Look To The Stars News: Animals

Camp-out with Tippi

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 15:07:10 +0000

Actress Tippi Hedren is offering fans the opportunity to overnight in a safari tent with her.

For a $3,000 donation, adventurer’s can spend the night sleeping out with big cats at her Shambala Preserve. Aside from getting to spend time with Hedren, guests receive a gourmet dinner and a safari around the park.

Jackie Chan Reveals Charity Will

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 21:56:08 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

While at a press conference to raise awareness of the endangered South China tiger, Jackie Chan announced that he has bequeathed half of his fortune to charity.

“I admire the efforts by Buffett and Gates to help those in need a lot,” Chan said. “Like Buffett and Gates, I want to help people, but I don’t have as much money as they do.”

The action hero founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation in 1988, and it is this charity that will benefit from the will. Originally started to help needy children, the organization has since branched out to help victims of natural disasters, provide special medical care, and support the performing arts.

Earlier this year Chan was named by Forbes as one of the world’s 10 most generous celebrities. Recognising the 52-year-old’s passion for charitable causes, celebrities such as Tom Cruise have contributed funds to the Foundation.

Though constantly busy with film work, Chan also commits a large amount of his time to a number of other charities.

Save China's Tigers founder Li Quan said, “The tigers are very lucky to have the support of Jackie, who cares deeply about the Chinese tiger, which is on the brink of extinction. With less than 100 Chinese tigers remaining urgent action is required. Jackie hopes the poster campaign can raise much needed funds to help the tigers.”

Doggy Style for Charity Calendar

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 19:51:31 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

In support of British animal charity PDSA, model Penny Lancaster has applied her photography training in order to shoot a photo calendar of celebrities with their pets.

Among the celebrities featured in “Pet Pawtraits” are Elton John and Lancaster’s fiancé — veteran pop-rocker Rod Stewart. Most were photographed in their own homes, and the photos will be displayed at the Mall Galleries in London. Original prints can be bought online via eBay.

The PDSA is the UK’s largest veterinary charity, providing free treatment to over 4650 sick and injured animals every working day.

Steve Irwin Killed While Filming

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 19:30:29 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Conservationist Steve Irwin, died today after being fatally pierced through the heart by a stingray barb.

“Today the world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dad’s on the planet. He died doing what he loved best, he left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind, he would’ve said ‘crocs rule’,” said John Stainton, a close friend and producer of Steve Irwin’s Film Company, Best Picture.

“He was one of my best, closest friends, we’ve been together for 20 years, we’ve been shooting documentaries for fifteen years, I’ve never known a more professional man in my life and a more passionate person on wildlife and conservation issues,” Stainton said.

Discovery Communications founder and chairman John Hendricks commented, “Steve was a larger-than-life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe.”

Irwin’s show, “Crocodile Hunter” aired on the company’s Animal Planet network, and the company is now looking at creating the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund to support wildlife protection, education and conservation, as well as aid Irwin’s Australia Zoo and provide educational support for his children.

Irwin founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which later became Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. He is survived by his wife, Terri and his two children, Bindi (8) and Bob (2 1/2).

Irwin supporters give $1.5m to charity

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:49:59 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Following the death of popular Australian wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Steve Irwin on 4th September, an estimated 300m viewers worldwide watched the televised memorial service.

50,000 fans showed their support directly by pledging time or money to Irwin’s conservation charity Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, donating a total of 1.5m Australian Dollars.

The charity’s executive manager Michael Hornby, said that while the donations have been overwhelming, it is sad that it has taken his friend’s death to bring the issue to the fore.

“So many new people have got engaged for the first time,” he said.

“That gives us a sense, I guess, of authority or conviction that we can go and talk to decision makers now and let them know that environmental issues are now on top of the agenda because Steve made it that way.”

Hornby added, “We need to make sure that we provide sustainable programs that make the most impact on our environment for the better for the future.”

Charity Founded by Steve Irwin to Sell Wristbands Benefiting Wildlife

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 07:12:09 +0000

Written by Robert Powers

Though Steve Irwin was tragically killed in September diving off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, his legacy will live on in charities that work to help save endangered wildlife.

The charity he co-founded in 2002 with his wife, Teri, the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide (WWW), has announced a plan to sell green wristbands with the words “Wildlife Warrior” embossed on them.

Michael Hornby, fund manager for the WWW, has said that the planning for the sale of the wristbands had been in the works for six months, but “with the untimely passing of our good mate, Steve,” he said, “I guess this project has brought on added meaning.”

The wristbands coincide with the sale of a DVD that feature Irwin’s memorial services, which, when they were being broadcast live from the Australia Zoo, could be seen worldwide.

All proceeds from the wristbands and the DVD will go to benefit the WWW directly.

Irwin’s eight year-old daughter, Bindi, has in a way become the unofficial face of the campaign. Speaking at her father’s memorial service said that she wanted to help save animals “just like he did.”

