Look To The Stars News: Disaster Relief

Vote For Adrian Paul's Peace Fund In Charity Contest

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Highlander star Adrian Paul's children‘s charity The PEACE Fund has been named one of 33 finalists in the Show Us Your Goodness Contest sponsored by Canada’s Snack Alliance Corp. The Peace Fund has an opportunity to win up to $20,000 to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.

The general public is being invited to vote for their most inspiring “People’s Pick” award in the Riceworks “Show Us Your Goodness” charity contest, which will award the winners $60,000 in shared prize money.

The company behind the popular contest is Snack Alliance Inc ., the maker of Riceworks Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps. The contest is part of a social media campaign that invites consumers to vote online for the charitable program they believe has gone the extra mile to “serve the greater good.”

“The viral aspect was amazing and we unexpectedly received more than 2500 submissions, which meant we had a difficult time to select the most deserving 33 charity semi-finalists,” says Tricia Ryan, Director of Marketing for Riceworks. "Still, we tried to be fair and visit all issues – health, aging, children, animals, homelessness – in our selection process.

“The nominations really opened our eyes to the selfless and generous nature of all those who support causes that are close to their hearts.”

This voting phase continues until April 30, at which time a select panel of six judges will vote for the top three finalists to win $20,000, and $5,000 each respectively, while the remaining 30 semi-finalists will share $1,000 each as part of the Sponsor’s Choice Award.

Click here to cast your vote for The Peace Fund.

Reese Witherspoon Launches Global Partnership To End Violence Against Women

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Wagner

Reese Witherspoon joined forces with Avon in 2007 to help end violence against women and has continued to support the cause. On March 10, 2010, Witherspoon – along with the CEO of Avon – joined the State Department and Vital Voices to launch the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women during a breakfast meeting in the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Room.

The Global Partnership was formed to assist women that have been, or will be, affected by violence at some point in their life. This conference focused on the three most pervasive crimes against women: domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. A global action plan was developed, which included the advocacy campaigns being started in India and Argentina.

Wanda Sykes Joins Soles4Souls Campaign

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian and writer Wanda Sykes has teamed up with www.50KShoes.com to raise funds for Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, and their ongoing relief efforts to the victims of the devastated country of Haiti.

The charity has pledged 1.3 million of shoes, of which 120,000 pairs already sent, to be distributed to Haitians during a sustained giving plan in coordination with other agencies. 

“As little as five dollars will provide two people with a pair of shoes,” said Sykes, “Let’s all come together and do what we can for the people of Haiti.” 

The ‘50,000 Shoes in 50 Days Challenge’ also has the support of Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian.

“We are so grateful to all of our partners, from individuals to talented and extremely busy celebrities like Wanda Sykes, for stepping up to help the victims of Haiti,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “These people are struggling to rebuild their lives and something as simple as the gift of shoes will help give them hope through the devastation.”

Donating is easy at www.50KShoes.com. It requires no shipping and no trips to the post office. The suggested donation is very affordable, with $5.00 buying two pairs of new shoes. With the new world of blogging, emailing, twittering, and through many other forms of social media, Wanda’s video and support will help spread the charity’s mission to “Change the World, One Pair at a Time.” In addition, money raised thru www.50Kshoes.com will go specifically toward the Haitian relief effort. According to Soles4Souls, a pair of new shoes is absolutely necessary in order for the Haitian survivors to be effective in the rescue and rebuilding efforts amidst broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage.

 Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 9 seconds.) The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States.

Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

Stars Celebrate Twitter At Charity Gala

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A whole bunch of Twittering stars came out in Los Angeles on Friday, March 12, to celebrate the micro-blogging site for charity.

Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Justin Long, Jenny McCarthy, Dane Cook, Rainn Wilson, Samantha Ronson, The Hangover’s Ed Helms, 24’s Mary Lynn Rajskub, Mad Men’s Rich Sommer and many more attended the Artists for Peace and Justice (AFPJ) gala, with many taking to the stage to share their favorite Tweets, Twitpics and Twitvids.

Guests recalled their favorite on-line moments to benefit AFPJ’s work in Haiti. Established in early 2009, Artists for Peace and Justice is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. Over the past year, APJ has focused on raising funds to support essential street schools in Haiti. Following the devastating earthquake APJ has expanded its efforts to include emergency aid. To date, APJ has raised nearly $6.3 million including an impressive $3.5 million in long-term commitments through 2014.

Some of the highlights of the evening included Demi Moore showing off her famous “Toothless Smile” photo – taken by Ashton Kutcher while she was at the dentist and posted on-line – and Ben Stiller’s all-time favorite Tweet – “On a remote island vacationing, really enjoying dropping off the grid, totally disconnecting from the world.”

The evening was taped and will be available on iTunes.

Ben Stiller Joins Artists For Peace And Justice Board Of Directors

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) has announced that it will merge with Ben Stiller's Haitian school initiative (HSI).

