Athlete and Celebrity Homes
Athlete and Celebrity Homes
“Whatever field you are in, your goal in this life should be to leave all of your talents and gifts behind. Give and let the world receive.” – Kofi Nartey, founder, SOTALOT Realty Group
NBA star Michael Jordan plans to build a 38,000-square-foot mansion in Jupiter, Fla.’s Bear Club golf community which will cost $7.6 million to build…it will have 11 bedrooms, 10-foot ceilings and an elevator…Houston Rockets owner, Leslie Alexander bought a New York City penthouse for $25 million and then listed it for $39.5 million…A Los Angeles-area home once owned by Cary Grant and later by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith hit the market with a price tag of $3.495 million…Tony Hawk has a sweet 5,000 square-foot house which includes $150,000 worth of gaming electronics in the living room…etc, etc, etc…
If you’re like me, it stings a bit to read about celebrities and athletes buying real-estate while most of us struggle to make ends meet. It also seems excessively lavish and often a bit unfair at times. But rather than spite those that live the life of luxury, I learned about something amazing last week which bears sharing, the SOTALOT Realty Group.
SOTALOT was founded by Kofi Natei Nartey This guy is amazing…he’s got numerous years of professional real estate experience with a business background that includes financial advising, mortgage lending, motivational speaking, and management training…and he is also a former professional athlete…no surprise that SOTALOT exists to meet the unique real estate needs of Professional Athletes and Entertainers…with a twist. When you complete a transaction with them, the SOTALOT Realty Group will donate part of the proceeds to the charity of the buyer’s choice…and while I can’t say who their clients are, I can tell you that I firmly support any athlete that chooses to purchase a home through them ( Unless its Lebron of course). Props to SOTALOT for putting themselves on the ‘We Are Not A Greedy Company’ list…
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Cristiano Ronaldo to Model Armani Underwear
Cristiano Ronaldo to Model Armani Underwear
The most expensive soccer player in history is about to give us the greatest gift since Beckham bared it and the Italian squad posed for D&G…Italian fashion designer Armani confirms that soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo will model underwear and jeans for the new spring 2010 campaign.
The Real Madrid hottie-formerly of Manchester United-also plays for Portugal’s national team…is, without question, the greatest soccer player ever.
I expect we’re going to see a whole lotta of what Ronaldo is um…packing, but what’s a good package without something beautiful inside…Ronaldo has a great history of charitable giving…he’s been an ambassador for the online Score for the Red Cross fundraising campaign which is a humanitarian project launched by UEFA and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)…stud also flew an 11-year-old tsunami survivor and his father to a World Cup qualifier before rallying other players to pitch in and buy them a new home…he’s auctioned off his personal sports gear to the tune of over 1 billion rupiah for tsunami relief efforts…and in March of this year, he donated £100,000 to the hospital that helped saved his mother’s life after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007…this is just a partial list of his love, and in my book, its good enough to qualify him for a semi-nude Armani campaign. Bring it on Cristiano!
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
David Beckham Does Not Disappoint Me
David Beckham Does Not Disappoint Me
“I’m not disappointed. It doesn’t affect me…you can’t be liked by everyone.” David Beckham
Why do people love to hate? That was my first thought this morning as I read about David Beckham’s return to the Galaxy and their friendly against AC Milan this weekend (which ended in a 2-2 draw)…during Beckham’s big come-back, he was booed and confronted with asinine banners such as: ‘Go home fraud,’ ‘23: Repent,’ and ‘Is evil something u are…or something u do’…
I don’t have a problem with David Beckham for the simple reason that he is an institution. He is sold, marketed and packed to perfection is his skivvies as a product. He did what he was supposed to do-infuse life into US Soccer. That was his job-not to bend it as he did in his youth, but to use his marketability to sell the sport. I don’t give a hoot if Landon Donovan is pissed at Becks…I don’t care that Beckham missed half of the MLS season due to a five-month frolic with the Italians. He’s never been quiet about the fact that he’d prefer to kick it with AC Milan because the level of play IS better in Europe. So why is everyone hating on a guy who accepted mad amounts of cash to lend his Image to soccer? Didn’t we give him a hero’s welcome upon signing with the Galaxy? And now he’s gotta endure the wrath of fans who feel disappointed? What it boils down to for me, is how athletes act off the field and how they react to unruly fans. They can shoot and kill them like Columbian soccer player Javier Florez did, or they can react with class and dignity ala Beckham…
During halftime, Beckham confronted a fan that had been running his mouth about god-knows-what and apparently ‘crossed the line’…Beck’s motioned for said-asshole to come closer…the guy jumped down from the seats and was promptly arrested…but not before Beckham had words with him. “I said, `You need to calm down and come shake my hand.”
In this day and age of blind hero worship, I only ask that ‘fans’ take a look at the bigger picture. Is it really that much fun to make banners-of-hate and get psyched-up for the game because you get to flaunt your hatred towards someone you feel let you down? Was there anybody-even ONE person in the entire stadium thinking about how many nets Beckham has sold to save lives? Wouldn’t time be better spent making a massive Malaria No More banner thanking Beckham for his involvement with that campaign? And has everyone forgotten that Beckham taught soccer to children in Harlem or that in 2007 Beckham surprised a young girl dying of cancer with a phone call and signed jersey before she died 12 days later? I haven’t forgotten.
Beckham can best be summed up by his actions over the weekend. The impulse to shake an angry fans hand speaks volumes to the mans character, and for me, despite the enormous amount of weight placed on Beckham’s shoulders, he’s proven himself a gentlemen on and off the pitch. So please people, take your hatred elsewhere.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Grassroot Soccer
Grassroot Soccer
Soccer is much more than a sport…it’s a tool. A tool for teaching hope, love, peace, unity and education…it is THE Beautiful Game.
