Look To The Stars News: Substance Abuse

Taylor Swift Surprises Children In Need

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift was a surprise guest at this year’s BBC Children in Need extravaganza in London on Friday night – an event that raised a massive £20,309,747 for charity.

Hosted by Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon, the seven hour show featured actors from some of Britain’s favorite shows – including Doctor Who, The Bill and the One Show.

“Another fantastic fundraising effort – we didn’t get quite to £21m but we got pretty close,” said Wogan, referring to last year’s total. “By the time we give you the full total in a couple of months’ time, I bet it’s got to be pretty close to what we made last year.”

The highlight of the show – which featured performances by acts such as Peter André, Spandau Ballet, Westlife, JLS, Stereophonics and Annie Lennox – was the unveiling of comedian Peter Kay’s charity single for the charity. Featuring a medley of songs from The Beatles, Take That, The Jackson 5 and many more, the video consists of over 100 characters from Britain’s television past.

Taylor Swift jetted in for her performance at the show – and donated over US$20,000 to the charity, which provides practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Other highlights of the show included a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special; actors from British soap Hollyoaks performing a tribute to Queen; Terry Wogan in perion costume for Lark Rise to Candleford; and the Dragons’ Den team helping to renovate a community centre in London.

“This year we surpassed all expectations with the amount raised and I am in awe that in these tough times, the British public has shown such tremendous support and generosity,” said Wogan. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved and for the extraordinary lengths the country has gone to help raise money for disadvantaged children.”

Highlights from the show can be seen here.

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British comedian Peter Kay will unveil a new single to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need charity at the organization’s annual TV extravaganza on November 20.

Details of the single are being closely guarded, but the charity is promising over 100 faces from Britain and America will be involved in the video.

Also available from HMV and download and benefiting Children In Need is “All You Need is Love” – a reworking of the Beatles classic, recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, featuring the talents of Terry Wogan, Bill Wyman, Brian May, Bryan Ferry, Sharon Corr, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Paloma Faith, Lee Mead, Hayley Westenra and more.

Last week, the charity benefited from a massive charity concert organized by Gary Barlow that saw a reunion between Take That and Robbie Williams, as well as performances by Lily Allen, Annie Lennox, Katherine Jenkins, Paul McCartney and many more.

Take That And Friends To Rock Children In Need Tonight

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Thousands of charity-minded people are expected to pack the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight, November 12, for a huge star-studded concert organized by Gary Barlow and Take That.

Every year, BBC Children in Need creates magic moments that raise huge amounts of money for disadvantaged children, and this year the UK’s finest musicians hope to help raise more than ever with a spectacular show at the Royal Albert Hall.

The star-studded bill includes; Lily Allen, Paul McCartney, Dizzee Rascal, Dame Shirley Bassey, Leona Lewis, Snow Patrol, Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud, Katherine Jenkins and Muse. And of course Gary will also perform on the night with his Take That partners, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, as they again show their unwavering support of the charity – there’s even rumors of a possible reunion with Robbie Williams.

“It’s fantastic to be able to kick off BBC Children in Need 2009 in such a special way,” said Gary Barlow, “I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I can promise a night to remember, a night that will, I hope, play a small part in changing the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK.”

Radio 1’s Chris Moyles will host the event and will be joined on stage by Peter Kay, Fearne Cotton, James Corden and the legend that is Sir Terry Wogan, who will help introduce the stars and remind us of the work that BBC Children in Need carries out in the UK.

The show will be broadcast on BBC One in the weekend before the main BBC Children in Need Appeal on November 20 and coverage of the concert will be repeated on BBC Three, Wednesday 18 November at 9.00pm with highlights, presented by Kate Thornton, on Radio 2, Thursday 19 November at 8.00pm.

Viewers and listeners to the show will be invited to donate to help raise even more money.

Christmas Charity Singles Hit The Market

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s that time year again – a new wave of charity singles are about to hit the market to spread goodwill in the Christmas season.

Leading the pack this year is a new single from Eric Clapton recorded with Paul Stewart – eldest son of Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart – called “Fly Free.”

