Look To The Stars News: Creative Arts

James Caan Joins Stars At Callaway Charity Golf Event

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

The Callaway Golf Foundation will host it’s second professional/celebrity golf tournament, the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on December 15 to benefit groundbreaking cancer research projects supported by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Professional golfers will be paired with actors, business leaders and entertainment industry executives for a round of golf, while amateur golfers will have a chance to improve their swing at the David Leadbetter Clinic, taught by the infamous golfing instructor himself.

Celebrities anticipated to attend include: Greg Kinnear, James Caan, Kyle Maclachlan, Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon, George Lopez, Josh Kelly, Matthew Lillard, Andy Richter, Peter Gallagher, Joe Mantegna, Bruce Greenwood, Jillian Michaels, and Callaway Golf staff professionals Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller, Morgan Pressel, Rocco Mediate, David Leadbetter, Rich Beem, Jim Colbert, Leta Lindley, Fredrik Jacobson, Cameron Beckman, Roger Cleveland and Vicky Hurst.

Proceeds from the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge will support Entertainment Industry Foundation’s efforts to fast track better prevention methods and improved therapies for ovarian, breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Please visit www.callawaygolfoundation.org to learn more and to make a donation.

Kiwi Stars Record Charity Song

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of New Zealand’s best known international stars have recorded a new song to raise money for children in need.

Anika Moa, and Opshop have joined together for a version of Dave Dobbyn’s award winning song Beside You to raise money for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, a charity that provides music therapy for special needs children of school age and younger in New Zealand.

“Everyone was there with the best of intent,“ said Jason Kerrison, lead singer for Opshop. “It’s all about helping children with special needs, and knowing this helps you drive yourself and be there in the best capacity.”

The trust was established four years ago by Hinewehi Mohi, whose daughter Hineraukatauri has severe cerebral palsy, and has since gained support from stars such as Hayley Westenra and Neil Finn.

“When you see the effect that music has on kids going through the centre it’s pretty profound,” Kerrison told TVNZ.

The single will start getting airplay on New Zealand radio this week and will be available for sale from New Zealand retail giant The Warehouse and for download from December 8.

Moa and Opshop will also perform the song with Dobbyn when they take part in the annual summer Winery Tour which begins on February 6.

Meryl Streep's Doubt For Actors Fund

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Actors Fund of America is holding a special screening of the movie Doubt, and invites you to join the film’s stars Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis to raise money for their cause.

Doubt – to be released in December – is based on John Patrick Stanley’s Pulitzer Prize winning play about a priest’s relationship with a black student in the 1960’s.

The screening will take place at the Paris Theatre in New York on December 7, with a special reception afterwards. Proceeds will go towards the Actors Fund’s mission to help professionals in performing arts and entertainment who are in need or crisis.

Tickets for the screening and reception are $150, and $50 for the screening only. They are available at the Actors Fund website.

Josh Hartnett To Art Africa

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Josh Hartnett plans to go to Africa with Dramatic Needs to give a new kind of voice to underprivileged children.

Unlike most charities which supply clothing, food and shelter, Dramatic Needs wants to give the children of South Africa a creative outlet and voice through art. By sending UK-based actors, musicians and artists to teach workshops in various art forms, the charity believes that children will be “better able to cope with poverty, malnutrition and disease.”

“We try to give them a voice of their own and a way to communicate what they’re going through that they don’t find threatening,” said founder Amber Sainsbury. “We give them the means to express what they feel in very underprivileged parts of the world.”

“I want to go down there and actually help out,” added Hartnett. “It’s fun for an actor to be able to do something that’s not for publicity, but actually go down and do something hands-on. It allows the kids to be children. It allows them to be creative and have a good time for a little portion of their day, which I think is necessary.”

Model Helena Christensen also likes the idea. “I think it’s a very worthy cause. I think it’s a beautiful thing to do for children in Africa. It’s a good chance to give children who are living in difficult circumstances the chance to develop mentally.”