Tapping into the Beautiful Game’s unlimited potential is Grassroot Soccer…founded in 2002, the organization is using the power of soccer in the fight against AIDS in Africa with its HIV prevention program, effectively arming Africa’s youth with the knowledge, skills, and social support they need to live HIV-free…take a few minutes to watch this video, if it doesn’t move you, perhaps you have no soul.
Tommy Clark (M.D.) founded Grassroot Soccer after having played soccer professionally in Zimbabwe…he witnessed firsthand the devastation of HIV and the unmatched popularity of soccer…and just like that, an amazing thing happened…Clark rallied his like-minded friends with similar experiences-Cofounders Methembe Ndlovu, Ethan Zohn and Kirk Friedrich- and Grassroot Soccer was born…the studs went back to Zimbabwe in 2002 where they developed an interactive soccer-themed HIV prevention curriculum that was first implemented in Zimbabwe in 2003….the results were amazing, they found that the GrassRoot Soccer HIV/AIDS Education Program significantly improved student knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social support related to HIV/AIDS…they also found that students used the knowledge they learned-and teachers were eager to see more ways to sustain the results while becoming more actively involved in the educational process.
Obviously, I’ve opted to run a post without naming a celebrity or celebrity athlete involved…but co-founder Ethan Zohn deserves some love…you may recognize his name if you’re a fan of ‘Survivor’ and have a massive crush on Jeff Probst like I do…but my love for Zohn stems from his passion for helping others…in May, Zohn was diagnosed with a rare form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma-he’s got an excellent chance of defeating it but in the meantime he’s using everything at his disposal to educate others about this disease. On the Grassroot website, he writes: “My compassion for those affected by a life-threatening disease has become more informed as I’ve been faced with this diagnosis. Now I know first-hand what it’s like to get this kind of news, and I can better relate to my friends in Africa faced with their own challenges…it has motivated me even more to help educate others…Cancer and HIV/AIDS are two diseases we have a lot more to learn about. But while we continue search for ways to prevent cancer, we already know what we can do to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
Please visit the Grassroot Soccer website for more info…I couldn’t possibly cover all the amazing things they are doing and have done for Africa’s youth…thank you Grassroot Soccer, for making it much, much more than just a sport.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
David Beckham & Zinedine Zidane Make Footprints
David Beckham & Zinedine Zidane Make Footprints
This weekend, there were a lot of happy kids in El Segundo California as two of the worlds most recognized and sexiest soccer athletes – David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane – helped kick off the ‘Footprint Fields Community Program’ at the Campus El Segundo Athletic Fields. “I’m really excited to be back, and it’s a pleasure for [Zinedine and I] to be here” said Beckham. “Facilities like this give kids a chance to have a safe place to play and will help to grow the game in this country.”
Beckham and Zidane were on hand to help launch ‘a new nationwide community initiative to inspire and enable an American soccer nation’…which in theory sounds great, but in reality? Not so sure…an American soccer nation? I don’t see it happening…if Becks couldn’t kick-start this nations soccer-libido when he came aboard the Galaxy ship, then I’m not quite sure how he and Zidane are going to infuse soul into this initiative…but Becks feels differently. “It’s all about growing the game in this country,” said Beckham. “Kids can come down to these facilities and enjoy themselves, and that sends American soccer in the right direction.”
Maybe the key IS to get Europe’s biggest soccer names and dangle them in front of the next generation…kids were going nuts as Beckham and Zidane stuck their feet into the concrete while announcing the Footprints Fields donation program-granted, the kids were more interested in getting the dirty towels used to clean our Hotties feet after implanting their soles in concrete, but who could blame them, I would have done the same thing-actually, I probably would have pushed a few kids outta the way to get one but that’s another post.
The Footprints Fields program is a collaborative effort by MLS W.O.R.K.S., FieldTurf and adidas to build new turf soccer fields in urban locations and communities all over the country. This year, the program will build fields in communities in New York City, Milwaukee, Seattle, Inglewood, Calif. and Vancouver. “The ‘Footprint Fields’ program is designed to encourage soccer players of all levels and backgrounds to pick up a ball and join 10 friends on the field to play the beautiful game of soccer,” said Patrik Nilsson, adidas America President. “From cleats and balls to uniforms and fields, providing the right equipment and infrastructure is an important way we can inspire and enable an American soccer nation.”
“It’s nice to see the U.S. taking a bigger role in soccer,” said Zidane. “It was good to see the national team do so well in the FIFA Confederations Cup and to beat the Spanish. It proves that soccer in the U.S. is rising to another level. It’s also great to see adidas take such a large role in helping to grow the sport of soccer in the United States…the importance of supporting youth soccer and growing the sport is my passion now that I’m retired from the professional level.”
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Nude Athletes to Row Across the Atlantic for Charity?
Nude Athletes to Row Across the Atlantic for Charity?
I challenge any of our NBA babes or tennis studs to try this…forget fundraising via the usual avenue of celebrity golf-soccer-tennis-whatever and take note of these mighty-mighty fine men…. Two babes from London-Rich Hume and Tom Barnes- are going to take part in ‘The Atlantic Rowing Race’ from the Canary Islands to Antigua…a total of 2,500 nautical miles…to raise money for charity.
The pair will start rowing in November and spend more than two months at sea to help their good friend-James Downie (bottom right)-who is suffering from Ataxia, an incurable neurological condition that has left him in a wheelchair. “As a child, I had 93% curvature of the spine and was told I would not play sports for the foreseeable future,” said Downie “In my own life I’ve shown that with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything.”
