Look To The Stars News: Adoption, Fostering, Orphans

Bid On A Role In Next X-Men Film

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0000

The creators of the action-packed X-men films are auctioning off a walk-on-role in the next installment of the highly successful film series as part the Worldwide Orphans Foundation charity auction on Charitybuzz.com.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one lucky bidder to be part of the X-men action. Although cast info has not yet been announced, the next X-men film will likely find the series previous stars returning for more action packed thrills. X-men fans can bid now through April 1st at www.charitybuzz.com/worldwideorphans.

So the question is, “What X-men power would you request?”

Other great film auction items include: Meet Daniel Craig on the set of Cowboys and Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau, and attend the premier and after party for Date Night, starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell.

The star-studded auction for Worldwide Orphans launched online at charitybuzz this week, raising funds to transform the lives of millions of orphaned children around the world.Other incredible talent participating in the WWO online auction at charitybuzz includes: Kristin Chenoweth, Daniel Craig, Katie Couric, Oprah, Rachel Weisz, Catherine Zeta Jones, Hugh Jackman, Julianna Margulies, Mariska Hargitay, Dave Grohl, Seth Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Paul McCartney, the cast of Good Morning America, Elie Tahari, and more.

Founded in 1997, WWO’s mission and vision is to transform the lives of orphaned children by taking them out of anonymity and helping them to become healthy, independent, productive members of their communities and the world.

Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference.

Tomiko Fraser Organizes Flash Mob For International Women's Month

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:30:00 -0000

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Supermodel/Host/Actor/Philanthropist Tomiko Fraser Hines is spearheading an all female flash mob awareness dance in conjunction with her organization — Tomiko Fraser Goddess Gathering – and Flash Mob America.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the popular Universal City Walk in Los Angeles, with an after celebration to take place at 3pm at Falcon in Hollywood.

Flash Mobs are planned, surprise dance celebrations, meant to gain the attention of unsuspecting onlookers. The spontaneous dance celebrations have gained major attention recently after having been featured on shows such as; The Oprah Winfrey Show and more.

Tomiko Fraser Hines’ passion for women’s issues led her to create her organization—Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering—comprised of women from all walks of life working to better themselves and the world around them. Tomiko, through her gathering, works with women and young girls on such issues as; self-esteem and health and well-being.

After participating in Flash Mob America’s Janet Jackson Flash Mob, Tomiko thought it would be a great idea to work with Flash Mob America to bring awareness to International Women’s Month with a flash mob dance. When asked about the flash mob, Tomiko exclaimed, “I’m giddy with excitement about the first ever, all-female Flash Mob! This is going to be so much fun!”

The event – which is geared specifically for females — is expected to bring together females of all ages, sizes, ethnicities and physical abilities in a united effort to promote women’s empowerment, sisterhood, and shine a light on global issues that affect women. Invited celebrity participants include: Tatyana Ali, Queen Latifah, Joy Bryant, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Shaun Robinson, Latoya Luckett and more.

An after-celebration for the Goddess Flash Mob will take place at The Falcon in Hollywood: 7213 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. A portion of proceeds from the Goddess Flash Mob will benefit Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering and Women for Women International.

Celebrities Donate Items To World Wide Orphans Charity Auction

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0000

A star-studded auction for World Wide Orphans has launched online at Charitybuzz, raising funds to transform the lives of millions of orphaned children around the world.

Daniel Craig, Sting, Bette Midler, Mariska Hargitay and Katie Couric are just a few of the acclaimed artists and stars auctioning meet-and-greets, set visits and VIP tickets to benefit World Wide Orphans as part of its online charity auction at www.charitybuzz.com/worldwideorphans.

Some of the incredible items up for auction include:

Sting is auctioning two tickets to “An Evening With Sting” as he performs his most celebrated songs, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, at the Verizon Ampitheatre in Irvine, CA on June 16, 2010, with a rare meet-and-greet with the renowned artist before the show.
Daniel Craig, one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men, is auctioning a visit to the film set of Cowboys and Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau, where the highest bidder and a guest will meet Daniel Craig in Santa Fe, New Mexico this summer.
Actress Mariska Hargitay will give one lucky bidder and a guest a personal tour of the Law & Order: SVU set. Hargitay (aka “Det. Olivia Benson”) will give a tour of the stages – such as the Special Victim’s Unit Squad Room, the Courtroom, and the Interrogation Room.
Star singer Bette Midler, back from her recent Las Vegas run, is auctioning two tickets to the New York Restoration Project’s Annual Hulaween Gala at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on October 29, 2010, where the winner and a guest will meet Bette Midler herself.
Katie Couric is auctioning a behind-the-scenes tour of The CBS Evening News studio, set and control room at CBS Studios in New York City for one winner and three guests, with the chance to meet Couric after the show.

