Look To The Stars News: Jerry Weintraub

Stars Celebrate Queen Noor Of Jordan At UNICEF Ball

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The biennial UNICEF Ball, one of Los Angeles’ most notable black-tie benefit galas, took place on Thursday, December 8 at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.

Nicole Richie

George Clooney In Southern Sudan For Historic Referendum

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:45:00 +0000

George Clooney was in Southern Sudan on Saturday to help raise awareness of the region’s historic independence referendum, which began on January 9.

The star – who is a UN Messenger of Peace and is well known for his work in Darfur and the Sudan – has met with President Barack Obama twice about conflict in the region, and recently launched the Satellite Sentinel Project, which uses satellite imagery analysis and crowd-sourced mapping to monitor the tense border between North and South Sudan.

“Our job is trying to keep this on the front burner of the news,” Clooney told The Associated Press. "I’m the son of newsman. I understand how hard it is to keep stories on the front of news, and sometimes entertainment and news can be meshed together if you do it properly.

George Clooney's Message To Stop The War

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Earlier today, LookToTheStars.org brought you a story about George Clooney’s new initiative to bring peace to Sudan through www.satsentinel.org. He has released this personal message – with John Prendergast – on what he hopes to achieve.

“A new state is being born in Southern Sudan against a backdrop of decades of war between the South and North of Sudan. A peace deal in 2005 ended the latest round of open conflict, but the possibility of a return to war remains high as Southern Sudan prepares for independence.

“One of the biggest risks in this dangerous moment is that an incident on the highly armed border could lead to wider conflict. The government in Khartoum has armed militias in contested bordering regions, the government air force has bombed border areas, and both sides have massed military units and equipment along the hottest border spots.

George Clooney Teams With Google To Stop War In Sudan

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

A new human rights project — initiated by George Clooney — will combine satellite imagery analysis and field reports with Google’s Map Maker technology to deter the resumption of war between North and South Sudan.

Launched this week, the Satellite Sentinel Project will use satellite imagery analysis and crowd-sourced mapping to monitor the tense border between North and South Sudan.

Oil-rich southern Sudan will vote next month in a referendum on independence from the rest of Sudan. Analysts say that this could plunge the country back into civil war and may spark the world’s next genocide.

Celebrities To Kick It For Kenya At Charity Concert

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

A host of celebrities will attend a special benefit concert for Mama na Dada, a non-profit, non-governmental organization formed by and for African women to support the empowerment of the African girl child.

The Let’s Kick It For Kenya concert on June 4 will be headlined by 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons, and will also feature a performance by Ambrose and others.

The concert will raise funds for Mama na Dada’s girls’ soccer programs. Initiated earlier this year, the programs allow young girls in African villages learn co-operative team building and conflict resolution through sport. Find out more here.

Don Cheadle To Be Named United Nations Ambassador In Rwanda

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Don Cheadle is set to become a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment next month.

“I will be named officially in Rwanda on June 5th, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Programme,” he said. “I’ll be in Rwanda on June 5th.”

The UNEP provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

George Clooney And Celebrity Friends Make Charity Donation To UNICEF

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Not On Our Watch, the international advocacy and grant making organization founded by actors George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, producer Jerry Weintraub, and human rights lawyer David Pressman, has awarded the U.S. Fund for UNICEF a grant of $250,000 to support an innovative program to reduce maternal mortality in Southern Sudan.

The grant will provide motorcycle ambulances and improved maternal health care in five states of the Southern Sudan region, including Western Equatoria, Lakes, Jonglei, Western Bahr El Ghazal, and Central Equatoria.

“As the situation in Sudan grows increasingly unstable, it is imperative that the international community take action to help those most vulnerable,” said Not On Our Watch co-founder Matt Damon. “The maternal mortality rate in South Sudan is one of the highest in the world. We are proud to help UNICEF as they work to save lives, especially during this critical period.”

Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night Hits Phoenix For Charity

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Reba McEntire resumed her hosting duties at this year’s Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix on Saturday night.

American Idol judge Randy Jackson had the honor of introducing the boxing legend on stage at the event, while Glenn Frey, David Foster, Sam Moore and Charice provided entertainment.

Among those to receive awards at the event included NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and film producer Jerry Weintraub. The evening also featured a live auction that included lots such as dinner with Muhammad Ali, Steve Nash, Kevin Costner, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal or Robin Williams, a day out with Reba McEntire, a meet-and-greet with Michael Buble and much more.

