Look To The Stars News: Family/Parent Support

Eva Longoria Accepts Donation On Behalf Of Charity

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Eva Longoria was out and about in Burbank, California, on Saturday night – to collect a check for charity.

The Desperate Housewives actress accepted a $300,000 donation for Padres Contra el Cancer, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer, from AT&T.

“I’m thrilled to accept a fourth check from AT&T, especially since today we are celebrating a $1 million total donation to PADRES,” she said. “This organization is near and dear to my heart and I’m so thankful that the money donated by AT&T will help us continue supporting families coping with the devastating effects of childhood cancer.”

Eva has been the National Spokesperson for Padres Contra el Cancer since 2005.

Bill Gates Has Big Charity Ideas

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Over the next ten years, Bill Gates plans to spend $10 billion on vaccines for children in the developing world. That’s more than double what his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has spent in the past ten years, and which is already seen as a phenomenal success.

At the TED conference last month, however, he put vaccines for the poor countries aside in order to address climate change as he thinks energy and climate are most important to those same poorest countries: climate determines if crops grow or not, and energy prices determine what they can afford.

Gates says we need energy miracles, and now we have a deadline. To reduce C02 output to near zero, which is the necessary target according to current scientific predictions, Gates thinks TerraPower might have an answer. He is placing his hopes on innovation and he’s backing a traveling wave reactor design that would supply the world’s energy using mostly the depleted uranium waste from today’s reactors, of which there is plenty, instead of using only enriched uranium like current reactors. Nevertheless, he recognizes the need for many solutions.

“If you gave me only one wish for the next 50 years,” he said at the conference, “[it’s that] this thing that’s half the cost with no C02 gets invented. This is the wish I would pick. This is the one with the greatest impact.”

Besides wishes and vaccines, Gates apparently has many great ideas. During the conference, Edge.org organized a dinner for some of the great minds attending TED. According to Skepticblog’s Michael Shermer, Gates had his table mates enraptured: “Bill Gates was the star and we were tiny planets in orbit around him, sitting there like acolytes at the feet of the guru, asking him questions and listening to his lengthy and thoughtful answers.”

You can watch Bill Gates’ TED presentation here

Stars Urge For Maternal Health In Amnesty Film

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Celebrities including Keira Knightley, Annie Lennox, James Purefoy and Beverley Knight have called on the UK Government to make maternal and newborn health a priority in its international development assistance in a new short film released by Amnesty International yesterday (12 March).

The film, which premiered in the Houses of Parliament, is part of Amnesty’s campaign to ensure the UK government prioritizes maternal and newborn health care globally to enable all women access their basic right to health care. Entitled ‘Every day should be Mother’s Day’, the three-minute, star-studded film also features Dervla Kirwan, Colin Salmon and Jonathan Pryce.

“We’re delighted that so many celebrated artists are willing to stand with us on this very important matter,” said Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen. "We want the government to maintain a strong political will to improve maternal health around the world.

“Ten years ago, world leaders made a commitment to reduce the rate of maternal deaths significantly by 2015. With just five years to go, the world is way off track of us seeing this goal fulfilled. We must see greater political commitment from all leaders around the world to ensure that fewer women die as a result of inadequate health care or lack of information about their basic rights.”

Every year, approximately half a million women die because of childbirth related factors – mainly in poorer countries.

Earlier this week, a coalition of organizations including Amnesty, Save the Children and the White Ribbon Alliance, revealed that the rate of pregnant women dying in countries in the developing world is as bad – and in some countries far worse – than the rate of women dying in Britain 100 years ago.

Today Amnesty International also published a major new report on the rate of maternal deaths in the USA, where figures show that two to three women die in childbirth or pregnancy-related factors every day. These deaths occur because of a lack of health insurance, barriers to health care for those who speak little or no English or who live in poverty, and a shortage of health care professionals in rural and inner-city areas.

Adding his voice to the campaign, actor James Purefoy said: "It’s beyond belief to think that every minute one woman in the world dies because of childbirth or related issues. That’s why I’m supporting Amnesty’s call to ensure that a pregnant woman’s basic right to health care is not denied. "

Amnesty is also encouraging thousands of its supporters to send a Mother’s Day card outlining its calls to each of the three main party leaders – Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Conservative Party leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg – to maintain political commitment to maternal health in their global priorities. So far approximately 4,000 people have taken action online via www.amnesty.org.uk/mums.

Throughout the year, Amnesty along with other members of the coalition of organisations will be calling on the UK government to increase financing of maternal and child health in developing countries and to place maternal and child health at the heart of strengthening those countries’ health systems. It is also urging the UK to increase its commitment to supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights.

After taking part in the film actress Dervla Kirwan said: “Too many women are dying needlessly in childbirth or because of their pregnancy. Every day should be Mother’s Day – that’s why I’m committed to supporting Amnesty’s call to improve maternal health for all women.”

