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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PARADE IN LOS ANGELES FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

Austin Tang — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:41:24 +0000

DAVID MACKENZIE, JEANNIE YI AND MS MA, EXECUTIVE PROCEDURES RECEIVES ACCLAIM FROM ALL

Love it…you all deserve it ..its a big job, Lucky Me, when Assistant Manager at TVCITY CBS 72 to 75 worked on the Rose Parade…, so I my Congratulations is professional and plain old fun and Good News…we will post on all our media…

Congratulations

The Hollywood Christmas Parade Is A Welcome Tradition On The CW

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – (L-R) Dean Cain, Laura McKenzie, Erik Estrada, Elizabeth Stanton, and Montel … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

Sometimes you can go home again, which for The CW came in the form of The 91^st Hollywood Christmas Parade. It aired on the broadcast network Friday, December 15.

A Tinseltown staple for over nine decades, The Hollywood Christmas Parade, in simple terms, is an indelibly American tradition. More specifically, it is a celebration of life, which is synonymous with love and support, and fun and escape. It is a gathering of like-minded individuals, all co-existing within a celebratory and charitable community spirit. It is a reminder, via The CW and producer Associated Television International, that tradition still matters (even following a reported shift in viewer preference and behavior). And, The Hollywood Christmas Parade is another reason why the linear broadcast model can still be beneficial.

Based on the fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen, an additional 164,000 viewers tuned in versus the network’s week-ago time period average. That was an increase of a hefty 43 percent.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Atmosphere during the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

Historically…

The Hollywood Christmas parade began in 1928 under the name, The Santa Claus Lane Parade. Excluding 1942 to 1944, when World War II broke out, and during the pandemic in 2020, it has run every year. The parade was the idea of businessman Harry Blaine and the Hollywood Boulevard Association, and the plan at the inception was to draw more holiday season shoppers to the area, which was being promoted as the “world’s largest department store.”

The first Grand Marshal of The Hollywood Christmas Parade was veteran comedian Joe E. Brown in 1932.

In 1946, western star and singer Gene Autry was inspired to co-write the holiday classic Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) after riding his horse in the parade where crowds of spectators chanted those very words.

In 1978, the annual event was renamed The Hollywood Christmas Parade, which coincided with a shift to its scheduling from Thanksgiving Eve to the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

This year, the emphasis of the parade was widened in focus to communities in celebration of the unsung heroes that have made a positive impact.

“We thought it was more important than ever to emphasize the community spirit,” said Laura McKenzie, who co-hosted with Dean Cain, Erik Estrada, former talk show host Montel Williams, and Elizabeth Stanton (World’s Funniest Animals).

“These are particularly trying times and we must stand together and honor all the people who have committed acts of bravery or self-sacrifice, but have not been celebrated or recognized,” noted McKenzie. “This parade truly defines a unified spirit and positive hope for the future. It is a time to come together and simply celebrate.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: (L-R) Laura McKenzie, Erik Estrada, and Elizabeth Stanton speak … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

Flash to the present, and the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, which benefited the Marine Toys for Tots charity, took place on Sunday, November 26 and ran for three miles along Hollywood Boulevard, Orange Street, Vine Street, and Sunset Boulevard. This year, U.S. Army Col. Paris D. Davis had the honor of being the Grand Marshal for Hollywood Christmas Parade.

“I am honored and very grateful to be chosen as Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade,” said Col. Paris D. Davis in a statement. “I am especially pleased that this wonderful annual tradition raises awareness of the important work that Marine Toys for Tots are doing to bring gifts and holiday cheer to those less fortunate.”

On March 3, 2023, Col. Davis received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June, 18 1965 during the Vietnam War when he led a group of South Vietnamese forces and American soldiers during a nighttime raid and rescued several injured soldiers on the battlefield (while suffering several gunshot wounds himself). The Medal of Honor, created during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, is our country’s highest military award, recognizing gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.

