Look To The Stars News: Depression and Suicide

Iconic Eveningwear Up For Auction

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 23:25:21 +0000

Trademark pieces worn by two of film’s most famous characters are to be auctioned off for charity in the first half of December.

British auctioneers Christie’s will sell the classic black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and a live auction for UK charity ChildLine will feature the tuxedo worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale.

Hepburn’s Givenchy dress will sell as part of Christie’s annual film and entertainment sale in London on the 5th of December. The lot is expected to raise £50,000-£70,000 (around $99,000-$140,000) for underprivileged children in India through the City of Joy Aid charity.

Hepburn’s wardrobe for the film was designed by Hubert de Givenchy, and the renowned designer has donated key pieces from his collection to raise money for disadvantaged children around the world in an attempt to continue the spirit of Audrey Hepburn’s work for UNICEF.

The famous black dress was given to Monsieur and Madame Lapierre to raise money for their City of Joy Aid charity. A meeting with Mother Theresa prompted the Lapierres to found the charity in 1981, which helps the poorest of the poor through a network of clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and hospital boats.

The dress is currently available for viewing at Christie’s in London.

Daniel Craig’s dinner suit was donated to ChildLine, which is marking its 20th anniversary by auctioning off over 30 prizes, including a part in Desperate Housewives, lyrics for the hit song Angels handwritten and signed by Robbie Williams, and a signed Michael Schumacher limited edition print. The live auction will take place at the ChildLine Ball on Saturday 9 December, though fax and email bids can be made up until 7th of December.

ChildLine is striving to raise £20m (around $40m) to extend by 1,000 the 2,500 children it currently helps each day. The charity has brought abusers to justice, and has helped nearly two million children through counselling and support.

NBA's Shawn Marion To Host Charity Poker Event

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:59:07 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Regarded as one of the most versatile and best all-around players in the NBA, Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns is bringing his game to the felt to host the Hearts & Helmets Charity Poker Tournament on January 30. The exclusive event, which will be held at a private venue in Scottsdale, Arizona, hopes to raise more than $1million for various charities, and will include silent and live auctions for such items as Suns/Spurs floor seats, a trip to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, a private jet to Napa for the day, a private party on a yacht in San Diego, champagne helicopter tours, celebrity dinners, autographed memorabilia, plasma TVs, tickets to the Super Bowl, and invitations to additional exclusive events.

Hearts & Helmets offers poker amateurs and aficionados a chance to hold ‘em or fold ’em alongside A-list sports and entertainment stars, including members of the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs, as well as Olympic decathlon gold medallist Dan O’Brien, Patrick Warburton (aka David Puddy from Seinfeld) and World Series MVP Jermaine Dye.

“This allows you to sit next to and hang out with stars,” said organizer Jeff Geller. “If you’ve got a chip and a chair, you’re in.”

The $1,000-per-person ticket price will benefit several charities, including Brad Pitt's Global Green USA Project for rebuilding New Orleans; the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; the Fournier Center for Empowerment; Free Arts of Arizona, ICAN, Junior Achievement, the Bus Stops Here Foundation, the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, and Suns Nite Hoops.

The event will take place 4:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. with the location made available upon registration. For more information go to www.allinforacause.com.

2008 Golden Globes Roundup

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:54:19 +0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

There may have been no red carpet, acceptance speeches, or flash of cameras for the winners of the 2008 Golden Globe Awards, but Look To The Stars takes this golden opportunity to recognize some of those who were honored and nominated.

Johnny Depp won his first Golden Globe after being nominated seven times since his career began, picking up the Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical award for Sweeney Todd. Despite his dark performance, there really is a lighter side to the actor. In the past, Depp’s charitable work garnered him the Courage to Care Award for his contributions to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

The Best Actress Award went to veteran Julie Christie, who was up against heavyweights such as Angelina Jolie, an outstanding supporter and contributor to charitable causes. Some of the charities she has supported include the Afghanistan Relief Organization, the Alliance For The Lost Boys, Fran Drescher's Cancer Schmancer Movement, Doctors Without Borders, and the Daniel Pearl Foundation.

Daniel Day Lewis won Best Actor for his performance in “There Will Be Blood”, beating out celebrity humanitarians George Clooney and Denzel Washington. Like Jolie, Clooney is a major force in trying to make the world a better place, and he is a noted supporter of Cinema For Peace, Make Poverty History, Rock For Darfur, United Way, and the World Food Programme. Washington has spent time visiting wounded soldiers at Fisher Houses, hospitals which provide housing for injured soldiers’ families at little or no cost, and once made a large donation to the Fisher House Foundation. He is also the spokesperson for the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, honorary chairperson for Save Africa's Children, and a founding member of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

Australian-born Cate Blanchett took home the gold in the category for Best Supporting Actress. Charities Blanchett supports include the Australian Conservation Foundation, Kids Help Line, and SolarAid. In the past, Blanchett filmed a special appeal for SolarAid that was screened at the Hay Festival. The video is available to view on YouTube.