Recorded in honour of the racing legend’s 70th birthday, the song will be released on 15 November 2009. All proceeds will be donated to the Grand Prix Mechanics’ Charitable Trust, an organization founded by Sir Jackie Stewart and others more than 20 years ago that assists Grand Prix, former Grand Prix mechanics, their wives, widows and children in times of need.

Also available is a charity single by veteran British television and radio presenter Terry Wogan, who has released a version of The Beatles’ classic All You Need Is Love for Children in Need.

And for lovers of classic artists, don’t forget Bob Dylan’s charity Christmas album available right now. The album came out last month and benefits Feeding America and the World Food Programme.

Paul McCartney Joins Charity Concert Line Up

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

Paul McCartney will headline a gig at London’s Royal Albert Hall in aid of Children in Need. The concert was organized by Take That singer Gary Barlow and will take place on November 12.

McCartney will be sharing the stage with Muse, Lily Allen, Snow Patrol, Leona Lewis, Dizzee Rascal and Shirley Bassey.

Sir Terry Wogan, announcing the line up on his Radio 2 show, said, “This concert is helping to make a really special year for Children in Need.”

Tickets will be allocated by ballot. Fans can register for a max of 2 tickets per person at www.seetickets.com/childreninneed. Registration is open until noon on October 20, and those whose names are drawn will be notified by email.

The concert will broadcast on BBC One the weekend before November 20, which is the day of Children in Need’s main appeal.

Viola Davis To Attend Friendly House Luncheon For Women In Recovery

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0000

On Saturday, October 24th 2009 Oscar nominated actress Viola Davis will host the annual Friendly House Luncheon. This star studded event at the beautiful Beverly Hilton Hotel will raise money and awareness about the oldest home for women in recovery in the country – Friendly House.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the luncheon and Friendly House will be honoring two individuals who exhibit great leadership and public service to the community. Founder and Editorial Director of C Magazine and Publisher and President of Santa Barbara Magazine, Jennifer Smith Hale will be awarded 2009 Woman of the Year. This successful business woman has captured California Style in her award winning magazines and gives back to her community through her philanthropic endeavors. Jennifer’s tireless efforts and leadership empower and create opportunities for women to see possibilities in their lives. New York Times bestselling author, Christopher Kennedy Lawford will be awarded 2009 Excellence in Service. Through Christopher’s extraordinary literature and his continuous activism, Christopher strives to make a difference helping others overcome substance abuse problems and living with hepatitis C.

Currently celebrating its 59th year in service, Friendly House has successfully treated thousands of women for alcoholism and drug addiction. No individual has ever been turned away due to lack of funds, however, Friendly House receives no state, federal or local funding. The organization thrives on annual events produced by their Board of Directors to promote and support their cause.

Proceeds from the luncheon and silent auction will go directly to Friendly House, continuing its ongoing mission to help women recover from the deadly disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. For ticket information please contact Cynthia Short at (213) 389-8810.

Beatlemania Returns For Charity

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Beatlemania has hit the headlines once again this week, with the release of the Fab Four’s remastered CD collection, their Rock Band video game, and a popular British presenter’s efforts to re-record their hits for charity.

A whole new generation of fans are currently being exposed to the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo through the release of Rock Star, and a number of limited edition Xbox 360 consoles are available to benefit Doctors Without Borders. The consoles are available at eBay.

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.

According to eBay: "Starting Sept. 9, Xbox 360 will also give its more than 20 million Xbox LIVE members the opportunity to give to charity and support the Beatles’ eternal message of peace and love. “All You Need Is Love,” the Beatle’s iconic anthem of peace, will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 as a downloadable song for the game through Xbox LIVE with Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft, with proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. Good deeds never go unnoticed: purchasing and downloading the “All You Need Is Love” track for 160 Microsoft Points for charity will also register you for the “The Beatles: Rock Band” Download & Win* for a chance to win one of the limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 consoles and a Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller."

In other Beatles news this week, British TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan has been busy in a recording studio with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and the Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman laying down tracks of classic Fab Four songs for the upcoming Bandaged Together album to benefit Children in Need.

The project has been organised by a group of Terry Wogan fans known as The TOGs (Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals).