The two organizations, both of whom were committed to improving living conditions in impoverished Haiti prior to the devastating earthquake, will combine their shared passion in helping build essential schools for the children of Haiti. Together they have engaged Global Philanthropy Group (GPG) to help develop and manage their philanthropic efforts. In partnership with an interim Country Director in Port-au-Prince, GPG will coordinate the day-to-day efforts of APJ.

“Ben Stiller understands the important role of schools in the lives of Haitian children. Together we share a mutual passion and determination to be as effective as quickly as possible,” says Paul Haggis, founder of Artists for Peace and Justice. “For the children of Haiti, schools provide so much more than education. They provide their only hot meals, their only clean drinking water and medical attention. These are critical elements for children, especially in a time of crisis.”

Established in early 2009, Artists for Peace and Justice is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. Over the past year, APJ has focused on raising funds to support essential street schools in Haiti. Following the devastating earthquake APJ has expanded its efforts to include emergency aid. To date, APJ has raised nearly $6.3 million including an impressive $3.5 million in long-term commitments through 2014.

Ben Stiller’s Haitian school initiative

Ben Stiller funded a community school in the rural village of Cérévrine, Haiti in 2009 and launched the Haitian school initiative in January, 2010 in an effort to help provide temporary schools for Haitians displaced by the earthquake.

Ben’s humourous STILLERSTRONG campaign, which was launched prior to the earthquake, included viral videos with high-profile participants such as Robert De Niro and Bill Clinton. As a result of this campaign, Ben generated the $300,000 in fundraising needed to complete the school and achieved an increased awareness of the needs of the impoverished Haitian people.

“If there is one way we can help Haiti emerge from this crisis, putting our efforts into building temporary and permanent schools is a step in the right direction,” says Ben Stiller. “When I heard about APJ’s initiatives and the difference they’re making in the country and spoke with Paul Haggis about their fundraising efforts, I knew we could accomplish more together.”

Given the shared goals and interests of Artists for Peace and Justice and the Ben Stiller Haitian school initiative, a merging of forces seemed a natural progression. As part of the merge, the Haitian school initiative will become a core program of Artists for Peace and Justice with Ben Stiller continuing to provide funding. Ben Stiller will join the APJ Board of Directors that includes Paul Haggis, Dr. Reza Nabavian and Dr. Bob Arnot. The Board of Directors is supported by an Advisory Board that includes a number of influential voices: Simon Baker and Rebecca Rigg, Javier Bardem, David Belle, Maria Bello, Josh Brolin, Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Jim Clark, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe, Penelope Cruz, Dina and Clint Eastwood, Frances Fisher, Dr. Henri Ford, James Franco, Gale-Anne Hurd, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Natasha Koifman, Diane Lane, Michael Stahl-David, Lekha Singh, Madeleine Stowe, Charlize Theron and Olivia Wilde.

Melissa Etheridge And Rob Thomas Join Live Earth Run For Water

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Live Earth has announced that two-time Grammy Award-winner and one-time Academy Award winner for Best Song for the Al Gore documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” Melissa Etheridge, and multi-platinum three-time Grammy Award-winner Rob Thomas, will perform live at the Los Angeles and Atlanta Dow Live Earth Run for Water events, respectively.

The largest worldwide water initiative on record to help combat the global water crisis, the Dow Live Earth Run for Water is a series of 6km run/walks (the average distance many women and children walk every day to get water), culminating with water education villages and live musical performances.

“I’m a long-time environmental advocate and believe strongly that it is our duty as a society and as individuals to preserve our planet and its resources,” said Melissa Etheridge. “I want to lend my name and time to this event because the global water crisis is an environmental issue that affects nearly one billion people on the planet and through this event we can raise awareness and money to help address it.”

“I am thrilled to be participating in this important event to bring clean, safe drinking water to the women and children around the world walking 6km every day to sustain their families,” said Rob Thomas. “I encourage the Atlanta community to come out on April 18th because together we can make a difference in the lives of so many.”

The events will take place in nearly 100 cities across 50 countries around the world on April 18, 2010, to raise awareness and funds to help solve the global water crisis. Jessica Biel, Peter Wentz, Angélique Kidjo, Alexandra Cousteau and Jenny Fletcher have already been announced to support events on April 18th. Additional artists announcement for events taking place in Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York coming soon.

Funds raised from the events will benefit Global Water Challenge, a coalition of non-profit organizations working to bring clean, safe drinking water to millions of people worldwide. This includes innovative projects that provide clean drinking water to communities in Haiti, Central America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. GWC has invested in previous projects with donations going towards improving access to water in schools and supporting local entrepreneurs who provide market-based solutions.

Beginning today, Live Earth will donate $1 for each U.S. registration received between now and March 23 for a special Haiti relief fund through GWC coalition partners CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Population Services International, and UNICEF to implement safe drinking water programs on the ground in Haiti. People interested in supporting the Haiti relief fund should register for a Dow Live Earth Run for Water run/walk event in the U.S. before March 23 via The Active Network at http://liveearth.org/run, using promotional code HAITI.

“The money raised from these events will help thousands of people in the developing world get access to clean drinking water. We look forward to investing these funds and impacting lives.” said Paul Faeth, President of Global Water Challenge.

