Look To The Stars News: Oprah

Interview: Phil Keoghan Talks To Look To The Stars

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

At the age of 19, Phil Keoghan nearly drowned during a dive to a shipwreck. The near miss inspired him to reevaluate his life, and he is now one of the best known reality TV presenters in the world.

Although millions of people know Keoghan as the host of the Emmy Award-winning hit The Amazing Race and CBC’s No Opportunity Wasted, millions more have been inspired by his philosophy of living life to the full. After surviving his diving accident, Keoghan set himself a “wish list” of all the things he wanted to do before he died – he checked off the first item straight away by returning to the shipwreck on the very same day of the mishap. From renewing his marriage vows underwater to changing a lightbulb on top of New York’s 700-foot Verrazanno Bridge to setting world records for group bungee jumping, Phil Keoghan is well on his way to checking off every item on his list.

But the 41-year-old also uses his experiences to inspire others to lead the lives they want to lead, to achieve the things they have always hankered for but “never had time for”. He uses his No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) philosophy to cut through the excuses and get people motivated. He urges that everyone should write their own “wish list” and forget about the excuses – we only have one life, and we should live it NOW. “The more I live, the more I want to live, and the more I want to help others live their once-in-a-lifetime dreams,” he told Oprah in 2001.

Look To The Stars was lucky enough to catch up with Phil recently and ask him about his thoughts on making the world a better place.

You sponsor a cycling team in LA that rides to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. What led you to support TeamVRC and the issue of MS?

I actually bought my wife a cycling program and her coach happened to be one of the founding members of VRC, Eddie Monnier. As we got to know more about the team we loved their mission statement of bringing awareness to MS as well as helping under 23 [year-old] riders, and when an opportunity came up to be the title sponsor we decided that NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) was the perfect fit. The NOW MS team is one of the biggest fundraisers for the annual MS ride. The MS Society is extremely well organized and we always have a great turn out.

What other charities and causes do you support?

I am constantly getting requests for donations for all kinds of charities from all over the world. It would impossible to support all of them. As a professional speaker I have provided my services and spoken to a number of educational groups and institutions. I believe sharing the NOW philosophy is the best way for me to give something back.

What would you say to someone who wants to help a cause but doesn’t know where to start?

Look for something that has personal meaning. Focus your energy in one direction.

How could a charity attract your support?

It’s tough for me to commit to every request. I would find a celebrity who has a personal connection to your charity. Perhaps they are from the same state, went to the same school, have a family member who is fighting a particular medical challenge. Connect the dots.

Why do you think it is important to reach out and help others?

We will all need help at some point in our life, in the end it truly is more rewarding to give than take.

If you could start a charity, what would it be?

I feel we have our own charity in NOW. We just financed two international riders to join the NOW MS team in US and sharing the message of NOW is our way of giving back.

What do you think are the biggest problems facing the world today, and how can one person make a difference to solve them?

The biggest issue we face is that we continue to take the world’s resources without giving enough back in return. It’s a little like having a credit card and spending at large without thinking about how to your going to pay the bill. The solution will come from finding financial solutions to our environmental challenges. Right now many of those answers are locked away in the minds of young people. I have faith that we will find a way to create change.

Can you give our readers a final message on how they can make the world a better place?

Identify your passion. Write your own NOW Life List – a list of the things you want to do before you die. It’s only by bringing your real passion to something that you can be your best. It doesn’t matter whether that is through art, music, charity work, inventing … we have all been put on this earth with a purpose. The Life List will help you identify yours.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Phil Keoghan for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. To find out more about writing your own NOW Life List, visit www.noopportunitywasted.com.

Oprah Winfrey To Auction Cars For South African Girls’ Academy

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

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

An auction of three cars from Oprah Winfrey’s personal collection will benefit the annual Arts and Culture Workshop at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls – South Africa.

Talk show host, media mogul, and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey will auction the three cars – a 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing formerly owned by the DuPont family, a 1988 Rolls Royce Corniche II Convertible given to her by John Travolta, and a 1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante – at Pebble Beach, California, from August 16-17, 2008. Renowned auctioneers Gooding and Company will facilitate the event. Catalogues are available for $100, including auction viewing and admission for two, and general admission is $40 per person. The vehicles will be on display August 13-17.

The three automobiles are expected to fetch a combined total of $700,000-$1 million, with 100% of the proceeds going to the annual Arts and Culture Workshop held at Winfrey’s academy. Winfrey has already donated $40 million towards the establishment of the school, which was founded in January 2007 and is located in a suburb outside Johannesburg.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls – South Africa provides a private learning and residential environment for 450 girls in grades 7-12 who show outstanding promise despite their social circumstances. The academy’s annual Arts and Culture Workshop features a diverse group of creative writers, musicians, actors, dancers, and media and visual artists. The aim of the workshop is to encourage students to pursue opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.