Queen Latifah took home the Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries, for her role in “Life Support”. A supporter of several charities, Queen Latifah once helped design a pair of shoes for the Stuart Weitzman charity shoe auction benefiting ovarian cancer awareness and research, and has been involved with Citymeals On Wheels and the Harry Holmberg Memorial Foundation.

Jeremy Piven beat his “Entourage” co-star Kevin Dillon to win his second award for Best Supporting TV Actor. Piven once hosted the fourth annual Fashion Rocks event, which benefited Alicia Keys' Keep A Child Alive Foundation.

Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees for all the work that you do in front of the camera and behind the scenes to inspire a better world.

Counting Crows' Instruments Fly Out The Door For GreyBirds

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:06:50 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The members of rock band Counting Crows have auctioned off tickets, albums, memorabilia and instruments, raising nearly $20,000 for charity.

The proceeds will benefit the GreyBird Foundation, which grew out of the outreach program the band established in 1998 to encourage and support people to become more helpful in their own neighborhoods. Through GreyBird, the band provides a platform for other outreach groups at Counting Crows concerts. They also ask audience members to bring canned food to the concerts for donation, and encourage people to vote.

“The most patriotic act you can ever do in your life is to vote,” says Duritz.

On an international level, GreyBird works with Kids for Tomorrow, which helps fund and build schools for children in Africa.

“We’re just trying to keep kids in school a little longer.”

The highest bid in the auction – $7600 – was for lead singer Adam Duritz’s handwritten song lyric book. Concert tickets plus dinners with the band were also big sellers.

Ben Mize’s drum is the last Counting Crows item still up for auction, on Ebay until April 21. Proceeds will benefit Nuçi's Space, a center for musicians suffering from depression.

MTV's Greg Halstead To Make Appearance For Charity

Fri, 23 May 2008 10:51:37 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Real World’s Greg Halstead is set to attend a benefit in Knoxville, TN later this month. Halstead, the first housemate ever to be chosen by viewers, will be at the Knoxville Center Mall on Saturday, May 31 for a meet-and-greet benefitting the Damon and Stella Foundation.

The Damon and Stella Foundation For Mental Health was founded in 2006 by survivors of suicide, and is an alliance of artists and health care professionals dedicated to expanding cultural awareness of mental disease. The charity strives to raise awareness of the issue through public service announcements, and has had three such PSAs made with country singer Randy Travis.

In exchange for a $10-15 charitable donation, fans will have the opportunity to get autographs and have a picture taken with the model/aspiring comedian. Halstead’s appearance, from 1-3 next Saturday, will help raise funds to make and air more PSA’s. He is quoted as saying in a press release, “I like doing charity work and any time that I can use my celebrity status to bring attention to a wonderful charity like the Damon and Stella Foundation, I like that even better.”

For more information Greg’s appearance or how to get involved with the Damon and Stella Foundation, visit www.thedasfoundation.org.

Pete Doherty Scores For Samaritans

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:11:46 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They came, they saw, but they didn’t quite conquer. Poor old Pete Doherty and his Babyshambles team mates were unable to defend their title at the Samaritans Celebrity Soccer Six football tournament at Millwall Football Club last week.

Despite showing some impressive foot work, Babyshambles lost out 3-1 in the final match to the Faithless team, with Doherty only just making the match… he was released from prison a few days beforehand.

But past misdemeanors were put aside for the game, which raised awareness and money for the Samaritans, a 24 hour emotional support charity.

“Soccer Six allows Samaritans to raise awareness of the 24:7 emotional support that we offer, and in light of the recent suicides in Bridgend in Wales, it is vital that we reach out to young people out to young people at an earlier stage before problems seem much more difficult to manage,” said Claire Duncan from Samaritans. “Samaritans is here to listen, not to judge or make assumptions but to give people the time and space to work through how they are feeling. If you need emotional support then get in touch.”

Doherty has been a longtime supporter of the charity, especially the work they do with prisoners: “Samaritans provide a service called the Listeners where they train inmates so if you’re struggling any time during the night you’ve got someone you can spill your heart out to.”

Other celebrities to take part in the tournament included The Wombats, The Twang, Michelle Heaton, Jade Goody, Dave Gorman, and contestants from Big Brother, X Factor, and The Apprentice.

Look To The Stars Asks "The Real World's" Greg Halstead

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:40:00 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

We recently caught up with Greg Halstead, from the current season of the hit MTV show The Real World Hollywood to talk about charity work, the environment, and more.

