Celebrity
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Match $1 Million in Red Nose Day Donations Made on Facebook
Published
9 years agoon
NEW YORK, (FNN NEWS) — Today, Comic Relief, the nonprofit behind Red Nose Day, announced that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match up to $1 million in donations to Red Nose Day’s US campaign through Facebook’s range of charitable giving products. The joint effort enables people across the country to double the impact of their donation to Red Nose Day in the US, which supports programs that keep children safe, healthy and educated here in the United States and abroad.
Red Nose Day is all about coming together to have fun and make a difference for children in need. Red Nose Day supporters can take advantage of the match in a number of ways using new and existing Facebook products:
- Set up a Facebook fundraiser for Red Nose Day USA and encourage friends to donate.
- Use #RedNoseDay or #NosesOn in posts to prompt the option to add a donate button (text posts only).
- Go live on Facebook from a smartphone and add a donate button for Red Nose Day.
- Donate directly to the campaign from the Red Nose Day USA page.
- Support friends’ Facebook fundraising efforts for Red Nose Day USA by making a donation.
Facebook users launch their own personal fundraisers at https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/rednosedayusa, or make a donation at facebook.com/rednosedayusa.
Richard Curtis, founder of Red Nose Day, said, “The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been a completely key partner of Red Nose Day and it’s so wonderful to have their continued involvement this year. With the Foundation’s match and Facebook’s innovative fundraising tools, it’s now easier than ever for people across the country to get involved and help raise money that will truly save and change children’s lives.”
Rob Rosen, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said, “Donating money should be meaningful and fun. Red Nose Day is both. We’re excited to partner with Comic Relief and Facebook to reach as many people as possible to inspire them to join us in ending child poverty.”
Janet Scardino, CEO of Comic Relief, said, “Facebook’s latest donation and fundraising tools are the ultimate way to let our fans be our fundraisers. We see Red Noses all across social, and now Facebook has made it easy to turn that into a new and personal way to give.”
The 2017 Red Nose Day campaign runs from now through Red Nose Day (Thursday, May 25) and everyone can get involved. Buy and wear a Red Nose, available exclusively at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores nationwide, take on a fundraising challenge and share personal stories of involvement on social media to encourage others to make a difference for children in need using #RedNoseDay and #NosesOn.
On Thursday May 25, tune into NBC for a special night of Red Nose Day programming in support of the charity featuring: “Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day” (8 p.m. ET); “Running Wild with Bear Grylls for Red Nose Day” (9 p.m. ET), featuring Julia Roberts in Kenya; and the third annual “Red Nose Day Special” (10 p.m. ET). The three-hour primetime block will both entertain viewers and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in need here at home and around the world.
Follow Red Nose Day on social media @RedNoseDayUSA.
SOURCE | Comic Relief, Inc.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
