Look To The Stars News: Education

James Caan Joins Stars At Callaway Charity Golf Event

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

The Callaway Golf Foundation will host it’s second professional/celebrity golf tournament, the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge, at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on December 15 to benefit groundbreaking cancer research projects supported by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Professional golfers will be paired with actors, business leaders and entertainment industry executives for a round of golf, while amateur golfers will have a chance to improve their swing at the David Leadbetter Clinic, taught by the infamous golfing instructor himself.

Celebrities anticipated to attend include: Greg Kinnear, James Caan, Kyle Maclachlan, Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon, George Lopez, Josh Kelly, Matthew Lillard, Andy Richter, Peter Gallagher, Joe Mantegna, Bruce Greenwood, Jillian Michaels, and Callaway Golf staff professionals Phil Mickelson, Johnny Miller, Morgan Pressel, Rocco Mediate, David Leadbetter, Rich Beem, Jim Colbert, Leta Lindley, Fredrik Jacobson, Cameron Beckman, Roger Cleveland and Vicky Hurst.

Proceeds from the Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge will support Entertainment Industry Foundation’s efforts to fast track better prevention methods and improved therapies for ovarian, breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Please visit www.callawaygolfoundation.org to learn more and to make a donation.

Jet Li Speaks At Clinton Global Initiative

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former President Bill Clinton kicked off his first Clinton Global Initiative conference abroad in Hong Kong on Tuesday to focus on education, energy and climate change and public health issues in Asia.

Speaking at the event, action star Jet Li said that China is ready for an “explosion” of volunteer work as the country becomes more prosperous after two decades of capitalist-style economic reforms.

“Before the reforms, China’s 1.3 billion people couldn’t even fill their stomachs,“ said Li. “The only way people could help others is a word of encouragement.”

Jet Li is well known for his charity work in China. He set up the One Foundation to help victims of natural disasters – a cause that became extremely important following the Sichuan earthquake in May. Along with Jackie Chan, the star made huge donations to victims of the earthquake, and recently joined Donatella Versace on a visit to schools affected by the disaster.

“Countless volunteers were on the front lines,” he said

Aid For The World Presents An Evening With Colin Powell

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

Aid for the World, the global humanitarian organization that uses everyday resources to meet the most basic needs of people worldwide, will be hosting its first annual gala benefit “Leader In Action” featuring keynote speaker General Colin Powell – who will speak on “ Diplomacy: Persuasion, Trust and Values” – and honoring His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi.

71-year-old Colin Powell was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American appointed to that position. During his miltary career, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989), as Commader-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces Command (1989), and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Gulf War.

General Powell is the recipient of numerous U.S. military awards and decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.

There will be only 1000 seats available for this unforgettable evening which will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2008 from 6.30 pm to 10 pm at the America Museum of Natural History of New York. The program also includes performances by the Grammy and CMA award winning Peasall Sisters and The Orphan Unification Drummers of Burundi. Orphaned by war, the twelve children come together – each from a different province of the nation – and create drum music as part of a unification, reconciliation and healing.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities or VIP inquiries contact: Melissa Hoffman: mhoffman@aidfortheworld.org or call 347-522-1742.

Josh Hartnett To Art Africa

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Josh Hartnett plans to go to Africa with Dramatic Needs to give a new kind of voice to underprivileged children.

Unlike most charities which supply clothing, food and shelter, Dramatic Needs wants to give the children of South Africa a creative outlet and voice through art. By sending UK-based actors, musicians and artists to teach workshops in various art forms, the charity believes that children will be “better able to cope with poverty, malnutrition and disease.”

“We try to give them a voice of their own and a way to communicate what they’re going through that they don’t find threatening,” said founder Amber Sainsbury. “We give them the means to express what they feel in very underprivileged parts of the world.”

“I want to go down there and actually help out,” added Hartnett. “It’s fun for an actor to be able to do something that’s not for publicity, but actually go down and do something hands-on. It allows the kids to be children. It allows them to be creative and have a good time for a little portion of their day, which I think is necessary.”

