Look To The Stars News: Ted Turner

Al Gore And Richard Branson Witness Climate Change In Antarctica

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Al Gore and Richard Branson are currently en route to Antarctica to witness first-hand the effects of climate change.

The trip – organized by Gore’s Climate Reality Project – sees the former Vice President return to the continent for the first time in 22 years.

“The Antarctic Peninsula, which juts northward toward South America, is lined with ice-covered mountains and surrounded by abundant wildlife in the sea,” he blogged. "But even on this continent that looks and feels pristine, a troubling process is underway because of global warming.

LTTS Book Review: Philanthrocapitalism

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:40:00 +0000

For anyone interested in the charity work of the rich and the famous, Philanthrocapitalism by Matthew Bishop and Michael Green is – in the words of Bill Clinton – “an important book.”

With a foreword by Clinton and featuring interviews with the movers and shakers of the charity world – including Bono, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie and Richard Branson – Philanthrocapitalism is a highly readable and thoroughly researched study of who is doing what to tackle the big issues facing humanity today. It gives in-depth accounts of where the world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs and business leaders are spending their money and exactly what effect their efforts are having – both negative and positive. Even the most skeptical reader will get an insight into how money is being used to bring new solutions to age-old problems.

Bishop and Green give a well-rounded and in-depth view of the changing face of philanthropy in today’s world, detailing the history of charity to the dark ages and beyond. Their research studies the reasons behind the giving of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Ted Turner and their super-rich friends, and the effects they have on their chosen causes. In the process, it shows how the fame and status of big names such as Bono and Angelina Jolie play a useful part in making the world a better place – as Angelina says, “people take my calls.” This book shows us exactly how giving can save the world.

Ted Turner Celebrates Nothing But Nets Campaign Anniversary

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Today marks the 5-year anniversary of the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, and UN Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner has spoken up about what the initiative has achieved.

“On November 14, the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign commemorates its fifth anniversary and celebrates the significant progress made in the fight against malaria,” said Turner in a statement. "In five years, Nothing But Nets has made history by bringing together the world’s largest grassroots network of partners and supporters to protect families in Africa from malaria. Hundreds of thousands of people have helped Nothing But Nets send more than 6 million insecticide-treated nets through our United Nations partners, protecting families in more than 25 African countries from malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

New Film Rooted In Peace

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Documentary filmmaker Greg Reitman urges us in his newest film project ROOTED in PEACE to take notice and ask ourselves: How do I want to live? Along his film production journey, the film team will be coordinating tree drives with the charity One Tree At A Time to plant one million ‘trees of life’ and aligning with Frendo’s fee-free platform for giving in an effort to end the vicious cycle of war and violence and promote world peace.

This comes at a perfect time being that September 21st is International Day of Peace.

Frendo is the first-ever fee-free donation platform for donors, fundraisers and charities that eliminates all fees to charities so every penny donated ends up in the pocket of the charity and not in the pockets of credit card companies and online merchants.

Usher Honors Ted Turner For Charity

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Usher presented Ted Turner, founder and chairman of the United Nations Foundation, with the Service Legacy Award at Friday’s World Leadership Conference in Atlanta, hosted by Usher’s New Look Foundation.

The award recognized Turner’s lifetime of leadership in philanthropy, including launching the UN Foundation and in turn its Nothing But Nets campaign—a global, grassroots initiative to end malaria in Africa.

Usher’s New Look has been a long-time partner of Nothing But Nets, including raising awareness and funding last year to send 40,000 life-saving bed nets to families in Ethiopia.

Stars Celebrate Father's Day With Charity Auction

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz, the leading destination for luxury online charity auctions, presents the 2011 Dads and Grads Auction, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences and covetable gifts that showcase the best of entertainment, sports, food and travel to benefit more than 75 nonprofit organizations around the globe.

Richard Branson, Robert Plant, Ben Stiller, Ben Affleck, Keith Richards, Daniel Craig, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Alyssa Milano are just a few of the many iconic celebrities who have signed on to support their favorite causes, while providing incredible gifts that give back for Father’s Day. Bidding is open from now through June 15th at www.charitybuzz.com/grads&dads.

Instead of the same old pack of golf balls or #1 Dad mug, this year let your imagination run wild. The chance to ride alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., have cocktails with Richard Branson and score a guitar signed by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger are just a few of more than 300 experiences that have hit the auction block with dad in mind. Packages range from a Seth Rogen autographed DVD collection estimated at $100 to the chance to name a Virgin Atlantic A330 Aircraft estimated at $50,000, providing a plethora of gift options at every price point in between.

