Look To The Stars News: Richard Gere

Richard Gere Speaks Out Against China's Occupation Of Tibet

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Richard Gere has spoken up about China’s occupation of Tibet while in India.

Speaking to English news channel NDTV 24X7, the actor and activist spoke freely about China’s regime in the country, and about the news that monks have been setting fire to themselves in protest against the continuing occupation.

“It all really comes down to motivation,” he said. "I mean none of these self-immolators have harmed anybody else. It is totally a self-sacrifice for their people, for others. So on that level it’s a pure act. But I think it’s more important to look into the causes of why people would feel they would need to do these kind of things.

Exploring The Arts With Tony Bennett At Celebrity Charity Event

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:00 +0000

When Tony Bennett makes his debut at his sold out performance at the Metropolitan Opera House on Sunday, September 18, he will be joined by Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John and Alejandro Sanz for special duet appearances.

Franklin, John and Sanz all recorded with Bennett for his Duets CD projects: Elton John appeared on the first CD, DUETS in 2006; and Aretha Franklin and Alejandro Sanz recorded with the singer for the forthcoming follow up CD, DUETS II, set for release on Tuesday, September 20.

The evening at the Metropolitan Opera will also mark the official celebration of Tony’s 85th birthday where he will be honored at a post-concert gala hosted by Alec Baldwin. The gala is a benefit for Exploring The Arts, the non-profit organization started by Bennett and his wife Susan, to support arts education in public schools. Over $2.5M has been raised for the evening thus far.

Richard Gere To Auction Guitar Collection For Charity

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On October 11, Christie’s New York will present The Richard Gere Guitar Collection – with proceeds going to charity.

Photo by Dave Allocca/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

Richard Gere Takes Pilgrim To Korea For Charity

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Richard Gere is in Korea to support an exhibition of his photos in Seoul raising money for charities involved with the Tibetan human rights campaign.

The exhibition – titled Pilgrim – features around 60 images the actor took in Tibet and around Asia, as well as images taken by photographers interested in the cause. The collection has already toured 20 cities in 11 countries, and is in Korea until July 24.

“A lot of these photographs I didn’t show anyone because it’s such a private experience for me,” Gere told press during his six day visit to Korea. "I had no interest really in sharing them. [Taking photos] is very similar to making a movie; you’re somehow compressing lives into frame.

Stars Take The Hollywood Pledge For Charity

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Inspired by Bill Gates & Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge, the Give Back Hollywood Foundation has brought together some of the biggest names in music, fashion, sports and entertainment to demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy with the launch of the “Hollywood Pledge”.

Stars who have already taken the Pledge include Laurence Fishburne, Richard Gere, Dwight Howard, Hugh Jackman, Jewel, Kim Kardashian, Ricky Martin, Kelly Osbourne, Rachel Zoe, Jordin Sparks, Denzel Washington, and many others.

Celebrities take the Hollywood Pledge through the HollywoodPledge.com website and list the charity or charities they support. Fans are also encouraged to give back, whether through monetary donations, volunteer work, or just getting involved in their communities to make a difference.

Elizabeth Taylor And Bill Clinton Honored For Charity Work

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg were honored by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) last Wednesday.

The black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year, and featured a special reunion performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” by all of the original artists: Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. Also in recognition of amfAR’s 25 years, special tributes were made to the Foundation’s co-founders, Mathilde Krim, Ph.D and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The evening was presented by Hublot, and co-sponsored by M*A*C Viva Glam. More than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research.

President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research. Ms. von Furstenberg was presented with her award by her husband, Barry Diller. Chelsea Clinton presented the award to her father. Sir Elton John delivered a personal message from Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who could not be in attendance, stating “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.” Sir Elton accepted the award on her behalf.

Stars Remember Natasha Richardson At Charity Gala

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The stars were out and about on Wednesday, February 10, to remember actress Natasha Richardson – who died in a skiing accident last year – and honor Elton John at the annual New York Fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, featured performances by Rufus Wainwright and Lady Gaga, and featured a guest list that included Cyndi Lauper, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, Stanley Tucci and many more.

Sir Elton received amfAR’s Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

An exciting new charity auction has been launched featuring an unbelievable number of celebrity experiences.

Ever want to meet Oprah Winfrey? Hop in the pool for a swim lesson from Michael Phelps. Get fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn over lunch at Bryant Park Grill? Learn the arts of comedy and paper sales from Steve Carell on the set of the Office. How about talking politics with the most powerful woman in Washington, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, during a tour of the U.S. Capitol or crossing the aisle to discuss backyard BBQ recipes and foreign policy with Senator John McCain? See Iron Chef Bobby Flay in action at Kitchen Stadium? Make your Hollywood debut in Ridley Scott’s new “Robinhood” film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Seek enlightenment and meet Richard Gere with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC. Or ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction. With the help of CharityBuzz, the online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. The auction is open now and runs until December May 28th with new lots continuing to be added each and every day.

