Look To The Stars News: Physical Challenges

Clothes Off Our Back Holding Emmy Auction

Sat, 09 Sep 2006 19:45:42 +0000

Clothes Off Our Back is holding its Fifth Annual Emmy Auction, allowing fans to bid on clothing and accessories worn by winners, nominees and attendees on the red carpet.

Some of the items available include ipods signed by a variety of stars, a cell phone from “24” signed by Kiefer Sutherland, a tie worn by Denis Leary, Katherine Heigl's earrings and a one-of-a-kind diamond encrusted brooch by Neil Lane worn by “Dancing with the Stars’” Samantha Harris and valued at $25,000.

The auction runs until September 15, and proceeds benefit the emergency relief efforts in Darfur, Children's Defense Fund and Cure Autism Now.

Clothes Off Our Back is also holding a special auction for Natalie Portman items to help the Milo Gladstein Foundation for Bloom’s Syndrome.

The Magnitude of Fortitude - When Parkinson’s Patients Feel Their Lives Are Crumbling, The HollyRod Foundation Provides Stability

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 22:08:00 +0000

Written by Jill Marie Elliott

It is a tremor that will send shockwaves through nearly 60,000 families in the U.S. this year. However, it will not be registering on the Richter scale; the shift in their world will be caused by the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. They will join the estimated 1.5 million afflicted Americans, along with their loved ones, who feel the reverberations of a disorder that leaves physical destruction, emotional devastation and financial ruin in its wake. Out of this rubble, a resolve emerges to research and fund a cure amongst the chaos.

For many, the first rumblings of Parkinson’s Disease are noticed in slurred speech, muscle stiffness, a shuffling gait; for actress Holly Robinson-Peete, it was noticing her dad walking with a limp while dropping her off at college in 1982. Upon returning home for Christmas of that year, Holly was told of his Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. At the age of 46, this was the onset of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease.

His name may not sound familiar, however many know Matt Robinson as the man who swept our cares away. His role playing the original Gordon on Sesame Street endeared us to this gentleman who would go on to write and produce for some of televisions best-loved comedies, including Sanford & Son, Eight is Enough, and The Cosby Show.

“When my father got sick, our whole world fell apart,” expressed Holly in a 2002 iParenting.com interview.

Even though Matthew had a successful career in the entertainment business, there was a substantial financial strain created by the medical needs of the disease. Fortunately Holly and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete and the rest of Matthew’s supportive family alleviated that stress. Moved by so many patients they encountered who did go without the physical, emotional and financial support, the Beverly Hills humanitarian husband and wife team were determined to create an organization that dealt straight-on with these issues. The HollyRod Foundation for Help and Hope was founded in 1997 in honor of Matthew T. Robinson, Sr.

The HollyRod Foundation joined forces in 2002 with the Center for Parkinson’s Research and Movement Disorders at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, in establishing The HollyRod Compassionate Care Program. This partnership enables HollyRod to provide individual patients with financial and medical assistance, along with other services and care as needed.

HollyRod is a lightning rod for charitable celebrities. The foundation presents two annual phenomenal fundraisers to raise money and awareness throughout the year. The star-studded DesignCure and Gridiron Glamour Celebrity Fashion Show & Brunch feature haute ensembles and cool entertainment!

Decked out in dynamic fashion designs from ESCADA, models took to the catwalk, delighting DesignCure 2006 invited guests such as Chris Rock, Star Jones Reynolds, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Angie Harmon and Samuel L. Jackson. The auction this year included a set of three guitars autographed by members of U2, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin! Boxing legend and three-time host of DesignCure Sugar Ray Leonard had the distinction of joining former honoree, famed fighter Muhammad Ali,
when he was presented with the HollyRod Foundation Humanitarian Award for his knockout charitable efforts. The summer evening ended on a high-note with a musical performance by Grammy winner Jill Scott. In its eight years of existence, DesignCure has raised over one million dollars.

The Gridiron Glamour fundraiser fuses fashion & football together in an event held during Super Bowl week. In the past, the event has showcased the top fashion designs from Saks Fifth Avenue couture collection. The hottest trends & threads were worn by a team that included supermodel and hostess Niki Taylor, singing sensations Patti LaBelle, Kelly Rowland and Marc Anthony, sport stars Rick Fox, Serena Williams and Jason Sehorn and Hollywood personalities Daisy Fuentes, Nancy O'Dell & Carmen Electra!

The 2007 Gridiron Glamour Celebrity Fashion Show & Brunch will be held in Miami, Florida on February 3rd. In addition to money raised for the HollyRod Foundation, the fundraiser bestows a non-profit organization in each Super Bowl city to serve as local beneficiary of the event. The 2007 recipient is The Honey Shine Foundation, a non-profit mentoring program providing positive experiences that nurture the mind, body and soul of girls 6 to 18 years old in at-risk situations.

Mr. Robinson passed away from Parkinson’s Disease in August 2002, twenty years after being diagnosed. His spirit lives on in HollyRod’s ever-strengthening commitment to fostering help & hope to Parkinson’s patients, and their families and caregivers.

That’s one wave of compassion we can all roll with.

