Look To The Stars News: Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp To Play Benefit Concert

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Johnny Depp is set to reunite with his old band and play two charity concerts this weekend.

The actor – who has previously recorded a solo album and played slide guitar on Oasis’ song Fade In-Out – will appear with his band “The Kids” at the Club Cinema in Pompano Beach, Florida, on August 29 and 30 as part of a lineup that includes Critical Mass, Tight Squeeze, Slyder, The Romantics, The Reactions, Z-Cars, Mad as Birds, and Charlie Pickett.

Proceeds from the show will go to the Sheila Witkin Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for charities – such as the Dan Marino Foundation – through live music. Sheila Witkin – affectionately known as “Mom” – revolutionized the South Florida rock music scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and was well known for supporting charitable causes. The first Sheila Witkin Memorial Concert – which also featured Depp and his band – was held in January 2007 and raised over $30,000. Their aim this year is to raise $100,000.

Tickets to the concerts are available through Ticketmaster.

Stars To Donate Fees To Heath Ledger's Daughter

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The three actors who replaced Heath Ledger in his final film are to donate their fees to the late star’s daughter.

Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law replaced the late actor in scenes for Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus after filming was suspended when Ledger was found dead in his New York City apartment in January. In the film, which is slated for a 2009 release, Ledger must visit three different dimensions through a paranormal mirror in a bid to rescue the daughter of a traveling showman who sold his child to the devil in exchange for everlasting life. And although Ledger’s completed scenes will be included in the film, Law, Depp and Farrell will also appear in place of the actor in scenes that had not been shot.

“The great thing about it was when Heath died those three actors came along and saved the day. It’s now four actors creating one character,” said Gilliam. “The three actors were totally heroic coming in because this doesn’t happen very often, where there is a tragedy and very famous and successful actors come in and say OK we’ll do whatever it takes to help. To be part of that is wonderful. They didn’t take money – it goes to Heath’s daughter.”

According to the BBC, Ledger had not updated his will to include his daughter Matilda or his ex-partner Michelle Williams, and his family has promised that the pair would be an “absolute priority”. The stars were reportedly concerned about Matilda’s future, so they decided the money they made for the film should go to her.

“That’s extraordinary! And wonderful," Gilliam told Britain’s The Sun newspaper. “…And when you’re part of that, you think, ‘Ah, this is maybe why I went into the movies in the beginning. I thought it would be full of wonderful people.’”

Stars To Attend Coma Patient's Gala

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A gala to raise funds for charity in the name of a 17-year-old British coma patient will take place this Saturday.

Sophie Wilkinson has been in a coma since she was involved in a car accident last October, and her plight has attracted a wide range of celebrities to step forth and help raise the funds needed to provide her with care. Earlier this year her parents set up the Sophie’s Gift Fundraising Program on behalf of the Southampton Hospital Trust to raise the £250,000 (US$500,000) needed to provide Sophie with a Mobile CT Scanner. As well as receiving a video and words of encouragement from Johnny Depp, Sophie has also got support from the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, and Chris Tarrant.

Sophie’s parents, Andrew and Alison Wilkinson, have also established a database of celebrity voices to help wake up other coma patients. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Amanda Holden are just some of the names who have already committed to the initiative.

The Sophie’s Gift Gala Dinner will take place on the 5th July at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, with proceeds to go to the Southampton Hospital Charity. Tickets are still available from www.sophies-gift.com for £65 each. Attendees can expect live entertainment and a spectacular auction and gala dinner, with several celebrities – such as Chris Tarrant and Mike Osman – scheduled to make an appearance.

Naomi Judd Heads Up Exciting Auction

Mon, 26 May 2008 11:08:45 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Now here’s something really exciting: Country singer Naomi Judd has teamed up with The Autograph Store, a leading online auction dealer of celebrity autographed photos and signed memorabilia, to sponsor the Huntington, West Virginia, Ronald McDonald House’s Charity Auction.

