Look To The Stars News: Lewis Hamilton

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

A car signed by some of Britain’s favorite stars will go up for auction at Bonhams Auction House tonight, July 3, to raise money for the British Forces Foundation’s Lap of Honour charity, which aims to boost morale in Britiain’s Armed Forces.

For the last year, the Mini cooper – adorned with a Union Jack on the roof – has been traveling around Britain, gathering autographs from well-known faces such as Michael Caine, Richard Branson, Sienna Miller, Simon Cowell, Terry Wogan, Joan Collins, Roger Moore, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Ranulph Fiennes, Tom Jones, Hugh Grant, Judi Dench, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Jackie Stewart, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, Elton John, David Beckham, Magaret Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Gordon Brown, Paul McCartney and many more.

“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year,” said Mark Cann, director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

Proceeds will go to the well-being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel.

To find out more, click here.

GOSH, What Auctions!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:26:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Great Ormond Street Hospital is set to benefit from many current and recent celebrity charity auctions, including a date with Orlando Bloom, which brought in £9,000 ($14,600) just last week.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star was on hand at the Victoria and Albert museum with Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, British TV presenter Vernon Kay and Jade Jagger to help raise over £450,000 ($730,000) for the children’s charity.

Hamilton and other F1 stars, such as Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastian Vettel, Jarno Trulli and Kimi Raikkonen have all signed unique displays for an auction benefitting the children’s hospital. The auction will run at Starcards.org until June 30th.

And, starting today, tennis fans can also visit Starcards.org to bid on the only WTA Tour No.1 Jersey signed by nine former World Number one’s, including Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Martina Navratilova, Justine Henin, Tracy Austin and Maria Sharapova. Also up for grabs are Serena Williams signed designer Nike shoes, and 30 other items. This auction runs until July 5th.

As if that wasn’t enough, also currently on the auction block is an exclusive signed collector’s image from Empire’s 20th Birthday Portfolio which captures Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. To bid, visit EmpireOnline.com.

The Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) was the first hospital in the UK dedicated to children, and since its start in 1852, its pioneering work has caught the attention of many well-known people. Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens and author J M Barrie – who donated the copyright to his famous play Peter Pan – were among the first to pledge their support. More recently, Johnny Depp became a supporter of the hospital, after the staff counted his daughter into the more than 100,000 children treated there annually – children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions.

To learn more about how you can support GOSH, visit gosh.org.

Formula 1 Stars Hit The Catwalk For Charity

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Prior to the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Formula One drivers took part in a fashion show at the Amber Fashion event to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

This is the second year in a row that Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One Management CEO Bernie, has unveiled her F1 inspired men’s wear collection ‘FORM’ using the sports’ driver’s as models. Walking the catwalk for charity were Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Mark Webber, Adrian Sutil, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Sebastian Vettel and F1 veteran David Coulthard.

One of last year’s participants, Mark Webber, commented: “Last year my knees were shaking a bit, but now it’s all routine! Could the catwalk be a career for me? No. So far I’ve never been a fashion junkie, but you never know – never say never!”

Jenson Button also returned to the catwalk for the second year in a row: “Whatever you might think, a modeling career was definitely never my ‘plan B,” said this years Monaco Grand Prix winner. “I do this here because it is a fun event and it is for a good cause. Hopefully the guests will put their hands in their pockets and get some money out this evening. For us drivers it’s a nice break to do something different.”

The event included a charity auction presented by David Furnish, partner of Sir Elton John, and featured unique ‘money can’t buy’ items such as a ‘Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay Luxury Experience,’ a unique print of soccer star Thierry Henry, an original hand-signed etching by Henri Matisse, and the ultimate item – dinner for ten with Sir Elton John at his house in Nice.

Guests in attendance included HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, Bernie Ecclestone, Sir Martin Sorrell, Sir Richard Branson, iconic sprinter Michael Johnson, Elizabeth Hurley and her husband Arun Nayar and many others.

The Big Bid Raises Cash For Charities

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Big Bid – one of the biggest celebrity charity auctions to be held in 2009 – is on right now.

For the entire month of May, items from stars such as Bono, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Ricky Gervais, Cliff Richard, Girls Aloud, Eric Clapton, McFly, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Schumacher, Lulu and many more.

The Big Bid kicked off on May 4 with an event that benefited the Mildmay HIV+AIDS Charity based in East London, in which someone paid £4,200 for the chance to meet Sir Cliff Richard. Other charities that will benefit from the auction include Help for Heroes, Amazing Daisy, CLIC Sargent and more.

