Look To The Stars News: Health

Paris Hilton Gives Sick Kids A Day To Remember

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

It was an afternoon full of laughter and tears when the Hilton family opened their Bel Air estate to children from the Starlight Children’s Foundation during the weekend.

Paris, Nikki and Kathy welcomed the kids suffering from serious diseases and gave them a day to remember as they entertained the kids with games of Duck Duck Goose, Simon Says and bubble blowing.

The event was organized by famous Forever 21 chain of clothing stores, which is currently adding 90,000 square feet Forever 21 in Manhattan, in Times Square, in the space formerly occupied by the Virgin Megastore.

Forever 21 designer Madeline Beth will collaborate with Paris, Nicky, and their mother Kathy Hilton for the design of three new t-shirts that will be featured at Forever 21 stores worldwide. Paris and Nicky Hilton painted the designs for the t-shirts themselves. All proceeds from the sales of these shirts will be contributed to the Starlight Foundation.

The Starlight Foundation offers a comprehensive menu of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings that enable them to provide ongoing support for children and families — from diagnosis through the entire course of medical treatment. The Starlight Foundation prides itself on restoring family’s spirits while researchers look for cures and doctors work to restore a child’s health.

Also in attendance was owner of the famed Anastasia Salon, Anastasia Soare doing makeovers, Chase Krouse of Chris McMillan Salon, and last but not least Forever 21 collaborative accessories designer, Madeline Beth.

Madeline Beth has been in manufacturing for over 20 years; specializing in rhinestone accessories such as handbags, compacts, other purse accessories such as lipstick holders, compact mirrors, belt buckles, and fashion jewelry. She works with Forever 21 to design trendsetting accessories that have been innovative in the fashion industry.

Wyclef Jean And Bono Receive ‘Ripple Of Hope Award’

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer Wyclef Jean, and (RED) founder/U2 front man Bono, were honored this week at a ceremony thrown by The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, where each were awarded the ‘Ripple of Hope’ Award.

“As champions of justice, Bono and Wyclef have brought the national spotlight to human rights violations, empowered local activists, and transformed the lives of millions of people living in poverty from Port-Au-Prince to Darfur,” said Kerry Kennedy, founder of the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. “Their efforts evoke the spirit of my father and we are honored to recognize them.”

Jean was honored for his work to inspire change in his native country of Haiti through his Yéle Haiti Foundation.

“It is an honor to receive this award for so many reasons,” said Jean, who was also the evening’s musical performer. “The Kennedy Family and Robert F. Kennedy have represented and fought for the rights of people around the world, and have paid the ultimate sacrifice for it. I am humbled by their work, and use it as an example in the work I continue to do in Haiti, the United States, Africa and around the globe. I look forward to working closely with Kerry Kennedy and the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights in Haiti as a part of our Yéle Center.”

Bono was recognized for his efforts in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particular in Africa with the ONE Campaign, DATA and (Product) RED.

“Though we’re not usually that partial to Royals, growing up in Ireland in the 70s, the Kennedy family felt like an Irish royal family. Bobby Kennedy was a super-hero, an Irish scrapper who didn’t see any contradiction between hard-headed pragmatism and an idealism that challenged all of us to change the world. That’s why the Ripple of Hope award means so much. RFK was the blue print for our activism in the ONE campaign,” Bono said. “The image of Bobby that will forever be in my mind is of a man with his sleeves rolled up, hard at work and showing a hint of muscle. His life is an enduring challenge to all of us to do more, get beyond ourselves and send out our own ripples of hope to the world.”

The event was emceed by actor Peter Gallagher, and guests included: Matthew Modine, Matt McCoy, Joey Pantoliano, Gloria Reuben, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Governor Jon Corzine, Harry Belafonte, Martha Stewart, Bill O’Reilly, Ana Ortiz, Aasif Mandvi, Liya Kebede, Earl Graves, Terry Kinney, Rebecca Minkoff, Charles Nolan, Richard Plepler, Tom Freston and Orin Kramer.

The evening ended on a high note as Bono joined Wyclef on stage for a rendition of “Redemption Song,” after which Wyclef performed “Carnival” and brought the entire crowd of over 800 people – including Ethel Kennedy – to their feet singing and dancing.

Michael J. Fox Rocks For A Cure

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Michael J. Fox proved that he can still rock like Marty McFly during the weekend when he appeared on stage at his annual A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s gala at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Saturday.

The gala benefited his Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research, and the evening saw Fox join rockers such as Roger Daltrey, Steven Tyler and Elvis Costello on stage for a jam. The event was emceed by Denis Leary, and guests such as Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Scorsese and Ben Stiller were spotted enjoying the evening.

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease within the decade through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.