The film can be viewed at www.amnesty.org.uk/mums.

Annie Lennox Supports Minute For Mothers Campaign

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:50:00 -0000

In a release from her official website, Annie Lennox is supporting the Minute for Mothers campaign, an initiative set up by a coalition of leading charities including Save the Children, White Ribbon Alliance, Oxfam, Amnesty International and Mumsnet, which is joining forces with politicians and celebrities this week to hold a minute for mothers across the world.

The event in central London at 10.30am on March 12 sees 3,000 white roses laid across Old Palace Yard opposite parliament to represent the 3,000 pregnant women who will lose their lives this Mother’s Day weekend. Every minute of every day a mother-to-be from somewhere around the world dies simply because they don’t have access to the vital healthcare they need before and during childbirth.

If you can’t attend the event but would like to support it here are some ways you can take action online:

  * Send a virtual flower that acts as an e-action to the three main party leaders.  

Spread the word on Twitter by tweeting this message: Every minute a mother dies. Politicians need 2 b aware that #mothersmatter RT 2 make it a trend b4 Mothers day.

What was your — or your child’s — first word? Find out and update your Facebook status with it. Just the first word, nothing else. Poverty kills childhood. By updating your status you’re showing the world you support Save the Children’s campaign to end it.

Click here to visit the official website to find out more.

Ernest Borgnine Hosts Pre-Oscar Charity Party

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0000

On Friday night, March 5th, Oscar recipient Ernest Borgnine and fifteen year old charity founder Chandler Lutz hosted the Ernest Borgnine Pre-Oscar Party benefitting the Believe in Dreams Foundation at the Phantom Stage in Universal Studios.

This event brought together Hollywood’s rising and legendary stars to celebrate the 82nd Annual Academy Awards and raise awareness for Believe in Dreams Foundation.

The red-carpet cocktail party was one of the most lavish and exclusive events during Oscar season. Guests were entertained by a full Swing band and had food choices ranging from a full sushi bar to Italian dishes to a complete carving station. There was a premium open bar and an abundant dessert tent full of sweets and treats and topped off with everything you could imagine to dip in a large chocolate fountain.

Celebrities in attendance included: Melanie Brown (Spice Girls), Maiara Walsh (Desperate Housewives), Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Neil Hopkins (Lost), Sabrina Morris (Star Trek), Susan Lucci (All My Children), Tangi Miller (Felicity), Tatyana Ali (The Fresh Prince of Bel- Air), Gretchen Bonaduce (Reality TV star), Samantha Mumba (The Time Machine), Ben Decker (True Blood), Gedeon Burkhard (Inglorious Basterds), Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond), Derrick Deese (NFL player), Carol Connors (songwriter), Solomon Burke (singer/songwriter), Dave Lingwood (The Buried Life), Jonnie Penn (The Buried Life), Duncan Penn (The Buried Life), Ben Nemtin (The Buried Life), Roger Mosley (Magnum, P.I.), Jerry Mathers (Leave It to Beaver), Dawn Olivieri (Heroes), Scott Baio (Scott Baio is…45 and Single), Larry Manetti (Magnum, P.I.), Romi Dames (Hannah Montana), and Randal Kleiser (Director of Grease).

Melanie Brown “spiced” up the red carpet with her husband, Stephen Belafonte, and when offered a pashmina during interviews replied, “I’m British; I’m not cold.” Melanie Brown also caught up with All My Children soap star Susan Lucci at the party.

Everybody Loves Raymond star, Doris Roberts, left the event with a last minute parting gift and perhaps a new centerpiece for her home table… one of the gorgeous flower arrangements.

Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) was very impressed with young Chandler Lutz (Believe in Dreams founder) who has single-handedly raised $100,000 for terminally ill children and their families over the past two months.

The cast of MTV’s hit show “The Buried Life” arrived together. This group of down-to-earth, charming boys mingled with everyone and Ben Nemtin, who’s dating Whitney Port, was spotted out on the dance floor getting the party started.

Gedeon Burkhard, from Oscar winning “Inglorious Basterds”, was in high spirits as he attended the event with girlfriend Anika Bohrman, and he spoke with a number of people about how happy he was that the movie was doing so well.

Randal Kleiser (Director of Grease) met and absolutely loved Chandler Lutz and discussed wanting to cast her as lead of his new movie, “Live Stream”.

At the end of the evening, Believe in Dreams Foundation founder Chandler Lutz gave a brief speech and presented Ernest Borgnine with the 1st Annual Believe in Dreams Foundation Award for following his many dreams and supporting the foundation.

Slash Teams With Dora The Explorer For Charity

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Guitar legend Slash is teaming up with children’s cartoon character Dora the Explorer in this year’s most unlikely yet utterly awesome charity collaboration.