To find out more about the auction and start bidding, visit the official Big Bid website.

Celebrities Paint Masks For African Education

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Twenty of the biggest celebrities from music, film, sport and business have painted face masks for a new charity auction on eBay.

The auction is raising money for Education Africa, an organization established in 1992 to assist disadvantaged South Africans in their quest to obtain a quality, relevant education in order to ensure that they are in a position to become global citizens and a competitive force in the local job market.

Up for grabs in the auction are masks decorated by Paris Hilton, Bob Geldof, Stefi Graf, Andre Agassi, Lily Cole, Amanda Holden, Annie Lennox, Piers Morgan, Jude Law, Simon Cowell, Melanie Brown, Lewis Hamilton and many more. The masks will be on display at the chaity’s annual gala dinner to be held at the May Fair Hotel in London on March 31st 2009.

“We have all been overwhelmed by the generous response of so many celebrities to our unique campaign,” chairperson Jania Geoghegan said.

To view the masks and make a bid, visit the eBay site before April 5.

Lewis Hamilton Visits Aussie Burn Victims

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Formula One teams and drivers are arriving for the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia, and some of them haven’t forgotten about the victims who were badly burned during Victoria’s Black Saturday brushfires.

McLaren Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and teammate Heikki Kovalainen, made it their first priority to visit the Alfred Hospitals burn unit. Both drivers jumped at the chance to make the rounds – visiting recovering burn victims, nurses, doctors and hospital staff.

“We can’t imagine what the victims have gone through but to see the smiles on their faces and how strong they are gives me inspiration,” Hamilton said. “Usually during race week we don’t get opportunities to do things like this, when the opportunity was presented to us, we grabbed it with both hands.”

The fire, which claimed the lives of 210 people, left Peter Anderson with third degree burns but a visit from the drivers gave him reason to smile.    "It’s pretty awesome” said Anderson, “It’s not often you get a chance to speak to these guys one on one, especially this close to race day."

The fires, in which 210 people died, form an emotional backdrop to this year’s Australian Grand Prix, which takes place on March 29, 2009.

Terry Pratchett Knighted, Robert Plant Becomes A Commander

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Several of Britain’s most charitable celebrities were honored by the Queen in her New Years Honors List yesterday.

Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music. Plant reformed the 70s rockers for a one-off gig in London in 2007 to benefit the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which provides students with annual scholarships to universities in the U.S, U.K. and Turkey. The organization was established by the late Ahmed Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records.

“During the Zeppelin years, Ahmed Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord,” said Plant, now 60. “This performance stands alone as our tribute to the work and the life of our long-standing friend.”

Also honored by the Queen was Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, who is involved in a number of charities, including Cancer Research UK and Honeypot. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

But the biggest honor went to Fantasy writer Terry Pratchett, who was knighted by Her Majesty. Sir Terry was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2007, and has since donated over a million dollars to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and has dedicated his life to funding a cure for the disease.

“There are times when phrases such as ‘totally astonished’ just don’t do the job,” he said of his knighthood. “I am of course delighted and honored and, needless to say, flabbergasted.”

The honor has been supported by groups that have benefited from Pratchett’s involvement.

“I would like to congratulate Terry on this fantastic and well-deserved achievement,“ said Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society. “Terry is not only a successful author and well-loved public figure; he is also playing a key role in fighting the misunderstanding and stigma surrounding dementia.”

Big Stars Support Cancer Research UK’s ‘Little Stars’

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Celebrities and athletes are lining up to support cancer research via a remarkable program which urges relatives and friends of young cancer patients or survivors to nominate their young heroes for recognition as a ‘Little Star.’

Lewis Hamilton, Leona Lewis, Dr Who actor David Tennant, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson are all supporting the campaign to find “Little Stars” from across the region who have courageously battled against cancer.

The Little Star Awards are given out by Cancer Research UK and partner TK Maxx. There in no panel of judges awarding Little Star’s because they believe each and every child who confronts cancer is extra special. This means that everyone nominated will receive a £100 TK Maxx voucher, a chrome trophy and a certificate signed by celebrities from TV, music and sport.

Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for the West Midlands, said: “The Little Star Awards are now in their sixth year and allow us to recognize the unique challenges faced by youngsters diagnosed with cancer and salute their courage. We are delighted that recipients will this year have £100 to spend on toys, books or fashion as part of TK Maxx’s wider commitment to supporting children with cancer.”

