Look To The Stars News: Carla Bruni

Iconic Stars Reveal Inspirations For Charity Calendar

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

British charity CLIC Sargent is to benefit from sales of a new calendar featuring the inspiration selections of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Bono and other icons for the music world.

Music and entertainment specialist HMV is to mark the third anniversary of its acclaimed my inspiration campaign by featuring memorable highlights in a charity calendar for 2009/2010.

These include the my inspiration selections of Bob Dylan – who selected Scottish poet, Robert Burns; Bono and Paul McCartney, who, in turn, cite Bob Dylan as theirs; Paul Weller, who was first inspired by the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney; Bruce Springsteen, who was influenced by Blues performer Woodie Guthrie; and Deborah Harry, who found inspiration in the songs of Leonard Cohen.

My inspiration invites iconic and exciting new artists to share with their fans the song lyric or lines of verse that have inspired them in their life and in their work. The campaign began in September 2006, when David Bowie selected Syd Barrett’s Gigolo Aunt as his personal inspiration. Since that time well over 150 artists have taken part, ranging from Timbaland to the first lady of France, Carla Bruni, as well as new artists such as Lady Gaga and La Roux.

A key part of the calendar are the iconic black & white portraits of the participating artists taken by photographers who are themselves celebrated, such as Anton Corbijn, Fiona Freund, Dean Chalkley, Lawrence Watson, Adrian Boot and Frank Ockenfels 3 – making it a must not just for music fans and collectors, but for anyone with an appreciation of rock photography.

The A3-sized calendar comes with a foreword from Q Editor-in-Chief Paul Rees, and offers the added bonus of a full eighteen months worth of artist inspiration selections, starting from August 2009 with The Edge's selection, covering all of 2010 and then ending in January 2011 with Metallica's choice of their inspiration.

Click here to order.

Carla Bruni Speaks Up For AIDS

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

France’s first lady Carla Bruni has vowed to speak up more for AIDS sufferers following a visit to Africa earlier this year.

The singer made a trip to Burkina Faso in West Africa in February, and was traumatized by what she saw.

“The fact is that even though treatment is now available, AIDS/HIV is so stigmatized that women are afraid to get help,” said the spokeswoman for the Global Fund. “What I can’t stand is that people can be treated, mothers can protect their children from AIDS, but they are too scared of the disease – and the fear of the disease is what I can fight.”

She hopes to use her position to fight fear of the disease.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

Nelson Mandela's 91st Celebrated In Style

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A galaxy of stars turned out to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday in New York during the weekend, with proceeds going to one of the South African legend’s charities.

Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and many more appeared at the Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, July 19, with money raised going to 46664, Mandela’s campaign to help raise Global awareness of AIDS/HIV. 46664 aims to highlight the emergency of AIDS/HIV through unique live events and music related initiatives.

Mandela himself was unable to attend the event, but did send a video message in which he said “It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” President Barack Obama also appeared via video, saying that Mandela’s life “teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen.”

Morgan Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins spoke at the event.

Others to perform at the concert included French first lady Carla Bruni, who sang Bob Dylan's Blowing in the Wind with former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart. Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, will.i.am, Wyclef Jean and Gloria Gaynor also performed, and Cyndi Lauper dueted with Lil' Kim.

“Our struggle for freedom and justice was a collective effort,” said Mandela. “It is our hope that people will dedicate their time and effort to improve the conditions within their own community.”

New York To Host First Mandela Day Concert

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:01:00 -0000

New York takes world center-stage next month when the city hosts the inaugural ‘Mandela Day.’

Centered around a massive music headliner concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday, July 18, the event is designed as a call around the world for people to honor Nelson Mandela’s inspiration and values, and observe the day annually as a celebration, not as a holiday, but as a day to opt in.

Joining Dave Stewart for this concert celebration will be Aretha Franklin, Wyclef Jean, Queen Latifah, Josh Groban, TLC, Cyndi Lauper and Jesse McCartney, sharing the stage and performances with Angélique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Chris Chameleon, Freshlyground, Emmanuel Jal, Loyiso, Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa Mazwai, Suzanna Owiyo and many more.

Further invited guests will include France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni making a rare concert appearance, as well as Italy’s Zucchero, a 46664 ambassador artist who has given support at each of the prior 46664 concerts. Adding to the star value of the day, Hollywood legends and 46664 supporters Forest Whitaker, Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon and many others have all committed to attend.

