Soccer Aid 2012
Soccer Aid is back! The event-which brings together soccer legends and celebrities squaring off on the pitch to raise funds for UNICEF-will take place at Old Trafford on May 27 in the UK.
England, captained by UNICEF ambassador Robbie Williams, will take on the Rest of the World, captained by actor Michael Sheen for this unique sporting event. Continue reading
E! Entertainment TV Stole Athlebrities
E! Entertainment TV Stole Athlebrities
Most of you have been wondering what’s up with Athlebrities™ lately. Many of you have emailed me regarding the confusion created by the use of Athlebrities on E! Entertainment TV’s on-line section titled ‘Athlebrity Zone.’
Do they have my permission to use my company name? No. Did they steal it from me? Yes. Am I trademarked and otherwise legally protected? Yes.
It started in 2004 when I met with the oh-so-good peeps at E!TV about developing an ‘Athlebrities on E!’ segment. They loved the idea and strung me along through several well-documented production meetings. Then nothing.
But I pressed on, believing that by following my passion, I could develop Athlebrities into an informative, fun and resourceful site that sports fans could visit for all the info relating to celebrity athletes and what makes them a ‘celebrity’ outside of sports.
Over the years, Athlebrities’ coverage morphed into something better-athletes and their charity work. Many of you from the NPO world know me and know my sincerity. Many of you watched me struggle to put Athlebrities on the map and make a name for myself-which I did.
And many of you know the pain I felt upon discovery of E! Entertainment Television and its parent company NBC Universal using my previously presented concept to them without my permission.
So, to answer all your questions….No, I am in no way shape or form related to E! Entertainments on-line Athlebrity Zone other than the fact that I presented the concept to them and they decided to use it after-the-fact, and after it had been legally protected and well-established by ME.
Obviously, I am exploring my options, but in the mean time, I am not going away. This is my baby that’s been high-jacked. I am Athlebrities and ETV’s on-line Athlebrity Zone is nothing but a direct-theft from me. Period.
That’s all.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Keenen Ivory Wayans to Lead Players at NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp?
Keenen Ivory Wayans to Lead Players at NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp?
Could an NFL athlete be the next great filmmaker? The NFL thinks so and is giving players interested in the movie business a little pre-retirement prep for careers in the ‘real world.’
The NFL confirmed that 20 current and former NFL players will take part in the first ever NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp for players interested in the movie industry.
Jamie Foxx and Friends Raise $500k for Charity
Jamie Foxx and Friends Raise $500k for Charity
Jamie Foxx held his ‘3 on 3’ Celebrity Basketball event over the weekend at his private residence in Los Angeles to benefit the Jamie Foxx Foundation and the Pacific Lodge Youth Services.
The NBA’s Shawn Marion aka the Matrix tweeted post-event: “All I gotta say is everybody from Denzel W, to Mario Van P, and Tyrese and the list goes on, was at the charity event, J.Foxx raise 500k.”
Now, I can not confirm how much money was raised during Fox’ event, but I do know that the 3 on 3 Charity Hoops Tournament is not something I plan on missing next year.
What I can confirm about the invite-only event is that Jamie Foxx brought together a long list of his celebrity and NBA friends to participate in two 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, one featuring celebrities vs. celebrities and one featuring NBA players vs NBA players with each NBA team also having a celebrity coach.
Cannot confirm but do know that Jordin Sparks was invited to sing the National Anthem. Other celebrities and athletes who were invited include: Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, Penny Marshall, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise, Matt Barnes, Jalen Rose, Rasual Butler, Lamar Odom, Derrick Rose, Kevin Hart, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, Cuttino Mobley and many others.
All proceeds benefited the Jamie Foxx Foundation whose purpose is to facilitate literacy and adoption programs as well as exposure to music, comedy, and the arts for children of all ages and the Pacific Lodge Youth Services which creates a supportive and therapeutic residential environment for adolescent boys (ages 13-18) in the juvenile justice system who are experiencing psychological, emotional and behavioral problems.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Surfers for Cetaceans: ‘Minds in The Water’
Surfers for Cetaceans: ‘Minds in The Water’
If ocean minded people are to pass on a sustainable culture then they must become responsible stewards of their coastal environment
~ Dave Rastovich
- Cetaceans: Any of various aquatic, chiefly marine mammals of the order Cetacea, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises, characterized by a nearly hairless body, anterior limbs modified into broad flippers, vestigial posterior limbs, a flat notched tail and an IQ higher than most Mensa members.
