Look To The Stars News: JK Rowling

Stars Sign Books For Charity Auction

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Eyebrows of rare book and signature collectors will rise this fall when an extraordinary collection with a tender mission will be available for an online auction beginning November 9-24, 2009.

Dubbed The Little Auction That Could, the 70+ collection includes signatures from some of the most iconic figures of our time, including President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling and Tiger Woods.

Passionate about education and literacy, volunteer mom Karla Preissman wanted to foster a love of reading among children living at Jensen Beach, Florida-based Hibiscus Children’s Center who have suffered from abuse and neglect. First, she helped create the Reef Library within the shelter and filled it with hundreds of books and resources. But that wasn’t enough…she wanted to make sure that these resources would be replenished and the library maintained and supported by staff that would help make literacy a key component to the healing received at the foster care center.

She came up with an idea. Why not ask famous people what books inspired them as a child and ask them to simply sign their names in a copy that would be auctioned for the benefit of Hibiscus Children’s Center? What started off as a simple request has mushroomed into a wildly varied and fascinating glimpse of what some of the most famous people on the planet believed to be a motivating book from childhood. Other iconic figures, such as President Barack Obama, signed a book symbolic of his time in office—a first edition pop-up White House children’s book.

Author and poet Maya Angelou submitted three signed books, one coming from her personal library called Story of Phillis Wheatley detailing the life of a slave turned poet during the American Revolution. How do you place a value on a collectible item like that?

Other stars who have taken part include Hugh Hefner, Sean Connery, Arnold Palmer, Andy Roddick, Chris Evert, Katie Couric, Jay Leno, Jeff Probst, Bill Cosby, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Ann Womack, Tori Amos, Carrie Underwood, Donald Trump and many more.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based antiquarian book dealer and appraiser Robert Hittel believes, “Owning one or more books from this eclectic collection would be the cornerstone of anyone’s collection.”

For the complete listing of signed books and information about bidding, click here. To see the collection firsthand, visit the exhibition at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida beginning November 6 through November 29, 2009.

Founded in 1985, Hibiscus Children’s Center is a non profit organization that addresses abuse and neglect issues throughout the Florida Treasure Coast. Programs include Foster Care, parental support, counseling for families in crisis and services to reunite children with their families, when appropriate. Click here for more info on this charity.

Wanted: Celebrity Supporters For Charity Kilimanjaro Climb

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last week, Look To The Stars brought you the story of 14-year-old Ryan McLaughlin’s Child Of The Year award, which he won for single-handedly trying to stamp out Mutiple Sclerosis in Scotland with his own charity, Shine On Scotland. We can now reveal that this remarkable boy is planning to climb Mt Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of his charity, and he is looking for celebrity supporters to help him.

Ryan – whose mother suffers from MS – set up the charity to raise awareness of the importance of Vitamin D in the battle against the condition. He organized a petition and march that was presented to Scottish parliament in June that attracted the support of over a thousand people, including Harry Potter creator JK Rowling.

“I am really honored to support Ryan in his fantastic campaign to get Vitamin D for all introduced as a preventative measure against MS,“ said Rowling. "Ryan’s mother has MS, as did my own mother. I only wish I had the gumption at 14 to do what Ryan is doing and get such an important issue raised at parliament.”

Now – along with mountaineer Allan Thomas, who won Fundraiser of the Year at the BigHearted Scotland awards last week – Ryan is training to climb Africa’s biggest mountain, and he has asked Ultimo tycoon Michelle Mone and Celtic defender Gary Caldwell to join him.

“There will be blisters, sweat and tears – but I can do it,” said Ryan.

Ryan’s father, Alan McLaughlin, tells Look To The Stars that they hope to raise $100,000 with the climb – which is slated to take place in June/July of 2010 – with the money to be split between the Bighearted Scotland charities and MS research.

Anyone wishing to support Ryan in his endeavour can visit his website by clicking here.