Other incredible talent participating in the WWO online auction at charitybuzz includes: Kristin Chenoweth, Julianna Margulies, Dave Grohl, Bernadette Peters, Paul McCartney, the cast of Good Morning America, Elie Tahari and more.

The auction runs until April 1 and can be accessed here.

Shakira Receives Charity Medal

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Shakira has once again received a medal from the U.N. labor agency for her charity work.

At a small ceremony Wednesday in Geneva, U.N. labor chief Juan Somavia called Shakira a “true ambassador for children and young people, for quality education and social justice.”

The 33-year-old Colombian pop star’s foundation, the Barefoot Foundation, provides nutrition to more than 6,000 children in Colombia. In addition to working as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, she is also member of the ALAS Foundation that advocates for children across Latin America.

Shakira said in a statement Thursday that social, economic and environmental policies must focus on children and their education.

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

Jennifer Aniston Talks Charity In Mexico

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jennifer Aniston has opened up to Access Hollywood about her holiday in Mexico, and how she hopes it will help a charity close to her heart.

Her holiday was the perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand to Friends of El Faro, a charity that helps orphans in Mexico by providing food, shelter, education and a safe environment, with a long term goal to purchase land and build them a new home.

“It sort of made sense to sort of say ‘Hey, let’s help out Mexico. Let’s shout out to these kids in Tijuana at El Faro and you know, have a big…that’s sort of our birthday celebration this year.”

The star also took the opportunity to launch a new doll to raise money for the Casa Hogar Sion orphanage in Tijuana.

“I have to tell you when you drive up to this place you see these kids come running out and you hear a chorus of (sings), and they are just bright. These kids don’t feel like they are sitting there going, ’ Oh my life sucks, look at where I live.’ They have been given a lot of love and they’re getting educated, which is the most important thing for them is to have an education and have knowledge of what they can do.”

To watch the full interview, click here.

Lance Armstrong, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Donate To Earthquake Victims

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:15:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Cycling legend Lance Armstrong is the latest star to donate to victims of the Haitian earthquake.

The star’s LiveStrong Foundation, has pledged $250,000 to relief charities to help in the rebuilding of the country.

“I think what’s on top of everybody’s mind is the earthquake in Haiti and the devastation we all have seen on television or the newspaper or the internet,” he said in a video message. "Some say more than a 100,000 lives lost.
 
“On behalf of Livestrong and everybody at our organization we’d like to pledge $250,000 for the relief efforts down there for two primary organizations: Partners In Health – great friends of ours doing great work in that country – and also Doctors Without Borders.
 
“If you’d like to help support these organizations as well go to LiveStrongBlog.org and check it out. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone down there, from the President all the way down to the citizens to people that were either ill before or suffering now, best of luck to you. We’ll be thinking about you and live strong.”

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have also donated a massive $1 million to relief in the country through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation.

“It is incredibly horrible to see a catastrophe of this size hit a people who have been suffering from extreme poverty, violence and unrest for so many decades,” said Jolie.

“We understand the first response is critical to serve the immediate needs of countless people who are now displaced from their homes, are suffering trauma, and most require urgent care,” added Pitt.

The money will also go to Doctors Without Borders.

Eddie Izzard also donated to the relief efforts: ‘Just made a donation to the Haiti earthquake fund,’ he said via Twitter. ‘You can do so easily by clicking here.’

Other star’s to show their support for victims include Wyclef Jean, Oprah, Ben Stiller, Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Adam Lambert, Tyra Banks, P. Diddy and many more.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Year-End Charity Contribution

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

It is no secret that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt contribute millions of dollars annually to various causes through their Jolie-Pitt Foundation. In 2009, they didn’t run out of steam even as the holidays kicked in, and were still making donations just days before the year closed – $100,000 to support two SOS Children's Villages.

“In this holiday season, many of us take for granted that we are surrounded by loving family members,” said Pitt. “The poor outcomes for foster children indicate that we must do a much better job of supporting them.”

SOS Children’s Villages was created to do exactly that. By providing a safe, stable environment for orphans, and keeping siblings together, these “villages” offer an alternative to the traditional form of foster care.

“We have seen first-hand the remarkable job SOS does to raise orphaned and abandoned children and keep families together,” said Jolie. "No one “ages out” of an SOS Village: vocational training, advanced education, living assistance and moral support are there forever."

In thanks for the donation, SOS Children’s Villages – USA CEO Heather Paul said, “The Jolie – Pitt Foundation has been a strong and loyal supporter of SOS Children’s Villages around the world. We are deeply grateful that this couple has included in their generosity 300 children who call SOS ‘home.’”