Jo Murphy, TK Maxx’s head of corporate social responsibility, said: “The Little Star Awards are a fantastic way of recognizing the courage of children who face a diagnosis of cancer and the support they receive from families and friends. We’ve supported Cancer Research UK since 2004 and are very pleased to be involved this year.”

The awards are open to children under-17 who have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years. To nominate email littlestar@cancer.org.uk or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar.

Lewis Hamilton Helps the HoneyPot Charity

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:42:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Formula One’s newly crowned world champion, Lewis Hamilton, lent his support to the Honeypot charity via the shirt off his back. Telecommunications giant Sony Ericsson also kicked off their support with a ‘money-cant-buy’ auction on eBay.

Among the treasures that were up for bids in the charity auction was a shirt signed by Lewis Hamilton which sold for $979.00; VIP tickets to see the Pussycat Dolls, a hoody signed by The Zutons and VIP tickets to the screening of new James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

The auction ended November 2 but look for much more support from Sony Ericsson, who recently signed a two-year deal to support the children’s charity.

Honeypot’s regional fundraising manager Karen Betancourt-Jess said: “This is an important adoption for us as we are able to plan more holidays knowing that this money will be raised.”

Rare Queen Memorabilia Up For Grabs For Charity

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Queen fans are in for a big treat this weekend as a special piece of merchandise goes under the hammer for charity.

As part of the Smile4Rich charity auction, a framed copy of Queen’s 1976 album A Day At The Races – signed by the entire band, including Freddie Mercury and Brian May – will be sold at a gala later tonight, October 24.

The auction will also feature a DVD of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 signed by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, and a framed Formula One picture and cap signed by Lewis Hamilton.

“We had some signed Elvis memorabilia up for grabs at last year’s ball and we never imagined we would match that, but this is phenomenal,“ said Neil Westbrook, who is coordinating the auction. “I’m totally blown away by the quality of the items and we really want to raise as much as possible so we’re inviting sealed bids from any fans out there.”

Smile4Rich is the fundraising arm of the Wessex Neurological Centre, the provider of specialist neurological services to over 3 million people across central southern England. More information on the gala – which will be held at the NV Restaurant & Cabaret Lounge in Southampton – can be found at their website.

Lemar Jets In For SADS Ball

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British soul and R&B singer Lemar attended the SADS UK Grand Charity Ball on Saturday.

Just arrived back in the UK from Canada and flying off to a show in Edinburgh early on Sunday morning, the 30-year-old hitmaker joined dignitaries at the event in London to raise awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, an umbrella term that includes a range of conditions such as cardiac arrest.

“Up to 120,000 people suffer cardiac arrest in a public place each year and cardiac arrest can affect people of all ages, sometimes even children,“ said the singer during the evening. “So please support the work of SADS UK and give generously tonight.“

The evening also featured DVD messages of support from Rhydian, Leona Lewis and Ray Quinn, who all donned SADS UK T-shirts.

Lewis also donated an autographed dress to be auctioned during the Ball. Other auction items included a cap signed by Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton and a cricket bat signed by Freddie Flintoff.

SADS UK is a charity that helps to prevent premature loss of life and to improve the lives of those adversely affected by cardiac arrhythmia. It raises awareness about heart conditions that can cause a Sudden Arrhythmic Death, and works with government departments to introduce new guidelines to safeguard those who may be at risk from a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. The charity raises awareness about conditions that may cause SADS and symptoms that need further investigation, and highlights the fact that conditions can be hereditary.

The organization is currently supporting a petition to make AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) available in all schools in the UK. To put your name to the petition, visit here.

Kylie Minogue Adds Her Voice To Children's Campaign

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop princess Kylie Minogue is backing a new campaign to boost vital phone helplines used by thousands of vulnerable and victimized children each year.

The 40-year-old singer has pledged her support to raise $93 million for British children’s charities ChildLine and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Both organizations are currently underfunded and need urgent help to extend their phone helpline services, which provide trained counselors for vulnerable children. According to ChildLine, for every youngster using their service, another cannot get through due to under-funding.

“Finding the courage to tell someone about being abused is one of the most difficult decisions a child will ever have to make,“ Minogue told Britain’s The Sun. “Sadly their cries for help are not always heard because ChildLine is unable to speak to every child who rings the 0800 1111 number. We can all help to change that by supporting the NSPCC’S Child’s Voice Appeal and make sure those children no longer face their troubles alone.”