Elton John Warns Complacent Teens About Unsafe Sex

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

At a gala for his AIDS charity on November 16, Elton John said that young people are putting themselves in danger of getting HIV by engaging in unsafe sex. He warned that the latest generation is “complacent” about the risk of getting the virus.

He said that even though AIDS is not a new disease, higher rates of HIV infection are being seen in African American women, the rural south and in the gay community.

Speaking to Radio 1’s Newsbeat, the singer said, “We are finding that too many young people are not listening to what we are saying. I’m afraid people do get a little complacent about the disease by going out and having unsafe sex. It’s a cyclical thing. Every ten years a new generation comes along and you have to re-educate them.”

Also present at the event held for the Elton John AIDS Foundation were Sharon Stone, former United States president Bill Clinton and Daniel Craig.

Peter Andre Grants A Special Charity Wish

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A very special girl had a wish granted by her hero recently when she met Peter André in London.

Five-year-old Jessica from the UK suffers from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and finds solace in Peter’s music and TV shows. So it was a huge treat when the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the UK whisked her and her family to London, put them up in luxury accommodation, gave them transfers via pink Limousine to where Andre is filming his new reality show.

“Jessica is a lovely little girl and she just has to keep smiling for her mum and dad,” said the star after their meeting. “I am so pleased to have met her today, she is a very brave little girl.”

“This has been the best day ever for Jessica, she loves Peter and this day will stay with us forever – thank you so much,” said Jessica’s mother.

Make-A-Wish needs your donations to keep providing wishes like these to help brighten the lives of sick children. The UK branch of the foundation needs £5 million this year in order to continue granting these magical wishes. To make a donation, click here.

Arsenal Players Get Cute And Fluffy For Charity

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

Top Arsenal players Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Andrey Arshavin and Bacary Sagna dressed up in furry animal costumes to raise money for sick children this week.

They dressed up as a lion, rabbit, shark and an owl to walk the streets and fundraise for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH).

Club manager Arsene Wenger said, “The team and I have met some patients from Great Ormond Street Hospital on several occasions…and we’re all struck by the strength and courage they show in fighting their illnesses. We understand the importance of helping to improve the facilities at the hospital and we’re encouraging all Arsenal fans to help in whatever way we can.”

The players each donated a day’s wages to the team’s “Be a Gooner. Be a Giver” campaign. They hope to raise 500,000 Euros (US$740,000) toward a lung function unit for children who have difficulty breathing or sleeping.

The players and Wenger star in a promotional video for their fundraiser. The club is conducting a fundraising matchday. Supporters are encouraged to contribute via www.beagoonerbeagiver.org.

LTTS Exclusive - Travis McCoy And The MTV Staying Alive Foundation

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

On November 11, Broadway East in Lower Manhattan was crowded with the hip and stylish to kick off the MTV Staying Alive Foundation’s push to their World AIDS Day campaign.

On World AIDS Day, Staying Alive will release a song made exclusively for the cause by Travis McCoy, front man for the popular indie/hip-hop band Gym Class Heroes and one of the foundation’s celebrity ambassadors. The name of the song is One at a Time, and you can get a preview of the song and learn more about the campaign here.

McCoy was at the event last week, as well as MTV VJ and Next Top Model’s Kim Stolz. British R&B singer songwriter Estelle also made an appearance.

The event highlighted McCoy’s travels – he recently visited grassroots HIV and AIDS prevention projects around the world – and was officially kicked off when Stolz spoke about her support of the foundation’s goals. Two grant recipients were also at the event: Tyler Spencer of the Grassroot Foundation/Athletes United for Social Justice and Natalia Cales of the Carolina Empowerment Group, Inc.

“MTV gave us our first big grant,” Tyler Spencer told Look To The Stars. “Before winning the SAF Award, we were funded almost completely by out of pocket expenses. The grant really put a solid ground under our feet.”

McCoy made the keynote speech at the event and, in a moment of spontaneity, he decided to speak from the heart rather than read prepared index cards. He talked about his travels across the globe where he visited grassroots, youth HIV and AIDS prevention projects, and discussed the challenge of writing a song to convey the enormity of his experiences.

In an exclusive interview with Look to the Stars’ Myrlia Purcell, Travis talked about his inspiration for working with the foundation. It all started when he was asked to ask celebrities questions about safe sex and HIV/AIDS awareness at the European Video Music Awards. He felt he should be doing more because “felt a strong connection with the foundation.” Travis lost someone close to him from AIDS when he was young but never told his friends because of the stigma. After the European VMAs, he approached MTV about how he could do more to help.

He talked about the things he noticed during his travels. “When I was in South Africa, I went to this township…, there was no running water and there were all these really, really horrible conditions but, you know, these kids were just so happy and just the biggest brightest smiles I’ve ever seen. These kids are playing soccer out of makeshift ball from plastic bags. And you know seeing that and thinking about back home, you know we just don’t realize how good we have it. We take it for granted the small things like having running water. We have kids that throw fits and cry when they don’t get the newest video game.”