The guitarist is the first of a list of celebrities to be announced in a new initiative between Nickelodeon and the Children's Defense Fund which will see stars design children’s backpacks for auction. Also rumored to be involved are Shakira and Salma Hayek.

According to the Fund, its mission “is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.”

The backpacks will be available this summer in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Exclusive Photo Feature: Olympians' Hearts of Gold

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:34:00 -0000

We have witnessed the amazing physical feats of the US Team in the Olympics, and now the Olympians want to share some of the other wonderful ways they use their time and strengths. Look To The Stars is honored to bring you news of their charity work, with thanks to NBC/USOC for providing the images.

Chad Hedrick (Long Track Speed Skating – won a bronze medal)
Competes on Friday and Saturday, February 26th & 27th

Chad hosts an annual golf tournament for to benefit the TX Special Olympics.

“I’m a very proud supporter of Texas Special Olympics!”

Angela Ruggiero (Hockey)

Former Director: New York Islanders Project Hope
Athlete Advisory Board Member: Women's Sports Foundation
Athlete Ambassador: Right To Play
Athlete Advisor: Momsteam.com
Member: 350.org

Rachael Flatt (Figure Skating)

“I have partnered with Reading is Fundamental (RIF), which is the nation’s oldest children’s literacy organization. It is a blend of two of my passions…education/reading and volunteering. I hope that I am a good example of the phrase ‘student-athlete’ and that it is possible to combine the two and be passionate about both! I have also found more opportunities to volunteer in the past two years and I feel that it is very important to give back to the community at large."

Johnny Spillane (Nordic Combined)

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Todd Lodwick (Nordic Combined)

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (Todd’s son, Finn, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 5 months)

Julia Mancuso (Alpine Skiing – won 2 silver medals)

WWF Climate Change

Don’t miss the following athletes, appearing in the Figure Skating Exhibition on Saturday, February 27th!

Evan Lysacek (Figure Skating – won a gold medal)

Celebrity board member for Ronald McDonald House

Co-produced and hosted a skating show that raised $90K for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a memorial fund for a friend who died of cancer.

Meryl Davis & Charlie White (Ice dancing – won a silver medal)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
American Cancer Society
March Of Dimes
The Humane Society

Hannah Teter (Snowboarding – won a silver medal)

Hannah started a maple syrup company, Hannah's Gold. The proceeds of the maple syrup sales provide water to a Kenyan village and helps AIDS afflicted mothers and children acquire land. She also donates the prize money she wins from racing to the village and visits often.

Emily Cook (Freestyle Skiing)

Emily is very involved with Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses sports programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.
She traveled to Amman and Aqaba, Jordan with the organization in April, 2009.

Gretchen Bleiler (Snowboarding)

Gretchen works with ‘Climate Project’ and the NRDC on building awareness around environmental issues. Her Oakley signature line of clothing is eco-friendly, and she works with all her sponsors to create eco-friendly sponsors when possible.

Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto (Ice Dancing)

Created a fundraising ice show, “Tanith & Ben: Home for the Holidays,” which benefits the American Cancer Society, and an ice show, “Skate-Aid,” which raised over $40K for the American Red Cross tsunami relief.

Steve Nyman (Alpine Skiing)

Helped build an orphanage in Haiti (Steve was involved with aid in Haiti before the earthquake), and is involved with Team Darfur & A Child's Hope Foundation.

Erin Pac (Bobsledding – won a bronze)

Race for the Cure (Susan G. Komen for the Cure)

Johnny Weir (Figure Skating)

Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
UNICEF

Noelle Pikus-Pace (Skeleton)

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Lindsey Jacobellis (Snowboarding)

ASPCA – Started her own effort to benefit the ASPCA, called Hats 4 Hounds. She knit 101 hats to sell, and all the sales proceeds went to the ASPCA.

You can continue to show your support for the US Olympians by helping to support their causes and charities, and you can find a wealth of information on the athletes at NBCOlympics.com or TeamUSA.org.

And, don’t forget, the US Olympic Committee is a 501©(3) organization and needs continuous support in order to keep sending the best athletes to the Olympic Games!

NFL and TV Stars Play GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:13:00 -0000

The lines have been drawn for the GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge, and it’s time to visit www.GameStop.com/BattlefieldBC2 to pick your winners and enter for a chance to win prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000.

Each of the 16 teams in the GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge is captained by a different celebrity or athlete, two Major League Gaming professionals serving as team sergeants and two amateur gamers selected by Electronic Arts. These 16 teams will compete in a bracket-style tournament in the Squad Rush multi-player mode until only one team is left standing (Squad Rush is available exclusively for 30 days to GameStop customers who pre-order Battlefield: Bad Company 2 before March 2). To the victor belong the spoils, as the winning team gets bragging rights as well as a $25,000 donation by Electronic Arts to the team’s charity of choice.

