Look To The Stars News: Physical Challenges

Taylor Swift Surprises Children In Need

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift was a surprise guest at this year’s BBC Children in Need extravaganza in London on Friday night – an event that raised a massive £20,309,747 for charity.

Hosted by Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon, the seven hour show featured actors from some of Britain’s favorite shows – including Doctor Who, The Bill and the One Show.

“Another fantastic fundraising effort – we didn’t get quite to £21m but we got pretty close,” said Wogan, referring to last year’s total. “By the time we give you the full total in a couple of months’ time, I bet it’s got to be pretty close to what we made last year.”

The highlight of the show – which featured performances by acts such as Peter André, Spandau Ballet, Westlife, JLS, Stereophonics and Annie Lennox – was the unveiling of comedian Peter Kay’s charity single for the charity. Featuring a medley of songs from The Beatles, Take That, The Jackson 5 and many more, the video consists of over 100 characters from Britain’s television past.

Taylor Swift jetted in for her performance at the show – and donated over US$20,000 to the charity, which provides practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Other highlights of the show included a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special; actors from British soap Hollyoaks performing a tribute to Queen; Terry Wogan in perion costume for Lark Rise to Candleford; and the Dragons’ Den team helping to renovate a community centre in London.

“This year we surpassed all expectations with the amount raised and I am in awe that in these tough times, the British public has shown such tremendous support and generosity,” said Wogan. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved and for the extraordinary lengths the country has gone to help raise money for disadvantaged children.”

Highlights from the show can be seen here.

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent Richard Barker was lucky enough to attend the Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards and filed this exclusive report and photos.

I was delighted to spend some time with A-list celebrities from music, film, theatre and television on the Red Carpet. The event was in aid of one of UK’s longest running children’s charities, The Variety Club, as it celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

London saw some of the brightest stars from the showbiz world light up London’s West End as they congregated on the Red Carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1 to show their support for one of UK’s longest running charities dedicated to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people – The Variety Club – and to honour the most talented individuals from the world of entertainment at The Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards 2009. Don’t worry readers if you are based in England but weren’t there on the night – you’ll get a chance to watch the glitz, the glamour and hear the gossip on FIVE on Sunday 22nd November 2009 at 3.35pm.

The evening’s star-studded event commenced with an array of international A-list celebrities, industry stalwarts and leading luminaries from the worlds of film, television, comedy, theatre, popular music and classical music gracing the Red Carpet. The guest list welcomed names such as Kevin Spacey, Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, Kelly Brook, Alesha Dixon, Dame Kelly Holmes (Ambassador for The Variety Club), David Suchet, Jon Culshaw, Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins, Pixie Lott, Spandau Ballet, The Saturdays, Daniela Lavender, Faryl Smith and Joe Calzaghe. The stars shined for cameras as they made their way to an exclusive reception where champagne flutes were overflowing, as a prelude to a gourmet banquet and the coveted awards ceremony, which took place against a theatrical backdrop of exclusive world-class entertainment, including dazzling performances by Spandau Ballet, Pixie Lott and Faryl Smith.

The only event of its kind to honour the entire showbiz industry, this year’s winners included: Kevin Spacey, who was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre by fellow actor David Suchet; Justin Lee Collins, who was presented with the Television Presenter of the Year Award by Alan Carr; and Spandau Ballet, who were presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Popular Music by The Saturdays.

On receiving his award, Sir Ian McKellen said, "This is an over-generous recognition of a career which, in truth, has been its own reward. Acting is working with friends and entertaining people and that’s quite enough for me. The Variety Club is having its 60th birthday, which means I was ten years old at the time in 1949, living in the north of England in Wigan, Lancashire. I was, without knowing it, preparing for a life in show business.

The Variety Club is the essence of life for kids who desperately need the help to get healthy. I am full of admiration for the work you have done for the past 60 years and hope you carry on with the work you do. I am extremely honoured to be associated with this charity and this award."

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards is one of the most eagerly anticipated entries on the British entertainment calendar and has become an international celebrity institution in itself. Nearly every showbiz personality of note from the past 60 years has been honoured by The Variety Club, renowned for its strong links with the showbiz world, including Tommy Trinder, Dame Vera Lynn, Lord Laurence Olivier, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sir Alec Guiness, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judy Dench, Ben Kingsley, Diana Dors, Daniel Craig, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, James McAvoy, Al Pacino, Peter Sellers, Tommy Cooper, Ricky Gervais, Alan Carr, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra.