The Child’s Voice Appeal is a three-year campaign that aims to help ChildLine answer more calls and protect more children. It will also use funds raised to make the unique service available to children by phone, online and by text.

More information on how to join Kylie in supporting this worthy campaign, visit www.childline.org.uk or www.nspcc.org.uk.

Also raising money for the NSPCC at the moment is a online celebrity auction organized by a retired couple in England – Don and Yvette Courtney.

A dress donated by Elizabeth Hurley and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton’s baseball cap are just some of the items on offer. To view the auction, visit www.mooreallen.co.uk.

Stars Auction Shoes To De-Feet Lung Cancer

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has launched its new fundraising campaign De-Feet Lung Cancer with a fabulous celebrity shoe auction.

It is designed to raise awareness and funds to help the charity in its fight against lung cancer – the biggest cancer killer in the UK.

The De-Feet campaign has been inspired by the charity’s namesake, dancing legend Roy Castle. Celebrities from the worlds of sport, music, film and television have joined together to support the De-Feet campaign by donating a pair of their treasured footwear.

Sir Cliff Richard, personal friend of Roy Castle and Life President of the charity said: “I’ve donated a pair of shoes (hopefully not too smelly!) to be auctioned and I hope there’ll be lots of keen bidders! I would like to encourage everyone to support this important campaign to raise much-needed funds for its life-saving work. De-Feet is a great way to show support for the Foundation’s work – go on, choose your unique pair of celebrity shoes from the auction list, and start bidding!”

Also up for sale are the shoes Daniel Radcliffe wore in the Harry Potter films, the shoes Judi Dench wore in the James Bond films, Lewis Hamilton’s shoes from the Monaco Grand Prix, the black suede heels Melanie C wore when the Spice Girls reunion was launched, Robbie Keane and Michael Carrick’s football boots, Andrew Flintoff’s cricket shoes, and many more.

The auction, which launched today and runs until October 3, can be accessed through www.roycastle.org/de-feet. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the UK wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer, the biggest cancer killer in the world.

These Boots Were Made For Charity

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The native people of North America have a saying: “Before you judge someone, first walk a mile in their moccasins.” Well, now you can, because a group of celebrities are donating their footwear to a special auction to raise money for charity.

The Roy Castle Lung Foundation is launching the auction as part of their De-Feet campaign, which hopes to defeat lung cancer through research and education. And they have already gathered shoes from Harry Potters’ Daniel Radcliffe, James Bond’s Dame Judi Dench, Formula 1’s Lewis Hamilton, the Spice Girls’ Melanie C, and Take That’s Gary Barlow for the sale.

“I lost my husband, Michael, to lung cancer in 2001, which is why I believe so passionately that this is the way forward,” said Judi Dench. “I am one of the thousands of people affected by this injustice. Please join me in this fight against lung cancer. Together we can make a profound difference.”

Bidding starts on September 12 and can be accessed via De-Feet’s website. Make a bid – it will be good for your sole.

Shilpa Shetty Auctions Kisses For Charity

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty won a Global Diversity Award 2008 last week for making a significant contribution to the understanding of diversity, and helped raise $126,000 for charity by auctioning a kiss.

The 32-year-old Indian beauty attended last week’s Silver Star gala in London, and was awarded with the charity’s prestigious Global Diversity Award, along with Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton. The gala included a dinner and auction to raise money for the Silver Star Foundation, a British-based diabetes charity that runs mobile diabetes assessment units. Launched by Labour MP Keith Vaz last year when he was diagnosed as a diabetes patient, the charity plans to buy their third mobile unit with the money raised from the gala.

As well as a chance to dine with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the auction included a number of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. But it was Shetty’s impromptu announcement to auction a kiss to the highest bidder that raised the most interest, with one fan forking out $25,000 for the honor.

The lucky winner got to kiss the star three times on the cheek for his money, and Silver Star came one step closer to their goal.

Celebs Sign Mercedes for 46664 Auction

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

There was a lot of action backstage at the 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90 last Friday night. In addition to performing and giving interviews, celebrities were asked to sign a new Mercedes-Benz C350. Mercedes-Benz, a lead sponsor of the Mandela concert, then presented the vehicle to 46664, which will put it on the auction block.

Celebrities whose autographs now decorate the car include Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Queen and Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, the Sugababes, Razorlight, Jamelia, Zuccero, Geri Halliwell, Eddy Grant, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Quincy Jones, and Lewis Hamilton.

