Look To The Stars News: Hugh Jackman

The Stars On Climate Change - What Do They Think?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

October 15 marks the third annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.

This year’s topic is climate change, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 13 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.

Hugh Jackman: "You can’t separate the issues of climate change and poverty. They are inextricably linked. Having been to Ethiopia and seen these farmers, seen the battle they face from what is a problem that the developed countries have brought on many of these developing countries, there is a justice, there is a gap we need to fill.

I don’t do private jets. I try and do my best and I teach [sustainability] to my kids. Deb [wife Deborra-lee Furness] and I have brought in a company to say what we can do in our home – change light bulbs, etc."

Richard Branson: “Our generation has inherited an incredibly beautiful world from our parents and they from their parents. It is in our hands whether our children and their children inherit the same world. We must not be the generation responsible for irreversibly damaging the environment.”

Al Gore: “We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.”

KT Tunstall: “Stop completely twatting your planet. We haven’t got anywhere else to live.”

Leonardo DiCaprio: “Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity. We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet.”

Harrison Ford: “What we do today will set the course and the example for generations to come. I have four children and two grandsons. I feel responsible for tending to things I can affect as a private person, not as a celebrity. I can’t fix the world, but it’s our duty to help how we can. We have a moral responsibility for what we do as individuals. We have to accept it.”

Ronan Keating: “Climate change is a really big deal that all of us should be concerned about, because there’s no question that runaway climate change will endanger the lives of people, as well as animals.”

Desmond Tutu: “Climate change is the greatest human-induced crisis facing the world today. It is totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion. It affects every human being on the planet.”

Phil Keoghan: “The biggest issue we face is that we continue to take the world’s resources without giving enough back in return. It’s a little like having a credit card and spending at large without thinking about how to your going to pay the bill. The solution will come from finding financial solutions to our environmental challenges. Right now many of those answers are locked away in the minds of young people. I have faith that we will find a way to create change.”

Melora Hardin: “The environment is really a serious issue, and it really doesn’t take that much to make a difference. I would just say that people should do whatever they can do – it’s good not to litter, it’s good not to pollute, it’s good to recycle when you can.”

Lucy Lawless: “There’s nowhere else for our kids and grandchildren to go. We need to get on with the business of tackling climate change.”

Keisha Castle-Hughes: “Our Pacific Island neighbours are suffering. I saw the real and devastating impacts of a changing climate: coral bleaching, homes battered by cyclones, erosion and food crops affected by rising sea levels… The locals were all extremely welcoming and happy to share their stories of how their daily lives have been impacted. It was a real eye-opener.”

Spinal Tap: “[We’ve] heard of global warming. Nigel thought it was just because he was wearing too much clothing, and if he took his jacket off it would be cooler.”

Taylor Swift Signs Elephant For Family Health International

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:29:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported earlier by Look To The Stars, Family Health International is one of many charities to benefit from the current auction of celebrity-signed toy elephants organized by PROJECT ZAMBI.

Among those who have signed the elephants specifically for FHI are Taylor Swift (pictured below), the Jonas Brothers, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum and Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi.

“Family Health International is deeply grateful to these celebrities for lending their names to help address one of the world’s most serious problems. Their support raises awareness of the crisis and brings real help to children orphaned by AIDS in Africa—not just help to survive but to thrive,” said Al Siemens, CEO of Family Health International.

A number of other celebrities have also chosen charities to support through the auction, including George Clooney (Global Action for Children), Alicia Keys and Brooke Shields (Keep A Child Alive), Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake (African Children’s Choir), Jessica Simpson (Operation Smile), Scarlett Johansson (The Global Fund), Leonardo DiCaprio (SOS Children’s Villages), Naomi Watts (CIDRZ Foundation), James Taylor (Hole in the Wall Gang), Susan Sarandon (UNAID), Danny DeVito, Joely Fisher and Brad Garrett (Save the Children), Jennie Garth, Peter Facinelli and Glenn Close (Children of Uganda), and Barbara Walters and Denzel Washington (Save Africa’s Children).

To take part in the auction – which runs until October 15 – click here.