She more recently called the wristbands “super cool” and said that, “green is the color of nature, and if you wear one it will show that you are really into wildlife and that you are going to make a difference, like my daddy did.”

The Hollywood Cookbook Launch Party

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:32:59 +0000

Written by Charles Harder

Stars and food converged at Kitchen Academy in Hollywood last night for a party launching The Hollywood Cookbook — a beautiful 271-page hardcover collection of sumptuous recipes, each accompanied by a large photo, from the personal kitchens of 20 celebrities and 6 world-class chefs. Five dollars from each purchase benefits 20 important charities dear to the hearts of the celebrity contributors.

The cookbook covers the spectrum of food and beverage, from appetizers, soups and salads, to main courses, desserts, and even cocktails. Michael J. Fox's Barn Dance Chicken, and Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford's Savory Fall Stew are just two of the 107 creative and simple dishes that can be duplicated in any kitchen regardless of culinary skill level. Chefs Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Joachim Splichal, Nick Stellino, Michael Cimarusti and Rocco DiSpirito also contributed recipes to the book.

At the event, the students of Kitchen Academy prepared and served 20 recipes featured in the cookbook, each one tastier than the last. This reporter’s favorite: Door Knob Sweet Potato Balls (an appetizer) from designer Paige Hemmis of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Yum!

Chef Jamie Gwen’s movie-star looks and talk-show host’s presence kept attendees laughing and entertained as the event’s emcee. The evening included a cooking demonstration by actor Greg Grunberg, and an informal awards ceremony. Eric Close of TV’s Without a Trace gave a heartfelt tribute to his charity, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, which pairs abused children with rescued horses and adult leaders at 24 wilderness ranches around the U.S. and Canada, to help restore the heart, soul, mind and strength of the kids.

Written by screenwriter Jackie Zabel and actress Morgan Most, and published by Silverback Books, The Hollywood Cookbook is a perfect holiday gift (retails for $35, but presently is featured at Amazon.com for only $23). The event was co-sponsored by Maurice Le Croix Swiss Watches and The Kitchen Academy.

Celebrities & Charities: Thora Birch (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Michael Chiklis (The Children's Lifesaving Foundation), Eric Close (Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch), Mark Dacascos (Reel Angels), James Denton (Cure Autism Now), Michael J. Fox & Tracy Pollan (The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research), Afton Fraser & Brendan Fraser (P.S. ARTS), Greg Grunberg (Pediatric Epilepsy Project), Anne Hathaway (Lollipop Theater Network), Paige Hemmis (Habitat For Humanity), Ron Howard (Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America), Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford (Clothes Off Our Back), Esai Morales (TreePeople), Don Most (City of Hope), Bob Saget (Scleroderma Research Foundation), Marlo Thomas (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital), Kerry Washington (Step Up), Treat Williams (Save the Children), Alicia Witt (The Art of Elysium), and Kelly Wolf & Scott Wolf (Camp Heartland).

Jamelia Launches Fragrance, Bares All For Charity

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:37:37 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Pop star Jamelia has recently been making it her business to lend support to charities.

In January she launched a perfume in support of MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of AIDS and HIV. Proceeds from each bottle of “Rougeberry” sold will go directly to the Foundation.

Jamelia said: "A lot of people are thinking it’s not really their problem, it’s not going to happen to them.

“I feel that people really need to be more aware of the problem and realise that it can happen if you’re not safe and careful.”

This week she has become the latest celebrity to pose nude for an anti-fur campaign by animal rights PETA timed to coincide with London Fashion Week.

“The reason I decided to bare all for Peta was because I was educated about the inhumane ways animals used for their fur are treated, and I think it’s disgusting,” said Jamelia.

“I think if you have a heart, then you just wouldn’t wear fur.”

The charity’s provocative nude adverts have previously featured Sadie Frost, Pamela Anderson, Kim Basinger and Christy Turlington.

Oprah Tops Celebrity Philanthropy A-List

Sat, 12 May 2007 08:24:00 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A list of the 30 largest public donations made by celebrities in the past year puts Oprah in the top spot.

The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and advises on celebrity philanthropy, compiles its list each year. President Marc Pollick said, “Encouragement-by-example is the main reason for the Giving Back 30 list.”

Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah's Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy.

Of the other celebrities high on the list, Barbra Streisand was in fourth spot, having given $11.75 million through her Streisand Foundation.

Tiger Woods took fifth place, giving $9.5 million to organisations including the Tiger Woods Learning Center funded by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Giving Back’s Marc Pollick praised an increasing trend in celebrity donations, saying, “Ten years ago when Slate magazine first published the Slate 60 reporting on the most generous American philanthropists, the last donor on their list gave $5 million. This year the last donor donated $30 million to charity. This is the type of growth we are hoping to inspire within the sports and entertainment community. One cannot help but be influenced by the generosity of his or her peers.”

