Look To The Stars News: Children

JK Rowling To Create Magic For Charity Tomorrow

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Harry Potter fans around the world will have a very restless night as they wait with eager anticipation for JK Rowling’s new book, The Tales Of Beedle The Bard, which is being released tomorrow, December 4.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of five tales first referred to in Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final part in the author’s series of wizarding masterpieces. It was initially produced as seven handwritten copies, six of which were given away by Rowling as gifts, and one was bought by Amazon.com at auction last year for $4 million.

Proceeds from the book will go to Children’s High Level Group, a charity founded by JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson in 2005 to improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The charity works at a political and practical level to ensure that UN minimum standards for the care of children are implemented across the whole of Europe and beyond. Their Children’s Voice campaign wants to end the neglect and abuse of children and teenagers that still exists in many countries.

James Caan Joins Stars At Callaway Charity Golf Event

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Callaway Golf Foundation will host it’s second professional/celebrity golf tournament, the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on December 15 to benefit groundbreaking cancer research projects supported by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Professional golfers will be paired with actors, business leaders and entertainment industry executives for a round of golf, while amateur golfers will have a chance to improve their swing at the David Leadbetter Clinic, taught by the infamous golfing instructor himself.

Celebrities anticipated to attend include: Greg Kinnear, James Caan, Kyle Maclachlan, Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon, George Lopez, Josh Kelly, Matthew Lillard, Andy Richter, Peter Gallagher, Joe Mantegna, Bruce Greenwood, Jillian Michaels, and Callaway Golf staff professionals Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller, Morgan Pressel, Rocco Mediate, David Leadbetter, Rich Beem, Jim Colbert, Leta Lindley, Fredrik Jacobson, Cameron Beckman, Roger Cleveland and Vicky Hurst.

Proceeds from the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge will support Entertainment Industry Foundation’s efforts to fast track better prevention methods and improved therapies for ovarian, breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Please visit www.callawaygolfoundation.org to learn more and to make a donation.

Bid On A Charity Bear Signed By Melora Hardin

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for a gift with a difference this Christmas? Why not check out one of the new JJ Teddy Bears signed by your favorite celebrities.

The bears are available through a special charity auction benefiting the Children’s Aid Foundation, which runs education, enrichment and abuse prevention programs to provide abused and neglected children and youth with a new start on life – helping them feel safe, secure, loved and free to explore their dreams and goals.

The auction has been run annually for four years, and has helped raise $400,000 for the charity. This year’s auction features bears signed by Melora Hardin, Kreesha Turner, Nelly Furtado, Kevin Federline, Madeline Zima, Paul Ben-Victor, and more.

The auction – which ends on December 6 – can be accessed here. More information about the Children’s Aid Foundation, visit their website.

U2 Believe In Father Christmas For Africa

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

December 1st was World AIDS Day, and it also marked the launch of (RED)WIRE, an innovative new music service from (RED) that’s been set up to raise funds for HIV/AIDS charities in Africa.

Many artists have already lined up to premiere exclusive songs to help mark the event. Of course, Bono and his boys in U2 were one of the first to record an exclusive track for the new digital music magazine. Their cover of Greg Lake’s ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ is only available on (RED)WIRE.

Those who purchase (RED)WIRE memberships- which are only $5 a month- will receive a weekly digital music offering including an exclusive song from a major artist, a song from an up-and-coming artist, and bonus content such as a digital short film or a reading from an artist or actor, as well information about the impact (RED) dollars have in Africa. Half of the $5 monthly fee goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

Members who join before Wednesday, December 10, will become “Founding Members” of (RED)WIRE and receive the premier issue on December 10 as well as a special bonus song from Jay-Z.

Also, throughout the week, visit red.msn.com to see performances from U2, Jay-Z, Coldplay, John Legend, Dixie Chicks, The Killers & Elton John, The Police & Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie and Sheryl Crow.

Feed America With George Clooney's Bowl

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of your favorite actors and musicians have autographed bowls for a new charity auction to raise money for the hungry.

The Fill A Bowl, Feed America campaign is being run in conjunction with Clothes Off Our Back, the celebrity charity auction site founded by Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek.

Now is your chance to eat from quality bowls signed by stars such as George Clooney, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Adam Sandler, Rascal Flatts, Paris Hilton, Sacha Baron Cohen, Maroon 5, Wyclef Jean, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Annie Lennox, Ben Harper, Josh Groban, Jordin Sparks, Carlos Santana, Sarah McLachlan, Richie Sambora, and many more.