Madonna Talks About Her New School In Malawi

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

With over a million children orphaned by aids in the small, landlocked country of Malawi in south-eastern Africa, Madonna has made it her mission to help. Her efforts, though, are a response of gratitude.

“They help you to get a sense of appreciation for life, for what you have,” says Madonna of the impoverished, yet resilient people.

In return, she is giving Malawi a school. Through the charity she created, Raising Malawi, she has several projects under way, but her greatest one currently is a $15 million boarding school called the Raising Malawi Academy For Girls, scheduled for completion by 2012.

Matching every dollar donated to Raising Malawi, Madonna still has a way to go to fund the complete construction, but she is undeterred. Her charity, after all, is founded on the African philosophy, “I am because we are,” which she translates as “Without you, there is no me.”

“On the one hand I went [to Malawi] and thought, ‘I have to help. I have to save these people,’” Madonna said in a CNN interview. “And then I thought, ‘Wait a minute. I think it’s the other way around. I think they might be saving me.”

Charlize Theron Designs Shoes For Charity

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Charlize Theron and Blake Mycoskie, founder of the accessory line Toms Shoes, have co-designed a limited edition men’s and women’s collection to celebrate the donation of over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Theron’s native country of South Africa.

These shoes are inspired by the South African baobab tree and have been made from vegan materials. The tree pattern is embroidered over dyed canvas and is available in blue and orange. The shoes are also lined with the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project's logo.

Part of the proceeds will go directly to the African Outreach Project. Also, take a look at this video to learn more about giving to Toms.

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 Show The Joy Of Giving For El Faro

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Celebrities in Hollywood came out in full force this week to attend the JC Penny ‘Joy of Giving’ event in support of Friends of El Faro, an organization dedicated to helping the children of Tijuana’s Casa Hogar Sion orphanage.

El Faro spokesperson Molly Sims hosted the event, which attracted such celebrities as Dancing with the Stars’ Samantha Harris and her family, Trista and Ryan Sutter with daughter Blakesley Grace, Candace Cameron Bure, and Big Loves’ Bella Thorne.

“It’s important to give back,” said Sims, “It’s important to pay it forward and not many people do that. I always say to people, just give, just give and it will come back I promise, I promise.”

At the event, Sims unveiled a new book entitled “I See You” which includes a forward by friend and fellow El Faro supporter Jennifer Aniston.

Additionally, you can purchase a Molly Sims-designed Peace and Happiness card. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit El Faro.

Find out more about the charity here.

Stars To Wrap Gifts For Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes Foundation

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

It’s that time of year again! For the past five years, the Mall at Stonecrest and the Lisa Lopes Foundation (LLF) have come together for the annual LLF Celebrity Gift Wrap. Since 2004, the Lisa Lopes Foundation has raised between $10,000 – $15,000 at each gift-wrap. This year is sure to be a success!

The Celebrity Gift Wrap will take place at the Mall at Stonecrest located at 2929 Turner Hill Rd., Lithonia, GA. The gift-wrappers will be located on the lower level, in front of Macy’s Department Store. Gift wrap hours are from December 11th – 13th, and December 18th – 23rd noon-10pm and December 24, from open to close.

The Lisa Lopes Foundation, along with the Lopes Family and Celebrity friends, and volunteers will be the “exclusive gift wrappers” for the Mall at Stone Crest, during this holiday season. Wrapping costs range from $3.00 – $10.00, depending on the size of the customer’s gift. The foundation is named after the late Lisa Lopes, former member of the R&B group TLC.

A few of this years special guests will be: NFL Player Daniel Wilcox, Recording Artist Yung Ralph, Celebrity Trainer Dolvet Quince, from Body Sculptor Inc, Celebrity Photographer Abby Smith from the Abby Smith Agency, New Kn.E.R.D.S, and many local celebrities.

Past appearances include: Actress Monique Coleman, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (TLC), Keenan Thomas (Fat Albert), Ronnie DeVoe (New Edition and BBD), Dem Franchize Boyz, Jagged Edge, Shawty Lo, Ronnie Devoe, Shamari and Brandi (Blaque), Donnell Jones, Former Super bowl Champion Steve Atwater and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: Phi Kappa Kappa Chapter.

Saturday, December 19th will be “World War E Day” (E=Education). World War E, the New Fight for Education, symbolizes the fight against the “rapidly” increasing drop-out rate, especially among diverse and low-income student populations. This project allows LLF to combine the love of learning, music, children, and life, which ultimately creates the best educational opportunities for all children, not just those who can afford it! Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes legacy will L.I.V.E. on for years to come through the World War “E” and the New Kn.E.R.D.S.