Model Helena Christensen also likes the idea. “I think it’s a very worthy cause. I think it’s a beautiful thing to do for children in Africa. It’s a good chance to give children who are living in difficult circumstances the chance to develop mentally.”

Prince Charles Celebrates 60th By Giving Back

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Prince Charles didn’t feel that celebrating his 60th birthday last week was any reason to break from charity work, so he attended the launch of a new project run by his Prince’s Trust.

The one-week campaign, called Youth Week, aimed to overshadow negative gang-crime press by highlighting the positive contributions young people are making in society.

“Young people are more likely to do voluntary work than any other age group,” said Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Trust. “We need to celebrate our nation’s youth.”

Through thousands of Trust community projects, young people have contributed nearly £100 million to local areas across the UK.

During a Royal visit to the Trust last month, Queen Elizabeth said, “[Prince Philip and I] are both enormously proud to have been reminded here today of [Prince Charles’] personal contribution to this remarkable organization.”

Actress Emma Thompson is also impressed with the Prince’s work over the past decades. Unable to attend his birthday in person, Thompson gave interviews to publicly congratulate him. “He’s a remarkable guy who just spends his entire time working to make the world slightly less tricky to be in. Everything he said when he was a young man – that he was ridiculed for by the British press – is all coming to pass. He’s much loved by many, and especially by me.”

“For Prince Philip and me,” said the Queen at Prince Charles’ birthday celebration, “there can be no greater pleasure or comfort than to know that into his care are safely entrusted the guiding principles of public service and duty to others.”

Mischa Barton Knits Hat For Ethiopian Child

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Mischa Barton has launched her new official website by posting a photo of a hat she knitted for a child as part of her work with Save the Children.

“I knitted [the] cap a few weeks ago, which was then delivered to Ethiopia and given to an expectant mother who was waiting to give birth in her incredibly primitive home,“ wrote Barton. “The baby was delivered with the help of a birth attendant that had been trained by Save the Children. The birth attendant put the cap on the newborn’s head in order to prevent hypothermia.“

The Knit One, Save One campaign was launched last month and asked some of Hollywood’s leading ladies to create one baby cap to keep a newborn warm during the first critical hours and days after birth. Stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Rebecca Romijn, Debra Messing, Lisa Edelstein, Vera Farmiga, and Patricia Arquette.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this effort to help the world’s babies survive,” said Rebecca Romijn, star of ABC Television’s “Ugly Betty” series. “I believe all moms should get to experience the joy of seeing their beautiful babies grow up and do great things in life.”

“Being a mother, I know how vulnerable a child is during their first few hours and days of life,“ added Debra Messing. “So when I was told that something as simple as a knit cap can help save a baby’s life by keeping him dry and warm, I was moved to act.”

Barton’s website also includes information about her recent trip to South Africa with the charity: “I visited a primary school in Soweto. Many of the children there are orphans or are infected with the AIDS virus. The kids and I read together, I helped serve them their lunch, and then after school my boyfriend at the time and I drove one of the little boys home. Just seeing where these children come from and the lives that they lead really opened my eyes to how much there is to be done in the world.

“It truly was a life changing experience and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time with these children. I have every intention of returning in the near future.“

To see the hat Mischa knitted and its lucky recipient, click here.

The Band From TV To Light Up Christmas Tree

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Band From TV will be appearing at the annual “Hollywood Christmas Tree Lighting at The Grove,” on Sunday, November 23.

The charity band made up of television stars – including Hugh Laurie, Greg Grunberg, Teri Hatcher, James Denton, Bob Guiney – recently released their first CD/DVD, Hoggin All The Covers. The band was started in 2006 to provide funding for several worthwhile charities – Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – and to raise money through music to help those in need.

Grunberg had the idea to establish the band after being asked to get a few celebrities to play together at the House Of Blues for charity. The event sparked a great amount of interest, and has led to a number of gigs in the US which have, according to Hugh Laurie, “raised a gargantuan sum of money for charity.”

Sunday’s show, hosted by Jon Lovitz, will also feature performances by Grammy Award-winner Natalie Cole, the HB Barnum New Life Choir, and Straight No Chaser, a talented A Capella group best known for their rendition of “12 Days of Christmas.”