For more information on Winfrey’s academy, visit www.oprahwinfreyleadershipacademy.org, and to learn more about the auction, see www.goodingco.com.

Time's 100 - Oprah By Michelle Obama

Tue, 20 May 2008 10:11:40 -0000

Michelle Obama, wife of presidential hopeful Barack Obama wrote the tribute to Oprah for this year’s Time 100 list.

“"Oprah”:http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/103-oprah is a wonderful friend and an incredible force. Her friendship and support have meant so much to Barack and me.

"As Barack often says about his own life, Oprah’s story is one that truly could happen only in America. After the struggles she endured as a young girl, she became a popular talk-show host with a national following. But she didn’t stop there. Using her platform to serve as a global role model, she challenges us to make the world as it is the world as it should be. And she is always the first to show us how it can be done.

"In the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of watching Oprah inspire thousands of Americans to participate in our democracy. She has also reached out to thousands more who might not have known there was a seat for them at the table at all—people who desperately need a voice.

"Over the past 20 years, Oprah, 54, has developed and nurtured a relationship with her viewers and readers built on the recognition that there is more that unites us than divides us—that our shared experiences in work, life and love, in family and community, in our hopes and dreams, know no barriers; that regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or hometown, we are our brothers’ keepers, our sisters’ keepers.

“For this impact on all of us, I am honored to honor Oprah, the only person to make this list every year since it began.”

Obama, a lawyer, serves on the board of directors of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Madonna to Build Girls' School in Malawi

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:59:33 -0000

Written by Linda Burton

Following in Oprah Winfrey’s footsteps, pop icon Madonna is planning to finance the construction of a multi-million dollar girls’ school in Malawi for underprivileged children this year.

“A task force of four prominent Malawians has already been formed to head the project which will be on the scale of what "Oprah Winfrey”:http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/103-oprah has in South Africa," Madonna’s lawyer Alan Chinula told Reuters.

“It is a multi-million dollar project and we will get the real costs in the next two weeks.”

Billionaire U.S. television magnate Winfrey has built a $40 million all-girl leadership academy in South Africa which boasts state-of-the-art facilities including laboratories, a yoga studio and beauty salon.

This isn’t Madonna’s first philanthropic foray in Malawi. Malawi’s High Court is expected to approve Madonna’s bid to adopt two-year-old Malawian David Banda on Thursday. Malawi’s government and David’s father – his only surviving parent – have endorsed the adoption.

Pitt and Jolie Among Time's Most Influential People

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:30:24 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

TIME magazine placed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together in 21st place in its latest annual list of the world’s most influential people, and George Clooney stepped up to write a glowing tribute.

Jolie and Pitt were among the “Heroes and Pioneers” of the list, and the couple’s friend summarises the reasons for their selection:

“There are hundreds of people who could be honored for their good works, but I’ve seen Brad and Angelina firsthand, and their commitment together is truly impressive.”

Clooney praised the pair’s concrete and personal actions, saying, “They brought help to Pakistan in 2005, after a catastrophic earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and left millions homeless. They have tended to the poor and sick in Africa. And they’ve raised global awareness — and contributed $1 million of their own money—for the victims of atrocities in Darfur.”

Pitt and Clooney co-founded Not On Our Watch to address the Darfur crisis, and Clooney was obviously impressed by the charitable integrity his friends demonstrated in helping with the Hurricane Katrina aftermath: “They actually moved to New Orleans and have set about trying to make right what so many have made wrong. Brad established a project [”Make It Right":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/859-make-it-right] to finance and build 150 new homes in the Ninth Ward."

Similarly proud of charity poster child Jolie, Clooney writes, “Angelina has worked tirelessly through the United Nations on behalf of refugees around the world, touring border camps in Africa, Asia and Latin America and lobbying on Capitol Hill.”

Other celebrities noted in the TIME 100 list for their philanthropy include Oprah (with a tribute written by Michelle Obama), Mia Farrow (for her work with UNICEF and more), Andre Agassi (with a tribute by Andy Roddick), and Lance Armstrong (at position 26).

Oprah's Big Give Delivers A Surprise Ending

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:55:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stephen Paletta has won the grand finale of Oprah’s Big Give.

The show, which picked up 10 million viewers, featured a special appearance by Jennifer Aniston, who thanked each of the seven contestants for their work and awarded them their cash gifts of $10,000. But what followed took everyone by surprise.
“That just felt too good,” said the 38-year-old. “I personally would like to triple it. So we’re going to go $30,000. Guys, thank you for doing this and inspiring everybody.”

