Look To The Stars News: Disaster Relief

Jet Li Speaks At Clinton Global Initiative

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Former President Bill Clinton kicked off his first Clinton Global Initiative conference abroad in Hong Kong on Tuesday to focus on education, energy and climate change and public health issues in Asia.

Speaking at the event, action star Jet Li said that China is ready for an “explosion” of volunteer work as the country becomes more prosperous after two decades of capitalist-style economic reforms.

“Before the reforms, China’s 1.3 billion people couldn’t even fill their stomachs,“ said Li. “The only way people could help others is a word of encouragement.”

Jet Li is well known for his charity work in China. He set up the One Foundation to help victims of natural disasters – a cause that became extremely important following the Sichuan earthquake in May. Along with Jackie Chan, the star made huge donations to victims of the earthquake, and recently joined Donatella Versace on a visit to schools affected by the disaster.

“Countless volunteers were on the front lines,” he said

Jet Li Visits Earthquake Victims With Donatella Versace

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jet Li visited a school devastated by the Sichuan earthquake in China earlier this month, and he took with him a very special guest – Donatella Versace.

According to an article in Time magazine, the pair visited the village of Sanjiang, Wenchuan county, to see a school and counseling center designed to provide post-trauma and psychological relief in China’s Sichuan province funded by Versace through the One Foundation.

“When you see things on television, you don’t know if it’s true,” said Versace. “I wanted to see it with my eyes and touch it myself.”

The counseling centers and schools provide a place to live while families rebuild their homes, as well as one-on-one counseling sessions with doctors. Versace hopes to raise $1.2 million more to open two or three schools in the earthquake zone.

“I cannot begin to imagine the terrible effect something like this must have on young children,” she said. “Children want to feel safe and cared for, and so I hope that through providing expert care for them, we might be able to bring back some of that feeling of security into their lives.”

“I don’t ask for CEO’s money, I ask for their hearts,” added Li. “With hearts we can change a lot.”

Jackson Browne And Friends: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackson Browne is getting together some of his best musical friends for a benefit concert this weekend.

Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder, and Joan Baez will band together to raise money for Operation USA on Saturday, November 29, to support the organization’s ongoing disaster relief efforts in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba and Haiti, with specific focus on programs addressing the urgent local needs of displaced families and health facilities stretched to breaking point.

Jackson Browne is no stranger to benefit concerts – his No Nukes concerts in 1979 with Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and a host of the era’s biggest stars were one of the earliest examples of large-scale, organized rock concerts for a cause. Last year he joined with Raitt and Graham Nash to record a version of Buffalo Springfield’s For What It’s Worth to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear power.

Saturday’s show will take place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and tickets are available through Jackson Browne’s official website.

Mischa Barton Knits Hat For Ethiopian Child

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Mischa Barton has launched her new official website by posting a photo of a hat she knitted for a child as part of her work with Save the Children.

“I knitted [the] cap a few weeks ago, which was then delivered to Ethiopia and given to an expectant mother who was waiting to give birth in her incredibly primitive home,“ wrote Barton. “The baby was delivered with the help of a birth attendant that had been trained by Save the Children. The birth attendant put the cap on the newborn’s head in order to prevent hypothermia.“

The Knit One, Save One campaign was launched last month and asked some of Hollywood’s leading ladies to create one baby cap to keep a newborn warm during the first critical hours and days after birth. Stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Rebecca Romijn, Debra Messing, Lisa Edelstein, Vera Farmiga, and Patricia Arquette.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this effort to help the world’s babies survive,” said Rebecca Romijn, star of ABC Television’s “Ugly Betty” series. “I believe all moms should get to experience the joy of seeing their beautiful babies grow up and do great things in life.”

“Being a mother, I know how vulnerable a child is during their first few hours and days of life,“ added Debra Messing. “So when I was told that something as simple as a knit cap can help save a baby’s life by keeping him dry and warm, I was moved to act.”

Barton’s website also includes information about her recent trip to South Africa with the charity: “I visited a primary school in Soweto. Many of the children there are orphans or are infected with the AIDS virus. The kids and I read together, I helped serve them their lunch, and then after school my boyfriend at the time and I drove one of the little boys home. Just seeing where these children come from and the lives that they lead really opened my eyes to how much there is to be done in the world.

