Look To The Stars News: David Duchovny

What Book Got The Stars Hooked?

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

Before they were famous, they were reading under the covers with flashlights like the rest of us, and now, stars are sharing their love of reading with us through the What Got You Hooked? campaign.

What Book Got You Hooked is an initiative of First Book, a charity whose mission is to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. The online campaign highlights the importance of books in the lives of children – especially for those in need.

From now through September 15, visitors to the First Book Web site are asked to share their memory of the first book that made reading fun, then help get more children hooked by voting for the state to receive a special donation of 50,000 new books for children in need. Oklahoma was last year’s campaign winner with over 34,000 votes in its favor. Visitors are also invited to make a $10 donation, to help provide four brand new books for a child in need.

So far, the campaign has generated celebrity support from an eclectic mix of stars including Stephen Colbert, Emma Thompson, Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson, David Duchovny, Neil Patrick Harris, John Krasinski, Rebecca Romijn, Barry Manilow, Ira Glass, John Hodgman, Bow Wow, Patti LaBelle, and many more. Each celebrity has given the charity information on what their favorite books were when they were younger, and their choices can be found at the organization’s website.

The choice was clear for John Hodgman, the author and humorist best known for his personification of PC in the popular “Get a Mac” advertising campaign: Tintin. “I don’t remember the moment I learned to read, but I do remember the moment Tintin’s captions – always in cursive, which might as well have been hieroglyphics to me – suddenly became clear to me,” Mr. Hodgman explains. “It’s the first time I remember a book actually, physically altering my brain. Though, I am glad to say, not the last.”

First Book was founded in 1992. The First Book model was developed to leverage the work of local heroes who reach children through existing literacy programs in a variety of settings, such as Head Start centers, libraries, soup kitchens, churches, housing projects, and afterschool initiatives. Working through this vast network of organizations, First Book plays a critical role in transforming the quality of preschool and after-school programs nationwide.

To find out more about First Book, or to donate books, visit www.firstbook.org.

Sting And The Police Offer Jean Therapy At Charity Auction

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They once sung about “walking on the moon”, but The Police probably didn’t wear the jeans that were auctioned off for US$19,800 in Sydney on Wednesday whilst gallivanting around in outer space.

The denim trousers were part of the 2008 Celebrity Jeans For Genes auction, an annual event to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Every year a host of international celebrities donate a pair of their personally signed jeans to the cause, which are then transformed into unique and valuable pieces of artwork by talented artists who volunteer their time.

This year’s event – which celebrated 50 years of the Children’s Medical Research Institute – was held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, and raised a total of $250,000 for the charity. It also raised awareness of the Jeans for Genes Day on August 1, which aims to encourage people to wear jeans to work and donate money to the institute.

Other stars who donated their jeans to the cause included Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Suzi Quatro, and Keith Urban. Jackie Chan didn’t just stop at his jeans – he donated a shirt as well.

Previous years auctions have included jeans from Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caton, Kurt Russell, Richard Branson, and Ashley Judd.

Gillian Anderson Auctions X Files Memorabilia For Charity

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Gillian Anderson is auctioning off tickets to the premiere of the new X Files movie and some other very special items from the popular TV series, with all proceeds to go to great causes.

The X Files: I Want To Believe – starring Anderson, David Duchovny and Billy Connolly – opens in the US on July 25, and eBay has eight opportunities to attend the premiere in either London or LA up for grabs. And as if that is not exciting enough, the highest bidders will also meet Gillian Anderson in person.

“Starting this July, you’ll be able to bid on hundreds of items I have saved from the series – from signed magazine covers and stills to scripts to clothing to specialty items like FBI badges and even a Scully cross,” said Anderson. “Also… there are premiere tickets and a talk show or two where we can meet and take pictures backstage.”

Proceeds from the auction, which can be accessed through Gillian Anderson’s eBay page, will be split between Neurofibromatosis, Inc., Artists for a New South Africa, Buskaid, and the Salisbury Community Choir. The premiere tickets are on auction until July 17, and the merchandise auction runs from July 17 till August 7.

Celebrity "Doodle" Auction Sets Sales Record

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:33:35 -0000

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (20 May 2008) – The gavel has pounded, the auction has ended, and NF, Inc., the national non-profit organization that supports families affected by Neurofibromatosis, has set a new sales record for its celebrity “Doodle” auction.

The National Doodle Day celebrity “Doodle” auction, which began on May 8, has quadrupled its earnings from the auction, netting over $28,000. This year’s top ten celebrity Doodles include those donated by Gillian Anderson ($2,749.99), Neil Gaiman -Doodle #1 ($1,325.00), Seth Green ($882.00), Neil Gaiman – Doodle #2 ($660.00), Mark Snow ($611.00), David Duchovny ($610.00), Scarlett Johansson ($565.00), Garry Trudeau ($523.52), Jimmy Pickering ($517.49), and Wanda Sykes ($500.00).

