Fundraisers.com: People Blog

David Copperfield: Project Magic

2006-03-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

Project Magic is a program designed to give the gift of magic to people with various physical, psycho-social and developmental disabilities. People of both sexes and every age, regardless of their handicap, can successfully become involved in the program. It is of benefit to people with a variety of diagnoses, such as those with arthritis, spinal cord injury, brain injury, drug and alcohol abuse, chronic pain and learning disabilities.

More info on Project Magic from USA Today

Leonardo DiCaprio: Tree People

2006-04-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Leonardo is involved with Tree People and his own Foundation to spread awareness of the environment.

Established in 1998, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has actively fostered awareness of environmental issues through participation with such organizations as Natural Resources Defense Council, Global Green, USA, the International Fund For Animal Welfare, and National Geographic Kids, to name a few.

The Foundation places particular emphasis on the issues of global warming, alternative and renewable energy sources, and the preservation of the planet's amazing biodiversity. TreePeople and the Foundation, along with Tree Muskateers joined forces to promote the incorporation of trees into urban neighborhoods and also to help reforest the decimated Southern California Mountains.

TreePeople's mission is to inspire the people of Los Angeles to take personal responsibility for the urban forest - educating, training and supporting them as they plant and care for trees and improve the neighborhoods in which they live, learn, work and play.

Oprah Winfrey: Oprah's Angel Network

2006-03-15T22:35:00.000-08:00

Oprah's Angel Network is dedicated to inspiring people to make a difference in the lives of others. Oprah's Angel Network seeks to support and fund organizations and individuals dedicated to assisting people with basic human needs, regaining dignity, and with educational initiatives.

Since it began in 2000, Oprah's Angel Network has given 50 Use Your Life Awards, built over 200 homes through Habitat for Humanity, and awarded over 100 scholarships, two within in each state in the U.S., through The Boys and Girls Club of America.

Cory Lidle: 1972-2006

2006-10-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

We are sad to report that Cory Lidle, pitcher for the New York Yankees died today in a plane crash in New York City. Over the past two years, Cory teamed up with the Make A Wish Foundation to hold an annual Charity Poker Tournament to raise funds to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Cory and his family members are in the prayers of all of us at the Community of Giving.

Anjelica Huston and Anthony Edwards: Project Angel Food

2006-04-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Anjelica Huston & Anthony Edwards both support Project Angel Food's mission to nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses.

The Project Angel Food Program delivers free and nutritious meals prepared with love. They act out of a sense of urgency because hunger and illness cannot wait. Project Angel Food was founded by Marianne Williamson in 1989.

David Einhorn: A Helping Hand For Parkinson's Research

2006-09-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

David Einhorn is a 37 year old philanthropist and hedge fund manager from New York who happens to play poker. David surprised many in the poker community when he announced that regardless of where he finished, he would be donating 100% of his WSOP earnings to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The amount of his donation was determined when Einhorn busted out in 18th place, good for $659,730. As for playing for charity, Einhorn said it helped him deal with the pressure of the tournament immensely. He stated, "I think playing for the cause helped me relax."

One of Einhorn's most striking characteristics was the sweatshirt which he wore throughout the tournament. The plain blue sweatshirt, featuring painted handprints from his wife and children, was a Father's Day gift. Explaining why he wore it, he said, "I think in poker, you need to have some good hands, and I brought all my best hands with me to try to do a good job."

Einhorn is a board member of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which he joined after he met Fox less than a year ago. Einhorn's grandfather had Parkinson's, and he is looking forward to hosting a big benefit to raise money for the cause in New York in November.

For more on the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research, see our Cause Celeb Feature on Michael J. Fox

Giving Celeb, Scott Sullivan Raffles Dream Date!

2006-06-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Some lucky woman will win a Dream Date with Scott Sullivan, one of People Magazine's Hottest Bachelors of 2006, it was announced this morning on FOX 5 Live. For a $30 tax-deductible purchase of a raffle ticket from now through July 9, 2006, women become eligible to win a number of prizes, including the Grand Prize Dream Date with Sullivan, which includes a spa day, a limo ride, dinner and dancing. The winner will be announced on FOX 5 Live, Monday, July 10.

The raffle will raise much needed funds for Corps of Compassion, the non-profit charity Sullivan co-founded with his business partner, fellow Las Vegan Joelle Jarvis. Corps of Compassion has helped tens of thousands of victims of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath including thousands living in the Las Vegas area. The Corps has recently expanded its mission to provide backpacks of ready-to-eat meals for school age children who will otherwise go hungry.