Shine On Scotland Creator Wins Child Of The Year Award

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

In May, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Ryan McLaughlin, a 14-year-old Scottish boy who is single-handedly trying to stamp out Mutiple Sclerosis with his own charity, Shine On Scotland. We can now happily announce that Ryan won the 2009 Child Of The Year award at a major ceremony in his native country last week.

“I can’t believe I’ve won – I’m ecstatic,” said Ryan at the Bighearted Scotland Awards ceremony. “This is a huge boost to my campaign and I hope more people get behind it as a result.”

Ryan’s mother, Kirsten, was diagnosed with MS two years ago. The former European tae kwon do champ now struggles to climb stairs or even get dressed.

“Without Ryan’s help, I do not know how we would have got through the ordeal,” said Ryan’s father, Alan. “The last couple of years have been an extremely difficult time for our family, but Ryan has become mature beyond his years as a result.”

Scottish parliament will respond to Ryan’s petition calling on government to provide Vitamin D to Scotland’s children and pregnant mothers this month.

Ryan’s Shine On Scotland campaign is looking for your support. To find out more, visit the official website.

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.

JK Rowling's Harry Potter Chair To Go Under Hammer For Charity

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Now is your chance to own the chair on which JK Rowling sat while writing Harry Potter!

The chair has been decorated and signed by the author, and comes with a signed letter. The seat pad bears the Scottish thistle, while the oak side declares "While sitting on this chair I wrote Harry Potter.“

Originally donated by J. K. Rowling and sold in 2002 at a small charity auction which received little publicity, this significant item escaped the attention of the world. It is now offered to Harry Potter fans in every corner of the globe. Historically, it is the most important chair in Muggledom, and probably one of the most exceptional and rare pieces of Harry Potter memorabilia ever likely to be offered for sale.

20% of the proceeds from the auction will go to Books Abroad, a charity that supplies good quality, second-hand books free of charge to schools, libraries and colleges in overseas countries where poverty means only a bare minimum or no such reading and educational resources are presently available. These donated books are of enormous value to children in struggling schools throughout the world and would otherwise end up in landfill sites. Books Abroad remains committed to alleviating poverty through recycling knowledge.

The auction runs until July 26. To view the chair or make a bid, click here.

Harry Potter To Spin Magic For Comic Relief

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Two Harry Potter spin-off books are to be reprinted, with some of the proceeds going to charity.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through The Ages were penned by JK Rowling, and are now back by popular demand – reformatted and with brand new jackets. Both are packed full of fascinating facts and intriguing information – giving new and loyal readers even more background on this magical world. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or brand new to Potter, when you buy one of these novels, you’re doing something amazing.

And the best thing is, Rowling has agreed that £1.15 from the sale of each will go to Comic Relief. The money that Comic Relief receives from the sale of each book will go towards helping people living really tough lives both in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

So be sure to look out for these extra special novels – in bookstores and online now.

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.

JK Rowling Brings A Little Magic To Needy Charities

Tue, 12 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has saved a charity home established to offer holidays to poor families from Glasgow, Scotland, from closure.

Rowling’s charity, the Volant Trust, has made a significant donation to help Braendam House, a facility in Thornhill, keep its doors open. Founded in 1967, the facility issued redundancy notices to its staff earlier this month.

Along with charitable trusts such as the Cattanach Trust, Robertson Trust, Endrick Trust, Mugdock Children’s Trust, and the Balmore Coach House Trust, Rowling’s Volant Trust – set up in memory of the author’s mother – has come up with a package that will allow Braendam House to continue its services until next March.

Rowling has also lent her support to a Scottish campaign that aims to raise awareness of the importance of Vitamin D in the battle against Multiple Sclerosis.

The Shine on Scotland campaign was started by a 14-year-old Scottish boy, Ryan McLaughlin, whose mother suffers from MS.

“I am really honored to support Ryan in his fantastic campaign to get Vitamin D for all introduced as a preventative measure against MS,“ she said. "Ryan’s mother has MS, as did my own mother. I only wish I had the gumption at 14 to do what Ryan is doing and get such an important issue raised at parliament. I wish him and all the other young people joining the mile march he is organizing in Edinburgh the best in their endeavors.“

The walk Rowling is referring to is being organized to deliver a petition to the Scottish Parliament, calling on their help in providing Vitamin D to Scotland’s children and pregnant mothers. It is due to take place on June 16 in Edinburgh.

