Johnny Depp and Chester Bennington to Support Rhonda’s Kiss in Los Angeles

Image courtesy of Rhonda’s Kiss

On Thursday, November 3rd, the historic El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles will host the 2nd annual Rhonda’s Kiss benefit show. Actor Johnny Depp will be presented with the Healing and Hope Award.

The Hellcat Saints (featuring Jane’s Addictions Dave Navarro, Juliette Lewis and Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray) with special guest singer, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington will kick off the night followed by headliners Weezer.

Proceeds from Rhonda’s Kiss Los Angeles to benefit the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and further the mission of Rhonda’s Kiss, supporting programs to aid cancer patients in need, and helping those who receive a cancer diagnosis make ends meet during treatment. Rhonda’s Kiss is a 501 (c)(3). To date, the charity has donated more than $750,000 to hospitals to support cancer programs and patients.

The event will also auction off Rhonda’s Kiss honoree, Johnny Depp’s signature Duesenberg Guitar, designed with Johnny’s tattoo art. You can check Rhonda’s Kiss for any last-minute tickets that may open up for the show or if you simply wish to give to a great charity supporting cancer patients in their time of need please click here to support them.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been going on for a few weeks now, and to date, has raised more than $1.7 million dollars and international awareness of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, has skyrocketed!

For those who aren’t familiar with ALS, the ALS Association offers this brief description of the disease on their website – “ALS was first found in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease. Ending the career of one of the most beloved baseball players of all time, the disease is still most closely associated with his name. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons  die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.”

With the joy of a successful fundraising campaign going viral also comes great backlash. There is no shortage of disparaging comments to go along with the great cheers for those raising funds for ALS and other charities of their choice this summer. Many aren’t happy to see water being so carelessly tossed around and the spotlight being taken away from other charitable organizations.

To be perfectly honest, I have enjoyed watching many, many videos of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in particular Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Shemar Moore, Aerosmith, Kate Hudson, Susan Sarandon and Tom Hiddleston to name a few. I’ve also enjoyed seeing several of my friends take part as well. It has been a welcome relief after the shocking news of the death of comedic genius Robin Williams last month. I needed the silliness and laughter.

In the true international fashion of today’s social media, I was nominated for the #ALSIceBucketChallenge by my friend Steve in England. I accepted – my daughter and my niece were thrilled to be armed with buckets of ice and water to douse me! I chose to stand in a vegetable garden so the water we used would also help our veggies grow. I used the challenge to donate to ALS, as well as some local animal rescue groups in California that I am familiar with and support, Treasured Tails Canine Rescue, and Precious Paws. I also donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in support of mental health awareness. I encourage everyone to donate to these organizations. Whether it’s a monetary donation, your time or needed supplies these charities or others in your area will appreciate your efforts to make your community a better place!

I nominated my friend Doug in California, my friend, guitarist Tim Farriss of the Australian band INXS and singer Billy Idol (who has a new album and autobiography out this autumn but we’ll get to that in another post!). We look forward to seeing your videos guys!

Here’s my video below

Seeking Donations to Help Tiny the Dog Get Healthy Again

Tiny

Last night when we arrived home for our day at work and summer camp, my daughter and I found a tiny, tiny emaciated female Chihuahua sitting on the sidewalk in our front yard. She immediately came to me with very little hesitation, her pencil thin tail slightly wagging.

She is very thin and weighs about 3-4 pounds right now. She definitely needs to gain a few pounds to be at a healthy weight again. Naturally we scooped her up and took her inside. A busy residential street is no place for a tiny dog to be, let alone any lost creature.

We offered her a variety of pet food – dog kibble, canned dog food, Pupperoni treats, peanut butter and finally, after a lot of sniffing around she decided the kitty kibble was to her liking. She drank a ton of water too.

After that we gave her a quick bath to wash off the first layer of dirt & grime and gave her a doggy t-shirt to wear and a blanket to snuggle up with and placed her in our extra-large pet carrier for sleeping (since we weren’t sure of her tinkle habits or if she’s been housetrained).

Lately I think the “barking chain” has been telling dogs in need the lady in the white house will help you! If you aren’t familiar with the barking chain, it’s the string of dogs barking in Disney‘s 101 Dalmatians that helps Pongo & Purdy locate their puppies and find safe hideouts and transportation along their journey.

Tiny is very thin right now. She needs a trip to the Vet’s office to make sure she is otherwise healthy, she needs to be de-wormed, receive flea medication, receive her vaccinations and eventually get her spay surgery once she gains some weight. She is super friendly and gets along with everyone in the household.

Won’t you consider skipping your venti Starbucks or big lunch out today and donate a few dollars to Tiny so she can become a healthy, happy dog again? We are always happy to help critters in need as they have no voice of their own in this scary world of crazy humans that neglect, beat and abandon them. We can’t save them all, but with the help of generous donors during this difficult economy we can make a difference to the dog or cat that is no longer sleeping under a bush tonight or foraging for food in a garbage can. Your help is appreciated! Please remember to spay and neuter your pets.

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