2007 Princess Diana Charity Concert Sells Out - For Now

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 20:24:10 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Earlier this month, Princes William and Harry announced that they would hold a charity concert in 2007 to commemorate what would have been their mother’s 46th birthday. Taking place at London’s famous Wembley football stadium, all available tickets for the concert have now sold out.

Performers including Elton John, singer Joss Stone, Diana’s favourite band Duran Duran, Bryan Ferry, the English National Ballet, Andrew Lloyd-Webber and hip-hop artist Pharrell Williams will appear at the event on 1st July.

Speaking for himself and his brother, Prince William said, “We both wanted to put our stamp on it. We want it to represent exactly what our mother would have wanted.”

Proceeds from the concert will benefit a number of charities that received support from the princess during her life, and two of the princes’ own charities, Centrepoint and Sentebale.

Sir Elton John said: "I applaud Princes William and Harry for choosing to honour their mother with this concert. I am absolutely thrilled to be performing at this great event.

“Diana was a personal friend and someone I greatly admired for her tireless and enthusiastic work for charity.”

More tickets for the event are expected to be released in 2007, and will be available from www.concertfordiana.com.

Mandela, Clinton Auction Star Encounters For Charity

Tue, 15 May 2007 09:33:37 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Fancy tea with Nelson Mandela? Or how about an African safari and passing a bit of time with Sir Richard Branson at a Virgin Unite project? Or if you prefer to spend your time on the green, a round of golf with Samuel L. Jackson at Leopard Creek Country Club could be the epitome of a truly Priceless Moment.

These are just three of the amazing lots up for bid in the MasterCard Priceless Moments Auction on eBay. The auction was brought about by Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton after both leaders visited the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, where children with cardiac problems from all over the continent are treated. They hope to intensify the vision of Mandela’s late friend and mentor, Mr. Walter Sisulu, to care for and nurture the children of South Africa.

Seven charities will benefit from the auction, with the funds going to provide safe havens and hope for thousands of African children. The charities include the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa, the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), the South African Red Cross, Cotlands, Reach For A Dream Foundation, Ithemba Trust and St. Mary's Hospital.

Bidding began on May 14th, and goes through May 24th. To view the complete list of lots and place a bid, go to the Mastercard Priceless Moments page on eBay.

Elton John, P. Diddy and Andrew Lloyd-Webber to Celebrate Life of Princess Diana

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:03:21 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

This Sunday, July 1st, music will fill the skies in remembrance of Princess Diana. The event was organised by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry to celebrate her life, ten years after her death.

Concert For Diana will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, and is showcasing a wide variety of musical styles, from Andrew Lloyd-Webber to P. Diddy. Legends Elton John, Rod Stewart and Tom Jones will be joined by the likes of Joss Stone, Nelly Furtado, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and James Morrison.

Many more performances will take place during the 8-hour-long event, including those by Duran Duran, Take That, Lily Allen and the English National Ballet.

Proceeds of the event go to charities which were supported by the Princess, and to charities of which her sons are now Patrons. These include: The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, Centrepoint, Sentebale, National AIDS Trust, The Leprosy Mission, the Royal Marsden Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital and the English National Ballet.

Tickets cost £45, but those who cannot make it to the concert can view it online at the Concert For Diana website.

Clinton, Foxx Speak Against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:22:10 +0000

Written by Nadia Lias

One might not expect a politician and an award-winning entertainer to have much in common, but former US President Bill Clinton and actor/singer Jamie Foxx speak the same language when it comes to active involvement in fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. The two shared the stage during the Annual Global Business Coalition Gala on June 13th at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

The award Gala is held annually to recognise companies and people who demonstrate action and commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Among the 700-plus guests were political leaders, celebrated entertainers, public heath experts and CEOs of member companies as well as NBA stars Dikembe Mutombo and Samuel Dalembert. Sir Richard Branson was one of the evening’s featured speakers, and discussed the commitment of his Virgin Unite to eradicating the HIV virus.

Jamie Foxx and HBO co-president Richard Plepler presented the premier of Test America, a Public Service Announcement campaign produced in conjunction with the National Basketball Association, GBC, and the Kaiser Family Foundation to educate millions of at-risk Americans about the need to get tested for HIV. Audiences were entertained when Foxx joined DJ Doug. E. Fresh in an impromptu rap, chanting “we’re here to fight H-I-V” with the spectators.

Bill Clinton was honoured with an award for his outstanding action and commitment towards the Global Business Coalition’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. During his speech at the Gala, he commended Foxx, Doug E. Fresh, and members of the National Basketball Association for taking part in the inspiring Test America PSA campaign. He then thanked GBC for bringing a committed group of leading private-sector executives and NGOs to tackle three global epidemics. He later urged the executives to work together to do what is right: fight for equality for all people, and fight to end the three diseases.

The night left a clear message in mind that it is everybody’s responsibility to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. To quote one of the evening’s speakers, Ophelia Haanyama Orum – HIV-positive author of the book “True to Myself”: – “Open your eyes, open your minds, and open your hearts. Walk with me, and continue your work to make a positive difference for people with HIV.”

Bourne For Charity

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 10:37:31 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Matt Damon has raised $192,000 for a children’s charity by attending the premiere of his new film in Oklahoma City.