To sign the petition or find out more about the campaign, visit the Shine on Scotland website.

To find out more about the Volant Trust, visit their official website.

Bid On Signed Books, Photos And Even C3P0 To Support Children With AIDS

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Celeb2nds.com – a website that specializes in celebrity charity auctions – is currently holding an amazing sale of celebrity-signed items for the Children with AIDS (CWAC) charity.

There is a huge amount of books going under the hammer at the site, including titles signed by Ted Turner, Richard Branson, Michael Parkinson, Geri Halliwell, Piers Morgan, Terry Pratchett, Chris Tarrant, Jeffrey Archer, Maeve Binchy, Bernard Cornwall, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Paul Auster and many others.

For autograph hunters who are looking for signed photos, there is a massive selection including pictures signed by Terry Wogan, Moby, Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly, Tess Daly, David Gower, Rio Ferdinand, Boris Johnson and a particularly revealing signed shot of Danielle Lloyd.

And for Star Wars fans, the auction also gives you the opportunity to pick up a C3PO toy signed by Anthony Daniels, who played the droid in all six films.

Also up for offer – and reported by Look To The Stars last month – is a rare copy of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows signed by JK Rowling.

The items were collected by Richard Barker, who was inspired by the stories of young people that had been infected and affected by HIV, and was nominated as Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser in 2008. Barker created The Make A Child Smile Appeal and has raised over ten thousand pounds for CWAC. As a Non-Executive Director of Celeb2nds he’s able to raise money for lots of worthy causes.

Children with AIDS Charity (CWAC) was set up in 1992 to help the youngest of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS maintain a good quality of life. It is a national UK charity with the aim of working towards a future without poverty or prejudice for these children and their families. Patrons include George Michael, Diana Rigg, and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.

Celeb2nds.com was set up in 2006 by Steve Howell to specifically raise much needed funds for charities using authentic celebrity memorabilia.

“Celeb2nds.com is an exciting new concept that allows users to get their hands on money can’t buy items from their celebrity idols, whilst raising money for some very worthy charities,” he said.

To view the items on auction, visit Celeb2nds.com by clicking here.

Bid On Signed Harry Potter Book For Charity

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of Harry Potter are able to bid on a rare first edition of The Deathly Hallows – the seventh book in the series – signed by author JK Rowling.

The auction is being run Celeb2nds.com, a website that specializes in celebrity charity auctions, and will raise money for Children with AIDS (CWAC) – a charity that responds to the specific practical, emotional and educational requirements of children and their families infected and affected by HIV.

Established in 1992 to help the youngest of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS maintain a good quality of life, CWAC is a UK-based charity that aims to work towards a future without poverty or prejudice for these children and their families.

Celeb2nds.com was set up in 2006 by Steve Howell to specifically raise much needed funds for charities using authentic celebrity memorabilia.

Currently on the site are items from John Travolta, Status Quo, Travis, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Branson and many more.

The Harry Potter auction runs until March 7 and can be accessed here.

Catch A Baseball Signed By Five US Presidents For Charity

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A complete set of Harry Potter books signed by author JK Rowling and artworks signed by former president Jimmy Carter are some of the items up for sale in an exciting new auction to raise money for an organization that promotes peace and health worldwide and monitors elections in struggling democracies.

Over 100 items will be up for grabs in the auction, to benefit the Carter Center. One of the most sought-after prizes is a baseball signed by five American presidents – George Bush Sr, George W. Bush Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. Also raising eyebrows and bids will be a a certificate commemorating the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, signed by Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins and Neil Armstrong. There are also photographs taken on the moon and signed by the astronauts, as well as guitars signed by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Michael Stipe, Bruce Springsteen and Kid Rock.

The auction will take place during the Carter Center’s annual Winter Weekend celebration Feb. 7 in Port St. Lucie. More information about the auction and how to bid online can be found at the Carter Center website.