“The parade also brings goodwill to people from all walks of life throughout the world,” added Col. Davis. “It’s a good reminder about what America stands for, who we are, and all that we can accomplish when we come together.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Colonel Paris D. Davis (C) rides in a car during the 91st … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

Marine Toys for Tots

Founded in 1947, Marine Toys for Tots delivers, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming “responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens.” It began as a charitable event in Los Angeles and, in 2022, raised a reported (and unprecedented) 24.4 million toys, books and games, among other items, to a reported 9.9 million children.

In recent years, Marine Toys for Tots has expanded to support children and families in need throughout the year.

“We have been with The Hollywood Christmas Parade for about a decade now, and it is extremely beneficial for us in exposing our brand and our mission,” said General James B. Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “The Toys for Tots program started in Christmas of 1947 when a group of reserve marines in Los Angeles got together and decided they wanted to do something to help economically disadvantaged children and their community. Many of those children were war orphans. When the word got out, it started spreading and by 1948 almost all reserve units had a similar program.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – (L-R) Montel Williams, Chris Cocks, CEO of Hasbro, Laura McKenzie, James B. … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

In an interesting footnote, Bill Hendricks, who worked in the film industry, was the commander of the reserve unit that started Marine Toys for Tots. After he met the legendary Walt Disney and told him about the initiative behind the program, it was Disney who came up with the name Toys for Tots and the three little train cars in the logo.

There are two arms of the Marine Toys for Tots. The first is the Marine Core Reserves, who do the so-called “heavy lifting” during the holiday season. The second is the foundation that works year-round to oversee the logistics and the fundraising. Once General Laster took over the foundation in January 2020, the year-round literacy program was expanded to include the charity arm outside of just Christmas.

“Our new theme is a ‘year-round force for good,’ which includes a foster child program,” noted General Laster. “And The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a wonderful venue to educate and inform the American people and the public about what we do.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – Marines for Toys For Tots pose wit James B. Laster and Chris Cocks, CEO of … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

The 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Marines for Toys For Tots attend the 91st anniversary of the … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

An estimated 5,000 participants were in attendance for the annual parade festivities to witness a roster of celebrities, parade performers, bands, cars, colorful floats, equestrians, and larger-than-life character balloons. Among the celebrities and dignitaries at the parade were Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; singer Dwight Yoakum; the pop group Aly & AJ; actors Brandon Routh, Ming-Na Wen, Denise Richards, Chris Kattan, Deidre Hall, Taytana Ali, Ernie Hudson, Andrew Walker and Craig Robinson; and singer and dancer Paula Abdul, who was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Paula Abdul speaks during the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

“Change can be good, particularly for The CW, which under the new leadership of the Nexstar Media Group has shifted to a platform populated primarily with already produced international content,” noted Robert Russo, President and CEO of RNR Media Consulting. “But that is not to say you should forget tradition, which in the case of The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a reminder of the value of feel-good and inspirational programming content.”

The Hollywood Christmas Parade culminated with the appearance of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus, and his reindeer, ushering in the holiday season. As always, it reminds us of the value and importance of the positive community spirit for support and encouragement. Kindness and helping one another is something to celebrate!

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Atmosphere during the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood … [+]

GETTY IMAGES FOR ASSOCIATED TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL

for more info, go to https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2023/12/18/the-hollywood-christmas-parade-is-a-welcome-tradition-on-the-cw/?sh=6d99f8495746

more info…

https://goodnewsplanet.com/the-big-day-is-finally-near-the-american-academy-of-hospitality-sciences-has-everything-ready-to-make-tomorrow-saturday-12-16-23-as-special-as-ever-with-this-years-aahs/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toys-for-tots-at-columbus-park-chinatown-ny-american-academy-chinatown-organizations-family-film-good-news/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toys-for-tots-urgently-needs-your-help/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toys-tots-pete-osman/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/whats-peace-means-major-chuck-kilbride-toys-tots/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toys-for-tots/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/2016-holiday-extravaganza-hai-cultural-arts-literacy-friend-monica-iken-invites-good-news-participate-fortunate-friends-toys-tots-hugg-planet-help-contribute/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toysrus-continues-to-serve-as-largest-toys-for-tots-partner/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toysrus-begins-second-decade-as-largest-toys-for-tots-partner/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toys-tots-celebrates-10th-annviversary-toysrus/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/toys-for-tots-the-blue-angels-save-christmas-for-children-displaced-due-to-hurricane-sandy/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/marine-toys-for-tots-foundation/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/nfl-players-team-up-with-toys-for-tots-to-launch-touchdown-for-tots/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/this-holiday-season-more-than-ever-its-important-to-help-toys-for-tots-brings-joy/

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The Red Nose Day Special on NBC is almost here!