All of the proceeds from the auction – which runs until December 12 – will go to Feeding America. The auction can be accessed here. And remember – it only takes $1 to provide 16 meals for a child.

Nicole Kidman Designs Star For Charity Auction

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For those celebrating Christmas in Australia this year, the Starlight Children’s Foundation is holding a special auction of stars designed by 17 of the country’s favorite celebrities to raise money to grant seriously ill children wishes.

Nicole Kidman, Missy Higgins, and Andrew Johns are some of the big names to design the framed stars, along with the cast of children’s show Hi 5, The Veronicas, and many more. Each star comes with a signed photo of the celebrity, as well as other goodies such as a personal phone call from Andrew Johns.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation was established in 1989, and delivers innovative programs designed to make children happy and lift their spirits when they need it most. Starlight brings fun and laughter to children no matter what their illness or where they live.

The auction runs until December 7 and can be accessed here.

Lucy Lawless, The Warrior Bed-Making Champion

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It may not be exactly what you would expect from a warrior princess, but Xena star Lucy Lawless took part in a charity bed making competition for a children’s hospital last week.

The star was in her native New Zealand to raise money for the Starship Foundation, the fundraising branch of New Zealand’s biggest pediatric hospital, the Starship Children’s Hospital. The 40-year-old raced against the clock in front of hospital staff and patients in the contest to see who could make the neatest bed in 2 minutes. The contest was judged by Starship Foundation Vice Chair Rosie Horton and past oncology patient Ruby Seeto, with Lawless coming first equal with the CEO of Lorraine Lea Linen – who was at the event to make a $115,000 donation to the Starship Oncology Rebuild project.

“The donation from Lorraine Lea Linen is a great way to acknowledge this huge contribution to our cause,“ said Starship Foundation CEO Andrew Young. “We’re so grateful that even our Australian counterparts are getting on board for this worthy project.”

The new oncology ward will provide eight single inpatient rooms for pre-teen patients who need the space to recover away from much younger patients.

Oasis Donate Guitar To African Street Children

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Last week, rock and roll superstars Oasis donated their guitar for a charity auction to benefit Street Child Africa, an organization which befriends children living on city streets across the continent and gives them guidance and support to change their way of life.

All five band members, including guitarist Noel Gallagher and singer Liam Gallagher, signed the Martin six-string guitar for the charity before their recent gigs at Glasgow’s SECC.

The annual Street Child Africa ball is organized by a group of women who were thrilled with the donation. One of the ball’s organizers, Nicola Hay, admitted she was a little unsure if the infamously-temperamental Gallagher brothers would agree. “To be honest, I doubted whether they would sign the guitar,” she said. “I thought it was a long shot but we decided to give it a try. However, when Oasis were told what the charity was about they agreed to help out. It’s brilliant that they did sign it. In fact, Noel Gallagher wrote ‘God bless the kids’ on it, which I thought was quite touching.”

The band agreed to put their signatures on the guitar after receiving a request from Glasgow-based guitar distributors Westside, run by Bothwell man Philp Hay. The final bid for the highly sought after guitar was $4,000, and helped bring the total raised from this years event to approximately $40,000.

Kiwi Stars Record Charity Song

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of New Zealand’s best known international stars have recorded a new song to raise money for children in need.

Anika Moa, and Opshop have joined together for a version of Dave Dobbyn’s award winning song Beside You to raise money for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, a charity that provides music therapy for special needs children of school age and younger in New Zealand.

“Everyone was there with the best of intent,“ said Jason Kerrison, lead singer for Opshop. “It’s all about helping children with special needs, and knowing this helps you drive yourself and be there in the best capacity.”

The trust was established four years ago by Hinewehi Mohi, whose daughter Hineraukatauri has severe cerebral palsy, and has since gained support from stars such as Hayley Westenra and Neil Finn.

“When you see the effect that music has on kids going through the centre it’s pretty profound,” Kerrison told TVNZ.

The single will start getting airplay on New Zealand radio this week and will be available for sale from New Zealand retail giant The Warehouse and for download from December 8.

Moa and Opshop will also perform the song with Dobbyn when they take part in the annual summer Winery Tour which begins on February 6.

Anne Hathaway Gets Ready For A Cracked Xmas

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Trevor Project – the nonprofit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention – is to hold an evening of irreverent comedy, performances, and awards next month.