He also talked about stepping up to the challenge of having to write a song. “Well, for one thing, there was a tremendous amount of pressure. All the proceeds from downloads go back to Staying Alive. Of course, I want to raise as much money as possible. So there is this part of me that wants this song to appeal to a lot of people and also to keep the cheesiness to a bare minimum. When you’re going into something like this and you’re making a song that you want to appeal to a lot of people, at the end of the day, it’s a pop song. … You want to make sure that the people who inspired the song are well represented and you get your point across. I’m very, very proud about how the song turned out.”

When asked what his fans could do to help, he responded decisively, “Download the song on December 1st when it comes out. Check out the Staying Alive website to see what you can do to help out. You don’t need to be an impressive figure (a celebrity) to do your part. As much time as our generation spends on the Internet you can take 5 to 10 minutes of your time to check it out to see what you can do.”

To learn more make sure to go to the Staying Alive and The Unbeaten Track websites to learn more.

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent Richard Barker was lucky enough to attend the Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards and filed this exclusive report and photos.

I was delighted to spend some time with A-list celebrities from music, film, theatre and television on the Red Carpet. The event was in aid of one of UK’s longest running children’s charities, The Variety Club, as it celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

London saw some of the brightest stars from the showbiz world light up London’s West End as they congregated on the Red Carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1 to show their support for one of UK’s longest running charities dedicated to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people – The Variety Club – and to honour the most talented individuals from the world of entertainment at The Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards 2009. Don’t worry readers if you are based in England but weren’t there on the night – you’ll get a chance to watch the glitz, the glamour and hear the gossip on FIVE on Sunday 22nd November 2009 at 3.35pm.

The evening’s star-studded event commenced with an array of international A-list celebrities, industry stalwarts and leading luminaries from the worlds of film, television, comedy, theatre, popular music and classical music gracing the Red Carpet. The guest list welcomed names such as Kevin Spacey, Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, Kelly Brook, Alesha Dixon, Dame Kelly Holmes (Ambassador for The Variety Club), David Suchet, Jon Culshaw, Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins, Pixie Lott, Spandau Ballet, The Saturdays, Daniela Lavender, Faryl Smith and Joe Calzaghe. The stars shined for cameras as they made their way to an exclusive reception where champagne flutes were overflowing, as a prelude to a gourmet banquet and the coveted awards ceremony, which took place against a theatrical backdrop of exclusive world-class entertainment, including dazzling performances by Spandau Ballet, Pixie Lott and Faryl Smith.

The only event of its kind to honour the entire showbiz industry, this year’s winners included: Kevin Spacey, who was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre by fellow actor David Suchet; Justin Lee Collins, who was presented with the Television Presenter of the Year Award by Alan Carr; and Spandau Ballet, who were presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Popular Music by The Saturdays.

On receiving his award, Sir Ian McKellen said, "This is an over-generous recognition of a career which, in truth, has been its own reward. Acting is working with friends and entertaining people and that’s quite enough for me. The Variety Club is having its 60th birthday, which means I was ten years old at the time in 1949, living in the north of England in Wigan, Lancashire. I was, without knowing it, preparing for a life in show business.

The Variety Club is the essence of life for kids who desperately need the help to get healthy. I am full of admiration for the work you have done for the past 60 years and hope you carry on with the work you do. I am extremely honoured to be associated with this charity and this award."

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards is one of the most eagerly anticipated entries on the British entertainment calendar and has become an international celebrity institution in itself. Nearly every showbiz personality of note from the past 60 years has been honoured by The Variety Club, renowned for its strong links with the showbiz world, including Tommy Trinder, Dame Vera Lynn, Lord Laurence Olivier, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sir Alec Guiness, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judy Dench, Ben Kingsley, Diana Dors, Daniel Craig, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, James McAvoy, Al Pacino, Peter Sellers, Tommy Cooper, Ricky Gervais, Alan Carr, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra.

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards raises significant funds for and awareness of the work The Variety Club undertakes to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, the charity has raised over £200 million and improved the lives of more than a million children and young people since its inception. Among its tireless work, the charity provides Sunshine Coaches, Easy Riders electric wheelchairs, exciting and educational trips, equipment for children’s hospitals and life enhancing equipment.

Also at this year’s Showbiz Awards, The Variety Club, in partnership with The Co-operative, revealed the face of its 2010 Gold Heart campaign – Alesha Dixon. The Gold Heart badges will be sold in Co-operative food, bank, travel and pharmacy stores from 28th January 2010. Owned by its members, The Co-operative has a long and proud history of supporting charities, community groups and other good causes. Every £1 donated in-store to the fund will help The Variety Club to provide vital, life-changing equipment to those children that need it most.

