Look To The Stars News: Physical Challenges

Royal Princes To Join Bikers In African Trek

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Prince William and Prince Harry are to take part in a grueling 8-day motorbike trek across South Africa later this month.

The Royals – who own their own motorcycles and have been riding for years on their father’s Highgrove estate – will join a group of 80 people in the 2008 Enduro Africa ride, an annual event to raise money for charity.

Each rider in the event has paid US$2,600 to take part, raising a total of US$521,000 for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and Sentebale.

“The Princes are looking forward to the motorcycle ride that will raise money and the profile of Sentebale, a charity very close to their hearts, and two other major charities in southern Africa,” said a Royal spokesperson.

The 1,500 mile trek takes riders along South Africa’s wild and dramatic east cape, with riders traveling in groups of 10 during the day and camping together at night.

“We’re very honored to have the Princes, especially as they came to us,“ said a spokesperson for Enduro Africa. “We’re looking forward to riding with them and, as they are both in the Armed Forces, I’m sure they will have the grit to get through because it’s not easy. There are no road signs and it’s not like riding anywhere in the UK so they will need a guide. They will go through game reserves, tribal areas and wild areas.”

More information about the ride can be found at the Enduro Africa website. Registrations for next year’s ride are now open.

Eva Longoria To Tee Off For Her Heroes

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eva Longoria will be in Texas on October 18 for the second annual Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Golf Tournament.

“I just drive the golf cart,” Longoria told Conexión. “I go to each hole and talk to everyone. I’m spread really thin that day so I wouldn’t have time to play.”

Following the success of last year’s event, Eva’s Heroes is hosting the event at the Resort Course at La Cantera in San Antonio to benefit the organization’s mission of enriching the lives of those with developmental challenges. The day’s event will also include a fashion show hosted by Mario Lopez.

“San Antonio has embraced Eva’s Heroes with open arms and we are fortunate to be part of a community that cares so much,” said Longoria. “After the tremendous success of the first golf tournament, Eva’s Heroes is ready for another wonderful event in San Antonio.”

Last year’s 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. And with the help of Ana Ortiz, Robert Gossett, Kyle Maclachlan, Jesse Borrego, Lupe Ontiveros, Rita Verreos, and George Lopez, that aim was easily reached. This year will feature appearances from Kyle Maclachlan and Mark Wahlberg.

Tickets for the event are available here, and cost $600 for individual golfers and $100 for spectators.

Tiger Woods' Caddy Digs Deep For Charity

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tiger Woods’ philanthropism has rubbed off on those closest to him – his caddy has just donated US$610,000 to a charity in New Zealand.

Steve Williams – who was born in New Zealand and has been Woods’ regular caddy since 1999 – donated the cash to the Starship Foundation in Auckland to go towards a new US$3 million cancer ward being built in the Starship Children’s Hospital, the country’s largest facility for sick kids.

The hospital treats nearly 70 percent of child cancer patients in the country but hospital authorities say the medical facilities are well below standard. Williams and his wife, Kirsty, spent a day at the hospital last year meeting many families in the cancer ward, and felt a donation was needed.

“It was impossible not to get emotional,“ said the 44-year-old. “I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a child diagnosed with cancer and then have to go through the long treatment process.“

Williams donated the cash from his Steve Williams Foundation which traditionally supports junior golf projects.

Stars Become Brokers For BGC Charity Day

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

BGC will hold its 4th Annual Global Charity Day on Thursday 11th September.

Consistent with its theme, “Working Globally – Giving Locally”, BGC’s offices around the world will raise money for charity as they commemorate September 11 by reaching out to help others.

In New York, London, Paris, Sydney and Hong Kong, celebrities from the worlds of music, stage, screen and sport will join the company’s brokers to help raise money for a number of selected charities. All of BGC’s global revenues generated from the day’s trading will be donated to charity.