During the final show, the three finalists – Paletta, Cameron Johnson, and Brandi Milloy – worked as a team to pull off a final act of giving in Chicago. Stephen focused on the children of the Chicago Hope Academy, and organized a private performance by the Blue Man Group which raised $100,000 for the school. Meanwhile, Milloy put together a cooking class for children at the Shriners Hospital for Children, and Johnson followed suit and spent money he raised on books, toys, and DVDs for the hospital.

The eight 1-hour episodes of the show, conceived by Oprah Winfrey, featured 10 contestants using their good deeds to change lives and win cash. Paletta took home the $1 million prize for completing a giveaway challenge with zero funds, and will keep half the money and donate the rest to charity.

“I’m in shock,” said Paletta after his victory. “It was such an incredible honor and privilege to be part of this show and to be chosen as the biggest giver with all of these wonderful people.”

The series has seen a number of stars take part, including John Travolta, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andre Agassi, and Tony Hawk, although it was a $1 million donation by Drew Barrymore in the first episode that gained the most attention.

It is unknown whether there will be a second series of Oprah’s Big Give.

Salma Hayek Launches Tetanus Appeal

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:36:24 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Salma Hayek kicked off the North American One Pack = One Vaccine campaign this week in Chicago.

The program, a UNICEF initiative, aims to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus around the world through a special donation scheme set up in association with Pampers diapers. From April 1 to 30, for every specially marked pack of Pampers bought in the US and Canada, Pampers will provide UNICEF with funding for one potentially life-saving tetanus vaccination for a mother in a third world country.

The goal of the North American program is to provide over 27 million vaccinations to mothers in 12 African nations and hopefully wipe out the disease forever. And when Hayek appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Monday, this goal was brought one step closer – Oprah gifted each of the 350 guests in the audience 100 vaccinations in their names. And if this wasn’t enough, Proctor and Gamble – the company behind Pampers – announced they will donate 1 million vaccinations in Oprah’s name (a donation of around $68,000).

Tetanus has a high fatality rate in Africa – 70 to 100% in some countries – and is spread by spores that pass through the umbilical cord when cut with unsanitary instruments.

Big Names Flock To End Violence Against Women

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:38:25 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The tenth annual V-Day V To The Tenth festival arrives next weekend – and it is expected to be the biggest V-Day gala yet, with a huge outpouring of support from celebrities. Stars such as Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Jane Fonda, Jessica Alba, Glenn Close, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Hudson, Julia Stiles, Ali Larter, Marisa Tomei, Calpernia Addams, and many others will be in attendance.

Over $50 million has been raised by the charity, which supports local and global groups’ efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls. New Orleans was chosen to stage the event this year to honor “Katrina Warriors for their strength and resilience in the face of devastating loss.”

The founder of V-Day, Eve Ensler, said, “Although we cannot prevent such events as Hurricane Katrina, we can be there with and for each other when they occur. We can extend our hand; we can remember those who have lost their homes, their jobs, their minds and their way.”

The April 11-12 gala will hold musical performances, speeches from activists, and a performance of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, which first opened in New York in 1997. Performed in cities all over the world, it is a series of monologues of female perspectives on a varied ‘female experience.’ With few props, actresses use shock and humor to break down the barriers of tradition, shame, ignorance, and political correctness.

With the spotlight on New Orleans, the funds raised at this year’s campaign will support “education and grassroots projects that economically empower the women of the Gulf South.”

Celebrities To Attend V-Day In New Orleans

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:01:03 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

April 11 and 12 will mark a special celebration in New Orleans – a celebration of hope, of vision, of spirit, of response, and of action. It will see a gathering of united attitudes and a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. The tenth annual V-Day festival is set to bring a change to the way the world thinks and acts, and it has gathered the support of a host of celebrities to help get its message heard.

V-Day is a non-profit organization that distributes funds to grassroots national and international initiatives and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. Named one of Worth Magazine’s 100 Best Charities and one of Marie Claire Magazine’s Top Ten Charities, the V-Day movement has raised over $50 million in the last 9 years. And for their 10th anniversary, they have chosen New Orleans to host their star-studded gala event.

New Orleans Arena will come alive on April 12 for V To The Tenth, an evening set to open hearts and minds and raise awareness and money for groups working to end violence around the world. The evening will see international performances of The Vagina Monologues and musical performances, as well as speeches from V-Day activists from across the globe, including Kenya, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eastern Europe. Already confirmed to attend the event are Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Jane Fonda, Jessica Alba, Glenn Close, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Hudson, Julia Stiles, Ali Larter, Marisa Tomei, Calpernia Addams, and many more.