Beedle The Bard Breaks Sales Records For Charity

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

JK Rowling’s new book, The Tales of Beedle The Bard, has created history by raising over £4 million (US$8 million) for charity in its first week of release.

The Children’s High Level Group – the charity Rowling established in 2005 to improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children – has said that 2,629,000 copies of the book were sold in the first week, generating £4.2 million for the organization.

“I am absolutely delighted that so much money has been raised,” Rowling said. “I would like to thank everyone who has so far purchased a copy of the book. All royalties will be going to help children without families, many of them with disabilities, whose voices have been unheard for many years.”

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of five tales first referred to in Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final part in the author’s series of wizarding masterpieces. It was initially produced as seven handwritten copies, six of which were given away by Rowling as gifts, and one was bought by Amazon.com at auction last year for $4 million.

“We had no idea what to expect in terms of sales figures so we are thrilled by such impressive sales in the first week alone … the project will certainly raise a huge amount to fund our work,” said Richard Alderslade, chief executive of the CHLG.

JK Rowling To Create Magic For Charity Tomorrow

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Harry Potter fans around the world will have a very restless night as they wait with eager anticipation for JK Rowling’s new book, The Tales Of Beedle The Bard, which is being released tomorrow, December 4.

Proceeds from the book will go to Children’s High Level Group, a charity founded by JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson in 2005 to improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The charity works at a political and practical level to ensure that UN minimum standards for the care of children are implemented across the whole of Europe and beyond. Their Children’s Voice campaign wants to end the neglect and abuse of children and teenagers that still exists in many countries.

JK Rowling To Hold Beedle The Bard Reading

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Author JK Rowling is to read from one of the original handwritten fairytales she wrote in a special charity tea party.

The Harry Potter creator will read extracts from The Tales Of Beedle The Bard at the event – to be held at the National Library of Scotland on December 4 – being hosted by the Children’s High Level Group. Local school children will be invited to attend the event, with 10 local schools each being able to bring 20 pupils to the party.

December 4 will also see the public release of The Tales Of Beedle The Bard in bookshops around the world, with royalties going to the Children’s High Level Group, a charity established by the author to help vulnerable children in Eastern Europe.

“Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children in Eastern Europe are living in appalling conditions in large, residential institutions,“ she said. "Contrary to popular belief, fewer than 4% of them are orphans, but are in care because they are considered disabled or their families are poor or from ethnic minorities. The charity is publishing The Tales of Beedle the Bard to raise money to fund our work in helping these children out of institutions and in to loving families or community care homes.

“I hope that The Tales of Beedle the Bard will not only be a welcome present to Harry Potter fans, but an opportunity to give these abandoned children a voice. It will encourage young people across the world to think about those who are less fortunate and help change many young lives for the better.”

As part of the celebrations for the book’s release, Scholastic USA is giving away the chance for five lucky children from America to attend the tea party. All they have to do is write an essay of 200 words or less describing how they have helped others. The competition ends on October 30, and more information can be found at the Scholastic website.

JK Rowling Kept Busy With Charity Work

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows will be the big attraction in a charity auction in Scotland next week.

Author JK Rowling has donated the book to the Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS), to be auctioned off as part of their Touch of Tartan charity ball on August 29.

“We were really excited to receive this donation from JK Rowling and to have her support,” said Helen MacKinnon, marketing and development co-ordinator for the organization. “As the prize is so outstanding and tickets have sold out, we have decided to open up the bidding on the Harry Potter novel to anyone interested.”

The Ball will take place at the Salutation Hotel in the Scottish town of Perth, and will include a civic reception hosted by Perth and Kinross Council, fine dining, and Scottish melodies from local band the Gallivanters.

PKAVS has been helping people and families across Perth & Kinross for over 30 years, and run a range of projects supporting the community of Perth & Kinross. Their projects help over 5,000 local people every year, supporting the elderly, the disabled, individuals with mental ill health, and the family members who care for them.