The full list and information about how it was compiled can be found at givingback.org. This site has previously reported on many of the list’s featured celebrities and their donations; a comprehensively linked version of the list appears below:

Position	Celebrity	Donation	Cause(s)
1	Oprah Winfrey	$58,300,000	Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, Oprah's Angel Network, and other groups
2	Geoffrey Beene	$44,000,000 (bequest)	Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
3	Jack and Marie Lord	$40,000,000 (bequest)	Hawaii Community Foundation
4	Barbra Streisand	$11,750,000	Streisand Foundation, numerous civil liberties, environmental, and civil rights organizations “dedicated to democratic values”
5	Tiger Woods	$9,500,000	Tiger Woods Learning Center, Earl D. Woods Sr. Scholarship Fund, and other Tiger Woods Foundation programs
6	Rosie O'Donnell	$5,700,000	Katrina Relief efforts including Renaissance Village (a temporary shelter for Katrina victims), day care centers, a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, and a Habitat For Humanity sub division in Baton Rouge
7	Martha Stewart	$5,000,000	New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital for a center on healthy aging
8	Carmelo Anthony	$4,282,000	CAF Youth Center in Baltimore, AAU Basketball, Syracuse University Recreational Center, and other charities
9	Pat Boone & Shirley Boone	$3,000,000	Pepperdine University for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology Center for the Family
9	LeRoy Neiman	$3,000,000	The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to support a Master’s class in figure drawing
11	Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt	$2,415,000	School and Community Center in Swakopmund in Namibia, Daniel Pearl Foundation, Namibian hospitals, Doctors Without Borders, Global Action for Children and others
12	Nicolas Cage	$2,000,000	Amnesty International for a fund to help child soldiers
12	Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”) and Dany Garcia Johnson	$2,000,000	University of Miami to name new Alumni Center living room
12	Paul McCartney	$2,000,000	Adopt-A-Minefield
12	Arnold Palmer	$2,000,000	Pledged to the Arnold Palmer Foundation ultimately to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
16	David Geffen	$1,600,000	David Geffen Foundation
17	Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol	$1,300,000	The Gunnery to help pay for a new dormitory in memory of their son Teddy killed in a plane crash
18	Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg	$1,250,000	Boston University to renovate facilities
19	Andre Agassi	$1,070,000	Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
20	Tiki and Ronde Barber and family	$1,000,000	University of Virginia to support the McIntire School of Commerce, the Virginia Athletics Foundation, Childrens Hospital, a scholarship fund for African-American students, the Young Alumni Council, and to challenge young alumni to participate in the capital campaign
20	Bob Barker	$1,000,000	Georgetown University to endow a fund at its law school that will focus on the study of animal rights
20	Gloria Estefan	$1,000,000	The Miami Project
20	Dr. Phil McGraw & Robin McGraw	$1,000,000	Dr. Phil Foundation
20	George Steinbrenner & family	$1,000,000	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Boshamer Stadium for baseball
20	Tony Stewart	$1,000,000	Victory Junction Gang Camp
20	Denzel Washington	$1,000,000	Save Africa's Children
27	Mike Sexton	$560,000	Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Children, Inc., Wounded Warrior Project, Ohio State University, and other charities
28	Lance Armstrong	$500,000	Lance Armstrong Foundation
28	Dolly Parton	$500,000	Fort Sanders Medical Center
28	Elizabeth Taylor	$500,000	New Orleans AIDS Task Force to purchase mobile medical unit for AIDS sufferers in New Orleans

Conservation International Hosts 20th Anniversary Dinner

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:25:02 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, and Meredith Brokaw (the wife of Tom Brokaw) were just some of the celebrities and business leaders present at the Conservation International 20th Anniversary Chicago Fundraising Dinner on June 14th. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the event raised over $1 million for Conservation International projects.

The evening was opened by CI board member Paula Crown, who declared that the event was officially “carbon neutral”. Guests dined on a selection of locally-grown organic cuisine, and were treated to a pre-recorded video message from former vice-president, Al Gore. During his presentation, Mr Gore emphasized Conservation International’s work, and also spoke of the importance of conservation and leadership in reducing the effects of climate change.

The business sector was also represented at the dinner by Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart, whose company is working with Conservation International to protect and restore the diverse ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. Key speaker of the evening was Walter Isaacson, CEO of the Aspen Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering leadership and open-minded dialogue.

Harrison Ford has been a board member of Conservation International for over 10 years, at one time serving as vice chairman, and is now on the executive committee. He has been actively involved in the organization’s design and growth, and has personally donated 389 acres of his private land in Wyoming to conservation efforts.

Making a Difference, Bob Barker’s Way

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:35:46 +0000

Written by Nadia Lias

After retiring from the longest-running daytime game show last year, Bob Barker, a nineteen time Emmy Award winner is going stronger than ever. Retiring did not slow him down; in fact he has been even more actively involved in what seems like almost every animal protection charity.