Tickets to the event are available for $25 from the Ticketmaster website.

But if you miss out on tickets to that event, why not try to attend the V-Day Superlove festival over at the Louisiana Superdome? Entry is FREE, and the festivities include two days of revolutionary conversations, poetry, singers, performers, storytelling, art, free massages, support groups, yoga, massage, meditation, makeovers, and much more.

More information can be found at the V-Day website.

Simon Cowell Shows His Nice Side

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:15:41 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

American Idol judge Simon Cowell has pledged to be a “guardian angel” to a 3-year-old cancer sufferer.

The 48-year-old pop mogul was so touched by Madelaine Stoen’s story when he appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s TV chat show on Monday that he agreed to pay the financially struggling family’s mortgage – all $162,000 of it.

Cowell, on the program to promote his X-Factor protégée Leona Lewis, was close to tears after watching a video interview with Madelaine’s parents, Randy and Amy, in which they told of the financial burden of her treatment.

“I know you are having problems with your mortgage,” he told the couple when they joined him on the Oprah stage. “As of this afternoon, your mortgage has been paid off.”

Madelaine was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma last month after developing a cyst in her nose, and the family now has to travel more than 100 miles from their Minnesota home each day for treatment. Madelaine, who is starting to lose her hair, faces a year of being in and out of hospital as she undergoes radiation treatment.

"The money for me is not the important part,” said Cowell. “I said to the parents, ‘It doesn’t stop there. If there are any problems, I’m her guardian angel now.’ I never knew that doing good could feel so good.”

Drew Barrymore Donates $1 Million To Charity

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:21:12 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Viewers of Oprah Winfrey’s new show, Oprah’s Big Give, on Sunday night got a special surprise when Drew Barrymore announced she is donating $1 million to the United Nations World Food Program.

The 33-year-old actress has been an Ambassador Against Hunger for the organization since last year, and said that this is by far the biggest donation she has ever made, but “nothing has ever felt this good.”

“I have seen with my own eyes what a difference a simple cup of nutritious porridge can make in a child’s life,” said Barrymore. “It helps them learn, stay healthy, and sets them on track for a bright future. I urge everyone – everywhere – to help WFP ‘Fill the Cup’ for hungry children, and make hunger history.”

The donation kicks off the World Food Program’s $3 billion “Fill The Cup” campaign that aims to feed 59 million hungry school children in over 80 developing countries for a year. The agency hopes the U.S. will be able to donate enough money to feed 10 million of those children.

“We have a dream … to feed another 10 million hungry school children in Africa by Thanksgiving Day,” said World Food Program Executive Director Josette Sheeran. “Just $50 fills a child’s cup for a year, and we call on everyone to click on www.wfp.org and make a donation.”

The Rome-based agency said it needs $500 million more than anticipated this year due to a rise in food and energy prices. A spokesperson for the agency said that last year the organization provided more than 20 million school children with a daily cup of porridge, rice, or beans and also gave many girls a monthly ration to take home to their families. Up to 70 percent of its food used for school meals is bought from farmers in developing countries.

“I’m able to make this incredible donation — this has changed my life,” said Barrymore. “But I encourage everyone to give.”

Oprah Gives Big With New Show

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:59:06 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oprah Winfrey is the brains behind a highly anticipated new series premiering next week on US television. Oprah’s Big Give is a reality show with a difference – contestants will compete to give and not receive.

In the eight one-hour episodes, a group of 10 people are given the challenge of a lifetime – to change the lives of complete strangers in the most creative and dramatic ways possible. The contestants must criss-cross the country, and find ways to impact the fates and fortunes of unsuspecting people who are in for the surprise of their lives.

The series will begin in Los Angeles, where Oprah will hand the contestants sealed envelopes with only a picture and the name of a complete stranger. Under intense pressure, they must give big to change this person’s life in just five days. The contestants must use their creativity and resources to generate the most powerful and sensational ways to make a real difference to their “charges’” lives.

The contestant deemed to be the biggest giver at the end of the series will win $1 million.

“Big Give is fun, entertaining, emotional, inspiring, and intense,” Winfrey told TV Guide. “It’s always fun for me to be able to give and to watch people’s reactions. I love a great surprise. There are many moments that will leave you in tears of joy. I wouldn’t be involved with anything that was going to humiliate or dehumanize or make anybody feel bad. When we decided to do a series, we knew that we had to create something that was different, a new kind of television, a new kind of idea.”

