Look To The Stars News: Addiction

Clapton Hits the Right Notes for Treatment Center

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:06:15 +0000

Twenty of the world’s greatest guitarists and musicians are teaming up for the Crossroads Guitar Festival, a charity concert taking place in Chicago on July 28th.

The event has been organized by bluesman Eric Clapton to raise money for the Crossroads Centre, a treatment facility set up by Clapton for those who suffer from alcohol and drug abuse. Popular musicians such as Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, and Willie Nelson will join Clapton on stage for the day long concert, to be held at Toyota Park.

Clapton’s vision is to create an event where his friends and contemporaries can “have fun and jam together for the benefit of a good cause.” It is the second time he has organized a Crossroads Guitar Festival. The first was held in Dallas in 2004.

Also as part of his fundraising efforts, Clapton has joined forces with guitar manufacturer Fender to create a series of limited edition guitars and amplifiers. 100 Crossroads Fender Stratocasters and 50 Crossroads Fender ’57 Twin-Amps have been produced, and all proceeds will go towards the Crossroads Center. The amplifiers are being sold as a set with the guitars, and are priced at $30,000 pair. The remaining 50 guitars cost $20,000 each.

Clapton, who suffered from alcohol and drug dependency for many years, opened the Crossroads Center on the Caribbean island of Antigua in 1998. It takes its name from a line in one of Clapton’s most famous songs – “Standing at the crossroads, trying to read the signs to tell me which way to go to find the answer”.

Celebrities Cast Aside Their Clothing For Charity

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:35:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It is not a case of what to wear for celebrities this month, but rather of what to give away, as eBay and other auction websites are inundated with the closet cast-outs of a variety of actors and singers.

Film company New Line Cinema is leading the charge by auctioning off original costumes from their current hit movie, Hairspray. Among the costumes are two dresses worn by John Travolta in the film, as well as the silk top and capri pants belonging to Queen Latifah. The proceeds will benefit Citymeals On Wheels, a charity that looks after those in need in New York City, as well as The Harry Holmberg Memorial Foundation, which is dedicated to sick children in the city.

Bidding on each costume is expected to reach $500, and the auction ends on August 4. It can be viewed at www.hairspray.ebay.com.

Several celebrities are emptying out their closets for an auction on the website www.clothesoffourback.org this month. Actress Eva Mendes is offering one of her personal handbags ($250), and Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich has donated a dress from her own fashion label ($175). Joss Stone and Serena Williams will also be donating items to the auction. Proceeds will go to Feeding America (the nation’s largest charitable hunger relief organization), The Art of Elysium (which enriches the lives of critically ill children through art), and World Education (which focuses on girls scholarship programs in Africa), as well as research into autism.
The auction ends on August 6.

Also shedding her unwanted clothes this month is Faith Hill, who is auctioning a lilac cotton cardigan at www.myqlu.com. Proceeds from the auction (bidding has already reached $250) will go to the Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, the non-profit organization she set up in 2005 with her husband, Tim McGraw, to help those in need of proper health care and educational services.

Also on www.myqlu.com, hip hop star Nelly is offering a pair of his NBA Basketball Logo jeans. Bidding for these started at $250, and proceeds will go to 4sho4kids, an organization that aims to improve the quality of life for children born with developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on Down Syndrome and those addicted to drugs.

And finally this month, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is offering a special one-off jacket on www.myqlu.com. The man usually associated with the shedding of other people’s clothes has donated a custom-made jacket created for him in honour of the Playboy Jazz Festival held at the Hollywood Bowl in 1990. Super slick, super bold, and super collectible, the jacket is set to sell for over $500, with proceeds going to the Hugh M Hefner Foundation, which supports issues relating to freedom of speech and civil liberties, as well as health.

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.

NBA's Shawn Marion To Host Charity Poker Event

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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

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

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

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

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

Bono's Fishy T-Shirt Benefits African Farmers

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:41:00 +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.

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.

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.

Tomiko Fraser Offers Empowerment to Women

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:49:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Supermodel Tomiko Fraser will launch an exciting new series of events this Saturday, April 5, when she facilitates the first session in what is set to become on-going national empowerment conferences for women.

“Born With It”, sponsored by Maybelline, will bring together a diverse group of 100 women and teenage girls selected from two shelters in the Los Angeles area, and offer them workshops on self-esteem, finances, fitness, and more. The day-long event will also feature panel discussions addressing issues important to women, as well as stores and an “empowerment” fashion show.