John Sachs, Chairman, The Variety Club Showbiz Awards comments, "Once again, the Showbiz Awards has honoured the UK’s top entertainment personalities embracing television, film, comedy, theatre, classical and popular music. As The Variety Club also celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year, there was even more glamour, showbiz magic and star appeal than ever before.

The prestigious event also helped raise awareness and funds for The Variety Club’s praiseworthy work and as one of the UK’s longest serving charities dedicated to helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, our sole and primary focus is to make sure every child and young person is given the chance to reach their fullest potential."

Here are some facts about The Variety Club:
The Variety Club provides practical solutions to allow sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK to reach their full potential. This year sees The Variety Club celebrate its 60th year of bringing hope, independence and freedom to children and young people. In the past 60 years The Variety Club has raised over £200 million and helped more than a million children and young people. The Variety Club has donated more than 3,300 Easy Riders electric wheelchairs and mobility aids since 1981, put 4,890 Sunshine Coaches on the road and given around £20 million to children’s hospitals. To find out more information or donate go to www.varietyclub.org.uk. Follow the Variety Club on twitter here.

Lucy Liu And Rebecca Mader To Light UNICEF Snowflakes

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

UNICEF will light up both New York and Beverly Hills this weekend with the help of some celebrity friends.

Lucy Liu will light the UNICEF Snowflake at a special ceremony on Thursday, November 19, in front of the Louis Vuitton Fifth Avenue store in New York, followed by a similar event at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills featuring Rebecca Mader on Saturday, November 21.

“The UNICEF Snowflake is a special symbol for the world’s most vulnerable children,” said Caryl Stern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes. These iconic snowflakes—at 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills—hang as a reminder of UNICEF’s commitment to reach a day when zero children die from preventable causes.”

Mader will flip the switch to illuminate the brilliant UNICEF Snowflake on Rodeo Drive that will soar over the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. The Beverly Hills Snowflake contains 12,000 crystals, is 17 feet wide and over 14 feet tall, weighs 1,600 pounds and is illuminated by 125 steady-burning and 300 high-powered flashing LED lights. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display across the sky above the hotel, which is home to the west coast UNICEF Snowflake.

“The UNICEF Snowflake is the centerpiece of an ambitious program to raise funds for UNICEF’s programs providing immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation for children in need,” said actress and UNICEF supporter Rebecca Mader. “I am honored to participate in the Beverly Hills lighting ceremony by illuminating the UNICEF Snowflake and helping spread its message of hope, peace and compassion for children worldwide.”

In New York, Lucy Liu is also excited about the event.

“As a native New Yorker I always look forward to seeing the UNICEF Snowflake light up Fifth Avenue,” said actress and UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu. “It reminds me that every day, there are 24,000 children worldwide dying from preventable causes. I am especially proud to support UNICEF and their commitment to change that number to zero.”

Appointed a UNICEF Ambassador in 2004, Liu has used her influence as a force for the survival, protection and development of children worldwide. She has traveled to Lesotho, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Peru to witness UNICEF’s lifesaving work and to advocate on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable children.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Snowflake. Donated by the Stonbely Family Foundation in 2002, the UNICEF Snowflake has become an iconic fixture in New York City during the holiday season, hanging high above the intersection of 5th Avenue and 57th Street. It was handcrafted by German lighting designer Ingo Maurer and is adorned with 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms. At 23 feet in diameter, over 28 feet in height and weighing 3,300 pounds, the UNICEF Snowflake is the largest outdoor chandelier of its kind. The UNICEF Snowflake ceremony is open to the public and will be illuminated for the entire holiday season.

The evening’s celebration, which will be telecast live to the Spectacolor CNN billboard in Times Square, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a festive recital by Broadway Kids Care, a group of children from current and past Broadway shows who come together to participate in a variety of charitable works. Following their performance, Lucy Liu, Caryl Stern and Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton North America, will take the stage and flip the switch to illuminate the UNICEF Snowflake. Immediately following the ceremony Louis Vuitton, proud sponsor of the UNICEF Snowflake lighting this year, will host a reception to celebrate the lighting in their flagship store on 5th Avenue.

“We are honored to have Lucy light the UNICEF Snowflake and kick off the giving season in New York City,” said Caryl Stern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “She is a great friend to UNICEF and a dedicated supporter of our mission to reach a day when zero children die from preventable causes.”

In Beverly Hills, festivities will begin at 3:00 PM with the official lighting at 7:00 PM. Visitors to this famed dream drive will enjoy free entertainment – from balloon artists to jugglers, caricature artists to musicians. The streets are ripe with photo opportunities as well, with striking new holiday decor, lights and banners throughout the Golden Triangle and complimentary pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

British Celebrity Show Benefits Malaria No More

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Malaria No More has revealed that it will be the sole benefactor of the current season of “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here” screening on the UK’s ITV.