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards raises significant funds for and awareness of the work The Variety Club undertakes to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, the charity has raised over £200 million and improved the lives of more than a million children and young people since its inception. Among its tireless work, the charity provides Sunshine Coaches, Easy Riders electric wheelchairs, exciting and educational trips, equipment for children’s hospitals and life enhancing equipment.

Also at this year’s Showbiz Awards, The Variety Club, in partnership with The Co-operative, revealed the face of its 2010 Gold Heart campaign – Alesha Dixon. The Gold Heart badges will be sold in Co-operative food, bank, travel and pharmacy stores from 28th January 2010. Owned by its members, The Co-operative has a long and proud history of supporting charities, community groups and other good causes. Every £1 donated in-store to the fund will help The Variety Club to provide vital, life-changing equipment to those children that need it most.

John Sachs, Chairman, The Variety Club Showbiz Awards comments, "Once again, the Showbiz Awards has honoured the UK’s top entertainment personalities embracing television, film, comedy, theatre, classical and popular music. As The Variety Club also celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year, there was even more glamour, showbiz magic and star appeal than ever before.

The prestigious event also helped raise awareness and funds for The Variety Club’s praiseworthy work and as one of the UK’s longest serving charities dedicated to helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, our sole and primary focus is to make sure every child and young person is given the chance to reach their fullest potential."

Here are some facts about The Variety Club:
The Variety Club provides practical solutions to allow sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK to reach their full potential. This year sees The Variety Club celebrate its 60th year of bringing hope, independence and freedom to children and young people. In the past 60 years The Variety Club has raised over £200 million and helped more than a million children and young people. The Variety Club has donated more than 3,300 Easy Riders electric wheelchairs and mobility aids since 1981, put 4,890 Sunshine Coaches on the road and given around £20 million to children’s hospitals. To find out more information or donate go to www.varietyclub.org.uk. Follow the Variety Club on twitter here.

Eva Longoria Honored For Philanthropy

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria has been honored as Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter.

The actress “was chosen for her relentless dedication to giving back to her community and serving others as well as for her long-standing commitment to Latino causes.”

“I’ve never met a more conscientious and socially aware young, energetic talent,” said THR publisher Eric Mika. “Eva’s efforts on behalf of the causes near and dear to her are Herculean. She pours her free time and energy into raising millions of dollars for charitable missions that make a difference in the Latino community and other humanitarian organizations.”

Longoria founded Eva’s Heroes to help developmentally disadvantaged children and has been the National Spokesperson for Padres Contra el Cancer since 2005.

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.”

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British comedian Peter Kay will unveil a new single to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need charity at the organization’s annual TV extravaganza on November 20.

Details of the single are being closely guarded, but the charity is promising over 100 faces from Britain and America will be involved in the video.

Also available from HMV and download and benefiting Children In Need is “All You Need is Love” – a reworking of the Beatles classic, recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, featuring the talents of Terry Wogan, Bill Wyman, Brian May, Bryan Ferry, Sharon Corr, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Paloma Faith, Lee Mead, Hayley Westenra and more.

Last week, the charity benefited from a massive charity concert organized by Gary Barlow that saw a reunion between Take That and Robbie Williams, as well as performances by Lily Allen, Annie Lennox, Katherine Jenkins, Paul McCartney and many more.

Take That And Friends To Rock Children In Need Tonight

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Thousands of charity-minded people are expected to pack the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight, November 12, for a huge star-studded concert organized by Gary Barlow and Take That.

Every year, BBC Children in Need creates magic moments that raise huge amounts of money for disadvantaged children, and this year the UK’s finest musicians hope to help raise more than ever with a spectacular show at the Royal Albert Hall.

The star-studded bill includes; Lily Allen, Paul McCartney, Dizzee Rascal, Dame Shirley Bassey, Leona Lewis, Snow Patrol, Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud, Katherine Jenkins and Muse. And of course Gary will also perform on the night with his Take That partners, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, as they again show their unwavering support of the charity – there’s even rumors of a possible reunion with Robbie Williams.

“It’s fantastic to be able to kick off BBC Children in Need 2009 in such a special way,” said Gary Barlow, “I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I can promise a night to remember, a night that will, I hope, play a small part in changing the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK.”