Barker – whose famous catchphrase in ‘The Price is Right’ was “Help control the pet population; have your pet spayed or neutered” – recently helped pass a pet bill which reduces the number of unwanted dogs and cats by requiring spaying or neutering. The bill is deemed necessary to ease the growing population of unwanted pets that cost state and local governments $300 million each year.

Placing animals’ needs up front, he additionally donated $1 million to Georgetown University Law Center for the study of animal rights law. His donation will be well spent on strengthening and expanding the Law Center’s animal rights law curriculum, providing opportunities for students to work in the field, supporting student-initiated animal rights projects and sponsoring conferences and symposia on subjects related to animal protection.

The passionate animal activist recently raised $19,919.08 through an eBay auction of his 35 years old original, corded microphone – an iconic fixture of television and American pop culture. Every last cent went to United Activists for Animal Rights, an organization that is near and dear to Bob’s heart.

Celebrities Go To The Dogs Over Auction

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:41:16 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for something a little different to give the special pet in your life? Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron may be able to help, as they are some of the stars donating items for the upcoming “Celebrity Collars For Dollars” auction, starting June 23rd.

The event aims to raise funds for Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing dogs that are permanently chained and mistreated.

Bidders will have the chance to buy pre-used dog collars belonging to the canine friends of celebrities such as Robin Williams, who has donated three collars from his pets Gabby and MabelMae, three autographed photos, three signed DVDs, and an autographed Dogs Deserve Better calendar.

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, has been enjoying preparations for the auction over the last few months, and has been touched by the generosity shown by the stars involved.

“It’s been great fun opening the mail from celebrities to see what they’ve donated,” she said. "Candice Bergen, who did not have a collar to send, had her assistant call to say they were sending a specially signed photo to DDB… and gave a generous donation for chained and penned dogs."

Other items up for sale include autographed photos of Dolly Parton, a signed copy of Bill Maher's book Polite Musings From A Timid Observer, and Martha Stewart has autographed a copy of the Dogs Deserve Better Calendar for the event.

Online bidding will run for 10 days, finishing on July 3rd, and can be accessed through www.dogsdeservebetter.org.

Michelle Yeoh Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:56:53 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress and former beauty queen Michelle Yeoh has joined WildAid in utilizing YouTube to post videos on the wildlife poaching crisis. WildAid is a non-profit organization that seeks to put an end to illegal wildlife trade “by focusing on awareness to reduce the demand for threatened and endangered species products and to increase public support for wildlife conservation.”

With awareness in mind, using WildAid’s motto: When the buying stops the killing can too, Jackie Chan, Ralph Fiennes, Ang Lee, Minnie Driver and other stars have posted short public service announcement videos on YouTube as well, Chan’s being the most graphic, against the illegal trade and its costs.

WildAid works worldwide with governments, communities and celebrities to make wildlife conservation a global priority.

Kate Hudson Gets Styled for WildAid

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:14:53 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Kate Hudson will be featured in celebrity hairstylist David Babaii’s new line of hair care and styling products, DAVID BABAII FOR WILDAID. The products contain natural ingredients and are free of sulfates, chemical preservatives, animal products and animal testing.

Additionally, a percentage of the revenue from the sales of Babaii’s products will be donated to the wildlife conservation organization WildAid. WildAid, who campaigns worldwide to end illegal wildlife trade, works with governments and communities to raise awareness and stop the buying of endangered wild animals and products.

“I’ve been asked to do a lot of campaigns in the past and this feels like the perfect fit for me,” says Hudson. “The fact that we can do it in an ecologically responsible and animal-friendly manner that can help preserve wildlife is what makes this truly special.”

Together, Hudson and Babaii celebrate “the nature in beauty and the beauty in nature.”

Celebrities Play Bingo For Charity

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:29:17 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British pop star Robbie Williams is one of a host of celebrities involved with Legendary Bingo, a weekly fundraising event held in Los Angeles. The singer was part of a charity evening earlier in August, held at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grill, with proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

The evening was a colorful and fun affair, with Williams winning the grand prize – a Diane Merrick leopard-print handbag. The following week, it was Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines' turn to play the game.

“She asked if we would consider doing a wild bingo night for one of her favorite charities,” said Jeffery Bowman, producer of the Legendary Bingo events. “She was one of the most normal, nicest people I’ve ever met.”

Proceeds from that evening went to the Voice For The Animals Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, advocacy, and legislation. Maines had so much fun that she is already in negotiations to be involved in another Legendary Bingo event for charity.

Legendary Bingo was started by Bowman in 1998, as a fundraising event for AIDS projects in Los Angeles. It proved so popular that within a few months it was benefiting a different charity every week, including Habitat For Humanity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Caring For Babies With Aids, and the American Cancer Society. Before long, celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Courteney Cox, Daryl Hannah, and Tori Spelling also started to get involved, both as players and ball-callers.