And she has roped in an impressive array of her celebrity stars to help her. The series will be hosted by Nate Berkus, and a panel of judges will be made up of “Naked Chef” Jamie Oliver, NFL player Tony Gonzalez, and Malaak Compton-Rock, wife of comedian Chris Rock. There will also be appearances by Donald Trump, John Travolta, skateboard legend Tony Hawk, Andre Agassi, and Jennifer Aniston.

“[Aniston] comes on one of the shows and delivers a really big surprise, something nobody expected,” Winfrey told OK! Magazine. "I always say that she’s everybody’s favorite Friend, and that’s absolutely what she’s like in real life.”

Oprah’s Big Give premieres on ABC on March 2 at 9pm.

2007 - The Year The Stars Gave Back

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:11:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2007 was a year of giving, both on grand and not-so-grand scales. Celebrities from all fields, be it movies, music, sport or general entertainment, showed compassion beyond the call of duty, and in most cases had a lot of fun doing it.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest events of the year was Live Earth in July, where stars new and old shone in all of the corners of the Earth to raise awareness of the plight of the planet. The shows were generally well-received, and led to organizer Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But celebrities also participated in smaller, more personal acts of kindness in 2007. Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, and Michael Douglas all donated their time to feed the hungry at the Los Angeles Mission, Fran Drescher launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, and Ewan McGregor visited UNICEF projects during his epic motorcycle trip across Africa.

In January, Kevin Bacon launched www.sixdegrees.org, a website designed to marry the concepts of social internet networks and charities. The site aims to help people fundraise for their chosen causes, and features celebrities such as Kyra Sedgwick and Ashley Judd.

Bette Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project, launched the Million Trees NYC initiative with Mayor Michael Bloomberg in October, to get city dwellers to plant more trees. The project plans to increase New York’s urban forest by 20% in the next ten years.

“To walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted connects you to the roots of our past and the aspirations of our future,” said the 62-year-old singer and actress.

Another singer with a sense of community in 2007 was Jon Bon Jovi who, as well as participating in various benefit concerts, also worked with Project HOME to revitalize a deteriorated lot in Philadelphia and transform it into homes for fifteen families.

And then there was Shakira, co-founder of the Latin America for Solidarity Fund and Pies Descalzos, who donated $40 million to victims of natural disasters in Peru and Nicaragua, and another $5 million to benefit education programs for children across Latin America.

The California wildfires that ravaged much of the state in November also spawned a spate of celebrity donations, with Linkin Park, the Eagles, and Gwen Stefani all making substantial contributions to both victims and firefighters.

American Idol gave back in April, with two shows that raised over $60 million to benefit organizations funding relief programs in America and Africa, featuring performances by Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, and others. Organized by Simon Cowell, American Idol Gives Back also led to a $100,000 donation by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Another talk show host to shine this year was Oprah Winfrey, who opened a state-of-the-art school in South Africa for disadvantaged girls.

“I am creating everything in this school that I would have wanted for myself—so the girls will have the absolute best that my imagination can offer,“ said the 53-year-old, who poured $40 million of her own money into the project.

Brad Pitt took on the mission of rebuilding New Orleans by donating $5 million towards new houses, and also set up the Make It Right Foundation to assist in his work. Meanwhile, his wife Angelina Jolie set out to do what her character Lara Croft does best – save the world. As well as donating $100,000 to build the Duk Lost Boys Medical Clinic in the Sudan in March, Jolie also traveled to Iraq and Syria to raise support for those displaced by war.

Although literally tonnes of articles were written about Jolie’s efforts during 2007, even more was reported on Don Cheadle’s and George Clooney’s work to publicize the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The stars of Ocean’s Thirteen established a charity for the Sudanese region called Not On Our Watch, and personally raised over $9 million to help those affected by conflict in the region. The pair were awarded a special peace prize by Nobel laureates for their efforts.

And no round up of the year’s events can be complete without mention of Bono, who continued being Bono by doing what Bono does best – raising awareness for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the needy, and the disadvantaged.

We at Look To The Stars would like to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to continuing to bring you celebrity charity news in 2008.

Charity Gift Ideas For Christmas

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:02:36 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about giving, and there is certainly a huge selection of celebrity designed and inspired merchandise on offer this season. A gift that benefits others may be the best gift of all.

Heading up the list of products being released in time for Christmas is a series of bracelets designed by Julia Roberts for fashion giant Emporio Armani. The bohemian style leather bracelets feature an etching of the tree of life, with the words “Revolution, Evolution, Devotion” – to signify the (RED) campaign – weaved in and out of the branches.