Greg will be at the Knoxville Center (formerly East Town Mall) on Saturday, May 31, from 1pm – 3pm signing autographs and taking pictures with fans for a charity fundraiser benefiting the Damon and Stella Foundation. For a $10 donation, you will receive a personalized autographed picture of Greg, signed in person, and for a $15 donation you will receive a personalized autographed picture of Greg and get your photo taken with him with your camera.

Suicide survivors Damon Ivey and Stella Barrett founded the DAS Foundation in 2006. It is an alliance of artists and health care professionals dedicated to expanding cultural awareness of mental disease and led by celebrity spokesperson Randy Travis.

Greg is the first Real World cast member to be selected by a viewer poll, and cast members have criticized him for his apparent ‘standoffish’ behavior. But Look to the Stars spoke to Greg and learned that there is much more to him than meets the eye. He is educated, articulate, confident, and sincere in his efforts to raise awareness about mental health.

Anthony Embry of A.E. Entertainment Public Relations, a DAS Board Member, confirmed Greg’s sincerity. During the filming of the Real World Hollywood, one of the cast members, Joey, was drinking in excess and exhibiting troubling behavior. “I remember watching the show and [Joey] said things like ‘I dont wanna live anymore’, and ’you’re going to wake up one day and I wont be here’”, said Embry. “So I called Greg and spoke to him about it. He said he was upset but more concerned about other people ‘who don’t have a producer or someone looking out for them.’ When I spoke with him later, he told me that he wanted to use his time on the Real World with some kind of purpose, he wanted to do something bigger and this was when I brought him onto the Foundation. He was personaly touched and offered to lend his time to help others.”

I spoke to Greg recently about charity and making the world a better place.

Hi Greg. On your blog, you described yourself as “having the distinct ability to brighten the moods of those around you.” It seems fitting that you would endorse a foundation dedicated to expanding awareness of mental disease. Is that part of the reason you were attracted to the DAS Foundation?

I was attracted to it for several reasons. On the show, I was around a cast member who basically said that we would wake up one day and he wouldn’t be there. He mentioned stuff like suicide, and it was a very, very trying thing to experience. It was the first time I experienced something like that… when Anthony (Embry) called, he said he was watching the episode where the housemates were expressing their views on his behavior, and he called me and asked how I felt about that. I said it was weird, I never experienced anything like that aside from seeing it on TV. When he mentioned the DAS Foundation, I felt it was important to educate people and erase the stigma associated with mental illness because I had been experiencing it in the house and was having difficulty knowing how to deal with it, so I asked if I could help.

When you lost your father in 2006 to cancer, you used the word “dumbfounded” to describe your state of mind. Do you feel that you can draw from this personal experience to help others cope with the guilt or loss of a loved one?

In my father’s situation, I almost felt like – in a way it was almost something I had no control over. He had cancer, and I felt he had the control. We all expressed that we wanted him to stop smoking, but he just couldn’t muster the fortitude to quit, so it really wasn’t in my power to help him.

On your blog, you also mentioned that you took part in, and won, a global gala show that pit contestants in a competition to see who can provide the most awareness about a culture in a creative way. If you were to take part in a similar competition, how would you provide the “most awareness” about or inspire others to support the Damon and Stella Foundation?

I’d probably make a presentation – let’s say you have a person with a mental health issue… I would try to dispel that sitgma associated with it. I’d have a skit that shows how someone is trying to deal with their problems, and how people just, you know, push it aside like ‘oh, they’re just having a bad day’ or ’it’s not that serious, they’ll wake up tomorrow and be fine’ – we can’t just sweep it under the rug. I’d try to give people help in spotting the behavior and not assuming its just gonna pass, just get the word out.

Do you feel celebrities have a responsibility to use their status in efforts to give back to the community?

Yes, I do honestly. It’s the community who makes you what you are – you wouldn’t be a movie star if no one watched your movies, you wouldn’t be making CDs if people weren’t buying them – the people make you who you are. They are the ones that go to your movies, they are the ones who buy your CDs, so it’s important to give back through donations or time.

When you were a child, is there anyone in particular, aside from family or God, who personally inspired you?

Yes, I had a teacher in high school, by the name of Charles Brinkerhoff, he was my 11th grade history teacher. He was Caucasian and I’m Black. It wasn’t an all Black school, but I was one of the few Blacks in his class, so he used to always challenge me. A lot of African American males would sometimes use their race as a crutch – not that I did that – but he always pushed me to not focus on my race as a factor, so he was just always pushing me to excel, excel, excel, and to believe that I was competent. He influenced me to realize that I am very competent and it doesn’t matter what my race is, and I admire him very much.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

‘Venus is a Boy’ by Bjork, because it has a narcissistic theme to it and a lot of people think I’m a bit narcissistic.