The show features a group of celebrities as they try to survive living in the Australian jungle, and the new season includes famous faces such as former model and singer Samantha Fox and Dynasty star George Hamilton. Ex-EastEnder Lucy Benjamin and snooker ace Jimmy White are also taking part in the show.

Malaria No More will benefit from every phone vote made by members of the public as they choose their favorite celebrities on the show. And it is an initiative that is backed by the show’s contestants.

“I’ve travelled a lot and seen malaria first hand, like when I was in Kenya,” said Sam Fox. “I’ve had friends who suffered really badly from malaria and it’s so important that Brits educate themselves before they go away on holiday. I always make sure I take my malaria pills and use a spray, but not everyone does. I hope and pray we can save lives by supporting Malaria No More UK.”

15p from every 50p phone vote on the show will go towards buying mosquito nets. It costs £5 to deliver a net to an African family and each net can last for up to five years.

“It’s tremendous news that ITV’s ’I’m a Celebrity…’ is joining the fight against malaria,” said Richard Curtis, co-founder of Comic Relief. “It’s a huge issue – 800, 000 people still dying every year because of the bite of a mosquito – but it’s an issue where every individual can really believe in the difference they are making – it costs just £5 to buy a net that can protect a whole family. The battle against malaria can be won, and the more money and publicity the cause gets, the sooner it will be won.”

“The series has always raised money for good causes but never for a single charity,” added Peter Fincham, ITV director of television. “This is a unique collaboration, and I hope that the funds raised will help Malaria No More UK towards their goal, which is to end malaria deaths by 2015.”

Jackie Chan Holds Dialogues For Peace

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan continued his current charity mission in Asia by speaking at schools in Cambodia last week.

Chan is in the country as part of the Bridges: Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace series of talks sponsored by the International Peace Foundation. As part of the event, he talked with students at the International School of Phnom Penh and the University of Cambodia.

The Bridges initiative features celebrities and world leaders talking about the importance of peace around the world. To find out more, visit the official website.

Last week, Chan took part in an Operation Smile operation to correct a cleft palate on a child in Vietnam.

LTTS Exclusive - Ashley Judd Awarded As Hollywood Hero

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Fatima Fofana

Look To The Stars contributers Fatima Fofana and Crystal A Johnson were guests at a very special event that honored a philanthropic actress this week. They filed this report and exclusive photos.

USA Today honored Ashley Judd with its annual Hollywood Hero award this week at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The award is presented to an exceptional entertainment industry humanitarian who has made a notable contribution to a non-profit organization. The recipient is recognized for his or her efforts that extend far beyond charitable contributions or lending’s one’s celebrity status to enhance a cause or concern. Judd’s work as a Global Ambassador for the past ten years with YouthAIDS, the education and prevention program of Population Services International (PSI), earned her this noteworthy award.

PHOTO: Crystal A Johnson

Joining the celebration to honor Judd were Morgan Freeman, Mandy Moore, Molly Sims, Omar Miller, Debra Messing and Magic Johnson.

Last year’s recipient, Magic Johnson, flew in from the east coast to surprise Ashley. “After I received the award last year, I said, ‘The next person has to be beautiful.’ They have to care about the community, give back to the community, do it with passion, love and a big heart. When I found out it was Ashley Judd, it couldn’t have been a better person. The only thing I don’t like about her is she’s a Kentucky Wildcat fan. Sometimes they play against my Michigan Spartans.”

PHOTO: Crystal A Johnson

Mandy Moore (“License to Wed”), recently started working with YouthAIDS. “Ashley has inspired me to work with PSI. It’s a wonder organization, that I’m glad to be a part of because of their commitment to fighting AIDS.”

Omar Miller (“CSI: Miami”) noted that “…if one person is influenced by the charitable contributions recognized by this award, to give more and be more, then it’s a very effective tool in inspiring others to give back.” Other celebrities, including Rick Yune, commented, “Its important to be here this evening to honor the tireless work that people like Ashley do everyday to make life a little better for others in need.”

When asked why she became involved with PSI, Judd stated, “Because they allowed me to be involved, working on a grass roots level in poverty stricken countries, and on the Board of Directors. It adds such meaning to my life.” Judd encouraged others to get involved, “…by visiting the website at PSI.org and watching the documentary which highlights some of our work. Its important (for others) to get in touch with their core values, find their passion and leverage that in advocacy work.”

A teary Judd humbly accepted her award and added “I accept this on behalf of PSI … and maybe a little bit for myself.”

Boy George And Marcus Bonfanti To Headline Charity Event In London

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Boy George is to be a special guest at an event being held to benefit Children with AIDS.

With an extraordinary 2009 coming to an end that has seen the recession making headlines everyday, it has turned the normally difficult task of fundraising for charities into an even greater challenge. However Children With AIDS Charity (CWAC) decided that this just meant they needed to get creative and find new ways of fundraising with the help of Wired Events.