The auction, which also includes a dinner and dance, will be held on May 31 at the Bellefonte Golf and Country Club in Ashland, Kentucky, and will feature some awesome items including guitars autographed by the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, CDs signed by U2 and Madonna, and photos autographed by Johnny Depp and others.

The Huntington Ronald McDonald House has served more than 8,300 families from southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio, and the Autograph Store is proud to be the exclusive supplier of all celebrity autographed items for this fundraiser.

“We are extremely excited to partner up with a wonderful organization such as the Ronald McDonald House Charity and Naomi Judd,” said Matthew Raines, Executive Vice President of the Autograph Store. “We look forward to furthering our relationship with this organization that gives so much back to its community. The mission of the Ronald McDonald House is to provide families of seriously ill children a place to stay while their child is in the hospital…a home-away-from-home that will enable them to remain together and function as a family in an environment of love, strength and support…an expression of the warmth and caring of the community. It is our distinct honor to help them take another step toward achieving their mission.”

More information can be found at www.autographstore.com.

Johnny's Angels - When Stars Inspire Fans

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:36:32 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

At Look To The Stars we like to bring you news about the ways your favorite stars are making the world a better place, and we strive to inspire you to follow their examples and do what you can to help those in need. We are happy to say that there are some people out there who have been inspired to do good in the name of their idols, and the hard work is now paying off.

Johnny’s Angels is a group set up by fans of Johnny Depp who were inspired by the many good deeds the actor does, including his words of kindness for young cancer sufferers and his attempts to wake up young coma patients. The group now hopes to inspire others to help children, especially young cancer patients, by performing acts of kindness.

“We have been inspired by Johnny Depp, and now we would like to inspire YOU,” says the group’s website. “Johnny’s Angels: Depp Fans for Charity is a meaningful way for Depp fans to honor an actor whose talent and humanity have inspired so many.”

The group focuses on raising awareness and funds for children’s hospices, in particular the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition. They raised over $5,000 for the charity in 2007 – through donations, events, and the sale of merchandise – a phenomenal tribute to the actor.

And Johnny Depp himself is impressed with the group. The actor recently wrote a letter to Johnny’s Angels, thanking them for the work that they do in his name, and was blown away by their support and fundraising.

“I wish to express my extreme gratitude to all at Johnny’s Angels, and the wonderful effort made for a cause that is indeed something I hold dear,” wrote the 44-year-old. “Your kindness will benefit those in need at a time when they will appreciate it most… Your generosity of spirit knows no bounds, and for that I am eternally in your debt. I am honored and humbled by you all.”

The group isn’t the only philanthropic fan club out there, fighting for causes in the name of their heroes. The Every Day Angels Foundation was set up by fans of singer/songwriter Jewel to encourage individual awareness of the world and ideas on how people can live their lives to their fullest potential. Established in 1997, the group promotes volunteerism and inspires grass-roots community building through education. Harry Potter fans have also created an inspiring site for actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the “Boy Who Lived” in the movie series based on JK Rowling’s books. The group regularly raises money for Radcliffe’s favorite charity, Demelza House, and recieved a message of thanks from the actor in return.

Johnny Depp fans are encouraged to visit www.johnnysangels.org; if you know of any other groups working for causes in the name of celebrities, please contact us.

Eat From Your Favorite Celebrity's Plate!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:35:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

“Let them eat cake,” said Marie-Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, and now you have the chance to do just that – eat cake from a plate designed and signed by one of Tinsletown’s finest.

The auction, currently underway at the Auction Wire website, features one-of-a-kind plates from stars such as Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, and Carmen Electra, and is raising money for the Parkinson Society Maritime Region – an organization in Canada that aims to be the voice of Maritimers living with Parkinson’s disease. Funds will be used to supply services such as exercise programs, speech therapy, massage therapy, conferences, and workshops, and will also be used towards the National Research Program of the Parkinson Society Canada.

“The Parkinson Society is thrilled that so many celebrities from a variety of backgrounds – movies, television, politics, the arts – have come together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and raise funds through this auction of celebrity designed plates,” said Paul McNair, executive director of the Parkinson Society Maritime Region.