The Real World Hollywood was filmed in an Eco-friendly house?

Yeah, very much so, we had a microwave, refurbished furniture, glass counter tops, even a computer that was powered by a bicycle, which was very unique and challenging.

Based on your experiences, what do you feel is the biggest threat to the environment?

Basically, I would say the water supply. I mean it’s drying up and we need it to sustain life. There are a lot of great videos out there to illustrate what’s going on, and I hope people are watching them and educating themselves.

I know you’re a sports junkie-what’s your favorite sport?

Favorite sport participating in would be basketball – watching would be football…I was a big Cowboys fan for many years in the 90’s.

What was the most important thing you learned on the show?

Don’t take it seriously. It’s a show, its not the real world!

Look to the Stars would like to thank Greg Halstead for his time and commitment to the cause, as well as Anthony Embry of A.E. Entertainment Public Relations who made this interview possible.

Kylie Minogue Adds Her Voice To Children's Campaign

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop princess Kylie Minogue is backing a new campaign to boost vital phone helplines used by thousands of vulnerable and victimized children each year.

The 40-year-old singer has pledged her support to raise $93 million for British children’s charities ChildLine and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Both organizations are currently underfunded and need urgent help to extend their phone helpline services, which provide trained counselors for vulnerable children. According to ChildLine, for every youngster using their service, another cannot get through due to under-funding.

“Finding the courage to tell someone about being abused is one of the most difficult decisions a child will ever have to make,” Minogue told Britain’s The Sun. “Sadly their cries for help are not always heard because ChildLine is unable to speak to every child who rings the 0800 1111 number. We can all help to change that by supporting the NSPCC’S Child’s Voice Appeal and make sure those children no longer face their troubles alone.”

The Child’s Voice Appeal is a three-year campaign that aims to help ChildLine answer more calls and protect more children. It will also use funds raised to make the unique service available to children by phone, online and by text.

More information on how to join Kylie in supporting this worthy campaign, visit www.childline.org.uk or www.nspcc.org.uk.

Also raising money for the NSPCC at the moment is a online celebrity auction organized by a retired couple in England – Don and Yvette Courtney.

A dress donated by Elizabeth Hurley and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton's baseball cap are just some of the items on offer. To view the auction, visit www.mooreallen.co.uk.

Ozzy To Host Rock Awards For Charity

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Warning – you’d better hide your bats this Halloween, because Ozzy Osbourne is to host the annual Classic Rock Magazine Roll of Honor Awards.

This prestigious – and probably very loud – event will bring together some of the biggest names in the rock music industry to celebrate their musical achievements, with all proceeds going to ChildLine.

The awards will see Rock’s favorite names go head-to-head, with Def Leppard, Alice Cooper, ACDC and many others up for Album of the Year, Band of the Year, Event of the Year, and DVD Release of the Year. There will also be an auction of amplifiers signed by the stars.

‘This will be a fantastic occasion for everyone & we are absolutely delighted to join forces with some of the world’s greatest names in rock for such a worthwhile charity," said Michael Johnson, Marketing Manager for event sponsor Monitor Audio.

The awards take place on November 4 in London. More information can be found at the Classic Rock Magazine website.

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 Selma 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.

Trevor Project To Honor Sigourney Weaver With Life Award

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Written by Rachel Krause

On December 7, the 11th annual fundraising event, Cracked Xmas: A Not So Silent Night, will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, California, to benefit The Trevor Project, a 24-hour suicide hotline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth.

The Trevor Project will be honoring Lifetime Networks and Academy Award Nominated Actress, Sigourney Weaver. Weaver, who has never been afraid to take on roles that brought the LGBTQ and straight communities together by defying stereotypes, will be honored with The Trevor Life 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,” Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. “Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime provide inspiration to young people and families who will see films ‘Prayers for Bobby’ and understand the importance of celebrating diversity and life.”

For the past ten years The Trevor Project has been working to curb LGBTQ suicides through the usage of its hotline. The basis behind organization is the 18-minute film, Trevor, which is about a gay 13-year-old boy who considers committing suicide after being rejected by friends and peers. The film earned the 1994 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

Since its inception, The Trevor Help Line has received over 100,000 phone calls from distressed youth. In addition to the help line, The Trevor Project also offers Dear Trevor, an online forum where young people can ask questions in a safe, anonymous atmosphere.

Well-known stars such as Selma Blair, Wanda Sykes, and Leslie Jordan are scheduled to attend the gala. Fantasia Barrino is also scheduled to perform.

Mezzanine and balcony tickets for Cracked Xmas are still available and can be purchased on The Trevor Project website.

Anne Hathaway Auctions Date For Charity

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Anne Hathaway surprised guests at a charity gala on Saturday night by auctioning off a date to the highest bidder.