Damon, along with producer Frank Marshall, appeared at the red carpet opening of their new movie, The Bourne Ultimatum, held at Bricktown Cinema on July 31. At least 1000 people packed the theater, and the money raised will go to The Children's Center, a non-profit Bethany hospital that provides medical care, rehabilitative therapies, and special education to children with medical and physical disabilities.

“That’s great!” said Damon when he heard the amount. “It’s such a tangible thing when you start seeing programs and buildings and people’s lives are changing because of this.”

The Bourne Ultimatum is the third spy thriller in the series, but it is not the first time the movie franchise has raised funds for The Children’s Center. The gala premiere of the second film, The Bourne Supremacy, raised $100,000 for the charity, and in 2006 Marshall raised $150,000 at the premiere for his film “Eight Below”.

Scott Coppenbarger, Communications Director for The Children’s Center, is extremely excited with the work carried out by Damon and Marshall, and thinks they are the best thing to ever happen to the center.

“When you’ve got a Hollywood premiere to help get your name out there, it’s just so unbelievable and we’re so appreciative.”

Paris Hilton Enjoys A Night By The Ocean

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:52:28 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Paris Hilton is making good her promise to be involved in more charities, and was one of over 500 people to attend the 4th annual “Night By The Ocean Charity Gala and Auction” on July 22nd. Celebrities, sports stars, and Hollywood and surfing industry executives all came together at the Beverly Hills Hotel for a night of fun and performances to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries.

The event was co-chaired by champion surfer Kelly Slater and actress Minnie Driver, and raised over $370,000 for the Life Rolls On Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injuries.

The evening featured live performances by Jackson Browne, Miles Doughty of Slightly Stoopid, and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, and also included an auction. The funds that were raised will go directly into the Foundation’s key initiatives, such as “They Will Surf Again”, an adaptive surfing program for those with spinal cord injuries, and opportunities for able-bodied individuals to get involved with the organization.

“It’s a great organization,” Paris Hilton was quoted as saying in People Magazine. “It gives people hope, and I’m really happy to be here to support Jessie [Billauer, founder of Life Goes On].”
Hilton also paid $17,500 at the auction for a personal surfing lesson with Billauer and actor Adam Sandler.

As well as attending the Night By The Ocean Gala, Paris Hilton has recently visited a children’s cancer ward, and is planning to actively support more charitable causes in the future.

“I have met with philanthropists… and we’ll be doing stuff all around the world. I’m excited.”

She has now started giving a portion of all her appearance fees to children’s charities.

Richard Branson Attends Virgin Festival in Baltimore

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:55:09 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Soaring temperatures of over 100°F did not stop 80,000 music lovers from attending a massive two-day charity concert held at the Pimlico Raceway in Baltimore on August 4 and 5. The Baltimore Virgin Festival was part of a series of concerts being held this year, partly organized by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin brand.

Concert goers were treated to performances by 40 groups and artists, including Sting and The Police, Ben Harper, The Beastie Boys, Iggy Pop, and The Smashing Pumpkins. $1.50 from every ticket sold was donated directly to Virgin Unite, the charitable arm of the Virgin Group, dedicated to “tackling some of the tougher social challenges by uniting people and Virgin’s global resources.”

The concert also featured a huge tent village which housed a mall of philanthropy booths, where concert attendees could find out more about non-profit organizations such as Oxfam, The Living Classrooms Foundation (which uses maritime settings to train at-risk youth), StandUp For Kids (which helps homeless children), and Youth Noise (a website where teens can talk about significant issues and raise money for their chosen causes).

Branson joined actress Daryl Hannah at the event, and stated that the festivities were extremely eco-friendly, with 99% of the fuels used to power the concert being the cleanest biofuel available.

The Virgin Festival in Baltimore followed a similar concert held in Vancouver in May, and the next event will be in Toronto in September.

Also rocking out on August 4 and 5 was another huge concert, the Lollapalooza Festival, an annual event founded in 1991. 165,000 people crammed Grant Park in Chicago to see 140 acts, including Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, and Snow Patrol. A portion of every ticket sale went to the Parkways Foundation, a non-profit organization working with the Chicago Park District.

Stars Read Stories for Charity

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:41:12 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Joanna Lumley and Tony Robinson have lent their voice talents to a series of downloadable stories for children. Recordings of the Mr Men and Little Miss books from Roger Hargreaves’ best-selling series benefit the Variety Club, a charity which works with underprivileged children.

Lumley reads Little Miss Sunshine, Robinson reads Mr Tickle, and Wendy Richard tells the story of Little Miss Splendid.

Ben Shephard, Neil Fox and John Simm also tell stories from the beloved series.

Wendy Richard OBE said at her podcast recording: “I was delighted to be asked to read a Little Miss story for the celebrity podcast. It is a great way to raise money for the invaluable work Variety Club does to help underprivileged children have a better quality of life.”

There are seven recordings in all, costing £1.50 ($3) each, or £5 ($10) for the entire set. All of the proceeds go to the charity.

Neil Young Organizes Benefit Concert

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:31:28 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Musician Neil Young is to host his annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts near San Francisco on October 27-28, with an eclectic lineup of acts already confirmed to play.

