ARTIVIST Film Festival and Awards

Joaquin Phoenix, Daryl Hannah, and Matthew McConaughey will be honored at this year's Artivist Film Festival & Awards from November 9th to 12th, 2006 at the renowned Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA.


65 International Films from around the globe will be presented, and filmmakers from around the world will unite to address the importance of art and activism in our global community. "ARTIVIST" is the first international Film Festival dedicated to addressing Human Rights, Children's Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Rights. Its mission is to strengthen the voice of international activist artists - "Artivists" - while raising public awareness for social global causes.

The 3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival is pleased to announce that this year's Film Program not only ranges widely in activist topics, but also feature such noted activist-artists as Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Martin Sheen, Viggo Mortensen, Elton John, Morgan Spurlock, Brett Ratner, Andy Garcia, and many others. During the past 3 years, Artivist has reached millions of people with its public relations campaign and has received renowned international support.

Artivist is officially affiliated with the United Nations. Additionally, Artivist's Advisory Board includes Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and actor- activist James Cromwell. To learn more about the Partnership & Sponsorship Opportunities offered by The Artivist Network, contact President Diaky Diaz at 310-712-1222 and diakydiaz@artivists.org

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the events, see the...
ARTIVIST homepage

Metro Daily News on Charity Poker

Charity Poker Events Are The Next Big Craze in Fundraising

Cashing In When The Chips Are Down: Charities, Nonprofits Ride The Wave Of Poker Popularity

See the article in the

Bill Would Let Charities Holding Poker Nights Hold'em

The California Assembly has upped the ante on charity poker by approving legislation that would allow a wide variety of nonprofits to hold fundraisers using gambling. The bill, introduced by Alberto Torrico, D-Newark, is given a good chance of passage in the Senate where it now awaits action. Attorney General Bill Lockyer is a sponsor.

"Many of California's gambling laws were written in the 19th Century, and some of them need to be modernized," says Nathan Barankin, a spokesman for the attorney general's office. Mr. Torrico says the need has been underscored by the federal government's increasing reliance on non-profits and faith-based programs to take care of social programs. "This is not a green light to every bar in the state to reorganize as a nonprofit," he says.

The proposed law would put restrictions on the gambling:

• Gamblers can play only for prizes, not cash, and the total value of prizes cannot exceed $5,000


• A total of 90 percent of the money raised must go to purpose of the fundraising


• Gamblers must be at least 21 years old


• The non-profit or charity can hold only one such fundraiser a year, and the hall where the game is held can hold no more than two gambling fundraisers in a year

Mr. Barankin says any group that wants to hold a fundraiser must be a legitimate non-profit that has been on the books for at least a year.

Read more at... BizJournals.com

Legends Celebrity Invitational Charity Poker Tournament at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas

Sports legends Dan Marino, John Elway and Roger Clemens, along with two-time WorldSeries of Poker Champion Jennifer Harman will host this invitational all-star charity poker tournament where guests will have the exciting opportunity to play poker with some of the world's greatest athletes, champion poker players and major Hollywood celebrities.

While this invitation-only poker tournament presents guests with a once in a lifetime opportunity to play poker in the company of world-class athletes, poker players and celebrities, the event will also help to raise much-needed funds to support four prestigious charities: The Dan Marino Foundation, which offers integrated intervention services for children with special needs-medical, emotional, and/or behavioral; The John Elway Foundation, concentrating on the treatment and prevention of child abuse to help prevent future generations from becoming victims of this crime; The Roger Clemens Foundation, helping to fulfill the needs, ease the suffering and encourage and support children from all walks of life; and The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation which provides recreational and educational opportunites for at-risk boys and girls.

Read more about the... Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Read more about the... John Elway Foundation

Read more about the... Roger Clemens Foundation

Read more about the... Dan Marino Foundation

Special Hiddur Mitzvah Program Benefits the Coastal Regions Hit By Katrina

In response to recent events on the Gulf Coast, The Gary Rosenthal Collection is asking for your help with a special Hiddur Mitzvah Project. Their goal is to provide Jewish families in New Orleans with ritual Judaica pieces to replace those lost or damaged in the hurricane.

Their Hanukkah drive has already been a great success- and will supply over 500 dreidels and hanukkiot to families in need at a Hanukkah celebration in New Orleans on December 20, 2005. Please read the invitation and press release to learn more.