The book has been estimated to be worth over £500 (US$1,000), and anyone interested in bidding should contact Helen MacKinnon at helen.mackinnon@pkavs.org.uk before August 28.

Rowling is also involved with a charity-based competition being run in Britain. St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a London landmark currently undergoing a more-than $70-million upgrade, has invited stars to design panes of stained glass which will then be given away as prizes in the competition. Joining Rowling in flexing her design muscles are Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, and Bill Bryson.

People interested in entering the competition can choose whose design they want to win, with entries costing £10. To take part, visit the competition website.

JK Rowling Donates Books To Charity Auction

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hot on the heels of her announcement that she is giving the proceeds of her latest book to charity, JK Rowling has done it again – this time donating books to a charity that raises awareness of a skin condition.

The 43-year-old author has just donated a complete set of signed Harry Potter books to the XP Support Group, an organization that helps children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a condition that makes them extremely sensitive to sunlight. All seven books will now be put up for auction in November to coincide with the release of the sixth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

“You can’t imagine how delighted we are,” said Sandra Webb, who established the charity after her son was diagnosed with XP. “It’s wonderful, it could mean a lot to our charity.”

Rowling became aware of the charity when the mother of one of its members wrote to her about it.

“She wrote back to David and sent him some books and said she would send us some gifts to raise money,” said the boy’s mother. “We are just absolutely over the moon she has taken so much from one letter. We now know we can run the charity comfortably for the next year and a half. It’s a huge gift for us.”

The books will be auctioned on eBay, and Look To The Stars will let you know when it is up and running.

Harry Potter Returns For Charity

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A book of Harry Potter-related fairy tales written and illustrated by JK Rowling is to be published for charity.

“There was understandable disappointment among Harry Potter fans when only one copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard was offered to the public last December,” said Rowling. “I am therefore delighted to announce that, thanks to the generous support of Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Amazon – and with the blessing of the wonderful people who own the other six original books – The Tales of Beedle the Bard will now be widely available to all Harry Potter fans.”

The book will be released on December 4 by Bloomsbury in Britain and Scholastic in the United States, and Amazon plans to sell a leather-bound collectors’ edition priced at $100. Rowling has generously signed over all her royalties from the book to the Children’s High Level Group, a charity founded by JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson in 2005 to improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The charity works at a political and practical level to ensure that UN minimum standards for the care of children are implemented across the whole of Europe and beyond. Their Children’s Voice campaign wants to end the neglect and abuse of children and teenagers that still exists in many countries.

The Spy Who Loved Me For Charity

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ever fancy a kiss with James Bond? Or a cuddle with Hugh Grant? One lucky bidder did on Tuesday night, when they won the chance to do exactly that at a charity auction in London.

The Great British Movie Event, a dinner and auction to raise cash for the National Film and Television School, attracted a host of famous faces, including Richard Attenborough, Christopher Lee, Rowan Atkinson, Honor Blackman, Bill Nighy, and Richard Curtis. Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the evening raised over $800,000 for the school, which specializes in high-end media training.

The chance to kiss three living legends – Hugh Grant, James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and Harry Potter’s Robbie Coltrane – sold for a whopping $39,000, with the honor going to Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond film franchise.

And although they didn’t have to fight over the girl, Craig and Grant did enter into a bidding war over some Harry Potter memorabilia, with Craig eventually paying $36,000 for the chance to own some of the famous wizard’s belongings. Hugh Grant was later outbid again, this time for two walk-on parts in one of his own films…

Other items up for auction on the night included the dinner jacket worn by Daniel Craig in the most recent Bond film ‘Casino Royale’, which sold for almost $20,000, and a signed copy of JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, which fetched $39,000.

Harry Potter Prequel Casts Its Charity Magic

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

JK Rowling’s 800 word Harry Potter prequel has sold for $48,858, with the proceeds going to charity.

An absent bidder at the auction – held at Waterstone’s Bookstore in London yesterday – paid $59 per word for the short story, which was handwritten on both sides of an A5-size card. As reported earlier, the proceeds from the sale went to the English writer’s association, PEN, and Dyslexia Action.

