Look To The Stars News: Oprah

Oprah Attends Graduation Of Leadership Students In South Africa

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey was in South Africa over the weekend to attend the first graduation of 72 students from her Leadership Academy for Girls.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa opened in 2007 with 150 low-income seventh-and-eighth graders, the school now enrolls about 300.

Both Oprah and Graca Machel (humanitarian and wife of Nelson Mandela) addressed the girls at the graduation. Mandela inspired Oprah to open the $40 million school in 2007.

Stars Help Honor Sean Penn's Work In Haiti

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

A host of stars were out in Beverly Hills in the weekend to celebrate Sean Penn and his work with the J/P Haitian Relief Organization.

A swag of celebrities – including Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Kim Kardashian, Mel Gibson, Orlando Bloom, George Clooney, Demi Moore, Diane Lane, Josh Brolin, Petra Nemcova, Emily Watson, Hilary Swank, Harvey Weinstein, James Gandolfini, Rumor Willis and many more – turned out at the Montage Hotel on Saturday to watch Penn be awarded the Cinema For Peace Honorary Award for his work in Haiti.

The event also featured a huge celebrity charity auction that saw one of Angelina Jolie’s rings go under the hammer for $60,000. Damien Rice bought one of Bono’s guitars for $475,000, and Julia Roberts’ husband, Danny Moder, forked out $50,000 for the chance to work with Penn in Haiti.

Stars Create Bookprints To Help Children In Need

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A new campaign, ONE MILLION BOOKPRINTS FOR ONE MILLION BOOKS, kicked off yesterday, inviting readers of all ages to create a “Bookprint” at the online community, youarewhatyouread.com.

For every Bookprint created, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate a new book to a child in need (up to one million books). Books will be distributed through the national school readiness initiative Reach Out and Read.

What’s a “Bookprint”? The five books that most impact someone’s life comprise their Bookprint. They can be children’s or adult books and Bookprints can change over time. On the “You Are What You Read” website, more than 200 “Names You Know” from entertainers to authors to journalists and even two U.S. presidents have shared their Bookprints. The donation launches with 20,000 books – one book for each of the 20,000 Bookprints created by users already on youarewhatyouread.com.

Oprah Makes Charity Trip To Haiti

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey has been in Haiti this week to visit some of the efforts being made to help the earthquake-ravaged country as the second anniversary of the disaster approaches.

The Talk Show Queen visited refugees with Sean Penn on Monday, saying “This is part of the next chapter, going around the world to see interesting and fascinating cases of profound examples of what can be done to make a difference in the world.”

Oprah also dined with Haiti President Michel Martelly during her trip, and visited several charity ventures, including Caribbean Craft, a business that was established through a loan scheme launched by Bill Clinton earlier this year.

Hugh Jackman Attends Star-Studded Baby Buggy Anniversary

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Baby Buggy, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families in need with essential equipment, clothing, products, and services for children, held its 10th Anniversary Gala on Monday, December 5th at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center.

Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Seinfeld and Jerry Seinfeld

Stars Come Out Around The World For ICAP Charity Day

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

ICAP, the world’s leading interdealer broker, raised a record $20 million (£12.75 million) worldwide on its 19th annual Charity Day, this week. This brings the total amount raised through the ICAP Charity Day, which started in 1993, to $139 million (£89.35 million).

In New York, Oprah Winfrey, Derek Jeter and Jessica Alba were just a few of the stars to visit ICAP’s offices to trade with customers in support of their charities – see some great photos of the trio here. The London office was also joined by Lewis Hamilton, Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster. Former President S R Nathan visited the Singapore office while Kevin Spacey attended in Sydney. Events were held in more than 60 offices worldwide.

In London, ICAP was honored to be joined by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, in support of the charity Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, of which The Duchess is Patron. The Duchess of Cornwall brokered several trades including one of $27 billion/€20 billion, the largest foreign exchange trade ever, between Barclays and Citigroup.

Photos: Oprah Winfrey And Jessica Alba Take Part In ICAP Charity Day

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

ICAP, the world’s leading interdealer broker, held its 19th annual global Charity Day on Wednesday, December 7, 2011. On this day, 100% of company revenues and commissions will be donated to a selection of over 200 charities around the world.

Oprah helps raise money for her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa during ICAP’s 19th annual global Charity Day.

LTTS Exclusive: Lauren Bush Talks World Hunger

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Lauren Bush – model, co-founder of FEED Projects and designer of the world renown charity FEED Bags – recently talked to Look To The Stars about her views on World Hunger.

World Hunger is your thing—you’re known for it, and esteemed for it. Was there someone, or something that inspired you?

Oprah Awarded Honorary Oscar For Charity Work

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award – a special Oscar for her charity work – at a dinner in LA on Saturday night.

The award – which in the past has been presented to Jerry Lewis, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Sherry Lansing, Quincy Jones, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston and many others – is named after screen actor Jean Hersholt, who served as the president of the Motion Picture Relief Fund for 18 years.

“I never imagined myself receiving an Oscar, especially for what I’m considering my calling,” she said as she accepted the award. “All of us can make a difference through the life we lead. We’re all here to help each other.”