The 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night will be presented by Anne Hathaway and will honor Sigourney Weaver with a Life Award for her support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Previous recipients include Ellen DeGeneres, Debra Messing, and Rosie O’Donnell.

“I feel grateful and humbled to be honored with the Trevor Life Award, and to be recognized as an ally to the LGBTQ community,” said Weaver. “I hope that films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ will send messages of compassion and acceptance to all people, and compel them to create safer, all-encompassing environments for our young people.”

Lifetime Networks, a leader in women’s television that produces and distributes diverse programming for its audiences, will receive The Trevor Hope Award.

“We are delighted to honor Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime Networks, since they both demonstrate the courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer of The Trevor Project. “Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime provide inspiration to young people and families who will see films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ and understand the importance of celebrating diversity and life.”

The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth, and has taken over 100,000 phone calls since its inception.

The event will also feature an appearance by Salma Blair and will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on December 7. Tickets and info are available at the Trevor Project website.

Jack Johnson, Oasis, Radiohead Appear On Charity CD

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Urban Outfitters and Filter Magazine have teamed up to create the fifth installment of the Give.Listen.Help compilation CD to raise money for the Pablove Foundation.

The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Castelaz, the five-year-old son of Dangerbird Records co-founder Jeff Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thrailkill. On May 17, 2008, Pablo was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms’ Tumor, a rare form of children’s cancer. The cancer appeared out of nowhere, with no warning signs in Pablo’s general demeanor or health. He is currently undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and is doing extremely well. Thanks to decades of research and treatment at places like CHLA, Wilms’ Tumor is over 90% curable.

A large percentage of the proceeds from the CD ($13.88 of every $14.99) will be donated to the Foundation, which directly supports the pediatric cancer community in and around CHLA.

The track list for the double CD is:

DISC 1

Garbage – “Witness to Your Love” (previously unreleased)
Radiohead – “House of Cards”
Of Montreal – “Jimmy” (M.I.A. cover)
Bat for Lashes – “What’s a Girl” (Plaid remix)
Oasis – “Falling Down” (Chemical Brothers remix)
Rilo Kiley – “Draggin’ Around” (previously unreleased)
Bloc Party – “Flux” (JKL remix)
The Faint – “The Geeks Were Right” (DIOYY remix)
CSS – “Rat Is Dead” (Rage)”
Decemberists “Billy Liar” (live)
Ra Ra Riot – “Can You Tell” (Little Ones remix)
Ladytron – “Ghosts” (Modwheelmood mix)
The Little Ones “I Don’t Want to Dance” (previously unreleased)
Other Lives – “Paper Cities” (previously unreleased)
Two Sheds – “You”
Jack Johnson “All At Once” (live at Bumbershoot 2008)

DISC 2

Silversun Pickups – “Table Scraps”
Eulogies – “Is There Anyone Here?”
Darker My Love – “Blue Day”
The Dears – “Crisis 1 & 2”
Sea Wolf – “The Promise”
The Curse of Company – “All the Mines”
One a.m. radio – “Old Men”
Ed Laurie – “Albert”
Eric Avery – “All Remote and No Control”
Dappled Cities – “Vision Bell”
La Rocca – “Cross the River”

The CD is available exclusively through the Urban Outfitters website.

Christopher Reeve Foundation To Make Magic Happen

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Making Magic Happen, the 4th Annual Los Angeles Gala for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, will take place next Tuesday, December 2.

The evening will honor actress Jane Seymour with the 2008 Philanthropy Award and former Indy Racing League Driver Sam Schmidt with the 2008 Visionary Leadership Award.

Christopher Reeve – who was paralyzed when he fell off a horse in 1995 – first met Jane Seymour when they co-starred in the 1980 fantasy romance, “Somewhere in Time.” They remained friends for over 20 years until his death in 2004. After his accident, Seymour was inspired by his extraordinary strength and will to live. His inspiration caused her to reach out to mentor young people with spinal cord injury.

Sam Schmidt was left paralyzed after a racing accident in 2000, but regained control of his life thanks to the support of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, an organization dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

Stars expected to attend the event include Marcia Cross, Jennie Garth, Kyle Maclachlan, Brandon Routh and many others.

The event will take place at the Beverly Hills Hilton, and tickets can be purchased through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation website.

Ewan McGregor Auctions Motorcycle For UNICEF

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is set to auction one of his favorite motorcycles for UNICEF.