The two acoustic concerts, to be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, will feature performers such as John Mayer, Metallica, and Pearl Jam singer, Eddie Vedder. Tom Waits will also perform with the classical string ensemble, The Kronos Quartet. Waits and the Quartet first performed together earlier in 2007, as part of a concert to benefit Richard Gere's Healing the Divide Foundation.

Proceeds from the October shows will benefit Bridge School, a non-profit educational institution in Northern California for children with physical disabilities and severe speech impediments. It was co-founded by Young’s wife, Pegi, in 1986, after three of the couple’s children were born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Young organized the first Bridge School Concert in 1986, and with the exception of 1987, has hosted the event every year since.

Many of the performers at the concerts return annually. Eddie Vedder has performed eight times with his band Pearl Jam, and is singing this year with Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ bassist, Flea, and ex Chilli Peppers/Pearl Jam drummer, Jack Irons. Other musicians to perform at this year’s shows include singer/songwriters Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, and 50s rocker Jerry Lee Lewis. Neil Young will also perform a set.

Tickets to the shows come in three price tiers – $150, $75, and $39.50, and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.

Stars Design Plates For Charity

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:51:22 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For those who want to have dinner with the stars, this could be the next best thing. A selection of dinner plates designed by celebrities are for sale, with proceeds going to charity.

The plates feature designs by David Bowie, George Clooney, Giorgio Armani, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, and Sir Michael Caine, and are part of a fundraising initiative from 21st Century Leaders, a non-profit organization that plans to raise $3 million over three years through its “Whatever It Takes” celebrity-designed merchandise. So far, the organization has raised almost $1.5 million to fund “charitable projects in developing countries, and contribute to the protection of the environment and other causes”.

21st Century Leaders was founded by Charlotte di Vita, MBE, a goodwill ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. The 39 year old founded her first charity, Trade plus Aid, in 1992, which has raised over $5 million and helped communities in 21 developing countries to become self-supporting. A desire to do more led di Vita to start Whatever It Takes, a unique charity art project where celebrities donate their own artwork, which is then transferred onto “merchandise with a meaning”.

“It’s 15 minutes of their time to do an artwork,” said di Vita. “And it’s not just for a one-off sale or auction – I can use it to create employment and royalties that will help the charities for years to come.”

Proceeds from the products are distributed to a charity of the designer’s choice, and the dinner plates (which retail for $20) will benefit Oxfam, Save the Children, CARE International, UNHCR, and Anti-Slavery International. Other products available include mugs featuring the designs of Claudia Schiffer, Ewan McGregor, and Nicole Kidman (also retailing for $20), T-shirts designed by the Kaiser Chiefs ($80), shoes designed by Ozzy Osbourne ($80), and wristbands by Joss Stone, Green Day, and Paul McCartney ($6).

All merchandise is available from www.whateverittakes.org.

Goldberg, Keitel Trading for Charity

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:40:37 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

On Tuesday, September 11th, celebrity guests will join brokerage firm BGC’s third annual Charity Day, assisting the brokers to raise money for good causes. Stars such as Whoopi Goldberg, Harvey Keitel, Eli Wallach and Yogi Berra will join brokers in conducting real, live trades. 100% of the commissions raised on the day will go to charities such as Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Books for Kids Foundation, Cancer Research Institute, NARSAD Mental Health Research, Project FIND and the Wounded Warrior Project.

A different celebrity will appear on the trading floor every hour, beginning with the New York Jets’ Freeman McNeil at 9 am, Yogi Berra at 10 and Harriet Harris of Desperate Housewives and Frasier at 11. Next to arrive will be Tony Sirico of the Sopranos, who is raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. He will be joined by several of the brave service men and women supported by the charity.

At one o’clock, Whoopi Goldberg and Eli Wallach are scheduled to arrive. The rest of the afternoon is scheduled to feature Robert Funaro of The Sopranos; former New York Jet Boomer Esiason, Roy White, formerly of the NY Yankees, former NY Mets’ Ed Kranepool and former NY Knicks’ Earl Monroe along with NY Giants’ lineman Grey Ruegamer and the New York Red Bulls’ Joe Vide.

The above celebrities and charities are set to appear at the firm’s downtown New York trading floor, though the Charity Day is a global event. Celebrities appearing in the London and Paris offices include Sir Alex Ferguson, Rory Bremner, Chris Evans, Lisa Faulkner, Jason Flemyng, Nigel Haver, Sir Steve Redgrave, Stephane Pasquier, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Julien Benneteau.

Charities supported by the trading firm’s offices in Asia, Australia and Europe include: DebRA, Multiple Sclerosis, National Literacy Trust, Sparks, The Peter O’Sullevan Trust, UK Youth, Walk The Walk, Well Child, Wooden Spoon, Bobby Moore Fund, Chance to Shine, Chase, Honey Pot, Winston’s Wish, The Paul Hunter Foundation, Barnardo's, The Shane Warne Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Children’s Cancer Foundation, La Licorne and The Solidarity Fund (established to help victims of the fires in Greece).

BGC is a leading inter-dealer brokerage firm affiliated with Cantor Fitzgerald, the company that suffered the heaviest loss of life during the Twin Towers tragedy in New York on September 11th, 2001. BGC is proud to continue its legacy of fundraising on behalf of a wide range of charitable causes. The last two events raised $9 million, all of which was given to charity.

