Look To The Stars News: Environment

Adrien Grenier Swims With The Bluefin For Conservation

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Entourage star Adrian Grenier is working with conservation organization Oceana to help save bluefin tuna.

According to the charity, the star went swimming with the bluefin yesterday to record a special PSA calling for their protection.

“Kinda nervous,” he wrote on his Twitter page prior to the swim. “If you could swim in virtually, bottomless, open ocean an hour off shore, with a school of 2000lb blue fine tuna, would you?”

His swim came on the same day that a trade ban on the species was defeated in Doha – a decision that could mean the end of the endangered fish.

“Back in from international waters-rugged free diving w/bluefin tuna-These creatures are bitchin’,” wrote the star following the dive.

We’ll keep you updated with news about Grenier’s work to save the bluefin when it comes to hand. In the meantime, click here to see a photo of the star swimming with the tigers of the sea.

Ashley Judd Advocates For The Protection Of Wolves

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Wagner

Ashley Judd has teamed up with the Defenders of Wildlife to advocate the protection of wolves again.

Previously, Judd took part in the campaign Eye on Palin, which targeted former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin for aerial wolf killing. Now she is urging the President to reinstate the Endangered Species Act protection for wolves located in Idaho and Montana.

Ashley Judd is urging the President to restore the law that is allowing hundreds of wolves to be hunted and killed in the Rockies. This law was removed last March by the U.S Interior Secretary Ken Salazar when he approved the plan to delist gray wolves.

Defenders of Wildlife is encouraging for more people to join Judd in her efforts by sending a message to our law makers.

Jack Johnson To Give Tour Profits To Charity

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jack Johnson will tour North America this summer and give 100% of the profits to charity.

The singer will kick off a 34-date tour in Connecticut on July 9 in support of his new album, To The Sea, and will donate proceeds to charity through his All At Once Campaign. Charities to benefit will include the Kokua Hawaii Foundation – which supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii – and the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, which matches fans’ donations to the local charities featured in the Village Green area at each of his shows (up to $2500 per concert).

The singer has also announced that once again the tour will be green, and will utilize biodiesel for all tour vehicles, reduced waste and carbon emissions, water refill stations, and eco-friendly merchandise.

Johnson is well known for his eco-tours, and incorporates a Village Green into each show, where fans can learn about local charities. LookToTheStars.org co-founder Myrlia Purcell volunteered to work at the Village Green in 2008 – to read her report, click here.

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.

James Cameron Hosts Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Wagner

On Wednesday March 4, the 7th Annual Global Green pre-Oscar party was held at the Avalon in Hollywood with host, director James Cameron.

Many celebrities joined the Avatar director, including Jessica Alba and husband Cash Warren, Benji and Joel Madden, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Connolly, Lukas Haas, Serena Williams, and former Spice Girl Mel B. Multiple celebrities took to the stage for musical performances, including: Benji and Joel Madden, Juliette Lewis, Mark McGrath, Billy Morrison, Steve Stevens, Billy Gibbons and Dave Navarro.

“I’m so pleased to see the continued support for Global Green and its national initiatives from the Hollywood community,” said Matt Petersen, Global Green USA President and CEO. “By raising awareness about the threats posed by climate change and by holding our corporate and political leaders accountable, we can make a real difference. Americans can and must do something about climate change, and we can start by creating green buildings, schools, cities and communities that create green jobs, save money and improve our health.”

Prior to the walking the carpet at the event, many of the celebrities recorded an online video PSA entitled “I Am” that will soon be released at www.globalgreen.org. The PSA, written in collaboration with Global Green supporter Marshall Herskovitz and made possible by Paul Emami’s Storytellerz, raises awareness of the threats posed by global climate change to more than 150 million Americans and more than 2.75 billion globally.

Global Green is committed to creating a sustainable and secure future. Their efforts involve combating climate change, eliminating weapons of mass destruction, assisting in the clean up of New Orleans, and providing access to clean water.

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!