(RED) is a global initiative founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage the private sector in the fight against AIDS in Africa. They do this by channeling funds from the sale of (RED) products directly into the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Giorgio Armani was a launch partner in the initiative, and has designed a line of clothing, accessories, eye wear, watches, fragrances, and jewellery to benefit the campaign.

40% of the proceeds from the Julia Roberts designed bracelets will go directly to (RED), and the bracelets will be available in both a men’s ($195) and a women’s design ($175) from www.emporioarmani.com on December 1, World AIDS Day.

“Julia has helped to create a beautiful accessory for both women and men,” said Armani. “These will also be a visible reminder of the part that we can all play in fighting AIDS in Africa.”

Also benefiting the (RED) campaign this Christmas is a new festive single by Grammy nominees The Killers. The multi-platinum selling group is set to release their second Christmas single, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa”, at the end of November, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Global Fund.

The single is a follow-up to last year’s popular release, “A Great Big Sled”, and will be released to radio stations on November 26, with digital downloads available on November 27. The video will debut as part of (RED)’s World AIDS Day celebrations on December 1.

More gift ideas to benefit sufferers of AIDS can be found in the 7th On Sale auction being held on eBay. Over $9 million worth of goods are up for sale in the auction, which runs until December 6, including the dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker to Ralph Lauren’s 40th Anniversary fashion show earlier this year.

Over 30,000 individual items are available in the auction, being organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), with proceeds going to charities that provide care, services, and housing to those who suffer from HIV/AIDS. And in addition to money raised directly by the auction, the MAC AIDS Fund will match every dollar raised online up to $500,000.

The 7th On Sale began in 1990 as a partnership between the CFDA and Vogue magazine. This is the fifth time the auction has been run, and in the past the events have raised over $12 million for charities such as the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the AIDS Community Initiative of America, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Greenhope Services for Women, the Harlem United Community AIDS Center, and the HIV Law Project.

Other celebrities to donate clothing and items to the auction include Fergie, Oprah, and Demi Moore. More information can be found at www.7thonsale.ebay.com.

And if you still can’t find the perfect gift, why not visit actor Colin Firth’s new eco-friendly store in London?

Called “Eco”, the shop is set to open on December 1 in Chiswick, West London, and will follow the two eco-cafés Firth has already established in Notting Hill and Covent Garden. Described as an “ecological destination store”, the shop will stock a selection of fair-trade and ethical goods, as well as offering customers the services of environmental experts who can assist in “greening” their homes.

“I’m no eco hero,” said the star of Bridget Jones Diary and Pride And Prejudice. “I’m doing the shop because I think it’s a good idea. When you think about global warming, over-consumption, our energy wastage, it makes you want to improve the negative effects of your complicity in it. The thing is, if you have been given the privileges we have, if you have this many perks, surely you can help out. Rather than be a luvvie with a lofty opinion preaching to people, I prefer to do things, to get involved, put my money where my mouth is and learn something along the way.”

Happy shopping!

Gere Awarded Humanitarian Honor

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:29:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Richard Gere has received a prestigious humanitarian award in his home city of Philadelphia.

The Golden Globe winner accepted the Marion Anderson Award, named after the famous African-American opera singer who fought racial segregation in the 1930s, at a ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on November 12.

“I’m not worthy of this award in any way whatsoever,” said the 58-year-old star of films such as “Chicago” and “Pretty Woman”. “I can’t tell you how this makes me feel. My heart is so wide open.”

Gere received the award for his charity and humanitarian work over the last three decades. A devoted Buddhist, Gere has advocated Tibetan independence since 1978, and is a friend and student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has made numerous trips through India, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and China, and has released a book featuring his own photographs of these regions, with a foreword written by the Dalai Lama.

In 1987, Gere co-founded Tibet House, and is now Board Chairman for the International Campaign for Tibet. He has testified on Tibet’s behalf before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the European Parliament, and the House International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee in an attempt to free the nation from China’s grip. His own charitable organization, the Gere Foundation, was set up to award grants to humanitarian foundations, especially in relation to Tibet.

Gere also established Healing the Divide, an organization dedicated to improving care for HIV/AIDS patients, and in 2004 instigated the Heroes Project, which addresses the spread of AIDS in India. He is a spokesman for Meals On Wheels, and earlier in 2007 appeared in the charity’s first ever advertising campaign, along with his father who has been a volunteer for 17 years. He is also a longtime supporter of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

“We are proud to honor Richard Gere with the Marion Anderson Award,” said Philadelphia Mayor, John F. Street. “His accomplishments as an actor are only surpassed by his accomplishments as a humanitarian and as a advocate for human rights issues around the world. We are particularly pleased to honor Mr Gere this year as it will mark the first time that the award will be conferred upon a native Philadelphian.”