“Last year, thanks to the TOGs, we raised about £3 million for Children In Need,” said Sir Terry. “We had Bandaged One which sold an awful lot and made hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity. The idea this year is Bandaged Two and we are hoping to raise even more money.”

The album – which will feature Sir Terry’s take on All You Need Is Love – will be released next month.

Terry Wogan To Return To The Lost City For Children In Need

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

For the third year running, Sir Terry Wogan is to return to Leicester, the place he once famously dubbed the ‘lost city’, for the annual TOGs’ (Terry’s Old Geezers/Gals) convention.

The convention will be the fifth time the TOGs have returned to Leicester, and the slogan for this year’s meeting is TOGs 2009 AUSTRALIA (‘All Up Standing TOGs Rally AT Leicester In August’).

Sir Terry will attend a champagne reception and lunch at the University of Leicester on Friday 21st August 2009, joining more than 90 TOGs at their three-day convention, held at the University’s Stamford Hall. He will be welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Robert Burgess.

During his visit Sir Terry will launch the 2010 BBC Children in Need TOGs’ Celebrity Calendar, which to date has raised more than £800,000. Celebrities featured in the 2010 edition include Sir Roger Moore, Midge Ure, Rob Brydon, Alan Carr, Jane Asher, Robert Lindsay and the Wake up to Wogan Radio team.

Back in the 1980s, Sir Terry caused local uproar when he dubbed Leicester a ‘lost city’, due to all the motorway repairs in traffic bulletins. But after visiting the city he revised his opinion, and since then he has given it a number of major references on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, ‘Wake up to Wogan’.

Thanks to Leicester Shire Promotions, Leicester won a Children in Need challenge for UK cities to sell the most Pudsey Paws stickers. The prize was for Sir Terry to broadcast his breakfast show from the city, during which he signed a declaration agreeing never to refer to Leicester as the ‘lost city’ again.

Speaking at last year’s TOGs’ convention, Sir Terry said: "What is memorable about Leicester is the kind of welcome you get from the University of Leicester for the TOGs. That is why they keep coming back. Who else can supply us with the kind of welcome and facilities we get from the University? Everyone here is fantastic.

“I would like to have been a student here – it looks like a really nice campus. I am not being sycophantic, but the University of Leicester has a very good reputation. For students embarking on their careers my advice would be to study something you want to and then go and do whatever you like. But always remember to go to an established university, like Leicester.”

Speaking at the same event, Norman Macintosh, one of the organizers, added: “Terry’s Old Geezers (or Gals) have got together for our tenth convention – this is our fourth one at Leicester. We find the venue the ideal place for our convention and everyone is full of praise for the facilities, the lovely setting within the University grounds and the great service we receive from all the University staff.”

Sir Terry will be joined by other Radio 2 personalities, including producer Alan Boyd, the News and Traffic team, the Lottery ‘Voice of the Balls’ Alan Dedicoat, the ‘Welsh Traffic Totty’ Lynn Bowles, and presenters John Marsh and Charles Nove.

The ‘Pause for Thought’ team from Sir Terry’s program will also be there, including Canon Roger Boyle, Rev Rob Gillian, Rev Ruth Scott, Rabbi Pete Tobias, Lt Col Charles King of The Salvation Army and the Buddhist Dharmachari Nagaraja. BBC Children in Need will be represented by Gareth Hydes, Head of Editorial at BBC Children in Need, and Jodi Saul.

This year’s TOGs’ convention has an antipodean theme and will also include portrait opportunities by artists who are currently taking courses at the University’s Richard Attenborough Centre through its Lifelong Learning program.

Eric Clapton To Hold Annual Charity Cricket Match

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Guitar legend Eric Clapton will lead a group of celebrities and professional sports people in a charity cricket game this weekend.

The annual cricket match will take place on Sunday, July 12, at a school in Surrey, England. The guitarist will be joined by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman and cricket stars Wasim Akram and Ryan Sidebottom. Proceeds from the game will go to the Crossroads Centre, a facility set up by Clapton on the island of Antigua to help people and their families whose lives are controlled by alcohol, drugs or other compulsive behaviors make the changes necessary to find new health, a new sense of well- being and a new life of recovery. Additional proceeds will go to the English Schools Cricket Association.