Jackie Chan Speaks Out Against Tiger Products

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackie Chan has spoken out against the use of tiger products in China, admitting that he once used them.

“If you stop buying tiger products, they will stop killing the tigers,” he wrote on his website. “I used to think that medicine with tiger bones would heal you, but I was just contributing to them killing more tigers! Tiger skin, tiger medicine, tiger bone – we don’t need it. Lets all save the tigers, especially during the Year of the Tiger! Go to www.wildaidchina.org.”

Chan took part in a press conference to help WildAid China, and was especially moved by a speech made by WildAid and Environmental Justice Foundation founder Steve Trent.

“Why is this campaign and the support it has won so important?” asked Trent. "Simple, the tiger is in big trouble: year on year poaching and illegal trade in its parts and products, along with loss of habitat in the wild so that today fewer than 4,000 probably still survive in increasingly isolated and fragmented wild populations, down from over 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century – far fewer than are now held in captivity.

“In working together to stop the illegal and unsustainable trade in wildlife we must remember the role of the market place. If the demand for endangered wildlife products continues as it is today, the illegal trade will continue to flourish. But, if everyone refuses illegal or unsustainable wildlife products, the market will shrink, poaching will decline and we all will have made a contribution to conservation, so please remember: ‘when the buying stops, the killing can too.’”

To read the full speech, click here.

Naomi Campbell To Be Awarded For Charity Work

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Supermodel Naomi Campbell will be presented with a special award by ELLE fashion magazine for her outstanding contribution to the fashion industry and her work as an ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance.

A limited edition cover of the magazine has been produced, and the model will join the magazine at a special dinner party in London to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8.

Previous winners of the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award include designers Vivienne Westwood, Karl Lagerfeld, Anya Hindmarch and Stephen Jones.

The White Ribbon Alliance is a charity that campaigns to stop women in the world’s poorest countries dying in pregnancy and childbirth.

The WRA dinner party initiative asks you to invite your friends around for a charity dinner party. In return your friends sign up to the Million Mums Campaign and make a small donation to the WRA. To help make the dinner party beautifully stylish and a night to remember, ELLE have teamed up with Britain’s hottest designer Erdem to create a unique party pack, including bespoke invitations, table name-cards and napkin ring holders – all of which are downloadable at ELLEuk.com.

More information can be found here.

Meanwhile, the supermodel hosted a Fashion For Relief event at New York Fashion Week on February 12 to raise money for Haiti.

Joined by celebrity models such as Helena Christensen, Sarah Ferguson, Kelly Osbourne and others, Campbell used the event to pay her respect to designer Alexander McQueen, who died last week.

Dresses and outfits from the event will be auctioned online at NET-A-PORTER from March 15, with proceeds going to CARE.

Global Green To Host Star-Studded Pre-Oscar Party

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Global Green USA will host its 7th Annual Pre-Oscar Party with CEO Matt Petersen and celebrity co-hosts including Suzy Amis Cameron & James Cameron, Sebastian Copeland, Roland Emmerich, Adrian Grenier, Neil Patrick Harris, Salma Hayek and Zachary Quinto.

The evening will feature special musical performances from Benji & Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, and Mia Maestro.

The theme for this year’s event is “Greener Cities for a Cooler Planet” and will benefit Global Green’s initiatives to promote smart solutions to climate change by creating healthy, green communities. The spectacular show will be held at the Avalon Hollywood on Vine Street on Wednesday, March 3.

Global Green USA – the American arm of President Gorbachev’s Green Cross International – was founded by Diane Meyer Simon in 1994. For the past seven years, Global Green has collaborated with the Hollywood community to raise global awareness of Smart Climate Solutions — from celebrities driving green cars to the Oscars, to building green homes, buying green products, and voting for green political leaders. Global Green is the only national environmental group headquartered in Southern California and has offices in New Orleans and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.globalgreen.org

Tickets for the event are available to the general public and start at $75. For more information or to purchase, visit www.globalgreen.org/oscars.