Neil Diamond To Be Honored As 2009 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On February 6, 2009, Grammy-winning recording artist Neil Diamond will be honored as the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year during the 19th Annual Gala Benefiting the MusiCares Foundation.

Proceeds from the annual Grammy Week gala dinner and concert honoring Diamond will provide support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The legendary “Solitary Man,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Song Sung Blue” singer/songwriter will be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year not just for his artistic achievements, but for his philanthropic work as well. Diamond has been very generous in his charitable donations over the years and most recently has been donating 100 percent of merchandise sales from his October concerts in Houston, Dallas and Oklahoma City to the hurricane relief efforts in Texas for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike.

“As we enter the next 50 years for The Recording Academy and the Grammy Awards, and approach the 20th anniversary of our MusiCares Foundation, it is fitting that we honor a most enduring artist and songwriter whose musical influence is truly unmatched — the extraordinary Neil Diamond,” said MusiCares Foundation President/CEO Neil Portnow.

The 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will include a special online auction – using real-time bidding technology – to be broadcast live worldwide on Auction Network. The silent/live auctions will be followed by the gala dinner, an award presentation and a tribute concert.

For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.392.3777 or go to the MusiCares website.

Alice Cooper Pulls Charity Plum From The Pudding

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Rocker Alice Cooper has just announced plans for this year’s “Christmas Pudding” event.

Now in its 8th year, the star-studded event has become one of the biggest celebrity charity events in recent history.

The cabaret-style variety show is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, and includes music, dance, and comedy with all proceeds to be donated to the Solid Rock Foundation, an Arizona community youth organization and Alice’s charity of choice.

Celebrity performers at previous Pudding events have included Ted Nugent, stand-up comic Sinbad and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

This year’s lineup features Fleetwood Mac alumnus Bob Welch, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, F5, Runaway Phoenix, Les Stroud, and Whisky Falls, and Iron Chef winner Mark Tarbell will serve up holiday treats for all attendees.

Adding to the excitement? This year Alice and the band will be performing their greatest hits.

General admission tickets start at $33, with holders of VIP passes (starting at $203) granted access to a pre-show dinner and reception hosted by Alice himself.

For more info, go to www.alicepudding.com.

Mike Myers Takes Shrek To Children's Hospital

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Shrek’s alter ego Mike Myers was moved to tears after performing at a children’s hospital last week.

The actor visited the Rusk Institute in New York’s Bronx last Thursday, October 23, with the charity theater group Only Make Believe, which puts on plays for young children in hospitals and care facilities.

“I watched kids of differing physical abilities and different backgrounds from around the world lose themselves in imagination and make believe,“ the 45-year-old actor told People. “And I was moved to tears. All I can tell you is that I cried like a baby. I couldn’t stop crying.”

Myers also watched the company put on an interactive play in a therapy room for 25 children. “There was a trunk of costumes, hats and three dedicated actors,” he said. “The level of life-affirming sweetness, I could not believe it… I feel like I have no natural defense, no natural coping mechanism, for the sheer happiness when you see these kids light up.”

Only Make Believe was established in 1999 to introduce children living with chronic illnesses and disabilities to the magical world of theater.

Simmons Commits Money To Charity

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has revealed that he would rather give his fortune to people in need than spend it on himself.

The 51-year-old made the announcement at the annual BET awards held in Atlanta on Saturday.

“I’m not going to cut down on [my charities] so I can have another ride on a private plane,” said the producer, who took home the I Am Hip Hop icon award at the ceremony. “I want to make sure everyone keeps getting fed.”

Simmons is Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network – which harnesses the cultural relevance of Hip-Hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy – and also co-founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with his brothers, Danny and Joseph Simmons. In 2007 he founded the Diamond Empowerment Fund to raise money to support education initiatives to help people in countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

“I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it,” Simmons said.

Tony Bennett Explores The Arts With Charity Auctions

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ziggy Marley – the son of the late Bob Marley – celebrated his 40th birthday last week by auctioning off the chance to join him in the studio for a day to one lucky fan.

The auction was held to benefit Tony Bennett’s Exploring The Arts organization, which promotes the arts in American schools.