Events will take place around the globe, with celebrities becoming stock brokers for a day. In New York, stars such as Tony Sirico, Donald Trump, Steve Buscemi, Regis Philbin, Matthew Modine, Leighton Meester, and Scott Gomez will become traders on Wall Street, while in London, Prince Charles will join Kevin Spacey and Jerry Hall in the City to trade on the markets.

Charities that will benefit from this year’s Charity Day will include: Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, Scope, the Jodie Kidd Foundation, the Prince’s Trust, Baby Buggy, the Rainbow Trust, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Variety Club, the National Down Syndrome Society, the Valerie Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, Nordoff-Robbins, and many more.

The annual Charity Day has raised over $15 million for charities around the world. For more information about this year’s events, visit the BGC website.

Affleck Tops Charity Stars in Denver

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Denver saw an outpouring of celebrity love during last week’s DNC, with Ben Affleck leading the philanthropic pack.

On the Tuesday night, Affleck took part in a poker tournament, along with Richard Dreyfuss and Montel Williams, which ultimately raised over $60,000 for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“A lot of important organizations use this environment and the people who are here, celebrities, members of Congress, to try and raise money. This is not a Democratic or Republican group, this is a group serving our veterans,” Affleck said of the charity.

Wednesday morning, the Pearl Harbor star was down at a local food bank, the Food Bank of the Rockies, to participate in a repack event for America’s Second Harvest. Also on hand for the event were members of the Senate Hunger Caucus and members of the House – all there to see who could pack the most boxes of food in five minutes. Affleck, incidentally, won both the poker and the packing events.

He was joined by wife Jennifer Garner for a book reading at the Starz Green Room. Also set to attend were Charlize Theron, Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Kerry Washington, Josh Brolin, Kal Penn, Stuart Townsend and Hill Harper.

Jennifer Lopez spoke at a reception sponsored by the Jennifer Lopez Foundation in honor of Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Fran Drescher, Ashley Judd and Joy Bryant joined Lopez in honoring Edelman.

The Black Eyed Peas performed at the Fillmore Auditorium for the Creative Coalition, and Kanye West performed at a party benefitting the ONE Campaign. Forest Whitaker, Kal Penn and Jamie Foxx were in attendance at the latter.

Moby performed at a private party for DoSomething.org, and Willie Nelson sang out for the people of Darfur at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Interview: Death Cab for Cutie Talks to Look To The Stars

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Summertime in Seoul, South Korea, like in many other big cities, is the time for music festivals. Being a new columnist on the interview beat here in Seoul means I had the chance to attend a few of those festivals and was able to interview some of the artists, too.

During Seo Tai-ji’s 2008 ETP Festival I sat down and talked to two of the members of Death Cab for Cutie – bassist Nick Harmer and drummer Jason McGerr – before their set. I asked them a few questions about their charity work and causes they support both as a group and as individuals.

Jason McGerr made it clear that they are a group that take their causes seriously and that they do their best to “think globally and act locally.” To this end, a portion of their concert ticket proceeds go to the Seattle Public Schools Lunch program.

Nick says, “We’re probably most active as a group with the Seattle Public Schools…to get all those kids fed.”

They also donate both time and money to various music programs in Washington State, and they give table space to non-profit organizations such as Planned Parenthood and to voter registration organizations.

In 2006, they were invited to play at the annual Bridge School Benefit. The Bridge School Benefit is a concert organized by musician Neil Young and his wife, Pegi, that takes place in Mountain View, California. The school’s mission is to help students with severe speech and physical challenges learn the skills needed to fully participate in their communities.

Also, Death Cab contributed a track to the 2007 Causes 1 benefit album to help ease the humanitarian crisis Daufur, Sudan. The benefit album is available on iTunes.

In addition, Death Cab’s guitarist and producer, Chris Walla, attended the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado along with lead singer Ben Gibbard where they performed at a few shows to benefit the political causes they support.