“It truly was a life changing experience and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time with these children. I have every intention of returning in the near future.“

To see the hat Mischa knitted and its lucky recipient, click here.

The Band From TV To Light Up Christmas Tree

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Band From TV will be appearing at the annual “Hollywood Christmas Tree Lighting at The Grove,” on Sunday, November 23.

The charity band made up of television stars – including Hugh Laurie, Greg Grunberg, Teri Hatcher, James Denton, Bob Guiney – recently released their first CD/DVD, Hoggin All The Covers. The band was started in 2006 to provide funding for several worthwhile charities – Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – and to raise money through music to help those in need.

Grunberg had the idea to establish the band after being asked to get a few celebrities to play together at the House Of Blues for charity. The event sparked a great amount of interest, and has led to a number of gigs in the US which have, according to Hugh Laurie, “raised a gargantuan sum of money for charity.”

Sunday’s show, hosted by Jon Lovitz, will also feature performances by Grammy Award-winner Natalie Cole, the HB Barnum New Life Choir, and Straight No Chaser, a talented A Capella group best known for their rendition of “12 Days of Christmas.”

The show starts at 7:30pm, and will be held at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. More information can be found at www.thegrovela.com.

Neil Finn's New Album Gets Crowded For Oxfam

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:15:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Crowded House frontman Neil Finn has invited a host of well known musicians to join him in recording a new album for charity.

Finn has invited the core band – and a few special guests – from his 2001 Seven Worlds Collide series of live shows and accompanying live album to create a new album at Roundhead Studios in Auckland, New Zealand, with proceeds going to support Oxfam.

Guests confirmed so far are Radiohead’s Phil Selway and Ed O’Brien, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg, multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano, Wilco members Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone, and New Zealand musicians Liam Finn, Don McGlashan and Bic Runga.

The album will be recorded over Christmas and New Year, and will be accompanied by live performances at Auckland’s Powerstation on 5, 6 and 7 January 2009.

Previous participants in Finn’s Seven Worlds Collide shows include Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam in 2001.

Steve Earle To Play Charity Concerts

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Steve Earle is to feature at the annual Christmas Jam to raise money for Habitat For Humanity.

The Grammy award-winning singer will join stars such as Travis Tritt and Joan Osborne over two nights at the Asheville Civic Center Arena, December 12 & 13.

“Christmas Jam started 20 years ago as an opportunity for local musicians to jam at the one time of year they were all in town at the same time,“ said concert organizer, Warren Haynes. “Back then, we gave the money to whatever charity we felt like. As the event grew and we became aware of Habitat For Humanity, we settled on them because we believe in the organization and know the money goes where its supposed to.”

Earle – a regular performer at the Farm Aid concerts over the years – will also play a charity gig for Rock For Reading in Chicago this Saturday, November 22.

Rock For Reading is an organization that uses concerts to raise money to motivate and empower people to learn to read.

Tickets to the Christmas Jam are available through their website, and more information about the Rock For Reading concert can be found here.

British Stars To Climb Kilimanjaro For Comic Relief

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ronan Keating, Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole are to join a host of other British celebrities to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief next year.

According to reports in Britain’s The Sun newspaper, the stars will join Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles for the climb up Africa’s highest peak.

“I went to Africa for Comic Relief 18 months ago and the images from that trip have stayed with me and made me want to do something big to make a difference and raise money,” said Take That’s Gary Barlow. “The other people on the climb feel similarly, so it made sense to ask them to join me. I have chosen the people I want to be stuck on the side of a mountain with, even if we are the least likely you would expect to find there.”

4,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro every year, although only 1,400 actually reach the top of the 5,895 meter peak. Around 100 climbers die of altitude sickness on the mountain every year, so it will be no walk in the park for the stars.

“Since visiting Africa with Comic Relief a year ago, I haven’t been able to forget how easy it is for someone in my position to help change the lives of poor and vulnerable people by raising money,” said Kimberly Walsh. “When Gary approached me and Cheryl about doing the climb, I didn’t think twice.”

Rev Run Wants Your Shoe Designs

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Run DMC co-founder Joseph Simmons – AKA Rev Run – recently hosted a charity event in New York for Soles4Souls.

The 44-year-old younger brother of Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has partnered his shoe company, Run Athletics, with the Souls4Souls charity and encouraged guests at the event to donate shoes to send to Darfur. He also used the occasion to launch a new shoe design contest to raise money for the cause.