The lucky winner will get to join Marley in the studio as he lays down tracks for his latest album later this year.

Other items still up for grabs in the auction include a tennis lesson with Andre Agassi and a limited edition set of lithographs signed by Bono.

The auction can be accessed through the Charity Folks website.

Santana Tells Kids To Value Themselves

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Guitarist Carlos Santana paid a visit to a school near San Francisco on Thursday with words of wisdom for the students.

The star addressed hundreds of students at Davidson Middle School in San Rafael on behalf of the Milagro Foundation, a charity he started with his wife ten years ago to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

“It’s important for each one of you, no matter where you come from or where you’re going, to value yourself,” he said during his speech. “Just like we can teach history and arithmetic, it’s important to teach unconditional love.”

His address ran a gauntlet of issues, including the fact that California spends more on prisons than it does on schools, and also challenged the Education Department to introduce a new curriculum that would combat racism and promote self-esteem.

“The best way to do it is to just roll up your sleeves like Mother Theresa and just bring three things: hope, trust, and faith in yourselves,”

During Santana’s speech, Samsung Electronics America’s Four Seasons of Hope program presented the Milagro Foundation with a check for $100,000.

Save The Music's Esquire Party In The Hills

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

VH1’s Save The Music Foundation is to team up with Esquire Magazine for a charity party in the Hollywood Hills.

This fall Esquire will unveil its sixth annual Signature Space, transforming a stunning, contemporary home into a true personification of the modern man’s lifestyle. Charity events held at the Esquire Signature Spaces have raised more than $7 million to date, and on Saturday, October 25th at 7PM the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will once again partner with the Magazine for a spectacular bash to benefit the Foundation’s work to restore instrumental music education programs.

The host committee for the event includes Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, James Denton, Ryan Eggold, Matt Grant, Greg Grunberg, Juliette Lewis, Taryn Manning, Niecy Nash, and Chris Webber. Attendees at past events include Kiefer Sutherland, John Mayer, Paula Abdul and many more.

This year’s “Signature Space” will include a special performance by Gavin Rossdale and will feature every imaginable amenity as well as breathtaking views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island in what is sure to be one of the most talked about parties of the year. A limited number of tickets are available for $300. To purchase, call 212.654.5956 or email RSVP@vh1.com with Esquire House in subject line.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

Britney Spears Donates To School Music Program

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Britney Spears has donated $10,000 to a school in the Bronx.

The singer paid an surprise visit to John Philip Sousa Junior High School in New York on Wednesday to hand over a cheque from Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetics company behind her perfume range.

The money will be used to support the school’s music program, and Spears was treated to a special performance by the Sousatones, the school’s eight-piece band.

“I really enjoyed the time I spent at the John Philip Sousa Middle School,“ said Spears. “I’ve been working with the people at Elizabeth Arden for the last five years, and I know how passionate everyone is about the school. I loved hearing the school orchestra and the children sang so beautifully. The fact that Elizabeth Arden made such a large donation for the school music studio in my name was so generous.”

Celebrities Support Sick Drummer With New Auction

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Pierce Brosnan, Tim McGraw, Nickelback, Donna Summer, Keith Urban, The Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many other big names in show business have come together to support one of their own.

The stars have organized a special benefit auction to help Allen Shellenberger, the 39-year-old drummer for Orange County rock band Lit, who was recently diagnosed with a grade 4 malignant brain tumor. The auction, sponsored by The Make A Noise Foundation through Ebay’s Giving Works Program, is being launched to help offset Allen’s medical costs.

The auction will include autographed items by various celebrities and fellow musicians including an archive-quality signed and numbered giclee of a painting by actor Pierce Brosnan, a custom tattoo session by Aces High, a guitar lesson with Grammy-award winning guitarist Steve Vai, a “Baby Taylor” guitar autographed by Tim McGraw, a “Knocked Up” movie poster signed by Judd Apatow & members of the cast, a dinner with the band Lit, an original lithograph of a painting by Donna Summer, a guitar autographed by Staind, an amplifier autographed by members of No Doubt, Drum Heads signed by The Offspring, a “Stadium Arcadium” CD by Red Hot Chili Peppers signed by the entire band, and autographed items from James Taylor, Nickelback, Maroon 5 and many other one-of-a-kind items. All proceeds from the Ebay auction will benefit Allen and Cedars-Sinai’s Maxine Dunitz Neurosugical Institute in Los Angeles.