During the DNC they performed at the “Concert for a Cooler Planet”, the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Rally, and the “Fix Health Care Now” rally. In addition, Chris Walla also wrote a blog from the DNC for Rolling Stone Magazine.

Individually, Nick and Jason describe Chris Walla as “the PETA guy.” Chris has been a vegetarian since he was a teenager. He made a public service announcement for PETA which encourages people to “try vegetarianism”.

Ben Gibbard is also vegetarian. As a group, Death Cab has supported PETA by giving away copies of the 2005 DVD Drive Well, Sleep Carefully. The teamwork regarding the vegetarian lifestyle and cause also shows up in how they tour. Nick and Jason describe themselves as “conscious omnivores”. However, during Death Cab’s tours they eat vegetarian meals.

Jason said, “We’ll roll that way for an entire tour just because it’s just easier having food brought in or prepared.”

“It’s easier to say the whole band is vegetarian because we can eat that, for sure, [but] they [Chris Walla and Ben Gibbard] can’t eat the other options," added Nick.

Nick donates both time and money to the 826 Valencia Writing Center. 826 Valencia is the creation of author Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari. 826 Valencia mission is to support children ages 6 to 18 with their writing skills and to help educators get excited about their student’s writing. 826 Valencia started in San Francisco but now has programs in NYC, Los Angeles, Michigan, Seattle, Chicago and Boston.

Nick says “I’ve donated money and I’ve donated time. I taught a class last year at 826.”

Nick also supports Kiva. “That’s actually a really cool organization. They’re loan brokers for underdeveloped and impoverished areas where people are trying to get businesses started.”

Kiva is a non-profit organization that helps people in developing countries with small loans. Their mission is to connect people together to alleviate poverty. They do this by helping match lenders with entrepreneurs in need of small loans. Lenders browse the profiles of small business owners, choose an entrepreneur and amount to loan to the entrepreneur. Kiva’s partners then distribute the loans and often they also help the entrepreneur with training and other services to help their businesses be successful.

“I’ve been doing that for awhile. It’s been actually really great. I’ve been paid back for every loan I’ve lent out. It’s awesome to have the one-on-one connection with a business owner. It’s really personal. It’s not, like, [you] give your money to some faceless organization. It’s a really fun thing to be involved with,” Nick said.

Jason said, “[My] charitable time is in the world of music [and] the world of teaching and education, spending time in Seattle public schools [and] private teaching schools and donating my time for school camps. Because we’re able to do what we love and make our livings doing it, it is my duty to give back. The budgets in the public school system for not only lunches but for extracurricular programs are just not there anymore. Nick’s mom was a principal for years, she could tell you. My mom was a teacher was a teacher for years, so education has been in my background and upbringing for years and years and years. I used to teach in a music school and don’t have much time now, but when I do have time I certainly volunteer all my time…”

The guys in Death Cab definitely show their commitment to thinking globally but acting locally, backing up their words with both donations and with actions.

Thanks, Nick and Jason, for taking the time to talking to us about the causes important to you!

To learn more about some of the charities Death Cab for Cutie support, visit the websites below:

826 Valencia
The Bridge School
Peta.org
Planned Parenthood

Kiwi Stars Hold Charity Auction

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

World class rockers and sports stars from Down Under have donated items to a new online auction benefiting an organization that helps disabled and disadvantaged individuals develop their skills and abilities to contribute to their communities.

Past and present members of the All Blacks – New Zealand’s national rugby team – have stepped up to the mark with Olympic medalist Sarah Ulmer and Crowded House’s Neil Finn to take part in the auction, which is rasing money for the Gracelands Trust, an organization based in the North Island of New Zealand.

Founded and developed by Robyn Klos, the Gracelands Trust has developed from a small service supporting people in Te Awamutu to now offering programs throughout the greater Waikato region. It is based on a personal optimistic philosophy that it is possible to harness professional skills and knowledge with community resources and goodwill to provide a people-centered service, where everyone benefits.