The winning design in the contest – which can be accessed at www.runathletics.com/soles4souls – will be manufactured and showcased at a special ceremony on December 17. The winners of the competition – and the top shoe donators at Simmons’ events – will receive a pair of limited edition Run Athletics sneakers.

Chris Evert Charity Tennis Event Attracts Celebrities

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 2008 Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic was held at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, November 1-2nd, and once again proved to be a raging success – so much so, that tennis legend Chris Evert has now raised close to $20 million for charities!

The event kicked off with a Pro-Am at the Boca Raton Resort & Club tennis courts and attracted some new faces this year. Comedian Billy Crystal and 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres joined regulars such as Chevy Chase, Stone Phillips, Maeve Quinlan, Bud Collins, Vince Spadea, Alan Thicke, Jana Novotna, Gavin Rossdale, and Jon Lovitz.

Evert created the fundraising event to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in South Florida.

“What these treatment centers do is they get these women or men back into the mainstream of life, back on track, whether they’re gonna work, whether they want to go to school, whether they want to be great parents, whatever, it gets them back into mainstream of living,” says Evert. “Circumstances in life sometimes get you to a very low and a lot of people in the world, that’s how they reacted by turning to drugs and its not something that you should look down on and snub, it can happen to anybody.”

Chris Evert Charities partners with The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, a public -private partnership administered with the State of Florida, to raise money for needy programs which otherwise would not be fully-funded by the State. The Ounce of Prevention Fund matches moneys raised through the Chris Evert/Bank of America Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic.

While Chris has been busy with her own work at Chris Evert Charities, she also donates her time and efforts to other worthwhile programs including: The Special Olympics, The March Of Dimes, The Martina Navratilova Youth Foundation, The Michael Bolton Charities, The American AIDS Foundation, The Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Red Cross and The U.S. Olympic Ski Team.

James Blunt To Act As Guest Editor For Metro

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On November 17th, Grammy Award nominee James Blunt will put down his guitar and become be the first ever guest editor for the global edition of the Metro newspaper for a day.

Blunt will be working from the Metro Rome office where he will collaborate with Sakari Pitkanen, Global Editor-in-Chief. The Metro, published in 20 countries and more than 150 cities, has a worldwide readership of over 20,000,000.

Aside from his role as editor, Blunt will be commenting on news affecting readers around the world. Specifically, he will be involved in a feature on Médecins Sans Frontières, an international medical humanitarian organization that Blunt has supported for years and which Metro Newspapers have worked closely with for a number of years.

James Blunt said, “I have long been fascinated by the media and am excited to have the chance to go behind the scenes at Metro and experience things from the other side. With so much going on in the world right now, I am looking forward to editing a newspaper, raising the profile of subjects close to my heart and hopefully have a little fun along the way. I might even give myself a good review!”

Prior to taking the music world by storm, Blunt was an officer in a reconnaissance regiment of the British Army. He served under NATO in Kosovo during the conflict in 1999. Its while stationed there that Blunt was introduced to the work of Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) (Doctors Without Borders), a humanitarian aid group best known for its emergency medical care in conflict-torn regions. Since then, Blunt has supported MSF by holding meet-and-greet auctions at many of his concerts.

American Idol Gives Back $67 Million

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham, Bono, Annie Lennox and Carrie Underwood have all accepted cheques from April’s Idol Gives Back event on behalf of the charities they support.

The show raised over US$67 million for charities such as the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“I saw first hand with my visit to Sierra Leone with UNICEF last year how devastating malaria can be to a country,“ said Beckham, who was presented with US$12 million by Idol winner David Cook on behalf of Malaria No More. “This money will help buy millions of bed nets and also protect many people, particularly the young children who are most vulnerable.”

Annie Lennox was also delighted to receive $500,000 for the Treatment Action Campaign.

“This is just to express my gratitude to everyone on Idol Gives Back, for putting together a show with a difference, and for inviting me to be part of it,“ she said in a statement. “Because of this event, and the generosity of the viewers, who donated so kindly, I have been able to hand over a cheque for the amazing sum of $500,000 to Treatment Action Campaign, in South Africa. I can assure everyone that every single dollar contributed will go to excellent use, in the work to educate, assist and support people living on the frontline of the HIV/Aids pandemic, many of whom are women and children. Thank you so much.“

Bono received US$10 million on behalf of the Global Fund For AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The Global Fund will keep thousands of people safe from HIV/AIDS because American Idol has donated $10 million,” said the U2 frontman. “That’s YOU people, who sent in your hard earned cash.”