Gere attended the award ceremony with his friend and co-star of three films, Diane Lane, and made special mention of the woman the award is named after. He told the audience that Marion Anderson paved the way for artists to use their celebrity status for humanitarian work, and urged people to adopt her traits.

“I think that is what we are here for,” he said during the ceremony. “To make the road easier for those who follow us.”

The Marion Anderson Award, which includes a $100,000 honorarium, is bestowed annually upon individuals whose support for a cause upholds humanitarian principles and benefits society, and previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Harry Belafonte. Marion Anderson gained international fame in the music world in the 1930s, although she faced racial segregation at home in the United States. She bravely fought racism with her music, and became the first African-American person to perform at the White House in 1939. She was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Johnson in 1963, and died in 1993 at the age of 96.

“In honoring Richard Gere, we celebrate the achievements of an outstanding artist and humanitarian,” said Pamela A. Crawley, Chair of the Marion Anderson Award. “He has used his remarkable career as an actor to support his unparalleled advocacy for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. He has traveled the globe supporting efforts that allow people to live in health, in the integrity of their cultures, and with the fundamental human rights that all citizens of the world must possess. These are the qualities of a leader, and we are deeply honored by his acceptance.”

“Richard is a man whose heart dictates his choices,” added award winning actress, Diane Lane. “He has cultivated this tenacious advocacy for those who are in danger of being railroaded, shut out, and trampled under the big machine of ‘Business As Usual’.”

Gere intends to share the prize money between selected charities.

Swank Takes A Cut For Charity On Oprah

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:45:11 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oprah Winfrey had a surprise for viewers of The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday, November 2.

“It’s taken months to get to this moment,” announced the multi Emmy Award winning host. “And it involves a two-time Academy Award winner, a sharp object… and me.”

The surprise featured an appearance by Hilary Swank, who had her long and flowing blonde hair cut off by Winfrey on the show for charity. Over 9 inches of Swank’s golden locks were lopped off and donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign working with the American Cancer Society to provide free wigs to women who have lost their hair after cancer treatment.

“I’ve been growing it for the last six months,” said 33 year old Swank. “I’ve been taking a lot of vitamins and taking really good care of it, knowing that it would go to a woman in need.”

Pantene Beautiful Lengths was launched in July 2006, in response to a survey that revealed that 58% of woman say hair loss is the most dreaded side effect they face when undergoing chemotherapy. Over 17,000 ponytails have been donated to the cause so far, and last year Pantene made a $1 million donation to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, a campaign committed to saving lives by raising money and awareness for women and families affected by the disease.

“I’ve had a lot of people in my life, loved ones and friends, who have been devastated by cancer,” said Swank. “I’m really thankful for my health, and I wanted to find a way to give back.”

During the show, Swank also talked about the high rates of cancer in America, revealing that 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer during their lifetime. This means that 700,000 American women are diagnosed with the disease every year.

“Eight percent won’t get their potentially life-saving treatment, because they don’t want to lose their hair,” said Swank. “I thought, ‘Here’s my hair, cut it off, save your life!’”

“I’m proud to promote the goals of such a unique and heartfelt program,” she continued. “It’s an honor to be associated with Pantene’s campaign, and I just hope my contribution will help to inspire others to get involved in whatever way they can.”

More information about Pantene Beautiful Lengths can be found at www.pantene.com and www.myspace.com/beautifullengths.

Kiva Featured in Bill Clinton's Book, Giving: Co-Founders Tell Story on Oprah Winfrey Show

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:00:02 -0000

Written by Richard Frisbie

The world-changing charity Kiva is featured in former President Bill Clinton’s new book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, released September 4, 2007. Chapter 2: Giving Money includes Kiva.org as one of the resources considered to be “great places to start.”

The Giving website’s stories of giving include two Kiva lenders, Brandi B and Glenda D. A quote from Glenda’s story is found at the top of every page on the site: “I have more than I need, and there are many thousands of people all over the world who have far less than they need. I just want to equalize things a little before I die. It’s as simple as that.”

As part of the book’s first-day promotion, Matt Flannery and his Kiva co-founder wife Jessica appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show featuring President Bill Clinton and his new book.

From the Oprah Show website:

Matt and Jessica Flannery were newlyweds working in East Africa when they came up with the idea for Kiva. According to Matt, $10 million in loans have been made through the organization—and 99.7 percent of the money has been repaid!

Matt says it takes about 1.5 days for the average entrepreneur to receive funding for a project through the website. “We use PayPal, who provides us free payment processing,” he says. “People loan through PayPal through Kiva, and we wire that money directly to the field partner that gives it to the entrepreneur.”