Nobel Peace Prize Winners Demand Fair Trial In Japan

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Betty Williams along with a diverse range of international celebrities have added their support for Greenpeace anti-whaling activists Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki: calling on the Japanese government to ensure that the upcoming trial of the ‘Tokyo Two’ is both fair and conducted in accordance with international human rights standards.

The new Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo has travelled to Japan to support the Greenpeace activists as they prepare for the beginning of their trial on Monday 15 February. Today he released an open letter to Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, urging him to uphold Japan’s commitment to international human rights.

“Today our voices have united with those of more than a quarter of a million people around the world, all of which are calling for justice for Greenpeace activists Junichi and Toru,” said Dr Naidoo. “It is time the Japanese government listened to these voices. The eyes of the world are on Japan and this trial.”

On Monday Greenpeace released an opinion from the HRC Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which found that Japan has contravened both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in its treatment of the Tokyo Two.

The Working Group’s opinion is the first of its kind for Japan, and found that the authorities at the time of Sato and Suzuki’s arrest contravened articles 18,19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and articles 18 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Working Group stated that the two have been denied the right to challenge their detention before an independent and impartial tribunal in fair proceedings, and has requested that the trial be conducted fairly.

“This is the first time anyone has been found to be arbitrarily detained in Japan, so even before it has officially begun this case has become a landmark,” said Dr Naidoo. “Prime Minister Hatoyama’s government has shown itself to be a leader when it comes to climate change, now it is time for it to show its commitment to human rights and ensure this case is remembered as a progressive turning point for justice in Japan.”

Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace.

Get James Taylor And Carole King Tickets For Charity

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

In conjunction with Tickets-for-Charity, James Taylor and Carole King are offering fans one-of-a-kind VIP Stage Seat Charity Packages to their long-awaited Troubadour Reunion Tour, including the very best seats in the house, to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and other outstanding charitable causes.

Charity Packages include unique Stage Seating arranged in tables of two around the stage, designed especially for the Tour to recreate the intimacy of the duo’s legendary performances at LA’s Troubadour. Available exclusively on www.ticketsforcharity.com, Charity Packages offer fans the concert experience of a lifetime while honoring the life-long environmental work of both Artists.

Charity Packages include:

One VIP Stage Seat (arranged in tables of two)
Exclusive access to Carole King and James Taylor’s sound check session before the show
Pre-performance VIP reception with complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres
Exclusive VIP Tour Laminate
Commemorative Troubadour Reunion Tour Book

Fans can now visit www.ticketsforcharity.com or call Tickets-for-Charity at 1-866-567-4576 to purchase VIP Stage Seat Charity Packages for tour dates nationwide! U.S. tour dates kick off on May 7 with a performance in Portland, OR and continue across the country through early July.

Usher Inspires Children To Help Haiti

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, music legend and humanitarian Usher urged young people worldwide to mobilize and utilize their resources to help the victims.

Days after the disaster- on January 18, 2010- Usher announced a partnership with the United Nations Foundation to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Through Usher’s non-profit, Usher's New Look, Usher challenged young people worldwide to raise $5 each to help the United Nations’ emergency response in Haiti.

Immediately after hearing Usher’s call to action Will Smith, NFL star athlete with the New Orleans Saints, called on his fans—especially young people in New Orleans to answer Usher’s call to action. “As our own Katrina recovery continues, the plight of Haiti today is too familiar for those of us in New Orleans to ignore. All of us should be compelled to help. That’s why I’ve joined Usher to help raise money for Haiti’s recovery efforts,” said Smith.

Smith has not only asked his fans to join the effort, but he has personally contributed $20,000 to send a mobile health clinic to Haiti on behalf of the world’s youth.

“This mobile health clinic will ensure that the UN Foundation can continue relief efforts beyond the initial response and recovery,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President of Usher’s New Look. “In times of crisis it is important to look beyond immediate needs towards sustainable solutions. Young people understand this, which makes the mobile clinic a fitting contribution on behalf of this group.”