The event will also include net sessions with the players, autograph and photograph opportunities, and an auction that features a guitar signed by Clapton and the opportunity to play in the match.

Tickets to the event – to be held at Cranleigh School – must be pre-booked. Prices are £12.50 for adults and £2.50 for children under 12. Call 01483 542118, e-mail events@cranleigh.org or visit www.cranleigh.org.

Gary Barlow Organizes Charity Concert

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Take That singer Gary Barlow is planning a one-off charity fundraising extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall.

Following his successful charity trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro earlier this year, the singer has now enlisted the help of Peter Kay, Leona Lewis, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin to put on the show.

“Gary’s been bitten by the fundraising bug,” reported The Sun. “He was amazed by people’s generosity during his Kilimanjaro climb. As soon as he got off the mountain he made the decision to lend his support to more charities. Take That are going to perform and there will be a whole host of surprises throughout the evening. It is shaping up to be a very special night.”

The gig, which is slated to take place in October, will raise money for Children in Need, the BBC’s charity established to provide practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty.

Kylie Bears All For Charity

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kylie Minogue is the latest star to join the BBC Children in Need campaign.

The 40-year-old singer has signed one of the charity appeal’s mascot Pudsy Bears to be auctioned off on eBay, with proceeds going to provide practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Minogue’s signed bear joins bears signed by Terry Wogan, James Taylor, Ken Bruce, Sarah Kennedy, Alan Dedicoat, Richard Allinson, Jeremy Vine, Charles Nove, Eammon Holmes, John Marsh and many more.

Kylie’s bear is on auction until February 9, and is available here.

Terry Wogan To Croon For Christmas Charity Single

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

The song goes on sale on December 8.

M.I.A. Builds School In Liberia

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rapper M.I.A. is currently looking for support to help build a school in Liberia.

The 31-year-old British-born Paper Planes hit maker visited Liberia with 4REAL, a humanitarian-based TV show that features stars such as Cameron Diaz, Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they undertake adventures around the world to connect with young leaders who, under extreme circumstances, are affecting real change on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

M.I.A., who is currently pregnant with her first baby, used $100,000 she was paid for a show earlier this year to kickstart her Liberian school project.

“It costs $52k to build a school for 1,000 in Liberia,” she said.

The school is now starting to take shape, and M.I.A. is asking for help with books and ideas for the school.

“Maybe you have ideas to make this school more eco-friendly,” she said in her latest blog. “Your school might have books and stuff to donate etc let us know. And if you have interest in going to Liberia to do exchange programs at a school or help out in anyway, let us know.”

More info about 4REAL and the 4REAL Foundation can be found at their website.

Sharleen Spiteri Gigs With Autistic Children

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Scottish singer Sharleen Spiteri lent her support to Nordoff-Robbins last week when she visited a school that integrates children with autism into classes and provides music therapy as part of their lessons.

The 41-year-old lead singer of Texas played a few tunes for children at Hopefield Primary in Bonnyrigg, Scotland, to raise awareness of music therapy in schools.

“It was great to do a song with the kids playing along on their drums, shakers and bells,” Spiteri told the Sunday Mail in the UK. "It ended up being a lot easier than some big gigs I’ve done where thousands of fans clap along out of time. That’s an absolute nightmare. Playing to a bunch of kids who were totally into the music was both satisfying and very humbling. But that’s the power of music. I was a total stranger but music brought us together.

“It was interesting to discover how so much of the touchy-feely element of music – the vibrations of hitting a drum or holding an instrument against the skin – meant to the children. That’s what we do as musicians… we go on constantly about feel and rhythm. It was extraordinary to see it actually work for them and hear from their parents how much of a difference music makes to their lives.”

The singer also took part in the BBC Children in Need charity concert on Friday, November 14, which also featured the Sugababes, Boyzone, and many others.

Celebrities Redesign Children's TV Character

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Yesterday, Look To TheStars brought you news about a new auction featuring James Bond star Daniel Craig’s watch to raise cash for the Children in Need charity. Well, here’s something similar for our younger readers: a whole bunch of stars have given one of the characters of an award-winning children’s TV show a makeover, and they want you to bid for them.