Jessica and Matt were first inspired by seeing entrepreneurs in East Africa doing great things with their families with small amounts of money.

“It’s their shot. And they just soar. They take it and they run with it,” Jessica says, and describes her delight not just “to see so many borrowers, to know that that’s happening with thousands of individuals because of Kiva, but also to know that other people can be connected and participate in the stories the way that we were.”

As a “warm-up” to the Oprah Show, Kiva also was featured on the Today Show, Monday, September 3, 2007.

Kiva is working to change the world one loan at a time. Learn more at www.kiva.org, and read Matt Flannery’s blog post about his and his Kiva co-founder wife Jessica’s appearance on the Oprah Show.

Jerry Lewis Tops Charity Survey

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:48:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A survey has named comedy actor Jerry Lewis as the most effective celebrity for charity causes, with 43% of those surveyed saying he is the best at raising funds and driving change for the issues he supports.

The survey, carried out by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, put the 81 year old veteran of movies including “The Nutty Professor” at the top of a list of ten philanthropic celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, and Rosie O’Donnell.
Jerry Lewis helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I’m always honored and humbled by the response of the American people to my efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Lewis, who will host the 42nd Labor Day Telethon on September 2 and 3. “Their generosity has allowed us to provide important services and conduct vital research for 57 years.”

The survey also investigated the issues that Americans find most important. The results showed that causes to help children and animals are the most popular, followed by education and literacy, services for the elderly, religion, health and medicine, the environment, and aid for disabled people.

Respondents of the survey aged between 18 and 42 were more interested in international causes, and were more likely to be influenced by celebrities such as Oprah and Bono, who work with developing countries to ease poverty. Respondents over the age of 43 were influenced more by older celebrities, such as Bill Gates, who supports health and education issues, and Jimmy Carter, who works with Habitat For Humanity.
42% of those surveyed said they want to donate more time to charity, but cannot find the opportunity.

Now is the Hour For Chris Tucker

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:23:09 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

He’s a movie star, a comedian, and now, as his new film Rush Hour 3 is released around the world, Chris Tucker has revealed a philanthropic side to his persona as well.

The 35 year old comedy actor recently talked about his activities during his 6 year break from movie making, which has included several trips to Africa and the formation of a non-profit organization.

“People are used to the normal thing,” he said. “Make as much money as you can, work as much as you can. I wanted to travel the world and meet interesting people. I took advantage of being a celebrity.”

The actor first traveled to Africa in 2001 to publicize Rush Hour 2. However, he was both shocked and horrified at what he found there.

“I saw different situations in Africa – kids and orphans in villages with no clean drinking water because an animal had died in the water system, and they didn’t have $1500 for a new pump.”

This experience had a profound effect on Tucker, and really opened his eyes to the plight of the African population. The following year he visited the continent again, this time to make an MTV documentary with U2 singer Bono and former Treasury Secretary, Paul H O’Neill. The film, Diary of Bono and Chris Tucker: Aiding Africa, looked at how US money could help African countries deal with Aids, unsanitary living conditions, and hunger.

“I remember going to Ethiopia with Bono. It was to this orphanage. Little babies were crying. Six months old. Some were blind. I was, like, ‘What can I do?’ These people are helpless.”
What he did was set up the Chris Tucker Foundation in 2005. The non-profit organization aims to provide clean water to villages in Ghana, as well as to fund projects that help fight Aids in Africa.

“It’s in a young stage,” said Tucker. “I want to focus on kids. I teamed up with "US Doctors for Africa”:http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/708-us-doctors-for-africa to work with hospitals there. And I want to get into education. I saw what Oprah did with a school for girls. I want to be part of opening a boys school."

Tucker has made several more trips to Africa over the last few years, some of them with his close personal friend Bill Clinton. This has led to meeting other world leaders, many of whom now lend their support to Tucker’s charity work.

One such leader is Nelson Mandela, who hopes the Chris Tucker Foundation will assist the needy in South Africa. Tucker clearly remembers their first meeting.

“He was coming into the room saying ‘My Grandkids want to meet Chris Tucker’. So I went up to him and said ’I’m Chris Tucker’. I got a picture of me sitting between Bill Clinton and Mandela. It’s just like Forrest Gump, man. My life has been like Forrest Gump.”

Tucker and his Rush Hour 3 co-star, Jackie Chan, hope to attend some charity premieres of their new film, and he already has a few new movie ideas in development.

“I’m happy to be back making films,” said Tucker in a recent interview, but it is clear that Africa is never far from his thoughts.

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