McGregor – a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004 – has donated his white Moto Guzzi California Vintage cycle to the charity to raise money for projects helping children around the world. The money raised from this auction will go to their Children’s Emergency Fund, which enables the organization to launch a response for children the moment a disaster strikes. Whether it is a flood, conflict or earthquake, UNICEF provides life-saving supplies such as health kits, food and shelter to children and families in need.

“It’s the first of its kind in this color and one of my favorite bikes,“ said the 37-year-old actor. “I collected this bike from the Moto Guzzi factory in Italy and rode it back to London. I’ve loved riding it ever since and I know that you will too. As a UNICEF Ambassador, I’ve been greatly privileged to visit a number of incredibly inspiring UNICEF projects and see the impact of its work on children and their families. You have the ability to help ensure that UNICEF continues its vital work protecting children when disasters occur. On behalf of UNICEF, thank you for your support.”

Earlier this year, McGregor joined Charley Boorman in a marathon motorcycle ride in Africa. The pair visited charity projects around the continent and raised over $621,000 at a charity dinner when they returned.

To view the bike or make a bid on this once-in-a-lifetime item, visit McGregor’s eBay site.

Terry Wogan To Croon For Christmas Charity Single

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Veteran British television and radio presenter Terry Wogan has teamed up with Welsh singer Aled Jones to release a Christmas single for charity.

The unlikely duo are raising funds for Children in Need with their version of the Bing Crosby and David Bowie classic ‘Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth’.

“Aled Jones sings like the canary that he is,“ joked 70-year-old Wogan. “But listeners may also detect my croaking in the background and wonder if it’s a rumbling of the stomach!”

Every copy sold will help Children in Need’s total continue to rise above the record-breaking £20,991,216 reached at the end of the epic seven hour BBC1 appeal show held earlier this month, with a minimum of £1 from the sale of each CD single benefiting the charity, as well as a minimum of 20p per download.

“It was a fantastically surreal experience recording at Abbey Road Studios with Terry Wogan and, with tremendous support from the Chris Evans Show, the song is gaining momentum daily,“ said Jones.”I don’t know if this wave of support will take us all the way to Top Of The Pops but we’re having a lot of fun helping raise money for Children in Need.”

The song goes on sale on December 8.

Help From Houston: Miley Cyrus To Perform At Christmas Charity Event

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

Miley Cyrus is set to perform at the annual Christmas Cheers and Charity Party hosted by Houston attorney Mark Lanier.

The event will benefit Guatemala SANA, an organization that develops programs to address issues ranging from healthcare and education to the nation’s environmental concerns. For the 7,000 to 8,000 guests lucky enough to receive an invitation, there is a request as well; attendees are asked to bring items from a “wish list” of possible things to donate, ranging from basic supplies to cash for larger materials such as blackboards and septic tanks for schools.

Lanier explained the motivation behind his mission, telling the Houston Chronicle that “We’re trying to get them clean water. We’re trying to get them good schools. And we’re trying to give them the supplies they need to get an education.”

Next month’s event will not be the first time Miley has lent her time for a good cause. The Hannah Montana star recently celebrated her sixteenth birthday with a charity bash at Disneyland to benefit the volunteering organization Youth Service America.

For more information about Guatemala SANA, visit their website.

Band Aid Founder Awarded Honorary Degree

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Midge Ure – the musician who helped Bob Geldof organize Band Aid and co-wrote Do They Know It’s Christmas? – has received an honorary doctorate for his humanitarian work.

The 55-year-old former singer for Ultravox was presented with the degree at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, an honor that follows similar awards from universities in Edinburgh, Abertay and Paisley.

Ure – who was awarded with an OBE in 2005 – is still a member of the Band Aid Trust and still gives his time to organizing benefit events, such as Geldof’s Live 8 events three years ago.

Ure said he was “overwhelmed and extremely pleased” to receive the award and urged fellow graduates to “make a difference”.

Bono's RED(Wire) To Launch Next Week

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new digital music service offered by Bono’s (RED) campaign is set to launch on Monday, December 1 – the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

The singer announced the new system in July, saying: “We are working on [a way that] will help change the way music is received, as well as change the lives of Africans who will die without the AIDS drug that (RED) can provide.”

RED (Wire) will be a subscription-based service that will deliver weekly magazine style installments. For $5/month, subscribers will receive an exclusive song from one of the world’s top artists, a song by an emerging artist, a piece of non-music content called a “Crackerjack surprise,” and stories of how (RED) funds are being used to combat the deadly disease.