The auction includes items such as a Finn Brothers poster signed by Neil and Tim Finn – both born in Te Awamutu – as well as an All Black jersey signed by Colin Meads, a rugby ball signed by Zinzan Brooke, and a cycling shirt signed by Sarah Ulmer.

Anybody interested in the auction – which can be accessed via TradeMe – had better be quick… it ends August 26 and 27.

JK Rowling Donates Books To Charity Auction

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hot on the heels of her announcement that she is giving the proceeds of her latest book to charity, JK Rowling has done it again – this time donating books to a charity that raises awareness of a skin condition.

The 43-year-old author has just donated a complete set of signed Harry Potter books to the XP Support Group, an organization that helps children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a condition that makes them extremely sensitive to sunlight. All seven books will now be put up for auction in November to coincide with the release of the sixth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

“You can’t imagine how delighted we are,” said Sandra Webb, who established the charity after her son was diagnosed with XP. “It’s wonderful, it could mean a lot to our charity.”

Rowling became aware of the charity when the mother of one of its members wrote to her about it.

“She wrote back to David and sent him some books and said she would send us some gifts to raise money,” said the boy’s mother. “We are just absolutely over the moon she has taken so much from one letter. We now know we can run the charity comfortably for the next year and a half. It’s a huge gift for us.”

The books will be auctioned on eBay, and Look To The Stars will let you know when it is up and running.

Charity Choices Of The Royal Grandchildren

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, Queen Elizabeth’s first granddaughters, are launching into some of the responsibilities that come with their HRH titles – one of those being charity.

It was recently announced that 19-year-old Beatrice will become the first Junior Ambassador for Children In Crisis. Founded in 1993 by her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, the organization provides education to children of the poorest countries in the belief that it is the essential ingredient in lifting children out of poverty.

Beatrice said, “I always remember the old saying, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life. That’s why I am so keen to help this campaign to educate children. We have the most amazing charity.”

She also is interested in Springboard For Children, whose volunteers help kids that have trouble with reading and writing at inner-city schools. Being dyslexic, Beatrice has a personal interest in the struggle.

Her younger sister, Eugenie – now 18 – is looking at Kids Company, which provides support to vulnerable and traumatized inner-city kids with emotional therapy and education, and which her uncle, Prince Charles, is also involved with.

Princes William and Harry, the Queen’s first grandsons, have already garnered quite some experience at fundraising for charities, near and distant. The latest was a charity polo match, held last month as part of William’s 26th birthday celebrations, to benefit The Countryside Foundation For Education – whose outdoor programs educate hundreds of thousands of UK school children each year through farm visits – and the African wildlife protection charity of which William is Royal Patron, Tusk Trust.

Prince Harry, possibly the most eager of the grandchildren, has gone so far as to co-found the Sentebale charity, which benefits underprivileged, disabled and AIDS-orphaned children of Lesotho. Harry not only heavily promotes the endeavor, he dedicates much of his own time and manpower to the charity’s projects.

Prince Harry: My Mother Would Be Proud

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Prince Harry, currently in the African nation of Lesotho undertaking charity work, has said that his mother would be proud of the work he is doing to revamp a school for disabled children.

The 23-year-old prince is in Lesotho with 26 comrades from the Household Cavalry for the next three weeks, building wheelchair ramps, a new septic tank unit and dining hall at the Thuso e Tla Tsoa Kae Community School.

“I’m out here because I want to be – it’s where I have to be,” said Harry. "I first came out during my gap year and it was love at first sight. It is a wonderful country, in spite of its issues.”

Harry is assisting with projects run by Sentebale, the charity the prince set up in his mother’s memory with Prince Sessio of Lesotho.

“It would be wrong for a patron of a charity to not get involved,” he said. “All the kids are mentally and physically disabled. To expect them to walk up steps like these is madness.”