“We are thrilled with this year’s auction results,” said Rosemary Anderson, a board member for NF, Inc. “We were hoping to increase last year’s total, but have been blown away by the bidding this year. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the celebrities, cartoonists, illustrators, artists, authors, musicians, and NF friends and relatives who generously donated Doodles or other items, and the wonderful people who bid on them.”

Last year’s auction, featuring a Doodle from presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama, netted nearly $7,000 for NF, Inc. The high bidder paid $2,075 for a picture that the Illinois senator drew while presiding over the Senate.

All proceeds raised from the auction will benefit NF Inc.’s education, advocacy, and coalition programs as well as research for treatments and a cure.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that affects one in every 2,500 births, and is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Huntington’s Disease combined. This progressive disorder affects all races, all ethnic groups and both sexes equally; there currently is no cure. Approximately half of all cases are the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation in a family with no history of neurofibromatosis.

To see the all of the 168 celebrity Doodles, visit www.doodledayusa.org. For more information about NF, please visit www.nfinc.org.

Celebrities Unite For Earth Day

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:32:47 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tomorrow, April 22, will see one of the largest global events uniting the planet against climate change to be held this year. Millions of evironmentally-minded people around the planet will hold events to celebrate the 38th annual Earth Day, a massive campaign focussing on global warming and raising awareness for a cleaner environment.

First held in 1970, and established by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, the event marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement. All over the world, the day will see concerned citizens of the planet out in force, calling for action against global warming and a healthy, sustainable environment. Breakfasts, Scuba diving contests, celebrations, parties, wine and food festivals, marathons, and concerts are just some of the thousands of events that have been planned around the globe by the Earth Day Network, the driving-force behind the event.

One of the major campaigns being promoted in the US as part of Earth Day 2008 is the Call For Climate initiative, which encourages people to ring Congress and demand climate change action to be taken.

“It doesn’t take a doctor on Scrubs to tell you our climate is changing,” said Zach Braff, who has joined Kevin Bacon and Chevy Chase in recording messages encouraging people to support the campaign. “Earth Day Network wants you to call Congress on Earth Day, April 22, and ask them to take tough and fair action on climate change. Put this number in your phone now – 202 224 3121. That’s Congress. Ask your representative or senator to bring us a healthier climate.”

Washington DC has already kicked off its Earth Day celebrations with a huge concert held on Sunday, featuring performances by Jordin Sparks, The Roots, O.A.R. and more. Speakers at the event included Russell Simmons, Edward Norton, and Tom Friedman.

Also as part of Earth Day, the Waterkeeper Alliance is running a very special auction featuring celebrity experiences, exciting autographed items, and fabulous vacations. Be sure to visit the Charity Buzz website to bid on items such as a day on the set of Damages with Glenn Close, signed X-Files memorabilia from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, a copy of The Comeback DVD signed by Lisa Kudrow, tickets to see Jack Johnson in Ohio, VIP tickets to see The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Dr Phil, as well as the opportunity to have lunch with Alicia Silverstone and MacGyver himself, Richard Dean Anderson. The auction runs until April 29.

For more information on Earth Day – and to find events in your area – visit the official Earth Day website.

Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:44 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the most exciting celebrity auctions of the year will take place in May to raise funds for an organization supporting sufferers of a painful and disfiguring condition.

National Doodle Day will kick off on May 8 as part of Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and will mark the start of a week-long auction of over 100 celebrity doodles from stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, Scarlett Johansson, and Goldie Hawn. Money from the doodles, which were hand-drawn by each celebrity on a 5” by 8” card, will benefit Neurofibromatosis, Inc., a national organization that supports NF patients, their families, and research into the disorder.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the Untied States, affecting one in every 2,500 births. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time, and can lead to disfigurement, deafness, blindness, seizures, bone deformities, and cancer. Half of the children born with the condition have no family history of the disorder, so it can strike in any family without warning.

The doodle auction runs from May 8 to 18, and follows a successful auction run by the organization last year that featured one-of-a-kind works of art from Cindy Crawford, Kathy Griffin, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Jay Leno, Rick Springfield, Donald Trump, and The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler. However, the highest bid went to a drawing from Barack Obama, which sold for a massive $2,075.

Funds raised from the Doodle Day auction this year will go to support education, advocacy, coalitions, and research for treatments and a cure. Other stars who have put their drawing skills to good use include Gillian Anderson, Candice Bergen, Jeff Bridges, David Cassidy, Dom DeLuise, Garfield creator Jim Davis, Julia Louis Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Seth Green, and many more. There is also an autographed photo and NCIS call-sheet from Mark Harmon on offer.

To view the doodles for sale, visit the Doodle Day website or www.nfinc.org.

Look To The Stars News: David Duchovny

What Book Got The Stars Hooked?

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