News Update: Bethany Joy Lenz Steps Out to Support Uganda Project's 'Witness Uganda'

Hollywood comes out for the Witness Uganda event to help educate kids in Uganda

BY: MERIAM BOUARROUJ

Brooke Anderson, Bethany Joy Lenz, Abigail Spencer and Katee Sackhoff attend
the 3rd Annual Witness Uganda Concert in Los Angeles, California

Bethany Joy Lenz poses with
 'Witness Uganda' producer,
Griffin Matthews

Sometimes amidst a glamorous, star-studded charity event in Hollywood, one can almost forget the purpose of the night; the actual cause. That definitely wasn't the case at the Uganda Project's, 'Witness Uganda' fund-raising event Thursday night. While the charity's celebrity supporters came out and shined, it was the true purpose for the evening that held the spotlight.

Held at the Siren Orange studio in West Hollywood, 'Witness Uganda', the world's first Documentary-musical, was performed by Uganda Project founder Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould. The musical told the inspiring story of the Uganda Project's work of educating children and how it came to be.

The non-profit uses events, art, social media and public forums to further their movement in helping to positively shape the futures of Uganda's youth.

Abigail Spencer, The Insider's Brooke Anderson, Sophia Bush, Josh Pence, Bethany Joy Lenz, Daphne Zuniga and fashion designer Heidi Merrick all came out to show their support. The event raised over $35,000-making it the biggest night in Uganda Project history.

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To help The Uganda Project educate children, you can visit www.ugandaproject.com.

Source: Examiner.com | HOLLYWOOD COMES OUT FOR THE WITNESS UGANDA EVENT TO HELP EDUCATE KIDS IN UGANDA

News Update: Joy Rocks the House at Annual 'Rock the Schools Concert'

On November 3rd, BTF Concerts hosted the 2nd annual Rock the Schools Concert at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. With power outages in most of New York City as a result of Superstorm Sandy, Bethany Joy Lenz still flew out from Los Angeles knowing hundreds of eager fans waited to see her perform. And despite the destruction left in Sandy's wake, the concert went on without a hitch.

Joy performed a mixture of old and new tracks, including an impromptu duet with Brooklyn native, Michael Grubbs of the band Wakey!Wakey!. What made the concert that much more special, was the support in the crowd from former One Tree Hill costars James Lafferty and Robert Buckley. And if that weren't enough, concertgoers had the opportunity to purchase Joy's third studio album, Then Slowly Grows which has now become available for purchase online [CHECK IT OUT HERE].

BTF Concerts and Rock the Schools Founder, Alaina Bendi stated, “the generosity, understanding and patience from the artists, agents, managers and publicists that helped make this happen was just beyond heartwarming. The emails and tweets we got from excited fans saying that it was the greatest night of their lives to meet and/or see their favorite artist was completely overwhelming and worth all of the sweat and tears put into producing the event. I think that in this situation, it proves even more how much music can make an impact when an event like this can bring people together to support a cause that can positively affect the lives of others.”

Although I bought a VIP pass to see Joy perform, I wasn't able to attend the concert and report on it firsthand. Nevertheless, as a victim of Hurricane Sandy it was truly heartwarming to hear that BTF Concerts decided to donate a portion of the funds from the concert to the Hurricane Relief Fund.

The show was sponsored by Live Nation and Yelp! With partners, Vita Coco, Dream Water, Honest Tea and Baked by Melissa.

News Update: Joy Delivers Hope to Mattel Children's Hospital

Joy got into the holiday spirit early this year by spreading joy to the brave children fighting cancer at Mattel Children’s Hospital (UCLA) in October.

In support of NEGU (Never Ever Give Up)- a pediatric cancer foundation inspired by 12 year old Jessie Rees, Joy helped to spread love stuffed in JoyJars®. Each JoyJars® acts as a reminder of hope, joy and love to the youth fighting cancer everyday. After Joy's day of spending time with the children, NEGU shared this heartwarming note from one of the Child Life Specialists:

“I’d like you to know that Jose was playing with the jar all afternoon until he finally went to surgery. It couldn’t have come at a better time as he was going stir crazy – he has been on total bed rest for 3 days so you can imagine how hard that is for a 9 year old. One of our teens whom wasn’t feeling up to a visit just opened one of the JoyJars we dropped off, and as he emptied the jar looking at each item he stated excitedly, “I can keep this? Really!” And finally, Vivian was completely in awe of Joy, her visit and the Jar distracted her from her fears and pain. Please express our gratitude to Bethany Joy who brought her own personal jar of joy and kindness. She was wonderful with the children. We are so appreciative of community friends who share our passion in giving kids a chance to play and have a normal experience. And we will be happy to spread Jessie’s inspiration to Never Ever Give Up!”

Thank you Joy for reminding us of the impact of thoughtfulness and generosity.

Also check out some of the highlights from the TeamNEGU All-Star Special Connections, which features Joy.

Visit NEGU's Official Website to find ways you can help spread the joy.

People Magazine Exclusive: Maria Rose's First Photo!

Bethany Joy Lenz and
daughter, Maria Rose

Exclusive First Image of Baby Maria

Bethany Joy Lenz gives a lift to 19-month-old daughter Maria Rose at Saturday’s launch party for Citrus Lane, where NBC star Angela Kinsey was unveiled as brand ambassador, on Sept. 8 in Los Angeles.