Will Smith's Children Support Charity Initiative

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jaden and Willow Smith – the actor children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – have spoken about their support for PROJECT ZAMBI, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“Willow and I joined Project Zambi to represent all the kids out there who want to make the world a better place,” said Jaden. “We want to encourage kids everywhere to lend a hand and join us in spreading the word about how much children who have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa need our help.”

The children have joined a host of stars – including Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts – in signing toy elephants to benefit charities such as Keep A Child Alive, the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.

“Project Zambi is about kids and for kids, and it’s so important that we all learn to take care of each other,” said Willow. “Even from the other side of the world, kids in Africa will know they have friends who care about them.”

The 10-day Project Zambi Celebrity Charity Auction is being held online via eBay beginning October 5 with bidding closing on October 15. Visitors will be able to log on to www.ebay.com/projectzambi.

Hugh Jackman Turns Eco-Hero For Climate Week NYC

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Hugh Jackman helped launch Climate Week NYC 2009 on Monday, September 21, at the New York Public Library.

Jackman – an ambassador for World Vision – joined former British prime minister Tony Blair and others to launch the event.

“I hope to be a voice for the billion people in developing countries who will be the hardest hit by changing weather patterns, by the droughts and floods that destroy their crops and threaten their food security,” said Jackman. “Climate Week NYC provides an ideal forum to help underscore the urgency for world leaders to secure and fund an ambitious global climate change deal in Copenhagen that is effective, fair and binding.”

Jackman was referring to the UN Climate Summit, being held this week in Copenhagen.

As an ambassador to World Vision, Jackman has witnessed farmers in Africa who are struggling to continue working in the face of climate change. He told the story of a coffee farmer who he met when he visited in Ethiopia a year ago.

“On this trip it really gelled for me that you can’t separate the issues of climate change and poverty,” he said. “They are inextricably linked. Having been to Ethiopia and seen these farmers, seen the battle they face from what is a problem that the developed countries have brought on many of these developing countries, there is a justice, there is a gap we need to fill.”

He also talked about his own carbon footprint.

“I don’t do private jets. I try and do my best and I teach [sustainability] to my kids. It’s humbling, it’s embarrassing sometimes, when you go to Dukalee’s farm who has nothing and who’s doing no harm by shovelling manure, and there’s me in my lovely apartment. Deb [wife Deborra-lee Furness] and I have brought in a company to say what we can do in our home – change light bulbs, etc.

“Everyone does their best.”

Family Health International To Benefit From Charity Elephant Auction

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Last week, Look To The Stars brought you news about an online auction that features one-of-a-kind collectible elephant models signed by celebrities to be auctioned for a number of charities. Family Health International, a nonprofit public health and development organization working to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people, announced today that Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum and Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi have signed the custom ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT models on behalf of the organization.

These unique and collectible models will be auctioned on eBay [Oct. 5–15, 2009] at www.ebay.com/projectzambi. Proceeds of the auction of these elephants will benefit Family Health International’s programs that provide basic needs for some of the 12 million African children orphaned by AIDS, including healthcare, food and nutrition, clean water, shelter, clothing, education, psychosocial support, and protection.

Catherine Thompson, Family Health International/Zambia country director, said “Children’s basic needs go far beyond prevention, care, and treatment of HIV and AIDS. They need access to food, shelter, basic education, and protection from abuse. With so many older orphans raising their younger siblings, income generating activities can help them break out of the poverty cycle, keep what’s left of their families together, and ensure a healthier and more secure future.” Thompson added, “This requires close collaboration with government, local communities, and people living with HIV and AIDS to establish sustainable locally owned programs of high quality.”

PROJECT ZAMBI, a program conceived by a passionate group of Hasbro employees, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the estimated 12 million children who have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and supporting the community-based organizations that care for them. To help bring PROJECT ZAMBI to life, Hasbro has introduced ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, a special edition FURREAL FRIENDS animatronic plush toy. Hasbro has committed to donate 50 percent of the net profits —a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, beginning in 2009, and hopes to expand this global campaign to include additional Hasbro products and brands in the years to come. As a leader in the global response to HIV/AIDS, and because of its integrated approach to delivering public health programs based on scientific research, Family Health International was selected as a beneficiary for the PROJECT ZAMBI initiative.