The Los Angeles Dow Live Earth Run for Water event will be held in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, with the 6km course starting on Exposition Park Drive, turning onto Figueroa and traveling three kilometers toward downtown, turning around at 17th Street for the return three kilometers, and ending in the Water Village in Expo Park. Starting time for the run is 8:30 a.m.

More info on how you can be part of an event near you can be found here.

Stars Urge For Maternal Health In Amnesty Film

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Celebrities including Keira Knightley, Annie Lennox, James Purefoy and Beverley Knight have called on the UK Government to make maternal and newborn health a priority in its international development assistance in a new short film released by Amnesty International yesterday (12 March).

The film, which premiered in the Houses of Parliament, is part of Amnesty’s campaign to ensure the UK government prioritizes maternal and newborn health care globally to enable all women access their basic right to health care. Entitled ‘Every day should be Mother’s Day’, the three-minute, star-studded film also features Dervla Kirwan, Colin Salmon and Jonathan Pryce.

“We’re delighted that so many celebrated artists are willing to stand with us on this very important matter,” said Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen. "We want the government to maintain a strong political will to improve maternal health around the world.

“Ten years ago, world leaders made a commitment to reduce the rate of maternal deaths significantly by 2015. With just five years to go, the world is way off track of us seeing this goal fulfilled. We must see greater political commitment from all leaders around the world to ensure that fewer women die as a result of inadequate health care or lack of information about their basic rights.”

Every year, approximately half a million women die because of childbirth related factors – mainly in poorer countries.

Earlier this week, a coalition of organizations including Amnesty, Save the Children and the White Ribbon Alliance, revealed that the rate of pregnant women dying in countries in the developing world is as bad – and in some countries far worse – than the rate of women dying in Britain 100 years ago.

Today Amnesty International also published a major new report on the rate of maternal deaths in the USA, where figures show that two to three women die in childbirth or pregnancy-related factors every day. These deaths occur because of a lack of health insurance, barriers to health care for those who speak little or no English or who live in poverty, and a shortage of health care professionals in rural and inner-city areas.

Adding his voice to the campaign, actor James Purefoy said: "It’s beyond belief to think that every minute one woman in the world dies because of childbirth or related issues. That’s why I’m supporting Amnesty’s call to ensure that a pregnant woman’s basic right to health care is not denied. "

Amnesty is also encouraging thousands of its supporters to send a Mother’s Day card outlining its calls to each of the three main party leaders – Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Conservative Party leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg – to maintain political commitment to maternal health in their global priorities. So far approximately 4,000 people have taken action online via www.amnesty.org.uk/mums.

Throughout the year, Amnesty along with other members of the coalition of organisations will be calling on the UK government to increase financing of maternal and child health in developing countries and to place maternal and child health at the heart of strengthening those countries’ health systems. It is also urging the UK to increase its commitment to supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights.

After taking part in the film actress Dervla Kirwan said: “Too many women are dying needlessly in childbirth or because of their pregnancy. Every day should be Mother’s Day – that’s why I’m committed to supporting Amnesty’s call to improve maternal health for all women.”

The film can be viewed at www.amnesty.org.uk/mums.

Annie Lennox Supports Minute For Mothers Campaign

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:50:00 -0000

In a release from her official website, Annie Lennox is supporting the Minute for Mothers campaign, an initiative set up by a coalition of leading charities including Save the Children, White Ribbon Alliance, Oxfam, Amnesty International and Mumsnet, which is joining forces with politicians and celebrities this week to hold a minute for mothers across the world.

The event in central London at 10.30am on March 12 sees 3,000 white roses laid across Old Palace Yard opposite parliament to represent the 3,000 pregnant women who will lose their lives this Mother’s Day weekend. Every minute of every day a mother-to-be from somewhere around the world dies simply because they don’t have access to the vital healthcare they need before and during childbirth.

If you can’t attend the event but would like to support it here are some ways you can take action online:

  * Send a virtual flower that acts as an e-action to the three main party leaders.  

Spread the word on Twitter by tweeting this message: Every minute a mother dies. Politicians need 2 b aware that #mothersmatter RT 2 make it a trend b4 Mothers day.

What was your — or your child’s — first word? Find out and update your Facebook status with it. Just the first word, nothing else. Poverty kills childhood. By updating your status you’re showing the world you support Save the Children’s campaign to end it.

Click here to visit the official website to find out more.

Ricky Gervais Appeals For Chilean Earthquake Donations

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British comedian Ricky Gervais has appealed to fans to help victims of last week’s earthquake in Chile following an emotional email from a young fan who survived the disaster.

Gervais posted the email on his blog, and asked fans to give to the Red Cross appeal.

“I’m from Chile, where we just had an enormous earthquake, tons of people died (though not as much as in Haiti) and over a million people’s homes were hit hard,” said the fan, known only as Max. "Personally I wasn’t struck as hard, but I was left without electricity and running water for three days. I had enough food and bottled water to last me at least a week, so that wasn’t a problem; and a battery-operated radio to listen to news about the earthquake.  