Hume and Barnes plan to spend most of their time totally naked to cut down on the chafing caused by clothes rubbing against their skin…sounds like a damn good idea to me…the boys are hoping to raise at least £100,000 to fund vital services and research into the condition. “James and I grew up together so I know how serious ataxia is,” said Barnes, “By taking on this massive challenge we hope to raise awareness and money to help find a cure for the condition…crossing the Atlantic is a lifelong dream of mine, and I’m so pleased we can do this in aid of Ataxia UK.”
Take note ladies-Rich is a personal trainer and was ranked among the top ten in the world at the Triple Iron Man triathlon race in 2008- and both naked rowers have received the backing of England and West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green (above). “I cannot begin to imagine the physical and mental strain Rich and Tom will endure during this challenge,” he said “I wish them both the best of luck.” For more info on soccer stud Robert Green, check out his involvement with raising AIDS awareness in Africa via the Global Giving Projects.
To find out more, sponsor the pair, keep track of their progress or to be the official sunscreen application girl along the route, please visit RowingtheAtlantic.com.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
US Soldiers & The Beautiful Game In Iraq
US Soldiers & The Beautiful Game In Iraq
There are no famous names in this post…no celebrities or smoking hot athletes like Melo, Rafa or our kitten to swoon over…but there are a few heroes and an amazing example of why we call soccer the ‘beautiful’ game.
US soldiers, paratroopers, and platoon sergeants took part in a humanitarian mission in eastern Baghdad, where they- along with civil affairs soldiers- handed out soccer equipment in support of FC Unity, a London-based organization working with Coalition and Iraqi officials in eastern Baghdad to provide the citizens of Iraq a platform for development and education through a series of soccer programs…
And enhancing the mission-US-Iraqi military teams were pitted against different local Iraqi soccer clubs all based in the eastern districts of Baghdad to play a few friendly matches…
God knows our boys need a break. After three US soldiers were killed yesterday in a road-side bomb, I can only hope the beautiful game gave our boys some much needed respite from the larger battle which they are part of.
So this holiday weekend, take a time-out and think about the meaning of Memorial Day. Raise your glass and toast those who have been killed in the line of duty…toast to those who are STILL there…and toast to the fact we have a global sport that can touch so many lives even in the time of war. While I may not support the war, I do support our troops and admire their sacrifice.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend kids…lets bring our troops home soon.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
The Aura’s of David Beckham & Carmelo Anthony
The Aura’s of David Beckham & Carmelo Anthony
Two athletes I wouldn’t mind contracting swine flu from are David Beckham, and of course, Carmelo Anthony. I’ve covered their charity work but today my libido is in dire need of some non-essential objectification of our hotties. After all, this girl can only take so much…
First, Sir Golden Balls-who will be celebrating his birthday this weekend- caught my attention in the new Motorola Aura TV ad…Beckham is hawking the new mobile device, which retails for $2k and has a 62 Carat Sapphire Crystal Lens…
…props to Beckham’s camp for effectively, and continually, using one of the worlds sexiest men to endorse products. If others followed lead, I’d imagine we’d have quite an active ‘stimulus’ plan…speaking of stimulus plans, Carmelo Anthony and his baby blue aura once again have me forgetting my own name.
The Nuggets captured their first playoff series since 1994 after spanking the Hornets 107-86 Wednesday night. After Melo landed a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, he turned toward the camera and screamed, “This is my house.” Dear god this kids gonna be the death of me…what else can I say? His career playoff-high of 34 points is certainly impressive but I can only hope that when the Nuggets play the Lakers (exhibition game) this October in San Diego, I will be sitting courtside, trip him ala Larry David to Shaq on Curb, and have him land smack dab on top of me…If not, then perhaps I’ll finally get word from his PR people (a-hem) that Melo would be thrilled to give me an interview about all his amazing work with the kids. And just for the record, I can, in fact, conduct an interview while handcuffed to a chair.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
David Beckham Taking Aim at Mosquito’s
David Beckham Taking Aim at Mosquito’s
The good peeps from Malaria No More have just launched Malaria No More UK…and in conjunction with the launch, they’ve named Sir Golden Balls- David Beckham, tennis beast Andy Murray and Olympic Gold Medallist Denise Lewis as members of the leadership council for the new campaign.
The trio have pledged their backing for this British extension of a US charity that aims to prevent millions of deaths worldwide…I don’t think I need to remind you that malaria is a preventable and treatable disease-killing one child every 30 seconds in Africa.
“When you think that malaria kills one child every 30 seconds and three times as many under-5s as HIV/Aids, there is a desperate need in increase our understanding and awareness of this disease,” said Sarah Kline, the charity’s executive director.
Beckham: “It’s truly incredible to think we can stop this killer disease forever and it’s such a simple thing to do. For less than the cost of a football you can protect a family from dying. I urge the UK public to get behind the Malaria No More UK campaign to save a life and make malaria no more.”
Murray chimed in: “This is the first global charity I’ve been involved with in this capacity and it was an easy decision. Malaria is completely preventable and stoppable but yet it still kills more children in Africa than any other single disease. We can radically change this, it is a huge opportunity and I’m urging the UK public to help save a life and get behind Malaria No More UK, a truly world-changing and life-saving initiative.”
You know what to do…visit MALARIA NO MORE UK, buy a net, and save a life- it’s as simple as that.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifier Ends With Deaths
Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifier Ends With Deaths
Note-there are some GRAPHIC images in this post. My apologies if it offends any of you. This non-charity related news item that begs our attention-or at least mine. As Didier Drogba and his Ivory Coast played their World Cup Qualifier, fans outside the stadium were being stampeded to death. Granted, this isn’t the first disaster to strike soccer fans, however, it is the first time that I can recall the media printing photos from the stampede- and it really brings it home. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who died while trying to enjoy a beautiful game of soccer.