Siemens said, “The work of Hasbro, the Hasbro Children’s Fund, and other partner organizations is critical to alleviating the untold suffering of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Through our efforts, and the support of caring donors like those who participate in the PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Auction, we can offer these children hope and life-saving treatments that keep parents alive and healthy to prevent more children from being orphaned.”

Celebrities Sign Elephants For Project Zambi

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

A host of celebrities have come together to be part of an online auction that features one-of-a-kind collectible elephant models.

Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts are some of the stars who have signed the elephant toys for Project Zambi, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“It is encouraging to see that companies such as Hasbro are developing initiatives to support global health issues,” said Alicia Keys. “Through my involvement in this project, I’m proud to support [”Keep A Child Alive":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/161-keep-a-child-alive], an organization dedicated to providing care and support to children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS."

One hundred percent of the sale of each auctioned elephant will be donated to the organization of the celebrity’s choice that supports children orphaned by AIDS in Africa including the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.

“The wonderful support that we’ve received from the celebrities participating in the PROJECT ZAMBI auction is a moving example of the deep concern surrounding the issue of caring for children orphaned by AIDS,” said Brian Goldner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hasbro, Inc. “We are very hopeful and optimistic that this auction will be successful in raising awareness and generating funds that will support some of the many dedicated organizations working to make a better future for these children.”

Earlier this year, Hasbro launched PROJECT ZAMBI, a global cause initiative tied to the new special edition FURREAL FRIENDS ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT toy that is dedicated to raising awareness and benefiting programs caring for children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

Hasbro has committed to donate 50 percent of the net profits from ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT — a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) — to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, beginning in 2009, and hopes to expand this global campaign to include additional Hasbro products and brands in the years to come. By purchasing ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, consumers will be supporting programs that work directly with children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

This latest initiative is a part of the work Hasbro conducts in the U.S. and around the world to help children in need through the Hasbro Children’s Fund and product donations. In 2008, Hasbro impacted approximately four million children through its charitable programs and product donations.

For more information about the PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction, PROJECT ZAMBI and ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, please visit www.projectzambi.com.

The 10-day PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction will be held online via eBay beginning October 5 with bidding closing on October 15. Visitors will be able to log on to www.ebay.com/projectzambi.

Catherine Zeta Jones and Hugh Jackman Host A Fine Romance

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Melanie Mitchell

Catherine Zeta Jones and Hugh Jackman will be hosting the 5th annual event ‘A Fine Romance’, which has previously been held at Sony Centre, California. The ‘A Fine Romance’ event is one of the many charitable events held throughout the year in order to raise money for the Motion Picture & Television Fund. The event is due to take place on 7th November 2009, and celebrates the undeniable love affair between Hollywood and Broadway.

The Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) was first created in 1921 by big stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Conrad Nagel, Milton Sills, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith as well as many others. The MPTF aims to offer assistance to members of the movie and television industry as well as their families. The services that the MPTF offers range from child care support, health care assistance through to help with retirement living.

The ‘A Fine Romance’ event takes its name from the Darcie Denkert book also titled ‘A Fine Romance.’ In this book Denkert explores the relationship between Broadway and Hollywood by examining how a musical such as Pygmalion became a Hollywood blockbuster and re-titled My Fair Lady. In the MPTF event performers are accompanied by a live orchestra under the baton of the Hollywood Bowl’s John Mauceri and perform the songs that have tied both film and stage together for decades.

Previous performers have included Audra McDonald, Dick Van Dyke, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Chita Rivera, Shirley MacLaine, Raul Esparza and Jamie Campbell Bower.

This year the event will again be attended by star-studded cast, and some of whom will also perform for their fellow members of the movie and television industry. Performers include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Hugh Jackman, as well as Amy Adams, James Marsden and Neil Patrick Harris.