The 26-year-old was hosting the 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night event to benefit The Trevor Project when she made the surprise announcement.

“I’m not usually very forward, but I thought if there was ever a crowd for me to do something like this, this is my crowd – so I would like to auction myself off,” she said during the event, which was aimed to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention.

Three fans forked out $12,000 for the chance to go on the date with Hathaway, with the proceeds going to The Trevor Project, a nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

The evening also featured an appearance by Selma Blair, and Sigourney Weaver received the Trevor Life Award for her “courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance.”

Chelsea To Host Celebrity Charity Soccer

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge will once again host the Celebrity Soccer Six tournament this May to help raise money for the Samaritans.

For the last seven years, the competition has attracted celebrity players such as Oasis, Razorlight, Kasabian, Robbie Williams, Rod Stewart, McFly, Westlife and many more. Members of Babyshambles have already confirmed their place in this year’s competition.

With over 150 stars, Soccer Six is the most prestigious six-a-side celebrity football tournament in the world, with names from music, sport, television, film and entertainment all displaying their skills.

“Everyone involved have always felt that Chelsea is the spiritual home of Soccer Six,” said Soccer Six managing director Mark Abery. “In the seven years we’ve been gone we’ve taken the event to Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Villa, Birmingham and Everton, all great clubs and all great Soccer Sixes but it does feel really exciting to be back at Chelsea. To mark this historic occasion we’ll be inviting back all our previous champions and biggest names to battle it out for this year’s title.”

The event takes place on Sunday 24 May, with tickets available from chelseafc.com, priced at £12 for adults and £10 for children.

Daniel Radcliffe Donates To Crisis And Suicide Prevention Hotline

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The Trevor Project, the non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, has announced that it has received a major donation from Daniel Radcliffe, the critically-acclaimed star of the “Harry Potter” film series and Broadway’s “Equus.”

The 20-year-old actor joined The Trevor Project’s Circle of Hope, a community of major donors which plays an essential role in providing the financial leadership that makes the organization’s lifesaving work possible.

The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” a comedy/drama about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action). Since its founding, The Trevor Helpline has received hundreds of thousands of calls from LGBTQ youth across the country. In the past year alone, call volume to The Trevor Helpline has increased more than 300 percent.

“I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work,” said Daniel Radcliffe. “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. I deeply hope my support can raise the organization’s visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline’s highly trained counselors and Trevor’s many other resources. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”

In addition to The Trevor Helpline, the organization operates a number of other important programs, including “Dear Trevor,” an online question-and-answer forum for young people with questions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity; The Trevor Survival Kit, an educational kit distributed to schools and youth service providers to help educators facilitate discussions about suicide, gender identity and sexual orientation; and TrevorSpace, an online social networking community for LGBTQ youth, their friends and allies. Radcliffe’s gift will help fund these efforts as well as the organization’s national education and advocacy work.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Daniel for his truly inspiring and historic generosity and support,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. “He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ youth.”

After becoming aware of The Trevor Project and its mission, Radcliffe decided to become involved with the organization. His involvement began with financial support to assist The Trevor Project’s programmatic efforts. Moving forward, Radcliffe anticipates taking additional steps to help further broaden awareness of the organization.

Daniel Radcliffe Supports Youth Helpline

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Leading UK charity Get Connected has announced that Daniel Radcliffe, the critically acclaimed star of the “Harry Potter” film series and Broadway’s Equus, has confirmed his support and made a generous donation to the signposting service.

Get Connected is the confidential, free, national helpline for young people under-25 who have a problem but do not know where to find help. Its trained Helpline Volunteers give each young person the emotional support and information they need to choose the best option from the thousands of services available in the UK.

Radcliffe, 20, currently busy on the film set of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, confirmed his support of Get Connected as the charity celebrated its tenth anniversary with a reception at the House of Lords.

Daniel Radcliffe said: "I am delighted to pledge my support for Get Connected, and mark their 10th anniversary by becoming their first Best Friend. The free confidential helpline finding young people help for any problem is a vital and unique service. We live in a world that is so full of choice and information; it is often impossible to know where to turn or what to do.

“Get Connected is there for young people in need of help no matter what the issue, from eating disorders to abuse, homelessness to pregnancy. I see Get Connected as much more than just a gateway for information; it is a friend to thousands of young people across the UK. I also support The Trevor Project, which is America’s leading national organisation focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. As with Trevor, I hope that my support can raise the visibility of Get Connected so that even more young people become aware that there’s help on hand."

Get Connected fields 70,000 calls each year and over 20,000 young people are connected for free to the help, via phone, email and webchat, with a further addition to the service, WebHelp 24/7 for online self-help, launched this week.