Double the Effort to Raise Funds for Charitable Causes in India by Vijay Amritraj

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:18:00 +0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

As Jimmy Connors' famed Wimbledon opponent, James Bond’s co-star in Octopussy, and a UN Ambassador of Peace, Vijay Amritraj is considered many things to many people. But on the weekend of October 12th, Vijay will be showing his charitable side as his foundation hosts its Charity Celebrity Golf Classic at Lost Canyons Golf Club, and its Gala Banquet at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday October 13th. The beautiful Parminder Nagra – star of Bend it Like Beckham and ER – will be among the hosts at the Gala Banquet.

Among the celebs expected to attend either of the events are Chuck Norris, Rick Schroder, Charles Durning, and Beverly Johnson. It also looks like it is a done deal for a few of the NBC models from the game show Deal or No Deal will be celebrity golfers. Many more celebs are expected to confirm this week. The Dr. Phil show provided VIP passes and other goodies for auction.

The funds raised by the Vijay Amritraj Foundation will help people in India in a wide variety of ways including educating women, children, a school for the blind and provide healthcare for AIDS/HIV afflicted.

Prince Harry To Train With Charity

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:23:33 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Plans have been announced for Prince Harry to undertake special training with an international charity organization based in Britain.

The Prince attended a reception for MapAction, of which he is Royal Patron, at Parliament Square in London on October 10, to celebrate 50 successful missions carried out by the non-Governmental organization.

MapAction, which was founded in 2003, is dedicated to creating maps during natural disasters that highlight the areas where medical attention is needed most. It also pinpoints important logistical and transport facilities, such as working bridges, undamaged roads, and potential landing sites for helicopters. Volunteers in the field update the maps hour-by-hour, enabling aid agencies to do their job of delivering assistance where it can save lives and relieve suffering.

“We are hoping the Prince may be able to deploy with us,” said Roger Wedge, a spokesman for the organization. “There may be some difficulties with that, but we’re training him up.”

Wedge went on to say that Prince Harry will attend a training weekend in the near future, and will be taught the skills required to operate in foreign countries.

“It’s an idea we’d like to think is possible,” said a spokesperson for the Prince. “Harry would love to go.”

The 23 year old Prince became Royal Patron of the charity in April 2007, after becoming extremely interested in the role of MapAction and its work in disaster emergencies. The organization deploys volunteers to disasters all over the world, and has recently operated in the Caribbean during Hurricane Dean, as well as in the September floods in Ghana, which killed 6 people and affected 260,000. They have also completed successful missions during disasters in Kenya, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Suriname, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

As well as MapAction, Prince Harry is also patron of a number of other charities, including WellChild, which provides care and support for sick children and their families, Dolen Cymru, an organization that promotes friendship and understanding between the people of Wales and the people of Lesotho, and Sentebale, a children’s charity set up in 2004 during his visit to Lesotho. By coincidence, Lesotho is also the location of MapAction’s first ever field mission in 2003.

“MapAction’s volunteer ethos and innovative use of new methods and technologies to meet humanitarian needs has caught the Prince’s imagination,” said David Spackman, Director of MapAction. “As a young Army officer, the importance and use of maps will be second nature to him. We hope the Prince’s support will be an asset in raising the charity’s profile.”

Vijay Makes Charity Work In India a Big Deal

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:52:48 +0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj is not only devoted to calling attention to the plight of those in need in India, he also backs up his devotion to these needs by hosting two charity events back to back.

At seven AM on Friday morning Amritraj hosted his 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic. Among the celebs to support the golf event were Golden Globe Winner Elke Sommer, Wonder Woman movie star Cathy Lee Crosby, James Sikking (Hill Street Blues/Doogie Howser), former soap star Tom Hallick and it was quite a big deal when two of the game show models from the hit Deal or No Deal hit the course at Simi Valley’s Lost Canyons Golf Club.

The day of efforts to raise money included raffles, silent and live auction items. Among the silent auction items included tickets donated by the Tiger Woods Foundation to the Masters champion play.

The next evening Vijay hosted a Gala Banquet at the Beverly Hilton. Chuck Norris was honored at the gala for his work with children. One of the evening’s hosts was Parminder Nagra of Bend It Like Beckham fame and the tv series ER. Parminder looked absolutely stunning in her pink Sari. Many of the Celeb Golfers returned for round 2 of the charity oriented weekend. Tom Hallick conducted the live auction. Briefcase #18 model A.K.A Marisa Petroro modeled beautiful jewelry during the live auction. However, the biggest live auction prize of the night was comprised of roundtrip airfare to London, the two tickets to join Vijay at Wimbledon and then join him for dinner. This prize went for $30,000.

Determined to generate the most money he could for the foundation, Vijay offered to the same opportunity to the bidder who would match $30,000. Much to his pleasure, someone did make a matching bid.

The silent auction offered a wide variety of great items including a sneaker autographed by LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant, reserved seating to see Dr. Phil McGraw's and Jay Leno's shows.

Vijays says, “Since my appointment as UN ambassodor of Peace, I have seen the first-hand magnitude of a plight that exists all around us. The more I saw, the more it became obvious to me that something had to be done…” The Vijay Amritraj Foundation helps with a multiple causes in India which include helping those with HIV/AIDS, education of women, children and the blind. To learn more, go to www.vijayamritrajfoundation.org.

