Look To The Stars News: Robbie Williams

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

British comedian Peter Kay will unveil a new single to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need charity at the organization’s annual TV extravaganza on November 20.

Details of the single are being closely guarded, but the charity is promising over 100 faces from Britain and America will be involved in the video.

Also available from HMV and download and benefiting Children In Need is “All You Need is Love” – a reworking of the Beatles classic, recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, featuring the talents of Terry Wogan, Bill Wyman, Brian May, Bryan Ferry, Sharon Corr, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Paloma Faith, Lee Mead, Hayley Westenra and more.

Last week, the charity benefited from a massive charity concert organized by Gary Barlow that saw a reunion between Take That and Robbie Williams, as well as performances by Lily Allen, Annie Lennox, Katherine Jenkins, Paul McCartney and many more.

Take That And Friends To Rock Children In Need Tonight

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Thousands of charity-minded people are expected to pack the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight, November 12, for a huge star-studded concert organized by Gary Barlow and Take That.

Every year, BBC Children in Need creates magic moments that raise huge amounts of money for disadvantaged children, and this year the UK’s finest musicians hope to help raise more than ever with a spectacular show at the Royal Albert Hall.

The star-studded bill includes; Lily Allen, Paul McCartney, Dizzee Rascal, Dame Shirley Bassey, Leona Lewis, Snow Patrol, Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud, Katherine Jenkins and Muse. And of course Gary will also perform on the night with his Take That partners, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, as they again show their unwavering support of the charity – there’s even rumors of a possible reunion with Robbie Williams.

“It’s fantastic to be able to kick off BBC Children in Need 2009 in such a special way,” said Gary Barlow, “I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I can promise a night to remember, a night that will, I hope, play a small part in changing the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK.”

Radio 1’s Chris Moyles will host the event and will be joined on stage by Peter Kay, Fearne Cotton, James Corden and the legend that is Sir Terry Wogan, who will help introduce the stars and remind us of the work that BBC Children in Need carries out in the UK.

The show will be broadcast on BBC One in the weekend before the main BBC Children in Need Appeal on November 20 and coverage of the concert will be repeated on BBC Three, Wednesday 18 November at 9.00pm with highlights, presented by Kate Thornton, on Radio 2, Thursday 19 November at 8.00pm.

Viewers and listeners to the show will be invited to donate to help raise even more money.

LTTS Exclusive - The Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent, Richard Barker, attended the Caudwell Children Ball last weekend and filed this exclusive report.

As a photographer and a journalist, I am fortunate enough to have many unique experiences, and I’m pleased to say that on Friday night was one of the best!

Archant London hosted a Press Ball for Caudwell Children. The Butterfly Ball at the Landmark Hotel in London’s Regent Park was attended by some truly inspiring people. Archant London’s Managing Director, Enzo Testa, welcomed the guests telling them though financial conditions were tough, he was confident that by their very presence, their generosity would produce a wealth of cash for the children, and so it proved.

  Archant London publishes 29 weekly newspapers and 28 local community websites. With this sort of pulling power it’s not surprising that the auction prizes were donated by Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and a one off designer dress from Jenny Packham. The top raffle prize was a diamond encrusted Rotary watch.

  Caudwell Children, founded in 2000 by entrepreneur John Caudwell, has so far raised more then £10 million. Every penny has gone straight to the children! John picked up the tab for the administration, which is one of the reasons the charity was chosen by Enzo Testa.  

He said: "Caudwell Children helps children with terminal illnesses who need support. Every penny we raise goes directly to helping Caudwell do just that. That is why I chose this worthy cause as Archant London’s focus for our Butterfly Ball.

“  To achieve the total, a team from Archant London spent a full year organising and collecting prizes and gifts.  

Actress Lucinda Rhodes and X Factor singer Andy Abraham donated their time and provided the cabaret with popular broadcaster Mike Read hosting the evening. Other celebrities to attend included Miss England 2009 Rachel Christie, Miss Galaxy International 2010 Hayley Mac, Lynne Franks of I’m a Celebrity Get me out of Here fame and leading PR expert, Lisa Voice self made music and property millionaire and girlfriend of the late 50’s rock legend, Billy Fury, Esther McVery presenter, Karen Millen designer and performer Sonique.  