In May, biopsy results identified Shellenberger’s cancer as malignant glioma. According to the National Cancer Institute, malignant glioma affects approximately 10,000 Americans per year. It is the same type of cancer Senator Edward M. Kennedy is battling. Shellenberger is under the care of world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Hunt at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute where he is pursuing radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Despite the news, Allen is in good spirits and committed to the fight.

Lit, who has been both a brotherhood and a band for over 20 years, has enjoyed multi-platinum success and chart-topping singles including “My Own Worst Enemy,” “Miserable,” and others. After two decades together, the band continues to write, record and tour.

“Allen’s young and healthy and if anyone has a chance to beat this, it’s him,” says Lit guitarist Jeremy Popoff. “As sad and scared as we all are, we’re standing by him and staying positive. We’re going to fight this together.”

For complete info on the auction, visit Lit’s MySpace page. To bid on the items in the auction, click here!

Kanye West Supports Live To Give Campaign

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

The Dr. Donda West Foundation and Washington Redskins NFL hall of famer Darrell Green have teamed up with the Live to Give Campaign for the Give Back Concert Benefit taking place November 4, 2008 at Ibiza.

The show will benefit the work of Kanye West’s foundation named in honor of his mother, Dr. Donda West. The Give Back Concert Benefit will mark the first hip-hop concert benefit in the nation’s capital to encourage giving back to the community.

The campaign specifically focuses on inspiring young adults to give back by voting in the upcoming historic election. The Dr. Donda West foundation will also receive the Give Back award, which honors philanthropists who inspire and encourage young adults to give back to their community and for their dedication to impacting the community through their socially engaged philanthropic efforts. Although Kanye West will be overseas on tour, attendees will be able to gain access to view Kanye’s exclusive video tribute for private viewing only.

The Give Back Concert Benefit will kick off with a meet and greet and voter registration drive with Washington Wizards Star Antawn Jamison for pre-sale ticket purchasers. On October 10 and October 20, the two surprise mega performers will be revealed. The performer who will be revealed on October 10 is a hip-hop heavyweight with his first two albums debuting at number 1 on the billboard charts. The second performer who will be announced has won various prestigious awards including 1 Grammy, 4 BET Awards, and 1 teen choice award.

Keep guessing who these stars might be, and all will be revealed on Look To The Stars when the announcements are made.

The Live to Give campaign encourages and inspires young adults to live their lives accomplishing their dreams but also giving back on their journey to success. Although there are many ways to give, the focus for this event will be to fundraise for underprivileged youth by selling concert benefit tickets and increasing voter turnout for young adults in this year’s upcoming historic election.

General admission to the Give Back Benefit is $85.00. All proceeds will be given to select charities including the Dr. Donda West Foundation, Rick Ross Charities, the Antawn Jamison Foundation, and the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation. Tickets are available through www.livetogiveback.org; or charge by phone (301) 605- 5324. The first 200 ticket purchasers will attend a private pre-concert celebrity meet and greet for young adults who vote in this year’s upcoming election. On October 10, 2008 and October 20, ticket prices will increase once each performer is revealed.

Halle Berry Reveals Philanthropic Inspiration

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Academy Award winner Halle Berry has revealed how she was inspired to become a major spokesperson for women’s cancer causes after discovering her obstetrician’s wife was battling breast cancer.

Berry – who is an Ambassador for the Calloway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative – watched her doctor, Bobby Katz, and his wife battle heroically with the stresses of cancer while he guided the actress through her pregnancy.

“Watching them go through their struggle made me respect the resilience of those who are suffering,” said Berry, who went on to take part in the 15th annual Entertainment Industry Foundation Run/Walk for Women in Los Angeles in May.