Earlier in the day, tennis legend and Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Boris Becker – who is also a representative of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – took the vehicle to visit socially disadvantaged children in London. The children decorated the sedan with multi-colored handprints; they were also invited to attend the concert later that evening.

“It is a great honor for us to be able to support a public figure like Nelson Mandela who has influenced entire generations and has inspired people,” said Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “In recognition of Mandela as a symbolic figure for the next generation, and in appreciation of his efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, children have decorated a new Mercedes-Benz C 350 with their handprints.”

Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Party Rocks London

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Hyde Park was transformed into a giant birthday bash Friday night as 46,664 people joined “birthday boy” Nelson Mandela and a stellar lineup of entertainers to raise funds and awareness for his 46664 charity.

It had been raining on and off all day in London, but the skies cleared just in time for the once-in-a-lifetime lineup of musicians and entertainers to take the stage in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday. The event was hosted by an enthusiastic Will Smith, and performers included Jivan Gasparyan, Razorlight, the cast of Into the ’Hoods, Sipho Mibuze, Leona Lewis, Zucchero, Suzanna Owiyo and D’Gary, Sugababes, Annie Lennox (who performed with the Agape Children’s Choir), Emmanual Jal, Vusi Mahlasela, Jamelia, Loyiso, Johnny Clegg, Joan Baez, Eddy Grant, Kurt Darren, Simple Minds, Brian May and Andrea Corr, Amy Winehouse, 9ice and Bebe Cool, Josh Groban, Amaral, and Queen and Paul Rodgers. The renowned Soweto Gospel Choir accompanied many of the acts. Additional entertainers who introduced the musical acts included Quincy Jones, Lewis Hamilton, Geri Halliwell, Peter Gabriel, Stephen Fry, and Jerry Dammers.

After Jivan Gasparyan opened the show with an instrumental piece to accompany a moving series of photographs of Mandela, Will Smith took to the stage with his wife Jada and announced, “The party starts now.” An energizing performance by Razorlight set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Quincy Jones introduced crowd favorite Leona Lewis, who sang her two top hits “Better in Time” and “Bleeding Love.” Lewis wished Mandela a happy birthday and told a touching story of how she and her family used to sing songs about him when she was young.

Other birthday wishes came via a film of various celebrities who were unable to attend, including David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Crow, Morgan Freeman, and Susan Sarandon.

Smith returned to the stage throughout the show, revving the crowd with a surprise performance of his song “Switch,” which included rap verses from his hit television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Annie Lennox, a passionate HIV/AIDS activist and staunch supporter of Mandela’s charities, made a moving speech about a young girl she had met in Africa who was gravely ill with AIDS but was able to make a miraculous recovery thanks to proper treatment and care. Before and after images of the girl were shown on the large screens behind Lennox, who then performed a song with the Agape Children’s Choir. The crowd sang along as the lyrics “We are together… We are family” flashed across the screens.

Peter Gabriel introduced Emmanual Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan who sang a song dedicated to the British aid worker who rescued him and 150 other children. Gerri Halliwell introduced trailblazing South African music legend Johnny Clegg, who performed a duet with Joan Baez.

Immediately following this performance was the highlight of the night. Will and Jada Smith introduced the “birthday boy” himself, and Nelson Mandela was escorted onto the stage to thunderous cheers and applause. The concert performers gathered on stage and, together with the nearly 50,000 people in attendance, sang “Happy Birthday.”

Mandela waved to the crowd and made a brief, moving speech. “We say tonight after nearly 90 years of life, it’s time for new hands to lift the burdens,” he said. “It’s in your hands now, I thank you.”

Eddy Grant and Kurt Darren followed up Mandela’s appearance with “Give Me Hope Johanna,” a song Grant wrote during South Africa’s apartheid regime. Simple Minds performed, having also performed at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1988; and celebrated English humorist Stephen Fry introduced Brian May and Andrea Corr. The most highly anticipated performance of the evening came next, as a recently hospitalized Amy Winehouse teetered onto the stage in platform heels to perform her hit songs “Rehab” and “Valerie.”

After a politically-fueled performance by Nigerian artist 9ice and Ugandan musician Bebe Cool – who appeared on stage in bright orange prison jumpsuits emblazoned with "46664” – Josh Groban sang with Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Spanish artists Amaral performed an acoustic number, and then Mandela and the audience were treated to a video of U2’s Bono and The Edge singing Stevie Wonder’s peppy rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The penultimate act was Queen and Paul Rodgers, who performed a fan-friendly medley of Queen’s greatest hits, including “The Show Must Go On,” “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions.” The crowd sang and clapped along thunderously.