Radio 1’s Chris Moyles will host the event and will be joined on stage by Peter Kay, Fearne Cotton, James Corden and the legend that is Sir Terry Wogan, who will help introduce the stars and remind us of the work that BBC Children in Need carries out in the UK.

The show will be broadcast on BBC One in the weekend before the main BBC Children in Need Appeal on November 20 and coverage of the concert will be repeated on BBC Three, Wednesday 18 November at 9.00pm with highlights, presented by Kate Thornton, on Radio 2, Thursday 19 November at 8.00pm.

Viewers and listeners to the show will be invited to donate to help raise even more money.

Christmas Charity Singles Hit The Market

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s that time year again – a new wave of charity singles are about to hit the market to spread goodwill in the Christmas season.

Leading the pack this year is a new single from Eric Clapton recorded with Paul Stewart – eldest son of Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart – called “Fly Free.”

Recorded in honour of the racing legend’s 70th birthday, the song will be released on 15 November 2009. All proceeds will be donated to the Grand Prix Mechanics’ Charitable Trust, an organization founded by Sir Jackie Stewart and others more than 20 years ago that assists Grand Prix, former Grand Prix mechanics, their wives, widows and children in times of need.

Also available is a charity single by veteran British television and radio presenter Terry Wogan, who has released a version of The Beatles’ classic All You Need Is Love for Children in Need.

And for lovers of classic artists, don’t forget Bob Dylan’s charity Christmas album available right now. The album came out last month and benefits Feeding America and the World Food Programme.

Richard Branson Rocks The Kasbah For Charity

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Richard Branson hosted his annual star-studded Rock The Kasbah charity event in Los Angeles last week.

The event attracted an amazing array of celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Paula Abdul, Daisy Fuentes, Jenna Elfman, Kristin Cavarlli, Matt Goss, Natasha Bedingfield, Gavin Rossdale and many others.

Proceeds from the evening went to Virgin Unite’s domestic and international programs, including the Eve Branson Foundation, set up by Sir Richard’s mother to help women in Morocco generate their own incomes to support their families.

Stars Gather For Annual Bridge School Benefit

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Veteran musician Neil Young was surrounded by a plethora of stars at his annual Bridge School Benefit Concert on Saturday night.

The concert benefits 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 (their two sons have cerebral palsy and their daughter – like Neil – has epilepsy). Young organized the first Bridge School Concert in 1986, and with the exception of 1987, has hosted the event every year since.

Appearing at Saturday’s show at Mountain View in California were Gwen Stefani, Sheryl Crow, Wolfmother, Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler, Chris Martin from Coldplay and many more.

Bridge School ensures that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of augmentative & alternative means of communication (AAC) and assistive technology (AT) applications.

Bridge School has established an outreach program to share what is developed at the school with parents, professionals and users of AAC/AT across the world.

Barry Manilow To Play Concerts For 25 Charities

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Barry Manilow fans listen up: the man himself will be performing in a series of charity concerts in California at the end of the year!

Manilow will perform 5 concerts at McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs in December, with each show benefiting five different charities.

“Being able to give back to my hometown, both in song and charitable support, makes this concert series a very personal and special event for me,” said Manilow. “The 25 recipient charities are invaluable to the Palm Springs community, so extending the holiday spirit of giving to these nonprofit organizations is really a special treat.”

Charities bebefiting from the shows include ACT for MS, Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation, Animal Samaritans, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS of the Desert), Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley, Desert AIDS Project, Desert Arc, Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, Desert Paws, FIND Food Bank, Inc., Gilda’s Club Desert Cities California, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Healthy Family Foundation: The Ophelia Project, Joslyn Senior Center, Mourning Star Center, Olive Crest, One Heartland, Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped, Shelter From The Storm, Stroke Recovery Center, Temple Isaiah Fund, The Living Desert, United Cerebral Palsy – Inland Empire, and Variety Club of the Desert.

Tickets will be available by clicking here from October 26. More information can be found here.

Paul McCartney Joins Charity Concert Line Up

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

Paul McCartney will headline a gig at London’s Royal Albert Hall in aid of Children in Need. The concert was organized by Take That singer Gary Barlow and will take place on November 12.

McCartney will be sharing the stage with Muse, Lily Allen, Snow Patrol, Leona Lewis, Dizzee Rascal and Shirley Bassey.