Leonardo DiCaprio Honored By Cinema For Peace

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The charity gala event Cinema For Peace has attracted numerous politicians and celebrities in Berlin this week in support of the organization’s goal of promoting peace and international understanding through film.

Most notably, Leonardo DiCaprio received an award for his efforts in backing the documentary “The 11th Hour.” As a special honoree, DiCaprio was presented with the International Green Film Award presented by BMW by Mikhail Gorbachev. The award offers a platform for environmental activists to raise public awareness for environmental issues and comes with a $250,000 donation for an environmental foundation or film project.

DiCaprio has become known as one of the hardest working environmentalists in Hollywood. He’s is a board member of Global Green USA and the National Resources Defense Council, and also set up the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to help draw attention to environmental issues.

Glenn Close And Quincy Jones Share Inspire Awards

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:30:00 +0000

AARP Magazine, the world’s largest-circulation magazine, has announced the recipients of its fifth annual Inspire Awards.

Glenn Close and Quincy Jones will be presented with awards for their humanitarian work at a special ceremony on December 8 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Close is being recognized for her work as a mental health advocate, especially her involvement with Fountain House, a nonprofit organization that she discovered while searching for help for her relatives.

A World Record Stood Up And Took Action

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The record for the biggest mass mobilization on a single issue was broken last month when over 116 million people participated in the Stand Up and Take Action Campaign to end world poverty.

It was a response to the troublingly slow progress being made in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that were ratified by the leaders of 189 countries in 2000. Designed to end extreme poverty throughout the world by 2015, more than half of the timeline to the target date has passed but less than a quarter of the aid has been delivered. Meanwhile, according to Stand Up’s website, 50,000 people die every day from the very causes that the MDG aims to eradicate.

“No excuses,” said Michael Douglas in a video clip to promote the Campaign. “We spend $900 billion a year in arms. Do you think this small planet cannot afford $50 billion a year to end poverty and stop hunger? We are six billion people and this world will do what we say.”

Stars Paint Dogs For Parade And Auction

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Let loose the dogs of charity this Monday, October 13, as 25 life-sized fiberglass canines decorated by celebrities are paraded through the streets of New York.

The creations will be aboard a float in the annual Columbus Day parade, and will then be sold off in an online charity auction. Among the stars who have donated their artistic talents are Richard Gere, Chevy Chase, Glenn Close, Robert Kennedy Jr., Paul Shaffer, Martha Stewart, Vanessa Williams, Stanley Tucci, Cyndi Lauper, Rachael Ray, Robin Quivers, Dan Aykroyd, and Jane Goodall.

The auction – which will run until November 1 – will benefit Green Chimneys, an organization that operates a special education school, a residential treatment center for children, and a farm and wildlife rehabilitation center in Brewster.

Stars Sing Songs For Tibet

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Sting, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, and Alanis Morissette are just some of the artists who are donating songs to a new album to raise awareness for the International Campaign for Tibet.

Due for release on iTunes on August 5 and through other retailers on August 12, the album – called Songs For Tibet – will hit the airwaves just three days before the opening of the Beijing Olympics.

“This album will focus people’s attention on the importance of Tibet, the gifts of its culture, and the crisis the Tibetan people are facing today,” said Michael Wohl, from the Art of Peace Foundation. “We wanted to express our support for the Tibetan people and their message of peace through music – a fundamental means of expression – at a time when the eyes of the world are on China.”

Matt Damon Heads Back To Toronto For ONE X ONE

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Actor Matt Damon will host the annual ONEXONE Difference Awards for the third year in a row.

Also returning this year is Wyclef Jean, who appeared at last year’s event when Richard Gere, Sarah Ferguson, and Petra Nemcova were all honored for their humanitarian work.

The ceremony, which raises money for domestic and global charities, will take place on September 8 at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. ONEXONE is a non-profit organization that supports children in Canada and around the world, and has raised over $5 million to fight child poverty. Last year’s fundraiser netted a massive $3.2 million for the foundation, with more than $7 million being raised since the first awards ceremony in 2005.

Julia Roberts - More Than Just A Pretty Woman

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:17:32 +0000

Julia Roberts may be one of the most instantly recognizable actresses in Hollywood, but as a child she suffered from an affliction shared by over 3 million other Americans. Along with her brother, Heroes star Eric Roberts, the actress was a chronic stutterer. But it was a disorder she fought to overcome, and now she is helping others overcome the frustrating complaint.

Born in Smyrna, Georgia, Roberts wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian when she grew up. Her father, a professional vacuum cleaner salesman, was a keen amateur actor who met his wife, a real estate agent, through a local theater group. Acting and performing was a big part of family life in the Roberts’ household, and thespian pursuits soon rubbed off on the young Roberts children. The two older offspring soon headed to New York to pursue acting careers, but Julia stayed at home to attend university. However, the acting bug could not be suppressed, and upon graduation, Julia headed to the Big Apple to join her sister, actress Lisa Roberts Gillan.