The Callaway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative was established through $2 million of donations to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Programs. The initiative aims to fast-track breakthrough treatments and tests at leading cancer institutions to beat women’s cancer.

Hip Hop Royalty Auction “Crown Jewels” for Charity

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

On October 1, an unprecedented collection of jewelry from hip hop superstars will be auctioned by Phillips de Pury & Co., with a portion of proceeds benefitting Russell Simmons’ Rush Community Affairs.

The auction features such iconic pieces as Missy Elliot’s diamond, black diamond and gold turntable ring; Sean “Diddy” Combs’ diamond and platinum bracelet; and Lil’ Jon’s Guinness World Record-holding “Crunk Ain’t Dead” pendant, which weighs almost 12 pounds.

Of the 50 pieces included in the auction, a representative from the auction house says, “The artists are very tied into these pieces emotionally. That they consigned them over is a big statement.”

Rush Community Affairs is a coalition of Russell Simmons’ non-profit organizations and includes the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

For more information on the auction, click here

Metallica to Donate Concert Proceeds to Children’s Charity

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Metallica has named Youth Music as the recipient of all proceeds from its London show.

Fans attending the band’s September 15 performance at London’s O2 Arena can feel even better about the low 5GBP ticket price – proceeds will go directly to Youth Music, a leading children’s charity in the UK.

Youth Music was founded in 1999 to support music-making activities for children ages 0-18 who would otherwise not have the chance to partake in such opportunities. The organization believes that music-making helps young people develop their potential, shape their identities, and contribute to society.

The concert will coincide with Metallica’s release of its new album, “Death Magnetic,” and follow a similarly charitable concert in Berlin three days prior. The Berlin concert ticket proceeds will go to The Deutsche Herzzentrum Berlin (DHZB) medical centers for heart treatment, and more specifically for “Ein Herz fur Kinder” (a heart for children).

For more information on Youth Music, click here: http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/

Kyle Maclachlan To Front Women's Cancer PSA

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Desperate Housewives star Kyle Maclachlan is to feature in a new cancer awareness advertisement.

The 49-year-old former Twin Peaks actor is to front a new public service announcement on behalf of the Callaway Golf Foundation Women’s Cancer Initiative urging women to seek early detection for ovarian cancer. His mother died of ovarian cancer in 1986, and MacLachlin wants to honor her memory by taking part in the campaign.

Earlier this year, Halle Berry was announced as the 2008 Ambassador for the initiative’s public service campaign, and has been appearing in magazine and newspaper advertisements for the program.

For more information about the initiative, visit www.callawaygolf.com.

Metallica And Ozzy Donate To Charity

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Heavy metal legends Metallica will kick off their latest tour with two charity shows.

The Rock Gods will play a gig at O2 World in Berlin on September 12, to be followed by a concert at the O2 Arena in London three days later, with proceeds going to local charities which will be revealed in the next few weeks. Tickets are only available to the band’s fan club members and subscribers to www.MissionMetallica.com – the band’s website dedicated to their new album, Death Magnetic. The ticket price will be as low as £5 (US$10).

The band – who have performed at a variety of benefit concerts in the past, including Live Earth, the Bridge School concerts, and the Silverlake Conservancy – are no strangers to giving their concert proceeds to charity. Following their performance at Live Earth, the band’s drummer Lars Ulrich announced that fans could download the performance, with all money raised benefiting climate charities hand-selected by the band – including the Sierra Club, Apollo Alliance, WWF, and the Rainforest Action Network.

In other heavy metal news, Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, Counting Crows, Black Tide, Kingdom of Sorrow, Devildriver, As I Lie Dying, and The Dillinger Escape Plan are some of the artists who have donated autographed items to the Ride For Dime charity auction. Autographed guitars, posters, CD sleeves and other rock memorabilia are all up for grabs to raise money for Ride For Dime, a charity named after former Pantera guitarist Darrell “Dime” Abbot, who was shot and killed onstage in 2004. The organization gives back to the charities that were of interest to Dime during his life as well as charities he would have been proud to be a part of. Ride For Dime will raise money on behalf of three charities, Little Kids Rock, Covenant House, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

The auction can be accessed via Ride For Dime’s eBay page.