The good news is that the Ivory Coast won their World Cup qualifier 5-0 against Malawi on Sunday, but the bad news is that 19 people were killed when fans tried to push their way into the stadium.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter offered his condolences and also demanded a full investigation. “I wish to express extreme sorrow and extend our condolences to the Ivorian football community and, most importantly, to family, friends and loved ones following the tragic deaths in Abidjan,” Blatter said in a statement.
The stampede took place at the Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan on March 30. At least 19 people were killed-including children-and more than 130 were badly hurt when hundreds of fans tried to force their way into the stadium during the game.
The cause of the crowd-swell is still under investigation. Government officials are looking into accusations it was caused by non-ticket holders who had bribed their way through security. Some fans are blaming the police, claiming they fired tear gas into the crowd creating panic among those who had nowhere to run.
“We saw people falling from the top bleachers,” said Diarassouba Adama, who was inside the stadium. “The stampede was provoked by the security forces who threw tear gas canisters at us. I don’t know why they fired on us.” Others agree: “My brother left to go to the stadium with his friends. At the entrance, they were attacked by security forces. That’s what set off the stampede,” Momodou Kamara said after identifying the body of his brother.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Europes Hottest Soccer Players Coming to U.S.
Chelsea is Coming! AC Milan is Coming! Inter Milan is Coming!
Team Chelsea, one of the sexiest squads in Euro soccer, is coming to the States for the fifth time in six years-this time, as part of the inaugural World Football Challenge.
And it’s not just news about Chelsea making me squeal, its news that the tournement will host four international squads…Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Club America. The round-robin style tournament will make stops in Palo Alto, Pasadena, my house, Atlanta, Baltimore, Massachusetts, and Texas…with Chelsea playing a friendly on July 18 versus the Seattle Sounders at Quest Field.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon spoke about the teams fan base here in the U.S.: “Coming here regularly has definitely helped us so far. Our fan base over here has more than doubled in the last three years and we are seeing a genuine interest in our team, our club and our brand from people in this part of the world.”
Indeed. It’s not difficult to take a genuine interest when Chelsea’s roster of hot babes include: Captain John Terry, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole, and Salomon Kalou and others…and giving me reason to learn Italian, from Inter we’ve got: Luis Figo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Materazzi and AC Milan babes in serious danger of a chance meeting with me: Ricardo Kaka, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Filippo Inzaghi, Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, and Gianluca Zambrotta to name just a few.
The World Football Challenge begins July 19 where this crazy redheaded blogger will stalk Inter Milan as they take on Club at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, Calif. My next stop will be on July 21 when Chelsea battle Inter Milan at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where you’ll likely find me trying to get into both locker rooms. Once the hotties have escaped California, the tour continues: July 22: AC Milan vs. Club America at Georgia Dome in Atlanta; July 24: AC Milan vs. Chelsea at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore-where I expect Angela to do me proud; July 26: Inter Milan vs. AC Milan at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass.; July 26: Chelsea vs. Club America at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
If you just can’t wait until July to see the hottest soccer players alive, remember, you can catch most of them-and then some- in New York on June 14 for the ‘All Stars for Hope’ celebrity soccer game. This one of the biggest and best events for charity this summer…hope to see you all there!
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
How to Get a Celebrity to Your Event
How to Get a Celebrity to Your Event
Almost everyday someone askes me: “How can I get a celebrity to attend my event?”
Not an easy question to answer, especially with the slumping economy …but from experience, here’s what I’ve learned…The most important thing is to be a registered nonprofit. Most, if not all, athletes and celebrities won’t touch you unless you’re registered. Unfair, maybe. But since 9/11 a plethora of fakers have popped up to ruin it for those who really are out to do good. There’s really no way around this unless, of course, your best friend is a baller and wants to back you. Which brings me to a massive black-eye in the celebrity charity world…athletes and their foundations. Although not exclusive to athletes, many feel the need to put their cousin or girlfriend in charge of their foundation…Oh god-where do I start? I once flew out of state to attend an event for which I was fully-credentialed for, and when I got there, the 20-year-old gum chewing Foundation PR bimbo handed me a general admission ticket and said ‘this is your credential’…after realizing all the lights weren’t on with this girl, I left with an incredibly bad taste left in my mouth about this particular ‘super-star’ athlete-why would he have someone on his payroll who couldn’t differentiate between a media pass and a general admission ticket? All I can say is leave it to the professionals people…I could spout off a list of celebrities/athletes who’s foundations, PR people, publicists and the celeb themselves couldn’t give a hoot about charity, yet put on an incredibly sincere public persona of a ‘giver’. But I won’t name names, they know who they are…it boils down to character and it’s fairly easy to determine who the good guys are after speaking with those in their camp. Birds of a feather remember?
Once you’re registered as a non-profit, and begin looking for a celebrity to attach to the event, the hard work begins. And don’t be shy. Do your research-find out who the celebrities’ agent, publicist and mangers are. Call them. Email them. Can’t find that info on-line? You’re not trying hard enough! The Internet is your friend…research…find other charities your chosen celebrity might be affiliated with and call them if you need to. The most important thing is to not be shy. Be persistent but polite too. If you get a “no thanks” leave it at that and move onto the next. Can’t find out who represents that baseball player you’d like to attend your event? Simply call the team and ask who his rep is! If you’ve got the passion in your soul to help others, someone will step up and help.
More help for those looking for celebrities to attend their events, comes from celebrity events planning companies. Admittedly, I have NO idea of the cost associated with using one, but I can tell you from experience, this may be the best way to go. And the best of the best is Hollywood Knights International.
After attending many, many events, I can say unequivocally, that Hollywood Knights International is one of the best run and most sincere “full-service celebrity events production and promotional firm.”