AIDS is one of the most supported causes around the world but the knowledge that it exists within the UK amongst families and children seems relatively unknown. CWAC aims to eradicate the prejudice facing these children and families living with HIV & AIDS and helps them on a daily basis with the financial concerns, stigmatism and emotional suffering which many of them have to endure behind closed doors. It was therefore decided that an event which could offer a voice to those children and raise the profile of CWAC’s work to a new younger generation which would be important for the future of the charity and its essential work. So Singing for Silence was created.

The event is on Tuesday 1st December, to coincide with World AIDS Day, and will take place at the 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, London. The night will play host to a range of well-known and up-and-coming artists who all have a strong acoustic vibe to their music. CWAC are excited to announce that Sarah Champion from Absolute Radio will be hosting the night which will include: Jamie Hartman, from Ben’s Brother, who will be playing a solo acoustic set; and the legendary Boy George, who is will be performing a few songs accompanied by John Themis on acoustic guitar. With the night rounded up by an exciting talent with a folk/rock/blues feel – Marcus Bonfanti & band.

Tickets go on sale Monday 9th November via We Got Tickets or from 100 Club website. Doors open at 7.30pm on Tuesday 1st December and acts are on stage from 8.00pm.

Visit the CWAC website for more info on this great charity. Look to the Stars’ UK Correspondent and Children With AIDS Charity Trustee Richard Barker hopes to see our readers at the gig.

All You Need Is Love At Starbucks For Charity

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

The holidays are all about giving, and Starbucks is passionate about supporting communities in which they do business. As part of the ongoing partnership between Starbucks and Bono’s (RED), this holiday season customers will have the opportunity to turn all of their purchases (RED)!

Beginning November 17, 2009 through December 1, 2009, when customers spend $15 on any purchase in participating Starbucks U.S. and Canada stores, Starbucks will automatically turn their purchase (RED) with a $1 U.S. donation to the Global Fund on their behalf. And as a thank you, customers will receive a copy of the exclusive “All You Need Is Love” Holiday CD for free with the qualifying (STARBUCKS)RED purchase. The CD features tracks from Playing for Change, John Legend, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band.

To date, Starbucks has generated contributions equaling more than 5 million daily doses of antiretroviral medicine through the purchase of select (STARBUCKS)RED products and will continue working with their customers to help improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Additionally, on December 1, Starbucks will commemorate World AIDS Day by donating 5 cents U.S. from EVERY handcrafted beverage sold that day as well as $1 U.S. from every (STARBUCKS)RED product purchased in stores.

Matthew Perry To Take Part In Charity Tennis

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities will take part in the 2009 Celebrity Pro-Am To End MS tennis event this weekend.

Stars such as Matthew Perry, Gavin Rossdale, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Brody Jenner, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Alan Thicke, Linda Thompson, Matthew Lillard, and Wayne Bryan will join professional tennis players such as Tracy Austin, Pam Shriver, Derek Rostagno, Bill Scanlon, Katrina Adams, Taylor Dent, Michael Chang, Elliot Teltscher, Chuck Adams, Vijay Amritraj, Scott Davis and more at the event, which aims to raise money for the Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The event takes place on Saturday, November 14, at the Jack Kramer Club, 11 Montecillo Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 (30 minutes south of Santa Monica).

For more info and tickets, click here.

Take That And Friends To Rock Children In Need Tonight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackie Chan Takes Part In Operation Smile Surgery

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last week brought news of Jackie Chan’s participation in a charity event in Vietnam for Operation Smile. Now we’ve learned that he assisted in an actual Operation Smile surgery at the Vietnam-Cuba Hospital in Hanoi.

The star is an ambassador for Operation Smile, an organization that helps children with cleft palates and other deformities.

Chan spent an hour helping with the surgery, and said he felt as tired as though he’d done martial arts for an extended period of time. The surgery was carried out on Quy Thien Tran, a 6-month-old boy with a primary cleft. Vietnamese singer My Tam and model Hi Anh also observed the surgery.

According to an Operation Smile spokesperson: “When the surgery was over, team members said there was barely a dry eye in the house as Chan carried the child back to his mother. Chan said the next morning that he couldn’t sleep and was awake until 3 a.m. emailing his friends about how much the experience of helping change a child’s life had impacted him.”

The star also talked about his fear of needles, and he had to turn away every time an injection was given to the patient!

The star is currently visiting Asian countries on a mission of charity, and has been raising awareness of his Dragon’s Heart Charity in China and visiting Typhoon victims in Taiwan.

During the weekend, Chan visited the Singapore Tongji Hospital and became a Goodwill Ambassador. This week he heads to Thailand and Cambodia to be a keynote speaker at the International Peace Foundation’s “Bridges: Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace.”