The official team names, captains, charities and the pro gamer team members (as identified by their gamertags) for each of the four brackets are as follows. Complete team profiles and bios can be found at www.GameStop.com/BattlefieldBC2. Online bracket selection closes March 4.

First Bracket:
· Team O-H-N: Captain Chad Ochocinco (NFL star), playing for Feed the Children, pro gamer team members Jet Steele and Soldi3R187
· Team Philly Eagles: Captain DeSean Jackson (NFL star), playing for a cure for pancreatic cancer, pro gamer team members Problem and Big Tymer
· Team 28 Guns: Captain Marshall Faulk (NFL legend), playing for MF Foundation, pro gamer team members Bestman and SK
· Team Can’t be Faded: Captain Andre Berto (WBA Welterweight Boxing Champion), playing for Berto Dynasty Foundation, pro gamer team members Totz and Predator

Second Bracket:
· Team Numero Uno: Captain Matt Cassell (NFL star), playing for Shadow Buddies, pro gamer team members Tsquared and Fearitself
· Team Operation Killers: Captain Patrick Willis (NFL star), playing for Yéle Haiti Foundation, pro gamer team members Killa and Elamitewarrior
· Team PA All Stars: Captain Donnie Edwards (NFL star), playing for Jump 4 Life, pro gamer team members Victory X and Neighbor
· Team Keibler’s Elves: Captain Stacy Keibler (actress, Dancing with the Stars, former wrestler), playing for UNICEF, pro gamer team members Maniac and Legend

Third Bracket:
· Team McNasties: Captain Matt Lanter (actor, 90210 star), playing for the Alzheimer's Association, pro gamer team members Tizoxic and Destin
· Team Cross Fighters: Captain Shaun Sipos (actor, Melrose Place), playing for the American Red Cross, pro gamer team members Defy and Clutch
· Team ZERO 1: Captain Hal Sparks (comedian), playing for the Lili Claire Foundation, pro gamer team members Walshy and Sharpshot93
· Team Buck Shots: Captain AJ Buckley (actor, CSI: NY), playing for Operation Smile, pro gamer team members Flamesword and Snipedown

Fourth Bracket:
· Team Charlie Angels: Captain Charlie O’Connell (actor, the Bachelor), playing for Reading is Fundamental, pro gamer team members Hysteria and Ghostayame
· Team Winona Ryders: Captain Perez Hilton (gossip columnist/TV personality), playing for Lambda Legal, pro gamer team members Cloud and Strongside
· Team YOWZA!: Captain Greg Grunberg (actor, Heroes), playing for the Epilepsy Foundation, pro gamer team members Cpt. Anarchy and Lunchbox
· Team Little Monsters: Captain Tristan Wilds (actor, 90210), playing for Yéle Haiti Foundation, pro gamer team members Legit and Rambounit

Stars Paint Butterflies For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of stars have donated their own very special artworks to an auction and exhibition to benefit a hospice in the UK.

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has joined with Coldplay, Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Julian Clary, Katherine Jenkins, Fearne Cotton, Elaine Paige and many others in creating butterfly-inspired paintings to raise money for charity.

The paintings will be on display at the Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton from 1-29 March. The paintings will then be auctioned on eBay between March 19-28.

Proceeds will go to Keech Hospice Care, which provides emotional and practical support for adults and children diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. The organization runs both an adult hospice and a children’s hospice.

To find out more about the paintings and the charity, click here.

Naomi Campbell To Be Awarded For Charity Work

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information can be found here.

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

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

“I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti; so many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake – women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters,” said Campbell. “Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. Our aim is to use this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week catwalk to reach people and help raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children.”

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

Mary J. Blige Swaps Music For Charity Fashion

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Singer Mary J. Blige has put the down the microphone and teamed up with fashion designer Catherine Malandrino to create a new line of t-shirts to benefit the singers charity, Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN).

The t-shirts, which help raise awareness for the empowerment of underprivileged women, have a low cut neck and will feature lyrics from Blige’s songs, including the phrases “I’m Love” and “I’m Power.”

They will be available at Malandrino’s boutiques as well as Bloomingdale’s in New York starting on February 17.

  "As a designer, I feel I have a role to play," Malandrino said in a press release. “What I want is to free women. Femininity is a strength and not a weakness.”  

Blige says the shirts not only support a great cause but also provide a unique look.   

“Even better, every woman can feel beautiful and comfortable rocking these Ts just about anywhere,” said Blige. “Catherine . . . offered to create a t-shirt collection that would celebrate being women, being strong and being free. These are not your average t-shirts.”

To find out more about FFAWN, check this out.

Joel Madden Talks Charity, 7-Eleven and A New Playground

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden might be famous for his relationship with Nicole Richie, but underneath it all the musician has a heart of gold

“Every mouth you feed and every person you help is just as important as the big picture,” said Madden in a recent interview.

The co-founder of the Richie Madden Children's Foundation, who has a deep passion for doing ‘good’ in this world, has also honed in on the importance of follow-through in relation to charitable endeavors.