Read about the contest and find out how to enter on the... Scott Sullivan Page.

Rosie O'Donnell: For All Kids Foundation

2006-03-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

Rosie's For All Kids Foundation was created in 1997, to provide financial support for non-profit programs serving economically disadvantaged and at-risk children and their families.

Since inception, RFAK has helped thousands of children across the country through grant awards to high-quality child care and early education programs. The focus has been on center-based programs serving primarily low-income children in major urban areas where many families struggle to find quality child care and early education programs. Through these programs, young children have acquired the confidence, knowledge and skill they need to succeed.

Tom Hanks: ONE Campaign

2006-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

ONE is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans- one by one- to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE is students and ministers, punk rockers and NASCAR moms, Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life, united as one to help make poverty history. ONE believes that allocating an additional one percent of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world's poorest countries. ONE also calls for debt cancellation, trade reform and anti–corruption measures in a comprehensive package to help Africa and the poorest nations beat AIDS and extreme poverty.

Mike Sexton: The Million Dollar Man

2006-08-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Poker player, Mike Sexton won a cool million at the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, and he gave half of it to charity. He's not alone... There are plenty of other Poker players who are lending a helping hand with every hand they're dealt on the playing tables. Read about them on the...

GIVING Page

Donovan McNabb: Donovan McNabb Foundation

2006-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Donovan McNabb Foundation was established in June 2000 by McNabb in honor of his close family members that have been diagnosed with diabetes. Donovan started his foundation so that he could help provide awareness and improve the lives of those that suffer from diabetes, as well as the families of those who have diabetes.

Over 15 million people in the United States alone have diabetes, but nearly 5 million people are unaware that they have contracted the disease. Preventative measures, however, can reduce the possibility of the spread of diabetes. These preventative measures include educating, regular exercise, controlled diet, and regular checkups by a doctor.

For more Giving Athletes, see the FundRaisers.com... GIVING Page

Billie Jean King: Women's Sports Foundation

2006-07-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Women's Sports Foundation is an educational nonprofit (501(c)(3) charity) organization founded in 1974 by tennis legend Billie Jean King so that girls following in her footsteps would not have to face the barriers she faced playing sports. The foundation is designed to advance the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity.

For more Giving Athletes, see the FundRaisers.com... GIVING Page

Remembering Red Buttons

2006-07-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

I never had the pleasure of meeting Red Buttons, but he made an impact on my life. Sayonara is one of my favorite movies. It taught me a lot about compassion and equality. He had a remarkable career. But when I read about Red in the news reports about his passing, I was even more impressed by how much he accomplished for charity.

Red served as an honorary reserve officer for the U.S. Army Reserve and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. His tireless work for the City of Hope earned him a "Spirit of Life Award". He was also awarded a lifetime achievement "Suzie" from the Eddie Cantor Foundation, and was named "Mr. Wonderful" at the 49th annual ball of the Thalians, Hollywood's original celebrity charity. On the old Dean Martin roasts, Red was famous for his "never got a dinner" routine... I'm glad that he was recognized himself for his charitable work.

Thanks, Red.
Annie Van Bebber

Jeff Gordon: The Jeff Gordon Foundation

2006-07-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

For four time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, victory lane is the place where hard work, determination and experience have combined for an amazing number of wins. Off the track, Jeff seeks to help children and their families gain their own victories over chronic and often debilitating illnesses through The Jeff Gordon Foundation.

Established in 1999, The Foundation primarily provides support for four designated charities, also offering support on a case by case basis for other charitable organizations. Overcoming serious illness is the biggest victory of all, and The Jeff Gordon Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to work with courageous children and their families.

Bill Clinton: The William J. Clinton Foundation

2006-07-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

The mission of the William J. Clinton Foundation is to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. To advance this mission, the Clinton Foundation has developed programs and partnerships in the following areas: Health Security, Economic Empowerment, Leadership Development and Citizen Service, and Racial Ethnic and Religious Reconciliation.

Through generous donations, the Clinton Foundation has been able to dramatically lower the cost of HIV/AIDS medication and tests, has helped countries scale up treatment, and has begun to bring quality healthcare to the world's children and those in rural areas.

Paul Newman: Newman's Own

2006-06-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Paul Newman donates all his profits and royalties after taxes from his Newman's Own brand to educational and charitable purposes. He has given over $200 million to thousands of charities since 1982. One of the causes closest to his heart is a camp for children with life threatening diseases.

