ADMISSION IS A BLANKET – BLANK-FEST COMES TO TORONTO TO HELP HOMELESS
A night of great music during a renowned festival. The cost of admission? A blanket or comforter in any condition. Blank-Fest Toronto will be collecting blankets at the El Mocambo during INDIE WEEKon Thursday, October 14, 2010. The donations will be distributed to Toronto’s Serving Charity to aid the homeless during Toronto’s winter months, which are known for having temperatures well below zero. Those who are homeless run the risk of frostbite and possible death due to overexposure.
2010 marks the 13th Anniversary for the Blank-Fest Concert Series, and this year it is expanding to Toronto with the help of the international festival INDIE WEEK. New York City indie rock veteran Kenn Rowell of The Baghdaddios founded Blank-Fest in 1997, and has since organized the annual NYC fundraiser.
In the past, Rowell says that Blank-Fest NYC has raised more than 6,000 total donations that have been distributed to the homeless in the New York City area and has inspired similar efforts in New Jersey, Manhattan, Montreal and Nottingham, UK. Among the many distinguished artists who have performed at past international Blank-Fests are: Rothberg (EMI), Buddy Cage (Grateful Dead), Marc Rizzo (Soulfly) and Meg Griffin (Sirius Radio).
Blankfest Toronto - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blankfest-Toronto/116868475022196?ref=ts
Blankfest Quebec - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blankfest-Quebec/124607864221341?ref=ts
Steve Nash and Claudio Reyna Announce 2010 Showdown in Chinatown
TWO-TIME NBA MVP STEVE NASH AND TWO-TIME FORMER US WORLD CUP TEAM CAPTAIN CLAUDIO REYNA ANNOUNCE THE 2010 SHOWDOWN IN CHINATOWN
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and Two-Time Former US World Cup Team Captain Claudio Reyna are returning to New York City for the third annual “Showdown In Chinatown.” This year, the event stretches beyond a soccer match, including an exclusive “Friends of the Steve Nash Foundation Brunch” as well as a post-game afterparty, “An Evening of Showdown.”
The event will take place on June 23, beginning with the Friends of the Steve Nash Foundation Brunch at 11 a.m. in New York City. With a small table experience, all guests at the Brunch will enjoy close conversation with Nash and a healthy start to the day. Tickets for a plate at the event are $5,000 per person, a tax-deductible donation to the Steve Nash Foundation (http://www.stevenash.org).
The Showdown In Chinatown, a free-to-the-public soccer match between teams of NBA and professional soccer players, will kick-off later that day at the Nike Fields at Sara D. Roosevelt Park at 6 p.m. The Showdown is graciously sponsored by ICAP, Nike, FIFA Soccer 11 from EA Sports, vitaminwater and Mission Skincare.
The day will culminate with “An Evening of Showdown” – an afterparty and auction hosted by Showdown team captains Nash and Reyna – beginning at 9 p.m. “An Evening of Showdown,” sponsored by ONEHOPE wine and Voli light vodkas, will feature Nash and the other athlete participants will be in attendance. Tickets to the Evening are $500 per person, a tax-deductible donation, with ticket and auction proceeds benefiting the hosts’ charities, the Steve Nash Foundation and the Claudio Reyna Foundation.
To purchase tickets for the “Showdown Brunch” or “An Evening of Showdown” log on to http://www.stevenash.org/showdown.
The June 23 schedule is as follows:
11 a.m. Friends of the Steve Nash Foundation Brunch (location details provided upon ticket purchase)
6 p.m. Showdown In Chinatown (Nike Field, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, East Houston Street between Chrystie Street and Forsyth Street)
9 p.m. An Evening of Showdown (location details provided upon ticket purchase)
This year’s participants will be announced at a later date. Last year’s Showdown athletes included Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns), Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), Grant Hill (Phoenix Suns), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Claudio Reyna (US/Former NY Red Bull), Thierry Henry (France/FC Barcelona), Javier Zanetti (Argentina/Inter Milan), Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), Ryan Babel (The Netherlands/Liverpool), Mathieu Flamini (France/AC Milan), Ivan Cordoba (Columbia/Inter Milan) and Adrian Mutu (Romania/ACF Fiorentina).