Thousands of youth responded from 17 countries, with many examples of commendable youth-led service projects for Haiti. In India, an 11 year old girl named Makayla G. Gilliam-Price made beaded bracelets to raise money for Usher’s New Look’s Haiti relief efforts. In Malaysia, youth leaders from the ‘Power of 10Sen’ group are mobilizing 400,000 youth to raise small donations in their schools and communities. Additional examples include Sophie, a young girl in Belgium that worked with her classmates to create and sell artwork to raise donations. Kimberly Mcmillian at the Benjamin Franklin Senior High School in New Orleans raised $2500 by organizing a day where all students could wear Saints hats to school for a small price.

Mobilizing youth is made easier with tools such as the One Economy toolkit www.pic.tv/willsmith, located on Will Smith’s website, www.thewillsmith.com youth can inspire adults and peers alike to become involved.

By teaming up with the United Nations Foundation, young leaders around the world have directly supported Haiti relief and recovery efforts through the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, which disbursed $25 million immediately following the earthquake. Youth are directly helping the UN help Haiti by supporting humanitarian relief efforts including search and rescue operations, the provision of food, shelter, clean water and medical care, and now the recovery and rebuilding process.

In the months ahead, the UN’s life-saving work will continue, including delivering food and water to millions of Haitians, providing jobs to more than 200,000 people, ensuring women and children are safe and mitigating diseases such as measles and malaria. These are just a few of the daunting tasks that lay ahead but the UN is rising to the challenge, thanks to support for people around the world and, in particular, young leaders who are engaging their families, schools and communities to help the UN help Haiti.

Young people can continue to report on their efforts and accomplishments by logging on to twitter and Facebook and share their fundraising activities and successes with pictures, videos and statements. The ‘Powered By Service’ twitter page will be used to recognize and track efforts. For each dollar raised, youth are being encouraged to tweet their efforts @powerbyservice to demonstrate their commitment.

For information on fundraising for Haiti, please log ushersnewlook.org, thewillsmith.com or poweredbyservice.org.

Naomi Campbell To Help Haiti Through Fashion

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Naomi Campbell will hold a Fashion For Relief event at the New York Fashion Week on February 12 to benefit Haiti earthquake relief.

Hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, the star-studded event will feature actors, musicians and celebrities walking the runway in various looks created by some of fashion’s top designers and to be later auctioned online at NET-A-PORTER from March 15, with proceeds going to CARE.

“I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti; so many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake – women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters,” said Campbell. “Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. Our aim is to use this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week catwalk to reach people and help raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children.”
Fashion for Relief was first held in 2005, and raised money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. It has since become a regular and eagerly anticipated fixture of Fashion Weeks around the world.

“Fashion for Relief only works if everyone comes together and makes it work,” Campbell said.

Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster.

Help Celebrities Make A Bid To Save The World

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Christie’s International has announced it will hold a new green auction it has dubbed “A Bid to Save the Earth.”

This first-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 22, 2010, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The Evening Sale event will be held at Christie’s, Rockefeller Center, New York and be carried live globally via Christie’s LIVE on www.christies.com. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading not-for-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.

Christie’s is partnering with Charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity benefit auctions, to present a companion silent auction which will be hosted at www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org. Christie’s will waive all fees and commissions for the auction. Native Energy, www.nativeenergy.com, a leader in carbon offsetting, will provide carbon offsets for the entire Green Auction. NBC Universal, as part of its ongoing environmental initiative, “Green is Universal,” will serve as the official media partner for the event.

“We are inspired and honored to convene top members of the philanthropic, environmental, business and cultural communities to benefit the environment,” said Edward Dolman, CEO of Christie’s. “We are equally pleased to present a stellar evening auction and to partner with NBC Universal in telling this exciting story with Charitybuzz in building such a compelling silent auction; and of course our four charity partners, who will do what they do best with the proceeds: advocate for the environment.”