Eva Longoria’s Heroes

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:15:59 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Eva Longoria launched her first annual Celebrity Golf Tournament in October to raise funds for her nonprofit charity, Eva's Heroes. Biting her nails down to the last minute, Longoria said she was overjoyed by the outpouring of support.

Joined by fellow stars the likes of Ana Ortiz, Robert Gossett, Kyle Maclachlan, Jesse Borrego, Lupe Ontiveros, Rita Verreos, Mario Lopez and George Lopez, who provided entertainment as well as celebrity pull, the goal was to raise $200,000 for programs and enrichment centers that will provide unique after school experiences for developmentally challenged children and young adults.

Having grown up with an intellectually disabled sister, Longoria considers her sister her hero. “She has given me so much inspiration and hope to face everyday with the strength and courage she has had her whole life. She has never seen herself with a disability and only sees the good in everyone and everything.”

Longoria saw first hand throughout her life the growth that individuals with developmental disabilities can achieve through special programs and interaction, and is now determined to make them available nationwide through her own Eva’s Heroes Enrichment Centers. The first one will open in San Antonio very soon, and will serve 30 children.

“Her heart is in the right place,” said comedian George Lopez. “She’s the most beautiful person.”

Rowling Hand-Writes New Potter Stories for Charity

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:23:00 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

JK Rowling hasn’t rested since finishing the Harry Potter series with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The author has hand-written and illustrated seven copies of a new book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a collection of wizarding fairy-tales mentioned in the final Potter book. Rowling gave six of the books as thank-you gifts, and the seventh will be auctioned to raise money for The Children’s Voice campaign run by the Children's High Level Group (CHLG).

Although one of Beedle the Bard’s stories, The Tale of the Three Brothers, is recounted in the last Potter book, the other four tales were only alluded to. Rowling had these books of never-before-told stories bound in leather with uniquely embossed silver and moon stones, and in her dedication at the front of each wrote that the proceeds of the auction will go to help institutionalized children.

In a BBC interview, Rowing stated, “I could not think of anyone with less of a voice, or more disenfranchised, than a child with mental health issues or handicapped, who has been taken from their family or given by their family to an institution and then placed in a cage. I couldn’t think of anyone more vulnerable, or anyone more in need of an articulate voice.”

JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson founded the CHLG in 2005 to “improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The Children’s Voice wants to make life better for young people in care; across Eastern Europe and ultimately across the whole of the modern world.”

Says Rowling, “Large amounts of wealth bring a certain responsibility. If you’re any kind of human being, then once you fulfill your family’s needs, you think, well how do I do some good with this?”

The seventh Tales of Beedle the Bard book will be auctioned by Sotheby’s on December 13, and is expected to fetch up to £50,000 ($100,000).

Celebrities Lend Their Hands To Charity

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:58:29 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Over 40 celebrities from around the world are featured in a special new book to be released in time for Christmas.

“Celebrity Handprints”, set to be published on December 1, is the culmination of two years work for author James Preston. Since November 2005, Preston has scoured the globe in search of famous names who were willing to dip their hands in ink and leave a lasting mark on paper. And his peculiar pursuit opened doors to some of entertainment’s biggest stars, including Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Matt Damon, and Keira Knightley.

Over the course of his travels, Preston collected more than 100 handprints and accompanying photos of some of the brightest stars in film, television, music and sports, 42 of which are to be included in the new book. All of the proceeds from the publication will go to benefit two British children’s charities – Children in Need and the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Also available is a series of limited edition prints of the handprints, suitable for framing. The cost for each print, which also includes a photograph of the star involved, is $100. 30% of the total will go to both charities.

Other stars involved in the project include David Beckham, Robbie Williams, Will Smith, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Tom Jones, Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, the Kaiser Chiefs, the Smashing Pumpkins, Snow Patrol, Star Wars creator George Lucas, and many more.

The book will be available for $40 from bookstores and Amazon, and both the book and the prints will be able to be purchased from www.celebrityhandprints.org.

Children in Need

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:27:27 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The stars have lined up for the 2007 Children in Need Appeal, the BBC’s annual TV charity event. Airing tonight on BBC One, the evening of special programming will be hosted by Terry Wogan, and will feature special live performances by the Spice Girls in LA, Kylie Minogue, Westlife, Annie Lennox, David Gray and Sugababes.

The Spice Girls are also helping out by donating funds from their new single “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)”. [Amazon: CD, MP3]

Irish boy band Boyzone have reformed for the event; the band split seven years ago when lead singer Ronan Keating went solo.

Last year’s appeal brought in £33 million ($66 million) for the charity, which strives to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

As we are reporting in other news today, Children in Need is also one of the beneficiaries of a new fundraising book of celebrity handprints.

Richard Branson's African War Room

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:08:42 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Sir Richard Branson is directing attention towards Africa’s medical crisis. Branson’s Virgin Unite, the charitable arm of the Virgin group, has formed a new “war room” to research worthwhile practices on the continent and make them cost-effective. They have already sought out the ‘best of the best’ grassroots charitable organizations to help them.

