Look To The Stars News: Animals

Adrien Grenier Swims With The Bluefin For Conservation

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Entourage star Adrian Grenier is working with conservation organization Oceana to help save bluefin tuna.

According to the charity, the star went swimming with the bluefin yesterday to record a special PSA calling for their protection.

“Kinda nervous,” he wrote on his Twitter page prior to the swim. “If you could swim in virtually, bottomless, open ocean an hour off shore, with a school of 2000lb blue fine tuna, would you?”

His swim came on the same day that a trade ban on the species was defeated in Doha – a decision that could mean the end of the endangered fish.

“Back in from international waters-rugged free diving w/bluefin tuna-These creatures are bitchin’,” wrote the star following the dive.

We’ll keep you updated with news about Grenier’s work to save the bluefin when it comes to hand. In the meantime, click here to see a photo of the star swimming with the tigers of the sea.

Humane Society To Hold Star-Studded Genesis Awards This Weekend

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Animal welfare warriors shouldn’t forget The Humane Society's 24th annual Genesis Awards this Saturday, March 20.

This year will see Melanie Griffith present a lifetime achievement award to her mother, 80-year-old Tippi Hedren, for dedicating the last 40 years to the protection of animals and raising awareness of the exotic pet trade.

“Tippi is an extraordinary woman – both a hands-on caregiver to 63 discarded big cats at the Shambala Preserve, as well as a tireless activist who continues to work in support of federal legislation that would ban the breeding of and the trade in exotic animals in the U.S.,” said Beverly Kaskey, senior director of the Hollywood office of The Humane Society of the United States and executive producer of the annual Genesis Awards.

This year’s event will see a plethora of presenters take to the stage to honor their peers for animal welfare work, including Kristen Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Emily Deschanel, Jon Lovitz, Ginnifer Goodwin, Teri Hatcher, Tricia Helfer, Carrie Ann Inaba, Maria Menounos and many more. The honorary committee includes last year’s Genesis Award winners Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, as well as Harrison Ford, Corey Feldman, Jorja Fox, Kellan Lutz, Moby, Viggo Mortensen, Esai Morales, Joe Mantegna, Kevin Nealon, Hayden Panettiere, William Baldwin, Alicia Silverstone, Lily Tomlin, Eric Roberts and more.

The Awards will take place this Saturday at the Beverly Hilton. To read last year’s winners, click here. Tickets for the event start at $350 individually and go up to $50,000 for a ten-person table. More information on the Genesis Awards can be found here.

Ashley Judd Advocates For The Protection Of Wolves

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Wagner

Ashley Judd has teamed up with the Defenders of Wildlife to advocate the protection of wolves again.

Previously, Judd took part in the campaign Eye on Palin, which targeted former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin for aerial wolf killing. Now she is urging the President to reinstate the Endangered Species Act protection for wolves located in Idaho and Montana.

Ashley Judd is urging the President to restore the law that is allowing hundreds of wolves to be hunted and killed in the Rockies. This law was removed last March by the U.S Interior Secretary Ken Salazar when he approved the plan to delist gray wolves.

Defenders of Wildlife is encouraging for more people to join Judd in her efforts by sending a message to our law makers.

Bob Barker Donates To PETA Center

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Former ‘The Price Is Right’ host Bob Barker has donated $2.5 million for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to open a new location in Los Angeles.

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk joined the ‘spay and neuter’ champion on Wednesday for the groundbreaking at what will become the new PETA office on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. The building will be home to the group’s media, marketing, youth outreach and campaign departments.

Newkirk says Barker paid for an entire building to be renovated, which isn’t a surprise considering the tireless humanitarian hasn’t stopped promoting various animal rights issues such as freedom for whales, and an end to the fur trade, since he retired in 2008.

Joan Jett's Greatest Green Hits

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Joan Jett's new Greatest Hits album is to be 100% green.

The singer, known as a vegetarian and huge supporter of PETA and the USO, has announced that her new CD packaging will be manufactured from 100% recycled paper and will feature biodegradable trays.

“I am a vegetarian,” she says on her website. “So I avoid contributing to the major environmental damage that the meat industry creates. I hope that soon we can make sure that everything we do is earth-friendly.”