The dress donated by designer Jenny Peckham went for £1,400 and a signed Michael Jackson display containing a platinum disc went for £1,500. Mohamed Ali’s signed boxing trunks were sold for £2,100. The top prize of the night was a lithograph by legendary artist Pablo Picasso from his Sketchbook collection that eventually sold for £3,000.

I sat with Hayley Mac (Miss Galaxy 2010). She told me that it was a pleasure to be supporting such a worthy cause. She’s very passionate about her charity work. Hayley said that she was really pleased that we were raising funds for the kids. She also said that she would love to meet them. We both agreed that there wellbeing is incredibly important.

  Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, Trudi Beswick thanked Enzo Testa and Archant London for their commitment and for organising the event. She also thanked the many sponsors of the evening by highlighting some of the individual cases where the charity has brought life and fulfilled ambitions.  

Many children they help are terribly afflicted by disease and life threatening illnesses, and the charity supplies the means to achieve their ambitions and restore dignity to illness devastated young lives.  

She emphasised that every penny goes to helping them achieve ambitions such as just walking or going on a family holiday.  

She said: “I am looking forward to meeting Daniel. He is only 10 and suffers from Leukaemia. He was not given much hope of survival and indeed suffered a stroke from which he was not expected to live through. But against all the odds Daniel fought back and has survived, and in November his ambition will come true. We are taking him and his family to Disneyland in America. His life expectancy is very short, but we are pleased to help fulfil this determined young man’s wishes.”

  The battle to help these children continues and as Archant London’s chosen charity, readers can make their own donation on www.justgiving.com/archantappeal or by posting a cheque to Archant Appeal, Media House, 539 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1UD. For more details speak to Claire Evans – 020 8477 3939 claire.evans@archant.co.uk

To date Caudwell Children has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions. The Charity is committed to changing the lives of children by providing individual donations of specialist equipment, treatment and therapy as well as its annual Destination Dreams holiday for families coping with a child’s terminal illness.

Caudwell Children was registered in March 2000 and is widely recognised as one of the country’s fastest growing children’s charities. Since its inception the charity has doubled every pound raised, achieved through supplier partnerships, which means every pound donated works even harder.

The Charity was founded by entrepreneur, John Caudwell, whose vision was to create a sustainable children’s charity that offered benefactors’ transparency and piece of mind that 100% of their donation was being used to directly change children’s lives.

By donating the cost of the Charity’s annual management and administration overheads, John has guaranteed an efficient way for individuals and businesses to change the lives of thousands of sick and disabled children living in the UK.

John Caudwell remains the Charity’s largest benefactor and sits as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The Charity’s ambassadors include Hollywood actress and author, Joan Collins, actress Elizabeth Hurley, Rod and Penny Stewart, Bruce Forsyth and singer Robbie Williams.

Celebrity-Led Fundraising Campaign Supports Charities In Their Hour Of Need

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

How would you like to meet some of your favourite celebs, in the flesh? Are you a fan of Daniel O’Donnell or Tim Henman, maybe Raymond Blanc or Rock Legend Suzi Quatro?

Or, maybe celebrities are not your thing, so how about the ultimate behind the scenes day with the Red Arrows or backstage on GMTV? Perhaps even own one of Paul O’Grady’s iconic Lily Savage dresses or a stunning print signed by Ali and Joe Frazier!

All these and a lot more form part of a very timely and innovative celebrity led fundraising campaign which launches on Thursday evening May 21st to provide hard hit charities with much needed revenue at a time when their donation levels are plummeting.

The BIG Bid campaign was created and built by the specialist charity support organisation, Ingenious Fundraising, in partnership with eBay for Charity and supported by the Charities Aid Foundation. It has been two years in the planning and can be found at www.ebay.co.uk/thebigbid. The campaign really is going live at a crucial time for the nation’s voluntary sector.

Campaign director, Paul Sayer, says ‘People seem to be fed up with doom and gloom stories at the moment so we hope they will indulge in a little retail therapy to lift their spirits. By treating themselves to something special they will also get a feel-good factor from knowing they are helping some very deserving causes into the bargain’.