More info about the event can be found here

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Tales For Charity

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

In honor of Nelson Mandela, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) and Hachette Audio have produced an audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of stories hand-picked by the Nobel laureate.

Diverse, acclaimed performers donated their talents to the charitable endeavor by voicing stories, including: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker, and Alfre Woodard. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recorded a message to the world’s children, and African music legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela composed original music.

Academy Award nominee, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Alfre Woodard, who co-founded ANSA in 1989, served as the audiobook’s director. She said, “I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela last year in London, where he challenged us, saying, ‘…our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are oppressed, there is more work to be done. It is in your hands now.’ With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and hero, Nelson Mandela. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join us and support this effort.”

Samuel L. Jackson, a leading ANSA supporter, commented, “I’ve traveled with ANSA to rural villages and met children whose lives will be changed by this audiobook. This is our way of honoring Mr. Mandela, by assisting children who are the future of his nation and our world.”

“We hope the audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages, increasing awareness of Africa’s rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa’s vulnerable children,” said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his foreword for the book, Nelson Mandela wrote, “It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books.” The audiobook brings these timeless tales to a new oral tradition to be heard around the world.

ANSA is a nonprofit organization working in South Africa and the U.S. to combat HIV/AIDS, assist children orphaned by the disease, educate and empower youth, advance human rights, and build bonds between our nations through arts, culture, and the shared pursuit of social justice.

To find out more about the recording, click here.

Bette Midler And 50 Cent Together For Charity

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The devine Bette Midler is joining with 50 Cent and Dolly Parton to host her annual Spring Picnic to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

The event will take place at Fort Tryon Park, New York City, on May 19, and will include a BBQ and entertainment.

Midler founded the New York Restoration Project in 1995 to improve the natural balance of life in the city. The organization is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities.

To raise awareness of the event, Midler has launched an online auction to benefit the NYRP. Items going under the hammer include the chance to meet Hugh Jackman on the set of his next movie, front row tickets to see Elton John and Billy Joel, backstage passes to meet Cher, tickets to see Michael Jackson in London, meet-and-greets with John Stamos, LeAnn Rimes, Stevie Nicks, Kristin Chenoweth, Keith Urban, and Bernadette Peters, items from Scarlett Johansson and Mick Jagger, and much more.

To make a bid, visit Charity Buzz.

To order tickets to the Spring Picnic – which start at $250 – click here.

Hugh Jackman Attends Charity Boxing Event

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Wolverine star Hugh Jackman joined rapper Q-Tip at a charity boxing event on Wednesday, May 13.

The pair acted as judges at the charity event to benefit The East Harlem School at Exodus House at the Aerospace High Performance Center in New York.

The East Harlem School at Exodus House is a year-round middle school that teaches children from low-income families in East Harlem to develop academic excellence, moral integrity, courtesy, and an unshakeable commitment to their future and the fate of their community.

The East Harlem School at Exodus House is an independent middle school committed to maintaining an intimate community of learners. With 120 students and an average class size of 15, the small school philosophy allows students to receive individual attention and opportunity to participate and engage within the classroom and beyond. No one is overlooked at The East Harlem School, and faculty and administration closely follow the long-term growth of every child over their years at the school.

To find out more about this facility, visit their official website.

Hugh Jackman Splits $100,000 Between Two Charities

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Hugh Jackman followed through on his April 14th promise to donate $100,000 to charity based on the best 140 character or less message explaining why their chosen charity should get the cash.

Jackman sent out a tweet announcing the recipients, “Thank you for all of your passionate responses. I have chosen [”charity:water":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/611-charity-water] and Operation of Hope. Keep your generous spirit flowing!" He also announced the recipients live on Ryan Seacrest’s morning radio show.

On Seacrest’s show, Jackman said he got so many great tweets about great causes that he was unable to choose just one. The two that recieve the final donation are the two that “really got him.”

Charity:Water is a New York City based non-profit which focuses on bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Charity:Water was founded in 2006 and since then it has helped fund 1,247 projects in 14 countries and has brought 669,045 people clean and safe drinking water. For more information, visit charitywater.org.