Austin Tang — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:05:48 +0000

Go see one of Good News’s Red Stories as well, they are great organization. : http://goodnewsplanet.com/duane-reade-and-walgreens-host-pre-event-party-for-red-nose-day-usa-on-may-21-in-herald-square/

Next Thursday, May 21 at 8/7c on NBC, stars unite for a world of good…

Stars Unite for a World of Good Thur 5/21

We can’t believe it’s almost here! The 6th annual Red Nose Day Special returns to NBC next Thursday, May 21 at 8/7c.

It all starts off at 8 p.m. ET/PT with a special episode of Celebrity Escape Room. You won’t want to miss the hilarious adventures our good friends Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Adam Scott get into to raise money for Red Nose Day.

And then at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the biggest names in entertainment come together (virtually) for The Red Nose Day Special. It’s going to be an inspiring evening of comedy, music, and storytelling.

We can’t wait for one-of-a-kind musical performances by Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Smith, James Taylor, Meghan Trainor and Adrienne Warren.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Red Nose Day without some much-needed laughter – courtesy of our favorite comedians Jim Gaffigan, Tony Hale, Ray Romano and Lilly Singh. We’ll also be joined by stars including Bryan Cranston, Mario Lopez, Milo Ventimiglia and Noah Jupe.

THE RED NOSE DAY SPECIAL — “Celebrity Escape Room” — Pictured: (l-r) Jack Black, Adam Scott, Lisa Kudrow, Ben Stiller, Courteney Cox — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Tune in on Thur 5/21

So, tell your loved ones and join us to see how your support is changing lives – here at home and around the world. Amid the crisis of COVID-19, Red Nose Day’s work has never been more critical.

It’s going to be an unforgettable night. Save the date! We’ll see you next Thursday, May 21st at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

(Digital) Noses On!
The Red Nose Day Team

P.S. Too excited to wait? Tonight on NBC at 10 p.m. ET/PT, watch a special “social distancing” episode of Hollywood Game Night. Jane Lynch hosts as Kristen Bell, Nick Jonas and Kenan Thompson go head-to-head with Sean Hayes, John Legend and Retta to play games and raise money for Red Nose Day!

Before the big night, make sure you look the part! Unlock your Digital Red Nose and share your selfie during your quarantine watch party.

Donate Now Donate Now, Unlock Your Digital Red Nose

A gift of any size can make a life-changing difference for children in need and unlocks exclusive access to this year’s digital Red Nose on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

The post The Red Nose Day Special on NBC is almost here! appeared first on Good News!.

You can escape the box and live a life of miracles – Lessons from a Woodstock journey by Bill McCarthy.