“How many times do you hear people talk about something and see it all the way through to fruition? It’s not often in LA,” says Madden. “Everyone loves to get together for meetings and talk about doing this or that. But the key is brick-by-brick, building something. Even if it’s a playground — do it! Phone call by phone call, dollar by dollar, our foundation gets things done physically,” Madden is referring to the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation, which has just opened a brand-new playground at a Beyond Shelter Neighborhood Resource Center in South Central Los Angeles today.

The playground is just the tip of the philanthropic iceberg created by Madden and wife Richie, which began nearly three years ago during Richie’s first pregnancy. In part, Madden explains the how and why behind the creation of the Richie-Madden Foundation:

“We said we wanted to provide for mothers, and we had a baby shower — instead of having one for Nicole, we had it for mothers, and we got $250,000 in baby products to moms in LA. In their homes. Physically got to them,” Madden explains, “It’s become just a very big part of our life. It’s something that we do. Just like our jobs. It’s something that we expect of ourselves and of our family…the foundation is something really fun and important that we get to do together. And I think it’s important that our kids grow up around something. Some families have a family business, or a family store or whatever. We wanted to have something like that. We wanted to have a foundation that they’re responsible for, that they have to be a part of — that they’ll grow up with and it will just be something that they do, just like anything else that’s expected of them, because that’s what we do. That was the whole idea of it.”

Madden is also excited that the Richie-Madden Foundation is one of the recipients of the new 7-Eleven campaign. The company’s 7-Eleven Coffee Cup With A Cause campaign is introducing limited-edition 20-ounce coffee cups designed by celebrities and athletes to be sold nationwide. Proceeds from the cups sold benefit celebrities’ charities of choice with a guaranteed donation of $250,000, and a possibility of $300,000 per organization depending on how many of the cups are actually sold.

“It’s such an awesome thing for 7-Eleven to do, whether they were giving any money to our foundation or not,” Madden says. “In each month they’re doing a different charity, and it doesn’t get any better than that, man.”

Nicole Richie And Joel Madden Launch Charity Fun With 7-Eleven

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Many cups will runneth over as 7-Eleven, Inc. aims to donate more than $2 million to charities via “7-Eleven Coffee Cup With A Cause” in 2010.

Because nurturing good community relations is important to 7-Eleven and its franchisees, the company is launching a charity-focused coffee campaign this month. Throughout 2010, 7-Eleven will introduce limited-edition 20-oz coffee cups designed by entertainment and sports celebrities to be sold in 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Proceeds from cups sold will benefit the featured celebrity’s charity of choice. Cups can be filled with any 7-Eleven hot beverage including coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

“Cup With A Cause is one of our most exciting programs,” says Rita Bargerhuff, 7-Eleven’s chief marketing officer. “We’ve turned our coffee cups into canvasses, and celebrities are creating artwork for our program that allows customers to directly support charities and causes that make dramatic changes to so many people’s lives.”

Nicole Richie, Joel Madden and Benji Madden will kick off the program. Proceeds from their cup, featuring a custom-designed drawing representing their cause, will support The Richie Madden Children's Foundation. The stars will join 7-Eleven representatives in early February, at a Beyond Shelter Neighborhood Resource Center in South Central Los Angeles to formally announce their partnership and cut the ribbon for the facility’s new playground for young children.

“7-Eleven’s ‘Coffee Cup with a Cause’ program and its donation to The Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation will help us provide a wonderful and safe atmosphere for children and their families at the new Beyond Shelter playground,” said Nicole Richie.

While 7-Eleven is providing a guaranteed $250,000 minimum donation to each charity, donations could reach as high as $300,000, depending on the number of cups sold. Consumers can drive donations through the purchase of these celebrity-designed cups.

7-Eleven’s Coffee Cup With a Cause program was first introduced at the 2009 NOBLE AWARDS – an event supported by www.LookToTheStars.org – where Joel Madden was honored for his work with The Art of Elysium. The NOBLE AWARDS is a celebration that honors charities, celebrities and the tremendous work that they do. For more information about THE NOBLE AWARDS, click here.

The Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation custom cups are available while supplies last at 7-Eleven, Inc.’s franchised and company-operated stores across the U.S. For more information about this program, visit: www.cupwithacause.org, www.facebook.com/7Eleven and www.twitter.com/7Eleven.

Stephanie March Becomes Charity Ambassador

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:00:00 -0000

World of Children, the only global recognition and funding nonprofit that recognizes individuals who are changing the lives of children around the world, today announced that popular television, film and Broadway actress Stephanie March has joined the organization as its Celebrity Ambassador.

“I am thrilled to support World of Children and its superlative efforts to fund changemakers around the world. It’s a great privilege to be associated with an organization that recognizes and funds those individuals really working in the trenches, and I look forward to being part of advancing positive change for children everywhere,” said March.