Fiona Clark, Interim Chief Executive of Get Connected, added: “We feel extremely privileged that Daniel Radcliffe has chosen to support Get Connected and help us launch our new Friends scheme in such an exciting way. His generous contribution will assist us immensely as we work towards raising greater awareness among young people and expanding our services to be available for young people whenever they need help. We are hopeful that Daniel’s big-hearted commitment will encourage others to follow his lead and also become a Friend of Get Connected to help us make a difference to thousands more young people.”

Find out more at www.getconnected.org.uk.

LTTS Exclusive - The 2009 ChildLine Ball

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Written by Richard Barker

I joined the ex-King of the Jungle Christopher Biggins on Thursday night as he hosted the “I’m a Celebrity…” ChildLine Ball, a unique event that raised £265,000 for ChildLine.

Other “I’m a Celebrity” stars in attendance included Esther Rantzen, ex-King Joe Swash, Carly Zucker and David Van Day. A champagne reception was followed by a three course dinner and a live bush tucker trial.

During the auction, guests made bids for a first class trip to France to experience a flight in a Breitling fighter jet by French ex-military display pilots, and Season 10’s Big Brother Diary Room chair. Other prizes included escapes to South Africa, Egypt and Greece as well as weekend breaks, a luxury cruise and a private yacht for a day.

This year, the event was sponsored by Character Options Ltd, Hasbro UK Ltd, Bandai UK Ltd and MGA Entertainment.

ChildLine founder and president Esther Rantzen CBE said: "What a brilliant night! It brought back fond memories of our ordeal in the jungle, and we are thrilled that it raised so money for ChildLine. We would like to thank all the sponsors for their generous donations. ChildLine is a vital service for desperate children who have nowhere else to go. It has provided trusted and confidential support for lonely and isolated young people for 23 years saving precious young lives and protecting children from pain.

“While the 0800 1111 telephone number remains a lifeline for children, we have just opened a new ChildLine online counselling service which will give children even more choice in how they seek help. Once again, thank you so much for all your support.”

Dan Gopal, Chairman of the ChildLine Ball Committee said: “We are delighted that the ball raised so much money for ChildLine while entertaining all our guests at the same time. The night was a huge success and we are extremely grateful for all the support we got from our sponsors, table hosts and guests. The entire committee and ChildLine invest so much time into making the ball such an amazing event, and I hope all of our guests will agree it was a triumphant success!.”

Since 1986 ChildLine has provided a vital service for desperate children with nowhere else to turn. All funds raised from the ball will benefit the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, which will help ChildLine answer more calls from children and young people worried about any problem.

Here are some facts about ChildLine and the Child’s Voice Appeal:
ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people, with trained volunteer counsellors available to comfort, advise and protect. In February 2006, ChildLine formally joined with the NSPCC in a move that will ensure even stronger services and a more influential voice for children of all ages. The ChildLine service, now one of the NSPCC’s listening services, still has the same well known telephone number – 0800 1111 – and children and young people can still call 24 hours a day and receive the same crucial service.

The Child’s Voice Appeal aims to raise £50m so that the NSPCC’s vital helplines can answer many more cries for help. To date the appeal has raised £18.1m. The funds will mean that ChildLine’s volunteers can counsel 500,000 more calls every year; children will be able to choose how they access ChildLine’s help – by phone, online or by text; the NSPCC Helpline can grow by over 60% to counsel 18,000 more adults a year who have concerns about a child; and counsellors can provide personalised help by email to nearly five times as many concerned adults. For more information visit www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk.

Neil Patrick Harris To Be Honored By The Trevor Project

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Ashley Parker

How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris is to be honored by The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Along with Harris, AT&T Inc. will be honored at Cracked Xmas 12, which takes place on December 6 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Cracked Xmas is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. It brings top entertainers together to support the organization’s programs.

Harris has become a compelling example for LGBTQ youth. He will be given the Trevor Life Award, which annually honors an individual who is an inspiration to LGBTQ youth through example, support, volunteerism, and/or occupation.

Harris said, “For many years, I have been a passionate and enthusiastic supporter of The Trevor Project’s lifesaving work, and I’m deeply honored to be recognized by an organization which has such a vital mission. Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to live their lives proudly as exactly who they are. I’m hopeful that in accepting this award, and in helping to build further awareness of the Trevor Project’s resources, I can in some small way make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth.”

Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO of The Trevor Project, said he applauds Harris for “having the courage and conviction to set positive examples for young people, and for inspiring them to take pride in themselves and each other.”

The Trevor Project works to save lives through its free and confidential helpline, in-school workshops, education materials, online resources and advocacy. To find out more, visit www.TheTrevorProject.org.

Rock Stars Sign Guitar Amps For Charity

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page joined a host of rock gods in signing a pair of Monitor Audio loudspeakers to be auctioned for charity.