Oprah Chats With Ralph Lauren For Charity

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Oprah’s charity chat with Ralph Lauren in front of an audience at the Lincoln Center on Monday night raised more than $7 million for the fashion designer’s cancer care center in East Harlem.

Oprah chatted with Lauren in front of guests such as Michael J. Fox, Brian Williams, Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart and Naomi Watts at the event. Some proceeds from the event also went to the Lincoln Center.

The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention is a community based Center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through new models of patient care, research, education and outreach designed to address the unique needs of the community. The Center, made possible by a generous gift from the Ralph Lauren Corporation, is a partnership with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Located in East Harlem, New York, just one block from historic 125th Street, the Center features a warm, friendly environment where guests can count on personalized attention.

Steven Spielberg, Oprah And Tom Hanks Join Forces For PSAs

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Hollywood heavyweights have come together for Michelle Obama and Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative in a new series of PSAs.

Steven Spielberg joins Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks in the three PSAs to bring attention to the unique needs and strength of America’s military families.

“The entertainment community answered the Joining Forces call and has done what they do best — bring to life stories that move us,” said Obama. “Through this PSA campaign, Americans will learn more about the unique challenges and needs of our military families, see their strength, resilience and service, and find out how they can give back to these extraordinary troops and families who have given us so much.”

Oprah Winfrey Awarded Humanitarian Award

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey is to be this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Since receiving her Oscar nomination for her debut film performance in “The Color Purple,” actress, television host and producer Winfrey has gone on to establish herself as one of the most influential figures in entertainment and philanthropy. She has been especially dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and raising awareness of issues that affect women and children, both in the United States and around the globe. Her philanthropic efforts have included Oprah’s Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which opened in 2007.

Oprah Winfrey To Teach Girls In South Africa

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey has returned from a trip to the school for girls she opened in South Africa, has announced that she will be going back soon… as a teacher.

The media giant has revealed she will be teaching girls at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa a special course titled It’s Life 101.

“Should be fun since I love to teach. And they’re like sponges,” she said. “Like 12th graders everywhere, this first class is both anxious and excited about going to college. Most will be the first in their family. So it’s a very big deal for them, and they’re feeling the pressure.”

Shay Mitchell Joins Fight Against Sex Trafficking

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell recently joined the fight against sex trafficking.

She visited Cambodia in February with the Somaly Mam Foundation to help promote the cause and spent three weeks traveling the country, meeting some of the young girls that the foundation has helped.

Oprah Winfrey Foundation Gives Save The Children $1.5 Million Grant

Tue, 24 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

As “The Oprah Winfrey Show” nears the end of its 25th and final season, the Friday, May 20 episode of the program featured an hour titled “Oprah’s All-Time Favorite Guest Revealed!” updating viewers on the lives of some of the program’s most memorable guests. During the show, Oprah also revealed that her favorite guest of all-time is Tererai Trent, a woman from the village of Zvipani in Zimbabwe.

Tererai touched the lives of millions when she first appeared on the program in 2009, sharing her passion for an education, and a lifelong dream to go to school. Never giving up, Tererai made her way to the United States in 1998 with the help and support from many of the people in her village. Three years after arriving in the US, she received her Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Education, and today holds both a Masters and Doctorate degree. After achieving her dream of an education, Tererai never forgot about the people who helped her along the way, and felt that she had to give back to the community by somehow bringing better education options to the children in her village. Her new dream was to re-build the Matau Primary School in her home village in Zimbabwe.

Robert F. Kennedy Center Launches Celebrity Charity Auction For Human Rights

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Whether you dream of taking a humanitarian adventure with Donna Karan or cooking up delectable treats with Paula Deen, talking politics with David Axelrod or getting your hands on Jay Leno’s world-famous car collection, you can help support the Robert F. Kennedy Center’s dream of worldwide human rights.

The 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights’ Spring Auction launched on April 26th at leading charity auction site charitybuzz with a star-studded line-up of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for auction. Bidding will be open through May 16th at www.charitybuzz.com/RFK2011, with new items added daily.

Pop culture icons including Oprah Winfrey, Donna Karan, Paula Deen, Jay Leno, Elton John, Anderson Cooper, Daniel Radcliffe and many more have donated jaw-dropping experiences to raise funds for the 42-year-old organization dedicated to providing an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world. Additional notable participants include: Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson, Jenna Fischer, Andy Cohen, Ted Allen, Regis Philbin, Robert Gibbs, Lauren Hutton, David Axelrod, Senator John Glenn, Patricia Fields, Chris Johnson, James Blunt, Martha Stewart, and Bill O’Reilly,with more A-listers joining the auction each day.

Celebrate Mother's Day With Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz, the leading destination for luxury online charity auctions, presents its 3rd Annual Charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction, featuring over 200 once-in-a-lifetime experiences and gifts with mom in mind, from the chance to meet Oprah Winfrey backstage at one the final tapings of The Oprah Winfrey Show to an afternoon with Barbra Streisand on the set of her newest film.