Stars To Celebrate Global Health Achievements

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

Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Soros, Gordon Brown and many more will come together this week to celebrate global health achievements.

The 2011 Global Business Coalition Conference and Gala Awards Dinner rolls out the red carpet on June 2, bringing together major celebrities, heads of state, big-name CEOs, and more for our most memorable evening yet. Actor, comedian and activist Whoopi Goldberg will host an evening that includes honoring two of GBC’s visionary founding supporters—George Soros and Ted Turner—and celebrates the power of business to create positive change on global health. Gordon and Sarah Brown will be recognized for their years of work and leadership addressing international health concerns, and we will pay special tribute to GBC’s founding CEO and leader, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke.

With Sigourney Weaver and Kim Cattrall on hand to present awards to George Soros and the Browns, and a stellar evening of musical performances from acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician, Natalie Merchant, and top South African musicians, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vusi Mahlasela, June 2 with GBC is sure to be an unforgettable night!

Bono Nominated For Mikhail Gobachev Charity Award

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Bono, Steven Spielberg and Ted Turner are among the nine nominees of Mikhail Gorbachev’s Man Who Changed The World Award.

The award will be announced by the former Soviet leader on March 30 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, during a celebrity charity concert to celebrate his 80th birthday.

“This is an award for those who have shown themselves to be people capable of changing the world for the better,” said Gorbachev. “Each of the award nominees already made a big personal contribution to the development and changing of the world we live in for the better.”

Annie Lennox Performs At Global Leadership Awards

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) announced last week they are joining forces to build a broader base of citizen support for U.S. engagement and the work of the UN.

UN Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner, joined by UN Foundation President Senator Timothy E. Wirth, and Co-Chair of UNA-USA Thomas Pickering, made the announcement of this alliance during the Global Leadership Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Together the two organizations represent the single largest network of American supporters of the UN.

Ted Turner Travels To Nigeria To Fight Polio

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

As Nigeria celebrates its 50th anniversary, United Nations Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner was in Nigeria from October 24-25, 2010 to deliver a message to local leaders that Nigeria must keep up the fight against disease by continuing to leverage the power of modern vaccines.

“Working together, I know we can finish the job on polio,” said Turner. The UN Foundation is pointing to recent progress in Nigeria as proof that vaccines are key to eradicating polio and reducing measles worldwide.

Ted Turner, UN Foundation President Timothy E. Wirth, and UN Foundation Board Member Andrew Young are visiting Nigeria to meet with government and community leaders to learn firsthand about the power of public-private partnerships aimed at improving children’s health. Their visit comes at the end of a week-long Board meeting in Africa where the Foundation’s Board members called for increased participation by the private sector and civil society to maximize what the UN and governments can achieve together in tackling global challenges.

Ted Turner To Join Annie Lennox At Social Good Summit

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

On September 20, as global leaders head to New York for United Nations Week – including a historic summit on global issues known as the “Millennium Development Goals” (MDGs) and the annual General Assembly – Mashable, 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation will bring together leaders from the digital industry, policy and media worlds for a groundbreaking Social Good Summit focused on how technology and social networks can play a leading role in addressing the world’s most intractable problems.

Speakers will participate in person and via Skype video calls. As a media partner, CNN.com will be live-streaming select parts of the event. Participants include:

Ted Turner, the Chairman of Turner Enterprises, Inc. and former Vice Chairman of Time Warner Inc., the world’s leading media company. He is the founder of CNN, an environmentalist and a philanthropist. Turner created the UN Foundation 1998 with his historic gift in support of the United Nations.

Annie Lennox To Talk Charity At Social Good Summit

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox will join CNN founder Ted Turner and (RED) CEO Susan Smith Ellis at the 2010 Mashable and 92Y Social Good Summit in New York on September 20.

The Social Good Summit, one of the few public events being held during UN Week, is all about solutions. Every speaker will explain how digital media and innovative ideas can combine to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the UN’s framework for creating a safer and healthier world for us all.

Tickets are available here.

Ted Turner And James Cameron To Speak At Renewable Energy Expo

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Ted Turner and James Cameron are just two of the presenters appearing at the AREDAY Renewable Energy Expo in Aspen, starting today.