“Our vision is that woman of all ages possess the knowledge and ability to live truly empowered lives,” said Tomiko. “We are committed to supporting them as they tap into their undiscovered potential. We will provide them with the guidance, tools, and education to achieve their goals, thereby giving them the opportunity to live the life of their dreams.”

“Born With It” is an initiative of Tomiko’s Goddess Gathering, a national organization created to encourage the empowerment and self-esteem of women. She hopes the on-going events will give women across the US the opportunity to harness their natural greatness through a series of fun and educational workshops, motivational speeches, and Q&A sessions with some of the country’s most inspiring women.

Tomiko was born in the Bronx, the eldest of a family of seven. She is the legal guardian and caretaker of her sister, who suffers from a severe case of Lupus, and is a spokesperson and board member for the Lupus Foundation of America.

The “Born With It” events are designed to build confidence in women who are in “transition” (trying to overcome homelessness, unemployment, or drug addictions), “at-risk” teens, and girls in foster care, by providing information and tools for goal setting, finance, fitness/beauty/body image, well-being, and self-esteem techniques. The first day-long workshop will take place at the Pan Pacific Community Center in Los Angeles on April 5 from 9am-6pm. For more information about the event, or to make a contribution, visit the Tomiko Fraser Goddess Gathering website.

Tomiko Fraser Reminds Women They Are Born With It

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:14:02 +0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Last Saturday, April 5, a full day of seminars were held in Los Angeles for women and at-risk youth, sponsored by Maybelline and model Tomiko Fraser's Goddess organization. Making a difference is a recurring theme in Fraser’s life. Last year she put together Butterflies Over Hollywood to raise funds and awareness about Lupus, an event she anticipates doing again this year. Saturday’s event was the first Born With It workshop, an outreach program and offshoot of Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering.

What began as a small gathering of five women at her home spawned an event with about 50 women. Fraser says of her gatherings, “Everybody comes to the table with their various strengths. I call it girlfriends being there for girlfriends. Each month I come up with a topic such as self esteem or goal setting.” She adds that she gives a homework assignment based on the topic so they can use it in their lives.

The goddess members were involved in every aspect of the program on Saturday, from being workshop leaders to serving food. Among them were a choreographer, a personal trainer, people who work in music, actresses, and a model.

Fraser describes all of the workshops as “pieces of the empowerment puzzle.” Among the workshops were those relating to fitness, beauty, confidence building, self esteem, spirituality, and well being, and there was also a financial freedom seminar that taught basics such as balancing a check book and investing.

The activities on Saturday were innovative and included props and physical activity. The girls involved all had fun.The confidence building seminar engaged the youth in creating commercials about themselves which highlighted the positive. In another seminar, girls created a collage based on their qualities as women.

Personal Trainer Fee King said of her involvement, “I am especially enthusiastic about this event because type 2 Diabetes is an epidemic in African American and Latino communities. It is an epidemic that does not have to be. I am using this platform to be an example and minister to these young people.”

Another member of the Goddess group, Big & Beautiful model Chenese Lewis, loaned her support to the body image workshop. Her emphasis was that real beauty comes from within.

Fraser and Maybelline plan on spreading the Goddess Gatherings to several cities throughout the country.

(Photos copyright Natiya Guin )

Celebrities Send Signitures For Charity Auction

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:19:30 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Sometimes, if you really believe in a cause and you want some celebrity help, you’ve just got to ask. That’s exactly what Simon McGuinness, a British teenager who recently got a whole lot of star-power behind his mission to raise money for CAFOD, did.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Simon, who contacted over 50 celebrities and asked for signitures and items to sell in an internet auction."I had replies and donations from Dr Who’s David Tennant, Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Rowan Atkinson, and even Prime Minister Gordon Brown."

CAFOD – the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development – is a charity that supports communities abroad by helping provide food, water, education and health care, and McGuinness will stop at nothing in his quest to enlist celebrity help for the cause.

“It was just an idea and I didn’t know what sort of response I would receive so I am delighted and surprised to have made such an impact and to find that celebrities do care enough to respond to a boy’s requests,” said the thirteen-year-old. “My next step is to go for the big one, I mean the Queen, but I don’t know whether she is able to do this sort of thing.”

For more information about the auction, visit the CAFOD website.

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.