The Evening Sale will be a star-studded event with top celebrities serving on the Green Auction Host Committee that includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Tobey Maguire, François-Henri Pinault, Salma Hayek, Bob Fisher, Candice Bergen, Edward Norton, Evelyn Lauder, Alec Baldwin, Zaha Hadid, Brooke Shields and Matt Lauer.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that our wellbeing as individuals and as a global society hinges on nature,” said Peter Seligmann, CEO and Board Chairman of Conservation International. “With pressure mounting on our shared home, Earth, innovative fundraising strategies are more important than ever. This particular initiative will use the knowledge and resources of a world class auction house to raise much needed funds which will go directly towards the maintenance and protection of the ecosystems, habitats and species that are the framework of a healthy planet where all people can prosper.”

The live auction will include major works from artists including Keith Tyson, Maya Lin, Subodh Gupta, and Olafur Eliasson. Other lots will include coveted celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations and exquisite jewelry. Hugh Jackman, Christina Aguilera, and Candice Bergen are just a few of the talented stars offering VIP experiences, with additional luxury items secured daily.

“We anticipate The Green Auction to be a momentous achievement in fundraising to save the earth, and we are excited to help Christie’s reach thousands of online bidders through Charitybuzz” said Coppy Holzman, CEO of Charitybuzz.

The Christie’s Green Auction companion silent auction will use online bidding powered by Charitybuzz, launching at www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org on April 8, and run through May 6. The silent auction will facilitate global participation like Christie’s LIVE, and carry more moderately priced lots.

Lots for the sale on silent auction will include celebrity packages such as spending a day with Hugh Jackman on the set of his movie "Reel Steel’, VIP tickets to a Christina Aguilera concert, a Californification set visit with David Duchovny, falconry lessons with Bobby Kennedy, and lunch with a major television star.

More info can be found here.

Leonardo DiCaprio Heads Star-Studded Video For The Environment

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:30:00 -0000

A host of celebrities – including Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, Justin Long, Emmy Rossum, Forest Whitaker, Jason Bateman, Chace Crawford and Felicity Huffman – have recorded a special video mobilizing America towards a sustainable future.

On the heels of President Barack Obama's push to move America toward a clean energy economy in his State of the Union address last night, the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund launched This is Our Moment, a web-based video campaign urging Congress to pass the first-ever climate and clean energy bill, currently pending in the Senate.

“This is our moment – our moment to fight for a cleaner and more secure future,” said DiCaprio, a longtime champion for the environment, and a NRDC Trustee. “The time is now for people across the country to stand up and have their voices heard. We all must call on the Senate to act on this historic opportunity.”

This is Our Moment enables citizens to become participants by speaking to their representatives in two ways: uploading their own videos in support of a clean energy economy, and sending direct emails to their Senators.

The online community can also engage by spreading the message. This is Our Moment is designed to create a virtual army of climate activists through an emphasis on social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, a rotating display of user-generated videos, and the video player itself, which is an embeddable widget for websites, social networking pages and blogs.

Clean energy and climate legislation passed the House of Representatives for the first time ever in June 2009. The legislation, the Clean Energy, Jobs and American Power Act, is now pending in the Senate. The bill has the power to jumpstart our economy, create millions of jobs, break our dependence on foreign oil, and cut global warming pollution. This is Our Moment calls on Americans to hold their representatives to task and to pass urgently-needed climate legislation.

“Americans want real action to address climate change and move our country toward a clean energy future,” said NRDC Action Fund President Frances Beinecke. “This is one of the most important pieces of legislation of our time — we cannot let our moment pass us by. Our Senators need to hear all of us loud and clear.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.3 million members and online activists, served from offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing.

To view the video, visit the This Is Our Moment campaign website.

Yao Ming Calls For An End To Shark Fin Soup

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Basketball star Yao Ming's new public service announcement for WildAid is asking people in China to think twice before ordering shark fin soup.