Known for her sharply intelligent and sympathetic portrayals of a variety of characters in television, film and theater, March’s television credits include “Law & Order: SVU”, “Conviction”, “30 Rock”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and “Rescue Me.” Her film credits include “The Invention of Lying”, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, “Head of State”, “Flannel Pajamas”, “East Broadway” and “The Treatment.” March recentlyappeared on Broadway in the multiple Tony nominated revival of Eric Bogosian’s “Talk Radio” and in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway revival of Howard Korder’s “Boys’ Life”.

March is an activist for causes benefiting women and education. In addition to World of Children, she serves on the advisory board of OneKid OneWorld, an organization that rebuilds schools for children in Kenya and Central America, and has been on the board of directors of Safe Horizon for six years—an organization that promotes justice and provides support for victims of violent crime. March has also tutored children at the Harlem Village Academies in New York and is deeply committed to bringing quality education to children in local and global communities.

“Stephanie March brings incredible dedication and integrity to both her professional and charitable work and we look forward to working with her to elevate the changemakers World of Children supports,” said Harry Leibowitz, World of Children’s founder and chairman.

For more than a decade, World of Children has identified and vetted some of the most promising changemakers for children worldwide and provided funding for their efforts to improve children’s lives. The organization’s exhaustive research and vetting of individuals spearheading health and humanitarian initiatives across the global spectrum has been hailed by leading philanthropic organizations.

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

Preity Zinta Becomes A Voice For Widows and Children

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta became a brand ambassador for The Loomba Trust earlier this month in order to bring global attention to the plight of millions of widows and their children, something she feels is long overdue.

“I fully understand and empathize with the problems faced by widows,” said Zinta. “My mother was widowed when I was only thirteen.”

Social discrimination, financial instability, human trafficking and physical and mental abuse are some of the concerns for women who have become disadvantaged and marginalized through the loss of a spouse. The Loomba Trust has been running programs in India, South Africa, Kenya, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to provide support and assistance to widows through various means, including literacy education, training and employment.

“Development programs with specific focus on widows and their children are vital for the improvement of women’s status in society,” says Zinta, “and of their protection against the worst cases of exploitation and abuse.”

Campaigning in support of the creation of an International Widows Day, The Loomba Trust says, “There is hope that interest in widows and their plight will trigger gender sensitive reform of national laws and policies and help in eradicating anti-widow superstitions, traditions and social practices which should have no place in today’s world.”

“The recognition would be instrumental in encouraging emancipation of widows,” says Raj Loomba, founder and chairman, “and also draw the attention of governments to their challenges.”

Stars Attend An Unforgettable Evening For Charity

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:40:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Celebrity couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw were honored at the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women’s Cancer Research Fund An Unforgettable Evening event at the Beverly Wilshire on Wednesday, January 27.

The pair were awarded the Courage Award for their work in setting up the Tug McGraw Foundation – after Tim’s father, who died of cancer – and their work raising funds for cancer research.

“Cancer took the life of my father-in-law,” said Faith Hill. “He was a brave man during his fight towards the end. His wish was to create an organisation that provided a better way of life for cancer patients and money towards research.”

The event was also attended by Taylor Swift, Christina Applegate, Rita Wilson and Julianne Hough.

“Being a part of this cause means a lot to me because my family’s been touched by cancer several times,” said Swift. “To be here raising awareness for early detection is very important and I’ve heard they’re going to be raising close to $2 million tonight – it’s inspiring.”

Bill Gates Puts His Philanthropic Diaries Online

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Spurred by his philanthropy, not only is Bill Gates now on twitter, but he’s also set up a website detailing what he’s learning about global issues.

In Gates’ own words:

“Since leaving my fulltime job at Microsoft to dedicate more time to our foundation, a lot of people have asked me what I’m working on. It often feels like I’m back in school, as I spend a lot of my time learning about issues I’m passionate about.

“I’m fortunate because the people I’m working with and learning from are true experts in their fields. I take a lot of notes, and often share them and my own thoughts on the subject with others through email, so I can learn from them and expand the conversation.

“I thought it would be interesting to share these conversations more widely with a website, in the hope of getting more people thinking and learning about the issues I think are interesting and important. So, welcome to the Gates Notes.”

Jerry Lewis Passes Charity Torch To Son

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Comedian Jerry Lewis has passed the philanthropic flame to his son Gary, who wants to tour the Philippines with his band to raise money for people hit by storms last year.

Gary Lewis and the Playboys are a major drawcard in the country, and the devastating storms ripped through Manila just after the band’s last tour.

“Gary likes to get out there once every few years, but we’d really like to get back to the Philippines in 2010,” Lewis’ manager told WENN. "Gary Lewis and The Playboys are like The Beatles over there because they had a lot of local hits with Beatles tunes – because the Beatles were banned from the Philippines.
 