The company was founded by the Godfather of pairing celebrities with charities- David Mirisch. When David founded the company it was simply called David Mirisch Enterprises. And this was way back in 1973, long before anyone else was luring celebrities to the golf courses for charity. Eventually, David passed the reins to his son Michael, who took over the celebrity basketball team, renamed it Hollywood Knights and just like that, an institution was born.
Currently, the Hollywood Knights are making our troops happy during their annual USO Hawaii Tour, which runs March 16-22…prior to their leaving, I requested to interview them and as they scrambled to pack up gear for the USO Tour, they didn’t brush me off with a “Oh, we’ll talk when we get back” response, but rather-they were excited to share their love for giving-back with my readers.
The full interview can be read on LOOK TO THE STARS…but in part, I asked…
Michael: What was it like to take over as CEO? Growing up with such an incredible role model (David of course) must have been an amazing experience?
“My father is an icon and pioneer in the celebrity fundraising business. He pretty much invented this genre and at 73, he’s still producing events. He is an incredible role model and it’s been a blessing and my good fortune to have him as a father first and foremost, and also a business mentor,” he told me, “He continues to inspire me every single day. I became CEO when I officially took the basketball team under my wing and infused it with young talent that packed the gyms out with screaming fans.”
Current celebrities playing for HKI basketball for the USO Tour include: Aaron Carter (House of Carters); Frankie Delgado (The Hills, Bromance, Keeping up with the Kardashians); Josh Henderson (90210, Desperate Housewives); James Kyson Lee (Heroes); James Lesure (Lipstick Jungle, Las Vegas); Cody Linley (Dancing With The Stars, Hannah Montana); Venom (American Gladiators); Wolf (American Gladiators); and Aaron Yoo (Friday the 13th, Disturbia).
Michael continues: “The majority of the celebrities with whom we work are charitable people in general, and want to give back to the community. It’s not something you can fake,” said Michael, “Most of our events are not paid personal appearances where the stars receive a fee, so when you see a celebrity at a Hollywood Knights event, they are lending their name to the cause itself. We are so grateful to the countless celebrities that have year after year taken the time out of their busy schedules to support our events and the charities that are involved.”
Vicky Mirisch, Director of Marketing/Public Relations for HKI, explained to me the most rewarding aspect of being part of the organization…“That’s an easy question,” she said, “Raising money to help people all over the world through events that incorporate celebrities, fun, and giving back to the community. There is a feeling of incredible satisfaction after every event we produce because we know at the end of the day countless lives are going to change for the better. There is that quote from Emerson that states: “to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.” This quote hangs in our office and we read it every single day. It really sums it all up for us.”
Among the thousands of stars, musicians, and world-class athletes who have devoted their time and influence at Hollywood Knights International events: Frank Sinatra, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Mariska Hargitay, Coolio, David Arquette, Michael Landon, Merv Griffin, Muhammed Ali, Joe Dimaggio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Evander Holyfield, Mark Harmon, Matthew Perry, Tara Reid, Fergie, Backstreet Boys, ‘Nsync, Woody Harrelson, Bruce Jenner, Pat Boone, Mario Lopez, Wilt Chamberlain, Gladys Knight, Sugar Ray Leonard, Olivia Newton-John, Pamela Anderson, Shaquille O’Neal, Tony Hawk, Wayne Gretsky, Jimmy Connors, Mike Tyson, Buzz Aldren, Kevin Sorbo, Boyz II Men, Joe Montegna, Haley-Joel Osment, Judd Hirsch and Cylk Cozart.
Here’s just a sampling of what the Hollywood Knights have planned for this year: The Foothill Aids Project Celebrity Bowling Classic (April 09); Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley Celebrity Golf Classic (May); Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Celebrity Fishing Tournament (May); A.G.Spanos Golf Tournament (June); Cedars Sinai Sports Spectacular at the Century Plaza Hotel, California (June); Byron Scott Foundation Gala Dinner in Century City CA (August); The K.I.S. Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament (Oct).
For more info and a list of all events, please visit:
HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL
Hopefully, I’ve helped some of you out just a little bit? Remember, register as a non-profit; research publicists, agents, managers and PR firms; be persistent yet polite; and most of all, follow your passion. Whether you chose to hire a promotional firm to garner a celebrity, or do all the leg work yourself, it’s a difficult-yet attainable-task and if you remain tenacious, you will eventually land a celebrity or athlete to endorse your event.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Kick for Hope
Kick for Hope
Now this is my kind of event…and its being held in my hometown of San Diego. Kick for Hope is a competitive youth soccer tournament to benefit Africa. Specifically, entry fees will be donated to: Grassroot Soccer; Kick 4 Life, Malaria No More and Charity Water.
The inaugural tournament is being July 11-12, in San Diego…and I’m really hoping some of my readers feel the need to kick in and participate in this worthy event founded by soccer mom Kristen Chandler.
On the Kick for Hope website, Chandler explains how the event came to fruition: “The idea came to me last summer when my son went to Uganda. We were told the children there didn’t want toys, just soccer balls. When I asked my daughters soccer club to help, they provided a generous supply of new balls. This simple act caused me to wonder, ‘What else can we do?’ As a result, I founded Kick for Hope.”
For me, this one is a no-brainer. If you have children who play soccer, wouldn’t you prefer to play in a game where the entry fee goes to buying drinkable water for kids in Africa? Or to be able to explain to your child that his or her goal just saved a life? It’s amazing to me that NOT all games carry this kind of charity twist. Seems like a much nobler goal than just taking home a trophy…
Kick for Hope has an amazing long-term goal to bring this event to other cities throughout the country and eventually evolve into a National KickforHope weekend. And I for one, hope we see this happen.