‘We have found some exceptional items such as the ultimate VIP day for the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Tim Henman signing a special memento or how about a flight over London in a vintage airliner with a celebrity guest on board. These are experiences that just don’t come along every day, so should attract some real interest’.

About 25 charities will benefit from the campaign which runs for 10 days until Sunday May 31st including one of the nation’s most popular causes, Help for Heroes, along with Action for Children, CLIC Sargent, the Teenage Cancer Trust and many more.

Going under the hammer are items such as:

The Ultimate VIP Day with The Red Arrows. Really get behind the scenes at their Scampton home base.
Paul O’Grady’s Lilly Savage teddy bear dress
Meet Countdown’s own Rachel Riley
Meet Daniel O’Donnell in person in concert
The Ultimate VIP Day at Haydock Racecourse for The Sprint Cup as guests of Betfred – rub shoulders with a host of celebrities.
Meet Raymond Blanc and a host of celebrity chefs at amazing Gala Gourmet Dinner in Guildhall, London.
Ali v Frazier stunning signed print
Meet Rock Legend Suzi Quatro in concert
Men’s Finals Day VIP package with personally signed memorabilia by Tim Henman at Wimbledon 2009.
Pelé hand signed retro Brazil shirt with photo COA
Fully signed England Football Squad shirt donated by the FA
The X-Factor judges amazing art work Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh crafted in toast – yes toast!
Retro 1966 England Shirt signed by 20 of the World Cup winning squad and photo evidence
Meet the GMTV team – go backstage during a morning broadcast
Glastonbury signed shirts inc Kings Of Leon, The Fratellis and The Verve
Jeff banks own Olympic Bid Team Watch
Jools Holland signed memorabilia
Fly over London in an historic aircraft
Signed Brian Lara mini cricket bat
Stunning signed memorabilia from Lulu, Kylie Minogue, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Schumacher and many other stars of stage, screen, music and sport
Signed sheet music from Queen and Robbie Williams.

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.

Chelsea To Host Celebrity Charity Soccer

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge will once again host the Celebrity Soccer Six tournament this May to help raise money for the Samaritans.

For the last seven years, the competition has attracted celebrity players such as Oasis, Razorlight, Kasabian, Robbie Williams, Rod Stewart, McFly, Westlife and many more. Members of Babyshambles have already confirmed their place in this year’s competition.

With over 150 stars, Soccer Six is the most prestigious six-a-side celebrity football tournament in the world, with names from music, sport, television, film and entertainment all displaying their skills.

“Everyone involved have always felt that Chelsea is the spiritual home of Soccer Six,” said Soccer Six managing director Mark Abery. “In the seven years we’ve been gone we’ve taken the event to Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Villa, Birmingham and Everton, all great clubs and all great Soccer Sixes but it does feel really exciting to be back at Chelsea. To mark this historic occasion we’ll be inviting back all our previous champions and biggest names to battle it out for this year’s title.”

The event takes place on Sunday 24 May, with tickets available from chelseafc.com, priced at £12 for adults and £10 for children.

Red Nose Day TV Special Breaks Records

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

BBC’s Red Nose Day television extravaganza, Funny For Money, raised over £57 million (US$80 million) on Friday night, breaking the previous record of £40 million set in 2007.

Presented by David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and others, Funny For Money aired on March 13 on BBC One and Two and featured comedy items performed by Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Robbie Williams, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield, Peter Crouch, David Beckham, Ronnie Corbett, Sadie Frost, and Kate Moss.

A special version of Top Of The Pops featuring performances by U2, James Morrison and Oasis – as well as Tom Jones and Rob Brydon singing the official Comic Relief single, Islands In The Stream – also aired as part of the extravaganza. The Islands In The Stream single has just topped the UK charts, which will bring in more cash for the cause.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s – which sold the official Comic Relief merchandise – handed over a cheque for over £9 million to the show’s presenters during the evening, the single largest donation ever made in the event’s 11 year history. Another £20 million as donations keep coming in.