The show starts at 7:30pm, and will be held at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. More information can be found at www.thegrovela.com.

Amaré Stoudemire Gets Clean Water To Sierra Leone

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Last September, Suns Forward Amaré Stoudemire took a trip to Africa to help make a difference for communities in need.

The basketball superstar – well known for his humanitarian efforts – visited Sierra Leone on behalf of his foundation, Each 1, Teach 1, and the Zee Community Development Foundation. Aside from donating money to rehabilitate water wells, Amare actually took a hands-on approach in fixing the wells, which give communities clean water.

“This is a trip that I’ve been looking forward to taking my whole life,” Stoudemire said prior to leaving. “We’ve already begun to help the communities in Sierra Leone, and it will be great to see the efforts in person. One water well built can provide water for 450 people, so as you can see, the impact will be really great.”

After getting down and dirty in the wells, Amare continued his mission and also met with the Minister of Sports, Vice President, and President of Sierra Leone in efforts to improve the quality of life.

Singer Angélique Kidjo – who is from West Africa – accompanied Stoudemire on behalf of her foundation, Batonga, which promotes education for African girls.

Alice Cooper Pulls Charity Plum From The Pudding

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Rocker Alice Cooper has just announced plans for this year’s “Christmas Pudding” event.

Now in its 8th year, the star-studded event has become one of the biggest celebrity charity events in recent history.

The cabaret-style variety show is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, and includes music, dance, and comedy with all proceeds to be donated to the Solid Rock Foundation, an Arizona community youth organization and Alice’s charity of choice.

Celebrity performers at previous Pudding events have included Ted Nugent, stand-up comic Sinbad and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

This year’s lineup features Fleetwood Mac alumnus Bob Welch, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, F5, Runaway Phoenix, Les Stroud, and Whisky Falls, and Iron Chef winner Mark Tarbell will serve up holiday treats for all attendees.

Adding to the excitement? This year Alice and the band will be performing their greatest hits.

General admission tickets start at $33, with holders of VIP passes (starting at $203) granted access to a pre-show dinner and reception hosted by Alice himself.

For more info, go to www.alicepudding.com.

American Idol Gives Back $67 Million

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham, Bono, Annie Lennox and Carrie Underwood have all accepted cheques from April’s Idol Gives Back event on behalf of the charities they support.

The show raised over US$67 million for charities such as the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“I saw first hand with my visit to Sierra Leone with UNICEF last year how devastating malaria can be to a country,“ said Beckham, who was presented with US$12 million by Idol winner David Cook on behalf of Malaria No More. “This money will help buy millions of bed nets and also protect many people, particularly the young children who are most vulnerable.”

Annie Lennox was also delighted to receive $500,000 for the Treatment Action Campaign.

“This is just to express my gratitude to everyone on Idol Gives Back, for putting together a show with a difference, and for inviting me to be part of it,“ she said in a statement. “Because of this event, and the generosity of the viewers, who donated so kindly, I have been able to hand over a cheque for the amazing sum of $500,000 to Treatment Action Campaign, in South Africa. I can assure everyone that every single dollar contributed will go to excellent use, in the work to educate, assist and support people living on the frontline of the HIV/Aids pandemic, many of whom are women and children. Thank you so much.“

Bono received US$10 million on behalf of the Global Fund For AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The Global Fund will keep thousands of people safe from HIV/AIDS because American Idol has donated $10 million,” said the U2 frontman. “That’s YOU people, who sent in your hard earned cash.”

The Idol Gives Back show featured appearances and performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Sheila E., Fergie, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Britney Spears, who couldn’t be at the event, donate $25,000 to the cause.

Fergie Designs Star For Charity Auction

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie was in New York yesterday to unveil the new Swarovski star for the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and now you can bid on a special Swarovski star designed by the songstress in a new charity auction.

www.clothesoffourback.org has just launched the new auction to benefit children’s charities such as Feeding America, The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi. Joining Fergie in designing crystal stars for this unique auction are Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Garner, Teri Hatcher, Kate Walsh, Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Kaczmarek, Forest Whitaker, Maria Bello, and many more.