The Spice Girls’ Melanie C, Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson and former Home And Away actress Isla Fisher are among the celebrities who have come up with new designs for Igglepiggle, a central character from In The Night Garden.

The framed and signed designs are up for sale right now over on eBay, and all proceeds will go to the BBC’s Children in Need campaign to help support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. But hurry, the auction ends on November 12.

Daniel Craig Donates Watch To Charity Auction

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A wristwatch belonging to Daniel Craig is being auctioned for Children in Need.

The watch – similar to the one Craig wears as James Bond in the latest 007 film Quantum of Solace – was presented to Jonathan Ross when the Bond star appeared on his talk show.

A lap with Top Gear driver The Stig and tickets to the final of Celebrity Scissorhands are also up for sale in the auction that starts later today, November 10, as are lots of signed Pudsey Bears – the Children In Need mascot – and bandanas, signed items from BBC Dramas such as Casualty and Holby City, and some props from the popular BBC series, The Apprentice.

Last year’s auction raised US$55,000 to help support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK and included items such as Rio Ferdinand signed football boots, a BBC Weather experience, and a stick of celery signed by Peter Davison as Doctor Who.

The auction can be accessed via the BBC Children In Need website.

Mandy Moore To Attend Friendly House Awards

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Mandy Moore is just one of the celebrities expected to attend Friendly House’s 19th Annual Awards Luncheon this Saturday, October 18.

Hosted by 8 Simple Rules’ Katey Sagal, the event will honor Candy Spelling – mother of Tori Spelling – as Woman of the Year. Spelling is a well-known civic leader in Los Angeles, as well as a Commissioner for the Department of Recreation and Parks, and a member of the board of L.A.‘s Best, the Mayor’s group that provides reading programs to schools in L.A.

Friendly House is an organization that provides a safe place for women to overcome addictions and be reintegrated into the community. Founded in 1951, the facility was the first treatment center in the US devoted to women recovering from substance and alcohol abuse, and became a model for similar facilities around the world. Over 6,500 women have been treated at Friendly House, with a success rate of 72%. The current location of the facility was donated by William Shatner in 2001, in honor of his late wife.

The Woman of the Year Award will be presented by last year’s recipient, Anne Douglas – the wife of Kirk Douglas.

Information on attending the ceremony can be found at the Friendly House website.

Anna Nalick Auctions Tickets and More

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Shine singer Anna Nalick is auctioning off concert tickets and more to one of any of the locations on her upcoming tour.

The winning bidder will receive a “VIP experience” that will include two on-stage seats at any of the tour’s shows, a private meet and greet with Nalick, tour merchandise, and an autographed copy of her latest CD, Shine.

Nalick will donate the auction proceeds to PEACE for families, which offers services to victims of sexual assault and family violence. With the belief that “every woman, man and child has the basic right to live in a violence-free life,” PEACE provides a 24-hour crisis line, a 24-hour emergency shelter for battered women and children, crisis intervention, a hospital escort, and counseling in Placer County, California.

Nalick says, “Thanks to PEACE for families, victims of domestic violence or sexual assault have someone they can rely on.”

Just past the $400 mark, the eBay auction ends this Friday.

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Harrelson, Hayek Play For Charity In Cannes

Fri, 23 May 2008 10:52:23 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Competitors Alice Taglioni and Woody Harrelson came out on top at the Partouche Charity Poker Festival on May 17th in Cannes. The two fought it out at the tables until 1 AM before conceding that they were both winners, and agreeing to split the $1 million pot between their chosen charities.

Taglioni’s $500,000 will go to the French association Enfants et santé, which helps children affected by leukemia and other diseases, while Harrelson’s winnings are going to Oasis Preserve International, an ecological charity acting for the worldwide ecosystem preservation.

Eliminated players will also receive checks for their charities of choice. Goldie Hawn was playing for the The Hawn Foundation, Salma Hayek played for her Salma Hayek Foundation, Edward Norton was hoping to win for the National Landscape Conservation Foundation, Tim Robbins was in for The Actors Gang, Dennis Hopper attended for the Center For American Progress and Adrien Brody did not disclose his charity.