Legendary Bingo has raised over $1.5 million for local and national charities and the arts since its inception.

Celebrity Auctions Tackle The Big Issues

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:29:11 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Thirteen of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood are creating a buzz with an internet auction taking place in October, in order to raise awareness of one of the biggest and most pervasive threats to life on Earth.

Ebay Giving Works, eBay’s program dedicated to charity listings, is hosting an online auction for the WWF, with 100% of the proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund’s global conservation initiatives, especially those involved in the fight against climate change.

The auction, which runs from October 3 -12, features a series of 100% organic T shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Hotter Than I Should Be”. The shirts, which have created much interest in the media and Hollywood as a unique way to spread the message that the Earth is warming, have all been signed by a multitude of celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, Orlando Bloom, Rachael Ray, Harrison Ford, and Cate Blanchett.

“Global warming is the single biggest threat to our environment today,” said John Donoghue, Senior Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund. “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming celebrity support we’ve received, and we are confident this auction will not only garner funds for our work, but will encourage individuals to take action in their own lives to stop climate change.”

The WWF is a leader in the field of climate science, and is a strong and persuasive advocate for the reduction of harmful greenhouse emissions and the increase of energy efficient technologies. For more than 45 years, the non-profit organization has been working to protect nature, and now provides cutting edge scientific research into areas of concern. With a dedicated team of experts in over 50 countries, the WWF focuses on 4 particular areas of impact: creating responsible global warming policies, working with businesses to reduce carbon dioxide levels, implementing adaptation plans to help the planet respond to climate change, and protecting the forests that help mitigate climate change.

The “Hotter Than I Should Be” online auction looks set to provide some much needed funding to the WWF’s ongoing research. Many of the shirts have already reached bids of over $300, with Orlando Bloom’s attracting bids close to $800. Other celebrities who have lent their signitures to the cause include Candice Bergen, Gisele Bundchen, Kevin Bacon, Paul Newman, Charlie Sheen, Cindy Crawford, and Susan Sarandon.

Unsigned “Hotter Than I Should Be” T shirts are also available with donations of over $50 to the WWF, and more information about the auction can be found at www.worldwildlife.org.

Also up for auction on eBay Giving Works in October is a series of pink rubber bath ducks, signed and decorated by celebrities such as Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Lucy Liu, and Matthew McConaughey.

The auction has been organized by Munchkin Inc, the makers of award winning infant and toddler products, as part of their Project Pink breast cancer awareness program, and runs from October 1 to November 4. All proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to education and research into the causes, treatment, and the search for a cure to breast cancer.

Other celebrities to design and sign rubber duckies include Brooke Shields, Desperate Housewives’ Marcia Cross, Charlie’s Angels’ Jaclyn Smith, and former First Lady Barbara Bush. The auction is hoped to raise over $30,000, and more information can be found at www.munchkin.com/projectpink.

Natalie Portman Films Documentary On Rwanda's Gorillas

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:49:08 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Natalie Portman has teamed up with wildlife expert Jack Hanna to make a TV special on the plight of gorillas in Rwanda.

The hour-long documentary, called Gorillas On The Brink, will go to air on the Animal Planet channel on October 26, and will feature the pair as they travel deep into the jungles of the Congo’s Virunga National Park in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla.

The documentary follows the 26 year old star’s appearance at a gorilla naming ceremony held in Rwanda in July, in which a host of celebrities gathered to name 23 baby gorillas at a Rwandan wildlife sanctuary to raise awareness of the species’ possible extinction. Portman named her gorilla Ahazaza, which means “Future” in the native Rwandan language. Another was named in the memory of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, who was planning a trip to the African nation before being killed by a stingray while filming a documentary at the Great Barrier Reef in September 2006. His gorilla was named Ingufu, which means “Strength”.

According to figures published by the WWF, there are only 700 Mountain Gorillas left in the world, and just over half of these live around the lush Virunga volcanoes that straddle Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their populations are being decimated by conflict and poaching, although the efforts of several conservation organizations, such as the African Conservation Program and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, are trying to reverse this.

“This is one of the biggest conservation efforts in the world,” said Jack Hanna.

The plight of Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas first rose to the public’s attention after the 1988 film, Gorillas In The Mist, based on the book of the same name by famed gorilla conservationist, Dian Fossey. They have now become a tourist attraction for the war-stricken nation, although they are still at risk from fighting militias. Visitors pay up to $500 to gain access to the Virunga National Park, and the nation earned $36 million from tourism in 2006. The Government aims to raise $100 million per year from gorilla tourism by 2010.

“We have every good reason to celebrate these gorillas,” said Rosette Rugamba, Director General of the Rwanda Tourism Centre. “The benefits they have brought to our country and people speak volumes.”

