los Angeles, Got Your 6’s Storytellers will be held in New York City on Wednesday, October 26 at the HBO Theater, and in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, November 10 at Discovery Communications. For more information and to register, visit gotyour6.org/storytellers.
Got Your 6 Storytellers is made possible by the generous support of Macy’s, Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans United Foundation, Aspen Dental, American Express, Discovery Communications, HBO, Television Academy, NFLPA, General Dynamics, and Sword & Plough.
Richard Rosenbaum, Executive Chairman, Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Tim Nolan, Senior Vice President, Marketing Lifetime, LMN & FYI Networks; and Ian Harding, star of Pretty Little Liars and Celebrity Awareness Ambassador were honored for their efforts in the fight against lupus to end its devastating impact on millions of families during the Lupus Foundation of America’s National Gala in New York City on October 20.
The evening spotlighted the changing landscape of lupus research and awareness with cutting-edge biomedical research and communication platforms opening doors for new opportunities to educate the public about lupus and advance new treatments. Lupus advocate, Allie Gutshall, shared her personal story and sense of urgency and hope for new treatments that will improve the quality of life for people with lupus. Dr. Susan Manzi, the Lupus Foundation of America’s Medical Director and Chair, Department of Medicine, and Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence at Allegheny Health Network, highlighted groundbreaking research on stem cells as a potential treatment for lupus.
“Our honorees are true visionaries in the fight against lupus,” said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “It is only fitting that we honor their many achievements, as we look forward to the future with hope, innovation and determination to end the cruel mystery that is lupus.”
Richard Rosenbaum, Executive Chairman of Greenberg Traurig, LLP received the Hope Award for the company’s generosity and long-standing support of lupus research and education. Greenberg Traurig, is a unified international law firm of approximately 2000 lawyers and 38 offices around the globe. Rosenbaum’s support of the cause is also deeply personal as his sister is also living with lupus.
Tim Nolan, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Lifetime, LMN & FYI networks received the Hope Award. Nolan’s support was driven by his husband who has lupus, and as a leader in the entertainment and media industry he has helped to direct resources and support to increase awareness and understanding of lupus. He was instrumental in the creation of the Foundation’s KNOWLUPUS national multi-media campaign, which to-date has educated more than 625 million about the impact of lupus on individuals and their families.
The Foundation presented the Barlin Family Award to Ian Harding, star of Pretty Little Liars and Lupus Foundation of America Celebrity Awareness Ambassador. Harding’s mother is living lupus. He has been involved with the Foundation for several years participating in public awareness campaigns, Walk to End Lupus Now events and raised more than $100K for lupus research and education. The program closed with a fun and interactive performance from the acapella group VoicePlay.
The Lupus Foundation of America’s National Gala is an Evening of Hope honoring outstanding individuals who have been champions for those living with lupus and their families. The Foundation thanks its generous supporters and sponsors including: GreenbergTraurig; Pfizer; InsomniaTV and Piper Jaffray. The Gala raises critically needed funds to advance the Foundation’s mission and its comprehensive programs of research, education, and advocacy. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.lupus.org/gala.
Oct 26, 2016 08:45 am
Last week, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and CALIA by Carrie Underwood, a fitness and lifestyle brand created in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods and multi-platinum superstar Carrie Underwood, announced a $100,000 Sports Matter grant to support girls youth and high school sports in Houston’s Aldine Independent School District (A.I.S.D.).
CALIA by Carrie Underwood in partnership with The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter program surprises unsuspecting athletes and coaches of the Aldine Independent School District with a $100,000 check donation
Credit/Copyright: Scott Dalton/Invision for DICK’S Sporting Goods/AP Images
Since 2014, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation has pledged over $50 million to support teams and raise awareness of the importance of youth sports across the country through its Sports Matter initiative.
Earlier this year CALIA by Carrie Underwood, in partnership with The DICK’S Foundation, announced plans to donate $500,000 in Sports Matter grants to girls youth sports teams across the country. The first grant was awarded in June in Underwood’s hometown to Checotah (Okla.) School District Girls’ Athletic programs.
Last week, in Houston, Underwood and The DICK’S Foundation surprised A.I.S.D. female student-athletes and coaches with a $100,000 Sports Matter grant during a CALIA by Carrie Underwood meet and greet and fitness event at a DICK’S Sporting Goods new store grand opening celebration at the Baybrook Mall.
“I am so honored to partner with The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation as we continue to give back to girls sports teams across the country,” said Underwood. “Through today’s donation, we aim to support the girls’ athletic programs in Houston, providing many girls with the opportunity to participate in sports.”
The DICK’S Foundation will be partnering with Athletic Director, Richard Delgado, and Program Director of Resource Development, Stacey Smith, to allocate the Sports Matter grant across A.I.S.D. to the girls’ sports teams.
“At DICK’S, we believe sports make people better, and through this partnership, we are proud to provide more opportunities for girls to play sports throughout the Aldine Independent School District,” said DICK’S Chairman & CEO Edward W. Stack. “The DICK’S Foundation and our CALIA by Carrie Underwood brand look forward to this $100,000 grant making a difference in many girls’ lives.”
Oct 26, 2016 07:30 am
The Foot Locker Foundation joined together a diverse and star-studded set of members of the athletic industry for its 16th annual “On Our Feet” fundraising gala.
Victor Cruz and Aly Raisman lend their support at the Foot Locker Foundation’s 16th annual On Our Feet Fundraising Gala
The event, which took place on Tuesday, October 18 at New York City’s Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, will benefit educational and other youth initiatives supported by the Foot Locker Foundation.
“As a company, we have a responsibility to give back, and that’s why we’ve made Community one of our core values,” said Dick Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Foot Locker, Inc. “We believe that education is critical to being successful. This signature event fuels our ability to provide funding for programs such as The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program and our long-standing scholarship with UNCF, and allows remarkable student athletes to develop great skills, expand their horizons and become future leaders across the globe.”
Executives from the sports industry, professional athletes, and celebrities joined athletic footwear and apparel companies including Nike, Converse, adidas, Puma and Under Armour, to name a few, to lend their support to this important cause. Celebrity guests, including Victor Cruz (NY Giants), Matt Forté (NY Jets), Chazz Palminteri (Actor), Aly Raisman (Olympic Gold Medalist), Walt “Clyde” Frazier (NBALegend), and Brook Lopez (Brooklyn Nets), were among those who attended the evening’s festivities. All guests wore traditional black-tie attire while sporting their favorite pair of sneakers.
The Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,400 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, the Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has developed significant partnerships and programs to improve and enrich the educational, health and sports opportunities for youth across the country, and has awarded over 900 scholarships to outstanding students through all of its programs. On Our Feet has raised more than $17 million to support our youth since its inception.
Launched in 2011, the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program each year awards $20,000 college scholarships to 20 exceptional students, who demonstrate academic excellence and exemplify strong leadership skills both in sports and within their communities. In addition, one of the 20 students will be awarded the Ken C. Hicks Scholarship in honor of the organization’s former Chairman and CEO, who played an instrumental role in the development of the program. The scholarship recipient will receive additional funding for exemplifying elevated academic achievement, personal passion, and a true love of the game. Students can apply online or be nominated by teachers, coaches, mentors, family or friends by visiting footlockerscholarathletes.com. Applications close December 16, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCFsupports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities. Its logo features the UNCFtorch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.” Learn more at www.uncf.org.