To celebrate the auction, participating Swarovski stores across America invite you to join them for light refreshments tonight, November 13, between 6-8pm. All attendees will have the opportunity to win two celebrity stars designed by Maria Bello and Kristin Chenoweth, and will also have a chance to win one of two Swarovski gift packages including: a choice of celebrity star ornament, a 2008 Swarovski Annual Edition Christmas Ornament and a Swarovski Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Topper. Plus, with any purchase of $75, you will receive an exclusive Swarovski crystal snowflake T-Shirt, while supplies last. Money raised from the raffle will also benefit Clothes Off Our Back. Click here to find a participating store near you.

The auction runs until December 10 and can be accessed through the Clothes Off Our Back website.

Bryan Adams Plays Prince's Trust Gig

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bryan Adams has played at an auction gala event that raised over £1 million (US$1 million) for the Prince’s Trust.

The Prince’s Trust Invest in Futures Gala Dinner and Charity Auction was hosted by Ben Elton at Old Billingsgate, east London, over the weekend, and featured lots such as tea at The Ritz with Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, a flight with The Red Arrows, artworks by Prince Charles, a chance to meet Donatella Versace at Milan Fashion Week, and the opportunity to meet Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole during an X Factor taping.

“It is an honor for me to perform at such an incredible event which raises a huge amount of money for The Prince’s Trust,“ said Bryan Adams. “Support from the financial community is more important now than ever and The Prince’s Trust is giving young people the skills and confidence to get into work in this increasingly uncertain global climate.”

Status Quo Rocks The Auction House

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last week’s special charity auction featuring works from some of Status Quo’s celebrity fans was a huge success.

Over US$158,000 was raised for the Prince’s Trust in the auction, which featured artworks created by Brian Wilson, Rolf Harris, Alice Cooper, Brian May, Chris Tarrant, Jamie Cullum, Katie Melua, Paul Rogers and 50 other stars. Every artwork represented one of Status Quo’s album or single covers from the last 40 years, with one painting by David Shepherd attracting bids in excess of $26,860.

“It’s marvelous because normally these things can go down a damp squib,” said Quo frontman Francis Rossi. “The fact that we reached GBP100,000 is very nice. The Prince’s Trust is for young people that are not articulate or come from a poor background. Nobody gives them a chance. It’s such an unusual charity. It’s not the kind of charity that most people give to. People are not usually concerned about some young kid from a council estate background.”

Flockhart, Ford to Attend Peace Over Violence Benefit

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:29:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Calista Flockhart is set to host the 37th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner benefitting Peace Over Violence this Friday night, November 7th.

Flockhart, who is the National Spokesperson for the charity, will be joined by special guests Harrison Ford, Bo Derek, Jane Seymour, James Keach and many others. Honorary Co-Chairs for the event include Cheryl Burke and Eve Ensler.

The event, to be held at The Beverly Hills Hotel, begins at 6 P.M. with a Festive Cocktail Reception and a Silent Auction, followed at 7 by Dinner and the Awards Ceremony. Guests are asked to bring old wireless phones for the Verizon Wireless Hopeline program, which works to help curb domestic violence.

The awards recognize people who are working hard to build a world of healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence.

This year’s Verizon Wireless Hopeline Corporate Award is going to Southern California Edison and Frank J. Quevedo, Vice President of Equal Opportunity, and Gloria Romero, the California State Senate Majority Leader, will be receiving the Public Service Award. The Leadership Award is going to Elise Buik, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Also to be recognized are Art Blair, Jennie Campbell, Jeri Elster, Lucinda Guarino, Robbie Rutstein, Christina Stevenson, Lora Luczywo, Rebecca Tomasini, Anabella Vara, Amara Wilson and Michelle Yee, who will be receiving the Empowerment Award as part of the Voices Over Violence:Survivors Who Speak Out initiative.

For more information on the event, and how you can help, visit PeaceOverViolence.org.

Hanson Still Walking, A Mile At A Time

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:36:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Walk is not only the name of Hanson’s latest (downloadable-only) album, it’s the name of their tour and what they’re doing.