Natalie Portman is not the only celebrity involved in the conservation of this unique species. New Zealand-born supermodel and patron of the Born Free Foundation, Rachel Hunter, has also launched a desperate plea to save the animals.

“I am not afraid to say I wept when I saw pictures of the shot gorillas,” she said in a double page advert in Britain’s The Sun newspaper following the publication of gruesome photos of gorillas being slaughtered by poachers. “Charities that work in the area have got together to fund round-the-clock patrols by park rangers for the next three months, but they need more funding to carry on. This is absolutely vital.”

The screening schedule for Gorillas On The Brink can be viewed at http://animal.discovery.com, and more information on the plight of the gorillas, including the very latest news from Rwanda, can be found at www.rwanda-gorillas.com.

Wyclef Plays for Pick Your Charity Poker

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:38:13 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Vail Hold ’Em Poker Event for Your Cause, held last month in Vail, Colorado, raised nearly a quarter million dollars for various charities. Hosted by Mario Lopez, with Wyclef Jean performing many of his popular hits, a host of celebrities competed to win $100,000 for their charity of choice.

Competing stars included Kelis, Joey Fatone and Boyz II Men playing for The Fatone Family Foundation and Lift Up America, and Shannon Elizabeth playing for her own charity Animal Avengers. Also playing were James Kyson Lee, Danny Masterson, Robert Iler, Kevin Brown and Jason Chambers.

Chris Masterson, playing for Citizens Commission on Human Rights, made it to the final round but lost to investor Mark Lotke, the only top prize winner, who donated his $100,000 to the Spotlight Foundation. Wyclef Jean was supporting his own charity, the Yéle Haiti Foundation.

Following the poker championship were live and silent auctions. The Alex Rodriquez 500 baseball bat, which went for $15,000, was the biggest hit.

Such was the event’s success that it has already been decided to make it an annual occasion.

Crikey! Irwin Featured On Stamp For Charity

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:01:44 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The life of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin is to be commemorated with a new postage stamp in his homeland of Australia, a year after his tragic death.

The new stamp, produced in association with New Idea magazine, features Irwin alongside his daughter, Bindi, his son, Bob, and a very large snake, in an image that was used as the magazine’s commemorative cover shortly after Irwin was killed by a stingray on the Great Barrier Reef in 2006.

The stamp is the result of a survey held by New Idea, in which readers were asked to name the Australian celebrity they would most like to see honored in a postage stamp – the public voted unanimously for Irwin.

“We were overwhelmed with the response to the public poll, and are happy to support New Idea in this initiative,” said Australia Post’s Michael Zsolt. “This is the first time that an Australian magazine cover has been made available to the general public on an Australia Post product.”

Proceeds from the 46 cent stamp will go to Irwin’s charity, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation set up by Irwin and his wife, Terri, in 2002. It will also be released in time for the inaugural Steve Irwin Day on November 14, a day set aside by the state of Queensland to honor him. Steve Irwin Day hopes to celebrate the three things Irwin was passionate about – wildlife, family, and fun – and Irwin’s Australia Zoo is backing the event with several fundraising initiatives to benefit Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. These include Khaki Day, in which people in workplaces are encouraged to wear shirts of the color made famous by Irwin, and Backyard Campout, in which people are encouraged to gain sponsorship to camp out in their garden – and anywhere else they choose.

The charity will also be holding several auctions on the day and in the following months. Items for sale include a Harley Davidson motorcycle that features a special Wildlife Warriors design, and a khaki shirt signed by celebrities such as Jesse McCartney, Johnny Knoxville, surfing legend Kelly Slater, Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes, and Little Britain’s Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

More information on Steve Irwin Day can be found at www.wildlifewarriors.org.au.

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:21:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and celebrities are doing their best to make holiday shopping easy this year. Several charity auctions have already kicked off to raise money for good causes, including one that may be eBay’s largest sale of celebrity items… ever!

The BID 2 BEAT AIDS online auction will open on December 1, World AIDS Day, and will feature over 1000 specially signed items, ranging from posters to iPods. The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity, and in the past has raised up to $175,000.

The array of memorabilia up for sale this year is simply colossal, with perhaps the most interesting items being a series of “Lend a Hand to LIFEbeat” cards that feature the handprints of over 100 celebrities. Stars such as Britney Spears, Jack Black, and Kathy Griffin traced around the outlines of their hands and decorated their artworks for the auction, and the finished products will make a unique addition to any Christmas stocking.

Also included in the auction is a selection of signed musical instruments. Rapper 50 Cent has donated the tambourines he used during his performance at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, and Metallica and the Foo Fighters have both donated guitars. There are also over 200 official RIAA gold and platinum record awards up for sale, from artists such as Annie Lennox, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Green Day. Rare tour crew jackets from Guns N Roses, Cher, George Michael, and Prince are also available.