Next up for the former One Tree Hill star? Lenz, 31, will guest-star as Meg on the TBS sitcom Men At Work.

SOURCE: People: Meet Danny Pudi’s Twins Fiona and James

Just Jared: Audi 2012 Emmy Awards Party!

Bethany Joy Lenz arrives at Audi And
Derek Lam Kick Off
Emmy Week 2012 Party
.

Ashley Madekwe, Christa B. Allen: Audi 2012 Emmy Awards Party

Ashley Madekwe, Christa B. Allen, and Rachael Leigh Cook arrive at the Audi 2012 Emmy Awards Party held at Cecconi’s Restaurant on Sunday (September 16) in West Hollywood, Calif.

The 30-year-old actress and Christa, 20, were joined by their Revenge co-star Gabriel Mann, Glee actor Chord Overstreet, Bethany Joy Lenz, 90210 star Michael Steger, and Rachael‘s husband Daniel Gillies.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Ashley Madekwe

The event was hosted by fashion designer Derek Lam and Michelle Pesce served as DJ for the night.

15+ pictures inside of Ashley Madekwe and others at the Audi 2012 Emmy Awards Party…

News Update: Galeotti's Restaurant Going Out of Business

North Clark County residents who would like to have one more meal at Galeotti’s Restaurant in Battle Ground will only have a few more days to do so, as the restaurant will close its door at the end of the day Sun., Sept. 16.

Joshua Monen, founder and editor of the Battle Ground Buzz, was first to break the story of Galeotti’s closing on his Battle Ground Buzz Online Radio Show when he interviewed Mike Galeotti, Sr., one of the restaurant’s owners.

“We regret to inform our friends, family and the wonderful people in Battle Ground that we find it necessary to close down our restaurant,” Galeotti said in the interview with Monen. “We are hoping it will be a temporary close.”

During his interview with Monen, Galeotti told listeners that the reason the family has decided to close the restaurant is due to some recent family issues. Galeotti’s son, Michael Galeotti, is currently in the middle of a divorce with his soon-to-be ex wife, Bethany Joy [Lenz].

“It does affect the ownership structure of the restaurant and we just decided it would be best to close until the divorce is over,” Mike Galeotti, Sr. said in the interview. “It’s a sad say for us as a family. It’s with heavy hearts that we’re going to be closing our doors as of Sunday.”

Galeotti’s Restaurant will close at the end of the day Sun., Sept. 16.

“Sunday will be our last day and we will be saying goodbye and farewell to our customers during the last few days,” Galeotti said.

After closing on Sunday, Galeotti said they will have a private party for the staff, but friends in the community who wish to stick around can also do so.

To hear Galeotti’s full online radio interview with the Battle Ground Buzz, click here and click the “play” button towards the bottom of the page.

Source: News Alert: Galeotti’s Restaurant Going Out of Business (Radio)

News Update: The OC's Benjamin McKenzie Playing Bethany Joy Lenz's Ex-Husband on 'Men At Work'

Benjamin McKenzie will play Bryan -
Meg's ex-husband

It'll be a mini reunion for fans of The O.C. when Men at Work's Michael Cassidy is joined by guest star Benjamin McKenzie in a 2013 episode of the TBS sitcom. Cassidy played Zach on McKenzie's Fox soap during the 2004-05 season.

McKenzie will play Bryan, the ex-husband of single mom Meg (Bethany Joy Lenz of One Tree Hill), who is dating Cassidy's Tyler. Things don't really work out as planned between Tyler and Meg when Bryan steps back into the picture.

Other Season 2 guest stars include Peri Gilpin, Seth Green and Jason Lee.

Source: Keck's Exclusives: Southland's Benjamin McKenzie Gets More Work

News Exclusive: Bethany Joy Lenz Joins the Cast of 'Men At Work'

BETHANY JOY LENZ TO GUEST STAR AS 'HOT' MOM ON MEN AT WORK

After nine years of portraying the beloved Haley James Scott on the CW drama, One Tree Hill - actress Bethany Joy Lenz has booked her first role in the new TBS comedy, Men At Work.

Men At Work centers around the lives of four buddies who work together at a magazine, and has featured a slew of notable guest stars in the past like Wilmer Valderrama, Stacy Keibler, Amy Smart and Laura Prepon.

According to a recent Zap2it article, Joy will  be playing Meg, a fresh divorcée and "hot" mother of two young kids. Tyler, played by Michael Cassidy, a features writer who brings a dose of style and sophistication to the group begins to take an interest in dating moms. Tyler find himself "totally digging" Meg's character - but Meg quickly comes to realize "that dating Tyler is a lot like having a third child on her hands."

According to sources, Joy starts filming on Thursday, September 13th and her episode will air in the second season of Men At Work, premiering in 2013. Like everyone else, we're stoked to see Joy in a comedic setting. Leggo!

SOURCE: ONE TREE HILL'S BETHANY JOY LENZ LANDS MEN AT WORK SEASON TWO ROLE

For those of you interested in seeing where Joy's headed, watch some hilarious clips available at TBS.COM.