The three brothers, Zac, Isaac and Taylor, that make up the band are walking a mile, barefoot, at each city on their Walk Around The World tour, and donate one dollar to fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa for each fan that joins them. Participants can request how that donation will be spent, choosing between AIDS treatment, health care, drilling wells, providing shoes or building schools..

Inspired by visits to Africa, the walks are something the band feels is manageable and will have an impact. “No matter how bad of an economic crisis we’re in,” says Zac, “we’re still better off than the rest of the world. It’s about the power of the individual – about the way we look at our own power to affect things. People need to do things they feel passionate about and not feel stopped because they feel inadequate.”

The band’s goal is to reach 24,902 miles, equivalent to the earth’s circumference at the equator. Today, their website update says: “9839 walked. 15,063 to go.”

“AIDS,” says Zac, “is one of the biggest crises in the world.”

Whatever It Takes For Christmas

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

{Whatever It Takes} – the charity that offers artworks and clothing designed by celebrities – have some great gift ideas for the coming holiday season.

The charity – which raises money for all sorts of charities, such as Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace and many more – is offering T-shirts designed by the Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party; rings designed by Robbie Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and Snoop Dogg mouse pads from George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, and Coldplay bed linen from Joss Stone and a huge selection of plates and mugs designed by Bob Geldof, Paul McCartney, Ewan McGregor and many others.

To get your hands on one of these unique items – which would make the perfect gift – or to see the entire range, visit the Whatever It Takes website.

Avon Foundation Honors Charity Leaders

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

The Hope Honors – the star-studded eighth annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration – honored leaders in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence in New York City earlier this week.

Hosting this year’s event were Andrea Jung, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation. Award presenters and special guests included award-winning actor Patrick Dempsey celebrity makeup artist and Avon Global Creative Color Director Jillian Dempsey; actress and designer Lauren Conrad; personal finance expert Suze Orman; designer Cynthia Rowley; and renowned breast cancer surgeon and best-selling author Dr. Susan Love.

The celebratory event culminated with a special musical performance by 19 Recordings/Jive Recording Artist Jordin Sparks.

“Each year we come together to recognize and celebrate those who share our commitment to ending breast cancer and domestic violence, and to bring new voices and resources to advance these important causes,” stated Andrea Jung. “This is always a special night for the Avon Foundation, and it is an evening when my pride as the leader of Avon knows no bounds.”

Since its inception in 2001, the Avon Foundation Awards Celebration has raised $15.6 million, including $1.6 million this year.

The Avon Foundation, a public charity, is a global leader and change agent in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, and Avon is the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. These issues continue to be of grave concern: there is a new diagnosis of breast cancer in the U.S. every three minutes, and one in three women worldwide is a victim of violence, while some 10 million children witness domestic violence in the U.S. each year. Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has supported access to care and finding a cure in more than 50 countries. Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence was launched in 2004 and has now rolled out in a dozen countries. In addition, the Avon Foundation supports emergency and disaster relief. Total funds raised and awarded worldwide for all these causes exceed $660 million.

Mel C Adopts Her Own Word... And So Can You

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

You can own just about anything these days – stars, planets, galaxies… and now your very own word in the English language.

Children’s charity I CAN is offering people the chance to adopt their favorite word for a whole year in the name of charity. For just £20 (US$32) adopters can do whatever they want to do with their chosen word… take it shopping, maybe. Or to the gym. Or just give it a loving home. They will also receive a gift pack including a certificate and an aftercare advice booklet.

Some of Britain’s favorite stars have already adopted their own favorite words through the initiative – Melanie C has chosen “red” and Kim Wilde has gone for “flower”.

“Flower is an anagram of my married name, Fowler,“ says Wilde, “and, of course, my daughter is called Rose – a flower is one of nature’s best performances!“

I CAN is a British children’s communication charity that fosters the development of speech, language and communication skills in all children – with a special focus on those who find it hard. More information about adopting a word can be found at the I CAN website.

Band From TV Gets Help From JetExpress

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Band From TV has announced an exciting new alliance with ExpressJet.

The group has named the carrier as their official transport provider, which means the company will fly the band to concert events across America free-of-charge.