The Idol Gives Back show featured appearances and performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Sheila E., Fergie, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Britney Spears, who couldn’t be at the event, donate $25,000 to the cause.

Jonas Brothers To Launch the 2008 Red Kettle Campaign

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

On November 27th, the Jonas Brothers will become the latest in the long line of artists to kick off The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.

The band is excited to perform at halftime during the Dallas Cowboys’ nationally televised Thanksgiving Day game against the Seattle Seahawks, with Nick Jonas saying, “I was born in Dallas, which makes performing with my brothers at the Cowboys’ halftime on Thanksgiving an incredible honor.”

“This year, more than ever, the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign will make a huge impact for families at Christmas and throughout the year. It’s very important for us to give back,” Joe Jonas added.

The campaign has raised more than $1 billion since its partnership with the football team began back in 1997. Funds raised help the Salvation Army serve 30 million people each year nationwide, with last year’s campaign raising a record $118 million.

Previous artists to perform include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

Whatever It Takes For Christmas

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

{Whatever It Takes} – the charity that offers artworks and clothing designed by celebrities – have some great gift ideas for the coming holiday season.

The charity – which raises money for all sorts of charities, such as Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace and many more – is offering T-shirts designed by the Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party; rings designed by Robbie Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and Snoop Dogg mouse pads from George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, and Coldplay bed linen from Joss Stone and a huge selection of plates and mugs designed by Bob Geldof, Paul McCartney, Ewan McGregor and many others.

To get your hands on one of these unique items – which would make the perfect gift – or to see the entire range, visit the Whatever It Takes website.

Avon Foundation Honors Charity Leaders

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

The Hope Honors – the star-studded eighth annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration – honored leaders in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence in New York City earlier this week.

Hosting this year’s event were Andrea Jung, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation. Award presenters and special guests included award-winning actor Patrick Dempsey celebrity makeup artist and Avon Global Creative Color Director Jillian Dempsey; actress and designer Lauren Conrad; personal finance expert Suze Orman; designer Cynthia Rowley; and renowned breast cancer surgeon and best-selling author Dr. Susan Love.

The celebratory event culminated with a special musical performance by 19 Recordings/Jive Recording Artist Jordin Sparks.

“Each year we come together to recognize and celebrate those who share our commitment to ending breast cancer and domestic violence, and to bring new voices and resources to advance these important causes,” stated Andrea Jung. “This is always a special night for the Avon Foundation, and it is an evening when my pride as the leader of Avon knows no bounds.”

Since its inception in 2001, the Avon Foundation Awards Celebration has raised $15.6 million, including $1.6 million this year.

The Avon Foundation, a public charity, is a global leader and change agent in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, and Avon is the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. These issues continue to be of grave concern: there is a new diagnosis of breast cancer in the U.S. every three minutes, and one in three women worldwide is a victim of violence, while some 10 million children witness domestic violence in the U.S. each year. Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has supported access to care and finding a cure in more than 50 countries. Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence was launched in 2004 and has now rolled out in a dozen countries. In addition, the Avon Foundation supports emergency and disaster relief. Total funds raised and awarded worldwide for all these causes exceed $660 million.

Richard Branson's Rock The Kasbah Event Tonight

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For once, Sir Richard Branson will not be on stage at his Virgin Unite charity’s Rock The Kasbah event in Los Angeles later tonight, October 23. The business mogul and adventurer is sea-bound in a bid to beat a transatlantic sailing record.

The event will instead be hosted by _Dancing With The Stars_’ Samantha Harris and will feature performances by Natalie Imbruglia and Island Def Jam recording artist Jon McLaughlin.

The night will include a Moroccan dinner and an auction of epic proportions that will include items such as the chance to stay at Branson’s luxury game park in South Africa, race an Astin Martin around the California, name one of Virgin’s new A320 Airbuses, spend a week on Branson’s Private Paradise in the Virgin Islands, and much more.

Proceeds from the evening will go to Virgin Unite’s domestic and international programs, including the Eve Branson Foundation, set up by Sir Richard’s mother to help women in Morocco generate their own incomes to support their families, and the REGeneration initiative in the US, which helps homeless young people.

