John Mayer Fulfills Wishes
This season, The Early Show, Walmart.com and United Way are teaming up in "Wishes for Kids," a unique effort to brighten the holidays of children whose lives were impacted by three recent hurricanes, Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
The Early Show is devoting weather segments twice a day to collecting Christmas toys for those youngsters.
On Monday, Dec. 19, John Mayer not only performed on The Early Show with his new trio, he signed and donated a John Mayer Stratocaster Fender guitar to the "Wishes for Kids" for auction. The proceeds go to the United Way.
For details about the guitar, click here.
To place a bid on any item up for a "Wishes for Kids" auction, click here.
On Friday, Dec. 16, Sarah Jessica Parker donated a signed bottle of her new fragrance, "Lovely", for auction. The proceeds go to the United Way for the toy drive.
Also on Friday, Bo Bice, of "American Idol" fame, donated toys to the cause. He performs on the show, as well.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, celebrity chef and frequent Early Show contributor Bobby Flay not only donates a toy to the cause, but three autographed copies of his book, "Bobby Flay's Grilling For Life: 75 Healthier Ideas for Big Flavor from the Fire," for an auction whose proceeds will go to United Way for the toy drive.
His Web site, bobbyflay.com, says he "believes that we all need a full and balanced diet to be happy and healthy. ..."Grilling for Life" is about getting the biggest, boldest flavor possible from food and fire while making healthy choices all the way." Each recipe is accompanied by an analysis by nutritionist Joy Bauer. The recipes are big on fresh herbs and spices, as well as "good carbs" such as multigrains and "good fats" such as olive oil.
Flay also signed and donated for auction a copy of another book of his, "Boy Meets Grill."
A special holiday "Wish List" available at Walmart.com provides viewers with a list of pre-selected toys and presents. To donate a toy through Walmart.com, click here. Gifts will be shipped directly to United Way, which will distribute them on behalf of the project.
You can participate by purchasing a gift any time between Dec. 1 and Dec. 24. Your gift is tax deductible and, most importantly, will make the season just a little brighter for a special child.
The Early Show is also soliciting contributions and gifts-in-kind on the Plaza every morning. They'll also be sent to the United Way for distribution.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, Nancy Kerrigan donated an autographed copy of her book, "Artistry on Ice: Figure Skating Skills and Style" for The Early Show to auction off, with the proceeds going to the United Way.
In the book, according to humankinetics.com, "Kerrigan shares her knowledge to give you the inside edge on winning competitive events. From body alignment and effective routine elements to refining footwork, music, and expression, 'Artistry on Ice: Figure Skating Skills and Style' gives you an in-depth look at the sport from the perspective of one of its champions."
To read excerpts of Kerrigan's book, click here.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Caroline Kennedy donated an autographed copy of her new book, "A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children," for an eBay auction. The proceeds will go to the United Way.
To read an excerpt of the book, click here.
On Monday, Dec. 5, supermodel Gisele Bundchen and Clay Aiken took part. Both also appeared in their own segments on the show.
Bundchen donated a karaoke machine, revealing she's a big karaoke fan, though she doesn't sound as good as Aiken!
He gave an assortment of toy trucks.