Look To The Stars News: Katherine Jenkins

Stars Paint Butterflies For Charity

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:30:00 -0000

A host of stars have donated their own very special artworks to an auction and exhibition to benefit a hospice in the UK.

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has joined with Coldplay, Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Julian Clary, Katherine Jenkins, Fearne Cotton, Elaine Paige and many others in creating butterfly-inspired paintings to raise money for charity.

The paintings will be on display at the Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton from 1-29 March. The paintings will then be auctioned on eBay between March 19-28.

Proceeds will go to Keech Hospice Care, which provides emotional and practical support for adults and children diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. The organization runs both an adult hospice and a children’s hospice.

To find out more about the paintings and the charity, click here.

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent Richard Barker was lucky enough to attend the Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards and filed this exclusive report and photos.

I was delighted to spend some time with A-list celebrities from music, film, theatre and television on the Red Carpet. The event was in aid of one of UK’s longest running children’s charities, The Variety Club, as it celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

London saw some of the brightest stars from the showbiz world light up London’s West End as they congregated on the Red Carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1 to show their support for one of UK’s longest running charities dedicated to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people – The Variety Club – and to honour the most talented individuals from the world of entertainment at The Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards 2009. Don’t worry readers if you are based in England but weren’t there on the night – you’ll get a chance to watch the glitz, the glamour and hear the gossip on FIVE on Sunday 22nd November 2009 at 3.35pm.

The evening’s star-studded event commenced with an array of international A-list celebrities, industry stalwarts and leading luminaries from the worlds of film, television, comedy, theatre, popular music and classical music gracing the Red Carpet. The guest list welcomed names such as Kevin Spacey, Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, Kelly Brook, Alesha Dixon, Dame Kelly Holmes (Ambassador for The Variety Club), David Suchet, Jon Culshaw, Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins, Pixie Lott, Spandau Ballet, The Saturdays, Daniela Lavender, Faryl Smith and Joe Calzaghe. The stars shined for cameras as they made their way to an exclusive reception where champagne flutes were overflowing, as a prelude to a gourmet banquet and the coveted awards ceremony, which took place against a theatrical backdrop of exclusive world-class entertainment, including dazzling performances by Spandau Ballet, Pixie Lott and Faryl Smith.

The only event of its kind to honour the entire showbiz industry, this year’s winners included: Kevin Spacey, who was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre by fellow actor David Suchet; Justin Lee Collins, who was presented with the Television Presenter of the Year Award by Alan Carr; and Spandau Ballet, who were presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Popular Music by The Saturdays.

On receiving his award, Sir Ian McKellen said, "This is an over-generous recognition of a career which, in truth, has been its own reward. Acting is working with friends and entertaining people and that’s quite enough for me. The Variety Club is having its 60th birthday, which means I was ten years old at the time in 1949, living in the north of England in Wigan, Lancashire. I was, without knowing it, preparing for a life in show business.

The Variety Club is the essence of life for kids who desperately need the help to get healthy. I am full of admiration for the work you have done for the past 60 years and hope you carry on with the work you do. I am extremely honoured to be associated with this charity and this award."

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards is one of the most eagerly anticipated entries on the British entertainment calendar and has become an international celebrity institution in itself. Nearly every showbiz personality of note from the past 60 years has been honoured by The Variety Club, renowned for its strong links with the showbiz world, including Tommy Trinder, Dame Vera Lynn, Lord Laurence Olivier, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sir Alec Guiness, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judy Dench, Ben Kingsley, Diana Dors, Daniel Craig, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, James McAvoy, Al Pacino, Peter Sellers, Tommy Cooper, Ricky Gervais, Alan Carr, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra.

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards raises significant funds for and awareness of the work The Variety Club undertakes to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, the charity has raised over £200 million and improved the lives of more than a million children and young people since its inception. Among its tireless work, the charity provides Sunshine Coaches, Easy Riders electric wheelchairs, exciting and educational trips, equipment for children’s hospitals and life enhancing equipment.

Also at this year’s Showbiz Awards, The Variety Club, in partnership with The Co-operative, revealed the face of its 2010 Gold Heart campaign – Alesha Dixon. The Gold Heart badges will be sold in Co-operative food, bank, travel and pharmacy stores from 28th January 2010. Owned by its members, The Co-operative has a long and proud history of supporting charities, community groups and other good causes. Every £1 donated in-store to the fund will help The Variety Club to provide vital, life-changing equipment to those children that need it most.