“This is where Ricky comes along. I was horribly bored, I had nothing to do (apart from listening to the news, which get a bit depressing), when I remembered something transcendental: My Ipod was fully charged AND HAD THE COMPLETE PODCASTS, XFM SHOWS AND GUIDES TO…  

“Ricky Gervais’ audio work really helped me get through the days while keeping me in a good mood, thinking about things other than the horrible destruction of my country. The stories of the round-headed buffoon Karl asking what were the names of “those things in the movie gremlins”, or when Steve was trying to be cool driving a car in his teens only to end up crying because some cooler kids wanted to get a pig in the car, really made the difference to me in that moment of despair.  

“What I’m going with really is, thanks Ricky and the gang for keeping me laughing and sane for three days.”

To give to the Red Cross appeal, click here.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Create Crafts For A Cause

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Natalia Łajdych

Crafts – tiny little bits or tremendously spectacular monstrosities… no matter how much space they occupy, it’s no doubt that their handmade nature can steal many hearts. Crafts are one and only treasures, never replaced and never identical to any other items. Special. Unique. Pieces of art.

Binki Shapiro of the band Little Joy appreciated the priceless value of crafts and asked her artistic mates to join her in an initiative called ‘Crafts for a Cause’. Ornamented legendary guitars, totally adorable hand-drawn pictures, cutely doodled tote bags and emblazoned t-shirts are available from various artists, from Daft Punk, Conor Oberst, Jenny Lewis, Natalie Portman and Cat Power to Spike Jonze, No Doubt, The Strokes, Sia and more!

Musicians from the Red Hot Chili Peppers decorated a few white t-shirts and turned them into trendy fashion items. See for yourself by visiting the special Crafts for a Cause blog. If you want to help earthquake-affected Haitians, you can join the auction on March 15 at www.BiddingForGood.

All the proceeds will go to Artists for Peace and Justice, an amazing charitable organization founded by filmmaker Paul Haggis.

Vampires And Werewolves Play Charity Baseball

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0000

True Blood fans will be excited to learn that Nelsan Ellis, star of the award-winning HBO series, will join stars of the Twilight movie series to take part in a charity baseball game to benefit Haitian Relief Efforts by the Red Cross and Hope for Haiti.

The game will take place in New Orleans on March 20, and will also feature Chaske Spencer (Sam Uley in New Moon), Alex Meraz (Paul in New Moon), Daniel Cudmore, and Tyson Houseman and Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints players Garrett Hartley and Kyle Eckel, actors Wayne Morgan, Sam Medina, Thomas Hyde III and more.

Highlights of this unique baseball adventure include watching an exhibition game, getting autographs and photos with the stars, meet and greets, and an exciting after-party and concert. 25% of net proceeds from each celebrity baseball ticket sale will go towards these Haitian Relief organizations to support their ongoing efforts to rebuild lives destroyed by this disaster. A portion of proceeds will also be used to support New Orleans non-profit organizations such as The Blood Center and the 9th Ward Field of Dreams. In addition to the game, The Blood Center will host an on-site blood drive.

Tickets ($25) and more info are available here.

Jackie Chan Named In Top Charity Givers List

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

LookToTheStars.org congratulates Jackie Chan for being named as one of the most philanthropic people in Asia.

The star has been named as one of the 48 most philanthropic people by Forbes Asia for his work with the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation – founded in 1988 to help young people in a variety of worthy causes, including medical services, aid to victims of natural disaster or illness, scholarships and youth activities – and the Dragon's Heart Charity, which strives to meet the needs of poverty-stricken children and the elderly in the hardest-to-reach areas of the immense country. Chan has made several trips to villages in these remote locations, bringing warm clothing, wheelchairs and school supplies, and helping to build schools.

LookToTheStars.org talked to Jackie in 2007 about his work with the charities: “I’m very lucky to be able to help children who are suffering the the world. Since I am Ambassador for UNICEF and UNAIDS, I am able to help raise interest in the problems that children face. Plus I am involved with my own charities here in Asia – the Dragon’s Heart Charity and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. There are so many problems for children! Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do enough for them – as soon as I solve the problem of one group, I notice that another group is suffering. I try, but it’s never enough.”

Coldplay Appeals For Chilean Earthquake Relief

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British band Coldplay used Twitter last week to encourage fans to support the Red Cross in its earthquake relief work in Chile – and fans responded in such numbers that they crashed the charity’s website!

“Two million people have been affected by the earthquake in Chile – donate towards the Red Cross’s relief work,” wrote singer Chris Martin. The message was followed less than an hour later with: “Amazingly, you folks just crashed the Red Cross’s Chile Appeal donation website – it’s back up now.”

Coldplay is joined in their plea by Leeza Gibbons, who used Facebook to urge fans to give to the relief fund: "Donate $10 to survivors of the Chile earthquake thru @RedCross, text “Chile” to 90999, I’m on the celebrity cabinet, please help if you can!"

To lend your support to the Red Cross as it endeavors to bring relief to the devastated country, click here.