Earlier this month, Jett performed with her Blackhearts band at the 23rd annual Celebrity Dog Wash Festival in Florida to raise money for the Safe Harbor No Kill Animal Sanctuary and Hospital.

To watch a video of Joan encouraging people to support PETA, click here.

Animals Matter To Simon Cowell

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

Simon Cowell has pledged support for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and its campaign to get international recognition of animal welfare.

WSPA is hoping more people will follow Simon’s lead and start telling governments why animals matter to them.

Simon – who needs no introduction, since he achieved world domination with X Factor and the Idol and Got Talent franchises – has turned his attention back to his lifelong love of animals and has chosen to lend his considerable weight to the campaign.

Simon explains: “The World Society for Protection of Animals struck a chord with me, as it’s a global charity that recognizes the needs of animals around the world. When I was growing up, we had pets, and I was taught early on that you have to respect animals. I don’t have pets now, simply because I travel too much to take on the responsibility. But owning pets has had an immensely positive impact on my life and I think animals deserve our protection.”

The media mogul recently pledged his support for the charity’s Universal Declaration for Animal Welfare campaign and is now asking the public to do the same.

Simon adds: “Right now, there are no international laws to protect animals and the World Society for the Protection of Animals is working to change that. They are calling on governments across the world to embrace a common agreement called the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. This would recognize that animals can suffer and feel pain and need proper protection.”

Finding time in his hectic filming schedule during the last couple of weeks of the X Factor, Simon sat down and told WSPA why animals matter to him, in their new campaign video, which you can see online at www.wspa.org.uk.

Suzi Morris, Director of WSPA UK said: “WSPA is delighted to have Simon Cowell’s support for this important campaign – you can see how passionate he is about animals and animal welfare when you watch his video. He will inspire a whole new audience to think about how animals are treated around the world and that is invaluable.”

Simon is keen for other people to follow his lead and sign up to campaign: "All you have to do is add your name to the Declaration – I’m encouraging people to sign it and send it to a friend as well.

“The Universal Declaration will mean so much; it would help governments appreciate the important role that animals play in our lives and in the environment we live in, and so inspire better legislation to protect animals around the world. So please, go to www.animalsmatter.org and add your own message of support today.”

The Universal Declaration for Animal Welfare campaign has a diverse range of high profile supporters such as Leona Lewis, Dominic Brunt, Mark Charnock, Miranda Richardson, Kristin Davis and Christina Applegate.

Ryan Gosling Speaks Out About Chicken Slaughter

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Ryan Gosling has spoken out against inhumane chicken slaughter practices by sending a letter on behalf of PETA to McDonalds CEO, Jim Skinner.

“I was shocked to learn from my friends at PETA that McDonald’s, a company that claims to be an industry leader in animal welfare, still allows its suppliers to use an outdated chicken slaughter method that results in broken wings and legs and causes birds to be scalded to death in defeathering tanks,” wrote the star, who sent a similar letter to KFC in 2008. "Many of McDonald’s suppliers in Europe already use a much more humane slaughter method that eliminates the worst cruelty. What’s your excuse?

“Because no federal laws govern the treatment of chickens during slaughter, the responsibility lies in your company’s hands to create and maintain a high standard of animal welfare. I hope you will agree that the time has come for McDonald’s to truly take action to reduce the suffering of chickens killed for its restaurants. I look forward to hearing your decision.”

The full letter can be read here.

Dave Navarro Goes Nude For PETA

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

Written by Ashley Wagner

In PETA's latest anti-fur add, Dave Navarro – guitarist for Jane’s Addiction – takes it all off to support the protest against using fur.

The ad is a part of PETA’s new series titled “Ink, Not Mink.” In the past, Navarro has used real fur in his costumes. He started using faux fur after he saw video footage of animals being skinned alive and screaming.

“It honestly is the most horrific, inhumane thing I’ve ever seen,” he said during an interview with PETA. Now he has promised to never purchase it or wear it again.

Want to pledge to be fur free as well? You can do it by visiting PETA’s website here.

Jorja Fox Hosts the Spotlight Humane: Chicago to End Dogfighting

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:26:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Wagner

Over the past weekend, Jorja Fox hosted the fifth annual Spotlight Humane: Chicago.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sponsored the event that was filled with music, dancing, auctions, and speeches in hopes of ending dogfighting. This fundraiser benefits the End Dogfighting in Chicago program, which works to reform dogfighters and change people’s view of pitbulls.