Glenn Frey To Headline Celebrity Charity Fight Night

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Glenn Frey of the Eagles, one of the world’s most successful rock bands having sold more than 120 million albums, will headline the entertainment at Celebrity Fight Night XVI on Saturday, March 20th at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ.

Celebrating his 50th year on the world stage, Muhammad Ali will receive a special introduction from Grammy Award-winning producer and American Idol judge, Randy Jackson during the event.

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date.

Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. The special black-tie evening took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.

Room 23 Opens The Lives Of Celebrities For Human Rights

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A new book featuring photos of over 100 celebrities will raise money for a human rights project.

Room 23 is the brainchild of entrepreneur and philanthropist Diana Jenkins and depicts a year in the life of a Beverly Hills penthouse suite. Stars to take part in the project and allow themselves to be intimately revealed include George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Elton John, Dennis Hopper, Larry King, Heidi Klum, Kid Rock, Lindsay Lohan, Ludacris, Moby, Hayden Panettiere, Christian Slater, Sharon Stone and many more.

The book – to be released in 120 countries on September 8 – will benefit the Sanela Diana Jenkins International Human Rights Project, a non-profit entity at the UCLA School of Law that brings war criminals to justice through legal resources and technology. Established by Bosnian-born Diana Jenkins, the project aims at developing groundbreaking approaches to advancing human rights and to training the next generation of human rights lawyers and advocates.

George Clooney Leads UNICEF Donation

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Not On Our Watch, the international advocacy and aid organization founded by actors George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, producer Jerry Weintraub and human rights lawyer David Pressman, has awarded the U.S. Fund for UNICEF a grant of $438,000 to assist at-risk Zimbabwean refugee children living on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border.

The grant will provide critical support for child protection and welfare services for 1,500 unaccompanied and vulnerable children in the border town of Musina, South Africa.

“I’ve seen first-hand how dire the situation is for Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa. Women are being raped, orphaned children have no protection, and thousands of people are without even the most basic supplies. Every-day survival has become a harrowing task,” said Not On Our Watch board member Matt Damon. “As the situation in Zimbabwe remains unresolved, the international community must stop sitting on the sidelines and instead take action to help those who need it most. Not On Our Watch is proud to support UNICEF’s work in this critical time.”

E! Donates To Jolie-Pitt Foundation

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

It has been revealed that E! Entertainment Television made a significant donation to the Jolie-Pitt Foundation last year.

According to Fox News, the media giant made a donation of $250,000 to the foundation established by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to assist with humanitarian crises around the world. The donation was one of four large contributions made to the fund in 2008, including $1,194,911 from Jolie, $956,961 from Pitt, and $5,000 from Jerry Weintraub.

The Jolie-Pitt Foundation has donated over $4 million to causes since it was established, including $1,364,320 to Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation, $100,000 to help build The Duk Lost Boys Clinic medical centre in the Sudan, $1 million split evenly among three organizations working with war-affected children, $1m to help Sudanese refugees of the Darfur crisis, $1 million to the Human Rights Watch’s work in Burma, $100,000 to Global Action for Children, $400,000 to Cambodia’s children’s causes and $150,000 to the Maddox Chivan Children’s Center.

Matt Damon Visits Zimbabwean Refugee Camp, Urges Answer to Humanitarian Crisis

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Matt Damon visited a Zimbabwean refugee camp in the South African border town of Musina on Tuesday.

The actor and board member of the human rights organization Not On Our Watch invited members of the Associated Press to join him on his trip as a part of a high profile effort to raise awareness about the region’s ongoing humanitarian crises.

Nearly three million people have fled Zimbabwe as a result of the seemingly endless series of catastrophes that have occurred in the country. Political upheaval, state-sponsored violence, and a chronic AIDS epidemic have long plagued Zimbabwe; now an outbreak of cholera and crippling inflation due to the economic crisis have made life nearly impossible for millions of its citizens. 

Not On Our Watch Donates To Oxfam

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Not On Our Watch has announced a $500,000 grant to international aid agency Oxfam America to support their humanitarian response in eastern Chad, for victims of the violence in the Chad-Darfur region.

Founded by actors Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, producer Jerry Weintraub, and human rights lawyer David Pressman, Not On Our Watch works to focus global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities around the world. This timely gift supports Oxfam’s lifesaving work on health, hunger and poverty initiatives as the dry season approaches.