The auction – which also includes plates from Johnny Depp, Dwayne Johnson, William Shatner, Dakota Fanning, Martha Stewart, Henry Winkler, Jordin Sparks, Stephen Colbert, Sarah McLachlan, Muhammad Ali, Phil Collins, Chris Daughtry, and Rob Lowe – runs until May 11.

Johnny Depp Gives Wake Up Call To Coma Sufferer

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:33:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A 17-year-old British girl is showing the first signs of waking up from a coma, and her parents are now enlisting celebrities to help with a new charity to help others with the same problem.

Sophie Wilkinson has been in a coma since a horror car crash in November last year, and over the past few days she has started to become aware of what is going on around her, focusing on people, responding to voice commands and making vocalisations. Her parents, Andrew and Alison Wilkinson, are thrilled but say now is the crucial time to get their daughter listening to as many different voice recordings as possible to make sure she continues to improve, and have enlisted the help of several high profile celebrities to help them. And the response from famous voices has been so strong that the couple now want to start up a service for other coma sufferers.

Johnny Depp, Sharon Osbourne, and Top Gear’s Richard Hammond have all pledged their support for the initiative, and Depp also recorded a tape of physical commands for Sophie in the voice of his Pirates of the Caribbean character, Captain Jack Sparrow.

“When someone is in a coma, it’s important to find that key to unlocking them out of the coma,” said Alison Wilkinson. “It could be a smell, a sound, or a voice. In Sophie’s case we knew she was a huge fan of Johnny so we thought that if she heard his voice it may wake her. We realised what a great idea it would be to have a bank of celebrity voices reading out specific commands that the doctors have issued. No matter who a person’s favourite star is, their family could get a tape from our Wake Up bank. Nobody knows what the right key will be but anything is worth a try, and if we can make that easier for families in our situation it will be worth it.”

Andrew Wilkinson is also excited about the charity initiative idea: “We were over the moon when Johnny agreed to record a tape, and now more stars are signing up it’s fantastic. We have had lots of promises from people, but only a few have actually sent recordings. Now that Sophie is showing signs of responding to certain voices it’s the critical time to get her listening to as many different voices as possible. That is why our Wake Up charity is so important, because people in the future will not have to wait like we are at this vital time. Having all the voices in a bank will mean we can get them to the families quicker and celebrities only have to do one recording.”

The couple are also holding a special charity gala ball on July 5 at the Botley Park Hotel Golf and Country Club. Tickets can be purchased by contacting tickets@sophies-gift.com. More information can be found at www.sophies-gift.com.

Your Chance To Appear On Screen With Johnny Depp!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:30:13 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – an exciting new charity auction is offering one lucky bidder the chance to make their big screen debut alongside Johnny Depp in his newest movie.

The online auction website Charity Buzz is hosting the auction, which promises to give the lucky bidder a role as a featured extra in a scene including Depp in his latest film – Public Enemies, an action-thriller that tells the story of America’s criminal folk hero John Dillinger (Depp), who conducted a wave of bank robberies in the 1930s. The role will be non-speaking, and will be shot sometime in May in Chicago.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the Robert F Kennedy Memorial, an organization dedicated to advancing the human rights movement through providing innovative support to courageous human rights defenders around the world. Some of the group’s work has included co-founding the Alliance for Fair Food to support farmworker rights groups; giving a voice to Hurricane Katrina survivors in their efforts to help displaced people realize their right to return and participate in rebuilding New Orleans; beginning planning for the first public interest law firm in the African nation of Chad to look out for the rights of the poor and guard against environmental degradation; and struggling for equal justice in Brazil in cases where violence and intimidation has been used against advocates who protect the human rights of landless workers.

Other items available in the auction, which runs until May 7, include a private performance by Anthony Kearns, one of Ireland’s finest tenors; dinner with Harry Belafonte, a meet-and-greet with Owen Wilson at the Los Angeles premiere of Marley and Me; and the opportunity to attend the Los Angeles premiere of Ben Stiller’s new film, Tropic Thunder.