Fox took it upon herself to contact the HSUS to help with this event. Being a self-proclaimed dog-lover who rescued a boxer pup over 13 years ago herself, she was happy to host the event. Her hopes are to raise awareness for dogfighting and push for better relationships between dogs and humans.

Help out the Humane Society here or the End Dogfighting in Chicago program here.

Sharon Osbourne Boycotts Louis Vuitton

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:20:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Wagner

Sharon Osbourne is supporting animal rights once again by insisting fans boycott new handbag accessories from Louis Vuitton.

Sharon called these new foxtail handbags “heinous” on Twitter as well as her blog. Her push regards boycotting all fur that is used for fashion, but she singles out Louis Vuitton by tweeting “Louis Vuitton foxtail handbag accessories make me sick.”

This plea was tied to London Fashion Week, where Twiggy led the protest against the use of fur in fashion by calling it “intolerable cruelty.”

Sharon has won the heart of animal rights representatives around the world with this move, especially those involved in People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals (PETA).

Kellan Lutz Stars in PETA Ad

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:13:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Sexy Twilight star Kellan Lutz is starring in a new PETA ad with his adorable rescued dog Kola to tell fans, ‘Adopt, Don’t Buy."

“It’s our job to take [animals] under our wing and take care of them and give them a place to live,” Kellan explains, referencing the more than 7 million dogs and cats that are left at animal shelters in the U.S., many of whom are euthanized for lack of finding a good home.

“I went to numerous animal shelters and I saw this dog in the corner, she was in a cage with a bigger dog, she was scared…you can feel the pain that they go through,” Kellan says of adopting Kola, “I just looked in her eyes and knew she was just for me.”

Animals sold in pet shops often come from “puppy mills,” where they are housed in cramped, filthy, unhealthy conditions and lack proper veterinary care. And each time someone purchases a dog or cat from a pet store or breeder, one fewer home is available for an animal desperately waiting in an animal shelter or roaming the streets.

Fans can check out Kellan’s exclusive interview for PETA, and watch him share his thoughts about meeting Kola for the first time. Plus, listen as he gives Twilighters a special message letting them know what they can do to help animals! Also, fans who visit Kellan’s PETA page have a chance to win one of two Twilight DVDs signed by Kellan himself! All winners will be chosen at random and notified by April 16.

Exclusive Photo Feature: Olympians' Hearts of Gold

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:34:00 -0000

We have witnessed the amazing physical feats of the US Team in the Olympics, and now the Olympians want to share some of the other wonderful ways they use their time and strengths. Look To The Stars is honored to bring you news of their charity work, with thanks to NBC/USOC for providing the images.

Chad Hedrick (Long Track Speed Skating – won a bronze medal)
Competes on Friday and Saturday, February 26th & 27th

Chad hosts an annual golf tournament for to benefit the TX Special Olympics.

“I’m a very proud supporter of Texas Special Olympics!”

Angela Ruggiero (Hockey)

Former Director: New York Islanders Project Hope
Athlete Advisory Board Member: Women's Sports Foundation
Athlete Ambassador: Right To Play
Athlete Advisor: Momsteam.com
Member: 350.org

Rachael Flatt (Figure Skating)

“I have partnered with Reading is Fundamental (RIF), which is the nation’s oldest children’s literacy organization. It is a blend of two of my passions…education/reading and volunteering. I hope that I am a good example of the phrase ‘student-athlete’ and that it is possible to combine the two and be passionate about both! I have also found more opportunities to volunteer in the past two years and I feel that it is very important to give back to the community at large."

Johnny Spillane (Nordic Combined)

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Todd Lodwick (Nordic Combined)

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (Todd’s son, Finn, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 5 months)

Julia Mancuso (Alpine Skiing – won 2 silver medals)

WWF Climate Change

Don’t miss the following athletes, appearing in the Figure Skating Exhibition on Saturday, February 27th!

Evan Lysacek (Figure Skating – won a gold medal)

Celebrity board member for Ronald McDonald House

Co-produced and hosted a skating show that raised $90K for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a memorial fund for a friend who died of cancer.