President Bill Clinton, who will host a fundraiser dinner with Mr. Mandela’s wife Graca Machel at New York’s Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall earlier in the week on July 15 said, "More than any other human being, Madiba has been the great inspiration for the life I lead and the work I do, especially in the area of HIV/AIDS. The philosophy of my Clinton Global Initiative – which has inspired 1,400 commitments improving 200 million lives in more than 150 countries – was built on his enduring example that the power of public good does not require public office, just a well-placed heart and a determined mind. In return for everything Madiba has taught us, we each owe it to him to support his work and legacy by doing and living our own as best we can, not just on this day, but throughout our entire lives."

“The City of New York is honored to host the inaugural Mandela Day,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Nelson Mandela has spent a lifetime fighting injustice and it is fitting to set aside a day each year to celebrate and recognize his legacy. I am especially pleased that service is playing such a large part in Mandela Day and encourage all New Yorkers recognize this day as a chance to give back to their communities.”

As Robert De Niro said, “When Nelson Mandela speaks we all must listen.”

Tim Massey, International Director of 46664, said, “Mandela Day is about creating a movement for positive change and establishing one day to reflect upon, celebrate and make manifest the values that guide Nelson Mandela.”

Adding his voice of support, 46664 founding ambassador, Queen's Brian May said, “It is Nelson Mandela’s ability to forgive that is an inspiration to us all. If Mandela Day can help the world to reconcile its differences then it will have succeeded in its purpose.”

Raising support from friends in the musical community, including Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor and Bono, Dave Stewart helped launch the 46664 global campaign which has since been carried across three continents. A series of historical concerts have taken place in South Africa, Spain, Norway, and most recently in the UK, with last year’s massive outdoor concert in Hyde Park which celebrated Mr. Mandela’s 90th birthday, playing to televised audiences that can be counted in the billions.

To date, the 46664 campaign has raised millions of dollars which have been applied to supporting projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa where current needs are deemed greatest, particularly in assisting those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

New York’s concert for Mr. Mandela will not only further spread the message of 46664 but aims to have a longer lasting purpose – to mark a day in each year as one of which we collectively reflect on Nelson Mandela’s inspiration and guidance and individually strive to make our own contribution.

Many of 46664’s ambassadors will form part of the concert bringing together leading U.S. artists with many of Africa’s foremost performers for Mandela Day, a celebration for Mr. Mandela’s 91st birthday which will be seen as a meeting in music between the U.S. and Africa in a concert for the world. Further artists will be joining the growing line-up and can be expected to be announced in the lead up to the concert.

The concert is the culmination of a week-long series of events in New York City in celebration of the first-ever Mandela Day. The activities include a Ralph Applebaum designed exhibition of Mr. Mandela’s life and the work of his many 46664 ambassadors, as well as the gala fundraising dinner, both at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall.

Mr. Mandela has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years since he actively became involved in campaigning for the human rights of every South African and now ‘Mandela Day’ calls upon each of us to give 67 minutes of our time to helping others, with the idea that each individual has the ability to make an imprint and make the world a better place.

Drawing its numeric title from Mr. Mandela’s Robben Island prison number (prisoner 466/incarcerated in 1964), 46664 was founded in 2002 when Mr. Mandela gave over the number, under which he served 17 of his 27 years incarceration, to Eurythmics’ founder Dave Stewart, to use call attention to finding solutions to critical social issues such as HIV/AIDS and the social injustices that impact the disease such as poverty, gender inequality and the lack of education.

46664 will also be working with partner organizations, other city authorities and community associations and volunteers across the globe to create a worldwide series of Mandela Day events to honor Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.

‘46664 – Mandela Day Celebration’ Madison Square Garden concert tickets prices range from $50-$350, with VIP packages at $1,000 and up. All tickets are available beginning Friday, June 5, 9am EST at http://www.ticketmaster.com, livenation.com, thegarden.com and charge by phone: 800-745-3000 For VIP packages visit ticketmaster.com.

Carla Bruni Protests For Aung San Suu Kyi

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

France’s first lady, Carla Bruni, has written an open letter calling for Burma’s junta to free the country’s opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Under house arrest in Burma for nearly 13 of the past 19 years for her pro-democratic and human rights campaigning, Suu Kyi allegedly violated the terms of her house arrest by allowing a man into her home after he swam across a lake to her property. As a consequence, she is now on trial in Rangoon and faces up to five years imprisonment if found guilty.