Celebrity Kilimanjaro climbers Alesha Dixon, Ben Shephard, Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles, Denise Van Outen, Fearne Cotton, Gary Barlow, Kimberley Walsh and Ronan Keating also made an appearance, and it was revealed that their efforts had raised £3,326,142 for Comic Relief.

‘It is just incredible to see such a huge amount of money given by the public again on Red Nose Day," said Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis. "Red Nose Day is 21 years old this year and its success is down to the unrelenting support and ingenuity of our supporters – it belongs not to the comedians, but to the people who give. It’s wonderful that, in more difficult times, people seem to understand that the need increases for people whose lives were impossibly tough in the first place. The work this money funds helps change and save lives all over Africa and the United Kingdom. A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped to make this year’s Red Nose Day such a memorable and brilliant campaign."

The evening also featured appearances from Annie Lennox and Take That.

Red Nose Day TV Special To Tickle BBC Funny Bones

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Today, March 13, is Red Nose Day in Britain – the major fundraising event of the year for Comic Relief. And to celebrate, celebrities young and old will appear in a TV extravaganza being screened tonight on BBC One and Two.

Presented by David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and others, Funny For Money will feature the last ever French & Saunders film parody – a version of Mamma Mia! performed by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders – plus comedy items performed by Robbie Williams, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield, Peter Crouch, David Beckham, Sadie Frost, and Kate Moss. There will also be an appearance from Annie Lennox.

As part of the show, Comic Relief will also present a special version of Top Of The Pops that will feature performances by U2, James Morrison and Oasis, as well as Tom Jones and Rob Brydon singing the official Comic Relief single, (Barry) Islands In The Stream.

The show will also a special appearance by the celebrity climbers who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last week. The group – including Take That’s Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl Cole, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles – reached the summit of the 19,300ft (5,900m) peak as dawn broke on Saturday, March 7. They featured in their own BBC One documentary last night, and also met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has pledged £2 million to the charity.

“It has been a privilege for the whole team to meet the Prime Minister … and under such special circumstances,” said Barlow. “To think that our efforts on the mountain and the incredible generosity of the public have inspired school children and have now been supported by the Government is unbelievable. If the money raised can help control malaria and also help poor and vulnerable people in the UK, it will all have been worthwhile. What an unforgettable day.”

The Funny For Money TV special runs from 7pm to 1:30am. Viewers will have the chance to pledge money to go towards helping people in the UK overcome poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence and other issues, and people in Africa affected by AIDS, malaria, conflict and more.

Whatever It Takes For Christmas

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Whatever It Takes – the charity that offers artworks and clothing designed by celebrities – have some great gift ideas for the coming holiday season.

The charity – which raises money for all sorts of charities, such as Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace and many more – is offering T-shirts designed by the Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party; rings designed by Robbie Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and Snoop Dogg; mouse pads from George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, and Coldplay; bed linen from Joss Stone; and a huge selection of plates and mugs designed by Bob Geldof, Paul McCartney, Ewan McGregor and many others.

To get your hands on one of these unique items – which would make the perfect gift – or to see the entire range, visit the Whatever It Takes website.

England Shines At Soccer Aid 2008

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

England took on the “Rest of the World” at Wembley Stadium last night, September 7, in the star-studded Soccer Aid 2008 charity football match.

First organized by Robbie Williams two years ago, this year’s match saw England – Alan Shearer, Kyran Bracken, Ben Shephard, Gareth Gates, Jamie Theakston and Williams’ Soccer Aid co-founder Jonathan Wilkes – battle bravely against a World team captained by Gordon Ramsay, Nicky Byrne, Alastair Campbell, Patrick Kielty, Brian Lara, Jesse Metcalfe, and Peter Schmeichel.

The first goal of the match was scored by Teddy Sheringham for the England team just 9 minutes into the game, and was followed moments later by further heartbreak for the Rest of the World when captain Ramsay was forced to leave the field due to injury.

The scores were equalized by half time, but a last minute goal by English team captain Wilkes saw England win 4-3.

Over 40,000 people packed the stadium to watch the spectacle, with all proceeds going to UNICEF’s health, education and protection work with vulnerable children all over the world. UNICEF helps children to survive and thrive in more than 190 countries worldwide, working with partners to provide emergency support and long-term development solutions.