John Sachs, Chairman, The Variety Club Showbiz Awards comments, "Once again, the Showbiz Awards has honoured the UK’s top entertainment personalities embracing television, film, comedy, theatre, classical and popular music. As The Variety Club also celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year, there was even more glamour, showbiz magic and star appeal than ever before.

The prestigious event also helped raise awareness and funds for The Variety Club’s praiseworthy work and as one of the UK’s longest serving charities dedicated to helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, our sole and primary focus is to make sure every child and young person is given the chance to reach their fullest potential."

Here are some facts about The Variety Club:
The Variety Club provides practical solutions to allow sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK to reach their full potential. This year sees The Variety Club celebrate its 60th year of bringing hope, independence and freedom to children and young people. In the past 60 years The Variety Club has raised over £200 million and helped more than a million children and young people. The Variety Club has donated more than 3,300 Easy Riders electric wheelchairs and mobility aids since 1981, put 4,890 Sunshine Coaches on the road and given around £20 million to children’s hospitals. To find out more information or donate go to www.varietyclub.org.uk. Follow the Variety Club on twitter here.

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Katherine Jenkins Busy With Charity Projects

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Welsh singing sensation Katherine Jenkins has been busy with charity projects lately.

Last week she was spotted at the Macmillan Cancer Support De’Longhi Art Auction, following the announcement that the charity is hoping to name her as an ambassador.

“Macmillan looked after us when my father was ill, so I always sing or do something special for their events,” she said. “I bought the first painting at the auction for £1,800 because the charity is so special to me.”

Later in the week she appeared at the Westfield Shopping Centre in London for a special Breast Cancer awareness event, alongside Jamelia and Beverley Knight.

Held in aid of the Samsung Pink Ribbon breast cancer charity, who used the event to launch European Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the event featured people making pledges to help raise awareness of the disease.

“Breast cancer touches women of all ages and it is vital that as many people as possible are encouraged to help fight the disease,” said Jenkins. " The work that breast cancer charities do is crucial to raise awareness and I am an active supporter of these initiatives."

More info about the initiative can be found here.

The Stars Come Out For Tilly

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of stars were out in the weekend to support a young British girl who contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia as a baby and lost her hands as a result.

Last year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Tilly Lockey, who contracted a deadly form of flesh-eating meningitis for which there is no vaccination. It was every mother’s nightmare, and for four weeks Tilly fought back in intensive care. After ten blood transfusions later she was finally pronounced out of danger. Unfortunately her hands and toes were already dead, and had to be removed.

Tilly recently received her first set of prosthetic hands. According to her parents, “these need to be replaced as she grows, consultants have told us that they will need to be changed a minimum of once every year if not twice up until she is 18 years old! We received the invoice for the hands and they are costing £23,464.00 a pair. Therefore if we need to have a target of raising approx £800,000.00 to cover the costs up until Tilly is 18 years old.”

A star-studded event at Gateshead’s Hilton Hotel in the UK on September 5 saw over 100 celebrity hand prints auctioned to raise money for three-year-old Tilly. British stars such as fundraising patron Denise Welch, Duncan Bannatyne, Emmerdale’s Charlie Hardwick and Vicky Hawkins, and Waterloo Road’s Chris Greere turned out for the event, which featured hand prints from stars such as JK Rowling, Linford Christie, David Jason, Cliff Richard, David Prowse, Alan Shearer, Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, the late Wendy Richard, cast members from Coronation Street, Bill Bailey, Geri Halliwell, Katherine Jenkins, Katie Melua, Jonathan Ross, Rolf Harris, Lorraine Kelly, the late Bobby Robson and many more.

Guests to the event were treated to an amazing fun-filled night for the very special little girl. Upon entering the venue, guests were able to have their photos taken with Jaws from the James Bond films and Bond’s very own Aston Martin. After being greeted by characters from Star Wars, they were then treated to a Champagne Reception, three course dinner and performances from Paul Lytton, Michael Donoghue and Richard Fleeshman.

There was also an amazing raffle where guests had the chance to win amazing prizes such as long haul flights, cosmetic treatments and much more.

To find out more about Tilly, visit her website.

Katherine Jenkins To Run For Kidney Charity

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Opera star Katherine Jenkins is to take part in a fun run for charity in Wales.

The singer is patron of Kidney Wales and will run in this year’s HSBC Cardiff 10K starting at the SWALEC Stadium on September 6.