Operation of Hope is a non-profit medical foundation started in 1989. Its mission is to donate surgeries to children who have facial deformities. The charity has an all-volunteer medical team. Operation of Hope performs facial surgeries on poor children around the world. All the operations are performed free of charge and all of their surgeons are Board Certified. For more information, visit operationofhope.org.

During the interview Hugh expressed his amazement with the communication potential that Twitter has. “It’s just amazing to me that Twitter has now become a way for people to start talking about things that are really important to them and making a difference.”

We’re glad that Hugh recognized this potential. He not only helped two charities with donations but also helped many good causes spread the word about their efforts.

Listen to the show, courtesy RyanSeacrest.com.

Hugh Jackman Tweets Massive Charity Giveaway

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Hugh Jackman has used Twitter to announce that he will donate $100,000 to the favorite charity of someone who can, in 140 characters or less, make the best case for their favorite cause.

“I will donate 100K to one individual’s favorite non profit organization,” he said in his Tweet. “Of course, you must convince me why by using 140 characters or less.”

He then followed his call for charity related tweets with two more – one to Ryan Seacrest asking if it would be a good idea to announce the winner on Ryan’s show: “Hey Ryan! Should we call the winning charity on your morning show on Friday, 24th?”

And, the second to encourage someone to show passion in their tweet for charity, “The more passion shown for your charity the better! Get the support of your friends and teach them the importance of giving.”

As of early Wednesday morning, Jackman had around 35,000 followers on the Twitter network. So get tweeting now!

Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban Donate Half A Million To Red Cross

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

During a telethon held last week to raise money for communities devastated by the bushfires sweeping through Victoria, Australia, actress Nicole Kidman and her musician husband Keith Urban appeared by satellite from Tennessee to show their support and make a $500,000 donation to the Red Cross.

“As Australians, I think the biggest thing is that no matter where you are in the world we support each other,” Kidman said on camera. “We’re Aussies, and we support each other and we rally. We would like to donate a half a million dollars on behalf of our family to the families that need it now.”

Kidman and Urban weren’t the only Australian celebrities to back the telethon. Russell Crowe was one of the first people on the phone when it was announced. Hugh Jackman was also quick to get involved.

“We’re Australians. We help our mates,” Jackman said. “And in the toughest times that’s when we come together.”

Red Cross’ CEO Robert Tickner announced last week his appreciation for public response to the disaster. “We have been inspired by the overwhelming outpouring of community concern and the unprecedented scale of the response,” he said. “In less than four days, more than $50 million has been given by the Australian public. Government contributions and a huge number of additional corporate donations will swell that figure even higher.”

“For us it’s been gut wrenching as Aussies watching this and in particular to be so far away at the moment,” said Urban. “Our hearts go out tonight to all the families that are dealing with the loss of loved ones and having to rebuild their lives again too, which is really what this whole telethon has been about.”

The televised appeal raised over $19 million.

Olivia Newton-John Sends Message Of Hope To Fire Victims

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Olivia Newton-John has sent a message of hope and love to the victims of the Australian bushfires. Speaking exclusively to Look To The Stars, the multi Grammy winning artist has urged people to donate to disaster relief funds

“My heart goes out to [the victims],” she said. “My heart hurts for my country and the animals and people of Australia and I just can’t imagine the horrors they’re going through. I send my love, I wish I was there to do more at this moment. I’ve been really touched by the generosity of the Australian people because they are an amazing resilient people that have always dug deep to help. I ask everybody to dig even deeper because this is just an unprecedented catastrophe. I send out my love and light to everybody affected.”

The singer’s words come the day after a massive benefit concert/telethon was held in Australia to raise money for the cause. Australia Unites featured a host of celebrities including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Rachel Griffiths, Naomi Watts, Ellen DeGeneres, Anthony La Paglia, Shane Warne, Rove McManus, and Australian Olympic legend Cathy Freeman. Manning the phones for the evening were Orlando Bloom and girlfriend Miranda Kerr. Among the performers were The Living End, Jessica Mauboy, Jimmy Barnes, Lee Kernaghan, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, and John Williamson.