Meryl Davis & Charlie White (Ice dancing – won a silver medal)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
American Cancer Society
March Of Dimes
The Humane Society

Hannah Teter (Snowboarding – won a silver medal)

Hannah started a maple syrup company, Hannah's Gold. The proceeds of the maple syrup sales provide water to a Kenyan village and helps AIDS afflicted mothers and children acquire land. She also donates the prize money she wins from racing to the village and visits often.

Emily Cook (Freestyle Skiing)

Emily is very involved with Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses sports programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.
She traveled to Amman and Aqaba, Jordan with the organization in April, 2009.

Gretchen Bleiler (Snowboarding)

Gretchen works with ‘Climate Project’ and the NRDC on building awareness around environmental issues. Her Oakley signature line of clothing is eco-friendly, and she works with all her sponsors to create eco-friendly sponsors when possible.

Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto (Ice Dancing)

Created a fundraising ice show, “Tanith & Ben: Home for the Holidays,” which benefits the American Cancer Society, and an ice show, “Skate-Aid,” which raised over $40K for the American Red Cross tsunami relief.

Steve Nyman (Alpine Skiing)

Helped build an orphanage in Haiti (Steve was involved with aid in Haiti before the earthquake), and is involved with Team Darfur & A Child's Hope Foundation.

Erin Pac (Bobsledding – won a bronze)

Race for the Cure (Susan G. Komen for the Cure)

Johnny Weir (Figure Skating)

Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
UNICEF

Noelle Pikus-Pace (Skeleton)

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Lindsey Jacobellis (Snowboarding)

ASPCA – Started her own effort to benefit the ASPCA, called Hats 4 Hounds. She knit 101 hats to sell, and all the sales proceeds went to the ASPCA.

You can continue to show your support for the US Olympians by helping to support their causes and charities, and you can find a wealth of information on the athletes at NBCOlympics.com or TeamUSA.org.

And, don’t forget, the US Olympic Committee is a 501©(3) organization and needs continuous support in order to keep sending the best athletes to the Olympic Games!

Jackie Chan Speaks Out Against Tiger Products

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackie Chan has spoken out against the use of tiger products in China, admitting that he once used them.

“If you stop buying tiger products, they will stop killing the tigers,” he wrote on his website. “I used to think that medicine with tiger bones would heal you, but I was just contributing to them killing more tigers! Tiger skin, tiger medicine, tiger bone – we don’t need it. Lets all save the tigers, especially during the Year of the Tiger! Go to www.wildaidchina.org.”

Chan took part in a press conference to help WildAid China, and was especially moved by a speech made by WildAid and Environmental Justice Foundation founder Steve Trent.

“Why is this campaign and the support it has won so important?” asked Trent. "Simple, the tiger is in big trouble: year on year poaching and illegal trade in its parts and products, along with loss of habitat in the wild so that today fewer than 4,000 probably still survive in increasingly isolated and fragmented wild populations, down from over 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century – far fewer than are now held in captivity.

“In working together to stop the illegal and unsustainable trade in wildlife we must remember the role of the market place. If the demand for endangered wildlife products continues as it is today, the illegal trade will continue to flourish. But, if everyone refuses illegal or unsustainable wildlife products, the market will shrink, poaching will decline and we all will have made a contribution to conservation, so please remember: ‘when the buying stops, the killing can too.’”

To read the full speech, click here.

Paul McCartney Backs Anti-Fox Hunting Campaign

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Sir Paul McCartney pledged “no return to cruelty” as he backed an IFAW in Action campaign to protect the ban on the cruel sport of hunting with dogs.

Five years today since the Hunting Act came into force in England and Wales, Sir Paul speaks out in the new report ‘No Return to Cruelty’ by IFAW in Action, a part of the global International Fund For Animal Welfare movement.

He said: “When the cruel and unnecessary ‘sport’ of hunting with dogs was banned, I, along with the majority of the British public, backed this historic victory for wildlife. The scenes described in this report of how animals were hunted down and savaged with dogs for fun before the Hunting Act 2004 was passed are simply barbaric and shocking and should remain a part of Britain’s past, not its future.”

Conservative Party leader David Cameron has pledged to allow MPs a free vote on whether to repeal the Act if he becomes Prime Minister. This is despite the fact that a return to hunting would be completely out of step with the views of the majority of the British public, including his own party.