Ms Bruni fears that, due to recent reports that Suu Kyi’s health is poor, imprisonment could be the end for her. However, the military opened up her trial last Wednesday to reporters and diplomats, and Associated Press reports that she seems to be doing well according to Joselito Jacinto, a diplomat from the Philippine Embassy: “We saw Aung San Suu Kyi, and she appeared very strong. She sat listening intently and alertly to what was going on. She exuded a type of aura which can be described as moving, quite awe-inspiring.”

Not surprising considering that it’s Aung San Suu Kyi – a Nobel Peace Prize winner; a peaceful protester reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi; and the first elected leader of Burma nearly 20 years ago after decades of military rule, although the military never allowed her to assume prime ministership.

This is the other concern that Ms Bruni has: “To imprison [Suu Kyi], and all of the regime’s opponents, is to smother any hope for democracy in Burma.”

Indeed, an upcoming election may be what is behind this seemingly staged event. The military has ruled Burma since 1962. They wouldn’t hand over power to Suu Kyi after her landslide victory at the last election in 1990, and are generally suspected of orchestrating a prison term for her to keep her out of the next one.

Carla Bruni Visits Burkina Faso

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Marie Gorrettie

Carla Bruni – Sarcozy, the French First Lady, visited one of the poorest countries in the world last week as a Global Ambassador for Protection of Mothers and Children Against AIDS – Burkina Faso in West Africa.

A year after her marriage to President Nicolas Sarkozy brought her into the role of First Lady, Bruni had said she had decided to “do something useful,” signing on with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria last December as its first formal celebrity envoy.

In the past year, Bruni’s approval ratings have risen to more than double those of her husband the President. After the initial condemnation by the French, who criticized the public and glitzy nature of their romance, things have turned in her favor.

The First Lady is planning to use some of her personal fortune to start the ‘Carla Bruni- Sarkozy Foundation’. It will finance scholarships for underprivileged young people.

In Ouagadougou on Wednesday last week, Bruni toured an out-patient hospital where patients are tested and treated for HIV. The most significant moment came when she stepped into a stark room with dirty walls, with four severely malnourished babies, two of whom were HIV Positive.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy said that she was determined to help end the stigma that still surrounds the disease that ended her own brother’s life. “I think I can take part in the de-stigmatization of this disease which is still, unfortunately, associated with shame and exclusion,” she told a group of reporters who had traveled to Burkina Faso to cover her one-day visit on 11th February 2009.

She met with women and children living with HIV at a special hospital and also toured a pre-natal clinic, as well as attending a gathering of Burina Faso’s country coordinating mechanism, which brings together government health authorities, non-governmental organizations, Civil Society and people living with HIV/AIDS.

The First Lady told reporters that she wanted to be more than just a figurehead. “The function of ambassador can be handled in an abstract way where one is not in contact with real people.” I have no wish to treat this role as an ambassador in a superficial manner. I do not want to do it on surface but in depth," she added.

Carla Bruni Raises AIDS Awareness

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Marie Gorrettie

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the French First Lady and singer, will travel to Burkina Faso to visit Global Fund-supported Aids programs in Burkina Faso on what will be her first official trip as a Global Ambassador for the Protection of Mothers and Children against AIDS.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), approximately 130,000 people are living with the disease in Burkina Faso, of which slightly less than half are women. Approximately 10,000 children in the country are estimated to be living with the HIV virus or AIDS.

Burkina Faso managed to bring down HIV infections from 7.4% in 1997 to 2% in 2005 according to a UN report published in 2008.

According to the 2008 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, the fight against AIDS is beginning to see strong success in some areas, such as providing treatment for those living with HIV, but little progress has been made in preventing transmission of HIV from mother to child and in assisting women to protect themselves from HIV infection.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy will travel to Burkina Faso in West Africa to visit the capital of Ouagadougou and meet mothers and their children infected with HIV and also to see the efforts made to prevent transmission from HIV positive mothers to their children. She will also meet health officials and charity workers and visit a centre that provides HIV testing and counseling where people can voluntarily go to and know their HIV status.

She took up her role as a Global Ambassador for Protection of Mothers and Children Against AIDS on last year’s World AIDS Day, giving a voice on the Global Stage for the many mothers and children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

As she announced her new role, she pledged to use her celebrity status to draw attention to the most vulnerable victims of AIDS.

“I believe we have gotten used to this disease and we don’t see it as scandalous or a matter of urgency,” she said on the day her appointment was confirmed. “Too often, women are frightened – frightened of being treated, frightened of being excluded from their communities and families.”