Hosted by Eddie McGuire on Channel 9, the telethon raised over $20 million for Red Cross relief efforts.

“Our hearts go out tonight to all the families that are dealing with the loss of loved ones and having to rebuild their lives again,” said Nicole Kidman, who appeared via satellite with husband Keith Urban and donated $500,000 to the cause. Canadian singer Michael Buble donated a further $50,000, as did Australian actor Anthony La Paglia.

The Red Cross Fire Appeal has already raised over $75 million, but much more is needed to help the thousands of victims who have lost their homes, possessions and even their families in the disaster. Over 180 people have been confirmed dead, with the toll expected to rise above 200. To donate to the appeal, contact your local Red Cross, or visit the Australian Red Cross website.

Be sure to click back to Look To The Stars early next week for an exclusive interview with Olivia Newton-John.

Have Lunch With Hugh Jackman And Restore New York

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Well, this is probably not it… unless you are really secure in your relationship! Heartthrob Hugh Jackman has donated the opportunity to join him for lunch to a new charity auction.

The Australian hunk – currently starring in the epic masterpiece Australia and soon to be seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine – wants to have a meal with you (yes, YOU) to benefit the New York Restoration Project, an organization founded in 1995 by Bette Midler.

The New York Restoration Project is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities. And now Hugh Jackman is lending his support to the cause as well.

The lunch will take place on the set of Jackman’s next film, and is valid for two people. The auction is open until February 12, and bids started at $5,000. The auction can be accessed here.

Catherine Zeta-Jones to Host A Fine Romance - Hollywood Loves Broadway

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Saturday, November 8, Oscar winner Catherine Zeta Jones will be hosting the fourth annual ‘Fine Romance’ event at Sony Pictures in Culver City California to benefit the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation. Decorating her side as co-host will be Hugh Jackman.

The star-studded evening celebrates the love affair between Broadway and Hollywood. Accompanied by a live orchestra, various celebrities from film and stage will perform songs from musicals that have tied both coasts together for decades.

‘A Fine Romance – Hollywood Loves Broadway’ is produced by Laurence Mark and Dan Jinks. Confirmed performers to date: Amy Adams, Kristin Chenoweth,  Alan Cumming, Sandy Duncan, Victor Garber, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, Elijah Kelly, Zachary Levi, Audra MacDonald, James Marsden, Donna Murphy, and John Lloyd Young. 

Lleyton Hewitt Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former tennis ace Lleyton Hewitt will be in Melbourne on Thursday, October 30, to promote a new charity auction.

The Cure Our Kids auction includes a range of unique items, such as the tennis racquet used by world No.1 Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic’s pink tennis dress from her French Open win, as well as items from celebrities including Russell Crowe, Andre Agassi, Gwen Stefani, Toni Collette and Hugh Jackman.

“We’ve [also] got a signed shirt from [”Roger Federer":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/233-roger-federer] that he actually gave me after he beat me, which is the last thing you want to see from someone who has beaten you in the locker room," said Hewitt. “It’s been hard bringing it all together – but it’s very satisfying.”

Cure Our Kids is a non-profit organization based in Sydney that is dedicated to raising money for the Oncology Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The auction can be accessed here.

Hugh Jackman’s Plans To Eradicate Extreme Poverty

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Hugh Jackman has narrated a video on the Global Poverty Project’s plan to help the poorer nations of the world.

Dissatisfied with the G8’s progress, Jackman and the Global Poverty Project are attempting to re-energize a movement against extreme poverty.

A few years ago in a bolstering speech, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “If we actually put the money we say we’re going to put through aid and give primary education to young people in Africa, think of the change that will be.”

Thus, a motivated G8 formed the following eight goals in 2000 to curb the downward spiral created by poverty: to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, to achieve universal primary education, to promote gender equality and empower women, to reduce child mortality, to improve maternal health, to reduce HIV/AIDS, malaria and other related diseases, to ensure environmental sustainability and to develop a global partnership for development.