The concert’s finale featured anti-apartheid campaigner and musician Jerry Dammers, who organized the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. Dammers and Winehouse led the entire line-up of performers and the crowd in singing Dammers’ anthem “Free Nelson Mandela.” Formerly sung in protest against Mandela’s imprisonment, the song took on a celebratory tone and was a fitting end to an historic event.

All proceeds from the concert will go to 46664, the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s campaign for global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

To send birthday wishes to Nelson Mandela – who turns 90 on 18 July – visit www.happybirthdaymandela.com. Proceeds from this birthday card campaign go to Nelson Mandela’s charities.

Lewis Hamilton's Sleeping Bag To Be Auctioned For Charity

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On July 16, some clever students from Maple Court Primary School (UK) are going to stage an amazing charity auction for the school’s latest efforts to expand its creative curriculum.

Nathan Hulme, aged 11, said: “We’ve written to places like Waterworld to ask if they can help us. The most interesting bit has been getting the replies.”

After firing off 60 letters to companies and asking for donations, they have gathered a list of auction items that would put ‘big auction houses’ to shame – notably Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton’s sleeping bag.

“We got it from Mercedes Benz,” 11-year-old Jordan Fisher said.

Other auction items include Waterworld and Stoke City match tickets, Alton Towers discounts, a Mercedes Formula One jacket, football boots, a meal for two, and Next vouchers.

Assistant Head Rachelle Chamberlain said: “It’s amazing how much the boys’ writing, in particular, has improved through this project. They have been enjoying writing to football clubs.”

The school decided to get students involved in planning the auction to show them how their literacy, numeric and IT skills could be put to use in real life. In addition to writing the letters, students have been designing the auction program, making tickets, and creating advertising posters and slogans.

School staff members believe this approach is already having a positive impact on children’s motivation and achievements, and the students are also creating their own version of TV series Top Gear – a show on which Lewis has made guest appearances.

“We try to give them experiences they are interested in,” said Head teacher Gail Beech “The best writing we have had has either been as a result of welcoming visitors or from children going on trips.”

Profits from the auction will be split between charitable causes and buying new school playground equipment.

Orlando And Bono Attend Gorbachev Gala

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:36:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev hosted a glittering charity gala at Hampton Court on Saturday night that saw a stunning array of celebrities show up to support the fight against cancer in children.

Kate Beckinsale, Orlando Bloom, Tracey Emin, Petra Nemcova, Kevin Spacey and Joan Collins were just some of the stars that turned out for the dinner, auction and dance to raise money for the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation – a charity established by Mr Gorbachev following the death of his wife in 1999.

A three course dinner was followed by an impressive selection of items up for auction, including a private night at Annabel’s nightclub in Mayfair for 160 people, clothes from designer Giles Deacon, a new Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and a private high-speed drive with British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

This was followed by a moving speech made by Hugh Grant, whose mother died from cancer in 2001, and a special performance from Bono.

“We are delighted Hugh is so involved this year,” said one of the organizers. “He is a very important part of the charity. For him to stand up and talk about his late mother is very special. It’s a night where people really do go to incredible lengths to raise money for an amazingly worthwhile charity.”

Last year’s Gala was also an exciting event.

Life In The Fast Lane Gets Even Faster For Kimi Raikkonen

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:25:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ferrari’s Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen may be used to life in the fast lane, but things are going to get a whole lot faster thanks to a charity auction held late last week.

The driver paid $315,000 for a 1974 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Hollywood actress Sharon Stone at the Amber Fashion Show and Auction in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Friday night in Monaco.

The gala, held at the Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel, raised over $1.6 million for the charity, and was attended by a “who’s who” of the motor racing world. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, Honda’s Jenson Button, Red Bull’s Mark Webber, and Renault’s Nelson Piquet were among drivers modelling a collection designed by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone’s daughter, and many of them looked like they will have a career in high fashion modelling after their racing days are over.

But it was the auction that raised most people’s eyebrows, with a number of high value items going under the hammer. As well as Stone’s Corvette – which only had 4 miles on the clock – billionaire Vijay Mallya, co-owner of the Force India Formula One team, paid $357,000 for a piano used by Elton John to write his “Songs from the West Coast” album in 2001. Mallya also donated a one-week cruise on his 95-metre “Indian Empress”, one of the largest privately-owned yachts in the world, with that going out the door for $592,000.

Look To The Stars News: Lewis Hamilton

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