Cystic Fibrosis Sufferer Meets Football Heroes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

A young cystic fibrosis sufferer from the UK named Becks had one wish – to meet the England football team. His dream recently came true at a England training session that was held at the Arsenal training ground – thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

After watching the manager put the team through their paces, Becks had the chance to meet the players – all of whom signed his shirt – including footballing legends David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Jon Terry.

Becks suffers from cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that lines the lungs and digestive system with a sticky mucus. Becks has to undergo twice-daily physiotherapy and nebulisers as well as taking a cocktail of pills with each meal. He also has to put up with long stints in hospital. Becks never complains and dreams of one day being a famous footballer.

Beck’s Mum Bonnie said, “We would like to thank Starlight so much! I have never seen him so excited.”

Starlight and the FA joined together to grant his special wish.

Stars Come Out For March Of Dimes

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Halle Berry and Nicole Richie were among the stars at the March Of Dimes’ Fourth Annual Celebration of Babies luncheon.

The event recognizes prominent individuals who are celebrating the birth of their children, and who are role models for March of Dimes commitment to improve the health of babies.

As part of the March of Dimes November Prematurity Awareness Month campaign, celebrities and special guests were urged to join the fight for preemies!

Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, the Celebration of Babies luncheon honored Dr. Robert Katz M.D., obstetrician to the stars, with the Golden Rattle Award for his commitment to the March of Dimes mission. The March of Dimes Community Award was presented to Donna Holloran, MSW; Allison LaTona, MFT; and Shelley Reicher-Lawrence, CPE of BABYGROUP.

The event also highlighted March of Dimes Stork Club: a group of celebrities and prominent individuals who have welcomed a baby or who are expecting a baby in 2009. This year’s Stork Club, sponsored by Stride Rite, includes: Actor Hank Azaria & Katie Wright, Actress Julie Bowen & Scott Phillips, Musician Howie Dorough & Leigh Dorough, Marketing Director Mitchell Davis & Clare Davis, Lucky Magazine W. Coast Bureau Chief Marlien Rentmeester & John Phelps, Actress/Producer Nicole Richie & Singer Joel Madden, Actress Nicole Sullivan & Actor Jason Packham, Producer Jennifer Todd & Actor Chris Messina. March of Dimes celebrity volunteer parents who also attended the luncheon were Julie Bowen, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Kellie Martin, Elisabeth Rohm, Nicole Sullivan, Alimi Ballard, and Sean Patrick Thomas

 More than 300 guests were greeted with a luxury boutique shopping experience, which included the finest selection of designer clothes, accessories and gifts from vendors: Homemade Baby, Mustela, Heather Moore Jewelry, Bella Inspired, Terri Michele Fragrances, Dr. Peter’s Child Identity Kit, Petit Bijou by Garcelle, Tough Cookies Boutique, Baby Eggi, The Silly Wagon and Dr. Fresh. Fundraising continued with a live and silent auction where guests bid on lavish gifts and luxurious vacations donated by the event’s committee volunteers. News anchor Lauren Sanchez hosted the luncheon program and auction.

Through research, education, advocacy and community programs, the March of Dimes is a champion for the health of all babies. For more than 70 years the March of Dimes has enjoyed a rich history of Hollywood celebrity support. Stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and many others have volunteered for March of Dimes lifesaving campaigns. Proceeds from the Los Angeles Celebration of Babies luncheon benefit March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. November is Prematurity Awareness Month, when the March of Dimes calls on everyone who cares about babies to “Fight for Preemies.” Premature birth, the leading cause of newborn death, has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., affecting more than half a million babies each year. Hollywood moms and dads are joining March of Dimes to celebrate their healthy babies and raise funds to ensure all babies have a healthy start. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

To view video clips from this event, click here.

Christmas Charity Singles Hit The Market

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

NYC Marathon Attracts Celebrities For Charity

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

The NYC Marathon took place last Sunday, and what a race! The NYC Marathon is one of the most difficult marathon courses around. However, that didn’t stop a long list of celebrities, athletes and even royalty from training and putting on their running shoes to benefit a long list of charities.

If we talked about them all, this article would be encyclopedic. To remedy that, here is the link to the NYC Marathon’s Famous Faces 2009 webpage which notes them all.

However, let’s talk about 10 of them. That’s a nice round number that captures both the breadth and diversity of charities represented in last week’s race.

Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winning actor Edward Norton ran for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. What’s interesting is he didn’t run the race alone: he ran with a group of 30. This group included other celebrities and several Maasai warriors. In addition, Norton has been promoting awareness of this charity via his Twitter stream. Seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette also ran to benefit the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, as did illusionist extraordinaire David Blaine, who ran 26.2 miles for the Trust.