Stars Keep In Time For Charity

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new series of designer watches featuring memorabilia from rock stars and celebrities is raising money for charity.

California-based Nixon Watches has launched their 2008 LTD collection of watches which incorporates guitar frets, concert ticket stubs, and other items into quality timepieces. The brainchild of No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, the collection features watches designed by musicians such as Ringo Starr, Nikki Sixx, members of Fall Out Boy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Angels and Airwaves, and screen stars Jack Black and Joy Bryant. Proceeds from the watches will benefit the Tony Hawk Foundation, a children’s aid charity that seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, and the MusiCares MAP Fund to help musicians recovering from addiction.

According to the Nixon website, the collection ranges in price from $350 to $1,500, and is available from Barneys New York in Beverly Hills.

Gwyneth Paltrow Pushes For A Key To The Cure

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) have announced that Gwyneth Paltrow is their new Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s 2008 Key To The Cure campaign.

Key to the Cure is a women’s cancer initiative founded in partnership with EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, and 35-year-old Paltrow will appear in a series of advertisements wearing a limited edition T-shirt to raise awareness. The T-shirts – created by celebrated designer Karl Lagerfeld – will be available from Saks Fifth Avenue from October 1, with $35 from each shirt going to the Cancer Fund.

“Key to the Cure is one of Saks Fifth Avenue’s most important initiatives because of the numbers of people within our communities who are affected by cancer and depend on both the advancement of research and the efforts to ultimately find a cure,” said Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue. “We are… truly privileged to have the support of Karl Lagerfeld and Gwyneth Paltrow in our momentous 10th anniversary year.”

Saks Fifth Avenue will also hold a charity shopping weekend from October 16-19 at all of its stores nationwide and online, during which 2% of sales will benefit local organizations through EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation raises awareness and funds for important causes such as childhood hunger, cancer research, creative arts, education, and cardiovascular research by using the talent and compassion of entertainment industry members who donate money and volunteer time on their behalf.

Kanye West Films Veteran Stories For MTV

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

MTV News and Kanye West have teamed up to tell the stories of returning veterans in the powerful documentary Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming.

The one hour television special – designed to raise awareness of young veterans issues – will air on Monday, July 28, at 10pm ET/PT, and will feature West and MTV’s Sway Calloway as they drop in unexpectedly at the homes of some Iraq war veterans and see firsthand the often difficult and painful challenges the young vets face after returning home.

“There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacrifices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about,” said West. “I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people, but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories. I went to their homes to listen and get their firsthand experiences. I wanted to hear their stories.”

The special will shine the spotlight on three Iraq war veterans, representing the diverse cross-section of America’s returning armed forces. The issues faced by these three young veterans are emblematic of the issues that will be faced by the more than 1.7 million young people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documentary will also highlight how viewers can help through extensive resources available through www.chooseorlose.com and the Dr. Donda West Foundation – a charity set up by Kanye West and named after his late mother.

Recent MTV research revealed that nearly 70 percent of young people 18-29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq. Through this special news presentation, Choose or Lose hopes to elevate the issues of young, new veterans; ensure Presidential candidates address these issues; and mobilize millions of young people to understand and take action in ways to help their peers who have served, who with the greatest honor, ensure that they register and vote.

For a special sneak preview of the show, or to learn more, visit the site at Think.MTV.

Grammy Auction Has Something For Everybody

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Another incredible Grammy auction benefiting MusiCares is currently running on eBay, giving bidders the opportunity to pick up some very special memorabilia for a good cause.

The 51st annual Grammy Awards will take place in February next year, and to celebrate there are all sorts of exciting items on offer. Maybe you fancy books signed by Ringo Starr, John Legend, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Nelly Furtado, Little Richard, or Carole King, or postcards signed by Rihanna. Or perhaps you would be more interested in grabbing a guitar signed by Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, or the Eagles’ Joe Walsh. Or, if strumming chords seems too hard and you want to hear real musicians play, you might want to make a bid on tickets to see Bette Midler, America, or 3 Doors Down. Whatever your taste, the auction has something for you.