Coldplay is currently touring Latin America, and the band’s favorite charity, Oxfam, has gone with them. To read regular reports from the road, click here.

Celebrities Play Hollywood Dominoes for Peace and Justice

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:57:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Celebrities en route to the Academy Awards this year will make a pit-stop beforehand to take part in the 3rd Annual Pre-Oscar Hollywood Domino Gala Benefiting Artists for Peace and Justice.

The much anticipated dominos tournament of the Academy Awards, invites iconic personalities of Hollywood, such as Penelope Cruz, Charlize Theron and Demi Moore, to play at ‘bar210’ in an effort to aid Haiti and its people. This black tie ‘island style’ evening will include specialty Disaronno cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Executive Chef Marcel Vigneron and music by DJ Jus Ske.

One hundred percent of the donations received at this event will be directed to Artists for Peace and Justice’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Players include: Molly Sims, Rosario Dawson, Camilla Belle, Garcelle Nilon, Christina Aguilera, Malin Akerman, Rachel Bilson, Eric Dane, James Franco, Olivier Martinez, Luke Wilson, Ridley Scott, Aaron Eckhart, Olivia Wilde, Common, Olivia Munn, Thandie Newton, Nicky Hilton, Rose McGowan, Rachel Zoe, Dave Annabel, Jamie King, Gerard Butler, Marisa Tomei and Giannina Facio.
 
Artists for Peace and Justice, established in early 2009, is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice. It addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. The organization’s immediate goal is to build schools to serve the poorest areas of Haiti, providing an education, hot meals, clean drinking water and regular medical treatments to the children living in the slums.

For more information please visit their website.

Hannah Teter's Underwear for Charity

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:43:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Winter Olympics may be over the charitable work of snowboarder Hannah Teter never ends. Known for her philanthropy, the member of the U.S. Olympic team is selling underwear to support Doctors Without Borders.

The ‘Make Love, Not War’ shortie style underwear can be purchased at SweetCheeksPanties.com, where each pair sold results in a $5 donation to Doctors Without Borders with a goal to raise $100,000 by May.

Sweet Cheeks Panties was born from a “What if?” moment courtesy of Olympic Gold Medal Snowboarder Hannah Teter. Teter dedicates much of her time and interest to transformative gifting. Clean Water, Food, Shelter, Hope, Grace, Mercy for those in need. It is her wish to share this experience of gifting with women everywhere in a fun and fashionable way.

Each pair of underwear is designed in response to a particular cause to create the perfect pair and each month they release a new pair of undies dedicated to helping the less fortunate.

Doctors Without Borders:
Founded in 1971, Doctors Without Borders is a global network of doctors who provide aid in areas of crisis. This 27,000 member team operates independent of any political, military, or religious agendas – their only concern is helping those who need it most. The group often operates in the harshest conditions, sending brave doctors into war zones where the resident doctors have since evacuated.

Exclusive Photo Feature: Olympians' Hearts of Gold

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:34:00 -0000

We have witnessed the amazing physical feats of the US Team in the Olympics, and now the Olympians want to share some of the other wonderful ways they use their time and strengths. Look To The Stars is honored to bring you news of their charity work, with thanks to NBC/USOC for providing the images.

Chad Hedrick (Long Track Speed Skating – won a bronze medal)
Competes on Friday and Saturday, February 26th & 27th

Chad hosts an annual golf tournament for to benefit the TX Special Olympics.

“I’m a very proud supporter of Texas Special Olympics!”

Angela Ruggiero (Hockey)

Former Director: New York Islanders Project Hope
Athlete Advisory Board Member: Women's Sports Foundation
Athlete Ambassador: Right To Play
Athlete Advisor: Momsteam.com
Member: 350.org

Rachael Flatt (Figure Skating)

“I have partnered with Reading is Fundamental (RIF), which is the nation’s oldest children’s literacy organization. It is a blend of two of my passions…education/reading and volunteering. I hope that I am a good example of the phrase ‘student-athlete’ and that it is possible to combine the two and be passionate about both! I have also found more opportunities to volunteer in the past two years and I feel that it is very important to give back to the community at large."

Johnny Spillane (Nordic Combined)

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Todd Lodwick (Nordic Combined)

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (Todd’s son, Finn, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 5 months)

Julia Mancuso (Alpine Skiing – won 2 silver medals)

WWF Climate Change

Don’t miss the following athletes, appearing in the Figure Skating Exhibition on Saturday, February 27th!

Evan Lysacek (Figure Skating – won a gold medal)

Celebrity board member for Ronald McDonald House

Co-produced and hosted a skating show that raised $90K for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a memorial fund for a friend who died of cancer.

Meryl Davis & Charlie White (Ice dancing – won a silver medal)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
American Cancer Society
March Of Dimes
The Humane Society

Hannah Teter (Snowboarding – won a silver medal)

Hannah started a maple syrup company, Hannah's Gold. The proceeds of the maple syrup sales provide water to a Kenyan village and helps AIDS afflicted mothers and children acquire land. She also donates the prize money she wins from racing to the village and visits often.

