Los Angeles Lakers Center Pau Gasol on one of his frequent visits to St. Jude.

From Friday, March 7, until Thursday, March 13, the NBA and its players, coaches, and staff are participating in Hoops for St. Jude Week, a week-long celebration in appreciation of the outstanding work and research of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the field of children’s cancer and other terminal illnesses. Throughout the week, the NBA Family is using its global media platform – including social media, online, and in-game promotions – to highlight the success St. Jude has had and raise awareness of an extremely important cause. NBA coaches are wearing St. Jude lapel pins during games, and St. Jude ambassadors – players and coaches who support and promote the cause – will use their celebrity along with social media outlets, public appearances, and other opportunities to help raise awareness of the mission and encourage others to contribute.

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Rush co-founder Russell Simmons and actress/hostess Cynthia Nixon.

Last week on Valentine’s Day, actress Cynthia Nixon hosted the third annual Rush HeARTS Education Valentine’s Day Luncheon at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Presented by the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the luncheon served as an opportunity to highlight the philanthropic efforts of some generous celebrities as well as raise funds for the foundation’s educational programs.

Fashion designer Zac Posen, model Alek Wek, and actress Patina Miller were each recognized for their successful careers and their commitment to philanthropic causes; Angela Simmons and designers Dee and Ricky served as event chairs. Other notable attendees were Padma Lakshmi; Robert Verdi; Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler; model Angela Martini; Broadway star Charl Brown; violinist Miri Ben-Ari; and comedian Courtney Davis, along with Russell and Danny Simmons, two of three co-founders of Rush.

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Actor Liam Neeson presenting Vanessa Hardgrave and Joely Richardson with the amfAR Award of Courage.

In celebration of the launch of its “Countdown to a Cure for HIV/AIDS” initiative” aimed at finding a cure for AIDS by the year 2020, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, hosted the star-studded annual amfAR Gala at NYC’s Cipriani Wall Street. Presented by Bulgari and Wells Fargo and produced by Andrew Boose/AAB Productions, the evening served as an opportunity to raise funds for HIV/AIDS research, as well as honor a few outstanding participants in the ongoing fight against the disease.

This year’s amfAR Gala, which included a live auction and words from Chelsea Clinton and amfAR trustee, Harry Belafonte, was wildly successful, raising funds totaling $1.7 million. Actress Vanessa Redgrave and her daughter, Joely Richardson, were both honored with amfAR’s Awards of Courage for their continuing efforts to support amfAR and survive the legacy of their daughter/sister and amfAR trustee, Natasha Richardson. Filmmaker and fashion photographer, Peter Lindbergh, was also honored for his generous contributions.

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On Friday, star NFL players Matt Herzlich and Randall Cobb, of the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, respectively, appeared on Kathie Lee & Hoda on behalf of TODAY, GMC, and Characters Unite to present two young students with a brand new 2014 GMC Arcadia and a four-year college scholarship for each of them. The surprise presentation was promoted in conjunction with the airing of the “NFL Characters Unite” documentary, highlighting stories of NFL players who overcame hardships such as prejudice, bullying, and discrimination on the way to achieving their dreams of football success, which also aired Friday on USA Network and was presented by GMC.

will.i.am and Rosie Perez. Photo courtesy of Live Out Loud LA.

The Avalon in Hollywood, CA, marked the site of the third annual TRANS4M conference and benefit concert in support of rapper-songwriter-producer will.i.am’s i.am.angel foundation. i.am.angel focuses on offering educational opportunities and support to young students that might not otherwise have the resources needed to further their education. will.i.am has already done work for students in his home community of Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, and he is now looking to make a difference in other areas around the country, starting with Detroit, MI.

The concert, which featured musical performances from the likes of Chaka Khan, Sergio Mendez, Bell Biv DeVoe, Biz Markie, Doug E. Fresh, Scarface, Slick Rick, Cody Wise, Leah McFall, and We Are The Future, also saw speeches given by actress-producer-director, Rosie Perez, as well as the host of the evening, will.i.am. In total, the hugely successful gathering raised $2.5 million towards i.am.angel’s cause.

www.iamangelfoundation.org

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