Interview: MLB Pitcher Mike Adams Talks Operation Smile
Earlier this month I shared with you a video about a mighty-mighty fine MLB pitcher who appeared in an episode of Ricki Lake’s “Hidden Heroes” segment as an Ambassador for Operation Smile.
After watching the clip of Mike Adams (Philadelphia Phillies) share his story of how he met and helped Joshua, a three-year-old boy born with a cleft lip find the right doctor to heal his smile, I knew I had to speak with him about his involvement with helping others.
And after years of shunning MLB, Adams has shown me there are a few good ones left in the League.
Please read my FULL INTERVIEW with him on Look to the Stars.
Many thanks to Lindsey Rowe and Robyn Mircoff from Op-Smile for getting the stud on the phone with me~and of course, gratitude to Mike Adams and his enormous heart.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
Celebrities and Athletes Support Steps4Paws
Last weekend, Los Angeles based clothing company, Steps4Paws, presented their new collection of graphic tees to celebrities and sports personalities for a Golden Globes event in Hollywood, California.
Celebrities who walked the red carpet with Steps4Paws mascot/rescue dog Coco included NBA star Oldin Polynice (pictured above), Terrell Owens, Madchen Amick from “Gossip Girl,” Gilles Marini from “Dancing With The Stars,” Lauren Potter from “Glee;” Brandon Tyler Russell from “Tosh 2.0” and many others. Continue reading
Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo Joins ‘Save the Children’
Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo is kicking off 2013 as Save the Children’s new Global Artist Ambassador. In his new role, Cristiano will fight child hunger and obesity, and promote physical activity and healthy eating.
“When I learned that 1 in 7 kids around the world go to bed hungry each night, I jumped at the chance to get involved,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “It is an honor to join Save the Children. I want to work with them to make sure that fewer parents will have to struggle with putting the right kinds of food on the table. I also want to encourage kids to get out there, get active and get fit.” Continue reading
Shaun White Cuts His Hair for Charity
Two-time Olympic gold medalist, snowboarder Shaun White, formerly known as the ‘Flying Tomato’, has chopped off his trademark red hair for a good cause.
Watch this video of White as he cuts it all off for Locks of Love, the public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
One-of-a-Kind “Surf-Uke” Available
One-of-a-Kind Ukulele Signed by Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson, Jack Johnson and 33 Legends
An amazing ukulele and celebrity signed guitar have come up on the eBay Auction Cause store. The nonprofit Guitars in the Classroom has collected the signatures of the “Stars, Icons and Legends of The Surfing World” on this Kohala Kanikapila-style concert ukulele and a Fender Classic Vibe Telecaster to raise funds for their programs to bring music into education. The auction will be live until Thursday night, December 20th, 2012 at http://stores.ebay.com/auctioncausestore/pages/guitars-in-the-classroom.
The “Surf Uke” features the 35 iconic autographs, including the following surfers: Joel Parkinson – 2012 World Champion and Pipe Masters winner; Kelly Slater – 11x World Surfing Champion and 18x Surfer Poll winner; Jack Johnson – famous musician and surfer; John John Florence – top pro surfing prodigy and #2 on the Surfer Poll; Gerry Lopez – legendary “Mr. Pipeline”; Rob Machado – iconic soul surfer; Dane Reynolds – futuristic surfing hero; Shane Dorian – big wave legend; and John Cruz – Hawaiian master musician. Continue reading
NFL Sack Leader Aldon Smith To Donate to Boys & Girls Clubs
NFL Sack Leader Aldon Smith To Donate $5,099 For Each Sack During His Attempt To Break The All-Time NFL Single-Season Sack Record
As he works his way toward breaking the NFL single-season sack record, San Francisco linebacker Aldon Smith has announced that he will donate $5,099.00 for each of his sacks during the regular season. Smith is currently credited with 19.5 sacks on the season and he is looking to beat the all-time single-season record of 22.5 sacks set by Michael Strahan in 2001. The total monies raised will be split between Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco (Willy Mays Clubhouse at Hunters Point) and Boys & Girls Clubs of The Peninsula (East Palo Alto Clubhouse).