The Peace Series event
Here are the Cole’s notes of our storyVote Steve Nash!
If you have a second today, please consider using your facebook/twitter networks to help Steve win the NBA Cares Challenge — go to facebook.com/nba to vote for his Educare project . . . and please spread the word!
Educare is a catalyst for change, bringing best-quality early learning resources to bear on the most at-risk kids and families. With the Buffett Early Childhood Fund and other local collaborators, the Steve Nash Foundation is working to change lives and better communities by providing a center of excellence for Early Head Start- and Head Start-eligible children ages birth to five years, and their families. More about Educare is at educarearizona.org, or stevenash.org.
Vote for Steve today and each day this week! http://apps.facebook.com/fanappz/poll/vote?id=6432
NextAid Presents BIDS BUILD HOPE Online Auction To Benefit Projects on the Ground in Africa May 7, 2010 – May 31, 2010
NextAid, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization harnessing the power of music to affect change in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa, will launch its third annual online auction BIDS BUILD HOPE in honor of World AIDS Orphans Day (WAOD), which happens on May 7th each year. The international auction will kick-off onFriday, May 7, 2010 at 8:00AM EST, and close on Monday, May 31st at 11:00PM EST. The 24-day auction will raise awareness and funds for NextAid’s current projects: the Kawangware Vision Center in Kenya, and the goGogetters program in South Africa. NextAid continues its mission to promote and implement sustainable solutions to the challenges facing African children. WAOD is a grassroots campaign advocating for the 15 million children orphaned by AIDS around the world. Learn more and start bidding on May 7th atwww.biddingforgood.com/bidsbuildhope.As in past years, the 2010 auction items reflect NextAid’s strong foundation within the dance music community and commitment to sustainable and “green living.” Highlights of the auction include the Richie Hawtin Gear Package (supported by Native Instruments, Ableton, and Minus), several DJ tutorial and music education classes from Dubspot, and an unforgettable cruise for two aboard the infamous Groove Cruise. Other donors include NextAid supporting artists such as Louie Vega, DJ Rap, Barbara Tucker, Samantha James, DJ Colette, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, and Joey Barnes; music companies including Putumayo Records, OM Records, ESDJCO, and M-Audio; clubs and promoters such as Cielo in NYC, Electric Pickle in Miami, and supperclub, Afro Funké, and Ben Annand’s Tropical in LA; green businesses like Natural High Lifestyle, Strange Invisible Perfumes, Jeffrey Levin Jewelry, andNau; and dining/entertainment packages provided by Bodega Wine Bar, Nook Bistro, Ben Gleib of Chelsey Lately, and the Hollywood Improv. Items will continue to be added to the catalog throughout the auction. Promotional partners and sponsors include Love Fatigues, Fusicology, URB Magazine, The MML, Flux Summit, Causecast, Big Up Magazine, Nu-Soul Magazine, and Green Galactic.