Sir Terry Wogan, announcing the line up on his Radio 2 show, said, “This concert is helping to make a really special year for Children in Need.”

Tickets will be allocated by ballot. Fans can register for a max of 2 tickets per person at www.seetickets.com/childreninneed. Registration is open until noon on October 20, and those whose names are drawn will be notified by email.

The concert will broadcast on BBC One the weekend before November 20, which is the day of Children in Need’s main appeal.

Twilight Star Tweets For Christopher Reeve Foundation

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Actor Peter Facinelli is putting his Twitter account to work. The Twilight star is twittering to inform his many followers about the importance of charity.

In June, Facinelli made a bet with his friend, Rob DeFranco: If Facinelli could secure 500,000 Twitter followers; he would get a $10,000 donation and the opportunity to see a bikini clad DeFranco run down Hollywood Boulevard. Facinelli won the bet and with the aid of a friend from Affliction Clothing, donated $10,000 to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Facinelli attributes his charitable success to the power of Twitter. He affirms “[Twitter]… is a very powerful tool… All these people came together on Twitter for this silly, little thing, but imagine what we could do if we come together for something even more powerful.”

Other charities championed by Facinelli include OmniPeace and Raise Hope for Congo. The Fastlane star hopes to continue using Twitter and his celebrity status to spread the importance of charity awareness, while promoting the power of unity.

Lisa Snowdon Completes Charity Parachute Jump

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Model and TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon has completed her first parachute jump for charity – with the support of former boyfriend George Clooney.

Snowdon jumped from 13,000 feet to raise money for the Help A London Child scheme and the Shooting Star Hospice earlier this week. Last week, Look To The Stars revealed that George Clooney had donated $19,000 to the initiative.

“What a feeling,” said Snowdon. "When I got to the skydiving centre I was really nervous, it looked so high up. I don’t think I realized how high it was. My nerves were building when we went up in the plane and I felt really sick – it seemed to take forever to get up there. When we got up to 13,000ft the red light went on, then the yellow light which means it’s time to go and I freaked out.

“I had my legs dangling out of the plane and it felt so unnatural then suddenly we were out. We did this crazy back double somersault and I could see the bottom of the plane, it was the most surreal thing I’ve ever done. It happened so quickly I didn’t worry about the parachute. The freefalling was wild, it was just brilliant.”

Snowdon also took part in last week’s BGC Charity Day, which raised money for charities such as Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, Help for Heroes and The Variety Club.

Eva Longoria To Host Second Annual Charity Poker Night

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Eva Longoria and her husband Tony Parker will hold their second annual charity poker night in aid of Eva’s Heroes tomorrow night, Saturday September 12.

Eva’s Heroes was founded by actress Eva Longoria Parker to enrich the lives of children and young adults with developmental challenges.

Hosted at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch in San Antonio, TX, the event follows the success of last year’s event and will include traditional casino games such as blackjack and roulette.

In addition to the casino entertainment, with the purchase of a seat in the Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament, guests will have the opportunity to play among the celebrities and other poker players for a chance to win the big prize of a seat in the World Series of Poker Tournament. The tournament will be emceed by 11-time World Series of Poker Champion, Phil Hellmuth. Be a part of this special event, and enjoy a night of red carpet entertainment!

5:30pm Doors open
6:00pm Dinner
6:30pm Casino/Poker Tournament

Recording artist Sara Evans will be providing entertainment with a performance during the dinner of the Casino Night.

More information can be found here.

Beatlemania Returns For Charity

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Beatlemania has hit the headlines once again this week, with the release of the Fab Four’s remastered CD collection, their Rock Band video game, and a popular British presenter’s efforts to re-record their hits for charity.

A whole new generation of fans are currently being exposed to the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo through the release of Rock Star, and a number of limited edition Xbox 360 consoles are available to benefit Doctors Without Borders. The consoles are available at eBay.

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.

According to eBay: "Starting Sept. 9, Xbox 360 will also give its more than 20 million Xbox LIVE members the opportunity to give to charity and support the Beatles’ eternal message of peace and love. “All You Need Is Love,” the Beatle’s iconic anthem of peace, will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 as a downloadable song for the game through Xbox LIVE with Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft, with proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. Good deeds never go unnoticed: purchasing and downloading the “All You Need Is Love” track for 160 Microsoft Points for charity will also register you for the “The Beatles: Rock Band” Download & Win* for a chance to win one of the limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 consoles and a Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller."