To make a bid on any of these fantastic items, visit the Charity Buzz website.

Depp and Halliwell Help Teenage Coma Patients

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:07:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Hollywood hero Johnny Depp and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell have brought hope and joy to the families of two teenage girls in comas.

Earlier this month, Halliwell visited Jessica Knight, a 14-year-old girl who was attacked and left for dead while walking in a park near her home. Jessica suffered a stroke while fighting for her life on the surgeon’s table, and had been in a coma for six days when Halliwell paid the family a surprise visit.

“Geri sang a couple of lines of one of their songs and Jessica started moving her arms and legs,” said Jessica’s mother, Jill Walmsley.

“It was amazing. We were all in fits of giggles because we were so relieved and it was just so funny seeing her legs move to Geri’s singing. The next day, she opened her eyes for the first time.”

Jessica had planned to attend the Spice Girls concert in Manchester, but the stabbing occurred two days before the show. A family member got in touch with the band, prompting Geri to try to help.

The family of Johnny Depp fan Sophie Wilkinson is hoping for a similar result with their 17-year-old daughter. The teenager has been in a coma since an accident five months ago, when a truck collided with the car she was in.

Sophie’s father, Andrew, wrote to the Pirates of the Caribbean star, asking for help.

“We are looking for the key to wake her up, so we wrote to Johnny and he said he would do the recording in the voice of Jack Sparrow,” he said.

Depp was so moved by Mr. Wilkinson’s letter that he recorded the message, and said that he would also try to visit her in the hospital.

“After the accident, we were told she wouldn’t make it through the night, but she has fought on and we know she is still in there,” says Andrew.

“Only this week, Sophie moved her right leg which she has never done before. When we got home, my wife and I were jumping for joy.”

Stars Get Behind A Big Problem

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:10:29 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Lolita is a 42-year-old living in Miami. Originally from Puget Sound near Washington, Lolita was forcibly taken from her home in 1970 – when she was only six years old – and forced to perform for people who would pay money to watch her. Thirty-seven years later, Lolita is still living in cramped conditions.

Lolita is 22 feet long and weighs 7,500 pounds. She loves being wet, but lives in a tank only 80 feet wide and 20 feet deep at the Miami Seaquarium… a far cry from the wide-open spaces of her home.

Lolita is an Orca – also known as a killer whale – and the campaign to send her home has just hit an all time high, with a long list of celebrity supporters adding their names to a proposal to retire the aging mammal to her home.

The Orca Network is behind the campaign, with organization co-founder and president Howard Garrett recently announcing the support of actors Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford and rap stars 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg.

“Momentum is building,” said Garrett. “A publicity campaign is in the works being directed by people in Hollywood.”

The Orca Network is also currently organizing a benefit concert to raise money for the campaign, perhaps featuring other celebrity supporters such as Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, and Placido Domingo.

“Lolita is a very special orca,” said Garrett. “Her survival is beyond all expectations. Of the 45 of Lolita’s extended family, the Southern Resident orcas, captured and delivered to parks around the world between 1965 and 1975, all the others were dead by 1987. She is known to be courageous, yet so very gentle. She has endured 37 years of confinement while performing two shows per day, without the company of any other orca since 1980. She deserves a chance to retire to her home waters and visit with her family once again.“

Other celebrities to add their names in support of the “Free Lolita” campaign include Robert Downey Jr, Bob Barker, Hayden Panettiere, Billy Zane, and Jean Claude Van Damme.

People wishing to support the campaign or learn more can visit the Orca Network website.

Johnny Depp's Words Of Kindness For Dying Boy

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:31:08 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of Hollywood’s favorite sons, Johnny Depp, has brought cheer to the final days of a young boy’s life.

It has been revealed that the actor sent 8-year-old Mark Westwood an emotional video as the boy fought a progressive brain tumor in 2006.