Shakira To Talk Charity In Oxford

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Colombian star Shakira will give a talk in Oxford, UK, today – December 7 – about her charity work.

The singer will give the speech to the Oxford Union, the most famous debating society in the British university city.

Shakira is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and also founded Pies Descalzos to improve education, nutrition, and the lives of the thousands of displaced children living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia.

Last week, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe spoke out in praise of Shakira’s work to help Colombia’s children.

“Colombian people feel very proud of the work that Shakira is doing for the children of Colombia,” he said as the singer signed an agreement with the Latin American General Secretariat and the Organization of Latin American States on behalf of ALAS. “We think that it is very important that this matter become a main subject for the continent and the Ibero-American Secretary.”

The agreement aims at attaining universal education for children in the region by 2021. ALAS – América Latina en Acción Solidaria (Latin America in Solidarity Action) – is made up of a group of Latino artists who are confronting the social emergency facing millions of children in Latin America.

LTTS Exclusive - An Interview With Darren Darnborough

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Darren Darnborough is fast becoming one of the UK’s top actors – and his charity work makes him extra special.

He was born and raised in England, has appeared on several British television series – including “EastEnders,” “Holby City,” “The Bill,” and “Pie in the Sky” – and also appeared in several films such as “Gracie,” “The Car,” “Lost in Cannes” and “Nobody The Great.” The last of these films premiered in both Los Angeles and London, won the Viewers Voice Award for Best Film at Cinequest 2007 and earned director Kara Miller an award as one of the UK Film Council’s “Breakthrough Brits” of last year in Los Angeles, and has won several major awards.

Darren’s acting career began on stage, with lead roles in numerous new musicals at prestigious London venues, including Riverside Studios and Westminster Theatre. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts (with honors) from the University of London. He has also appeared in several major commercial campaigns for well-known brands such as Nestlé’s Golden Grahams, Dr. Pepper and Burger King. Darren now lives and works full-time as an actor and producer in Los Angeles. He is an entrepreneur and a philanthropist.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Darren about his charity work.

Hi Darren, what are your favorite causes?

My favorite causes include Virgin Unite (the Virgin Group’s entrepreneurial foundation) and the Eve Branson Foundation. Eve Branson is best known as being Richard Branson's mum. Her Foundation aims to help the local people in the long term by setting up sustainable enterprises in Morocco, which so far have included a carpet workshop and a craft house run and managed by locals. When you visit Kasbah Tamadot (Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan Retreat) you can purchase a selection of those handmade items in the Virgin Unite gift shop.

I sit on the host committee of Rock the Kasbah. This is a unique fundraiser where Hollywood power players mix with guests in order to raise funds for Virgin Unite and The Eve Branson Foundation. We are in our third year. I helped to co-produce the first one; therefore this event is still close to my heart.

How did you get involved with these causes?

To be honest, I came across them by luck. I’ve raised money for the Tsunami in the past. This experience helped me gain my fundraising skills. With regards to the above, I gate crashed the Rock the Kasbah pre-launch party. I bumped into a friend of a friend named Tim. We kept on bumping into each other in LA. Those brief encounters led to me co-producing the first event.

You need to fill a room with the right people and give them an unforgettable night.

What other causes are close to your heart?

I have supported Hollywood Media+Arts in the past. It is a one-of-a-kind arts academy for homeless and foster care young people located in the heart of Hollywood.

The Centre offers classes in media, music and the commercial arts—giving young people a chance to learn about a variety of creative activities, sharpen their thinking skills and prepare them for jobs in the creative industries.

Classes emphasize hands-on learning, mentor relationships, teamwork and technical skills. Celebrity tutors include Maroon 5. Classes are offered at no cost and lead to work-based mentorships, internships, and entry-level work opportunities. This is an LA project, which is supported by its community. I think that the local support makes it highly effective.

Do you have any final thoughts?

I run StuckForStaff.com, which provides a central resource allowing brands, agencies and staff the ability to communicate quickly and easily. I’ll be launching StuckForService.com soon. This is another recruitment business. When a customer purchases a subscription 10% of our fee will be donated to charity. In America you will be able to choose from five charities per state. There will also be a selection of five international charities, which will include Virgin Unite. We hope to raise lots of money for these good causes.

Look To The Stars and Richard Barker would like to thank Darren Darnborough for his time.

Stevie Wonder Named As United Nations Messenger Of Peace

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0000

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has designated Grammy Award-winning songwriter and musician Stevie Wonder as a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special focus on people with disabilities.

Recognized for his ability to focus attention on and mobilize support for civil and human rights issues, Stevie Wonder joins ten other United Nations Messengers of Peace who advocate on behalf of the Organization.

Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the fields of art, academia, literature, sports and entertainment, helping to raise worldwide awareness of the Organization’s ideals and activities. Through their public appearances, contacts with the international media and humanitarian work, they expand public understanding of how the United Nations helps to improve the lives of people everywhere.

In selecting Stevie Wonder for this designation, the Secretary-General said, “Our newest Messenger of Peace is someone who is admired by millions of people and has given back to millions of people. I recognize that he has consistently used his voice and special relationship with the public to create a better and more inclusive world, to defend civil and human rights and to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Stevie Wonder is a true inspiration to young people all over the world about what can be achieved despite any physical limitations.”

Stevie Wonder’s activism has been pivotal in United States and world events. In 1983, he spearheaded a campaign to make Martin Luther King Day a national holiday in the United States. He also advocated for ending apartheid in South Africa.

Stevie Wonder has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts which include the United States President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Junior Blind of America and the creation of the Wonder Vision Awards Program. For over 10 years, he has provided toys for children and families in need with his annual House Full of Toys benefit concert.

His career as a recording artist has reflected his concern with humanitarian issues. He has written, produced and/or performed songs relative to charities in support of disabilities, aids, cancer, diabetes, hunger and homelessness, domestic abuse and many other causes on behalf of children and adults. Some of these charities include institutes for the blind, such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People, for which Stevie Wonder launched the British Telecom Celebrity Eyes phone card. He has also supported We Are the World, That’s What Friends Are For, City of Hope, Special Olympics, Nobody’s Child: Romanian Angel Appeal, Charge Against Hunger Campaign and Tour, Live 8, September 11, 2001 America: A Tribute to Heroes, Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Kids, Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang, The United Negro College Fund, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and many more. On behalf of people who are blind or have low vision, Stevie Wonder released the first-ever descriptive music video entitled, “So What the Fuss”. His second descriptive music video, “Shelter in the Rain”, was a healing message of love and inspiration to those who were touched by Hurricane Katrina. Net proceeds from this song were donated to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The other Messengers of Peace and their areas of focus are: conductor Daniel Barenboim (peace and tolerance); actor George Clooney (peacekeeping); author Paulo Coelho (poverty and intercultural dialogue); actor Michael Douglas (disarmament); primatologist Jane Goodall (conservation and environmental issues); violinist Midori Goto (Millennium Development Goals and Youth); Princess Haya Bint al Hussein (Millennium Development Goals and hunger); cellist Yo-Yo Ma (youth); actor Charlize Theron (ending violence against women) and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel (human rights).

Charlize Theron Reaches Out For Soccer Fields

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

Actress Charlize Theron is hoping to transform her native South Africa into the best place possible to hold the upcoming World Cup.

In 2010, South Africa will be hosting the tournament, and Theron is looking forward to being a part of the celebration.

Her African Outreach charity is raising funds to build soccer fields in different areas throughout Africa. Rural kids are the inspiration behind building the fields. Theron wants them to be able to have nice places to play.

She said, “I love soccer and it’s great for Africa that we’re finally hosting it (World Cup). We’re so proud. I started a program about two years ago that’s become very integrated and, in honor of the World Cup, we’re building soccer fields in very rural communities, where African children have no access to play this sport.”

The Economist Awards Shakira For Charity Work

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Economist has named Shakira one of the most important people of 2010 for founding the charity Pies Descalzos – also known as The Barefoot Foundation – which focuses on education and health care for children in her native Colombia.

“It’s a great honor. I was quite surprised and humbled to see myself alongside the likes of President Obama,” she said of the award. “It is something I could have never imagined. Beyond the initial surprise though, I am so heartened and glad that such importance is being placed on the topic of education. This is a reflection that as individual people and members of civil societies, we can bring awareness to the rest of the world and call our governments to action on pressing issues, such as this one, that do not always receive the attention they merit.”

The 32-year-old singer recently wrote an article for The Economist urging world governments to support the Global Fund for Education. In part, she wrote:
‘Growing up in Colombia after decades of conflict I saw that the people who are born poor, die poor. With rare exceptions, they never have the chance to improve their lives…I refuse to believe that it isn’t possible to educate every child. By establishing a Global Fund for Education in 2010 we will invest in these children’s future—and help to secure our own.’

The Fund is part of the Millennium Development Goals, which aims to reduce poverty by ensuring that every child can complete primary school.

Adam Croasdell Heads To Malawi For World Vision

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Seven years ago as a young and struggling actor, long before it became fashionable, actor Adam Croasdell – to date best known for his role as “Dr Al Jenkins” in the BBC’s award winning flagship show EastEnders – chose to sponsor a child in Malawi with the charity World Vision.