“I was asked to take extra special care of this one lady at a show in Manila last year – and it turned out she was Imelda Marcos. She was up dancing and having a really good time.”

Gary Lewis’ father, Jerry Lewis, helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2007 he was voted as America’s most effective celebrity charity fundraiser.

80's Greats Donate To Barnardo's Campaign

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Legendary Welsh rocker Bonnie Tyler – best known for her 1983 hit Total Eclipse of the Heart – has donated one of her classic stage outfits to a charity store in Swansea.

The black Joseph Ribhoff jumpsuit will be raffled by the Morriston Barnardo's Charity Store on Woodfield Street this week.

“We are very pleased that Bonnie Tyler has donated the outfit to our Morriston store, after all she is from Swansea,” said charity shop worker Celia White. "We also have signed CDs and signed postcards available. I am sure it will bring more people into the shop, especially Bonnie Tyler fans who want some of her memorabilia.

“We feel very privileged that she has chosen Barnardo’s and hopefully it will raise money for the charity and raise the Barnardo’s profile.”

The donation is part of the charity’s Glitz Campaign, which saw a massive number of celebrity-donated items sold at a special store in London over the last month. Barnardo’s celebrity supporters donated a selection of spangly 80’s favourites from their personal wardrobes, to be sold in the store. Joan Collins donated one of the outfits belonging to her alter ego Alexis from iconic 80’s TV show, Dynasty – complete with skirt, blouse and turban. Songstress La Roux donated two shoulder pad-tastic 80’s jackets and Dame Shirley Bassey a pair of diamante encrusted Yves Saint Laurent heels.

Other celebrity donations included a selection of House of Holland Hot Tights from Henry Holland, a pair of Miu Miu boots from model Laura Bailey and a suit from Julian Clary.

Retro retailer and fans of the 80’s vibe, American Apparel dressed the shop windows for the children’s charity with one window following a total 80’s theme, filled with donations from 80’s Pop icons including Carol Decker and Lisa Stansfield.

For fans based outside the London area, Shirley Bassey’s shoes and Joan Collins’ Dynasty outfit will be sold at silent auction with bids accepted both in store and via silentauction@barnardos.org.uk.

All funds raised from the pop up shop will go towards Barnardo’s vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK. This includes work with children affected by today’s most urgent issues: poverty, homelessness, disability, bereavement and abuse.

The store is only open until January 8, and can be found at 65-67 Broadwick Street, London.

Alicia Keys Thanks Fans for Helping Her Give Back

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

LookToTheStars.org is proud to support Alicia Keys' free HD concert broadcast via BillboardLive.com, straight from The Apollo in New York on Thursday, January 7.

Twelve-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys’ latest opus is entitled The Element of Freedom, and she speaks about what freedom means to her, and how we all have the power to change the world in the following video. During the video, she thanks her fans for supporting her charity, Keep A Child Alive.

In addition to her performance, Keys will be introducing talented new artists who will also perform during this very special, intimate broadcast.

Fans can easily access the series by simply logging onto: BillboardLive.com at 9 pm EST / 6 pm PST on Jan. 7th, where they will be able to safely and securely download the Microsoft Silverlight and OWL HD player onto their computer free of charge with a one-time, simple download.

Keys continues her philanthropic work as the co-founder and Global Ambassador of Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a non-profit organization that provides medicine to families with HIV and AIDS in Africa and India. For more information about KCA please visit www.keepachildalive.org.

DETAILS: Our World Live (OWL.TV) and Billboard Magazine have entered into a strategic alliance to bring music fans BillboardLive.com, a new Internet concert series that allows unprecedented access to the biggest names in entertainment. Utilizing OWL’s state-of-the-art technology, BillboardLive.com provides fans with the ultimate interactive concert viewing experience in HD. Fans have the ability for the first time ever to view the concert from up to five different camera angles of their choosing (depending on viewers’ bandwidth). There’s a larger full-screen “Director’s Cut” view, as well as four other views where one can replace the main image at any time for a unique experience — all with just the click of their mouse. In addition to the desktop features offered, the concert series is available to all iPhone and iPod touch users. Through these two systems, the concert is viewable in the main “Director’s Cut” format and available on the go. Click here to visit the website.

Julian Lennon Starts A Revolution

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:04:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Using the span of the Internet and a power-shifting business model, musician Julian Lennon and digital pioneers Michael Birch and Todd Meagher recently announced the launch of theRevolution LLC, a full-service, artist-focused, music services company, with a portion of the proceeds from their first LP going to fight lupus.

“A couple of years ago, I started writing again, and an album came together slowly but surely, and I was looking around over the past couple of years to try and find a new way forward,” Lennon said, “A few of us, who are now the founders of theRevolution, were literally sitting around the table discussing all of these issues. And we just felt that maybe we could come up with a newer model that would work for all of us — that would allow the artist more control over what’s happening to him on a creative level and on every other level, too, whether it was looking after their brand or looking after their management or protecting and developing them, looking after the recording and publishing with them, licensing, touring, you name it.”