While India and China are showing some progress, sub-Saharan Africa – where nearly a billion people live on $1/day – is not. After eight years, the G8 has delivered well under a quarter of the promised aid although the timeline has more than half passed – it is clear that their Millennium Development Goals cannot be reached by the 2015 target.

Jackman feels it is possible to build on the successes of past movements to recapture that momentum. In the clip he outlines the plan: the Global Poverty Project “will create a presentation about the eradication of extreme poverty, synthesizing ideas from research in collaboration with an expert advisory panel. We will activate this presentation, taking it around the world in a variety of languages to engage and inspire a global audience from which we will create a film that captures the global state of affairs to inspire a global grassroots movement of the people, for we are the first generation that can eradicate extreme poverty.”

“It is time for a new movement,” Jackman says. “Are you ready?”

Celebrity Auctions For Christmas

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:34:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As the clock counts down to Christmas, celebrities have been keeping busy and warm by signing as many different items as humanly possible and donating them to a plethora of auctions. The holiday season may be at fever pitch now, but there is certainly a wide range of gift ideas to ease the stress of last minute shopping.

The VH1 Holiday Auction is currently being held at www.vh1auctions.com, and includes a long list of memorabilia from the music industry. All proceeds from the auction will go to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, an initiative dedicated to restoring music programs in schools across the US.

Items up for grabs include a harmonica signed by Alice Cooper (which has already attracted bids of $250), signed photos of Aerosmith and Chris Cornell ($300), and a guitar personally autographed by Ryan Adams ($1500). Signed clothing is also big on the agenda, with a jacket from Snoop Dogg, a vest from Iggy Pop, and sneakers from Amy Winehouse.

Signed guitars are also available as part of the Private Sessions Charity Auction, with all proceeds to benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Avril Lavigne, the Goo Goo Dolls, Meat Loaf, the Barenaked Ladies, and Toby Keith are among the stars to sign both an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar for the auction, which also includes movie clapper boards autographed by Queen Latifah, Michael Douglas, and Anthony Hopkins.

But if these items whet your appetite, you have to be quick. The auction ends on December 12.

For those people celebrating Christmas in Australia this year, the Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia is auctioning Christmas decorations signed by various celebrities. Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, The Rock, Delta Goodrem, Missy Higgins, and rugby league stars Matthew Johns and Benji Marshall have all put their names on baubles to raise money for sick children in the country.

An auction is also being held by Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund, to raise money for education programs in African countries where diamonds are a natural resource. A variety of fine diamond pieces are up for sale at www.ebay.com/diamondsgive, including an exquisite diamond-encrusted Ohm watch from the Simmons Jewelry Company. The opportunity to take part in exclusive photo shoots with celebrities such as Petra Nemcova, Naomi Campbell, LL Cool J, and Cedric the Entertainer are also up for grabs in the auction.

Actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah is also doing her bit to ease the shopping blues this year, and has launched a brand new online store. www.dhlovelife.com offers goods picked with serious consideration of their environmental, social, and animal welfare impact. And if special holiday items such as an organic peace wreath and 100% recycled cards do not excite you, the store also offers compost buckets, surfboards and guitars made from hemp, bamboo snowboards, organic dog treats, and even a solar powered boat. The actress will also sell her personal bio diesel car and home fueling system on the site on December 20.

And finally a little news from the recent Lightspeed Fine Art Celebrity Charity Auction, held in Lake Forest, California, on the weekend of December 1 and 2. Lightspeed specializes in artworks relating to science fiction, and their eighth annual auction attracted guests from shows such as Stargate, Voyager, and Battlestar Galactica.

A surprise guest at the auction was Leonard Nimoy, better known as Mr Spock from Star Trek. Nimoy, who is reputed to have a huge personal collection of Star Trek memorabilia, donated several items to the auction signed by himself and William Shatner, including a plaque awarded from NASA for “inspiring a generation of scientists and explorers”.

Nimoy’s contributions made over $14,000 of the total $40,000 raised during the auction, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and the Nimoy Foundation, an initiative that gives grants to artists-in-residence programs in museums and galleries around the US.

In the words of Mr Spock – “live long and prosper”.

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