Pete Doherty Scores For Samaritans

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Evert Charity Tennis Event Attracts Celebrities

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 2008 Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic was held at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, November 1-2nd, and once again proved to be a raging success – so much so, that tennis legend Chris Evert has now raised close to $20 million for charities!

The event kicked off with a Pro-Am at the Boca Raton Resort & Club tennis courts and attracted some new faces this year. Comedian Billy Crystal and 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres joined regulars such as Chevy Chase, Stone Phillips, Maeve Quinlan, Bud Collins, Vince Spadea, Alan Thicke, Jana Novotna, Gavin Rossdale, and Jon Lovitz.

Evert created the fundraising event to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in South Florida.

“What these treatment centers do is they get these women or men back into the mainstream of life, back on track, whether they’re gonna work, whether they want to go to school, whether they want to be great parents, whatever, it gets them back into mainstream of living,” says Evert. “Circumstances in life sometimes get you to a very low and a lot of people in the world, that’s how they reacted by turning to drugs and its not something that you should look down on and snub, it can happen to anybody.”

Chris Evert Charities partners with The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, a public -private partnership administered with the State of Florida, to raise money for needy programs which otherwise would not be fully-funded by the State. The Ounce of Prevention Fund matches moneys raised through the Chris Evert/Bank of America Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic.

While Chris has been busy with her own work at Chris Evert Charities, she also donates her time and efforts to other worthwhile programs including: The Special Olympics, The March Of Dimes, The Martina Navratilova Youth Foundation, The Michael Bolton Charities, The American AIDS Foundation, The Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Red Cross and The U.S. Olympic Ski Team.

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.

Chelsea To Host Celebrity Charity Soccer

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Artists & Writers To Swing For Charity Again

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Phoenix House is delighted to announce that once again they will benefit from the Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game.

The 61st annual Hamptons rite of summer will feature a lineup that includes: Alec Baldwin, Christie Brinkley, Carl Bernstein, Mort Zuckerman, Lori Singer, B. Smith, Dan Gasby, Greg Bello, Ken Auletta, James Lipton, Jeffrey Lyons, Juliet Papa, Edward Nahem, Kim Stolz, Bonnie Bernstein, Mark Ciardi, Rod Gilbert, Mike Lupica, Bert Sugar, Richard Reeves, and many more to come.

The event, which last year drew a crowd of over 2,000 spectators, will take place on August 15, 2009 in East Hampton’s Herrick Park. Celebrity batting practice will begin at 1 pm, and the Home Run Derby, sponsored by U.S. Sports Film Festival, will begin at 2 pm. The players will take the field at 3 pm. A donation of $10 is suggested for spectators. Students from the Phoenix Academy of Long Island will be selling hot dogs and other concession items.

“I was proud to serve as umpire for this event more summers ago than I care to admit,” said former President Bill Clinton, in a letter to the organizers. “I know firsthand how much fun it is, and how dedicated the players, spectators, and organizers are to being good neighbors and contributors to their community. Though the rivalry runs deep and winning is serious business, this (mostly) friendly competition truly represents America at its best, reinforcing our fundamental values of community, responsibility, and compassion.”

The Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game first started at a picnic in the summer of 1948, in Wilfrid Zogbaum’s front yard. The event has grown to include notable politicians, actors, musicians, publishers, editors, and television personalities, and is a beloved event of every East Hampton summer.

Over the years, spectators have watched as Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, Chevy Chase, Jackson Pollock, and many others have battled on the ball field. The casual setting, dedicated fans, and a decidedly competitive match make for some great summer entertainment.

Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading drug and alcohol treatment centers. In East Hampton, Phoenix House operates an outpatient center that offers group, individual, and family therapy; and in Wainscott, the organization runs the Phoenix Academy of Long Island, providing residential treatment to teens along with educational and vocational services.

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.

Eric Clapton And Friends Play For Charity

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eric Clapton held his third Crossroads Guitar Festival just outside Chicago in the weekend, to raise money for the anti-addiction centre he opened in 1998.

The concert was a treat for lovers of the blues, with performers including BB King, Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck appearing, along with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, ZZ Top, Vince Gill, Steve Winwood and many others. Bill Murray also made an appearance.

The festival benefited Clapton’s Crossroads Centre, a facility he launched on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua following his own battles with addiction.

Zac Efron Talks Charity At Movie Premiere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the video here.