Please visit the Kick for Hope website for more info on how you can be part of this much needed and timely event.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Steve Nash: Showdown in Nashty Town
Showdown in Nashty Town
My favorite baller, sexy Sun Steve Nash, has more up his sleeve than a basketball. In fact, I’d call the humanitarian a true-cross over athlete. He can land a three-pointer from center court and he can dribble a soccer ball better than Beckham.
If you don’t believe me, get to one of Nash’s charity soccer games. Last year, Nashty’s Showdown in Chinatown (NY) had fans climbing light posts and breaking into buildings just to catch a glimpse of Sir Steve and his roster of hot soccer players and NBA studs. Although the official roster hasn’t been released yet, we can hopefully expect to see some of last years’ participants, which included Thierry Henry, Claudia Reyna, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, Leandro Barbosa, and Baron Davis.
This year, Nash will ‘Showdown’ in three separate cities. Although he was born in South Africa, he was raised in Canada, so he’s including Vancouver in on the action when he ‘Showdowns’ on Sept. 19. Showdown’s will also be held in Los Angeles and New York.
Much more info at the Steve Nash Foundation website.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
David Beckham ‘Buys’ Time on AC Milan
David Beckham ‘Buys’ Time on AC Milan
AC Milan announces that David Beckham will remain with the Rossoneri until June 30
Finally, the saga of where Golden Balls will play has been settled. Our English beast will remain “on loan” to the hot Italian club AC Milan until May 31, the end of the season. While I’m not well versed on contracts etc…I do find it chuckle-worthy to read that Beckham’s ‘on-loan’ status is more like a “pay-to-play” arrangement. He and AC Milan are both shelling out big bucks for Beck’s to kick it Italian style. We don’t know how much Beckham or AC are paying for Becks to remain with the Italian studs, but it’s said to be a “multimillion dollar deal.” The Galaxy originally had Beckham on the chopping block for $10M, but AC apparently thought he was only worth $3M. I do know if I had deep pockets, I too would pay millions to hit the field alongside Maldini, Nesta, Gattuso, Seedorf, Pirlo, Kaka and Inzaghi….
“I’m grateful to both clubs for making this dream come true,” said Beckham, “My family is happy and settled and will remain in LA. The perfect result for 2009 would be for me to help Milan to reach the Champions League and for the LA Galaxy to make the playoffs and win the MLS Cup.”
Sir Golden’s first game with the Galaxy will be July 16 against the New York Red Bulls…but the game I wouldn’t miss goes down on July 19-an exhibition game between (gulp) the aforementioned smoking hot Italian squad (AC Milan) and the Galaxy.
And for all you So-Cal readers chomping at the bit to know who and what team Galaxy is all about, you are invited to join them at the 2009 LA Galaxy Kickoff Luncheon on Thursday March 19 at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel. The event includes lunch and a short program and raises funds for the LA Galaxy Foundation’s charitable endeavors
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
KOBE GIVES MARTA GOOD SOL
KOBE GIVES MARTA GOOD SOL
“It’s big. It’s really big. Not only to have women’s soccer, but to wind up getting the best women’s soccer player in her prime. This is a special moment,” Kobe Bryant on Marta Viera da Silva joining the Los Angeles Sol.
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new soccer star in Los Angeles. In fact, there’s a whole new team, the Los Angeles Sol…and a whole new Women’s Professional Soccer League and the season is about to open.
Women’s soccer got a jump-start last week with a ton of publicity for LA SOL’s version of David Beckham. Her name is Marta and she’s so good, that Kobe Bryant greeted her by helicopter. The 23 year old Brazilian has already played in two Olympic games; was selected as the best player in the world when she was only 20, and led the scoring in the 2007 World Cup where she logged in seven goals to lead Brazil to the final against Germany. “For me the most important thing is to be in a place where the best players in the world are playing and this is what they are trying to do here,” Marta said. “The American League is being considered one of the best in the world, so I had to come now.”
Now, I’ve got faith that Marta is more skilled than Beck’s, however the survival of the League worries me. Beckham didn’t do much for the Galaxy-he was marketed well (which isnt difficult) but Beckham fever was much more about Beckham than it was the sport. Could this be the case with Marta? Time will tell but I for one, hope women’s soccer takes off.
Kobe Bryant is helping spread the word about Marta being the new face of the league. On Thursday at her news conference at the Home Depot Center, the Black Mamba himself arrived via helicopter because Lakers’ practice ran late…he introduced the young spitfire as one of his favorite athletes. “I’m just as excited as anybody here,” Bryant said as he presented Marta with her jersey. “When they told me, that made my whole night.”
Marta also had a memorable night on Friday when Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigos presented Marta a certificate of welcome during the Timberwolves-Lakers game. “In Brazil, basketball is not played very much,” Marta said through a translator. “But now that I’m here in the U.S., I’ll have many opportunities to go.”
The inaugural match is March 29.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Right To Play Soccer
Soccer Babes With A Splash of Tonic Please
Luca-Toni-Peppe-Roni: Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what this is all about, but it’s Luca Toni and it’s Friday and I get to have fun on my blog…Bayern Munich’s sexy Italian striker Luca Toni (L) played ‘table football’ on the world’s largest table against comedian Matze Knop® at the “f.re.e” travel and leisure trade fair in Munich. Seems that Toni is representing Italy at the stand…that’s about all I can figure out about the ‘event’ but it did lead me to this ridiculous video where Knop performs his latest single ‘Numero Uno,’ a bizarre and embarrassing tribute to ‘Luca Toni, pepperoni’…
The Beautiful Game for All
While we have fun with our soccer babes, it’s important to remember the children around the world who don’t get the chance to play the beautiful game. Recently, there was a soccer tournament in Juba (Sudan), which was used to reach out to an entire generation of children who have been traumatized by the civil war. Although the war ended four-years ago, more than half the kids didn’t finish their primary education…as we know, they’ve all got a Right to Play, so let’s not forget to help.
