RO on the GO! : Ro on Fame and Philanthropy

One thing I absolutely love doing is interviewing noted public figures and celebrities. Over the years I've met so many, especially with my husband being a radio broadcaster. I've taken them shopping, out to dinner and to television appearances only to realize they are every day people who are in a profession that renders them famous. My utmost respect goes to those who utilize their fame to make the world a better place. The purpose of life is to give to others and that's why the following celebrities deserve props for their philanthropic efforts.

Philip Bailey - Earth, Wind & Fire
August 28
My interview with Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary lead vocalist Philip Bailey is at the top of my list for exciting career moments. EWF is considered one of the greatest bands of the 20th century with millions of albums sold worldwide, multi-Grammys wins, an induction into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" and a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." As a solo artist Philip collaborated with Phil Collins writing/singing/producing the global smash hit "Easy Lover". Love the work he does with at risk youth across the USA. All that aside, he was also extremely sweet and generous, spending a lot of time with me and the Fredi Magazine team. Thank you to my editor Filomena Rosati for always believing in me and giving me these incredible opportunities.
Hugs to Franco Palladini of Fredi for making this happen.

Philip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire's "Heart and Soul" concert (Molson Amphitheatre) has to be one of the best shows I've seen. Co-headlining with Chicago, I got to interview EWF's legendary lead vocalist, Philip Bailey. What an experience being backstage alongside both bands and their crew before the show!! Of course, it was super-fun hanging with the team at Fredi Magazine and watching the show. Look for my article featuring EWF and Philip Bailey in the upcoming issue of Fredi.

Earth Wind & Fire

Dalida, Franco Palladini

Chicago

Filomena Rosati

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire

AMBI Gala

It was a night of royalty and Hollywood legends at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. I was thrilled to cover the "AMBI Gala" for my events feature in Panoram Italia Magazine and chat with some of the stars during the cocktail reception. From Prince Albert of Monaco (no relation LOL), Diana Ross and James Franco to Martin Short, Mischa Barton and Paul Sorvino it was definitely an A-list event!!! I also had a super fun time hanging with Michael Madsen once again (looking forward to his upcoming Quentin Tarantino flick The Hateful Eight!). Thank you to sweet Bruno Rosato and Sergio Navarretta for all your help as well as my pal Fabio Gesufatto for assisting me as media photographer
*All funds raised at the gala benefit the environmentally-based Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. To date $33.6 million US has been allocated to over 340 global initiatives from water resource management, climate change and biodiversity.

Bruno Rosato, Michael Madsen, Danny Trejo, Paul Sorvino, Dee Dee Benkie

Danny Trejo (Breaking Bad) Michael Madsen (Hateful Eight, Donnie Brasco)

Andrea Iervolino, Lady Monika Bacardi, Prince Albert of Monaco

Paul Sorvino

Michael Madsen, Prince Albert of Monaco

Gowan

Fabio Gesufatto, Michael Madsen, Melony Jamieson

Michael and Melony

E-Talk in the house!

Elena Semikina

Misha Barton

Jim and Lina De Gasperis

Lady Bacardi and Prince Albert

Bruno Rosato ...love this man!

Cristiano DeFilipis and Maurizio Magnifico of Italian Contemporary Film Festival

Martin Short

Rally For Kids

September 18

Once in a while I commit the occasional social "faux pas" like I did at the recent Rally for Kids in downtown Toronto. I had the chance to talk for a while with Billy Baldwin and mentioned to him that we'd met at another function last year. He seemed confused and said he couldn't remember. I told him it was "okay" and that I understood it would be difficult for him to remember EVERYONE he meets! He couldn't let it go and insisted that we hadn't met....and of course being me, I was adamant that we HAD. An hour later I realized it was Stephen Baldwin that I had met and NOT Billy!!!!!! YIKES! Not my fault that ALL the Baldwins look the same. I also had an amazing time chatting with cast members of Sons of Anarchy, Mistresses, Ray Donovan (MY FAVOURITE SHOW!!!!) and others. Thanks to Pooch Hall (a.k.a "Darryl" in Ray Donovan) who gave me so much info and background on the series.
Most importantly it was awesome to see these genuine and humble celebrities take part in this rally which supports the SickKids Foundation. The rally raised just under $1 million, bringing the 8 year total to roughly $17 million. Congrats to drivers, sponsors and all participants who support this cause.