The company’s first release is a four-track EP titled Lucy which is available at theRevolution’s Web site, as well as iTunes, with a portion of the EP’s proceeds going to St. Thomas’ Lupus Trust and the Lupus Foundation of America.

The title track was written and performed by Lennon and James Scott Cook and is Lennon’s first single in 10 years. The inspiration for the EP came from the two Lucys in their lives, who were both affected by Lupus. Lennon’s childhood friend Lucy Vodden, who inspired the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, recently died of the disease, and Cook’s grandmother, also named Lucy, is battling Lupus.  

“There was no effort about it, about putting the song together, about putting the idea together, about the history of it or where it all came from. It just felt a very, very natural thing to do and almost to a certain degree, felt like I was closing a circle in many respects,” Lennon said. “Show me a person who’s not affected by music or lyrics one way or another. But from my perspective, obviously, I try to use that for positive use. It’s always trying to either make people aware or enlighten them or tell them a story so that they can make decisions for themselves about trying to drive forward in a positive way.”

Justin Timberlake Tops Celebrity Givers List

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Justin Timberlake has been named celebrity charity earner of the year, outstripping favorites such as Bono and Oprah.

According to website The Daily Beast, the SexyBack singer raised $9.3 million for the Shriners Hospitals for Children in 2009. Second place went to Madonna, who raised $5.5 million for Raising Malawi, followed by Pamela Anderson ($4.8 million for PETA), Oprah ($4 million for Oprah's Angel Network), and Bono ($3.5 for the ONE Campaign).

To read about The Daily Beast’s methods for working out the rankings, and learn the full top 50 – which also features Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, George Clooney and Salma Hayek – click here.

Stars Beat The Odds For Children

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Children's Defense Fund hosted a star-studded charity gala last week.

The 19th annual Beat The Odds Awards honored young people who have overcome adversity to achieve academic excellence. Spotted attending the event at the Beverly Hills Hotel on December 3 were Jennifer Garner, Conan O'Brien, Jane Kaczmarek, Jennie Garth and many more.

The Children’s Defense Fund has worked for 35 years to provide a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown.

Alicia Keys Launches Charity Contest On World AIDS Day

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Alicia Keys launched a special new contest for her fans during her World AIDS Day concert in New York on December 1. She wants to give five lucky fans the chance to accompany her to Africa to inspire them to change the world!!

“[My first trip] totally changed my life,” said the singer, who established Keep A Child Alive to help stop the AIDS pandemic in Africa. "Going to Africa was unbelievable for me. I was probably like 19 or something…
 
“I was able to see the great separation between have and have not. I was able to see the incredible spirit of people. I was able to learn firsthand about the AIDS pandemic of Africa.”

To enter the competition, all you have to do is donate $5 to the Keep A Child Alive charity by texting “ALIVE” to 90999 (US residents only).

“Some will probably not want to come back, some will totally want to stay so that they can be a part of just all this beauty that we’re spreading and light that we’re spreading,” said Keys. “And some will come back and say, ’I’ll never turn my back,’ which is what happened to me.”

To get more info about the competition, click here. To watch a video of Alicia talking about the new contest, click here.

Take That Parties With The Stars For Charity

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of stars joined British boy band Take That in London last week for a very special charity party with a twist.

The PlayStation3 SingStar Take That Extravaganza was held in Notting Hill to launch the band’s new karaoke computer game and raise funds for Body and Soul, a charity dedicated to supporting children, teenagers and families across the UK who are living with or are closely affected by HIV.

The event saw famous faces such as Lily Allen, Paloma Faith, Rachel Stevens and Pixie Geldof party the night away as Gary Barlow and the boys performed renditions of their best known hits. Model Kate Moss was even spotted leading a conga line through the crowd.

Find out more about the charity at its official website.

Alicia Keys To Play Charity Show On World AIDS Day

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Alicia Keys will release a new CD – The Element of Freedom – on December 15th. In the lead up to that release, Keys will play a concert at the Nokia Theater in New York on December 1st, World AIDS Day. The proceeds from the show will benefit Keep A Child Alive.

In 2003 Keys and Leigh Blake, longtime AIDS activist and film/TV producer, co-founded Keep a Child Alive. The charity provides life-saving AIDS medicine and care to children and families in Africa and India. Keep a Child Alive also provides support to AIDS orphans left behind to keep the most vulnerable children out of harm’s way.

When it comes to performing on World AIDS Days she says, “[The show] will open up a dialogue to talk about what this day is about and to also motivate us to get involved, working with organizations like Keep a Child Alive.” Let’s hope that a lot of money is raised, as well as a lot of awareness.

You can learn more about Keep a Child Alive by going to their website.

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