Last year’s Rock The Kasbah event – which Sir Richard described as “one of the best parties I’ve ever been to” – was attended by a who’s who of the celebrity world, including Jewel, Rachel Hunter, and Buzz Aldrin.

More information about the event – which will be held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – can be found at the Rock The Kasbah website.

Edited on 24 Oct to reflect Branson’s unexpected non-attendance.

Band From TV Gets Help From JetExpress

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Band From TV has announced an exciting new alliance with ExpressJet.

The group has named the carrier as their official transport provider, which means the company will fly the band to concert events across America free-of-charge.

“We are incredibly grateful to ExpressJet for providing transportation for our band all throughout America,“ said Greg Grunberg, who started the band to raise money through music to help those in need. “All of the money saved from ExpressJet providing this service goes straight to the charities and we are beyond thankful.”

Band From TV is a 9 piece musical ensemble that features the talents of Desperate Housewives’ James Denton on guitar, House’s Hugh Laurie on keyboards, and Desperate Housewives’ Teri Hatcher on vocals. The full length album follows earlier releases on the House soundtrack and the top-selling version of Minnie The Moocher on iTunes. They release their first CD and DVD – Hoggin’ All The Covers – next week.

“We are proud to associate our expertise in aviation with the talented actors and musicians of Band From TV,“ said ExpressJet’s Sr. Manager of Marketing, John Yeng. “We couldn’t be happier to do our part in raising money for the very worthy charities that each celebrity has chosen.”

Band From TV donate all their proceeds to a range of charities, including Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Beyoncé's Parents To Be Honored

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The parents of Beyoncé Knowles are to receive a special award for their charity work.

Mathew and Tina Knowles are to be honored with the National PTA Commitment to America’s Children Award. The presentation will be held on Thursday, October 30, at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and will include performances from children and celebrities.

The Knowles family are passionate about helping the homeless and youth. Their combined efforts to help families and children include establishing the Survivor Foundation – which transforms the lives of survivors of social, economic and catastrophic hardships by providing assistance, education and support – as well as setting up the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, and continuing to provide support to various groups that bring hope and light to children.

Registrations for the 4th annual Commitment to American Children Gala can be made online at the National PTA website.

Beyoncé Donates To Hurricane Ike Victims

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:31:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Destiny’s Child singer Beyoncé Knowles has made a huge personal donation to victims of Hurricane Ike.

The 27-year-old has pledged $100,000 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund, which was established at the request of Houston Mayor Bill White to help fill unmet human needs for victims of Hurricane Ike in the Greater Houston area.

The singer is also currently organizing a benefit concert through her Survivor Foundation to help raise money for those who have lost homes, property and jobs in Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.

Knowles specifically established her Foundation to assist people displaced or affected by disasters. The family-run family charity – which is also supported by Kelly Rowland – helps people in need, providing assistance to children and to those suffering from AIDS and homelessness.

Since it was established, the Survivor Foundation has raised over $2.5 million dollars in the Houston area alone.

Sandi Thom Backs Oxfam Campaign

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Scottish singer Sandi Thom has launched a campaign aimed at easing the food crisis in developing countries.

The 27-year-old – who, according to her hit song, wishes she was a punk rocker – is supporting Oxfam’s effort to raise US$27 million to provide relief to African families.

Thom has just returned from a visit to Malawi, where she met with impoverished families.

“My visit to Malawi opened my eyes to the extent of poverty and the harsh reality of how some people live and how rising food prices are affecting them,” she said. “You have to ask yourself what you would do if you were in the situation many Malawians face. If you had a family to feed but the prices were doubling or tripling. The people I met in Malawi, and many millions like them around the world, need people here to show generosity when they need it most.”

Oxfam will use the money for its international development and humanitarian work on food and agriculture, and also to campaign for changes to trade and agricultural policies.

“The world food crisis is hitting the poorest hardest,“ said Oxfam’s Malcom Fleming, who accompanied Thom on her trip. “Women and children are especially vulnerable. Many of the people we met in Malawi were already down to one meal a day, and it is expected things will get worse in the months ahead, with food prices possibly rising further still. Whatever the reasons behind the crisis, it’s clear that financial donations made now will help save lives in Malawi and elsewhere around the world in the next few crucial months.”