An amazing organization called ‘Surfers for Cetaceans’ has been making waves towards saving our sea-life and will be in the house for a kick-off screening of their documentary ‘Minds in The Water’ on Sept 29in Santa Barbara. (More dates here)
The documentary follows super-hot professional Free Surfer Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich and friends, including Hollywood’s Isabel Lucas and Hayden Panettiere, as they embark on an international mission to save dolphins, whales and the oceans we all share. Through a five-year adventure – from Australia to the Galapagos, Chile, California, Alaska and Japan – we see one surfer’s transformation from observer to activist in his desire to defend the seas and its inhabitants. (Note, if the above trailer didn’t tug at your heartstrings and inspire you in some way, then you are on the wrong blog.)
The film, which was critically received at its original North American premire in August, was backed by the Humane Society of the United States as the Festival’s Official Opening Night NGO Partner.
“The surfing community has such deep roots in Southern California,” said the films director Justin Krumb, “and so many people here care about the issues the oceans face, that we feel it’s an amazing opportunity to showcase what a few motivated people can accomplish with passionate determination.”
Rastovich hopes the film will inspire surfers around the world to take a deeper look at how they can do their part “to resolve human-created problems that exist in our most cherished aspect of life, namely the ocean.”
Considered me moved Rasta Dave.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Surfers for Cetaceans (S4C) is committed to activating ocean-minded people everywhere to support the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and their habitat. It’s through compassion, awareness, education, media and dedicated interventions that we operate. We seek to be a human voice for and defender of cetaceans worldwide. Co-founded in 2004 by Australian surfers/activists Dave Rastovich and Howie Cooke, S4C has grown worldwide, with offices in California and a grass roots following in Europe and South America.
Urban Zen: Charity Style
Urban Zen Charity Style
Designer Donna Karan has effectively moved from designer to humanitarian. If you haevnt been paying attention to her, you’re missing out on a lot of Zen in your life. The goddess’s Urban Zen Foundation in New York creates, connects and collaborates to raise awareness and inspire change in the areas of well-being, preserving cultures and empowering children.
During this last month alone, the Urban Zen Foundation has either hosted or been the recipient of a slew of charitable events including the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic (photo above Donna Karan (L) and cohost Hugh Jackman with famed Argentianina Polo player Nacho Figueras), Operation Warrior Wellness, Viva Vevolution, The First Annual Apple Awards, An Evening with the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, The Wayuu Taya Gala and the Bent on Learning Gala. (Bent on Learning integrates yoga and meditation into New York City public schools and youth centers to reduce stress and improve concentration, self-esteem and overall health.)
Additionally, they are in the midst of a year long series of events that will support the Urban Zen Foundation and develop programming at the Urban Zen Center to raise awareness and inspire change, as well as support The Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program and Hope Help and Rebuild Haiti Initiative. Part of this initiative includes the Urban Zen Rock Concert series which launches October 12, 2011, in NY featuring 10-time Grammy award-winning performer Mary J. Blige.
For more info, check out URBAN ZEN or check ‘em on Facebook HERE.
Be Love. As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
The Hollywood Pledge: Terrell Owens
The Hollywood Pledge: Terrell Owens
During my hiatus, I had the great privilege of working on the Hollywood Pledge. In a nutshell, it’s Hollywoods response to Warren Buffets Giving Pledge and encourages celebrities to ‘give back’ and interact with fans while encouraging them to get involved and spread the Love.
Celebrities who have already taken the H’wood Pledge include Sean Penn, Hugh Jackman, Denzel Washington, Ricky Martin, Jason Taylor, Adrian Peterson, Dwight Howard and his arms, and Terrell Owens.
The launch party for the initiative was held on June 4 at a private home in Beverly Hills. Blake Lewis (American Idol season 6) spun and performed legendary beat-box sounds next to the infinity pool, while inside, invited celebrity Pledges filmed PSA’s for their causes.