In other Beatles news this week, British TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan has been busy in a recording studio with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and the Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman laying down tracks of classic Fab Four songs for the upcoming Bandaged Together album to benefit Children in Need.

The project has been organised by a group of Terry Wogan fans known as The TOGs (Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals).

“Last year, thanks to the TOGs, we raised about £3 million for Children In Need,” said Sir Terry. “We had Bandaged One which sold an awful lot and made hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity. The idea this year is Bandaged Two and we are hoping to raise even more money.”

The album – which will feature Sir Terry’s take on All You Need Is Love – will be released next month.

Dave Matthews And Rob Cavallo To Discuss Collaboration For Charity

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Musician Dave Matthews and producer Rob Cavallo will have a discussion in front of an audience of only 200 people on Tuesday, September 15, at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, dealing with their collaboration on Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.

All proceeds from this event will beneift the GRAMMY Museum and the Grammy Foundation. The Dave Matthews Band’s Bama Works Fund will match the proceeds dollar-for-dollar.

This event is available to members of the DMB fan association – which is called the Warehouse – from September 8 at 12pm ET through Thursday, September 10, at 12pm ET. Warehouse members may request up to 2 tickets. The tickets are $75 plus applicable convenience and handling fees. Confirmations will be issued by the end of the day on Friday, September 11.

The GRAMMY Museum was opened in December 2008 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the GRAMMY Awards. It is a celebration of the power of music. It has four floors of exhibits, interactive experiences and films. There are more than two dozen exhibits that explore the greatest GRAMMY music of all genres: rock, hip-hop, country, classical, Latin, R&B and jazz.

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989. Its goal is to cultivate understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture. The foundation achieves this goal through programs and activities that engage both the music industry and the general public. The Foundation works in partnership with The Recording Academy to bring attention to issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage.

For more information and to join the DMB Warehouse, click here

Terry Wogan To Return To The Lost City For Children In Need

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

For the third year running, Sir Terry Wogan is to return to Leicester, the place he once famously dubbed the ‘lost city’, for the annual TOGs’ (Terry’s Old Geezers/Gals) convention.

The convention will be the fifth time the TOGs have returned to Leicester, and the slogan for this year’s meeting is TOGs 2009 AUSTRALIA (‘All Up Standing TOGs Rally AT Leicester In August’).

Sir Terry will attend a champagne reception and lunch at the University of Leicester on Friday 21st August 2009, joining more than 90 TOGs at their three-day convention, held at the University’s Stamford Hall. He will be welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Robert Burgess.

During his visit Sir Terry will launch the 2010 BBC Children in Need TOGs’ Celebrity Calendar, which to date has raised more than £800,000. Celebrities featured in the 2010 edition include Sir Roger Moore, Midge Ure, Rob Brydon, Alan Carr, Jane Asher, Robert Lindsay and the Wake up to Wogan Radio team.

Back in the 1980s, Sir Terry caused local uproar when he dubbed Leicester a ‘lost city’, due to all the motorway repairs in traffic bulletins. But after visiting the city he revised his opinion, and since then he has given it a number of major references on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, ‘Wake up to Wogan’.

Thanks to Leicester Shire Promotions, Leicester won a Children in Need challenge for UK cities to sell the most Pudsey Paws stickers. The prize was for Sir Terry to broadcast his breakfast show from the city, during which he signed a declaration agreeing never to refer to Leicester as the ‘lost city’ again.

Speaking at last year’s TOGs’ convention, Sir Terry said: "What is memorable about Leicester is the kind of welcome you get from the University of Leicester for the TOGs. That is why they keep coming back. Who else can supply us with the kind of welcome and facilities we get from the University? Everyone here is fantastic.

“I would like to have been a student here – it looks like a really nice campus. I am not being sycophantic, but the University of Leicester has a very good reputation. For students embarking on their careers my advice would be to study something you want to and then go and do whatever you like. But always remember to go to an established university, like Leicester.”

Speaking at the same event, Norman Macintosh, one of the organizers, added: “Terry’s Old Geezers (or Gals) have got together for our tenth convention – this is our fourth one at Leicester. We find the venue the ideal place for our convention and everyone is full of praise for the facilities, the lovely setting within the University grounds and the great service we receive from all the University staff.”