Many shark species are nearing extinction as sharks are being stripped of fins and left to flounder helplessly until they die on the ocean floor. “If you could see, each year, how up to 70 million sharks are killed to end up in soup, could you still eat it?” goes the PSA.

Besides the disturbing aspect of de-finning, the loss of shark populations has some serious repercussions. Sharks play a key role in the marine ecosystem from fish populations to carbon-dioxide-consuming phytoplankton to healthy reef systems. Without sharks, former prey flourishes and this affects everything down the food chain line.

Determined to save the species and the oceans, Shark Savers, an organisation created by six divers who have witnessed the massive depletion of shark populations, are attempting to educate people past a fear of sharks.

In a joint awareness effort, Shark Savers and WildAid are offering billboards of Yao Ming’s “Say ‘no’ to shark fin soup” campaign, which people can fund for $100. Each billboard would be placed in a busy location throughout Beijing and Shanghai for one year.

“Remember,” says Ming, pushing away a bowl of shark fin soup, “when the buying stops, the killing can too.”

You can fund a billboard by cheque, creditcard or payola.

Robbie Williams Donates Song To Charity

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British singer Robbie Williams is to donate his next single to Sport Relief.

Morning Sun has been chosen as the official song for the charity’s 2010 campaign, and will be released on March 8 in the UK.

“I am very happy to donate my time to help Sport Relief and I thank my co-writers for doing the same,” he said. “Please join us in helping this very worthwhile cause.”

The singer joins David and Victoria Beckham in supporting the campaign.

Sport Relief is a fundraising initiative between Comic Relief and the BBC. Money raised goes towards a number of relief programs in the UK and around the world.

Chelsea Clinton Spins Her Wheels For Haiti

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Susan Fredricks

Chelsea Clinton has joined the very generous and growing list of celebrities who are donating their time to help the people of Haiti after the recent catastrophic quake that, at last count, killed over 150,000 people.

Chelsea, in partnership with SoulCycle in New York City, organized a 90-minute spin class in which participants donated anywhere from $100 to $1,500 to attend the event. The charity spin class hosted by Ms. Clinton generated $66,810 in which 100% of the proceeds will go to Haiti via the Clinton Foundation.

Chelsea came up with the idea of the spin class for Haiti when she and her dad, former President Bill Clinton, travelled to the devastated country. “The day after the earthquake struck, the international community fed 3,000 people. Today, people have fed 100,000 people and we actually need to be feeding a million people,” said Chelsea. “This demonstrates how much we’ve done but how much more work we have to do. We need a lot of money to do that.”

Television stars, Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos attended the charity event, and opened their hearts and their checkbook to donate to the cause.

Chelsea expressed to the participants: “Thank you all for being here to support this effort. I hope you all continue to support Haiti over the months and years to come”.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Titanic Generosity

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Susan Fredricks

Another star has joined the endless list of generous celebrities who have made substantial donations toward the earthquake victims of Haiti. Leonardo DiCaprio's munificent donation of $1million will be distributed immediately to aid in the support and relief of the people who were devastated by the natural disaster that occurred a little over two weeks ago.

The funds, made through the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, will also help in the redevelopment of Haiti’s disintegrated infrastructure.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, are both extremely appreciative of Leonardo’s generosity. Mr. Clinton states, "I am grateful for the generous gift Leonardo DiCaprio and his Foundation have made in support of our Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Combined with the outpouring of donations from Americans and citizens around the world of all means, this support will go a long way to help save more lives, reach more people with emergency assistance, and help the Haitian people build their nation back stronger and more secure than it was before the earthquake."

Mr. Bush is also highly impressed by the 35 year old star’s bigheartedness, and says, “I salute Leonardo DiCaprio for his extraordinary generosity. This donation sends a clear message to the people of Haiti that America’s commitment to helping rebuild their country is strong. I thank Leo for setting a wonderful example for all Americans of helping a neighbor in need.”