“Keep your chin up,” said the 44-year-old actor in the 35-second video. “All the best, and lots of good luck for the future.”

Mark’s grandfather, Paul Robinson, said his son watched the video “over and over” during the last days of his life, and it meant a lot to him.

“We are so grateful to Johnny Depp for everything he did for Mark,” said Robinson. “Mark was a massive fan of his films, and the message was really special and personal to him.”

The story began when Mark’s parents – Barry and Sarah Westwood – became friendly with a couple that also had a sick child undergoing treatment at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, England. The two couples supported each other during their children’s illnesses, and together they dealt with the pain and struggle that only the parents of sick children know. But when Barry revealed that Mark was fanatical about Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean films, he was surprised to discover his new friends were close acquaintances of the star. The personal video message arrived in Sarah’s inbox a few days later.

Mark was diagnosed with a tumor in 2005, and, although he underwent three operations to remove the malignant growth, he passed away in January, 2007. He spent much of his time in the care of the Alder Hey Hospital, the biggest and busiest children’s hospital in Europe. Founded in 1914, the hospital treats over 200,000 young patients every year.

“Mark did so many special things during his life and we have a lot of people to thank,” said Barry. “Alongside the very special message from Johnny Depp, he was granted his wish of becoming a police officer for the day by North Wales Police, and he got to step out on the turf as a mascot for his team Manchester City.”

Depp had his own taste of near disaster last March, when his 8-year-old daughter was hospitalized after E. coli poisoning caused her kidneys to fail.

“To say it was the darkest moment, that’s nothing,” the 43-year-old actor told Entertainment Weekly. “It doesn’t come close to describing it. Words are so small.”

The actor dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean for Mark Westwood’s video, and also sent a signed photo.

Johnny Depp Donates To Children's Hospital

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:13:39 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

There is an unconfirmed report that actor Johnny Depp has made a huge donation to the children’s hospital that saved his daughter’s life.

Several of the world’s major news networks have reported that the star of over 40 movies has given $2.2 million to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, although the Charities Aid Foundation in England has reported the story as a hoax.

Depp’s 8-year-old daughter, Lily-Rose, was hospitalized in March after E. coli poisoning caused her kidneys to fail. Depp and his long-time partner, Vanessa Paradis, put their lives on hold during Lily-Rose’s 9 day illness, bringing the production of Depp’s new film, “Sweeney Todd”, to a standstill.

“To say it was the darkest moment, that’s nothing,” the 43-year-old actor told Entertainment Weekly. “It doesn’t come close to describing it. Words are so small.”

Depp also personally thanked Lily-Rose’s five doctors and nurses, and invited them to the premiere of “Sweeney Todd” in London last week.

The donation follows a surprise visit to the hospital on November 29, during which Depp spent four hours in character as Pirates of the Caribbean’s Captain Jack Sparrow – he had the costume sent over specially from Los Angeles – reading bedtime stories to the young patients.

The Great Ormond Street Hospital specializes in the most complex, life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. It regularly treats 150,000 patients a year. However, the government funding for the facility often falls short of the hospital’s needs, and the children rely on public donations for their on-going treatment. Depp has openly praised the work the staff did to help his daughter and the many other children and families that are treated there.

“It was the most frightening thing we have ever been through,” he said. “It was hell. But the magic is that she pulled through beautifully. Great Ormond Street was terrific, a great hospital.”

Depp’s donation was followed by a pledge of $1.96 million from The Walt Disney Co. as part of a partnership to help the hospital raise $19.6 million for a redevelopment that will include a Disney-branded interactive zone for children and youths.

The relationship between Disney and Great Ormond Street dates to 1939, when Walt Disney acquired the animation rights to “Peter Pan” from the hospital. “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie gifted the hospital all rights to the story in 1929.

2008 Golden Globes Roundup

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:54:19 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

There may have been no red carpet, acceptance speeches, or flash of cameras for the winners of the 2008 Golden Globe Awards, but Look To The Stars takes this golden opportunity to recognize some of those who were honored and nominated.