Sir Terry will be joined by other Radio 2 personalities, including producer Alan Boyd, the News and Traffic team, the Lottery ‘Voice of the Balls’ Alan Dedicoat, the ‘Welsh Traffic Totty’ Lynn Bowles, and presenters John Marsh and Charles Nove.

The ‘Pause for Thought’ team from Sir Terry’s program will also be there, including Canon Roger Boyle, Rev Rob Gillian, Rev Ruth Scott, Rabbi Pete Tobias, Lt Col Charles King of The Salvation Army and the Buddhist Dharmachari Nagaraja. BBC Children in Need will be represented by Gareth Hydes, Head of Editorial at BBC Children in Need, and Jodi Saul.

This year’s TOGs’ convention has an antipodean theme and will also include portrait opportunities by artists who are currently taking courses at the University’s Richard Attenborough Centre through its Lifelong Learning program.

Stars Come Out For HollyRod Foundation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0000

On Saturday, July 21st, the stars came out in support of DesignCare 2007, an annual fundraiser from The HollyRod Foundation to benefit adults and children battling debilitating disease and life circumstances.

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband, retired NFL quarterback and Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Rodney Peete celebrated the 9th year of this popular fundraiser, hosting a star-studded couture fashion show, an electrifying musical performance, and both live and silent auctions at a beautiful private residence in Malibu.

The night was a huge success for the HollyRod Foundation, raising more than $350,000 with the help of comedians and live auctioneers, Chris Tucker & Cedric the Entertainer. Holly, Rodney, and celebrity supporters such as Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy, Angie Harmon, Jason Seahorn, Sanaa Lathan, Quincy Jones, Amy Yasbeck, Blair Underwood and Gayle King were among those who enjoyed the breathtaking designs of Naeem Khan and danced to the funky sounds of Morris Day & The Time.

Cedric the Entertainer provided hilarious commentary for the live auction, where one special guest came away as a proud owner of the new Smart Car, which is not yet available in the U.S. and currently has a huge waiting list. Special honors were also handed out, as Maurice White, of the iconic, Grammy Award-winning music group Earth, Wind & Fire, received the Matthew T. Robinson, Jr. Award of Courage for the inspiration he provides to others as he valiantly battles Parkinson’s. The award is named after Holly’s father, Matthew T. Robinson Jr., who battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 20 years before succumbing in 2002, and inspired the formation of the HollyRod Foundation. Future NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jerome Bettis and television producers Yvette and Kyle Bowser also received awards in recognition of their commitment to providing invaluable aid to underserved individuals and groups.

“We are overjoyed by the show of support DesignCare received this year,” says Holly Robinson Peete of the exhilarating night, which included a check presentation from Anheuser-Busch, who pledged $200,000 in support of the HollyRod Foundation over the next two years. Since establishing the HollyRod Foundation in 1997 with Rodney, the annual DesignCare (formerly DesignCure) and Gridiron Glamour events have kept growing, drawing hundreds of supporters and raising millions to enhance the quality of life for adults and children all over the world facing devastating life circumstances.

The foundation recently expanded its mission to address more children’s issues, creating HollyRod4Kids. This organization is the brainchild of the Peete children, twins Ryan and RJ (9), Robinson (4) and Roman (2), and seeks to improve the lives of children living along the Gulf Coast who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and children in sub-Saharan Africa whose communities have been ravaged by civil war, famine and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Tucker taking the mic from Cedric the Entertainer and donating $100,000 to the HollyRod Foundation. Tucker then put fellow actor/comedian Eddie Murphy on the spot by asking him to match his donation. Eddie complies.

Jim Carrey bidding $30,000 and winning a private dinner at the home of Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete hosted by fellow comedians Chris Tucker, Cedric the Entertainer, Sinbad and Chris Rock.

The fashions of Naeem Khan were such a hit that actress Angie Harmon matched the winning bid of $10,000 to take home a one-of-a-kind Naeem Khan design for herself.

Eddie Murphy and current love, Tracey Edmonds, skipping the red carpet and arriving just in time for the show.

The legendary Quincy Jones showing love and gratitude to Maurice White, the famous lead singer and founder of Earth, Wind & Fire who’s been struggling with Parkinson’s disease since the late 1990’s.