So head over to the eBay Grammys Auction now to find yourself a once-in-a-lifetime bargain to raise money for MusiCares, an organization that works to help those in need in the music industry, and the Grammy Foundation, which works with industries, cultural communities and the public to raise awareness of music and arts education.

The auction runs until July 31.

VIP Tickets For The Police's Final Concert Up For Grabs

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Police will play their final concert ever on August 7, and they want YOU to be there. To celebrate, the band has released a limited number of once-in-a-lifetime concert experiences and memorabilia to be auctioned online through eBay Giving Works.

The band is auctioning off four very special VIP packages to the Madison Square Garden show that will include intimate meet and greets, personal photos with the band, front row seats, access to the final sound check, special pre-concert dinner and cocktail reception invitations, and limited edition concert souvenirs. And if that is not enough, the boys are also putting a complete set of their autographed instruments up for grabs, including Sting’s Signature Bass, Sennheiser Microphone and Stand (used during the 2007/2008 world Police tour); Andy Summers’ Signature Fender Telecaster; and Stewart Copeland’s Tama Star Drum Set ( which he played at the 2007 GRAMMY Awards).

And not to be left out, support band The B52’s have also put a special VIP concert package up for auction, featuring a private meet and greet, access to their sound check, four front row seats, and four one-of-a-kind signed memorabilia gift sets.

100% of the proceeds from the auctions will benefit Public Television Rocks!, an initiative formed between NY Public Television stations, Thirteen/WNET (www.thirteen.org) and WLIW21 (www.wliw.org). The Police chose to support these stations in recognition of their contributions to art, music, and culture – both in New York and nationally. For more information, visit www.publictelevisionrocks.org.

The VIP ticket auctions run until July 24, and the opportunity to get your hands on the instruments runs until August 14. All of the auctions can be accessed through eBay.

Bid For Yoga With Russell Simmons

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One lucky bidder will have the chance to stretch their limbs with Russell Simmons at a private yoga lesson in a new charity auction the hip hop mogul has launched on eBay.

The 50-year-old has launched the auction to raise money for the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a charity he established to provide arts and education programming to New York City youth. Over 75 items have been donated to the auction by a variety of celebrities, all of whom want to reach out to urban youth and offer personal testimony to the transformative power of creative expression.

As well as the yoga opportunity, items up for auction include a one week internship with Simmons at his executive office, a personalized George Clooney cell phone, the chance to meet Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, and Dionne Warwick, the opportunity to attend a baseball game with Petra Nemcova, and a personal rendition of Happy Birthday from John Legend.

The auction runs until July 24, and can be accessed through Charity Buzz.

The Spy Who Loved Me For Charity

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ever fancy a kiss with James Bond? Or a cuddle with Hugh Grant? One lucky bidder did on Tuesday night, when they won the chance to do exactly that at a charity auction in London.

The Great British Movie Event, a dinner and auction to raise cash for the National Film and Television School, attracted a host of famous faces, including Richard Attenborough, Christopher Lee, Rowan Atkinson, Honor Blackman, Bill Nighy, and Richard Curtis. Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the evening raised over $800,000 for the school, which specializes in high-end media training.

The chance to kiss three living legends – Hugh Grant, James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and Harry Potter’s Robbie Coltrane – sold for a whopping $39,000, with the honor going to Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond film franchise.

And although they didn’t have to fight over the girl, Craig and Grant did enter into a bidding war over some Harry Potter memorabilia, with Craig eventually paying $36,000 for the chance to own some of the famous wizard’s belongings. Hugh Grant was later outbid again, this time for two walk-on parts in one of his own films…

Other items up for auction on the night included the dinner jacket worn by Daniel Craig in the most recent Bond film ‘Casino Royale’, which sold for almost $20,000, and a signed copy of JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, which fetched $39,000.

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