Recently named a Celebrity Ambassador for the charity, he will shortly visit the East African Country with the organization, where for the first time he will meet “Jacob” from Kayezi ADP, about 90 minutes from Mzuzu north of the country.

Adam stated , “I always wanted to support and promote the outstanding and inspiring work of World Vision even in my own personal more difficult times and have been honoured to be able to get the opportunity to meet Jacob and see for myself firsthand one place where all the money and efforts made by the charity to change children’s lives actually takes place.”

Adam, who was born in Zimbabwe, will be making an extensive tour of the area. It will be a unique opportunity to experience in person the help given to families and communities by World Vision and to see and meet for the first time, a young child whose life he has helped to transform.

Other celebrities who have supported World Vision campaigns include Hollywood actress Thandie Newton, who visited World Vision projects in Mali, TV Personalities Myleene Klass and Fearne Cotton, with a host of other British TV celebrities including actress Amanda Redman, former Coronation Street favourites Nikki Sanderson and Debra Stephenson, TV Presenters John Craven and Michaele Strachan, who in the past have joined forces to show their support for World Vision’s campaigns including the 24 Hour Famine.

World Vision’s celebrity Ambassadors help to continuously front the campaign to get people to support World Vision and take up the challenge to sponsor a child. Child sponsorship is a valid way of tackling child poverty and working towards reducing the number of avoidable deaths of children under five.

Sponsoring a child -

only costs 60p a day
will change a life forever
allows you to watch them develop

Adam who recently fulfilled every boy’s dream by being lined up as 007 for Activision’s 2010 James Bond Game, recently surprised students at The Royal School in Hampstead, North London by taking morning assembly giving a motivational speech about the value of education, anecdotes about his career, supporting World Vision’s current campaigns and even spending time in class with the junior school.

He will be appearing on ITV1’s Loose Women Thursday 26th November 2009

Hard Rock Serves Up John Lennon For Charity

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Last week, Look To The Stars brought you the news that Yoko Ono had donated John Lennon’s Give Peace A Chance to charity. Now we can reveal that she has also donated another of the singer’s songs to another charity campaign.

The World Hunger Year (WHY), along with Hard Rock Cafe, has released Serve4, the latest in their series of albums designed to fight hunger around the world. Yoko Ono has donated John Lennon's Gimme Some Truth to the album.

“This is a beautiful step towards world peace,” she said. “By imagining there’s no hunger, like what John sang in his song, we express our strong desire to bring a world in which children will never again suffer from hunger or poverty. Let’s come together and help spread this message around the world. John would have loved the fact that so many illustrious and good meaning partners and organizations have stood up to make this effort together.”

It is the second time Ono has donated one of Lennon’s songs to Hard Rock’s Imagine There’s No Hunger campaign and Serve CDs.

100% of net proceeds from Hard Rock’s campaign will directly benefit WHY and its grassroots partners around the globe, that have developed ways to feed children worldwide who are victims of poverty and also teach them farming and entrepreneurial skills for the future. Proceeds will be donated directly to WHY to benefit local charities, including the Common Ground Foundation and Pathfinder Academy both located in Kenya, the Pattanarak Foundation located in Thailand, City of Joy located in India, the Yéle Haiti Foundation located in Haiti, Hope North located in Uganda, Roots and Shoots located in China, Project Bona Fide located in Nicaragua and Sentabale located in Lesotho.

“Hard Rock has been a longtime supporter of WHY, and I’ve seen firsthand how the organization helps to make a difference around the world,” said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International, and Global Ambassador for WHY. “We are proud to continue to support WHY’s life-saving efforts, in hopes that one day, we will have a world without hunger and poverty.”

The track list of Serve4 is as follows:

John Lennon “Gimme Some Truth”
O.A.R. “Lay Down”
Brandi Carlile “If There Was No You”
Starsailor “Listen Up”
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint “The River In Reverse”
Earth, Wind & Fire / Chicago “You”
Eric Hutchinson “OK, It’s Alright With Me”
The Low Anthem “Home I’ll Never Be”
Arno Carstens “Heartbreak Monday”
Brett Dennen “Heaven”
Toby Lightman “One Day”
moe. “Wicked Awesome”
The Raveonettes “Oh I Buried You Today”
Uncle Kracker “Smile”

In addition to SERVE4, beginning November 9th, Hard Rock locations around the globe will offer IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER merchandise, including a limited-edition bracelet and pin to benefit WHY.

A charity event held in New York to launch the CD last week attracted a plethora of famous supporters, including Ringo Starr.