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

Boys Like Girls For Suicide Prevention Week

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

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

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

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

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

To purchase the shirt, click here.

Eric Clapton To Auction Guitars For Charity

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eric Clapton will sell a selection of his guitars and amplifiers for charity next year.

Over 70 instruments will go under the hammer, including the guitar he played at the Cream reunion concerts in 2005 and amps from his days with Derek and The Dominos. Guitars from Jeff Beck, JJ Cale and others will also be put up for auction.

“I am very happy that Bonhams have agreed to host my third guitar auction in aid of The Crossroads Centre, Antigua, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre I founded in 1998,” said Clapton.

Stephanie Connell, head of entertainment memorabilia at Bonhams, added: “We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars and amps from such an iconic musician and hope the auction will raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause.”

The guitars will go on display at Bonhams 101 New Bond Street in London from January 23 to 26.

Eric Clapton Plays Rescheduled Charity Concerts

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It was better late than never for Eric Clapton recently when he played two charity concerts in Britain after the pre-Christmas snow caused the original dates to be postponed.

The legendary guitarist headlined two nights at the Cranleigh Arts Centre earlier this month as part of a star-studded lineup that included soul-singer PP Arnold and former Manfred Mann frontman and show organizer Paul Jones.

Money from the shows went to Clapton’s Crossroads Centre – which he opened in 1998 on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua to help those who suffer from chemical abuse – as well as the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation and the Cranleigh Arts Centre.

Clapton is also auctioning over 70 guitars and amplifiers for charity in March, including the guitar he played at the Cream reunion concerts in 2005 and amps from his days with Derek and The Dominos. The instruments will raise money for the Crossroads Centre, and will be auctioned by Bonhams in New York on March 9, but fans in London who want to view the items have got until the end of today – January 27 – to view the guitars at Bonhams Knightsbridge. The instruments will then be shipped to Los Angeles, where they will be on public display from February 18-20.

More information about the auction can be found here.

Ringo Starr And Eric Clapton To Headline Charity Gig

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton will headline a massive charity event in London in May, supported by some of their celebrity friends.

Hosted by Rory Bremner with Jonny Gould and Jeffrey Archer, Bunbury’s Big 25th Birthday Ball will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bunbury Celebrity Cricket Team and will benefit the AF Foundation – established by English cricketer Andrew Flintoff to raise funds to build, develop and improve child rehabilitation and physiotherapy units throughout the UK – as well as Clapton’s Crossroads Centre for alcohol and drug dependency and the English School’s Cricket Association.

Guests will include some of the 60 Bunbury England U15 old boys who went on to become England stars of today plus the victorious Ashes Squad of 2010/11. Established by Sir David English, the Bunbury Celebrity Cricket club has raised over £12 million for charity in the last 25 years.

The event will take place at The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Saturday, May 7. More information can be found here.

Eric Clapton's Guitars Raise Millions For Charity

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Eric Clapton has raised more than US$2.15 million for the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre he founded by auctioning off his guitars in New York.

Collectors, fans and musicians alike gathered at Bonhams New York to celebrate the rock icon, whose personal collection of 75 guitars and 55 amps were auctioned off to benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua. With 100% of the lots sold, the final auction total more than tripled pre-sale expectations, with proceeds going to the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre founded by Clapton in 1998.

Bidders from all four corners of the globe battled throughout the 4.5 hour auction and included clients from the U.S., Asia, Australasia, UK, Europe, and the Caribbean. Notably, a private Russian Eric Clapton fan and collector showed keen interest in the room and Asian participants included those from Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.

Jon Baddeley, Worldwide Head of Collectables, said, “It has been a privilege and honor working on this exceptional sale and being associated with one of the most iconic living musicians, Eric Clapton. Arguably the greatest guitarist of all time, Eric Clapton inspires an ever-expanding fan base, many of whom made the journey to Bonhams in New York over the past few days and joined us for this remarkable auction. We were delighted to play our part in raising funds for The Crossroads Centre, a charity with a noble mission and a cause that remains very close to Eric’s heart.”

Guitar highlights included a 1948 Gibson L-5P, estimated at $20,000-30,000, that sold for a staggering $82,960; and a 2005 Zemaitis S22BP 3S, estimated at $12,000-18,000, which sold for $75,640. The top amp of the sale was a pair of 1997 Fender Twin Amps, estimated at $9,000-12,000, sold for $42,700.

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