The new Thuso Community Centre, currently home to a total of 43 children with disabilities, will eventually house up to 80 youngsters, and Sentebale director Harper Brown said that the aim is to turn the town into the country’s teaching and rehabilitation centre for disabled children, many of whom have found themselves orphaned by the AIDS pandemic.

“Everything here is just so positive and fantastic,” said Prince Harry. “This is the only school for mentally handicapped children within Lesotho and once the project is finished, we hope to make another in the centre and one in the south.”

Sir Paul McCartney Busy With Charity Campaigns

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Sir Paul McCartney will appear in an advertising campaign in Britain this month to encourage people to support the Paralympic Games in Beijing.

The campaign, organized by ParalympicsGB, will ask people to donate cash to help disabled athletes who want to compete in the games, and McCartney hopes his input will help the future of disability sport.

“I met leading Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Christiansen and was completely blown away by her skill, dedication and the fact that she had won a gold medal for Britain, so I felt I had to do something,” said the 66-year-old ex-Beatle. “My suggestion was simple. Why not create an ad that would highlight the work of ParalympicsGB and call on the British public to donate much needed money.”

McCartney has also been on the campaign trail for Canadian Harp seals in the last few days. He appeared in a special video shown during an anti-seal hunting video played at a rally in Brussels on Tuesday, urging demonstrators fight for a European seal products import ban.

“Stopping the import of seal fur into the European Union could really put an end to this brutality once and for all,” he said. “Please ask the EU to ban this terrible trade today.”

It is not the first time the singer has campaigned for an end to the slaughter of thousands of Harp seals that takes place in Canada every year. He visited the country with ex-wife Heather Mills in 2006 to ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper to end the “heartbreaking” hunt that has left a “stain” on the Canadian character.

Other celebrities to support the end to the slaughter include Slash, Martin Sheen, Mick Jagger, and Brigitte Bardot.

Prince Harry Following Diana’s Path

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:36:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

British Prince Harry, second son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, has partnered with Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso, second son of the late King Letsie III and Queen Mamohato. Together they have created the Sentebale charity to help the most vulnerable orphans in the southern African country. The name means “forget-me-not” in Lesotho, which the Princes found appropriate in every way: forget not the victims of poverty, not the orphans, and not the mothers.

Prince Harry – who claims both Princes’ mothers have been an enormous influence in this endeavor – says, “It’s a way that both me and Prince Seeiso can relate to our mothers, who were both in sort of the same jobs working with orphaned children. Both our mothers were hugely connected with AIDS, especially the orphaned children from that itself. I wanted to carry on as best I could what she started and what better place than to do it than here? I’m sure she knew this place.”

Launched in 2006, Sentebale aims to improve the lives of Lesotho’s needy through grass roots organizations that lack recognition yet can fill the gaps that larger organizations are missing. Support comes in the form of management, infrastructure, entrepreneurial projects and liaising with international grant-makers, NGOs, local service providers and government.

Harry said, “As we traveled round Lesotho we saw the same thing [repeatedly]: great work being done in the community by amazing volunteers who weren’t able to attract support because they didn’t have professional managers or accountants to show where the money was going.”

Some of their completed projects include the building of a child counsel centre, a kitchen in a home for teenage mothers, a computerized Braille machine for blind teenagers, and crop sharing efforts. In a land where children can get raped because traditional healers preach that sex with an innocent girl can cure AIDS, the Princes are looking for ways to increase their impact on the lives of these children.

“Support is desperately needed in Lesotho,” said the Prince. “The statistics tell their own story. There are a minimum of 120,000 orphans and possibly a maximum of 200,000. The life expectancy is 37 years and falling, and the prevalence of HIV and AIDS is at least 30 per cent of the 1.8 million population and it seems to be climbing.”

Around 70 people die in Lesotho from AIDS every day.