And this is where I take a moment to thank Terrell Owens. Because it’s not just about taking the Pledge, it’s about acting the Pledge. While numerous media outlets are praising the celebrities for getting involved, I feel fortunate to have witnessed Love in action. During the event, while T.O was filming his PSA for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, there was a young boy sitting quietly in the corner, not saying a word but you could tell a simply hello from one of his sports hero would change is life. Unprompted, TO stopped the filming, walked over to the boy, knelt down, shook his hand, and posed for a photo. Needless to say, this young boys life-who is a patient at the Children’s Hospital-was changed for the better.
And that’s what I mean when I say give back. Give back love and change the World. It’s simple. We don’t need to ‘raise awareness’ about cancer or any disease, we are all aware, what we really need to do is simply raise the love towards those who are suffering.
Be love.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
NHL Players to Golf with ‘Entourage’ Stars for TACA
NHL Players to Golf with Entourage Stars for TACA
NHL All-Star Captain of the Anaheim Ducks, Ryan Getzlaf, is hosting his first annual Shootout to benefit TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) June 25-26 in sunny Southern California. Not only is Getzlaf hosting, but he’s got a great rolodex of Hollywood pals, NHL stars, celebrities, and community leaders, all coming together to help support those affected by autism.
Confirmed hotties teeing off for autism include numerous NHL Ducks including George Parros; Corey Perry; Bobby Ryan; Luca Sbisa; Andy Sutton; Shane Obrien; and Paul Bisonette (NHL Phoenix Coyotes); Brett Festerling (NHL Atlanta Thrashers); Joffrey Lupul (NHL Toronto Maples Leafs); and Entourage’s two Kevin’s- Kevin Dillon and Kevin Connolly. (Drama and E respectively)
Check it HERE.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
“Golf Boys” Video Helps Charity
“Golf Boys” Video Helps Charity
PGA golfer Ben Crane-along with buddies- Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, & Hunter Mahan –have formed the PGA’s exclusive boy band, “Golf Boys.” Their debut single, “Oh Oh Oh” aired this week yet left me wondering why Ian Poulter-in his normal garb-wasn’t included. Regardless, you’ll enjoy our golf hotties doing their best Athlebrity moves while raising money for charity. Presenting sponsor Farmers Insurance will donate $1,000 to charitable initiatives chosen by Crane and the insurance company for every 100,000 views of the video. (Which they’ll probably get from me alone, can you say Rickie Fowler? You know which one he is ladies…)
More info at bencranegolf.com
As always, thanks for reading-er, watching~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Celebrity Poker Events
Celebrity Poker Events
Just about everyone is playing poker these days, yet I’m still astonished that more people aren’t taking advantage of the most underused tool for celebrity encounters…yes, its called ‘celebrity poker’ and its called that for a reason.
One of the most well-known celebrity poker events is ‘Ante Up for Africa’. The annual event- founded in part by Don Cheadle- has raised thousands and thousands of dollars for charity, while giving poker players the opportunity to sit at the felt alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. I’ve covered many such events- witnessing everyone from the casual poker player to the diehard card-shark walk away with the main prize after paying a ridiculously low entry fee. Most events keep the entry fee low because they want you to play and they want you to win…they don’t want the celebrity to win. Celebrities are there to raise money for the charities involved and to interact with the players.
Aside from winning cash, celebrity poker ‘pots’ are chock full of other goodies…for example, if you live in the LA area and want tickets to see the Lakers or U2 in concert, why not gamble a low entry fee (for charity) and poker-it-up at the AM570 Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament?
The AM570 Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament will be held Sunday, November 8 at the Hollywood Park Casino. Doors open at 6PM…$150 Buy IN, $75 Re Buy…celebrities are still being announced but so far they’ve got 15-year NBA veteran and ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ contestant, John Salley (above): former LA Dodger, Steve Garvey; WWF Diva and ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ runner-up, Torrie Wilson (above-right); and former NFL player, Christian Okoye. Hosted by Joe Grande…so what’s in the ‘pot’? CASH, tickets to see Kobe, the Boys In Blue Playoffs, the Clippers, Bruins vs. Trojans, tickets to see U2 in concert and much more…additionally one of a kind sports and music memorabilia will also be on-site for a special charity auction.