Robbie Williams Returns With Soccer Aid 2008

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British pop star Robbie Williams is organizing a soccer extravaganza to raise money for UNICEF.

Soccer Aid 2008, which will take place at Wembley Stadium on September 7, will see two teams of celebrities go head to head in a match of epic proportions. The game will pit an English “All Star” team – featuring Alan Shearer, Kyran Bracken, Ben Shephard, Gareth Gates, Jamie Theakston and Williams’ Soccer Aid co-founder Jonathan Wilkes – against a Rest Of The World side that includes Gordon Ramsay, Nicky Byrne, Alastair Campbell, Patrick Kielty, Brian Lara, Jesse Metcalfe, and Peter Schmeichel.

The match follows the first Soccer Aid game played in Old Trafford in 2006 that raised £2.6 million (US$5 million) for UNICEF, of which Williams is an Ambassador. Williams, who captained the England side in the first game, is unable to play this year due to a knee injury.

“Being able to help so many people through Soccer Aid was one of the true highlights of my life,” said the singer. “I’m gutted that this time round my knee isn’t up to it so unfortunately I’m out of the game. But I hope that everyone involved has the time of their life like I did, raises loads of money for Unicef and that the best side wins.”

The match will be televised on ITV in Britain, and will be hosted by Ant and Dec.

Tickets are available from www.itv.com/socceraid.

Robbie Williams Feeds The Needy

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:00:53 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

’Twas the night before Christmas, and one could find British pop star Robbie Williams lending a helping hand at a shelter in Los Angeles.

The 33-year-old singer began a flurry of charitable acts that began on Christmas Eve and continued on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, in which he served food and performed carols for the Union Rescue Mission, America’s largest soup kitchen, situated in the infamous ‘Skid Row’ area of the city.

“Robbie does an awful lot of charity work,” said chef Raymond Terry, who first took Robbie to the shelter. “This is really close to his heart. Everybody I’ve taken to Skid Row is moved to tears.”

Despite the average homeless person at the shelter not knowing who Robbie was, there was a lot of excitement generated from the buzz that he was a big pop star in Europe.

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.

It's Never Too Crowded For Charity

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:35:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Half of the band is American, yet they originated in Australia, and the lead singer is a New Zealander. Veteran pop band Crowded House can truly be considered as one of the most international music groups ever to grace the airwaves. And even though they are currently halfway through a world tour to promote their latest album, they still find time to be part of a new collaborative CD to raise money for Oxfam.

“The Cake Sale” (CD /MP3) is a new record featuring a loose and expansive collective of musicians and writers, including Crowded House founding member Nick Seymore, who have combined to create a 9 song CD of previously unreleased recordings. Profits from the album, which also features Nina Persson from The Cardigans, Damien Rice, and Snow Patrol, will go to Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign, as well as to their overseas program work. It was released in Britain in September, where it has already raised almost $300,000, and was made available in the US on October 16.

Crowded House formed in 1984, as a result of the demise of an earlier band called Split Enz. Ex-Enz singer/songwriter Neil Finn, and drummer Paul Hester, joined bass player Nick Seymore to form the new band, then travelled to Los Angeles. There they were signed to Capital Records. Over the next 12 years, the band released four albums, and garnered a loyal fan base with a strong repertoire of hits on both sides of the Atlantic, including “Don’t Dream It’s Over”, “Weather With You”, and “Four Seasons In One Day”.

In 1996, the band called it a day, and played a final Farewell To The World concert to 120,000 people in front of the Sydney Opera House. Proceeds from what many regard as one of the most emotional gigs ever all went to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

The following years saw the members of the group pursue new musical directions. Finn released two solo albums, and also travelled to Africa with Oxfam, a trip that resulted in him becoming an Oxfam Ambassador. In 2005, he was part of Oxfam’s Big Noise program, an international petition of more than 10 million signatures which called on decision makers to change unfair global trade rules so that people in developing countries have the chance to work their way out of poverty. He has since been part of a number of concerts to raise money for Oxfam, and also took time time entice his fellow New Zealanders to be a part of Oxjam in October 2007.