“We are incredibly grateful to ExpressJet for providing transportation for our band all throughout America,“ said Greg Grunberg, who started the band to raise money through music to help those in need. “All of the money saved from ExpressJet providing this service goes straight to the charities and we are beyond thankful.”

Band From TV is a 9 piece musical ensemble that features the talents of Desperate Housewives’ James Denton on guitar, House’s Hugh Laurie on keyboards, and Desperate Housewives’ Teri Hatcher on vocals. The full length album follows earlier releases on the House soundtrack and the top-selling version of Minnie The Moocher on iTunes. They release their first CD and DVD – Hoggin’ All The Covers – next week.

“We are proud to associate our expertise in aviation with the talented actors and musicians of Band From TV,“ said ExpressJet’s Sr. Manager of Marketing, John Yeng. “We couldn’t be happier to do our part in raising money for the very worthy charities that each celebrity has chosen.”

Band From TV donate all their proceeds to a range of charities, including Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Fulfillment Fund Attracts Big Names For Annual Gala

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

The stars came out on October 13 for the Fulfillment Fund’s annual benefit gala.

Look To The Stars Celebrity Ambassador Rachel Zeskind was lucky enough to be on the red carpet for the event, which was hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featured appearances by Kate Beckinsale, Sinbad, Christian Bale, John Fogerty and many more.

The Fulfillment Fund is dedicated to helping promising yet disadvantaged students graduate from high school and complete college, and honored Legendary Pictures Chairman and CEO Thomas Tull at this year’s STARS 2008 Benefit Gala.

Each fall, Hollywood and the Los Angeles community provide almost $2 million in critical support at the annual gala event, which has been recognized as one of the top five most successful annual fundraising events in Southern California.

“This might have been the worst week in memorable history to have a fund-raising dinner, but we’ve always been blessed with strong support from the entertainment industry,“ said Fulfillment Fund founder Dr. Gary Gitnick.

Rachel Zeskind, who last month attended the 60th annual Emmy Awards on behalf of Look To The Stars, had the chance to catch up with several of the guests at the gala, including Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh, who revealed that he is a huge supporter of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and Sean Thomas, who supports the Young Storytellers Foundation – a Los Angeles based non-profit organization dedicated to developing literacy, self-expression and self-esteem in elementary school students through the art of storytelling.

(Photos copyright Jesse Brunt)

_Rachel’s dress and jewelry by Tal Sheyn and Creative Brazil

Simmons Commits Money To Charity

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has revealed that he would rather give his fortune to people in need than spend it on himself.

The 51-year-old made the announcement at the annual BET awards held in Atlanta on Saturday.

“I’m not going to cut down on [my charities] so I can have another ride on a private plane,” said the producer, who took home the I Am Hip Hop icon award at the ceremony. “I want to make sure everyone keeps getting fed.”

Simmons is Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network – which harnesses the cultural relevance of Hip-Hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy – and also co-founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with his brothers, Danny and Joseph Simmons. In 2007 he founded the Diamond Empowerment Fund to raise money to support education initiatives to help people in countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

“I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it,” Simmons said.

Erik Estrada Rides Again

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

ChiPs legend Erik Estrada was back on his motorcycle on Saturday for a charity ride through Campbell County in Virginia.

The 59-year-old led the ride for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, an organization established to protect children from online predators.

“In the old days you found the child sexual predators in the park, in the mall or on the street,“ he told ABC13. “And now they are on the internet.”

Estrada is well known for his charity work with organizations such as DARE, United Way, and the American Heart Association.

The charity ride also featured a family picnic and a dance.

Jackie Chan Auctions Items In China

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan continued his fight for charity this week with a visit to China’s Henan province.

The star unveiled a plaque at a centre for mentally ill children in Xinxiang, and took part in a friendly table tennis tournament with the children.

A fundraising auction was also held, including items from Chan’s personal collection, such as a T-shirt he designed, and a signed CD. The sale raised US$373,314, which will go to the actor’s Dragon’s Heart children’s center, which provides education and rehabilitation facilities to mentally handicapped children. Initiated in 2004, Chan’s Dragon’s Heart Foundation has financed the building of 21 schools across China.

Chan also took the time to visit a remotely located old people’s home and share a meal with the residents.

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