Versace To Join With Jet Li For Children

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jet Li’s One Foundation will get a major boost next month when Donatella Versace jets into Beijing to hold a special charity fashion show.

The show – to take place on November 13 – will be the first time a Versace fashion show has ever been held in China, and will present the brand’s women’s and menswear spring/summer 2009 collections. It will raise money for a series of new children’s centers designed to provide post-trauma and psychological relief in China’s Sichuan province, which was hit by a devastating earthquake in May. The first center will be opening in San Jiang next month.

Versace is also proud to announce that it has also created a very special Versace/One Foundation logo that will feature on limited edition designs in China, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the One Foundation.

The show will take place in a brand new facility located near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Band From TV Are Hoggin' All The Covers

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Band From TV is set to release its first CD/DVD for charity.

Hoggin’ All The Covers will be released on Amazon on October 28, and will feature a fine selection of the songs the celebrity funksters have been rocking audiences with since being formed in 2006.

Band From TV is a 9 piece musical ensemble set up by Heroes’ star Greg Grunberg, who plays drums, and features the talents of Desperate Housewives’ James Denton on guitar, House’s Hugh Laurie on keyboards, and Desperate Housewives’ Teri Hatcher on vocals. The full length album follows earlier releases on the House soundtrack and the top-selling version of Minnie The Moocher on iTunes.

The live CD features 13 tracks – including “Piece of My Heart,” “Mustang Sally” and “The Letter” – recorded at a gig in LA, and the DVD includes footage of rehearsals, exclusive interviews and information on the charities that will benefit from sales, such as Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The Band From TV Global Charity Trust was created to provide funding for several worthwhile charities, and to raise money through music to help those in need. Grunberg started the band after being asked to get a few celebrities to play together at the House Of Blues for charity. The event sparked a great amount of interest, and has led to a number of gigs in the US which have, according to Hugh Laurie, “raised a gargantuan sum of money for charity.”

“My oldest son has epilepsy,” said Grunberg. “And I saw this band as a wonderful vehicle to help raise money for the Pediatric Epilepsy Project. Having band mates who also happen to be in some of the most popular shows on television creates an amazing opportunity to really reach out to our fans to help support these wonderful causes.”

The CD/DVD package will also be available from the Band From TV website.

Be The First To Hear Dido's New Album

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Dido fans listen up: this is your chance to hear the singer’s new album before anybody else in the world!!

To celebrate the release of her brand new album Safe Trip Home, Dido is holding a special auction on eBay.

The star will attend a special listening party at a top-secret luxury location on October 19, and this is your chance to be there. The prize includes accommodation at the location, and all proceeds will go directly to Oxfam.

To make a bid on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit eBay. The auction ends on October 15.

Celebrity Apprentice 2 To Feature Annie Duke

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

NBC will aim to repeat the success that was Celebrity Apprentice when a new series of the show premieres in January 2009.

Although most of the contestants cannot be named or have yet to commit, professional poker player Annie Duke confirmed her involvement during the weekend.

According to a statement made on www.ultimatebet.com on Friday, ““Annie Duke wasn’t able to attend… the Aruba Poker Classic because, as you may have heard, she was selected to be on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice this season. She had to fly to L.A. for the premiere party and she’ll be competing for the Ante Up for Africa charity. Annie and Donald Trump in the same boardroom… that should make for some interesting TV.”

Duke is well known for her work with Ante Up For Africa, a celebrity poker tournament she organizes annually with Don Cheadle that aims to raise money and public awareness for the crisis in Darfur. Participants are asked to contribute half of their tournament winnings to the ENOUGH Project and the International Rescue Committee, organizations whose goals include raising public awareness and providing aid to the survivors of Darfur.

The first series of Celebrity Apprentice, which was won by Piers Morgan, raised over $1 million for a range of charities.

Look To The Stars News: Disaster Relief

Jet Li Speaks At Clinton Global Initiative

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Jet Li Visits Earthquake Victims With Donatella Versace

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Jackson Browne And Friends: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief

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Mischa Barton Knits Hat For Ethiopian Child

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The Band From TV To Light Up Christmas Tree

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Neil Finn's New Album Gets Crowded For Oxfam

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Steve Earle To Play Charity Concerts

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British Stars To Climb Kilimanjaro For Comic Relief

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