“You can do something,” said 49 year old Finn. “You can use your voice and tell the world that we won’t stand for people living in poverty any more. It’s not just about charity, it’s about justice. So stand up. Get singing, get playing. Make as much noise as you can and support Oxjam.”

Finn, who was awarded an OBE in 1993 for services to New Zealand music, also supports other charities in his native country, often contributing to celebrity auctions. One of the most popular of these is the annual auction held for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, New Zealand’s only dedicated music therapy centre catering for special needs children. In 2005, the hand-written lyrics to his most popular songs raised $15,000 for the charity.

In February 2007, Neil Finn played a charity show for Scope, England’s largest organization for people living with cerebral palsy. The concert was held at Stowe School in Wales, and also featured Aussie rocker, Jimmy Barnes. The event was followed by a celebrity auction featuring items donated by Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, and Australian cricketer, Shane Warne.

2007 also saw the reforming of Crowded House as a band, with the release of their new album, “Time On Earth”. The album, dedicated to the memory of drummer Paul Hester, went straight to the top of the charts in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, and was in the top twenty in many parts of Europe. One of the first gigs the band played together to promote the album was Hyde Park Calling, a benefit concert festival held in London on June 23 and 24. Organized in conjunction with Hard Rock Cafe, it was the first concert in the second annual Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global concert series featuring top artists and bands, benefitting charities worldwide. The London concert, which also featured Peter Gabriel, Chris Cornell, and Aerosmith, raised funds for the Nordoff-Robbins Foundation, a charitable organization that provides music therapy to autistic children, and Global Angels, a charity that acts as an umbrella fundraising mechanism for children’s projects throughout the world.

A few weeks later, Crowded House played at the Live Earth concert in Sydney, closing the show in memorable fashion, despite a power failure that meant most of their set was played in the dark.

“It feels right to us that the band should re-emerge at this time,” said Finn before the Live Earth concert. “We aim to make this show as vital and spirited as what has come before.”

More information about “The Cake Sale” album, which Hot Press describes as being “the album other charity records aspire to be”, can be found at www.thecakesale.com, and the official Crowded House website can be viewed at www.crowdedhouse.com.

Celebrities Play Bingo For Charity

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:29:17 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British pop star Robbie Williams is one of a host of celebrities involved with Legendary Bingo, a weekly fundraising event held in Los Angeles. The singer was part of a charity evening earlier in August, held at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grill, with proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

The evening was a colorful and fun affair, with Williams winning the grand prize – a Diane Merrick leopard-print handbag. The following week, it was Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines’ turn to play the game.

“She asked if we would consider doing a wild bingo night for one of her favorite charities,” said Jeffery Bowman, producer of the Legendary Bingo events. “She was one of the most normal, nicest people I’ve ever met.”

Proceeds from that evening went to the Voice For The Animals Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, advocacy, and legislation. Maines had so much fun that she is already in negotiations to be involved in another Legendary Bingo event for charity.

Legendary Bingo was started by Bowman in 1998, as a fundraising event for AIDS projects in Los Angeles. It proved so popular that within a few months it was benefiting a different charity every week, including Habitat For Humanity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Caring For Babies With Aids, and the American Cancer Society. Before long, celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Courteney Cox, Daryl Hannah, and Tori Spelling also started to get involved, both as players and ball-callers.

Legendary Bingo has raised over $1.5 million for local and national charities and the arts since its inception.

Robbie Williams Gives It Sum More

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:11:41 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Robbie Williams has donated $3 million (£1.5 million) to his “Give It Sum” fund. Run in partnership with the UK Comic Relief, the fund provides grants for self-help projects, community groups and voluntary organisations based in North Staffordshire, where Robbie grew up.

Williams began Give It Sum in 2000 using $3 million (£1.5 million) given to him by Pepsi as part of an endorsement deal. The latest donation makes a total of $6 million (£3 million) he has given to help local people to find solutions to local problems. Money for the latest donation was raised through the sale of career memorabilia, such as platinum discs and hand-written lyrics.

Give It Sum offers grants to groups making less than $300,000 (£150,000) a year, and in the past has aided self-help groups working to improve their local communities, projects helping young people with drug and alcohol problems, homeless people, single parents, older people, people from minority ethnic communities, groups campaigning for better services and disabled people’s rights groups.