Ted Turner, T. Boone Pickens and Oscar-nominated film producer James Cameron will present their views about non-fossil fuels and bridging the gap to complete usage of clean energy at the 7th annual AREDAY (American Renewable Energy Day) in Aspen, Colorado. The four-day forum on finding solutions to the myriad environmental problems of our planet takes place August 19 through 22 at venues throughout Aspen.

A highlight of this year’s AREDAY will be an armchair conversation between Ted Turner and T. Boone Pickens, addressing the United States’ capability of replacing greenhouse gas-intensive coal and oil – first with natural gas, a 40 percent-cleaner-burning transition fuel, and then with clean energy sources. The pair will discuss the economic viability of moving to 100 percent clean energy, including wind, solar and geothermal, helping the United States to realize energy independence and amplified national security.

Ted Turner Puts Wealth To Work For A Better World

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

United Nations Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner is taking his example of global philanthropy one step further with a public call for the global community to address the world’s toughest challenges.

Tuner made the statement as part of his membership in The Giving Pledge, an effort to invite the wealthiest individuals and families in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.

UN Foundation President Senator Timothy E. Wirth issued the following statement commending Turner for his leadership in this area: "More than a decade ago Ted Turner established the United Nations Foundation with his historic $1 billion gift underlining the importance of giving back to help improve the world for future generations. Ted’s gift was revolutionary and inspired a new wave of global philanthropy.

George Lucas Pledges Millions To Education

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge, which asks billionaires to donate the majority of their wealth to charity, has garnered some high-profile followers.

Among the world’s elite who have signed up include Bill Gates, Ted Turner and Star Wars creator George Lucas. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has also made a pledge worth hundreds of millions of dollars for charity.

“We’ve really just started but already we’ve had a terrific response,” said Buffett. “The Giving Pledge is about asking wealthy families to have important conversations about their wealth and how it will be used.”

Stars Give Land Mines The Boot With Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Mines Advisory Group is launching a very special celebrity charity auction this week to raise money for people affected by landmines.

Stars such as Katy Perry, Pink, Shirley Bassey, Twiggy, Joanna Lumley, Nelly Furtado, Alan Shearer and Tony Blair’s wife, Cherie, have donated their shoes to the auction, which launches on July 22 and runs till August 1.

“We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from celebrities who’ve given up their shoes to help those affected by conflict every day,” said MAG’s Give Landmines The Boot auction organizer Zoe Corden. "MAG chose to run a celebrity shoe auction because often its peoples’ feet that are the most at risk from landmine blasts, and the stars that donated did so to help us stamp a link between shoes and the dangers that lurk beneath them for millions worldwide.

James Cameron To Be Honored At Global Green Charity Awards

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Avatar director James Cameron and his wife Suzy will be honored by Global Green USA at this year’s 14th Annual Millennium Awards in June.

The pair will be presented the Entertainment Industry Environmental Leadership Award at the event, which will take place at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica on June 12.

Global Green’s Millennium Awards were established to recognize and herald those whose lives and livelihood embody the organization’s mission of “fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure world.” The Awards were designed to honor individuals and organizations who recognize the important connection between humankind and nature, to celebrate their success and inspire others to make such exceptional behavior the norm.  

Star-Studded Event Honors CNN Everyday Heroes

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

This year’s CNN Heroes event featured a host of famous presenters including Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez and Julia Louis Dreyfus.

Presented by Anderson Cooper, the third annual event honored the top 10 CNN Everyday Heroes of 2009, and was taped in front of an audience of 2,500 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Performances by Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood and R&B singer Maxwell enhanced the evening, which took place on November 21 and will be broadcast on CNN on November 26.

The winners of the awards were selected by a panel that included Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Malaak Compton-Rock, Kirk Cameron, Masi Oka, Shakira, Ted Turner and Colin Powell.

Toni Braxton To Be Honored By Charity

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation is to hold its annual Breakthrough Spirit Awards on October 20.

Following the success of last year’s event, the organization will once again host the event at New York’s Plaza Hotel.

The event will honor Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton, actor, writer and commentator Charles Grodin, and media entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner, each of whom has dedicated their time, energy and resources to philanthropic endeavors on behalf of children in need. The evening will feature a special performance by Toni Braxton and a live auction led by Jamie Niven, Vice Chairman, Sotheby’s.

Usher Supports Nothing But Nets

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:30:00 +0000

R&B artist Usher is the latest celebrity to lend his support for the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign.