“As the conflict in Chad and Darfur continues, victims of violence remain desperately in need of basic support systems. Now more than ever it is critical that the international community work towards putting an end to this crisis,” said Not On Our Watch co-founder Matt Damon.

Stars Call for Action on Disaster Relief

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:24 +0000

Compassion is showing itself to be a universal language, as people from around the world are taking steps to help victims of the recent natural disasters in Asia. Celebrities are flocking to support the desperate nation of Burma/Myanmar, with Not On Our Watch, the charity started by Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, George Clooney and Jerry Weintraub, donating $500,000 towards rescue operations.

The group will use $250,000 for its own relief efforts, and has donated $250,000 of that amount to Save the Children, who, with UNICEF, are two of the few relief organizations currently deployed due to the military government’s reluctance to allow aid workers into the country. According to Britain’s Department for International Development, the country needs at least 10 times the amount of aid that the ruling junta leaders are currently allowing in.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have just released a PSA made in support of UNICEF’s work towards helping the victims of May 2nd’s cyclone, asking people to give what they can to help the survivors of the disaster which has left tens of thousands dead, and hundreds of thousands suffering.

Buy George Clooney's Gift Bag For Darfur

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:19:08 +0000

If you just can’t resist George Clooney -and let’s face it, who can – then you definitely won’t be able to resist checking out the new charity auction featuring the chance to pick up some of his unwanted bits and pieces.

The actor and UN Messenger of Peace has put his Oscar Nominees Gift Bag up for auction to benefit Not On Our Watch, the charity he set up with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Jerry Weintraub to end genocide in Darfur. The gift bag is filled with a range of elegant items such as a Personal Heineken Beer Tender, Marilyn Monroe ‘Classic Series’ wine goblets, exclusive spa packages including a gift certificate for a two night stay at La Costa Resort and Spa, Oscar Gold Havaianas, a Swarovski Crystal Pet Collar, and more.

The auction, which ends on May 4, is one of several currently being run at www.myqlu.com to raise funds for celebrities’ favorite charities. Also on offer, actress Mariska Hargitay has invited her friends in the field of arts and entertainment to join her in an auction to benefit her Joyful Heart Foundation, a charity she established to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

George Clooney Makes A Stand For Darfur

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:09:52 +0000

UN Messenger of Peace George Clooney is putting pressure on a major Olympic sponsor to make a stand against China’s foreign policy in the Sudan. And to drive the point home, Clooney’s non-profit organization Not On Our Watch has just donated $500,000 to the World Food Program to provide aid in the war torn region of Darfur.

“World Food Program planes and helicopters deliver humanitarian workers and urgent supplies to nearly every aid organisation working in Darfur,” said Clooney, who co-founded Not On Our Watch with Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, and Jerry Weintraub. “This is a critical time for the program. Without immediate additional funding, humanitarian aid in the region will be crippled. We are proud to help ensure the survival of this lifesaving programme and strongly encourage others to do the same. Protection of these victims should not fall solely in the hands of charitable organisations. Governments have a responsibility to help those who cannot defend themselves.”

The 46-year-old actor is also calling for Omega Watches, official timekeepers of the Olympic Games since 1932, to take a hard line against China’s involvement in the Sudanese region of Darfur, where over 200,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million people displaced in three years of fighting between African rebels and government troops allied with Arab militia known as janjaweed.

Ocean's 13 Stars Donate $750,000 To Oxfam

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 07:55:15 +0000

The stars of the hit movie Ocean’s 13 have donated $750,000 (US) to Oxfam for on-going humanitarian efforts in Darfur.

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and producer Jerry Weintraub are behind the non-profit Not On Our Watch organization, and have already raised $9.2 million for the cause.

In a recent press release, Penny Lawrence, Oxfam’s International Director, said “This is a fantastic donation from the Ocean’s 13 stars. It will make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in the world… even a small donation can go a long way. For example, a donation of $160 could feed a family of five for three months.”

Ocean's Thirteen Team To Support Darfur At Première

Thu, 10 May 2007 08:15:30 +0000

The team behind the upcoming movie “Ocean’s Thirteen” is uniting to form a new non-profit organisation aimed at helping relief efforts in war-torn Darfur.

Leading actors George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Don Cheadle and producer Jerry Weintraub will launch the Not On Our Watch organisation at a benefit party on May 22nd in Cannes, two days before the movie’s première at the city’s famous film festival.

The U.S. première will take place in Los Angeles on June 5th, after which the extended cast will travel to Las Vegas for a further benefit showing at the CineVegas film festival.