Johnny Depp won his first Golden Globe after being nominated seven times since his career began, picking up the Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical award for Sweeney Todd. Despite his dark performance, there really is a lighter side to the actor. In the past, Depp’s charitable work garnered him the Courage to Care Award for his contributions to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The Best Actress Award went to veteran Julie Christie, who was up against heavyweights such as Angelina Jolie, an outstanding supporter and contributor to charitable causes. Some of the charities she has supported include the Afghanistan Relief Organization, the Alliance For The Lost Boys, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Movement, Doctors Without Borders, and the Daniel Pearl Foundation.

Daniel Day Lewis won Best Actor for his performance in “There Will Be Blood”, beating out celebrity humanitarians George Clooney and Denzel Washington. Like Jolie, Clooney is a major force in trying to make the world a better place, and he is a noted supporter of Cinema For Peace, Make Poverty History, Rock For Darfur, United Way, and the World Food Programme. Washington has spent time visiting wounded soldiers at Fisher Houses, hospitals which provide housing for injured soldiers’ families at little or no cost, and once made a large donation to the Fisher House Foundation. He is also the spokesperson for the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, honorary chairperson for Save Africa’s Children, and a founding member of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Australian-born Cate Blanchett took home the gold in the category for Best Supporting Actress. Charities Blanchett supports include the Australian Conservation Foundation, Kids Help Line, and SolarAid. In the past, Blanchett filmed a special appeal for SolarAid that was screened at the Hay Festival. The video is available to view on YouTube.

Queen Latifah took home the Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries, for her role in “Life Support”. A supporter of several charities, Queen Latifah once helped design a pair of shoes for the Stuart Weitzman charity shoe auction benefiting ovarian cancer awareness and research, and has been involved with Citymeals On Wheels and the Harry Holmberg Memorial Foundation.

Jeremy Piven beat his “Entourage” co-star Kevin Dillon to win his second award for Best Supporting TV Actor. Piven once hosted the fourth annual Fashion Rocks event, which benefited Alicia Keys’ Keep A Child Alive Foundation.

Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees for all the work that you do in front of the camera and behind the scenes to inspire a better world.

Johnny Depp and Daniel Radcliffe Items Raffled for Charity

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:11:19 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Northampton Welfare Rights Advice Service is holding its annual Christmas raffle on Saturday, but this year the prizes will include contributions from celebrities like Johnny Depp, Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet.

Around 70 prizes, such as a theatre programme from Dame Judi Dench and an exclusive signed photo from Johnny Depp, are hoped to bring in additional funding for the organization to help raise awareness about the service it provides, which is advice about what state benefits are available to families, the disabled and people over 60. EastEnders, Holby City and The Bill have also donated momentos for Saturday’s event.

While Northampton is collecting celebrity possessions for raffle, NBC is collecting character and set items for auction. Starting Monday, NBC will auction up things like The Office character Michael Scott’s (Steve Carrell) watch and lucky tie, original paintings from the Heroes set, a poker game, props and clothing used by the cast of 30 Rock, and various other collectable pieces from Friday Night Lights and Las Vegas.

This first NBC auction will run from November 19 through December 3, with part of the proceeds benefiting United Way.

Celebrities Lend Their Hands To Charity

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:58:29 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Over 40 celebrities from around the world are featured in a special new book to be released in time for Christmas.

“Celebrity Handprints", set to be published on December 1, is the culmination of two years work for author James Preston. Since November 2005, Preston has scoured the globe in search of famous names who were willing to dip their hands in ink and leave a lasting mark on paper. And his peculiar pursuit opened doors to some of entertainment’s biggest stars, including Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Matt Damon, and Keira Knightley.

Over the course of his travels, Preston collected more than 100 handprints and accompanying photos of some of the brightest stars in film, television, music and sports, 42 of which are to be included in the new book. All of the proceeds from the publication will go to benefit two British children’s charities – Children in Need and the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Also available is a series of limited edition prints of the handprints, suitable for framing. The cost for each print, which also includes a photograph of the star involved, is $100. 30% of the total will go to both charities.