Prize Closet: Gifts For Giving Moms

2006-06-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

What's Inside The
Fundraisers Prize Closet?

Gifts For Giving Moms!
Do you know a Giving Mom? Tell us about her and she might win a wonderful prize from the FundRaisers.com Prize Closet!

In 100 words or less, tell us about a Giving Mom in your community who tirelessly volunteers to serve others and deserves to receive one of the three prizes in our Prize Closet. We will choose three Giving Moms to be honored in a feature article published on Fundraisers.com, a humble, yet heartfelt honor for a deserving Mom.

The deadline for submissions is July 31st, so get your entry in soon! To enter a Giving Mom, please see the Fundraisers.com... PRIZE CLOSET PAGE.

Thanks to our Prize Closet sponsors...

Emeril Legasse: The Emeril Legassi Foundation

2006-06-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation seeks to inspire, mentor and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive and creative individuals. The foundation supports and encourages programs creating developmental and educational opportunities for children within communities where Emeril's restaurants operate.

Jane Seymour: American Red Cross

2006-05-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Jane Seymour has just been named as a member of the new Celebrity Cabinet with the Red Cross. Already active in philanthropic endeavors here and abroad, Ms. Seymour's involvement with the Red Cross will help educate those around the globe on the importance of Red Cross services. She is in charge of encouraging children in schools across the US to donate $1 for vaccinations in lesser-developed countries around the world. $1 covers the cost of 1 child's vaccination, so each child who donates will be paying to vaccinate another child.

Other charities that Ms. Seymour supports are: ChildHelp USA, City Hearts, National Children's Advocacy Center and The Reeve Irvine Research Center.

Courteney Cox-Arquette: Camp Laurel

2006-04-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

Camp Laurel provides hundreds of children living with HIV and AIDS an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while forming support groups with their peers. For the first time, children realize that they are not alone in their fight against AIDS.

Andre Agassi: The Andre Agassi Foundation

2006-04-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Founded in 1994 by professional tennis player Andre Agassi, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk children in Southern Nevada.

Since its inception, the Foundation has supported more than 20 organizations and raised more than $60 million for programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities. Because all of the Foundation's operating costs are underwritten, every penny raised goes directly towards improving the lives of at-risk youth.

Elizabeth Taylor: AIDS Causes

2006-03-15T23:51:00.000-08:00

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation was founded in 1991 by Elizabeth Taylor to provide funding to organizations providing critically needed support services for people with HIV/AIDS, prevention services and education for populations most in need. Since its formation, ETAF has distributed more than $8 million to AIDS organizations around the world.

amfAR's mission is to prevent HIV infection and the disease and death associated with it and to protect the human rights of all people threatened by the epidemic of HIV/AIDS.

Kathie Lee Gifford: Children's Charities

2006-03-15T23:52:00.000-08:00

Childhelp USA exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children. We do so by focusing our efforts in the areas of treatment, prevention, and research.

The Cody Foundation is a non-profit organization in the memory of Cody Hulst to benefit young children facing cancer and other life threatening diseases.

The Association to Benefit Children (ABC) was created to help poverty stricken children and their families.

Sting: The Rainforest Foundation

2006-03-15T23:49:00.000-08:00

Around the world, there are millions of people living in rainforests whose livelihoods and cultures depend on their natural environment. In many cases, the basic rights of these people are threatened or undermined by forest destruction, land theft and resource exploitation.

The Rainforest Foundation believes that the long-term protection of rainforests and the rights of indigenous communities to land, life and livelihoods, are inextricably linked. All its projects are undertaken collaboratively with local indigenous peoples or non-governmental organizations.

Barbra Streisand: The Streisand Foundation

2006-03-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

Each year, The Streisand Foundation contributes to a wide variety of causes. The following list represents some of these charitable foundations.

Natural Resources Defense Council: Safeguarding the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the systems on which all life depends.

National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund: A grassroots effort to eradicate breast cancer through action and advocacy.

Institute for America's Future: Elaborating the message, policy initiatives, and critiques essential to a progressive economic and social agenda.

Human Rights Campaign Foundation: The largest national gay and lesbian advocacy organization, with more than 560,000 members.

Center for Public Integrity: Providing investigations and analyses by talented, responsible journalists to the American public.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Conducting research and analysis on a broad range of government policies and programs, with an emphasis on those affecting low and moderate income Americans