Aldon Smith stated, “I am excited to be able to give back to my community. Now, in addition to playing to win games, I am playing to raise much needed money for a great organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of young people.” Continue reading
Oscar Pistorius Runs Like the Wind
Today, Oscar Pistorius ran like the wind in Qater to promote those with disabilities via the Doho Goals platform, which brings together leaders to solve the world’s problems using sport.
Pistorius, who as we all know, was the first double amputee to run at the Olympics, challenged an Arabian stud named Maserati to a foot race, and as predicted, ran the like the wind and left Maserati in his dust. Continue reading
Los Angeles Clippers Partner with Fred Jordan Missions
The Fred Jordan Mission held it’s annual ‘Skid Row Toy Ride’ on Sunday, delivering thousand of new gifts to some of Los Angeles’ most underprivileged children.
The organization, which serves hungry, impoverished families and children every day of the year, has partnered with the LA Clippers for a Season of Caring Fundraising event to benefit the Mission.
Proceeds from the LA Clippers Game on Wednesday December 19th will be donated to the Fred Jordan Missions. If you are not able to purchase a ticket, the Mission is asking businesses, churches, groups and individuals of good will to make charitable donations of food, new clothes, new toys, diapers and blankets for cold winter nights. Cash donations are also welcome – - and tax-deductible.
The Fred Jordan Missions, open 365 days a year since 1944, feeds hundreds of hungry people and provides assistance to impoverished individuals and families. The Mission is a non-profit, faith-based, educational and relief organization that focuses on education, job training, and self-reliance.
More Info HERE.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
Athletes and Celebrities Team Up with the ILO to End Slavery
Athletes and Celebrities Team Up with the ILO to End Slavery
Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is just one of the celebrities who has joined forces with the ILO – the International Labour Organization – to fight modern-day slavery.
The campaign, “End Slavery Now” is supported by a number of Hollywood celebrities and activists including: Cher, Mila Kunis, Ron Howard, Oliver Stone, Kellan Lutz, Sérgio Mendes, anti-trafficking champion Somaly Mam and Jada Pinkett Smith. Continue reading
How to Meet Tony Hawk
Our favorite go-to website for donating and receiving something awesome in return, Charity Buzz, is running an auction for all you Eyas:
- ‘You and 3 guests can meet the world’s most famous skateboarder, the legendary Tony Hawk!
You’ll visit Tony Hawk’s private skate-park, home of Birdhouse Skateboards in Southern California. While there, you’ll see Tony’s giant ‘Huckjam’ ramps, meet Tony Hawk and sit in on a live broadcast of Tony Hawk’s Demolition Radio’
Ian Somerhalder Foundation Leads #FX Challenge on Crowdrise
Since it’s #givingtuesday we thought we point out a great initiative from Crowdrise and Mozilla Firefox.
Mozilla Firefox will donate $100k to the cause that raises the most funds…the grassroots fundraiser makes it easy to see what causes people are strongly supporting.
Leading the pack is actor/activist Ian Somerhalder and his Foundation:
My birthday is on December 8th. I don’t need any presents. My only ask is that you please support our foundation so that we can reach our goal and win this challenge. This would be a huge leap for ISF.
ISF supporters are a kick ass bunch of peeps. From young children to Grandparents, standing together, supporting each other with each generations’ strengths, collectively combining passions, skills and leadership into one massive population of change makers…The IS FOUNDATION aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures…Our ISF Groups span across all continents, creeds, languages and passions, forming an ever growing family of more than 200 groups world wide, all working as a united force to radically transform the world. Where people who love the planet and those who hold hands with paws come together to create a real future for all life on this miraculous planet we call Earth.