The pair of Gold GS20’s were also autographed by Iggy Pop, Slash, Anvil, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Ronnie Wood, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) and Brian May and Paul Rodgers from Queen among many others.

The major players of the rock music industry all gathered together at the Park Lane Hotel in London to celebrate the winners of the Marshall Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards 2009. 

The Monitor Audio speakers will now be auctioned to the public via text messaging, with all proceeds being donated to ChildLine – the 24-hour helpline that aids over 500,000 children a year. Bidders simply need to register their lowest unique bid.

Monitor Audio’s Marketing Manager, Michael Johnson, is clearly delighted with the response the project has had from some of rock music’s great personalities, “Once again the event was fantastic and we are especially grateful that some of the evening’s big winners joined with us to help and raise a great deal of money for a very worthwhile charity.”

To take part in the auction, click here.

Alexa Ray Joel Reaches Out To Depressed Girls

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Alexa Ray Joel – the 24-year-old daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley – wants to help people deal with heartbreak-related depression.

Joel was hospitalized for a drug overdose last month, but now wants to turn her life around by helping young girls who are trying to deal with broken hearts.

“I have many exciting new developments for the New Year, and I hope all of you can be a part of it!!” wrote Joel on Facebook. "This includes new creative projects, and even more volunteer work in hopes to give back to the community and, most importantly, to help young girls with something I feel I know a GREAT deal about: Heartbreak-Related Depression. Although it does not get much attention in our society, it is a very serious and painful condition that often gets “swept under the carpet”. I hope to bring this topic more to light… I’m even going back to school for Psychology in hopes to learn more about this and many other afflictions that many of us have had to face… after all, there’s nothing more fascinating than the human mind and it’s respective conditions."

Iron Maiden Launch Charity Auction

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

With members of Iron Maiden busy working on their new album (to be released later this year) their manager, Rob Smallwood has been busy training for a charity fundraising bike ride in Egypt to benefit ChildLine and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy. 

“As many of you know l regularly undertake bike rides to raise funds for Charity,” writes Rod on the Iron Maiden website, “The last one was Peru in Nov 2007 and prior to that I did rides in Kenya, Egypt, Russia, China and Vietnam/Cambodia. The 08-09 touring with Maiden restricted me the last couple of years so this time I have gone a step further organizing one myself on behalf of ChildLine and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.”

Rod’s ride will include forty of his friends, largely from the music, sport and entertainment industries, where they’ll peddle over 100 miles along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor in just 48 hours. Between them all, they hope to raise over £150,000 profit for the charities.   "This is a twist on us ‘getting off our backsides’ and doing something to really help as we will be staying on them most of the time, propelling our mountain bikes forward to raise as much money as we can for these two very deserving children’s charities," commented Rod.

To assist their efforts, the band is auctioning three very special items of Iron Maiden memorabilia as part of the fundraising. The auction, on IronMaiden.com, is open only to the members of the Iron Maiden Fan Club and online members to ensure all three items go to loving homes.

The 15-day auction is live and ends on Tuesday, February 2. Items up for grabs? A signed Gibson Epiphone Les Paul custom guitar with hard case, signed by all members of the band; A signed color poster for the DVD release of “Flight 666”, signed by all members of the band; A personalized USA platinum disc engraved to Rod Smallwood for USA sales of over 100,000 for the Iron Maiden DVD “Flight 666” (one of — or possibly the — biggest-selling music DVDs in America last year).  For more information, go to IronMaiden.com.

Sigourney Weaver Blogs For Ocean Conservation

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Avatar star Sigourney Weaver has blogged in the Huffington Post about protecting the oceans on Earth Day.

“On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, at a time when our country’s attention will be focused on what we need to do to protect our planet, I am honored to be in our nation’s Capital to testify before Congress on an emerging environmental threat,” she wrote. “I will be testifying before the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on the topic of ocean acidification.”

Weaver has been in the news over the last few weeks for her conservation work in Brazil with James Cameron, and she also helped with Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid To Save The Earth.

“The oceans are 30 percent more acidic today than they were during pre-industrial times and, if we continue burning fossil fuels as we are now, we will double the ocean’s acidity by the end of the century,” she writes. “I first had the opportunity to address this issue in the Senate last fall, when I screened a short documentary I narrated on this phenomenon called Acid Test, made by my friends at the Natural Resources Defense Council. And after my Senate testimony this Earth Day, I am thrilled to show it to our nation’s policymakers once again — this time for a group in the House of Representatives.”