Emily Cook (Freestyle Skiing)

Emily is very involved with Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses sports programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.
She traveled to Amman and Aqaba, Jordan with the organization in April, 2009.

Gretchen Bleiler (Snowboarding)

Gretchen works with ‘Climate Project’ and the NRDC on building awareness around environmental issues. Her Oakley signature line of clothing is eco-friendly, and she works with all her sponsors to create eco-friendly sponsors when possible.

Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto (Ice Dancing)

Created a fundraising ice show, “Tanith & Ben: Home for the Holidays,” which benefits the American Cancer Society, and an ice show, “Skate-Aid,” which raised over $40K for the American Red Cross tsunami relief.

Steve Nyman (Alpine Skiing)

Helped build an orphanage in Haiti (Steve was involved with aid in Haiti before the earthquake), and is involved with Team Darfur & A Child's Hope Foundation.

Erin Pac (Bobsledding – won a bronze)

Race for the Cure (Susan G. Komen for the Cure)

Johnny Weir (Figure Skating)

Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
UNICEF

Noelle Pikus-Pace (Skeleton)

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Lindsey Jacobellis (Snowboarding)

ASPCA – Started her own effort to benefit the ASPCA, called Hats 4 Hounds. She knit 101 hats to sell, and all the sales proceeds went to the ASPCA.

You can continue to show your support for the US Olympians by helping to support their causes and charities, and you can find a wealth of information on the athletes at NBCOlympics.com or TeamUSA.org.

And, don’t forget, the US Olympic Committee is a 501©(3) organization and needs continuous support in order to keep sending the best athletes to the Olympic Games!

Christie Brinkley Launches Charity Auction For Haiti

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Model Christie Brinkley has donated a whole wardrobe of clothing and accessories to benefit Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

The auction includes jewelry from the model’s own design collection, such as ear rings, sunglasses and more. Also going under the hammer are dresses worn by Brinkley and her daughter Alexa Ray Joel – including Brinkley’s wedding dress – shoes, and reading glasses.

“85% of the winning bid on this auction item will be donated to the American Red Cross to support emergency relief efforts in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources."

The auction – run by Clothes Off Our Back – runs until March 11 and can be accessed here.

NFL and TV Stars Play GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:13:00 -0000

The lines have been drawn for the GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge, and it’s time to visit www.GameStop.com/BattlefieldBC2 to pick your winners and enter for a chance to win prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000.

Each of the 16 teams in the GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge is captained by a different celebrity or athlete, two Major League Gaming professionals serving as team sergeants and two amateur gamers selected by Electronic Arts. These 16 teams will compete in a bracket-style tournament in the Squad Rush multi-player mode until only one team is left standing (Squad Rush is available exclusively for 30 days to GameStop customers who pre-order Battlefield: Bad Company 2 before March 2). To the victor belong the spoils, as the winning team gets bragging rights as well as a $25,000 donation by Electronic Arts to the team’s charity of choice.

The official team names, captains, charities and the pro gamer team members (as identified by their gamertags) for each of the four brackets are as follows. Complete team profiles and bios can be found at www.GameStop.com/BattlefieldBC2. Online bracket selection closes March 4.

First Bracket:
· Team O-H-N: Captain Chad Ochocinco (NFL star), playing for Feed the Children, pro gamer team members Jet Steele and Soldi3R187
· Team Philly Eagles: Captain DeSean Jackson (NFL star), playing for a cure for pancreatic cancer, pro gamer team members Problem and Big Tymer
· Team 28 Guns: Captain Marshall Faulk (NFL legend), playing for MF Foundation, pro gamer team members Bestman and SK
· Team Can’t be Faded: Captain Andre Berto (WBA Welterweight Boxing Champion), playing for Berto Dynasty Foundation, pro gamer team members Totz and Predator

Second Bracket:
· Team Numero Uno: Captain Matt Cassell (NFL star), playing for Shadow Buddies, pro gamer team members Tsquared and Fearitself
· Team Operation Killers: Captain Patrick Willis (NFL star), playing for Yéle Haiti Foundation, pro gamer team members Killa and Elamitewarrior
· Team PA All Stars: Captain Donnie Edwards (NFL star), playing for Jump 4 Life, pro gamer team members Victory X and Neighbor
· Team Keibler’s Elves: Captain Stacy Keibler (actress, Dancing with the Stars, former wrestler), playing for UNICEF, pro gamer team members Maniac and Legend

Third Bracket:
· Team McNasties: Captain Matt Lanter (actor, 90210 star), playing for the Alzheimer's Association, pro gamer team members Tizoxic and Destin
· Team Cross Fighters: Captain Shaun Sipos (actor, Melrose Place), playing for the American Red Cross, pro gamer team members Defy and Clutch
· Team ZERO 1: Captain Hal Sparks (comedian), playing for the Lili Claire Foundation, pro gamer team members Walshy and Sharpshot93
· Team Buck Shots: Captain AJ Buckley (actor, CSI: NY), playing for Operation Smile, pro gamer team members Flamesword and Snipedown