The Right to Play World Cup is planned to take place at Stamford Bride May 22. If you’re like me, then the following info should warm your bones like a topless David Beckham or a knee-sliding post-goal Drogba…
- The Right To Play World Cup is a unique opportunity to live that dream and play on the hallowed turf of one of the world’s biggest football clubs whilst supporting a global sport for development charity working in 23 countries across the globe. We believe that when children play, the world wins! It’ll be a chance for you and 9 of your colleagues to live out your playground fantasies while supporting the valuable work we do with young people around the world. When: Friday 22nd May. Where: Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FA full 5 a-side footy tournament on the pitch with full pitch finals. Form a team of 10 colleagues and compete for the title of Right To Play World Champs. Why: Enjoy a once-in-life time experience of playing at this famous stadium and support the Right To Play aims of providing sport and play programs to vulnerable children. Chelsea Quiz Evening – The World Cup will be followed by an evening’s entertainment at the stadium, with a sports quiz and exclusive sporting prizes.
Basically, you get to play at Stamford Bridge and party like a rock-star with the players while supporting a damn good cause. While I’m not really into running on the field, I’d make an amazing cheerleader or towel girl, so pa-lease, take me with you. RIGHT TO PLAY.
STOP IT
David Beckham can play anywhere he wants…AC Milan or the Galaxy-I don’t care…but good gawd Beck’s…for the love of soccer, stop taking your shirt off and causing me to revert to ‘huh’ instead of ‘charity’.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Soccer Stud Diego Sends Out An SOS
Soccer Stud Diego Sends Out An SOS
Nothing warms my heart like a wickedly fine soccer babe doing good things for needy kids…case in point, Werder Bremen’s Brazilian midfielder Diego has been nominated as ambassador for the SOS Children’s Villages. Hot stuff met kids in the German city of Worpswede yesterday as they celebrated his nomination…SOS Children’s Villages is an international non-governmental social development organisation committed to children’s needs and concerns…located in 132 countries and territories, their activities focus on giving serious love to children without parental care or kids of families in difficult circumstances….for example, you’ll find an SOS Children’s Village in Phuket that was built after the tsunami, and a program in Gaza which is currently helping approximately 900 children!
Check them out at SOS Children’s Villages. It’s a great program that’s really doing some amazing things to improve the lives of children who really, really need help.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Football Charities Ain’t Got Nothing on Futbol Charities
Football Charities Ain’t Got Nothing on Futbol (Soccer) Charities
Go ahead…enjoy the SuperBowl. Yes, there are tons of charity related NFL par-tays going on…but to me, most seem a bit insincere and more geared towards great ‘photo-ops.’ Of course there are exceptions, however, my (football) SuperBowl isn’t about helmets and hot-spots, it’s about voodoo, balls that unify, kids, and some mighty-mighty-fine men.
One of the greatest things about soccer is the global culture that surrounds it. While most of us dislike hooligans, their absence would leave a gaping hole in the stadiums and a lot of ‘police’ outta jobs. Make shift hooligan jails are a staple at World Cup qualifiers and games, so I was really, really bummed to hear RadioShack has bowed out of sponsoring a Mexican newspapers promotion which would have undoubtedly filled a few hooligan-tanks to capacity when they figured out it didn’t work…Mexico is set to play their World Cup Qualifier against the U.S. on February 11…Mexico has not beaten the U.S. on American soil in 10 years (and they wont do it anytime soon), so…an advertisement in the sports daily ‘Record’ invited fans to clip coupons and redeem them at their local Radio Shack store for a voodoo-doll likeness of a U.S. player. The hope was that a little black magic might help Mexico break a decade of futility on the road versus its northern neighbor. (AP photo) An illustration showed a pair of scissors slicing off the leg of a doll in a U.S. jersey; the doll grimaced in pain with its arms covered in bruises, as stuffing leaked from its No. 10 jersey, stuck with pushpins. The newspaper was hoping that soccer fans would watch the match and “apply punishments to our rivals,” giving Mexico an edge to end a decade of winless play versus the Americans on U.S. soil. “Help end the losing streak so Mexico advances,” the ad read.
If voodoo did work the way I’d like it too, I would win the lottery. No, I wouldn’t buy myself a house, or a new car…wouldn’t dare purchase a Prada, pair Jimmy Choo’s or any other pricey luxury good to make myself feel worthy…the first thing I would do? Join the Great Football Give Away…last November, a group of volunteers traveled to some of the most rural parts of Uganda and hand delivered over 3,000 soccer balls and netballs to the kids. And who says money can’t buy love? The organization is teaming up with Alive and Kicking to buy their Zambian made balls which have aids and malaria awareness messages printed on them…they’re using them to spread awareness about malaria-which is the number one killer in the country…And here’s where my lotto winnings would come into play…the Great Football Giveaway is looking for volunteers to organize and run future projects. If you can take a 4-6 month career break, they’ll help you with all the details-including fundraising, project management, putting a team together and hand-delivering the balls yourself to kids in some of the poorest countries of the world…I want to do this BAD so if anyone out there wants my beach front house for four-to-six months while paying for me to travel to Africa and pass out soccer balls to the kids, let me know. (And yes, I’m dead serious.)
Another one of my favorite charity organizations, Right To Play, earned a massive donation from Zdano Chara (Boston Bruins) after winning the NHL’s Hardest Shot Competition at the All Star Weekend in Montreal on January 24th…the mighty fine beast won the competition with an All-Star Record of 105.4MPH and then promptly donated his winnings- $24,000- to Right To Play…too bad the IOC can’t think out side the box…(Wow, Delinda is having a flashback to all the hate-emails I got after ripping the IOC a new one last year…hope ya’all paying attention now.)