Proceeds directly benefit more than 75 nonprofit organizations around the world, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, The Art of Elysium, The FEED Foundation, After-School All-Stars, Red Cross, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Children Mending Hearts, Generation Rescue, Habitat For Humanity, Malaria No More and many more. Bidding is open now through May 6th at charitybuzz at www.charitybuzz.com/MothersDay2011.

Throughout the year, charitybuzz raises funds for causes ranging from natural disaster relief to global poverty prevention to access to the arts by auctioning one-of-a-kind experiences donated by socially conscious celebrities, athletes, artists, political leaders and pop culture icons. The charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction brings together the most coveted experiences in a customized collection of gifts that give back. Moms can mingle backstage with their favorite music artists, pose for a photo with their Hollywood heart-throbs, sneak onto the sets of their favorite TV shows, and everything in between.

Ricky Martin Honored By GLAAD At Celebrity Charity Gala

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

GLAAD honored Ricky Martin at a special celebrity charity gala over the weekend for his work with gay rights in Latin America.

The 22nd annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Marriott Marquis saw celebrity attendees and GLAAD honorees Ricky Martin and Russell Simmons join host Andy Cohen and guests such as Tina Fey (30 Rock), Vinny Guadagnino (Jersey Shore), and many more.
Other honorees of the night included Anderson Cooper, Oprah – for her show on Ricky Martin – and TV series True Blood.

Beverly Johnson Steps Up Against Domestic Violence

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The first African-American women to grace the cover of Vogue magazine (August 1974), supermodel Beverly Johnson, is speaking up on behalf of domestic-violence victims.

The 59-year-old beauty appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show (04Feb11) where she took the opportunity to address the fact that she herself was a victim, and aims to help others.

Humane Society Announces Charity Award Nominees

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

DreamWorks’ Academy Award-nominated animated feature How to Train Your Dragon, HBO’s True Blood, NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report and The Daily Show, and syndicated TV’s The Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil are among 48 nominees in 17 categories in line for The Humane Society of the United States’ 25th Anniversary Genesis Awards.

The winners will be announced at a star-studded gala ceremony on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles, Calif.

Music Superstars Create CD for Flood Victims

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Dozens of artists, including Sting, Bon Jovi, Pink, Bob Dylan and Kings Of Leon have donated tracks to a CD benefitting the Queensland flood victims.

Flood Relief – Artists For The Flood Appeal will also feature songs from Australian bands Powderfinger, Crowded House and Midnight Oil.

59 previously-released tracks have been donated by the bands for the three-disc compilation, including songs by Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters and Keith Urban.

Eliza Dushku Launches Charity Birthday Challenge

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Eliza Dushku has thrown her support behind an organization that helps former child soldiers in Uganda heal from the traumatic events of war and sexual enslavement.

The actress has launched a campaign titled 30/30/30, in which she hopes to raise $30,000 for THARCE-Gulu by her 30th birthday on December 30.

She spoke to CeleBuzz.com about the charity:

DoSomething.org's Top 20 2010 Celebrity Charity Champions

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DoSomething.org – the website that aims to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action – has released a list of what it considers to be the top 20 “Celebs Gone Good” for 2010.

20. 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord ventured outside of her zip code more than once this year to support her favorite causes, including access to clean water in Africa and helping victims of global sex trade. This Christmas she’s off to Cambodia with Somaly Mam to bring needed supplies to sex trafficking survivors there.

19. Stephen Colbert, who is a massive supporter of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as being on the Board of Directors for the education charity DonorsChoose.org and has even testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on immigration.

CharityBuzz.com's Top 15 Celebrity Charity Auctions Of 2010

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

CharityBuzz.com has seen everything from Lady Gaga’s couture costumes to a workout with Hugh Jackman hit the auction block to benefit great causes around the world this year. But nothing compares with the whopping price tags in the Top 15 Celebrity Auctions of 2010 list. These celebrities, and countless more, have helped charitybuzz raise $25 million for charity in 2010.

Jay-Z takes the title for highest grossing auction item, beating out former President Bill Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, Prince William and Robert Pattinson for the number one spot with his $220,000 signed limited edition Audemars Piguet watch to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

While some charitybuzz favorites like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber didn’t make the cut, their continued generosity still made a big impact. Lady Gaga raised more than $125,000 in total on charitybuzz this year, while Bieber raised more than $67,000 by auctioning off tickets and meet and greets along his tour. You can find the full list of the Top Grossing Celebrity Auction Packages below.

Oprah Named As Top In Giving Back List

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is excited to announce that our partners at the Giving Back Fund have announced their fourth annual Giving Back 30, a list of celebrities who have made the largest donations to charity according to public records.

The organization has ranked Oprah Winfrey as this year’s top giver, replacing last year’s number 1, Paul Newman. Oprah is reported to have donated over $40 million to education and women’s and children’s programs in 2009 – the most recent year financial information was available.

Following Oprah on the list were autor Nora Roberts, who gave away $4.45 million to literacy causes through her Nora Roberts Foundation, and Meryl Streep, who donated $4 million to the Arts.