“You get so many invites every day to do stuff,” said Starr. “When I read the statistics of this, it just blew me away. So I thought, why not? How hard is it to do something? Because it is of some value, you give your name to great causes.”

The 14-track Serve4 is available as a download card at Hard Rock locations and at hardrock.com and as a download with five bonus tracks at Amazon ($8.99 or 99 cents a track). Cafe patrons who add a $1 donation to a meal tab receive an Imagine bracelet.

Giving Back Fund Releases 2009's Top Celebrity Givers

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Look To The Stars is proud to announce that our partners at the Giving Back Fund have announced their third annual Giving Back 30, a list of celebrities who have made the largest donations to charity according to public records.

Readers may have been surprised to learn that Paul Newman replaced Oprah Winfrey as the most generous celebrity of 2008. Oprah had occupied the number one spot by a wide margin for the first two years of the list.

Before his death, Newman made a donation of nearly $21 million to his self-named Newman’s Own Foundation. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were second with a $13.5 million donation to the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which distributed $6.4 million to charity, including a $2 million grant to The Global Health Committee for an Ethiopian clinic project, a $1 million grant to the Make it Right Foundation founded by Pitt, and $500,000 to the Armed Services YMCA USA.

“Our hope is that celebrities will begin to become more comfortable sharing information about their charitable giving - perhaps not disclosing everything they give, but sharing enough to enable them to serve as role-models to their peers and fans,” said Marc Pollick, President and Founder of The Giving Back Fund.

Also on the list: Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Laurie and Larry David and Drew Barrymore. Several authors made the list this year, along with representatives from the NBA, NFL and NASCAR. To see the complete list visit The Giving Back Fund’s web site at www.givingback.org.

HOW IT WAS COMPILED
 To compile the most accurate rankings, The Giving Back Fund culled media reports of charitable giving by sports and entertainment professionals; reviewed PF-990 tax-forms; contacted more than 250 publicists, attorneys, agents, agencies, and managers for information about their clients; polled more than 150 charities known for their celebrity associations; and contacted all of the major sports leagues.

The Giving Back Fund did not include grants made by foundations in the list so as to avoid counting the same funds twice - once when the donor gave money to a foundation and again when the donor decided on a beneficiary for that money. The Giving Back Fund did not calculate giving as a percentage of the celebrities’ income because there are no public records documenting income. Re-directed income from sponsorship and merchandising deals to charity made by a celebrity was also not reported as it is not available to the public.

 Donations to private foundations are disclosed in public documents. However, donations to public charities are not publicly disclosed and therefore may not be reported in the Giving Back 30.

UPCOMING: CELEBRITY CHARITIES’ DISTRIBUTION TO CHARITY
 The Giving Back Fund will be releasing a second list in early 2010 reporting on the dollar amount distributed to charities by public and private celebrity foundations, respectively. Charities may submit their 2008 990 reports for review to The Giving Back Fund at GivingBack30@givingback.org.

Richard Branson Rocks The Kasbah For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

Madonna Promises Electricity To Village

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

During her visit to Malawi last week, Madonna promised electricity to a village that has never been able to have power.

“I know you work in darkness,” she told villagers in Mphandula. “I will bring you electricity.”

The singer was in the country – one of the poorest in the world – to oversee the start of construction of a new girl’s school her charity, Raising Malawi, is building.

The organization has already donated $500,000 for a child care center in the village – a facility that now feeds and educates 3,000 orphans.

David Archuleta Helps Launch Lisa Lopes Medical Center

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0000

David Archuleta and Angels For A Cause (AFAC) will partner with the Lisa Lopes Foundation (LLF) to help raise $10,000 to launch the new medical center in Honduras.

The Lisa Lopes Foundation medical center will serve thousands of families and children living in impoverished areas of Honduras, with health conditions among the worst in the Western Hemisphere. Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America.

An estimated 1.5 million Hondurans were without access to health care in 2008. With the highest Aids rate in Central America, the quality and access to health care are directly tied to income levels. Health care for the urban and rural poor is extremely limited.

  The Lisa Lopes Foundation medical center – named after the late TLC singer Lisa Lopes – will provide free health services, establish an ongoing rotation of dental and medical brigades that will provide on-site services, ensure that the center is prepared with the basics in dental and medical supplies and provide a comfortable working environment for Medical and Dental Brigades or anyone servicing the area and staying at the center.

All donations are tax deductible.

Donate today by clicking here.

Madonna In Malawi For New Girl's School

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Madonna is in Malawi to lay the foundation stone of a new girls’ school she is building with her charity, Raising Malawi.