There are a stack of autographed CDs and DVDs on offer in the auction, from Mariah Carey, Elton John, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse, and Val Kilmer, as well as books signed by Madonna, Bill Clinton, Rosie O'Donnell, Martha Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Ethan Hawke. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Elijah Wood, and Usher have all signed posters for the auction.

For those people after something a little different, the auction also includes an iPod designed by Yoko Ono, a box of cereal signed by Will Ferrell, Borat’s hat signed by Sacha Baron Cohen, and a Spiderman action figure autographed by Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

And if nothing mentioned so far whets your appetite, there are also signed items from Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Nelly, Joan Collins, John Travolta, Kanye West, The Cure, Jay-Z, Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Robin Williams, Hilary Duff, Jason Alexander, Jack Nicholson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adam Sandler, John Legend, Jessica Simpson, Whoopi Goldberg, Aerosmith, Denzel Washington, Good Charlotte, James Blunt, Jeremy Piven, Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Norah Jones, Razorlight, Wyclef Jean, and many more… far too many to list here.

More information and a full list of items can be found at www.bid2beataids.com.

As if this wasn’t enough choice for Christmas shoppers, there are also several other auctions and events on the go at the moment. The biggest of these is the 10th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Benefit Dinner and Auction, a massive black tie gala to be held on November 29. It also happens to be one of the highest grossing charity events held every year in New York, and last year raised over $4 million for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that has provided over $55 million in grants to cancer research, and has been instrumental in the development of new cancer drugs.

The gala dinner and live auction will be held at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue, New York City, and over 1200 guests are expected to attend. The host for the evening is Chevy Chase, and attendees will be treated to a very special performance by Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, members of 70’s rock group, the Eagles.

Selected items up for auction on the night as well as online include dinner with Chevy Chase, the chance to play tennis with Andre Agassi, and a meet and greet with Aerosmith.

More information can be found at www.charitybuzz.com.

Also on the Charitybuzz website is an auction to raise funding for Stand Up For A Cure, an organization dedicated to lung cancer research and awareness.

The auction runs from November 28 until December 12, and features unique items such as the chance to have Andrea Bocelli perform in your own home, the opportunity to have Patti LaBelle host your cocktail party, and VIP tickets to see Céline Dion at Madison Square Gardens.

And if you still can’t find a suitable gift, have a look at the Have A Heart Auction on Charitybuzz. All proceeds from the auction, which features the chance to meet Avril Lavigne, a copy of “An Inconvenient Truth” signed by Al Gore, and a “Godfather II” DVD signed by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, will benefit HEART, an organization that aims to foster compassion and respect for all living beings.

But you have to be in quick, as the auction ends on November 29.

Eliska Sursova: Saving stolen animals in Southern Africa

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:12:17 +0000

Written by Charles Alleckman

In the midst of a rumored break-up with boyfriend and Australian footballer Chris Knights, 19-year-old model-esque actress Eliska Sursova appears to be holding down the fort the way all Hollywood’s finest activists do – by going to Namibia to save the elephants of course.

Taking some time off from her busy schedule and after wraping up filming on her first Public Service Announcment for Greenpeace alongside actor Milo Ventimiglia, Eliska travelled to southern Africa with fifteen members of a non-profit organization to protest the poaching of exotic animals in the Republic of Namibia and spoke out against the exotic animal trade, all while helping to build much needed water holds for African elephants.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures and their biggest predator is man. We steal them, abuse them, kill them… all for the benefit of entertainment and luxury,” says the actress whose busy activist schedule sees her campaigning for animal welfare and environmental organizations like World Society for the Protection of Animals, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and PETA.

Spending an extended 39 days (from the planned 28) in Namibia, the Hollywood phenomenon assisted multiple welfare societies in their quest to shut down the exotic animal black market, a trade in which tigers, bears, birds and reptiles are trapped and sold illegally to international customers. “These animals don’t belong in bedrooms or in cages in your yard. It’s their natural instinct to run, hunt, interact and reproduce.”

On her return home to New York City this week, the exhausted actress recalled moments where she felt immense failure. “Anyone that decides to do this kind of thing needs to be mentally prepared to find or witness things that will haunt them for the rest of their life. You feel such a desire to beat the bad guys that you don’t tend to think about that side of things until you’re there and it’s all around you. It does make you more determined to end the suffering, but you spend most of the night crying into someone else’s lap.”

Eliska admits that, despite her sizzling movie-star career, “there is nothing in this world that will feel as good as helping to make a difference. There are issues, issue after issue and it’s up to us, every day regular people to figure it out. To know that because of you, there are some animals still roaming Africa instead of sitting alone in a cage… I can’t even describe that feeling.”

Bob Barker Donates $1 Million To Animal Ethics Program

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:12:07 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Bob Barker, best known for hosting CBS’s The Price Is Right, won 19 Emmy Awards during his 50-year television career before retiring in June, 2007. But retirement for Bob Barker simply translates into more time to pursue a cause close to his heart – the ethical treatment of animals.