Iconic Eveningwear Up For Auction

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 23:25:21 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Trademark pieces worn by two of film’s most famous characters are to be auctioned off for charity in the first half of December.

British auctioneers Christie’s will sell the classic black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and a live auction for UK charity ChildLine will feature the tuxedo worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale.

Hepburn’s Givenchy dress will sell as part of Christie’s annual film and entertainment sale in London on the 5th of December. The lot is expected to raise £50,000-£70,000 (around $99,000-$140,000) for underprivileged children in India through the City of Joy Aid charity.

Hepburn’s wardrobe for the film was designed by Hubert de Givenchy, and the renowned designer has donated key pieces from his collection to raise money for disadvantaged children around the world in an attempt to continue the spirit of Audrey Hepburn’s work for UNICEF.

The famous black dress was given to Monsieur and Madame Lapierre to raise money for their City of Joy Aid charity. A meeting with Mother Theresa prompted the Lapierres to found the charity in 1981, which helps the poorest of the poor through a network of clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and hospital boats.

The dress is currently available for viewing at Christie’s in London.

Daniel Craig’s dinner suit was donated to ChildLine, which is marking its 20th anniversary by auctioning off over 30 prizes, including a part in Desperate Housewives, lyrics for the hit song Angels handwritten and signed by Robbie Williams, and a signed Michael Schumacher limited edition print. The live auction will take place at the ChildLine Ball on Saturday 9 December, though fax and email bids can be made up until 7th of December.

ChildLine is striving to raise £20m (around $40m) to extend by 1,000 the 2,500 children it currently helps each day. The charity has brought abusers to justice, and has helped nearly two million children through counselling and support.

Robbie Lines Up Maradona For Soccer Aid Match

Wed, 24 May 2006 22:39:58 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Retired superstar footballer Diego Maradona is set to join Robbie Williams in the Soccer Aid celebrity football match to beneft UNICEF.

Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium will be the venue for the televised match on Saturday 27th May. Confirmed celebrity players include Jude Law, Orlando Bloom, TV chef Gordon Ramsay and Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher.

Maradona is said to be keen to captain one of the two teams.

Beckham Party Raises £2m

Wed, 24 May 2006 21:34:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Media darlings Victoria and David Beckham invited their celebrity friends and acquaintances to a ‘Full Length and Fabulous’ charity party last weekend, and raised £2m for UNICEF in the process.

Conceived as a party to usher in the soccer World Cup, the event boasted a guest list that included Robbie Williams, Diddy, Kate Moss, Sarah Ferguson, top football players and others.

Guests bid on items ranging from a £300,000 limited edition Bentley car to a meal cooked by Ozzy Osbourne — the latter was snapped up by a businessman for £62,000.

David Beckham’s teammate in the England soccer team, Wayne Rooney, paid £150,000 for his girlfriend to spend a weekend with Diddy at the rap star’s luxurious house in New York.

Celebrity Art Auction For WAVE

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:52:17 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Artists and celebrities, such as Jude Law and Robbie Williams, have joined James Nesbitt to raise money for WAVE Trauma Centre.

Nesbitt is a leading organizer of WAVE’s celebrity art auction, in which professional and amateur artists are given a canvas and the opportunity to create a masterpiece.

John Hurt spent two weeks on a self-portrait that has been valued at £20,000 by the art curator at London’s Groucho Club.

There will be a public exhibition of up 300 pieces of the art at Belfast’s City Hall from the 24th-28th of April. The open auction will take place on April 28th at 7:30pm, and the event finishes with a gala ball on April 29th.

WAVE is a charity that supports people who are bereaved or traumatized by violence in Northern Ireland. To view the art online, or for more information on the fundraising event, visit the Art WAVE website.

Football Match For UNICEF

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 20:20:31 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Robbie Williams is set to lead the British football team in this summer’s charity tournament, Soccer Aid.

Williams has invited Jude Law and Orlando Bloom to join him in training for the match, which is scheduled for next May. His team will be taking on celebrities from around the world at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium to raise money for UNICEF.

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