“Our vision for the school is to empower girls to become Malawi’s future leaders,” blogged the singer on the charity’s website. "Our goal is to teach them to challenge themselves, serve their local communities and develop their country. We created this vision in partnership with the local Malawian Ministry of Education, and other educational experts from Malawi, Sub-Sharan African and elsewhere around the world.

“We are developing and using innovative educational approaches, cutting-edge architectural design methods, and other modern technologies, which we hope, will become a replicable model for girls secondary school education.”

The school is expected to cost $15 million, and the cause is close to Madonna’s heart. She is a member of Raising Malawi’s Advisory Committee, and helps with the volunteer organisation’s mission to help orphans by providing water, food, medical care and schooling.

“Research proves that young girls throughout the developing world are often left without opportunities to receive a comprehensive education and the benefits that education can provide,” she wrote. "It’s an honor for me to be able to help as many of these girls as I can achieve their dreams.

“I’m also incredibly proud of all the projects Raising Malawi is involved in and I look forward to visiting a number of them during my visit.”

Madonna will also meet President Bingu wa Mutharika during her trip. The ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. on the future site of the Academy.

Charlize Theron Kisses For Charity Cash

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

ONEXONE, the charitable organization committed to fighting health issues and preserving the lives of children locally and globally, hosted their 2nd Annual ONEXONE Fundraiser at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, October 22.

Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron, Jeremy Piven, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, David Arquette, Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra, Laila Ali and more helped raise funds and awareness for charitable causes.

The evening featured keynote speaker Vicki Escarra, CEO of Feeding America, along with a special headline performance from Snow Patrol. Additional entertainment included performances by Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Spencer Day, the local jazz vocalist from San Francisco, and Ethan Bortnick, the 8-year old pianist and composer who wrote his own song “It’s For the Kids” in honor of the event. ONEXONE also welcomed back Jay Bilas for his second year as Master of Ceremonies.

Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron, on behalf of the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, and 2-time World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Mia Hamm also announced the latest initiative “Home Field Advantage” in partnership with ONEXONE and Academy Award-winner Matt Damon which will bring soccer fields and clean water to the children of South Africa by 2010. The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project and the ONEXONE Foundation will work together on this initiative to bolster impoverished rural South African communities with plans to break ground by the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The highlight of the evening came during the live auction when Charlize Theron helped auction off a two-week trip to South Africa for the World Cup plus a kiss from her for $140,000. Jeremy Piven also jumped onstage during the live auction and encouraged two guests to bid $140,000 each for a walk-on roll on the hit HBO show “Entourage” for a total of $280,000.

“The night was a huge success and we’d like to thank the generous people of San Francisco for their continued support,” said Marc Joubert, President of ONEXONE U.S.

The ONEXONE event in San Francisco focuses not only on raising funds and awareness for the issues, but also on producing a top-notch show that entertains and educates the audience at the same time. ONEXONE was founded in 2005 by Diesel Canada President, Joelle Berdugo Adler, and has raised more than $9 million for children around the world since that time.

Look To The Stars News: Adoption, Fostering, Orphans

Bid On A Role In Next X-Men Film

Related past articles

Tomiko Fraser Organizes Flash Mob For International Women's Month

Related past articles

Celebrities Donate Items To World Wide Orphans Charity Auction

Related past articles

Shakira Receives Charity Medal

Related past articles

NFL and TV Stars Play GameStop Battlefield Bracket Challenge

Related past articles

Jennifer Aniston Talks Charity In Mexico

Related past articles

Lance Armstrong, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Donate To Earthquake Victims

Related past articles

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Year-End Charity Contribution

Related past articles

Madonna Talks About Her New School In Malawi

Related past articles

Charlize Theron Designs Shoes For Charity

Related past articles

Justin Timberlake Tops Celebrity Givers List

Related past articles

Stars Show The Joy Of Giving For El Faro

Related past articles

Stars To Wrap Gifts For Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes Foundation

Related past articles

Shakira To Talk Charity In Oxford

Related past articles

LTTS Exclusive - An Interview With Darren Darnborough

Related past articles

Stevie Wonder Named As United Nations Messenger Of Peace

Related past articles

Charlize Theron Reaches Out For Soccer Fields

Related past articles

The Economist Awards Shakira For Charity Work

Related past articles

Adam Croasdell Heads To Malawi For World Vision

Related past articles

Hard Rock Serves Up John Lennon For Charity

Related past articles

Giving Back Fund Releases 2009's Top Celebrity Givers

Related past articles

Richard Branson Rocks The Kasbah For Charity

Related past articles

Madonna Promises Electricity To Village

Related past articles

David Archuleta Helps Launch Lisa Lopes Medical Center

Related past articles

Madonna In Malawi For New Girl's School

Related past articles

Charlize Theron Kisses For Charity Cash

Related past articles