Other famous personalities who donated at least $1 million to the ravaged Caribbean island include ex-girlfriend Gisele Bundchen and actors Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

Diesel Founder Gives To Wyclef Jean's Yéle Haiti Foundation

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Renzo Rosso, the founder and president of Diesel clothing company, announced today the donation of $250,000 to the Yéle Haiti Foundation, the foundation that Grammy-Award winning musician, producer and social entrepreneur Wyclef Jean started to change lives in this desperately poor but optimistic nation.  

 Wyclef and Rosso have a long standing friendship. Wyclef has performed at several Diesel events over the years and is scheduled to perform also at Rosso’s 55th birthday celebration later this year.  

Renzo says, “I was deeply moved by the horrible tragedy in Haiti. I wanted to do something for the people and support the important work that Wyclef and his foundation have done and are doing for the island nation”.

Rosso, a self-made businessman, has always believed in giving back and that’s why in 2008 he founded The Only The Brave Foundation, which will officially launch in the next few months. The Only The Brave Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that aims to mobilize and empower youth to end poverty, supports projects on economic development, education and health sectors in disadvantaged communities.

This donation, which will benefit specifically the victims of last week’s earthquake, will add up to another pledge that the Only The Brave Foundation contributed to Yele Haiti to start an Only The Brave/ Yéle Haiti music studio in Cité Soleil, with the goal to use music and video production as a tool for social development.

Through Yéle Haiti, Wyclef uses music, sports and media to reinforce projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development. In practical terms this translates to over 3,000 new jobs, close to 7,000 children being put in school, more than 8,000 people a month receiving food and approximately 2,000 young people a month learning about HIV/AIDS prevention.

Visit Diesel.com for more.

Hope For Haiti Now Breaks Charity Records

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:45:00 -0000

Friday night’s Hope for Haiti Now telethon, organized by George Clooney, has so far raised more than $57 million for the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.

Besides setting a record for the most money raised by a disaster relief telethon, the charity’s Hope for Haiti album – featuring performances on the telethon — became the largest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history.

Performers included: Robert Pattinson, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Madonna among others.

The money will be split between 8 organizations: Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, Yéle Haiti Foundation and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation.

Hope for Haiti is accepting donations for the next 6 months online at hopeforhaitinow.org, by phone at 877-99-Haiti or by texting GIVE to 50555.

George Clooney Brings Hope To Haiti Tonight

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

It will be a big night for charity tonight, as George Clooney's Hope For Haiti telethon hits TV screens across America and around the world.

Hosted by Clooney, Wyclef Jean and Anderson Cooper, the show will feature performances from Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift in New York, as well as Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting, Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles. There will even be performances from Coldplay, Bono, Jay-Z, The Edge and Rihanna in London.

All performances will be available for download on iTunes for 99 cents on Saturday. The two-hour program will air commercial-free across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT on Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The special will also air on PBS, TNT, Showtime, Comedy Central, Bravo, E! Entertainment Network, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, Centric, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, Epix, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health and Planet Green, as well as Canada’s CTV, CBC Television, Global Television and MuchMusic. It will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic and MTV Networks International, available in 640 million homes worldwide. “Hope for Haiti” will be the first U.S.-based telethon airing on MTV in China. Facebook and Twitter are the official social media partners who will help to drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.

All donations will directly benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti Foundation. Facebook and MySpace have signed on as official social-media partners to help steer viewers to the telethon and drive donations.

Additionally, the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and World Food Programme have joined the list of relief organizations that will benefit from the show, with proceeds to be split evenly among each organization’s individual Haiti relief funds.

“Hope For Haiti Now” will be the most widely distributed telethon in history, internationally and across media platforms, including live streaming globally on sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, MTV.com, and Rhapsody, and RightCelebrity.com will be streaming the show live with a donation of 1 cent to the American Red Cross for every person who joins their live blog. The telethon is also available on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV.

Stars Added To MusiCares Person Of The Year Charity Event

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Ben Harper and Lucinda Williams have been added to the all-star lineup for the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Neil Young on Jan. 29 in Los Angeles.