Branson is no stranger to solving problems in unusual ways. His Heavens Angels program, launched last June, sends “health workers on motorbikes into remote areas to deliver medication, materials and advice.”

Thousands of people die everyday in Sub-Saharan Africa from diseases that could be prevented or at least treated if patients had better access to healthcare. Heaven’s Angels is addressing this, and the program’s unconventionality is generating funding and awareness.

In a recent interview with the Globe & Mail, Sir Richard stated that Virgin Unite “has just built a big clinic in South Africa for AIDS patients … [but] you can’t generate wealth and donations for something like that.”

Through their fundraising efforts, Virgin was able to donate a fleet of 31 bikes to Heaven’s Angels. Besides delivering healthcare workers to distant areas and transporting ill people for treatment, the motorbikes will also be used on days off for other ventures in an effort to generate income and, hopefully, bring new services into the communities.

Colin Firth - Pride And Philanthropy

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 08:53:28 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

“Fame hasn’t got much use to anybody really, except for getting upgraded tables in restaurants.”

These are the words of British actor Colin Firth, who believes more celebrities should use their stardom to highlight good causes.

At Look To The Stars, we believe it is important to highlight the work that celebrities carry out to support charities and good causes. It is all too easy to be cynical and think to yourself that the stars only use their so called “good work” to bolster public opinion and their own fame, but the more you dive into the topic, the more you find that this just is not true. Firth is a perfect example of someone who, in his own words, “puts my money where my mouth is” and prefers to get involved with issues he believes are worthwhile.

“I think you can have a profile and you can also use it as a tool,” said the 47-year-old actor. “One is increasingly aware that there are too many people trying to get heard in the world, and there are all too many people who are heard too easily but have absolutely nothing to say. If you can try to be a vessel for [those without a voice], then I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”

Born in Hampshire, England, Firth has become the benchmark for the perfect English Gentleman in modern film, and is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Mr Darcy in Jane Austin’s Pride And Prejudice. It seems that for almost every role he takes on, from the almost tragically over-mothered Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones Diary to love
struck writer Jamie Bennett in Love Actually, female movie-goers fall over themselves to look up into his smoldering eyes.

But Firth is not the kind of actor who is scared to get his hands dirty out in the real world. A passionate supporter of Oxfam and its Make Trade Fair initiative, Firth has both feet planted firmly on the ground.

“I suppose what attracts me to Oxfam is that I trust them,” said the actor. “I have been helping Oxfam out a little bit for about 5 or 6 years now. Oxfam is a household name in England. You grow up with Oxfam. It’s a very, very big fixture in life. Basically, they are not a charity in the conventional sense of the word – they are not just about raising money and throwing it at problems. It’s about actually trying to raise the awareness that we are very much connected with some of the stuff that goes on in far-away places.”

Firth, who divides his time between London and Italy, is also extremely vocal in his support of Amnesty International. Early in 2007, the actor intervened in the deportation of a Congolese nurse from Britain. Firth, whose mother is the president of an asylum-seekers support group, firmly believes that people should not be deported from a country if there is a strong chance they will be murdered when they reach their destination.

“To me, it’s just basic civilization to help people,” he said during the court case involving the nurse. “I find it incredibly painful to see how we dismiss the most desperate people in our society… it makes me furious.”

Along with his wife, Livia, Firth also produced a film called “In Prison My Whole Life” to highlight the plight of prisoners on death row in America.

Firth is a supporter of Survival International, and in 2003 openly condemned the Botswana government for evicting Gana and Gwi bushmen from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

In 2006, Firth won the title of Campaigner of the Year, an honor voted by the senior editors of The Economist and advisors drawn from the European Union community. The award was primarily for the work Firth has done with Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign, in which the actor engaged in meetings with politicians from all around the world, including the head of the World Trade Organization.

His involvement in the initiative led the star to found Café Progreso, a chain of fair trade co-operative cafes in London. Profits from the sale of coffee in the cafes are shared directly with farmers in coffee growing regions.

“The failure so far of the governments of so many of the world’s most powerful countries, in the face of such egregious unfairness, to make the slightest progress on the issue of fair trade is hard to explain,” said the actor, who also lobbied against Starbucks on behalf of Ethiopian coffee farmers to own the trademarks of their own specialty coffees.

Café Progreso has now led Firth to open Eco Age, an eco-friendly shop in Chiswick, London. The store, lit and heated by sunlight, is fully self-sustainable and offers shoppers the chance to buy commodities that are completely environmentally friendly.

“It’s all about rethinking our habits,” said Firth just before the shop opened to the public. “A huge number of people support the idea of eco-living, but don’t know what to do next.”

Firth’s three-storey shop offers a huge array of eco items, ranging from a bamboo computer to recycled pencils, solar mobile phone and MP3 chargers, natural paint and wallpaper, environmental kitchen appliances, Estonian Christmas decorations, and coat hangers recycled from old chairs.

The venture sits well alongside Firth’s other work, which includes being patron of Out Of The Blue, a theatre that provides the opportunity for disabled and non-disabled young people in the south of England to perform onstage together. But although he occupies himself with philanthropic work, Firth still worries the public may soon suffer from what he calls “celebrity aid work fatigue”.

“I’m not against the idea of celebrities using what they have to raise awareness, " he said recently. “But you have to be very circumspect about how you employ it.”