MSN will host Monday’s launch, with new songs and videos from U2, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend and Sheryl Crow to be available at red.msn.com. Bob Dylan, REM, and The Police will also have videos available exclusively on RED (Wire), and there will also be a special Christmas duet between The Killers and Elton John.

“I like that it stands alone as a creative and fun thing to both receive and participate in,” said Michael Stipe. “And it would be that with or without the charity aspect.”

Orlando Bloom Visits Russia For UNICEF

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Actor and heartthrob Orlando Bloom made a surprise trip to Russia recently, to visit the Krasnoselsky social shelter in Moscow on behalf of UNICEF.

The shelter works with children from vulnerable families who are unable to provide for them. Many of the children at the facility have been neglected or forced out onto the streets and exposed to physical and psychological abuse.

“I was very impressed with my visit to the UNICEF-supported shelter,” said Bloom. “I wanted to understand for myself some of the crucial work being done for those children who really need help. Every child has the right to food and to live in a family environment. I was amazed by the strength and courage of the children and how the centre was trying to enable the children to return to their original families.”

Earlier this year, the 32-year-old star of “Lord of the Rings” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” spent four days touring the western districts of Nepal with UNICEF, visiting programs run by the organization.

“I like the fact that UNICEF does not simply provide people with the humanitarian aid, but also elaborates on methods and tools to solve problems and improve the life of children and women,” he said.

UNICEF supports a number of institutions in Moscow and St. Petersburg that offer rehabilitation and support to at-risk children, and also promotes social programs that provide intervention, support and reintegration services.

“UNICEF is pleased to see that in Russia, much more priority is now being placed on minimizing these situations in the first place either by supporting vulnerable families or developing alternative family based care when it is not in the best interest of the child to grow up in its biological family,” said UNICEF’s Representative in Russia, Bertrand Bainvel.

Josh Hartnett To Art Africa

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Josh Hartnett plans to go to Africa with Dramatic Needs to give a new kind of voice to underprivileged children.

Unlike most charities which supply clothing, food and shelter, Dramatic Needs wants to give the children of South Africa a creative outlet and voice through art. By sending UK-based actors, musicians and artists to teach workshops in various art forms, the charity believes that children will be “better able to cope with poverty, malnutrition and disease.”

“We try to give them a voice of their own and a way to communicate what they’re going through that they don’t find threatening,” said founder Amber Sainsbury. “We give them the means to express what they feel in very underprivileged parts of the world.”

“I want to go down there and actually help out,” added Hartnett. “It’s fun for an actor to be able to do something that’s not for publicity, but actually go down and do something hands-on. It allows the kids to be children. It allows them to be creative and have a good time for a little portion of their day, which I think is necessary.”

Model Helena Christensen also likes the idea. “I think it’s a very worthy cause. I think it’s a beautiful thing to do for children in Africa. It’s a good chance to give children who are living in difficult circumstances the chance to develop mentally.”

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A British charity for victims of landmines has launched their annual online celebrity shoe auction.

The Mines Advisory Group has gathered footwear from over 50 celebrities for the auction, which will raise vital funds for their projects and draw attention to the part of the body most vulnerable to landmines.

The auction was launched by model Kelly Knox, the glamorous winner of BBC 3’s best disabled model competition, at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in London.

“We are extremely honored to have Kelly launch our shoe auction this year,” said MAG’s Chief Executive Lou McGrath OBE. “Despite being born without a left forearm, Kelly has proven disability is not a deterrent to success. She should be an inspiration to the many thousands of people who have been cruelly maimed by the thousands of landmines still threatening lives and communities worldwide.”

Celebrities who have donated their soles to the cause include Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell, Chrissie Hynde, Beverley Knight, Ian McKellen, Shirley Bassey, Russell Brand, Jarvis Cocker, Heather Mills, Joanna Lumley, Susan Sarandon, Pete Townshend, KT Tunstall, Chris Martin, Rolf Harris, and many others.

The auction ends on December 4 and can be accessed via the MAG eBay site.

British charity auction site Buy Once Give Twice also currently has some exciting opportunities for philanthropic bargain hunters.

Rays of Sunshine – a charity that grants wishes to seriously and terminally ill children in the UK – have a whole bunch of VIP tickets up for grabs on the site right now, including concert experiences with Coldplay, Madness, and the Kaiser Cheifs. There is also a Fender guitar signed by Sting up for grabs, as well as a Chelsea football shirt signed by the whole team, and the chance to hang out with Emma Thompson on the set of the new Nanny McPhee movie.