A great game of poker, the opportunity to meet sports legends, a chance to win CASH and many great prizes and most of all- this event will benefit several children’s charities in the community. Please visit the site for more info and buy your tickets soon, it’s expected this event will be a sell-out.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Hard Hats for Humanity
Hard Hats and Hotties for Charity?
Love this one…Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity is auctioning off autographed hard hats for charity… more than 70 hats have been signed and donated for the charity auction…bid on hard hats signed by such artists/humanitarians as U2, Ricky Martin, Justin Timberlake, The Jonas Brothers and more… while there are no “athlete” signed hard hats on the chopping block, I can’t resist anything Bono related, especially when I see him swinging a hammer and building a house. Ditto goes for Ricky Martin.
“I have had the chance to personally give the keys to several families moving into homes sponsored by the Ricky Martin Foundation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an organization I’ve been involved with for many years. I’ve been fortunate enough to see with my own eyes the difference a home makes in the life of a child,” said Ricky Martin. “Now, by simply bidding on an item in an auction, you have the chance to change lives and build hope.”
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles launched the online auction today at Clothes Off Our Back…the auction will run through March 6th at 5:00 pm PST with 100% of the proceeds helping to build more affordable homes in Greater Los Angeles. “Through our non-profit organization, Music for Relief, and our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity we have had the opportunity to not only sponsor homes, but also to go and build the houses ourselves, and to meet the families that were moving into them,” said Dave “Phoenix” Farrell of Linkin Park. “We hope this hardhat auction will raise awareness for Habitat’s mission and help raise funds for families in need.”
The following is a partial list of celebrities who have autographed hardhats for the auction: 30 Seconds to Mars, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, Chris Pine, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Gavin Rossdale, Governor Schwarzenegger, Green Day, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Kellan Lutz, The Jonas Brothers, Josh Groban, Justin Timberlake, Kyle Howard, Linkin Park, First Lady Maria Shriver, Michael Johns, Miley Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ne-Yo, the Pussycat Dolls, Ricky Martin, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Third Day, U2, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. A complete list of celebrity supporters of this auction can be found at the auction site: CLOTHES OFF OUR BACK.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Rafael Nadal: Prince of Asturias Award
TAPA NOW A PRINCE?
Well, maybe not really a prince, but on Wednesday, Rafael Nadal won the prestigious Prince of Asturias sports award.
The first hottie since Bjorn Borg to win two back-to-back majors, bring home a gold from Beijing, and dethrone Roger Federer, has followed up his French Open title with a bit-o-royal-love. “Rafael Nadal is an exemplary athlete,” the Prince of Asturias jury said. “Both in victory and in the very few times in which he tastes defeat, he behaves like a great athlete.” And we all know how sexy it is when Rafael tastes victory by nibbling on those wonderful trophies. Nadal won the award because the jury feels, as do I, that Nadal always has a kind word for his opponents, and because he’s created a charity foundation- (which I cant seem to fin any info on so if anyone of you know about it please hit me up). The award goes to a person, persons or organization deemed to have excelled in their field and worked to promote sports in general…fittingly enough, our beast was nominated alongside Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and the Spanish National Football Team.
- At its meeting in Oviedo, the Jury for the 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Sport…has decided to bestow the 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Sport on the tennis player Rafael Nadal. The Jury has prized the merits of the sportsman: in Grand Slam competitions, his fourth French Open title and his first Wimbledon victory, thereby becoming the number one tennis player in the world and, in this Olympic year, also obtaining the gold medal in Beijing. Rafael Nadal is an example to follow. Both in his victories and in the very few occasions when he is defeated, he shows great sportsmanship. The way he reacts after a victory and the way he highlights the merits of his opponents is particularly admirable. He has also recently established a charitable foundation bearing his name, which focuses on social work among disadvantaged groups and cooperation for development.The Prince of Asturias Award laureate for Sport was one of the major figures at the Beijing Olympic Games, along with Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva, three of the final candidates for said Award. The Jury has valued Rafael Nadal’s contribution to the excellent year that Spanish Sport has enjoyed in 2008, achieving three major international prizes in different disciplines.
Congratulations to Rafael Nadal and his royal nod….he is make right choice, no?
This time I really am taking a few days off…I’ll be back after Peter Windsor wakes me up bright and early Sunday morning to work the grid from the Belgian F1 Grand Prix.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com