“Excluding the athlete-founded, athlete-driven Right To Play from the Athlete’s Village is a firm step backward for the Olympic movement. Right to Play is a humanitarian organization that uses sport to teach children about teamwork, fair play, conflict resolution, self-esteem, communication, commitment, respect and integrity. We firmly believe that this organization improves the lives of children by strengthening their vulnerable communities with the best practices of sport and play. And it creates opportunities to promote development, health and peace. I believe this act of exclusion violates the fundamental values of the Olympic movement.” Adam Kreek, Olympic Rowing Gold Medalist 2008, London, Ont.
What makes me really, really sad-is that this incredibly moving and poignant video has been posted on YouTube for over a year and has only been viewed 3,225 times. What a sad commentary on society…in any case, we may be able to help change that by coming up with a catchy moniker to grab some media attention for them. RTP is running a competition to highlight the studly attempt of a student by the name of Duncan Drew, who will try to run 30 MARATHONS IN THIRTY DAYS this August to benefit Right To Play. This is a world record attempt and will be receiving a lot of media attention…so help ‘em out by coming up with a catchy phrase to garner as much attention as possible for this event. The more support Duncan gets, the happier the disadvantaged children in Africa, Asia and the Middle East will be. What should they call it?
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Celebrity Soccer with Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra, Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Jimmy Jean-Louis and others
Celebrity Soccer: Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra, Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Jimmy Jean-Louis
Saturday afternoon I hit up the Mia Hamm-Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer event at the (beautiful) Home Depot center in Los Angeles. This is the second year Mia’s held the event to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Mia Hamm Foundation- while also encouraging fans to sign up as bone-marrow donors. Last year, the event saved at least one life after they found a donor…during halftime, there were a few tears shed as donors were introduced to recipients…seriously, I even noticed a few celeb’s with wet eyes.
Partial roster of do-gooders kicking it for Hamm: Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives), C. Thomas Howell, Josh Hutcherson, Mark Consuelos (All My Children), Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes), Angus Jones (Two and a Half Men), James Leisure (Lipstick Jungle/Las Vegas), Josh Henderson (90210), Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden, skate-gods Tony Hawk and Ryan Sheckler, and several of Hamm’s teammates from the U.S. National Team including Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett, Tisha Hoch, Abby Wambach and current and former male soccer hotties Cobi Jones, Chris Seitz, Matt Reis, Brian Dunseth and Alexi Lalas.
Love for each and every celebrity who kicked it under the hot sun for Mia’s Foundation and in support of a great cause. Hamm spoke before the event about her motivation: “My foundation started about 1999 and was motivated from my relationship with my brother who passed away in 1997 after complications from a bone-marrow transplant,” she said prior to the game. “For us, we shared a love of sport and I also saw first hand what my parents and his parents had to go through, not just financially, but struggling to find a bone-marrow match, so my foundation-the proceeds go to help families find bone-marrow transplants and also to encourage and empower young female athletes.”
Aside from Nomar and Mia, I’m giving extra love to a few celebrities who I noticed go above and beyond during the day. First time participant, actress Andrea Bowen…girl never stopped smiling or signing autographs for the young fans: “This is my first game and I’m pretty excited that I get to play with all these people. They’re definitely going to have to pull extra weight because I really don’t know what I’m doing but it should be fun and its all for a really good cause”
Next up, Ryan Sheckler, who was simply hoping for a goal. ‘This is actually the first time I’ve ever played soccer. It feels great, it’s going to be a great day. Hopefully I make a goal, my goal is to make a goal today, just one and I’ll go home happy.” Going home happy were the hundreds of prepubescent girls who squealed with delight each time Sheckler inhaled. Proving that you can be young, rich, arrogant and humble at the same time-Sheckler took about 20-minutes to sign autographs while others were on the field warming up.
Tony Hawk-aka Ryan Sheckler in 20-years- also impressed the hell outta me. Hawk went out of his way to sign autographs for a group of screaming fans desperate to meet their hero. I’ve been to a lot of events, and not every celebrity who appears takes extra steps to ensure everyone leaves happy…Hawk is definitely an exception.
Perhaps the happiest participant was Heroes star Jimmy Jean-Louis. Now, don’t kill me kids but I don’t watch the show, so I wasn’t really hip to the Haitian. What I was hip to were his dimples, “It is a beautiful day today and we are going to have a great time.” Indeed. Jean-Louis is one of the busiest celebrity charity advocates I’ve met in a while. He is a member of the celebrity soccer team Hollywood United, which plays tons of charity events, and as a spin off to it, dimples founded his own organization to help the people of Haiti. “I started my own organization Hollywood Unites for Haiti. What I’ve been doing is collecting all the used equipment and going to Haiti to give it to them because they really need this-that’s really how the whole idea of Hollywood Unites for Haiti started. About a month ago, some of us were invited to Haiti-including Josh Brolin and Diane Lane and that was for the opening of a hospital for handicapped, so that was nice and I plan to bring more awareness to Haiti because they really need help.” Since I don’t watch his show and I’ve seen his soccer skills in action- Jimmy Jean-Louis (for purposes of this site) is now classified as an athlete. Much, much, more info about him and his organization to come.
And finally, what was Benji Madden (Good Charlotte) doing with this baby to make it cry? Feeding it a nectarine? Benji ran off the field, took the kid in his arms, baby instantly began crying and then he’s holding a piece of fruit up to it…kinda funny, don’t know if it’s his baby or not because I’m not into celebrity gossip but thought some of you may get a kick out of it.
Here’s a link to most of my photos…Mia Hamm & Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge. Enjoy. And next year, might I suggest you cough up the $20 bucks to be there yourself?
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com