Neil Young: 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Neil Young has been announced as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year.

The 63-year-old musician is being recognized for his outstanding philanthropic work, including co-founding Farm Aid in 1985, and founding Bridge School – and running the annual Bridge School Concerts – with his wife Pegi in 1986. Bridge School was founded to develop and use advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with severe speech and physical disabilities.

“Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy and the MusiCares Foundation. “He is a shining example of how music people offer their creative gifts to the world, and how they also give back through their commitments to charitable endeavors.”

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Its services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Young will be the 20th person bestowed with the honor, with previous recipients including Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

Young will be honored at a gala in Los Angeles on January 29, two days before the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Prince Harry In Talks For Charity Concert

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Prince Harry is to join up with British pop princess Natasha Bedingfield for a giant benefit concert to raise funds for their African charities.

The Prince – who established Sentebale with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help children and young people in Lesotho – has met with Bedingfield’s mother, Molly, who runs the international children’s charity, Global Angels. Natasha Bedingfield is an ambassador for the charity, an “International Foundation championing the causes of children around the world and developing creative solutions through the lens of sustainability.”

“There will be a flagship concert in 2010 that will be televised around the world. Molly and Harry have had several meetings about it,” a source told Britain’s Daily Mail.

We’ll bring you more information when it comes to hand.

Bryan Adams Comes In Third In Charity Race

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The stars hit the water during Cowes Week earlier this week, as celebrities competed in the annual Artemis Challenge, an event that saw a 50 mile high speed sprint around the Isle of Wight, with the winning skipper taking away £10,000 for their chosen charity.

Leading the pack of well-known faces was Bryan Adams, who was competing for the Bryan Adams Foundation, a charity he set up in 2006 to improve the quality of people’s lives around the world. Also in the race were Zara Phillips – daughter of Princess Anne, Princess Royal – as well as rugby stars Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood, and James and Oliver Phelps, aka the Weasley Twins from the Harry Potter films.

Unfortunately, lack of wind meant the race was abandoned after 7 hours, with final placings seeing Bryan Adams’ boat ranked third.

“It was a brilliant day sailing on Artemis,” said Adams. “The sun was out, we had some wind for a bit and we sailed a great race. We were even leading when the race was abandoned so I am claiming it as a moral victory.”

The race winner was declared as BT, with the £10,000 prize money going to the Ellen MacArthur Trust, a charity that inspires young people’s cancer recovery through sailing. To find out more about the charity, click here .

Bryan Adams Foundation Holds An Evening Of Opera

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:30:00 -0000

The Bryan Adams Foundation held its inaugural fundraising event, An Evening of Opera and Picnic, last month on the lawns of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea in London.

The Foundation was set up by Bryan Adams to improve the quality of people’s lives around the world, and aims to achieve this by providing financial help and support to those people who are committed to bettering the lives of other people, by providing grants to finance specific projects.

A 4 course picnic, donated by Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay and eaten on rugs to the accompaniment of music by The Pavao Quartet, was followed by a performance of Opera in the hospital’s chapel sung by the Jette Parker Young Artists from the Royal Opera House, who sung pieces by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi and others. Critically acclaimed UK violinist, Charlie Siem, also performed on the evening during the second half.

Adams performed as well, opening the concert singing a duet with the soprano Anita Watson: ‘Love Unspoken’ by Lehar. The evening concluded with a performance of ‘All for Love’ by the entire cast.

The funds raised from the event will support two projects. The Chelsea Pensioners’ Appeal, which is raising funds to modernize parts of The Royal Hospital – a home for around 300 veteran soldiers – and Switchback, which helps young offenders rebuild their lives when they come out of prison.

The evening was sponsored by Phonak, a leading and innovative hearing solutions provider, who are committed to supporting events that celebrate music and help emphasise the importance of good hearing.

The Bryan Adams Foundation was established in 2006, and has given grants to IIMPACT – an organization whose aim is to educate more girls in India – as well as to Brad Pitt’s Make It Right, Build It International, Nordoff-Robbins, the Gaza Emergency Appeal, the Breast Cancer Haven in London and many more.

Presently all fundraising is done through Bryan Adams’ photography and with private donations associated with photography. For more information, click here.

David Beckham To Dedicate Life To Family And Charity After Retirement

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham has revealed that he wants to dedicate his life to family and charity work when he retires.