admin — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 19:07:47 +0000

You can escape the box and live a life of miracles – Lessons from a Woodstock journey by Bill McCarthy. HOW WOODSTOCK CHANGED MY LIFE In 1969 I was a shy young boy studying to be a history teacher. Then I went to Woodstock and everything changed. I have written a book about the life-changing lessons I learned from being at Woodstock. Escaping The Box And Living A Life Of Miracles: Lessons From a Woodstock Journey. The book gives the readers the tools necessary to use The Power Of Intention to manifest their dreams. Through a series of stories the book highlights how attending the Woodstock Festival in 1969 inspired me to continuously step outside of my comfort zone into areas that I had no experience in to manifest my dreams. Immediately following Woodstock, I and a few friends envisioned a music festival in our home town of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. We had never produced anything in our lives, but through The Power of Our Intention we manifested The First Sunfeast Celebration which drew an audience of 10,000 people. We manifested the Sunfeast in only one month. That’s when I knew my destiny was to be an event producer, not a history teacher. This was the first of many Woodstock inspired events using the Power of Intention. After the Sunfeast Celebration I moved to San Francisco where I envisioned and co-produced my first event, the San Francisco Unity Fair. The event, which brought together 45 diverse organizations, was headlined by the Jefferson Starship and The Grateful Dead. The media stated there were between 40,000 to 50,000 people in attendance at the fair. Following that I produced The Spirit of America Festival headlined by Santana, and was a producer for the official celebrations of the 20th and 30th Anniversary of the Summer of Love and many concerts featuring musicians from the original Woodstock Festival including: The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Starship (formerly known as Jefferson Airplane), Carlos Santana, Richie Havens, Country Joe McDonald, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Iron Butterfly, and Sha, Na, Na. Wavy Gravy was the emcee for many of our concert events. Following the events in San Francisco, I produced major events in Los Angeles and New York City. In addition I have organized international media campaigns, produced national television programs and worldwide Internet broadcasts streaming live from the United Nations. This was all made possible through The Power of Intention. The book will be launched on Thursday, August 15th, as a Kindle Book on Amazon for 99 cents. If you are interested I can send you a pdf pre-release copy of the book. Bill McCarthy is a special event producer, television producer and Internet producer. He is also the founder and president of Unity Foundation, a non-profit organization with a 43 year history of promoting peace, cooperation and unity throughout the world. Bill has been the contributor to seven best selling books as well as the official publication of the United Nations. For his 40 years of volunteer service, Bill McCarthy received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact Bill McCarthy (760) 464-0334

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Learning Vacations Offer More Than Just an Escape

admin — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:29:07 +0000

Omega’s Theme Weeks Deliver Something for Everyone

A growing trend in travel, learning vacations pair fun getaways with educational opportunities that appeal to those who want more than just downtime. Omega Institute, a hub for lifelong learning in New York’s Hudson Valley, offers more than 325 varied opportunities, including three distinct theme weeks on its 200-acre Rhinebeck campus. Omega Arts Week, Retreat Week, and Family Week are three of the most popular programs and include a wide range of classes to choose from.

“By dedicating specific weeks on the campus to each of these areas, Omega creates a unique environment where people not only relax and have fun, but also meet others who are also interested in exploring new things,” said Carla Goldstein, chief external affairs officer at Omega.

Omega Arts Week, July, 6–11: During Omega Arts Week, a popular program for the past 20 years, the campus comes alive with music, dance, visual and written arts, and trapeze. Accomplished and budding artists, and creative spirits immerse themselves in their art, communing at meal times and showcasing their work at evening gatherings. Participants choose from more than 10 workshops spanning the arts, including photography, painting, trapeze, drumming and dance, screenwriting, rustic furniture making, and more. This year’s Arts Week also offers a special tribute to Babatunde Olatunji, a world-renowned Nigerian drummer who brought African drumming and dance to the United States. Olatunji was a perennial favorite at Omega, and his legacy has endured.

Omega Retreat Week, July 13–18: Omega Retreat Week brings together a group of extraordinary teachers from many traditions to add breadth and depth to the spiritual path. Retreats range from inward contemplation to outward celebration, all equally sacred. Participants choose from nine workshops, such as Relax & Write® with Maia Danziger, Awakening Your Authentic Soul Signature with Panache Desai, Qigong Empowerments with Robert Peng, A Yoga and Meditation Retreat with James Higgins, and more.

Omega Family Week, August 3–8: Omega Family Week offers parents and kids a unique balance of time together and time spent apart in age-appropriate workshops. Adults choose from workshops like The Story You Have to Tell with Cheryl Strayed, Tennis Inside the Zone with Rob Polishook, Afro Flow Yoga with Leslie Salmon Jones and Jeff W. Jones, and more. Workshops for kids include Super Soccer Stars Camp, Beyond Rock, RoboFun Stop-Motion Animation, and more.

To learn more or to register, please visit eOmega.org, or call 800.944.1001. A limited number of media passes are available. To apply for a media pass, visit eOmega.org/press. Follow Omega on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation’s most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 200 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world. eOmega.org

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