“I am proud to be a part of an exciting partnership with the United Nations Foundation and its Nothing But Nets campaign,” he said, urging underprivileged youths to become more pro-active in global issues. “This initiative sends an important message: youth, regardless of their backgrounds, can make a difference in this world by taking action through service to save lives. Anyone can make a difference. All it takes is $10 to send a net and save a life.”

Chaired by Ted Turner, the Nothing But Nets campaign aims to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Last week, in anticipation of World Malaria Day on April 25, Turner challenged more people to join the campaign.

Ted Turner Responds To Ashton Kutcher For World Malaria Day

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Following Ashton Kutcher’s Twitter Battle with CNN last week that resulted in Kutcher donating 10,000 mosquito nets to charity, Ted Turner – chairman of the United Nations Foundation – has challenged him yet again.

“Congratulations Kutcher, your Twitter followers really came through for you,” said Turner in his video message. “But World Malaria Day is only the beginning. We need to send more nets and save more lives. And you don’t have to be Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey to make a difference – you just need $10. If 10,000 more people joined the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, I’ll have you and Demi over for lunch at Ted’s Montana Grill in Atlanta. Hope you like Bison Burgers…”

Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. While the UN Foundation has been working with the UN to fight malaria for years, it was a column that Rick Reilly wrote about malaria in Sports Illustrated, challenging each of his readers to donate at least $10 for the purchase of an anti-malaria bed nets — and the incredible response from thousands of Americans across the country — that led to the creation of the Nothing But Nets campaign.

Ashton Kutcher Challenges CNN For Malaria Nets

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Earlier this month, Ashton Kutcher used Twitter to encourage his fans to support World Malaria Day on April 25. Now he has challenged CNN to a popularity race to get 1 million followers on the micro-blogging site. And he’ll make a charity donation if he wins.

“I found it astonishing that one person can actually have as big of a voice online as what an entire media company can on Twitter,” Kutcher says in a video. “So I just thought that was just kind of an amazing comment on the state of our media, and I said that, if I beat CNN to 1 million viewers, then I would ding-dong ditch Ted Turner — because I don’t think it’s gonna happen.”

If Kutcher wins the challenge, he has agreed to donate 10,000 mosquito nets to Malaria No More, a charity he encourages his fans to support.

Annual Charity Gathering Attracts Rich And Famous

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The ‘Fortune Forum Summit’ is an annual charity gathering that brings together heavy hitters from the world of the rich and famous. And earlier this month, the gathering attracted the likes of billionaire philanthropist Ted Turner, singer Joss Stone, designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, actress Milla Jovovich, easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman and Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens.

Held at the Dorchester hotel in Mayfair, London, the event was a virtual who’s who of giving, and was basically a ‘philanthropy party.’ According to the invitation, it was billed as a “a deep humanitarian experience.”

Ted Turner spoke about his $1B donation to United Nations causes.

Bid On Signed Books, Photos And Even C3P0 To Support Children With AIDS

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Celeb2nds.com – a website that specializes in celebrity charity auctions – is currently holding an amazing sale of celebrity-signed items for the Children with AIDS (CWAC) charity.

There is a huge amount of books going under the hammer at the site, including titles signed by Ted Turner, Richard Branson, Michael Parkinson, Geri Halliwell, Piers Morgan, Terry Pratchett, Chris Tarrant, Jeffrey Archer, Maeve Binchy, Bernard Cornwall, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Paul Auster and many others.

For autograph hunters who are looking for signed photos, there is a massive selection including pictures signed by Terry Wogan, Moby, Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly, Tess Daly, David Gower, Rio Ferdinand, Boris Johnson and a particularly revealing signed shot of Danielle Lloyd.

Oceana Awards To Honor Clinton And Sting

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Bill Clinton, Sting, and Trudie Styler will be honored at the annual Oceana Partners Awards this weekend.

Chaired by Sam Waterston and Ted Danson and hosted by Pierce Brosnan, Ron Howard, and Robert Redford, the event honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions through their personal commitment to the cause of protecting and conserving the environment. Past honorees include Ted Turner, Don Henley, James Cameron, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, and Christopher Reeve. Past hosts have included Salma Hayek, Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ron Meyer and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Bill Clinton has been selected as this year’s recipient because his Clinton Climate Initiative – launched in 2006 – works with over 40 of the world’s largest cities to reduce greenhouse emissions. Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, were chosen due to their efforts to raise more than $25 million dollars through 15 benefit concerts for The Rainforest Foundation, which has now expanded to a network of interconnected organizations working in 23 countries around the globe.