Robin Hood Gets Merry For Charity!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The stars came out for the Robin Hood Foundation’s annual fundraising gala last week, in an evening that shone, sparkled, and made the charity millions of dollars.

About 4,000 people gathered at the event held at the Javits Center in New York, including rapper Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Tom Brokaw, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, and American Idol winner David Cook. The proceeds from the event, which included an auction, will go to more than 240 poverty-fighting programs in the city, including Abraham House in the South Bronx, which offers social services to relatives of prison inmates; the Children’s Defense Fund, which seeks better access to health care for poor children, and Broadway Housing Communities, which provides shelter for the homeless or the mentally ill.

The auction was co-hosted by Conan O’Brien, and the evening also featured performances by Shakira, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend.

“Every single penny raised tonight goes to help people claw their way out of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said David Saltzman, Robin Hood’s executive director. “Despite what’s going on in the economy, people who are in a position to help others step up, and during tough times they step up even more.”

Prince Harry To Travel To Africa

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Prince Harry is to join the servicemen from his army regiment working in Africa for a charity he set up to help vulnerable children.

The 23-year-old will travel to Lesotho later this year to help build care facilities and repair infrastructure for projects supported by Sentebale, the organization he founded in 2006 to help young people in the struggling nation.

The three week expedition has secured sponsorship from Land Rover to provide transport, and the trip will take the young prince to meet AIDS orphans and TB sufferers. It will be Harry’s first overseas posting since he served on the front line in Afghanistan this year.

The young royal suggested the idea of the trip to his superiors, and he is excited about the prospect. He first visited Lesotho in 2004 and was moved by the plight of the young AIDS victims he met. Joining forces with the kingdom’s Prince Seeiso, he set up the charity Sentebale – which means ‘forget me not’ in the local language – in memory of his mother Princess Diana, who was dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS problem in the country.

Victoria Beckham to Sell Spice Tour Outfits for Charity

Tue, 20 May 2008 10:12:37 -0000

Written by Linda Burton

Victoria Beckham wants to help you add a little “spice” to your wardrobe. Six of the dazzling outfits that Posh Spice wore during the recent Spice Girls reunion tour will soon be available to the highest bidder.

Posh is auctioning off six Roberto Cavalli designs, including a “diamond-dress” hand-stiched with thousands of Swarovski crystals, in hopes of raising one million pounds for the The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, which helps underprivileged children. Victoria’s mother, Jackie Adams, manages the trust.

Victoria, 34, said “ I love all the outfits – for the memories they hold and for how beautiful they are,” she told the Sunday Mirror.

“But there has been a lot of interest in them and I want to harness that for charity.”

A spokesperson added “It’s time for any high rollers out there to get their checkbooks out.”

The Blues Mobile Comes to the Beach

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:24:40 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Blues Brothers gave a live, oceanside performance last week at the Celebration Of The Sea Music & Film Festival. Jake and Elwood Blues, the only performers officially sanctioned by original Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate, arrived in the Blues Mobile and performed hits from the Briefcase Full Of Blues album on Miami Beach to raise money for the Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis.

The Buoniconti Fund seeks to raise funds and awareness for The Miami Project, the world’s largest spinal cord injury research center. Both orgaisations were co-founded by NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti after his son Marc’s football accident paralyzed him from the neck down.

“One day I was a normal kid thinking about school, sports and girls,” says Marc Buoniconti from his wheelchair. “The next thing you know I’m out there talking to people about paralysis.” Having raised over $150 million through the Buoniconti Fund, he says, “My goal is to get everyone out of these chairs.”

The April 26 Blues concert, put together in conjunction with the Miami Beach Polo World Cup and The Setai restaurant, began with a fashion show and a presentation by Judy Belushi Pisano, widow of the original Blues Brothers co-creator, John Belushi. The Blues Brothers act followed with a guest performance by sax man Alto Reed of Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet band, and then a silent auction that included Blues Brothers memorabilia donated by Ms Belushi Pisano.