IFAW in Action’s new report has been sent to prospective parliamentary candidates, urging them to remember the horrific cruelty inflicted on foxes, deer, hares and mink before the introduction of the Hunting Act and to protect the ban. IFAW in Action has also released a three-minute compilation of video footage showing examples of hunting cruelty before the ban.

Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW in Action, said: “The vast majority of the British public have long opposed animal cruelty and do not want the archaic practice of chasing and killing animals for fun to return to our countryside. We urge prospective parliamentary candidates to read our report and view the footage and remember why this vital ban was introduced.”

IFAW in Action is also urging members of the public to read the report and view the footage and to ask their local parliamentary candidates where they stand on the issue.

When hunting with dogs was banned in 2004 there was already overwhelming evidence to show that hunting with dogs is cruel. Today that evidence is even stronger with the release of a new report this month by Professor Donald Broom of Cambridge University.

Professor Broom describes the evidence of cruelty in hunting with dogs as “compelling”, with foxes, deer, hares and mink experiencing considerable fear and distress when being pursued by hounds or when being dug out.

Sir Paul McCartney added: “Don’t let politicians bring back cruelty. Help IFAW keep cruelty out of the countryside and back the ban on hunting with dogs.”

Nobel Peace Prize Winners Demand Fair Trial In Japan

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Betty Williams along with a diverse range of international celebrities have added their support for Greenpeace anti-whaling activists Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki: calling on the Japanese government to ensure that the upcoming trial of the ‘Tokyo Two’ is both fair and conducted in accordance with international human rights standards.

The new Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo has travelled to Japan to support the Greenpeace activists as they prepare for the beginning of their trial on Monday 15 February. Today he released an open letter to Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, urging him to uphold Japan’s commitment to international human rights.

“Today our voices have united with those of more than a quarter of a million people around the world, all of which are calling for justice for Greenpeace activists Junichi and Toru,” said Dr Naidoo. “It is time the Japanese government listened to these voices. The eyes of the world are on Japan and this trial.”

On Monday Greenpeace released an opinion from the HRC Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which found that Japan has contravened both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in its treatment of the Tokyo Two.

The Working Group’s opinion is the first of its kind for Japan, and found that the authorities at the time of Sato and Suzuki’s arrest contravened articles 18,19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and articles 18 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Working Group stated that the two have been denied the right to challenge their detention before an independent and impartial tribunal in fair proceedings, and has requested that the trial be conducted fairly.

“This is the first time anyone has been found to be arbitrarily detained in Japan, so even before it has officially begun this case has become a landmark,” said Dr Naidoo. “Prime Minister Hatoyama’s government has shown itself to be a leader when it comes to climate change, now it is time for it to show its commitment to human rights and ensure this case is remembered as a progressive turning point for justice in Japan.”

Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace.

Get James Taylor And Carole King Tickets For Charity

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

In conjunction with Tickets-for-Charity, James Taylor and Carole King are offering fans one-of-a-kind VIP Stage Seat Charity Packages to their long-awaited Troubadour Reunion Tour, including the very best seats in the house, to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and other outstanding charitable causes.

Charity Packages include unique Stage Seating arranged in tables of two around the stage, designed especially for the Tour to recreate the intimacy of the duo’s legendary performances at LA’s Troubadour. Available exclusively on www.ticketsforcharity.com, Charity Packages offer fans the concert experience of a lifetime while honoring the life-long environmental work of both Artists.

Charity Packages include:

One VIP Stage Seat (arranged in tables of two)
Exclusive access to Carole King and James Taylor’s sound check session before the show
Pre-performance VIP reception with complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres
Exclusive VIP Tour Laminate
Commemorative Troubadour Reunion Tour Book

Fans can now visit www.ticketsforcharity.com or call Tickets-for-Charity at 1-866-567-4576 to purchase VIP Stage Seat Charity Packages for tour dates nationwide! U.S. tour dates kick off on May 7 with a performance in Portland, OR and continue across the country through early July.

Help Celebrities Make A Bid To Save The World

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Christie’s International has announced it will hold a new green auction it has dubbed “A Bid to Save the Earth.”

This first-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 22, 2010, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The Evening Sale event will be held at Christie’s, Rockefeller Center, New York and be carried live globally via Christie’s LIVE on www.christies.com. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading not-for-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.