Women are more psychologically and socially vulnerable to infection, suffering from the epidemic’s negative effects. Women are the primary care givers in Africa and have seen their household and community burdens grow as a result of HIV, often compromising their own health and their ability to generate income. Children are also among the most vulnerable groups, putting them at risk physically, emotionally and economically.

The French First Lady also has her own personal reasons for becoming an AIDS Campaigner – her own elder brother Virginio Bruni Tedeschi died in 2006 following a long battle with the illness.

The Global Fund is supporting AIDS Programs around the world to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS on mothers and children with activities like counseling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, providing orphans and vulnerable children with basic care and support and providing treatment to people in need of it. The advocacy of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy will lead to greater attention on the need to scale up such work world wide.

Carla Bruni Visits The Poor In Brazil

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:29:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

French First Lady and singing star Carla Bruni was in Brazil last week to witness the poverty and hunger faced by millions.

Earlier this month Bruni became a “World Ambassador” for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and spent two days before Christmas visiting slums and hospitals in the South American nation.

Bruni’s itinery included a trip to the Pavao-Pavaozinho favela, a slum situated above Rio’s famed Copacabana beach, to visit Crianca Esperanca, an initiative that tries to lift children out of poverty. She also stopped by a hospital that houses a mothers’ milk bank, a facility that provides breast milk to over 140,000 malnourished newborns.

Bruni also attended a fashion show organized by Moda Fusion, an organization that promotes ethical fashion and showcases the creativity of women from Brazilian slums.

“The support of Carla Bruni and the French government will give greater importance to what we do in the favelas and ethical trade,” a spokeswoman told the Associated Press.

Bruni is expected to stay in Brazil until December 29.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Donates Album Proceeds to Haitian Children’s Charities

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

During a ceremony in Paris, France’s first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy donated €238,000 (US$330,000) — the total profit from her newly released album — to children’s charities in Haiti.

Entitled “Comme si de rien n’etait” (Simply), the album is Bruni-Sarkozy’s third release. Since its debut in July, it has sold 190,000 copies in France and 220,000 copies abroad.

Regarding the purpose of her donation, the First Lady was simple in her remarks: “I’m pleased that music can be used for this.”

Following her marriage to French President Nicolas Sarkozy in February, Bruni-Sarkozy has heightened the visibility of her charitable efforts. The Global Fund has named Bruni a World Ambassador for the protection of women and children against AIDS.

Bruni has told the press that, “I can put all of the media coverage directed toward me to the service of a useful cause.”

More recently, the former model donated a Christian Dior silk evening gown—worn during the Sarkozy’s state visit to England in March—for an AIDS benefit auction held on December 20.

Carla Bruni Vows To Help Battle AIDS

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

Written by Aime Pingi

France’s First Lady, model-turned-pop star Carla Bruni, will use her celebrity profile to rally support in the fight against the deadly AIDS virus.

The wife of French president Nicolas Sarkozy will act as a goodwill ambassador for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, as well as other dangerous illnesses including tuberculosis and malaria.

The weekly l’Express magazine reported that Bruni has agreed to be a goodwill ambassador for the protection of mothers and children against AIDS.

" I was very honored that they propose it to me ", said the 40-year-old, who presented her commitment during a press conference on Monday with Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Created in 2002 to finance prevention and access to treatments in poor countries, the fund – based in Geneva – oversees hundreds of programs in 140 countries through public-private partnerships that have raised more than 11 billion dollars.

Bruni, who married Sarkozy in February, expressed an interest in work to battle HIV following a visit to South Africa, which has one of the world’s largest AIDS caseloads.

The supermodel-turned-singer has said she hoped her status as French First Lady could be used to advance a worthy global cause and promises to focus her AIDS charity work on the plight of mothers and children who are affected by the disease. “Every day, 1,000 children are infected by the virus and 90% are it by their mother. There is a whole educational work to be led.”

For her new work, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy plans to lean on the team of her husband by taking advantage of its official movements. " I do not know if I am a good diplomat, but I am full of energy ", she says.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy said that she is very sensitive to the cause of the AIDS, notably because her own brother died from this disease. Her mother created a foundation in Virginio Bruni-Tedeschi’s name in 2007.

The French First Lady wishes to pursue this commitment even after her husband is no longer President.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy also explained that she has other projects in France in the field of education, and more particularly of the fight against analphabetism and illiteracy. " I hope I can speak about it soon more exactly. From the beginning of the next year ", she promised.

Look To The Stars News: Carla Bruni

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