Fourth Bracket:
· Team Charlie Angels: Captain Charlie O’Connell (actor, the Bachelor), playing for Reading is Fundamental, pro gamer team members Hysteria and Ghostayame
· Team Winona Ryders: Captain Perez Hilton (gossip columnist/TV personality), playing for Lambda Legal, pro gamer team members Cloud and Strongside
· Team YOWZA!: Captain Greg Grunberg (actor, Heroes), playing for the Epilepsy Foundation, pro gamer team members Cpt. Anarchy and Lunchbox
· Team Little Monsters: Captain Tristan Wilds (actor, 90210), playing for Yéle Haiti Foundation, pro gamer team members Legit and Rambounit

Celebrities Donate Items To Artists For Peace And Justice Charity Auction

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Artists for Peace and Justice – the Haitian earthquake charity supported by a host of stars – has partnered with popular online auction site charitybuzz.com for a special celebrity awards-themed auction that launched on February 24.

The auction will feature exclusive one-of-a kind items donated by internationally known artists. One hundred percent of the funds raised will be directed to the initiatives of APJ, a charitable organization founded by award winning writer/director Paul Haggis and friends that is committed to improving the lives of children in the impoverished and devastated nation of Haiti. APJ’s immediate goal is to build schools to serve the poorest areas of Haiti, providing an education, hot meals, clean drinking water and regular medical treatments to the children living in the slums.

The list of items going under the hammer includes:

Red-carpet gowns worn by Meryl Streep (gown by Chris March), Olivia Wilde (gown by Gucci), Amy Poehler (gown by Jay Godfrey), Kristen Bell (gown by Jasmine Di Milo), Jenna Fischer (gown by Halston) and Sarah Hyland (gown by BCBG MAXAZRIA, after-party dress by BCBGeneration) at the 2010 Golden Globes
Tuxedos worn by Gerard Butler (tux by Dolce & Gabbana) and Josh Brolin (tux by Dolce & Gabbana) at the 2010 Golden Globes
Gibson Guitar from the Grammy Awards signed backstage by Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Kings of Leon, Alice Cooper, John Legend, Green Day and many more
2 tickets to the Hollywood Domino Pre-Oscar Gala in Beverly Hills on March 4th
One-of-a-kind Haiti print signed by numerous celebrities including Robert De Niro, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Gerard Butler, Demi Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Macy Gray, Daniel Craig, AnnaLynne McCord, Moby, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jackson Browne, Joel Madden, Benji Madden, Ludacris and many more.

The auction runs until March 17, and can be accessed here.

Ricky Martin Leads All-Star Cast To Raise Charity Cash For Haiti

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It has been a busy few weeks for Ricky Martin – last Monday he presented government officials in Puerto Rico a study on human trafficking, and now he is fronting a campaign to help victims of the Haitian earthquake.

The She Bangs singer returned to his native country of Puerto Rico last week to urge the government to act on the human trafficking problem. He presented officials with a study carried out by his Ricky Martin Foundation that pinpoints the country as having a major role in the illegal sex and kidnapping trade.

“This is happening on our island,” he said. “We cannot turn our back on the victims.”

This week, the singer is fronting a campaign with Habitat For Humanity to help victims of the Haitian earthquake. He teamed up with a host of famous names – including Alicia Keys, Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria, Ryan Seacrest, Adam Lambert, Jimmy Fallon, Switchfoot, Linkin Park, Janet Jackson, Carrie Underwood and Dave Matthews – to produce a video to encourage people to give big to the Recovery Fund.

“Every aspect of people’s lives in Haiti has been disrupted, and in many cases, almost completely destroyed,” said Martin, who travelled to Haiti on January 19 to see the disaster firsthand. "Although hearts and homes are shattered, spirits aren’t broken. Meeting the families in Port Au Prince affected my soul and I knew I had to do all I could to protect the children.   

“So, just like we did after the tsunami in Thailand, the Ricky Martin Foundation partnered with Habitat for Humanity and created a long-term plan. We then reached out to the artistic community and asked people to join us in our call to action. The response was overwhelming―over twenty top musicians, artists and TV personalities helped us create the RMFHaiti video.

  "Please join us as we rebuild hope, rebuild homes and rebuild Haiti."

There are a number of ways you can help the campaign – through texting, donating and Twitter – and a number of celebrities involved in the video – including the Black Eyed Peas, Jada Pinkett Smith, Justin Bieber, Will Smith and many more – have autographed hardhats to be auctioned by Charity Buzz until March 9. Click here to access the auction.

Ricky Martin is also giving away VIP meet-and-greet passes to his concerts to people who make donations.

To find out more about Ricky’s initiative and how you can help, click here. To watch the all-star video, click here.

“Children and families impacted by this disaster will need long-term help restoring their lives—in every sense of the word. Every family is a family in need,” says Martin. “I’m asking each of you to think about the future of the children. What they will need to survive after they are properly fed and have received appropriate medical care is a safe and decent home.”

Lindsay Lohan Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:30:00 -0000

London’s newest events space Altitude London continues to raise more money for the British Red Cross in aid of Haiti with Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan.