Other stars involved in the project include David Beckham, Robbie Williams, Will Smith, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Tom Jones, Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, the Kaiser Chiefs, the Smashing Pumpkins, Snow Patrol, Star Wars creator George Lucas, and many more.

The book will be available for $40 from bookstores and Amazon, and both the book and the prints will be able to be purchased from www.celebrityhandprints.org.

Johnny's Angels Party For Charity

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:18:34 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Celebrity father of two Johnny Depp is so moved by parenthood that he now takes time to care about all children.

The actor says becoming a parent has given him a “real foundation, a real strong place to stand in life, in work, in everything.”

At his induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame he wore a bracelet in memory of Dustin, a child from the Children’s Hospice Coalition, and in 2006, he received the Courage to Care award in recognition of his contributions to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“Johnny Depp embodies the very spirit of the `Courage to Care’ Award because he puts smiles on the faces of thousands of children through his great work on film, and his longtime private advocacy of children and children’s charities is nothing short of inspirational,” says Ms. Fernandez-Farrand, a member of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Board of Trustees.

His fans certainly find him inspirational, and on November 10th, his philanthropic fan club, Johnny’s Angels, are holding a fundraising party for the Children’s Hospice Coalition in New York. For more information, go to Johnny’s Angels on MySpace.

Celebrities Go To The Dogs Over Auction

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:41:16 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for something a little different to give the special pet in your life? Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron may be able to help, as they are some of the stars donating items for the upcoming “Celebrity Collars For Dollars” auction, starting June 23rd.

The event aims to raise funds for Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing dogs that are permanently chained and mistreated.

Bidders will have the chance to buy pre-used dog collars belonging to the canine friends of celebrities such as Robin Williams, who has donated three collars from his pets Gabby and MabelMae, three autographed photos, three signed DVDs, and an autographed Dogs Deserve Better calendar.

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, has been enjoying preparations for the auction over the last few months, and has been touched by the generosity shown by the stars involved.

“It’s been great fun opening the mail from celebrities to see what they’ve donated,” she said. “Candice Bergen, who did not have a collar to send, had her assistant call to say they were sending a specially signed photo to DDB… and gave a generous donation for chained and penned dogs.”

Other items up for sale include autographed photos of Dolly Parton, a signed copy of Bill Maher’s book Polite Musings From A Timid Observer, and Martha Stewart has autographed a copy of the Dogs Deserve Better Calendar for the event.

Online bidding will run for 10 days, finishing on July 3rd, and can be accessed through www.dogsdeservebetter.org.

Bon Jovi Shows True Colors Through Homeless Charities

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:48:00 -0000

Written by Greg Hitchcock

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi has a tender spot for the homeless and recently showed his true colors through working with homeless charities.

In August, Kenneth Cole New York announced that Kenneth Cole and Jon Bon Jovi have partnered to design a limited-edition outerwear collection that will be made available at Kenneth Cole New York retail stores and Saks Fifth Avenue stores this November.

Proceeds of the exclusive offering will benefit HELP USA, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to empower the homeless and others in need to become and remain self-reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services, HELP USA provides resources for its residents to become independent and productive.

Jon Bon Jovi recently wore one of the jackets on the red carpet of this year’s Fashion Rocks event on September 7th.

Also in August, Bon Jovi placed four autographed Philadelphia Soul Jerseys on eBay for auction to raise money for Project HOME in Philadelphia. Three of the jerseys contain celebrity signatures from Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Rainn Wilson, Scarlett Johansson, Tommy Lee, and “Extra’s” Mark McGrath – all of which were gathered by the nationally syndicated entertainment newsmagazine show “Extra” throughout several days of superstar interviews.

The organization provides a full range of services for chronically homeless people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, including street outreach, safe havens, permanent supportive housing and a range of services to supplement housing.

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