After the game, all players were interviewed by Sogimage camera teams and invited to comment on their experience. The resulting show will be broadcast all around the world, presenting the highlights of the tournament, as well as their glamorous arrivals at the Palm Beach Casino and interviews.

Iggy Pop Supports The Children's Society

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

Written by Richard Alan Krieger

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

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

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

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

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

Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of Addiction

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:00:16 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Although regarded by many as one of the best rock and blues guitarists to ever live, Eric Clapton is a man who has suffered for his art. But the succession of addictions and the tragic personal dramas have not stopped the legend from becoming one of the most successful performers in the world today, and have fueled his desire to help those who face the same problems in their daily struggle to survive.

Clapton was born in 1945, in Surrey, England. He was raised by his grandmother and grew up believing his mother was actually his older sister – she was only 16 when he was born. He eventually found out the truth when he was 9 years old, and he took it hard. He became shy and lonely, and took solace in the only thing he could find stability in – blues music.

A proficiency with the guitar led the young teenager to join a band called The Yardbirds in 1963, and the group started to attract a large cult following when they took over the Rolling Stones’ residency at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond. Clapton played on The Yardbirds first hit record, “For Your Love”, before leaving the band in 1965 due to their pop-orientated musical direction.

Before he left, however, Clapton started his long association with benefit concerts by joining Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page for a series of 12 gigs in support of Action For Research Into Multiple Sclerosis, a cause he has continued to support over the years.

A brief stint in “John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers” was followed by Clapton’s first shot at the big time – he formed “Cream” with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. A string of hits – such as “Sunshine of Your Love”, “White Room”, and “Crossroads” – was unleashed on a music scene where the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Who were creating a psychedelic stir. Drugs fueled the industry, and Clapton started to feel their attractive lure. It was a relationship that was destined for disaster.

Cream disbanded in 1968, and Clapton spent his time in bands such as “Blind Faith” and “Derek And The Dominos”. He also found a solid friendship with George Harrison, guitarist for The Beatles.

By the time Clapton kicked off his solo career in 1970, he was drinking heavily and was addicted to heroin. His personality became erratic and his live shows suffered as a result. He became reclusive, only leaving his house to secure more drugs and to perform at the occasional benefit concert – during George Harrison’s Concert For Bangladesh in 1972, Clapton passed out on stage.

If something was not done quickly, Clapton’s friends could see that he would go the same way as Hendrix and many other stars caught up in the drug culture. Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, organized a comeback for Clapton to help him beat his addictions in 1973. Although Clapton returned to his art for the rest of the decade, releasing some of his greatest hits, he would not truly kick his alcohol and drug habits until the mid-1980s. He contemplated taking his own life on several occasions, but was only stopped by the realization that if he were dead, he would not be able to drink anymore.

“I thought there was something otherworldly about the whole culture of drinking, that being drunk made me a member of some strange, mysterious club,” Clapton told The Today Show recently. “The stuff that happened to me as a child made me totally insular — I thought I could do all of this on my own. It wasn’t until I was quite a bit older that I finally did ask for help.”

Help came through the continuing support of friends such as Phil Collins, who reestablished a love of music and a sense of self-worth in the artist. In 1989, after two decades of struggling to take control of his inner demons, Clapton declared himself sober and released “Journeyman”, a critically acclaimed album that proved he was back at the top of his game.

Throughout the 1990s, Clapton worked quietly to help others who had fallen into the dark world of addiction. In 1998, he opened the doors to the Crossroads Centre, a facility located on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, dedicated to helping those who suffer from chemical abuse.

“My vision was to create a centre of the highest caliber to treat people of the Caribbean and throughout the world,” he said. "The centre would be staffed with experienced and internationally recognized professionals. The cost of treatment would be held to the lowest possible level, ensuring affordability and accessibility. And most importantly, this non-profit centre would provide treatment scholarships for people of the Caribbean region and around the world.