Colin Firth’s next movie, “St. Trinian’s”, will be released in England on December 21.

JK Rowling Spellbound By Charity Book Sale

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:12:00 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Originally expected to bring in around $100,000, JK Rowling's book “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” instead raised nearly $4 million… in just ten minutes of bidding. It is a price unheard of for a children’s book at auction and forty times what was anticipated.

The book is one of only seven in existence. Rowling gave the first six to friends as thank-you gifts, and the last one was auctioned by Sotheby’s for charity. The books, hand written and illustrated by Rowling, are bound in leather and uniquely embossed with silver and moonstones. “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” is a collection of wizarding fairy-tales alluded to in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book of the Harry Potter series. In The Deathly Hallows, Dumbledore left the volume of tales that provide clues to defeating Lord Voldemort to Harry’s friend Hermione.

The winning bid went to the London painting and drawing dealership Hazlitt, Gooden & Fox. Says Rowling of the record-breaking bid, “I’m stunned and ecstatic. This will mean so much to the children desperately in need of help. It means Christmas has come early for me.”

The Children’s Voice campaign, beneficiary of the proceeds, is run by the Children's High Level Group, founded by JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson in 2005 to “improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The Children’s Voice wants to make life better for young people in care; across Eastern Europe and ultimately across the whole of the modern world.”

Celebrity Auctions Kick Off The New Year

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:24:10 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The new year has kicked off with a flurry of celebrity charity auctions, with items for sale to benefit a plethora of worthwhile causes and issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization that advocates individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad range of issues, including free speech, AIDS, human rights, racism, and more. The Southern California branch of ACLU has launched an auction on www.charityfolks.com to raise much-needed funds.

Items up for auction until January 3 include lunch with Jake Gyllenhaal on the set of his new film, a framed and autographed art print by Viggo Mortensen, the chance to dine with Harry Belafonte or Mike Farrell, a signed T shirt and photo from Danny Glover, and original artwork from singer Maria McKee, and an autographed copy of Corinne Bailey Rae's single, “I’d Like To”.

Also up for auction on the Charity Folks website are 12 twelve very special packages to see Hilary Duff in concert. VIP tickets and the chance to go backstage to meet the young diva are included, and the concerts are being held across the US, Mexico, and Australia.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Blessings in a Backpack, a program run by USA Harvest to generate public awareness of child hunger. The organization will use the money to assist in providing weekend meals to needy children and ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. The auction runs until January 25.

Virgin Unite has put several items up for auction, including a leather jacket designed and signed by Jon Bon Jovi, a guitar autographed by Jewel, and a cymbal signed by members of the Beastie Boys.

Virgin Unite is the non-profit entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, established by Richard Branson as a catalyst for business based solutions to social and environmental problems. The auction ends on January 3.

Artists for a New South Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 to advance human rights in Africa, and now encompasses a whole raft of issues, including the fight against AIDS, assisting children orphaned by AIDS, and educating and empowering youth. They are offering some incredible items for auction until January 18, including original Star Wars comics signed by Samuel L. Jackson, a signed photo of ex-X Files star Gillian Anderson, and signed CDs from Mandy Moore.

And finally, the Friends and Helpers Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence, is auctioning items such as a Red Hot Chili Peppers poster signed by bass player Flea, a signed photo of Donald Trump, a flag autographed by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan, and a guitar signed by LeAnn Rimes.

2008 looks set to be the year of celebrity giving.

Hilton Donates Family Fortune To Charity

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:23:54 +0000

Paris Hilton's paternal grandfather, Barron Hilton, has announced that he will contribute $1.2 billion of the proceeds from the sale of Hilton Hotels Corporation and Harrah’s Entertainment to a unitrust to benefit the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a charity established by his father over 60 years ago.

“Speaking for the family as well as the foundation, we are all exceedingly proud and grateful for this extraordinary commitment,” said his son, Steven M. Hilton, President and CEO of the Foundation. “Working to alleviate human suffering around the globe, regardless of race, religion or geography, is the mandate of the foundation set by my grandfather, Conrad Hilton, and now reinforced by my father, Barron Hilton.”

Conrad established his charitable Foundation in 1944, “to relieve the suffering, the distressed, and the destitute” on a global scale. More than half of the grants are given to international initiatives. The Foundation has contributed over $560 million worldwide to date.

In West Africa, the Foundation has worked with partners like World Vision, UNICEF, WaterAid and The Carter Center to increase access to safe water by providing wells, alternative water systems and latrines, resource centers and training on hygiene to reduce the incidence of blinding trachoma and guinea worm. In Mexico, it supports an organization called Alternativas y Procesos de Participacion Social to develop potable water sources.

Other initiatives the Hilton Foundation support include program development and teacher training for the blind, housing for homeless who are mentally ill, social service projects provided by the Catholic Sisters, and care and services for disabled babies and their families.

Additionally, the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, at $1.5 million, brings together leaders to look at solutions to providing aid to needy populations, and is donated annually “to a charitable organization that is doing extraordinary work in relieving suffering.”

Barron Hilton also announced that he will contribute 97 percent of his entire net worth to benefit the Foundation, at whatever value it is at the time of his passing. It is currently estimated at $2.3 billion.

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