Whether you know him as PLASTIKMAN, F.U.S.E., Circuit Breaker, or simply, Richie Hawtin – there is no questioning the influence that this legend has had on the modern electronic dance music scene. With constant innovations in sound and technology, Richie Hawtin’s creations achieve exactly what electronic music was intended for: overcoming the limitations of language and space to bring people together from across the globe. This Canadian DJ’s groundbreaking, world-renowned performances often incorporate custom-designed visuals, audio controllers and effects to increase the potential of what can be achieved musically and visually through technology. NextAid is excited to offer the opportunity for someone to step behind the booth and into this unique visionary’s shoes with the auctioning off of the Richie Hawtin Gear Package. The heavily (but lovingly) used equipment from his 2008 season may help a lucky bidder catch a bit of Hawtin’s genius, but more than anything, it’s a chance to own a piece of electronic music history. The package includes: Rimowa Topas Cabin Trolley, (2)Native Instruments Audio 8 DJ interface, Native Instruments Maschine, (2) Allen & Heath Xone 1D Controllers, Roland EV-5 Foot Pedal, Midi Solutions Pedal Controller, Allen & Heath Xone DJ Headphones, international power adapter
DJ P-Plus Presents Hoopin 4 Haiti – Charity Video Game Tournament
On Thursday April, 29th, 2010 join award winning DJ P-Plus, Devo Brown and Jeni from the New FLOW 93.5 and T-Rexxx from 1 Love T.O. as they host Hoopin’ 4 Haiti, a gaming tournament and fundraising initiative in support of Haiti relief. The tournament takes place in the trendy Queen West open concept venue, Studio 99. Hoopin’ 4 Haiti targets young professionals who are socially conscious and technologically savvy.
The tournament will feature the hottest video game in the sporting genre, NBA2K10. The champion will walk away with a grand prize and the fulfillment of knowing they have contributed towards a worthy cause. There is a $50 entry fee for the tournament, which guarantees two games for each player over the age of 18. Non-competitors are welcome to join the party and enjoy food, music and on-site silent auction.
Hoopin’ 4 Haiti has garnered the support of many of P-Plus’ celebrity guests and noteworthy DJ’s Starting from Scratch, Agile, Deuce, Spoonz Charlie Brown, Wrispect, Jason Chambers, Flatline, Ononymous and Lissa Monet will provide entertainment throughout the tournament. With the support of Playground Gaming and the New FLOW 93.5 FM, the event aims to inspire and bring hope to those suffering from this natural disaster.
About the Cause
The recent devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010 has called on the global community to offer their support and money towards rebuilding a country in desperate need. Award winning DJ, P-Plus, has vowed to play a practical role in assisting with Haitian relief efforts. He has chosen to embark on a journey to Haiti with the grass-roots organization, Third World Awareness (TWA).
Sky’s The Limit delivers 2000th computer!
We are proud to announce that Brittiany was the 2000th recipient of an STL laptop on April 9th, 2010. Below, Brittiany describes how not having a computer was impacting her life and school work:
“My name is Brittiany, and I am an honour roll student attending Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario! I am currently in my last year of high school and intend on graduating with double honour.
However, my educational journey has been a trying one, as I am currently without a computer. I have struggled on numerous occasions trying to find different ways to access a computer, just so I wouldn’t lose any marks because my work wasn’t typed. I have also not been able to keep up with many class assignments, and have been at a disadvantage when I am assigned a task, as these tasks all require a computer.
I have now also come to the realization that university is not going to be any easier than high school and in fact, having a computer is a definite must for all students. I cannot imagine not having access to a computer for my future endeavors as an athlete, mediator, singer, poet, and so much more. As our world becomes more and more dependent on technology, it is evident that eventually I would have been left behind whilst attempting to hand write my work.
STL has given me a tool that has played a large role in being the first in my family to attend university and make my family proud. My heart is filled with gratitude.”
STL relies on the kindness and generosity of our community and corporate donors. Donating to STL is quick and easy!
CREDIT CARD- Secure online donations and pre-authorized monthly payments may be made through CanadaHelps.org
CHEQUE- Please make cheque payable to: Sky’s the Limit Youth Organization,20 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 230 Toronto, ON M4P 1A9
IN KIND- We accept donations of items, and in some cases can provide tax receipts for them. Please call (416) 350-8888 or email stlcoordinator@gmail.com
Sky’s the Limit is dedicated to addressing the widening digital divide in Canada by providing students with access to the tools and resources they need to pursue the infinite opportunities and possibilities available to them.