“The Miami Project holds tremendous promise for people who are spinal cord injured,” Marc says. “In 1985, the Miami Project was a dream. Today, it’s reality.”

Hasselhoff’s New Wheels

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:42:45 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

David Hasselhoff, a long time supporter of UCP Wheels for Humanity, spoke once again at their annual fundraiser last month in California. A huge success, the event raised hundreds of thousands for the charity, which supplies wheelchairs for developing countries.

Inspired by his brothers’ distribution efforts of wheelchairs to individuals in Guatemala in the ‘80s, Wheels For Humanity founder David Richard started a home garage operation in ’96 restoring second hand wheelchairs for shipment to the needy. Wheels For Humanity quickly outgrew Richard’s garage, forcing him into various storage facilities until he partnered, just over a year ago, with United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties, enabling the newly formed UCP Wheels For Humanity to provide even more disabled with mobility.

Denny Richard, a brother of David’s, once told him, “You can’t just collect wheelchairs, you have to go on a delivery. It will change your life.” In fact, it did – it has also changed the lives of over 40,000 others who have received his gift.

So many people in developing countries, crippled from disease, war and natural disaster, are forced either to crawl the streets or remain confined. Over the past 10 years, thousands who couldn’t walk now have the freedom of movement thanks to UCP Wheels. But this charity took it one step further. Beyond refurbishing and shipping the wheelchairs, seating specialists also go along to custom-fit each recipient to the chair.

David Richard says, “For me, there is no greater joy than fitting a child or adult with a disability into a wheelchair. It is my life’s work; it is my passion – the look in their eyes, the smiles, the tears of joy.”

Want to write for us, or help with our research? Find out more about contributing.

Iggy Pop Supports The Children's Society

Mon, 05 May 2008 10:03:42 -0000

Written by Richard Alan Krieger

The Children’s Society chose punk legend Iggy Pop’s song “Lust for Life” as their theme for a garden entry in last year’s Chelsea Flower Show. The garden won a Silver medal at the London event, using as a main feature an arc of water which moved in rhythmic patterns to his song.

“I’m honoured The Children’s Society’s garden is
inspired by my music and wholeheartedly support the
work they do – they rock,” remarked Iggy. He went on
to say, ’It’s awesome The Children’s Society’s ‘Lust
for Life’ garden won a Silver medal. It’s great to
know my music reaches out to so many and inspires’
following with ’I’m getting a big kick out of making
music for the Children’s Society. All kids deserve a
good childhood.’

Iggy and the Stooges also headlined a benefit concert
called Rock The House for The Children’s Society in
the grounds of Harewood House in Leeds on August 31,
2007.

The Children’s Society in partnership with The
Co-operative returns to the Chelsea Flower Show this
May for the show’s new category called, “The Front
Garden,” a theme that addresses the loss of front
urban gardens.

Designer Mark Gregory said: “This is a garden with
children and families at its heart. This design proves
that you can have a practical, usable space and be
environmentally responsible. The Children’s Society
Garden is a garden for future generations – we’re
making front gardens green again.”

Holly Robinson-Peete Gets Behind Parkinson's Disease Book

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:56:16 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new book featuring inspirational stories from sufferers of Parkinson’s disease has got some celebrity help.

Holly Robinson-Peete has written a forward for “Proud Hands”, the new book that is a combination of personal photos and stories submitted by 28 patients and caregivers across America to provide encouragement to the more than 1 million people in the U.S. who are affected by Parkinson’s disease, and the actress will also launch the book at the annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk on April 26 at Central Park in New York City. In addition, several storytellers from “Proud Hands,” and representatives from Teva Neuroscience and the American Parkinson Disease Association, will be there to talk about the importance of learning to live well with the condition. Participants attending the Unity Walk will also be able to reserve a copy of “Proud Hands” at the Teva Neuroscience booth.