 ER actor Anthony Edwards also ran the marathon. Edwards is the chairman of Shoe4Africa. He ran to raise funds for the new hospital in Kenya that Shoe4Africa will fund.

Model, actress, editor and author Veronica Webb ran to raise money for the Harlem United Community AIDS Center.

Robert Herjavec, a successful businessman and one of the sharks on ABC’s reality TV show “Shark Tank”, ran to raise funds for Team for Kids.

British TV personality, model and pop star Michelle Heaton ran to help Autism Action, a UK charity.  

Speedskating Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen ran for ING Run for Something Better team. Pro-hockey player Pat LaFontaine also ran to benefit the ING Run for Something Better team.

Prince of the Netherlands and excutive, Prince Pieter Christiaan Michiel, ran to raise money for the WWF.

Be sure to click over to the Famous Faces 2009 site to read about the other celebrity participants and their charities. It’s simply inspiring to see so many notable people out there to help those less fortunate.

Jackie Chan Attends Operation Smile Event In Vietnam

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackie Chan continued his current charity work by taking part in Operation Smile Vietnam’s 20th Anniversary celebration, “Twenty Years of Smiles: A Journey of Miracles,” on November 4.

Chan is an Ambassador for Operation Smile, and visited children with cleft palates at the Vietnam-Cuba Hospital, accompanied by Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy.

The charity provides free reconstructive surgery to tens of thousands of children and young adults in 25 developing countries and the United States, bringing them new hope and new lives.

The Duchess Of Cornwall Honors Brooke Fundraiser

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Duchess of Cornwall, president of the Brooke animal welfare charity, has recognised a UK teenager, Emily Hanstock, for raising £3,000 pounds to help suffering horses, donkeys and mules in foreign lands, according to The Press Association.

Dorothy Brooke, the organisation’s founder, set up an equine hospital in 1934 – called Old War Horse Memorial Hospital – to address the appalling condition of ex-WWI British horses, emaciated and mistreated on the streets of Cairo. The Duchess recalled her cavalry officer father voicing similar anxieties for the horses being taken to Egypt.

Today, Brooke supports clinics caring for over half a million horses per year and training owners in the poorest parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America and the Middle East. In communities where people earn less than a dollar a day, these animals are vital to the survival of many families.

Kim Kardashian Gets A Black Eye For Charity

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kim Kardashian is sporting a black eye after Tuesday night’s charity boxing event, but says it won’t hold her down.

“The event itself was absolutely insane!! None of us are professional fighters… we literally had three days of training to prepare for the event and thought it would be a little bit of fun to raise money for one of our favorite charities, The [”Dream Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/411-dream-foundation]," she wrote on her official blog. "When Rob [Kardashian] stepped in the ring to fight, his opponent was at least 25 lbs heavier than him, even though the organization had assured us that they were screening the people we were fighting against and that they would be within 5 lbs of our weights! At one point Rob’s mask fell off and when he put his hands down he got hit in the face and ended up in hospital with a concussion. Rob’s a strong guy and can definitely hold his own, but he wasn’t expecting to get hit after his mask had fallen off! This guy just got really down and dirty!

“We were all really angry and upset about what had happened to Rob, but I hadn’t even fought yet and I didn’t want to let the charity down, so I decided to get in the ring. My girl was a good sport, but she was tough! I knew I had to do it for charity, since that’s what it was all about, but man, my girl could throw a punch! Look at my black eye!!!”

The mission of the Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families battling terminal illnesses.

“At the end of the day, we did this for charity and that’s what counts. Rob is doing fine now and my black eye will be gone soon… I hope. You can try to bring the Kardashians down… but we’re a strong family. A concussion and a black eye can’t hold us down!”

Bruce Springsteen To Rock Autism Concert

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Autism Speaks is proud to announce the next performance in their Concert for Autism series.

This year’s star-studded event will feature comedian Jerry Seinfeld, with a special appearance by “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen. The evening will be hosted by NBC’s Meet the Press moderator, David Gregory, on November 17, at world famous landmark Carnegie Hall.

The event will benefit the families and individuals who live with autism every day by supporting research, awareness and family services initiatives

Jamie Foxx, Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Seth Rogen, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, Glenn Close, Céline Dion, Will Ferrell, Edie Falco, Troy Aikman and Harry Smith are a few of the many committee members supporting this unprecedented, one-of-a-kind event. Serving as the evening’s honorary Co-Chairs are Sir Elton John, Senator Al Franken, Donald and Melania Trump, Ambassador Nassir Abdul Aziz al Nasser and Mrs. Muna Rihani Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, and Ernie and Liezl Els.

Event sponsorships include entry to a VIP reception prior to the concert, and preferred seating in Carnegie Hall. For inquiries on sponsorships or individual tickets for the 2009 Concert for Autism, please contact us via e-mail at ConcertforAutism@AutismSpeaks.org.

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