The event will raise money for children affected by kidney cancer and renal failure at the Kidney Wales Children’s Unit in Cardiff.

“I’m so excited about taking part in this year’s HSBC Cardiff 10K,” she said. "It was wonderful starting last year’s event and I decided then that I really wanted to take part in the next one. The Kidney Wales Foundation is a charity that is so close to my heart and this year’s HSBC Cardiff 10K is the most important ever.

“The 10K is great for runners young and old, and being a fast and flat course means that you don’t have to be super fit to take part. The 2K Run gives children and families the chance to take part too, and help the many children across Wales who need Kidney Wales’ support.”

For information on how to take part in this event, visit the official website.

Celebrity Handprints To Be Auctioned For Tilly

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Tilly Lockey, a young girl who contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia as a baby and lost her hands as a result.

A number of stars, such as JK Rowling, Linford Christie, David Jason, Cliff Richard, David Prowse and Alan Shearer showed their support for Tilly’s cause by donating handprints and casts for a charity auction to give her new hands. Look To The Stars is now happy to announce that the 2009 Celebrity Handprint Auction will take place on September 5 at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel in the UK.

The gala evening will feature entertainment from Paul Lytton, Michael Donoghue and Richard Fleeshman, as well as a Champagne Reception and 3 course dinner.

Other handprints up for auction on the night include Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, the late Wendy Richard, cast members from Coronation Street, Bill Bailey, Geri Halliwell, Katherine Jenkins, Katie Melua, Jonathan Ross, Rolf Harris, Lorraine Kelly, Bobby Robson and many more.

To purchase tickets to the event, view the handprints, or find out more about Tilly’s cause, visit the official website.

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

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

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

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

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

Other Auction Highlights include: Visit Ben Stiller or Robert DeNiro on the set of the next installment of the “Fockers” movies. A one hour singing lesson with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Spend a “Day of Fashion” at NY Fashion Week with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. Grab lunch at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills with Warren Beatty. Prepared to be mystified during a private magic show from David Blaine. Watch a taping of The Rachael Ray Show and go backstage. Launch your fashion career interning at Diane Von Furstenberg’s NY studio. Hone your blogging skills with an internship at the Huffington Post. Attend the “Dancing With the Stars” finale or catch a dance lesson with former contestant and NFL linebacker, Jason Taylor. Visit the set of “HOUSE” and meet the cast including star Hugh Laurie. Have dinner with Bill Cosby at “Bouley” in NYC and take home signed copies of his recent book and 4 bottles of wine from his private collection. Score tickets to the World Series, Final Four and U.S. Open. VIP tickets to watch the Washington Capitols or Boston Bruins and a catch a ride on the zamboni. Watch the New England Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Owner’s Box. Meet Jennifer Hudson and watch her concert in Nashville. Catch lunch with Regis Philbin, Charles Grodin and Alan Alda. Visit the set of your favorite news shows and meet the hosts including ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live (and bring home a signed pair of Larry’s trademark suspenders), CNBC’s “Mad Money with Jim Cramer”, NBC’s “Meet the Press”, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and “The Rachel Maddow Show”, Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor” and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. Or hang out with David Foster and friends such as Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Buble in his recording studio.

To access the auction, click here.

Lap Of Honour To Support British Forces

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A Mini is being driven around the UK in support of the British Forces Foundation, collecting the signatures of 50 top British celebrities.

The car began its 10-month-long “Lap of Honour” journey on June 11, with an inaugural signature from opera star Katherine Jenkins, and has so far collected further signatures from Hugh Grant, Michael Caine, author Frederick Forsyth, Dame Judi Dench and James Blunt.

The Lap of Honour will culminate in the BFF’s 10th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall next April. The concert line-up will feature the stars who have entertained British troops overseas, including Blunt, Jenkins and seasoned rockers Status Quo.

Following the concert, the car and an accompanying signed photo album will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Foundation.

Look To The Stars News: Katherine Jenkins

Stars Paint Butterflies For Charity

Related past articles

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Related past articles

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

Related past articles

Take That And Friends To Rock Children In Need Tonight

Related past articles

Katherine Jenkins Busy With Charity Projects

Related past articles

The Stars Come Out For Tilly

Related past articles

Katherine Jenkins To Run For Kidney Charity

Related past articles

Celebrity Handprints To Be Auctioned For Tilly

Related past articles

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Related past articles

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Related past articles

Lap Of Honour To Support British Forces

Related past articles