Core value – STL provides services to all under-resourced youth regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs or sexual orientation…”Everybody’s kids or nobody’s kids”
Jamie Hector is Moving Mountains
As you may know, Moving Mountains Inc. is a Brooklyn based 501c3 Non Profit Organization founded by Jamie Hector, a well respected actor best known for his roles on HBO’s The Wire and NBC’s HEROES. Jamie was born and raised in Brooklyn and wanted to create opportunities that specifically target urban youths interested in the performing arts and to provide creative development and a platform for them to showcase their talents. His original goal was to create a theater company where youths could strengthen and showcase their talents while instilling in them, life skills that build character. However, because of the growing number of participants from the surrounding boroughs, Moving Mountain has blossomed into a more diversified organization with a theater company, a film division, music division, and a dance and personal development component that focuses on individual needs, be it academic, health, etc. Steve’s In the Race!
Steve Nash is joining Athletes for Hope “Who Gives? Racing for a Cause” campaign, featuring 55 other athletes in a competition to find out who can do the most good. In support of the Steve Nash Foundation, he’ll be going head-to-head from now until January 15th in a race for the grand prize of $10,000 and much more.
Steve’s a tough competitor, but he can use your help getting as many new donors involved and existing donors excited; for as little as $10 anyone can help the Steve Nash Foundation bring quality early learning opportunities to at-risk children.
Steve’s project page can be found at http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/steve-nash-for-educare-arizona/ ( http://bit.ly/4ZBG4Y ) where you can donate and learn more about Educare Arizona, the initiative Steve is supporting. In order to win the race, Steve will need all the support he can get, so please share this with your family, twitter, facebook friends, and the good people you know, and ask them to help, too. At the bottom of Steve’s project page ( http://bit.ly/4ZBG4Y ), there are widgets available for free download, or you can forward this email on . . . and on . . . and on.
Thanks for your assist!
Kardinal Offishall Charity Gala
In 2009,DJ AM Memorial Fund Auction
Shirt #1: Eric B. & Rakim
Album: Paid in Full
Year: 1988
” I don’t know the rarest one I own but I’ve never seen another Eric B & Rakim – Paid in Full shirt. Nas saw me in it and seemed almost pissed like ‘how come that’s not mine?’ ” – DJ AM
We’re starting off this new section in style! In honor of AM’s efforts for those struggling with addiction we’re auctioning off this extremely scarce vintage tee. We’ve had it stashed away for a while and can’t think of a more fitting way to let it go. 100% of the proceeds will go to AM’s Memorial Fund.
Check out the auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230401068629
Sky’s the Limit Youth Organization
Dear friend of Sky’s the Limit,
As the holiday season approaches, the STL team extends our warmest wishes to you and your family. Thank you for your support!
As our thoughts turn to holiday gift giving, I would like to remind you that STL offers great gift ideas. There are 3 ways to give this year.
1) Purchase a laptop for a youth in need for only $299!
2) Put a laptop on “layaway” for a youth in need – only $25 per month!
3) Make a one-time gift of any amount!
Buying a gift for a loved one? We will send you a gift certificate for them.
http://www.stlonline.org/
THINK PINK! EA SPORTS COMPLEX SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAUSE
100% of the Proceeds from Virtual Apparel Sales
Go to the Brees Dream Foundation
In support of national breast cancer awareness month, an exclusive breast cancer awareness apparel package is now available at the EA SPORTS Complex within Sony’s PlayStation Home. This limited offer apparel package consists of male and female football jerseys which will be sold for $2.00 each. The jerseys will be available for purchase from October 15th through November 11th. The primary color of the jersey will be black with a pink number 9 on the front and the name “Brees” on the back panel. All proceeds from the purchase of these specially designed jerseys will go to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ charity, Brees Dream Foundation in support of breast cancer awareness.
one x one charity event featuring Mary J Blige this Saturday night…
This Saturday Night a very special event is happening at the Koolhaus for the OnexOne Charity gala
This is a star studded event that happens annually with proceeds going to charity.
I have been asked to send this out to those that may be interested.
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
Event details are below.

North by Northeast (NXNE) presents the fourth annual Put The Boot In charity soccer match Sunday, June 20, 2010 in support of Right to Play.