Weaver is well known for her conservation work, and has been honored with the Audubon Women In Conservation Award, The Trevor Project's Life Award, and Variety’s Power of Women award. She is also the honorary chairperson of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

“Our policymakers have the power to add to the legacy of Earth Day by taking action that will protect people and the planet. Along with millions of other Americans, I will be urging them to put aside their differences and begin America’s transition to a clean energy economy that will increase our energy efficiency and invest in renewable power, while cutting carbon pollution. By passing strong clean energy and climate legislation, Congress has the power to move us toward clean energy, tackle climate change and protect our seas from acidification.”

Read Sigourney’s full blog in the Huffington Post.

Daniel Radcliffe Records PSA For LGBT Charity

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Written by Bichngoc Do

Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe has lent a powerful voice to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining crisis support and suicide prevention amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) teen community.

His commitment to this cause hits close to home: “It’s something I’ve always been quite passionate about. Because I grew up around gay men, it was always a natural thing to me.”

Taking to the camera to record a public service announcement, Radcliffe unveils alternative solutions to reckless suicide: “If you’re feeling helpless or hopeless, there’s always a safe place to turn.”

The organization offers a free and confidential prevention hotline – (866) 4-U-Trevor. “You can talk to someone 24 hours a day,” Radcliffe says. “There are about 160 people in total who work around the clock, and that number is obviously growing over time. It is an incredible thing.”

Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project was started by a group of filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” won the 1994 Oscar for Best Short Film about a gay teenager attempting suicide. Now a nationwide leading outreach resource for at-risk LGBTQ teens, the organization’s trained counselors and prevention hotlines aim to save lives and foster comprehensive safe home and school environments for youths at risk.

In his public service announcement, the actor relays a principle message to his listeners, “Be proud of who you are.”

Watch the full PSA here.

Rodney Atkins Meets Jeff Fisher At Charity Softball Game

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Recently, country music artist Rodney Atkins along with his wife, Tammy and son, Elijah, dropped by to visit with Jeff Fisher during the NFL Head Coach’s pre-game reception for his 10th Annual Comcast “Jeff Fisher & Friends” Charity Softball Game Presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners.

The yearly fan-favorite event benefitted Soles4Souls Nashville Flood Relief, Nashville Children’s Alliance, Mercy Ministries, Catch-A-Dream, Feeding America, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and several other local charities. The event has raised over $500,000 to date.

Zac Efron Talks Charity At Movie Premiere

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Zac Efron had a very special surprise charity message for those who attended the advance screening of Universal Pictures’ Charlie St. Cloud in Melbourne, Florida, this week.

Zac made a video to play before the advance screening letting everyone know that non-profit To Write Love on Her Arms and his new movie had a lot in common.

Zac stated in his video, “To Write Love on Her Arms is something truly special and there is a lot in common with the mission and this movie. Charlie St. Cloud is a story about overcoming loss and grief, about the power of love to help you discover a life worth living. I know that is a message you care about too.”

TWLOHA created an evening that shared hope, help and community. “We want our supporters to feel celebrated and special,” said TWLOHA founder and Melbourne Beach native Jamie Tworkowski. “We want to give them a taste of what a film premiere is like, and we love that we’re able to make this happen in Melbourne.”

Charlie St. Cloud deals with letting go and starting over, themes related to TWLOHA’s mission of presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. As it does at its annual HEAVY AND LIGHT event in Orlando, TWLOHA plans to give every attendee information that points to local counseling and treatment resources. In addition, there will be speakers, TWLOHA merchandise available and a chance to meet the TWLOHA Team.

Based on an acclaimed novel, Charlie St. Cloud is a drama starring Zac Efron as a small-town hero who survives an accident that lets him see the world in a unique way. In this emotionally charged story, he begins a romantic journey in which he embraces the past while discovering the purpose of his life and the transformative power of love.

Watch the video here.

For more information on To Write Love on Her Arms, please go to www.twloha.com.

Boys Like Girls For Suicide Prevention Week

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:30:00 +0000

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week, non-profit organization To Write Love on Her Arms has partnered with pop rock band Boys Like Girls to introduce a new t-shirt titled “I Am Alive.”

Proceeds from these shirts will go toward the launch of IMAlive, a live online crisis network.

With orange being the color of National Suicide Prevent Week, the orange “I AM ALIVE” shirt is to honor this week and will be available for a limited time only. The shirts are available online and printed inside each shirt are the lyrics to “Go” by Boys Like Girls. IMAlive will be a live online crisis network that will be able to reach those online who may not otherwise pick up a phone to call a suicide hotline or talk to a loved one during their darkest times.

Boys Like Girls have been long-time supporters of TWLOHA, and this past spring shared the road with TWLOHA for The Bamboozle Roadshow. During the tour they spent a lot of time talking with lead singer Martin Johnson about how suicide has personally affected his life. In 2006, Martin lost one of his best friends from high school to suicide.   To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

To purchase the shirt, click here.

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