“Crossroads is like no other treatment centre. It is the perfect place to begin the road of recovery and utilizes a combination of effective therapies to address addiction and recovery, while capturing the spiritual serenity that many have found unique to Antigua. Within the serene, healing atmosphere individuals participate in a structured 29-day residential 12 step based program that allows clients to experience a whole person wellness approach to recovery.”

Since the Crossroads Centre was opened, Clapton has held two sales of his own guitars to raise money for the non-profit venture – which generated a total of $12 million – and he has also organized two Crossroads Guitar Festivals, featuring stars such as Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. To kick off 2008, Clapton joined Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh at a gig held in a bar in Surrey, to raise money for various Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

As a human being, Clapton will never forget the struggle to beat his addictions, but he believes the only way to get through it all is to keep moving forward.

“In the last couple of years there’s been more action in my life, and drama, than I would have wished for. But I think I’ve learned something from it all. I can’t say tangibly what it is, except that I’m happy to be me and to have survived.”

For more information on how to help those who suffer from addictions, visit www.crossroadsantigua.org.

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.

Bono's Fishy T-Shirt Benefits African Farmers

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:41:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bono has designed a new T-shirt for charity, joining a host of other celebrities in an on-going and major charity campaign.

The 47-year-old singer from U2 is the 25th artist to design a shirt for Hard Rock Café’s Signature Series clothing line, an initiative started in 1990 as a way for musicians to raise money for charities of their choice. Sales from the shirts have raised over $6 million for a variety of causes.

Bono’s creation, available for $26 from the Hard Rock website, features his stylized drawing of a fish soaring past the moon, and is adorned with the words “Fish Can Fly”, as well as his signature. 15% of the proceeds will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Conservation Cotton initiative – a scheme designed to lift African farmers out of poverty by providing education on proper land management, organic cotton growing techniques, and wildlife conservation. The shirts will also support the trade for aid ethos of EDUN, the conscious consumerism fashion label founded by Bono and his wife in 2005, by being made from 100% African cotton and manufactured by African garment workers.

Other artists to have designed shirts for the initiative in the past include Green Day, who raised money for Amnesty International’s Campaign To Save Darfur, Shakira who chose to benefit Pies Descalzos, Ozzy Osbourne for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program, Bruce Springsteen for World Hunger Year, Eric Clapton for the Crossroads Centre, Peter Gabriel for Witness, Sting and Elton John for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Michael Stipe for Artists for a New South Africa, Don Henley for the Walden Woods Project, John Mellencamp for the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation, and Stevie Nicks for the Special Olympics. Carlos Santana and Aerosmith have also contributed designs. Many of these shirts are still available from the Hard Rock website.

Bono’s “Fish Can Fly” is more than just a phrase – it is a message that tomorrow can be better than today.

Children in Need

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:27:27 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The stars have lined up for the 2007 Children in Need Appeal, the BBC’s annual TV charity event. Airing tonight on BBC One, the evening of special programming will be hosted by Terry Wogan, and will feature special live performances by the Spice Girls in LA, Kylie Minogue, Westlife, Annie Lennox, David Gray and Sugababes.

The Spice Girls are also helping out by donating funds from their new single “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)”. [Amazon: CD, MP3]

Irish boy band Boyzone have reformed for the event; the band split seven years ago when lead singer Ronan Keating went solo.

Last year’s appeal brought in £33 million ($66 million) for the charity, which strives to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

As we are reporting in other news today, Children in Need is also one of the beneficiaries of a new fundraising book of celebrity handprints.

Celebrities Lend Their Hands To Charity

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:58:29 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Over 40 celebrities from around the world are featured in a special new book to be released in time for Christmas.

“Celebrity Handprints”, set to be published on December 1, is the culmination of two years work for author James Preston. Since November 2005, Preston has scoured the globe in search of famous names who were willing to dip their hands in ink and leave a lasting mark on paper. And his peculiar pursuit opened doors to some of entertainment’s biggest stars, including Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Matt Damon, and Keira Knightley.

Over the course of his travels, Preston collected more than 100 handprints and accompanying photos of some of the brightest stars in film, television, music and sports, 42 of which are to be included in the new book. All of the proceeds from the publication will go to benefit two British children’s charities – Children in Need and the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Also available is a series of limited edition prints of the handprints, suitable for framing. The cost for each print, which also includes a photograph of the star involved, is $100. 30% of the total will go to both charities.