Christie’s is partnering with Charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity benefit auctions, to present a companion silent auction which will be hosted at www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org. Christie’s will waive all fees and commissions for the auction. Native Energy, www.nativeenergy.com, a leader in carbon offsetting, will provide carbon offsets for the entire Green Auction. NBC Universal, as part of its ongoing environmental initiative, “Green is Universal,” will serve as the official media partner for the event.

“We are inspired and honored to convene top members of the philanthropic, environmental, business and cultural communities to benefit the environment,” said Edward Dolman, CEO of Christie’s. “We are equally pleased to present a stellar evening auction and to partner with NBC Universal in telling this exciting story with Charitybuzz in building such a compelling silent auction; and of course our four charity partners, who will do what they do best with the proceeds: advocate for the environment.”

The Evening Sale will be a star-studded event with top celebrities serving on the Green Auction Host Committee that includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Tobey Maguire, François-Henri Pinault, Salma Hayek, Bob Fisher, Candice Bergen, Edward Norton, Evelyn Lauder, Alec Baldwin, Zaha Hadid, Brooke Shields and Matt Lauer.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that our wellbeing as individuals and as a global society hinges on nature,” said Peter Seligmann, CEO and Board Chairman of Conservation International. “With pressure mounting on our shared home, Earth, innovative fundraising strategies are more important than ever. This particular initiative will use the knowledge and resources of a world class auction house to raise much needed funds which will go directly towards the maintenance and protection of the ecosystems, habitats and species that are the framework of a healthy planet where all people can prosper.”

The live auction will include major works from artists including Keith Tyson, Maya Lin, Subodh Gupta, and Olafur Eliasson. Other lots will include coveted celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations and exquisite jewelry. Hugh Jackman, Christina Aguilera, and Candice Bergen are just a few of the talented stars offering VIP experiences, with additional luxury items secured daily.

“We anticipate The Green Auction to be a momentous achievement in fundraising to save the earth, and we are excited to help Christie’s reach thousands of online bidders through Charitybuzz” said Coppy Holzman, CEO of Charitybuzz.

The Christie’s Green Auction companion silent auction will use online bidding powered by Charitybuzz, launching at www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org on April 8, and run through May 6. The silent auction will facilitate global participation like Christie’s LIVE, and carry more moderately priced lots.

Lots for the sale on silent auction will include celebrity packages such as spending a day with Hugh Jackman on the set of his movie "Reel Steel’, VIP tickets to a Christina Aguilera concert, a Californification set visit with David Duchovny, falconry lessons with Bobby Kennedy, and lunch with a major television star.

More info can be found here.

Leonardo DiCaprio Heads Star-Studded Video For The Environment

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:30:00 -0000

A host of celebrities – including Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, Justin Long, Emmy Rossum, Forest Whitaker, Jason Bateman, Chace Crawford and Felicity Huffman – have recorded a special video mobilizing America towards a sustainable future.

On the heels of President Barack Obama's push to move America toward a clean energy economy in his State of the Union address last night, the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund launched This is Our Moment, a web-based video campaign urging Congress to pass the first-ever climate and clean energy bill, currently pending in the Senate.

“This is our moment – our moment to fight for a cleaner and more secure future,” said DiCaprio, a longtime champion for the environment, and a NRDC Trustee. “The time is now for people across the country to stand up and have their voices heard. We all must call on the Senate to act on this historic opportunity.”

This is Our Moment enables citizens to become participants by speaking to their representatives in two ways: uploading their own videos in support of a clean energy economy, and sending direct emails to their Senators.

The online community can also engage by spreading the message. This is Our Moment is designed to create a virtual army of climate activists through an emphasis on social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, a rotating display of user-generated videos, and the video player itself, which is an embeddable widget for websites, social networking pages and blogs.

Clean energy and climate legislation passed the House of Representatives for the first time ever in June 2009. The legislation, the Clean Energy, Jobs and American Power Act, is now pending in the Senate. The bill has the power to jumpstart our economy, create millions of jobs, break our dependence on foreign oil, and cut global warming pollution. This is Our Moment calls on Americans to hold their representatives to task and to pass urgently-needed climate legislation.

“Americans want real action to address climate change and move our country toward a clean energy future,” said NRDC Action Fund President Frances Beinecke. “This is one of the most important pieces of legislation of our time — we cannot let our moment pass us by. Our Senators need to hear all of us loud and clear.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.3 million members and online activists, served from offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing.