But before she could break into show business, Roberts had to beat her stuttering problem. She did this through the support of her family and friends, and last week, along with her brother, was asked by the Stuttering Foundation of America to be a spokesperson for the group.

Kite Runner Auction Raises Afghan Hopes

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:38:15 +0000

Madonna, Will Ferrell and Angelina Jolie are among the many celebrities who have joined the Kite Runner Auction, which runs until the 15th of December.

The auction corresponds with the theater release of The Kite Runner on December 14th. Based on the book of the same name, the film explores the world of Amir, who returns to Afghanistan after 20 years in America to set right his past mistakes.

The book’s author Khaled Hosseini is joined in the auction by tail-signers Edward Norton, Steve Nash, Cher and Halle Berry. 75% of the auction’s proceeds will be donated to the Afghanistan Relief Organization.

Gere Awarded Humanitarian Honor

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

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.”

Damon and Affleck Travel to Africa

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:53:00 +0000

September has already turned into a busy month for actor Matt Damon, and has seen him hosting a major children’s gala event, attending a screening of the documentary he produced to bring awareness to H2O Africa, and now flying to Africa.

September 10 saw Damon and long time friend, Ben Affleck, traveling to Tanzania to learn about the aid work being carried out in the country.

“We’re just going to observe these programs,” said Damon, who visited Zambia on a similar trip in 2006. “Our job is just to be quiet and take notes and meet people and listen to peoples’ stories.”

Neil Young Organizes Benefit Concert

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:31:28 +0000

Musician Neil Young is to host his annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts near San Francisco on October 27-28, with an eclectic lineup of acts already confirmed to play.

The two acoustic concerts, to be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, will feature performers such as John Mayer, Metallica, and Pearl Jam singer, Eddie Vedder. Tom Waits will also perform with the classical string ensemble, The Kronos Quartet. Waits and the Quartet first performed together earlier in 2007, as part of a concert to benefit Richard Gere’s Healing the Divide Foundation.

Proceeds from the October shows will benefit Bridge School, a non-profit educational institution in Northern California for children with physical disabilities and severe speech impediments. It was co-founded by Young’s wife, Pegi, in 1986, after three of the couple’s children were born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Young organized the first Bridge School Concert in 1986, and with the exception of 1987, has hosted the event every year since.

Damon Is Back for ONE X ONE

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 16:50:00 +0000

Matt Damon will once again host ONEXONE’s annual Difference Awards ceremony on September 9. Among those being recognized this year for their extraordinary efforts towards fighting child poverty and suffering will be Richard Gere, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and Petra Nemcova.

ONEXONE is a non-profit organization that supports children in Canada and abroad. Established less than three years ago, it has already raised over $5 million and created partnerships with major corporations and foundations.

The charity’s projects include providing first-nations kids with breakfast every day, and a ‘doctor exchange’ in which doctors from Haiti and Rwanda will train at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children; in turn, Toronto doctors will travel to Rwanda to repair the heart valves of children damaged by water-borne illnesses.

Gere Launches Ad Campaign For Meals On Wheels

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 06:26:51 +0000

On March 21, Richard Gere joined members of the press and representatives of Meals On Wheels Association of America to celebrate the launch of the charity’s first ever advertising campaign.

Gere and his father Homer – a Meals On Wheels volunteer for 18 years – are featured in the new campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the charity, and to encourage donations and new volunteers.

At the event, which took place at the headquarters of supervising advertising firm Ogilvy, an impassioned Gere asked the media to give airtime and advertising space to the campaign, just as he and his father have donated their time to supporting the campaign.

Stars Auction Face Time For Charity

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:05:58 +0000

Successful bidders in a forthcoming auction will win one-on-one meetings with the likes of Richard Gere and former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan.

Organised by CharityBuzz, the auction will benefit the Robert F Kennedy Memorial, a non-profit group that provides funding to human rights causes.

Breakfast or tea for four with Greenspan and his wife is expected to raise at least $5,000, while other big names offering their time for the cause include Robin Williams, Larry King, skater Tony Hawk, and former CIA spy Valerie Plame.

Charity Heavyweights Support Muhammad Ali

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:03:24 +0000

Celebrities and professional athletes are coming together for the 13th Annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona. The elite charity event set for March 24th is in honor of Muhammad Ali, and will see awards going to Sharon Stone, Donald Trump, NBA MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.

Tickets for the event start at $2,000, with a table for 10 ranging from $10,000-50,000. The evening features an auction with items such as dinner with Reba McEntire and a trip for two to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, including airfare, tickets to the All-Star festivities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and hotel accommodations.

Diana Ross will be the headline performer for the event, with Reba McEntire as MC and 14-time Grammy Award winner David Foster as the Musical Director.