But you better be quick, this auction ends tomorrow, November 26.

Kim Kardashian Empties Closet And Garage For Charity

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If Kim Kardashian is the sort of person that spins your wheels, then you may be interested in the new charity auction she has organized.

The 28-year-old television personality – along with boyfriend Reggie Bush – is selling off her collection of cars, including a white Ranger Rover, a Mercedes Shark II, and a Maserati.

“A percentage of the proceeds from this and all my auctions will go to my favorite charity, the Dream Foundation, a really wonderful organization that grants wishes to terminally-ill adults,“ she said. “I volunteer for them and love the way they’re making a difference in the world… one person at a time.”

Also up for auction is a selection of clothes from the closets of her famous family.

“As you know, I love to sell my stuff on eBay, and give some of the proceeds to charity” said Kardashian. “So I’ve encouraged Reggie to do it with me. We are putting up a whole bunch of auctions. We actually have my sisters Kourtney and Khloe, my Mom, everyone’s selling our stuff. It’s time to clean out our closets and give back a little bit.”

The auction runs until December 3. To check out the items up for grabs or to make a bid, head to their auction page on eBay Giving Works.

Mencap Gains New Celebrity Ambassador

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

UK charity Mencap – which works with people with learning disabilities – has just acquired a new ambassador, the English comedian and actor Mathew Horne, who will help promote awareness of learning disabilities.

30 year-old Horne was nominated for Best Male Comedy Newcomer at the 2007 British Comedy Awards and is best known for playing the role of Gavin Shipman in the BBC Sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

Horne revealed that he would be supporting the charity during the Little Noise Sessions at The Union Chapel of Union in London.

He also said he was looking forward to helping Mencap raise much needed funds, awarness and hopes to keep things humorous at the same time.

“I am absolutely honored to become an ambassador. It is a brilliant charity and one that is very dear to my heart,” he added.

Many other celebrities are involved with this charity, including actor Christopher Eccleston, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre, actress Kellie Shirley, Newcastle-born actress and TV presenter Donna Air, Paula Sage – who became an ambassador after she won a Bafta award for her role in the film Afterlife – actor and singer Will Young, and Lisa Scott Lee.

John Travolta Makes Massive Donation

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

John Travolta and Kelly Preston made a special announcement when they attended a charity premiere of the new animated film Bolt in their hometown of Ocala, Florida, on Friday night.

The charity premiere raised $55,000 for the local Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, a figure that got cheers from the crowds that turned out to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. However, Travolta had a bigger surprise in store.

“And just because I’m in a good mood, I’m gonna add another $10,000 to that.”

Travolta is well known for his support of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, and has held charity premieres of his films for the organization in the past.

“We’re part of this community, too,” said Travolta, “and it’s more fun to have a movie to help contribute to a charity-raising situation. And it’s more fun for us because it brings a little bit of Hollywood to the community. With the Boys & Girls Club of America, in Marion County specifically, we get to refurbish their game room, maybe increase the security. We’ll do a lot of good things with that money.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Marion County is “ecstatic“ with Travolta’s donation.

Prince Charles Celebrates 60th By Giving Back

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Prince Charles didn’t feel that celebrating his 60th birthday last week was any reason to break from charity work, so he attended the launch of a new project run by his Prince’s Trust.

The one-week campaign, called Youth Week, aimed to overshadow negative gang-crime press by highlighting the positive contributions young people are making in society.

“Young people are more likely to do voluntary work than any other age group,” said Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Trust. “We need to celebrate our nation’s youth.”

Through thousands of Trust community projects, young people have contributed nearly £100 million to local areas across the UK.

During a Royal visit to the Trust last month, Queen Elizabeth said, “[Prince Philip and I] are both enormously proud to have been reminded here today of [Prince Charles’] personal contribution to this remarkable organization.”

Actress Emma Thompson is also impressed with the Prince’s work over the past decades. Unable to attend his birthday in person, Thompson gave interviews to publicly congratulate him. “He’s a remarkable guy who just spends his entire time working to make the world slightly less tricky to be in. Everything he said when he was a young man – that he was ridiculed for by the British press – is all coming to pass. He’s much loved by many, and especially by me.”

“For Prince Philip and me,” said the Queen at Prince Charles’ birthday celebration, “there can be no greater pleasure or comfort than to know that into his care are safely entrusted the guiding principles of public service and duty to others.”

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