Hot on Somerhalder’s heels is Sophia Bush and her Pencils of Promise. Jonah Hill (FCancer), Seth Rogan (Hilarity for Charity) and Ed Norton (Maasai Wilderness) are also atop the leader board in terms of garnering donations. Not far behind is one of our favorites, Cancer for College led by Will Ferrell. Failing miserably (so far) Rob Machado, Adrian Grenier and Randy Foye. Continue reading
Yao Ming and Michael Phelps Help Raise Big Funds at Mission Hills Pro-Am
World Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament Raises US$500,000 for Yao Ming and UNICEF
Mission Hills Group, one of China’s leading golf and tourism operators, announced that the 2012 Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am has raised a total of US$500,000 for the tournament’s charitable partners—Yao Ming and UNICEF.
Some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the international sports scene descended on the tropical island of Hainan in southern China for the three day spectacular.
Billed as ‘China’s top entertainment event of the year,’ Celebs in attendance included: Yao Ming, Michael Phelps, Ronaldo, Stephen Hendry, Pat Cash, Andy Garcia, Adrien Brody, Ryan Reynolds, Minka Kelly, Matt Kuchar, Darren Clarke, Michael Campbell, Simon Dyson, Ian Woosnan, and Tony Jacklin.
Commenting on the donation, former NBA star Yao Ming said, “I’m extremely grateful to Mission Hills and everybody involved with this fantastic event for making this donation. We’ll continue to improve the lives of children both in China and the US and these funds will go directly towards projects we’ve got underway in these countries.” (Yao even received a custom-made golf club for the event) Continue reading
Walking on Water: The Derek Rabelo Story
“We need to live by faith, not by sight.” ~Derek Rabelo
17 year-old Derek Rabelo was born blind, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of surfing Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu.
“Pipeline is basically the ultimate wave in a lot of ways — just a short, intense, dangerous wave that’s close to the beach,” said Kelly Slater, 11-time World Champion surfer. “Many surfers with sight do not venture out even after they see that others can do it.”
But he DID do it, and after years of training and inspiring the worlds top surfers Rableo’s story is set to be immortalized in film by pro-surfer and film producer Bryan Jennings. Continue reading
Jason Mraz: American Pie for Charity
We are deviating from the norm here because its our greatest hope that we can rally the fans and convince Jason Mraz to record a cover version of Don McLean’s classic song ‘American Pie’ for charity.
A petition has been started, so if you feel the same way we do, please take a moment to sign the petition, share it, tweet it (hashtag #MrazPie) and we might succeed in helping raise some money for his Foundation which does amazing work.
SIGN HERE:
https://www.change.org/petitions/jason-mraz-american-pie-for-charity
(Photo credit: Bil Zelman)
As always, thanks for reading~
Delinda
Celebrities Join #GivingTuesday Movement
A diverse group of musicians, actors, athletes, artists and the nation’s top creative talents are joining the #GivingTuesday movement to help inspire the first national day dedicated to giving coinciding with the Holiday season. Instead of focusing solely on sales and shopping, these celebrities are supporting some of the most innovative charities, volunteer organizations, global campaigns and community groups as they “get out the give” this November 27.
With more than 1,000 partner organizations in all 50 states, there are many ways these men and women are building awareness and support for issues ranging from Hurricane Sandy relief to children’s education to women’s health to aid for veterans…and myriad causes in between.
A few examples of some of the top stars who are supporting their favorite charities include:
Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers point guard is urging fans and friends of the Steve Nash Foundation, which helps children to access critical health and education resources, to support the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign this #GivingTuesday. Continue reading
Tony Hawk: Boards & Bands
Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and renowned singer-songwriter and musician Ben Harper have come together to create a unique opportunity for professional skateboarders and iconic musicians to raise significant funds for the Tony Hawk Foundation, and raise awareness for the need for positive recreational outlets for at-risk youth.
Inspired by Ben Harper, a member of the Tony Hawk Foundation Board Of Directors and advocate for public skateparks, this fundraising initiative merges the worlds of skateboarding and music. Continue reading
Snoop To Buy Soccer Team and Hire Sir David Beckham?