Other stars involved in the project include David Beckham, Robbie Williams, Will Smith, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Tom Jones, Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, the Kaiser Chiefs, the Smashing Pumpkins, Snow Patrol, Star Wars creator George Lucas, and many more.

The book will be available for $40 from bookstores and Amazon, and both the book and the prints will be able to be purchased from www.celebrityhandprints.org.

Celebrity Auction Roundup, September 2007

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:27:03 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

September 2007 is shaping up to be a busy month for celebrity charity auctions, with proceeds going towards a variety of causes, including the disadvantaged, the sick, the environment, and an endangered species of seal.

One of the most anticipated auctions of the year, the Chevy Chase Green School Auction, kicked off on September 6, and runs until September 20 on www.charitybuzz.com. This is the fourth year the auction has been running, with proceeds going to the Centre For Environmental Education Online. CEE Online is a non-profit organization set up 17 years ago by actor Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni, and grew out of their belief that for environmental understanding to change, it must begin with the education of children. This year’s fundraising will benefit initiatives involving sustainability, the science of climate change, and the support of healthy food in schools.

There are 43 items on auction, with the most popular being a lunch with Bill Clinton and Chevy Chase for two people. This was expected to raise $35,000, but is already attracting bids of over $45,000. Other popular items are a day on the set of a movie with Cameron Diaz (expected to reach $10,000), and backstage passes to The Rachael Ray Show in New York, including a meet and greet with the star, a personal tour of the studios, and a set of signed cookbooks and Rachael Ray cooking utensils (valued at $2,500). Simon Cowell has donated tickets to American Idol to the auction, and other lots include a tour of Martha Stewart’s garden, the opportunity to spend an afternoon filming with Daryl Hannah for her environmental website, and the chance to meet Ben Stiller at the world premier of his next movie.

Another major auction underway on the Charitybuzz website is The Christie Brinkley Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, Healthy Environment Auction. The 53 items up for sale will benefit the New York Coalition For Healthy School Food and Wellness In The Schools.

Lots include the chance to meet Bill Clinton (valued at $50,000), a backstage meet and greet with Alicia Keys (expected to raise $1,500), VIP packages to see Dr. Phil McGraw, signed photos of celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, as well as a variety of dinner and vacation packages. The auction runs until September 27.

Also on auction at Charitybuzz is a very special chalk drawing of Princess Diana, by Russian born artist, Zohar. This exquisite work of art was commissioned in 1990 by the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own), of which the Princess was Colonel-in-Chief, and is expected to raise $275,000 at auction. Proceeds will go to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, and will provide support to those suffering from Aids, cancer, and the effects of landmines.

Ebay has several auctions running in September, as part of their Giving Works initiative. The most popular of these is a vehicle belonging to Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie. The 4 Wheel Drive Hummer H2 has belonged to the singer since 2005, and is expected to reach $65,000 at auction. Proceeds will go to Global Green USA, an organization that works with governments and individuals to create a sustainable and secure future for the planet. More information is available at www.globalgreen.org, and the auction can be viewed at www.ebay.com/fergie.

Five double tickets to a concert featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant in Tennessee on September 27 are also up for auction. The VIP packages include a pre-show reception, front row seats at the gig, a meet and greet with the stars, and an autographed Hatch Show print commemorating the event. Proceeds are going to Community High School, a facility for teenagers in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions, operated by Creative Recovery Communities. The ticket packages are expected to reach $500 each, and the auction runs until September 18. It can be viewed at www.givingworks.ebay.com.

Finally in September, a special auction is to be held to benefit the plight of the Canadian Harp Seal. Thousands of these creatures are clubbed to death annually for their pelts, and several celebrities have banded together in an effort to stop the slaughter. An auction is to be launched through www.harpseals.org, in association with eBay, and will include a pair of autographed pants worn by Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist, Slash, as well as Tiffani Amber Theissen’s parasol and signed CDs from KD Lang and Shania Twain.

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