To view the video, visit the This Is Our Moment campaign website.

Yao Ming Calls For An End To Shark Fin Soup

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Basketball star Yao Ming's new public service announcement for WildAid is asking people in China to think twice before ordering shark fin soup.

Many shark species are nearing extinction as sharks are being stripped of fins and left to flounder helplessly until they die on the ocean floor. “If you could see, each year, how up to 70 million sharks are killed to end up in soup, could you still eat it?” goes the PSA.

Besides the disturbing aspect of de-finning, the loss of shark populations has some serious repercussions. Sharks play a key role in the marine ecosystem from fish populations to carbon-dioxide-consuming phytoplankton to healthy reef systems. Without sharks, former prey flourishes and this affects everything down the food chain line.

Determined to save the species and the oceans, Shark Savers, an organisation created by six divers who have witnessed the massive depletion of shark populations, are attempting to educate people past a fear of sharks.

In a joint awareness effort, Shark Savers and WildAid are offering billboards of Yao Ming’s “Say ‘no’ to shark fin soup” campaign, which people can fund for $100. Each billboard would be placed in a busy location throughout Beijing and Shanghai for one year.

“Remember,” says Ming, pushing away a bowl of shark fin soup, “when the buying stops, the killing can too.”

You can fund a billboard by cheque, creditcard or payola.

Paul McCartney Brings Glass Walls To The Golden Globes

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Susan Fredricks

Sir Paul McCartney's Glass Walls may not have earned a Golden Globe, but a copy of the DVD somehow managed its way into the gift bags given to each of the nominees and presenters.

The movie was produced by PETA and narrated by McCartney, who strongly believes that people need to be aware of what takes place before their food ends up on their plate.

Uncompromising and brutally honest, Glass Walls takes the viewer in the world of slaughterhouses and animal cruelty. McCartney has been an herbivore for over 21 years and in the video he states, “I’ve often said, ’If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.”

The film is abundant with shocking images of harsh treatment of animals that are being raised and slaughtered for food consumption. Sir Paul puts it out there and imparts, “Animals raised on modern factory farms and killed in slaughterhouses endure almost unimaginable suffering. I hope that once you see the routine cruelty involved in raising, transporting, and killing animals for food, you’ll join the millions of people who have decided to leave meat off their plates – for good.”

Sir Paul has been a long-time advocate for the prevention and awareness of the meat industry’s inhumane treatment of animals, and he lets us know that “Suffering is suffering, however you slice it. Eating meat is bad for our health, it’s bad for the environment, and it directly supports appalling cruelty to animals. The decision is yours.”

To view the video and learn more, visit Meat.org.

Isabel Lucas - Sea Shepherds And Summits For Charity

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Australian actress Isabel Lucas may currently be climbing Kilimanjaro with a host of her celebrity friends for charity, but just before she left she recorded an advert for the the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

“Isabel was out here late last year and appeared on Rove and said she would love to support us,” said the organisation’s Australian director Jeff Hansen. He went on to explain that the ad was actually filmed last winter, but now is the time to act as the organization battles the Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean.

The Australian advert coincides with Lucas’ climb for charity.

The actress started her attempt to climb Africa’s highest mountain with Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch and a host of others on Friday. The climb aims to raise money and awareness for the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and PlayPumps International.

PUR Water Filtration Specialists is sponsoring this initiative, and LookToTheStars.org is proud to help them bring the event to the world. For every PUR system purchase, one week of clean drinking water is provided to children in the developing world through the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program: which has, to date, provided over 1.8 billion liters of clean water worldwide. You can also sponsor a foot of the climb – $2.00 provides 200 liters of clean drinking water for those in need, and $10 will provide a clean water solution for a child for 1.5 years.

To find out more about the climb, click here. The group plan to reach the summit of the 19,340-foot mountain on January 12.

Ellen DeGeneres Honored By PETA

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ellen DeGeneres has been named Person of the Year by PETA.

The star shares her title with Project Runway’s Tim Gunn for her work championing vegan lifestyles through raising public awareness.