Following the success of last week’s celebrity charity fundraiser iRock4Haiti, which has raised so far an impressive £55,000, Altitude London has launched an eBay auction in association with The British Red Cross which will be hosted on both eBay and their website from February 23rd 2010.  

The lots for the eBay auction have been personally sourced and donated by Lohan and Altitude London, with the aim of bringing the total sum raised to over £100,000. Prizes include a money-can’t-buy Limited Edition NYPD Car signed by Lindsay Lohan. The NYPD car has just been used in a Viral Marketing Campaign to launch Altitude London’s new venue The River room to The United States market. Other auction lots include 4 nights at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills as well as an afternoons shopping and lunch with Lindsay Lohan, a trip in a Phenomenon 100 Jet to Paris for a Michelin Star Lunch, the ultimate cinema experience at the Millbank Cinema for the winner and 400 friends, and a VIP party for 200 guests including a champagne reception at Altitude 360.  

A cheque for the total amount raised following the event and auction will be presented to The British Red Cross on completion of the eBay auction on March 5th 2010.

Keith Urban Building Schools In Haiti

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Country singer Keith Urban spoke on the radio recently about a project he and his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, are involved in – building schools in Haiti.

“We’re going to be funding a school down there for the next five years,” he told CatCountry 96. “The kids will also have one hot meal a day. They’ll have all of their medical taken care of by the school, and clothing as well.”

Several other celebrities have joined the same Artists for Peace and Justice school building project, including Javier Bardem, Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood and Sean Penn, each committing $50,000 a year for the next five years. The schools will be attended by children living in slums and camps around Port-au-Prince.

Lily Allen To Sell Prams For Charity

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:10:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

British recording artist, talk show host, and actress Lily Allen is selling prams from one of her performances to raise money for charity.

The ultra-posh Silver Cross Balmoral prams, which were wheeled around on stage during one of Allen’ recent performances, will be sold off to raise cash for the star’s chosen charity, War Child.

The high-end prams usually fetch close to £1,000 and are described as “the pram of choice for royals and celebrities alike for over 100 years.”

Just this week, Allen was honored at the 2010 BRIT Awards where she won British Solo Artist of the Year.

War Child International is a network of independent organisations, working across the world to help children affected by war. War Child was founded upon a fundamental goal: to advance the cause of peace through investing hope in the lives of children caught up in the horrors of war. War Child works in many different conflict areas around the world, helping hundreds of thousands of children every year.

Star Portraits To Go Under Hammer For Oxfam

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Portraits of a group of British celebrities will go under the hammer for Oxfam in London to benefit woman in West Africa.

Sixteen modern British icons – including Annie Lennox, Sophie Dahl, Yasmin Le Bon, Rosamund Pike, Liberty Ross, Laura Bailey and more – have been captured on canvas by fashion designer Alice Temperley and photographer Adam Whitehead. The pair have reinterpreted Norman Parkinson’s photographs, and the images have been printed on life-size canvas.

“We are very excited about this project and the quest we embarked on in general to produce something entirely different every season to showcase our clothes,” Temperley told VOGUE.COM. “This particular project is very important to me as it also aims to give back to a cause that is close to my heart. Working with all the great talent on this was inspiring and a lot of fun. To me that is what fashion and creativity should ideally be about.”

Kelly Rutherford Goes To Fashion Week For Haiti

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford was one of the many stars to take part in Fashion For Haiti events during New York Fashion Week.

Last week, Beyoncé Knowles was named by the Council of Fashion Designers of America as the face of their new Fashion For Haiti T-shirt. The limited edition tee has been designed by Peter Arnell, the creative force behind the Council’s Fashion For America tee, which raised $2 million following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The tees are available from QVC, and proceeds go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Quentin Tarantino Launches Lost Art For Charity

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

A special art show kicks off February 18th in Los Angeles as the “Lost Art of Inglourious Basterds” is put on display where fans of the film and art collectors can purchase unique posters with all proceeds going towards the American Red Cross to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.

The art-show comes from a partnership between SA Studios Global’s Film Marketing Division, Quentin Tarantino, Upper Playground and The Weinstein Company.

‘The Lost Art of Inglourious Basterds’ includes artwork by a select group of accomplished artists – David Choe, Sam Flores, Estevan Oriol, Grotesk, Jeremy Fish, Patrick Martinez, Alex Pardee, Dora Drimalas, Munk One, N8 Van Dyke, Rene Alamanza, Morning Breath and Skinner Davis – each of whom have created their own poster art based off their interpretation of the Oscar Nominated film Inglourious Basterds’ artwork.  Each print will be numbered and signed by Quentin Tarantino. Only six of each amount will be made. The prints can be viewed and purchased at UpperPlayground.com.

The kick-off in Los Angeles is February 18 from 6 – 9pm at The Upper Playground Art Gallery located at 125 East 6th Street in Downtown LA. The installation will remain up for four weeks. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the limited edition prints for $300. The prints are only available for purchase at Upper Playground, Los Angeles. Phone orders and web orders will not be accepted. Prints will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. The purchase of prints will be limited to one per buyer.

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