According to the Daily Record, Snoop Dogg-er, Snoop Lion is ready to shell out big bucks to invest in (soccer club) Celtics after they beat Barcelona in the Champions League this year.
Snoop, in his own words:
“I got a lot of interest in soccer. It’s not a new thing for hip hop stars to invest in sports teams but it is a new thing for hip hop stars to invest in soccer teams…I didn’t catch the whole Barcelona game but I watched the highlights. I know Barcelona are
a big deal, and it shows Celtic are a big deal as well.”
The team, estimated to be worth about $47M, had the highest average home attendance of any Scottish club for 2010/2011 season, and Snoop wants a piece.
“I see how passionate Celtic fans are about their team and I could see myself making an investment if any of the board wanted to sell…I haven’t really thought how much. I don’t need to run a soccer club but enough of a percentage to get me on the board so I can be heard…I want to bring a bit of Snoop to things…I am passionate about my sport. The boxes at Celtic would never be the same once I have hosted a party there.” (True dat: Snoop was once banned from coming to the UK after a series of drug and firearms offences but now he’s allowed back.) Continue reading
Rob Machado Foundation Benefit Concert at The Belly-Up
Rob Machado Foundation Benefit Concert at The Belly-Up
Zen master, wave dancer, humanitarian, pro-surfer Rob Machado will be hosting his first ever benefit concert November 12 at The Belly-Up in Solana Beach, California to benefit the Rob Machado Foundation.
The event, which costs only 40 bucks to attend, will feature one-of-a-kind surf memorabilia and merchandise, surprise musical performances, lots of celebs, and acoustic sets from John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, and Jon Swift.
The Rob Machado Foundation does an amazing job at teaching children that our resources are precious.
“We need to respect our water and land,” says Machado via his website, “Each one of us can make a difference. From turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, to eliminating single-use plastic bottles, to understanding your watershed, we can all work together to make an impact. We can’t keep operating the way we do or we’ll pay a price. So, I hope to encourage people to take a look around and realize that there is an issue but ultimately, we can make it better.”
Last month, Machado went back to his high school, the San Dieguito Academy, where he kicked off Hydration Nation with his foundation and Hurley’s h20. Thanks to Global Tap the kids now have a clean water fountain that they will actually use to refill water bottles. No plastic needed. Continue reading
Waves for Water Seeks Help to Rebuild East Coast Surf Community
SURFERS MOBILIZE FOR POST HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF EFFORT
Humanitarian and former professional surfer Jon Rose is leading an effort to help rebuild post-Sandy devastation.
As a first responder to the surf-community, Jon’s non-profit organization, Waves For Water, will lead a focused effort to remove storm debris and assist with other basic survival needs associated with the catastrophic storm.
The team is currently gathering the intelligence of his friends and colleagues in the North Carolina, New Jersey and New York coastal areas for immediate support.
“Many of our favorite East Coast surfing epicenters are completely wiped out and under water,” said Rose, who’s spearheaded previous relief efforts to countries like Haiti, post- tsunami Japan, North Korea and Afghanistan. Continue reading
Ballers Give San Diego Youth A Chance
SDSU Graduate, and NBA All-Rookie of the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard, is hosting his first Annual Youth Basketball Camp with a percentage of proceeds benefiting the Boys to Men Mentoring Network, (August 7-9) in San Diego, California.
Athlebrities stopped by the camp to see what this rookie sensation had to say for himself. After all, he’s an SDSU alumni. And although Leonard is notorious for being quite-and perhaps a bit shy-we had no trouble getting him to speak longer than our allotted time.
On College:
“I went for two years and haven’t gotten my degree yet, right now I’m not taking classes but hope to finish in about three-years when I’m established in the league, we’ll see what happens.”
On his role with the San Antonio Spurs next season:
“Pretty much the same guy, probably a little bit more aggressive, I’ll probably get more play since I shot the ball well and you know, you’ll see me being more aggressive and more comfortable on the court.” Continue reading