“Tim Gunn and Ellen DeGeneres show us that one person really can make a difference in the world by rejecting cruel deeds in favor of compassionate acts,” said PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. “Their message that animals must be treated kindly and respectfully has reached scores of people, and many of them have changed their buying habits, all because Gunn and DeGeneres spoke up for the voiceless.”

DeGeneres responded with a Tweet that read: “I’m honoured PETA named me ‘Person of The Year’. I thank them for protecting animals every single day. Amazing.”

Sean Kingston Breaks the Chain

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Musician Sean Kingston is enjoying a climb up the music charts with his hits “Beautiful Girls,” “Fire Burning,” and “Face Drop,” and now the music maker is appearing in an ad for PETA with his furry friend Stella, asking us to “Chill With Your Dogs. Never Chain Them.”

As a dog lover, Kingston encourages his fans to think of them as a member of your family. Dogs are social pack animals that crave and deserve companionship, making the practice of chaining dogs one of the cruelest things that you can do to an animal. Most ‘chained’ dogs become victim to attacks from other animals or inhumane people, they can also injure themselves by getting tangled in their chain, and often suffer from a number of illnesses as a result of exposure to extreme weather and constant confinement.

It’s simple: Kingston and PETA are just asking that you care for your dog properly, give him or her plenty of love and affection, including walks and belly rubs. You can check out behind-the-scenes footage from Sean’s photo shoot and hear him speak about his own dogs and why being a good animal guardian is so important to him.

If you want to follow Sean’s lead and make a positive difference in dogs’ lives, check out PETA’s tips and work with local legislators to ban chaining in your community once and for all.

Visit Sean’s MySpace page to see when he’ll be coming to a city near you, and enter to win a special prize. Fill out the short form below by January 18, 2010, for a chance to win 1 of 2 copies of Sean’s CD Tomorrow or 1 of 5 photographs signed by Sean himself! Seven winners will be chosen at random and notified by February 1, 2010.

Celebrities Pose With Pets For Charity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

The annual Animal Rescue Foundation Celebrity Pet Calendar is out now, featuring some of your favorite stars and their best friends.

ARF was created in 1991 by Tony and Elaine La Russa to address the needs of companion animals. ARF saves dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and brings people and animals together to enrich each others lives. ARF strives to create a world where every loving dog and cat has a home, where every lonely person has a companion animal, and where children learn to care.

This year’s calendar features famous faces such as Jenna Fischer, Celebrity Dog Trainer Victoria Stilwell, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, Holly Madison, Warren Buffett, Chairman of Starbucks Coffee Howard Schultz and FOX News Anchor Greta Van Susteren, country singer Dierks Bentley, comedian Paul Rodriguez and many more.

To view the calendar and make a purchase, visit the ARF website.

Justin Timberlake Tops Celebrity Givers List

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Justin Timberlake has been named celebrity charity earner of the year, outstripping favorites such as Bono and Oprah.

According to website The Daily Beast, the SexyBack singer raised $9.3 million for the Shriners Hospitals for Children in 2009. Second place went to Madonna, who raised $5.5 million for Raising Malawi, followed by Pamela Anderson ($4.8 million for PETA), Oprah ($4 million for Oprah's Angel Network), and Bono ($3.5 for the ONE Campaign).

To read about The Daily Beast’s methods for working out the rankings, and learn the full top 50 – which also features Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, George Clooney and Salma Hayek – click here.

Grateful Dead Top Charity Auction Earner For 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Top celebrity charity auction site Charity Folks has named its top celebrity earners for 2009, and the list is an eclectic mix of old and new.

The top charity earner for 2009 has surprised many people, but is a testament to longevity in the music business. Ever since the Grateful Dead began its legendary career nearly 45 years ago, the band has supported worthy causes that serve to raise awareness, lend support, and make this world a better place. Continuing this long-standing tradition of community service that has been a hallmark of the Dead and the Deadhead community, The Dead, known as one of the greatest touring bands of all time, partnered with Charity Folks to auction a limited number of tickets to their 2009 shows.

The auctions raised over $400,000 for a number of charities, including the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Coming in second on the list by raising $300,000 through charity auctions were the Jonas Brothers. The trio of siblings raised money by auctioning meet-and-greets and other experiences to benefit their Change for the Children Foundation.

Other stars to make the list this year included Taylor Swift, Dave Matthews, Bette Midler, Larry David, Alec Baldwin and Bruce Springsteen.

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