“It’s efforts such as this one made by Teva Neuroscience that allows my organization, The HollyRod Foundation, to continue serving the Parkinson’s disease community throughout the United States,” said Holly Robinson Peete. “The ‘Proud Hands’ book is a great way to create awareness about a disease that affects the lives of so many people and, at the same time, give hope to those who have the disease.”

Peete has dedicated herself to helping people live since she founded The HollyRod Foundation – which provides medical, financial, emotional, and physical support to sufferers – with her husband, Rodney, in 1997. They established the foundation after the death of her father, Matt Robinson, who battled the disease for many years.

The book is available at www.proudhandsbook.com for $15, and the proceeds will go to the American Parkinson Disease Association to assist the organization in its research, support, and education initiatives.

Idol Talk From Alicia Keys

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:34:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

While Idol Gives Back sang and danced its way into the hearts and pockets of America on Wednesday night, it was the words of Alicia Keys that perhaps reflected the thoughts of many people around the world.

“If AIDS got half the attention that the media give to celebrity dramas, this issue would be well on the way to being solved,” said the singer. “It’s crazy… how you can change the lives of people forever for the price of a pair of shoes.”

The singer appeared on the show in a clip filmed during a recent trip to Africa, and urged viewers to donate. Keys established the Keep A Child Alive Foundation to directly assist children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, and although her charity did not benefit from Wednesday’s show, other organizations such as the Children’s Defense Fund, the Global Fund For AIDS, and Save the Children will receive some of the $22 million already raised from donations to Idol Gives Back.

Keys’ words should make us all stop and think about what we watch and read, and start to act with our hearts.

James Nesbitt Drinks Tea For Ability

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:40:36 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British actor James Nesbitt called on residents of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England, to brew a cup of tea for charity this week.

The star of Cold Feet and Murphy’s Law took a break from filming to enjoy a nice cuppa and a biscuit when he launched Leonard Cheshire Disability’s annual “Tea For Ability” fundraising event, a campaign that encourages British tea drinkers to raise cash for disabled people. And judging by the British predilection for the beverage, the campaign looks set to be popular.

“I like nothing better than relaxing with a strong cup of tea after a hard day’s filming,” said Nesbitt. “So what could be better than supporting the charity’s Tea For Ability scheme?”

Leonard Cheshire Disability assists over 21,000 disabled people in the UK find employment or start businesses. They are encouraging people to raise money through the new campaign by throwing tea parties, attend tea tastings, and make donations.

“Last year’s first ever Tea For Ability was a huge success, and it will be a major event in our 60th anniversary celebrations this year,” said Nora Smith, the charity’s head of community fundraising. “In 2008 we hope even more people will enjoy a cuppa while raising cash to help disabled people live life their way.”

More information about Leonard Cheshire Disability and their fundraising can be found at the charity’s website.

Idol Gives Back On Wednesday

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:11:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It will be raining philanthropic celebrities on Wednesday night when American Idol Gives Back airs on the Fox Network. The “star clouds” are set to burst with a gala of music, fun, appearances, and surprises – all in the name of charity.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was taped in front of a lively audience at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, and producers expect this year’s event to raise over $100 million for charity.

“Tonight isn’t just about raising money,” said Brad Pitt, one of the many guests to attend the gala. “Sometimes, to help people, we’ve got to travel outside of our comfort zone to really understand another situation.”

Pitt’s Make It Right campaign, which he launched to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, is one of many good causes to benefit from the event, which last year netted over $76 million for charity. Other organizations to benefit this year include the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“It’s not about self-promoting,” said former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who will perform on the show. “It’s not about singing your latest single. It’s not about trying to be the most downloaded whatever on iTunes. It’s all about getting people to call in and do something.”

Viewers of the show on Wednesday can expect performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, and Sheila E., as well as a surprise duet between Fergie and Heart. The show will also be sprinkled with appearances from Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama will also be shown.

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