The adored game-show host and animal activist recently announced that he is donating $1 million to his alma mater, Drury University, to establish an undergraduate animal-ethics program.

’’It’s incredible that I ever was able to go back to Springfield and give them a million dollars, because when I was there, I didn’t have 15 cents,‘’ Barker told The Associated Press. ’’What I’m hoping is that this will become a model for other undergraduate schools.’’

Even before Barker retired, he had already donated millions to create animal-ethics curricula at various law schools, including Harvard, Columbia and Northwestern, in the hope of encouraging aspiring lawyers, judges, and politicians to consider animal rights in their work.

‘’If young people are introduced to the terrible exploitation and mistreatment of animals in society, it will help influence them in anything they do,’’ he said.

Barker has been a devoted animal activist for nearly 30 years, and has called for statewide legislation in California to make the spaying-neutering of pets mandatory in the state.

‘’For 25 years, I’ve been closing every ‘Price Is Right’ by urging people to have their pets spayed and neutered, and it did help… But it hasn’t been enough,‘’ he said. ’’When your education and encouragement fail, you have to have legislation.’’

Barker founded the DJ&T Foundation in 1995, with a goal to fund low cost spay/neuter clinics and voucher programs as a way to help relieve animal over population. Since its inception, Barker’s Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to fund animal rescue and park facilities all over the country.

‘’I can tell now I’ve been meant for this all my life,‘’ he said. ’’I’m so busy, I don’t know how I ever had time to do ’The Price Is Right."

Kiwi Celebrities Hold Auction For Puppy Shelter

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:06:19 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Dozens of familiar Kiwi faces are lending their support to a new celebrity charity auction in New Zealand, to raise funds for a new puppy shelter.

The RNZSPCA (Royal New Zealand Society For The Provention of Cruelty To Animals) needs $74,000 to build the new shelter in the southern city of Dunedin, and a host of well known faces have come out in force to help them by donating items ranging from signed photos to a batch of muffins.

Olympic gold-winning cyclist Sarah Ulmer has joined with comedian Dai Henwood, All Black Byron Kelleher, Outrageous Fortune stars Antony Starr and Antonia Prebble, as well as Verlaines guitarist Graeme Downes to launch the auction. A professionally mounted poster signed by the stars of the country’s longest running soap, Shortland Street, is also on offer.

“Dunedin gets bitterly cold, and the puppies’ current shelter does not provide them with adequate protection from the elements,” said auction organizer, Marika Bevin-Jones. “We don’t want puppies to go through another winter in these conditions.”

The auction will run on TradeMe from February 27 until March 5, and can be accessed using the keywords “Otago SPCA Puppy Shelter”.

Martin Sheen To Receive Two Humanitarian Awards

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:58:45 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Veteran actor and former President of the United States (at least on TV’s The West Wing) Martin Sheen is to be honored for his humanitarian work – not just once, but twice!

It has just been announced that the actor is to collect the Marlon Brando Award for his career and humanitarian efforts at the fourth annual Stella By Starlight gala benefit on March 17, and follows hot on the heels of the news that the 67-year-old is to receive the University of Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal at a ceremony on May 18.

“He has used [his] celebrity to draw the attention of his fellow citizens to issues that cry out for redress,” said University President Rev. John Jenkins. “Such as the plight of immigrant workers and homeless people, the waging of unjust war, the killing of the unborn, and capital punishment”.

As well as donating time and money to many charities – such as PETA, Earth First, and Help Darfur Now – Sheen has also been involved in many protests involving causes he is passionate about. In 1995, while protesting the annual slaughter of Canadian seals with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the actor was attacked by angry hunters. Then, in 2007, Sheen was arrested while protesting against nuclear weapons in Nevada.

Former recipients of the Laetare Medal include John F. Kennedy, former Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, and former US House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill.

Jeremy Piven Urges People To Support Earth Hour

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:29:02 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

On March 29, 2008, twenty cities in over six continents will turn off their lights for Earth Hour, a WWF event to raise awareness about climate change and symbolize that the people of the world can make a difference in the fight against climate change by simply working together. And actor Jeremy Piven is at the forefront of the campaign by narrating a new video about the event.

Earth Hour has grown from a single event in Sydney, Australia, in March 2007 to a global phenomenon that will change the way the world sees climate change. On March 31, 2007, over 2.2 million people and 2,100 corporations in Sydney turned their lights off for an hour, creating an energy saving of 10.2% – that’s roughly the same as taking 48,000 cars off the road!

And according to Piven’s new video, which can be viewed at the Our Planet MySpace page, this year the event is going to be even bigger. Cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, Manila, Tel Aviv, Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco have all pledged their support for the “Lights-Off” event.

“In 2008, Earth Hour goes global,” said Piven. “On March 29 at 8pm, join the global movement against global warming by turning your lights off for one hour. Turn out for Earth Hour.”

For more information about the event, visit the Earth Hour website.

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