They join other performers Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, KD Lang, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor and Wilco. The dinner co-chairs are Warner Bros. Records Chairman Emeritus Mo Ostin, Lookout Management President and Founder Elliot Roberts, and Warner Bros. Records Chairman/CEO Tom Whalley. Two-time GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was will be the evening’s musical director.

Neil Young’s philanthropic work is as renowned as his musical legacy. He was one of the original founders of Farm Aid in 1985, and continues to be an active member on the organization’s board of directors. Each October, he and his wife Pegi organize and host the Bridge School Concerts, a benefit for the Bridge School that he and Pegi helped found. The school ensures that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of assistive technology and the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative educational strategies. These weekend concerts have drawn an international array of musical artists and have raised significant resources for the school.

The 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year gala is co-presented by AEG, ELS and Acura. The evening will begin with a special reception and silent auction that will offer an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by MasterCard, an award presentation and a star-studded tribute concert. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the annual GRAMMY Week gala dinner and concert honoring Young will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.

More info can be found at the MusiCares website.

Alec Baldwin Hits The Slopes For Charity

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Alec Baldwin wasn’t in Hollywood to receive his Golden Globe for 30 Rock on Sunday – he was busy at a charity event in Alberta.

The star took part in the Fairmont Banff Spring Sports Invitational – held annually since 1987 – to benefit the Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization founded by Robert J. Kennedy, Jr to protect North American waterways. Four days of skiing were held on the slopes, in which members of the public could ski alongside celebrities.

Previous years have seen Pierce Brosnan, Jason Priestley, Kelsey Grammer, Josie Bissett, and Elle Driver hit the slopes for the event.

Beckhams Design T-Shirts For Sport Relief Charity Campaign

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

David and Victoria Beckham are spearheading this year’s Sport Relief campaign.

The whole Beckham family have created a series of one-off designs with the hope of inspiring the nation to rise to the challenge for Sport Relief 2010– and they’re about to fly off the shelves at Sainsbury’s and TK Maxx where they’re now exclusively on sale.
As part of the series of T-shirts, David took a distinctive self portrait showcasing his renowned football skills. Even Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz joined in the creative process, armed with spray cans and a blank canvas, to create a unique one off Beckham family collaboration.

Speaking about his family’s involvement in the campaign, football Legend David Beckham said: “‘Victoria and I are excited to be involved with Sport Relief again this year. Our family had a great time designing the T-shirt range and we hope it will raise much needed funds for many important causes. The most important thing is that the money raised will make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”

The T-shirts are all made with 100% Fairtrade Certified cotton and all net profits from the sale of the t-shirt range will go towards helping people living unimaginably tough lives both across the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

Also taking part in this year’s campaign will be David Walliams, who will cycle the length of the UK, The One Show’s Christine Bleakley, who will be water-skiing across the English Channel, and Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton, who will attempt to become the first woman to sail the Amazon river in a kayak. James Corden will host a BBC TV special on March 19, and other stars involved in the campaign include Jenson Button and Fearne Cotton.

To find out more, visit the Sport Relief website.

Download Music To Bring Relief To Haiti

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

In partnership with the United Nations Foundation, Habitat For Humanity and the Dave Matthews Band's Bama Works Fund Haitian relief effort, Music for Relief is working to provide immediate aid with food, water, and emergency medical supplies, and long-term sustainable housing solutions for the people affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th at 4:53pm.

To help, people can download a mixtape of nine original songs by Linkin Park, Slash, Alanis Morissette, Peter Gabriel, Hoobastank, The All-American Rejects, and Enrique Iglesias. There is no set price for the album. However, donate what you can and donate generously as this catastrophic natural disaster requires that the world step up to help.

Music for Relief is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception in 2005, Music for Relief has raised over $3 million for victims of multiple disasters across four continents and planted over 810,000 trees to help reduce global warming. Music for Relief was found by the band Linkin Park.

To find out more, go to MusicForRelief.org.

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