The soccer star answered questions from readers of People.com, and revealed secrets about his life and family.

“I plan on spending time with the family and getting more involved in charity,” he replied after being asked his retirement plans. “Being ambassador for [”UNICEF":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-unicef] is something I’m very passionate [about]. I went to Sierra Leone last year, which was an amazing experience. We also have our own charity – the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust – and I’ve got a soccer academy. I’ve got quite a few things to keep me busy."

The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust supports initiatives for sick and disabled children. Past charities supported include UNICEF and organizations that help disabled children, such as those which provide wheelchairs to those in need.

Be An Intern For Richard Branson And Russell Simmons

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has joined with British businessman Richard Branson to give you the Ultimate Intern Experience.

A new charity auction is giving you the chance to meet two of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs and experience first hand how their companies operate, as well as having the opportunity of a week at each of their foundations – Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Virgin Unite – to see how they are addressing tough social and environmental issues.

The lucky bidder will spend a total of six weeks learning the business skills that will give you an insight into the success of these great brands. One week at each of the following companies:

Virgin Mobile USA, Warren, NJ (near New York City)
Virgin Unite, the non profit foundation of the Virgin Group, New York City
Virgin America, San Francisco, including round-trip economy airfare from NYC to San Francisco and a week of accommodation at Clift San Francisco
Def Jam Enterprises, New York City
Rush Communications, New York City
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, New York City

To meet Sir Richard Branson: On 26th October 2009, the intern and a guest will fly to LA, courtesy of Virgin America (round-trip economy), stay for two nights at the luxurious Mondrian Hotel and be VIP guests at the ‘Rock the Kasbah’ Fundraising Gala, hosted by Sir Richard Branson for Virgin Unite.

To meet Russell Simmons: the winner will get to meet him during their tenure at the Rush companies and will also have a lunch with him while in New York City.

The auction runs until July 28 and can be accessed here.

Michael Jackson's This Is It Film To Be Released

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It has been reported that a film is to be released of the final footage from Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his This Is It concerts, with some of the proceeds to go to charity.

Sony Pictures is in final negotiations to acquire the film – at a price of $60 million – with 90% of the profits to go to the Jackson Estate, which will include a charity to be set up in the King of Pop’s name.

Jackson was a huge supporter of charities in his lifetime, and his family hopes to keep his memory alive with the new charity. The singer often visited underprivileged children and children affected by disasters and in hospitals, and worked with organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the TJ Martell Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children, the Prince’s Trust, the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Childhelp USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation and many more.

The film is set for release on October 30.

Walter Cronkite's Charitable Life

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Television legend Walter Cronkite passed away after a long illness on Friday, July 17.

The 92-year-old fronted the evening news for American TV network CBS from 1962 to 1981. He was well known for his charity work – he frequently donated lunches and trips on his private yacht to charities such as Realizing the Dream (a charity overseen by Martin Luther King III, eldest son of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and co-founded by former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young), recorded PSAs for the National Parks Conservation Association, and was honored by the Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis, a nonprofit organization that serves as the national fundraising arm of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

“He was the most important voice in our lives for thirty years,” said George Clooney in tribute. “And that voice made people reach for the stars. I hate the world without Walter Cronkite.”

Prince Harry is Following Princess Diana’s Human Rights Lead

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Prince Harry, a humanist reminiscent of his mother, the late Princess Diana, made it clear that he would like to make a difference as Diana had done in her lifetime.

He’s off to a good start. At the third anniversary of the charity he co-founded with Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso, who also lost his mother, Harry spoke about poverty, AIDS and their charity.

The Princes’ organisation is called Sentebale, Lesotho for “forget-me-not”, named in memory of their mothers but also for Lesotho AIDS orphans and victims of poverty.

“Lesotho is such a wonderful country and is incredibly close to my heart,” said Harry. “Beautiful as it is though, its people battle devastating problems. Unless we help Lesotho in its struggle to nurture and protect its children and bring them hope for the future, the Basotho – this wonderful people – will be decimated and their society destroyed. It is a stark thing to say, but it is the truth. This may sound a tall order especially for a charity so small, but unless we think big, unless we are ambitious, nothing will change.”

Much media has commented on the Prince’s straight talk, but such frankness is again reminiscent of his mother – Diana shocked many when she held a baby with AIDS, helping to break down fears, stigmas and misinformation about the disease.

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