Twelve other authors and illustrators also contributed stories to the auction, including playwright Tom Stoppard – whose short story raised $7,816 – Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing, and novelists Nick Hornby and Margaret Atwood.

Rowling’s story is set three years before Harry is born and features the characters Sirius Black and James Potter, Harry’s father. After some trouble with a policeman, the pair escape with broomsticks and a little bit of magic.

The prequel can be viewed at Waterstone’s shop in central London, or can be read in its entirety online.

Harry Potter Returns For Charity Gala And Prequel

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Witches and wizards galore crammed a castle in the dark depths of Scotland on Friday night, all in the name of charity.

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling host to the goulish guests at the ghastly gala held at Harburn House in West Lothian to raise funds for the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Society. And as well as monstrous music and disastrous dancing (ok, sorry, the alliteration is just getting silly now), there was also an auction with a very special prize donated by the author – the chance to be immortalized as a wizard or witch in a portrait at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Florida.

The event, which was attended by guests such as Charlotte Church and author Ian Rankin, raised a massive $632,000 for the charity.

Rowling is a longtime supporter of the MS Society, and became patron of the organization after losing her mother to the disease.

The gala follows the announcement last week that Rowling has penned an 800-word prequel to her seven-book Harry Potter series as part of a charity auction to be held next month.

The auction will take place at Waterstone’s Bookstore in Central London on June 10, and will feature a selection of short stories written by famous writers on special cards. Money from the auction will go to English PEN, the writer’s association, and Dyslexia Action.

The auction follows the sale of a handwritten, leather-bound book of fairy tales the author sold for $4 million in December to raise money for Children’s Voice.

And for any diehard Potter fans out there – the prequel is said to be a conversation between Harry’s father, James, and Sirius Black.

Johnny's Angels - When Stars Inspire Fans

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:36:32 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

At Look To The Stars we like to bring you news about the ways your favorite stars are making the world a better place, and we strive to inspire you to follow their examples and do what you can to help those in need. We are happy to say that there are some people out there who have been inspired to do good in the name of their idols, and the hard work is now paying off.

Johnny’s Angels is a group set up by fans of Johnny Depp who were inspired by the many good deeds the actor does, including his words of kindness for young cancer sufferers and his attempts to wake up young coma patients. The group now hopes to inspire others to help children, especially young cancer patients, by performing acts of kindness.

“We have been inspired by Johnny Depp, and now we would like to inspire YOU,” says the group’s website. “Johnny’s Angels: Depp Fans for Charity is a meaningful way for Depp fans to honor an actor whose talent and humanity have inspired so many.”

The group focuses on raising awareness and funds for children’s hospices, in particular the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition. They raised over $5,000 for the charity in 2007 – through donations, events, and the sale of merchandise – a phenomenal tribute to the actor.

And Johnny Depp himself is impressed with the group. The actor recently wrote a letter to Johnny’s Angels, thanking them for the work that they do in his name, and was blown away by their support and fundraising.

“I wish to express my extreme gratitude to all at Johnny’s Angels, and the wonderful effort made for a cause that is indeed something I hold dear,” wrote the 44-year-old. “Your kindness will benefit those in need at a time when they will appreciate it most… Your generosity of spirit knows no bounds, and for that I am eternally in your debt. I am honored and humbled by you all.”

The group isn’t the only philanthropic fan club out there, fighting for causes in the name of their heroes. The Every Day Angels Foundation was set up by fans of singer/songwriter Jewel to encourage individual awareness of the world and ideas on how people can live their lives to their fullest potential. Established in 1997, the group promotes volunteerism and inspires grass-roots community building through education. Harry Potter fans have also created an inspiring site for actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the “Boy Who Lived” in the movie series based on JK Rowling’s books. The group regularly raises money for Radcliffe’s favorite charity, Demelza House, and recieved a message of thanks from the actor in return.

Johnny Depp fans are encouraged to visit www.johnnysangels.org; if you know of any other groups working for causes in the name of celebrities, please contact us.

Harry Potter Features At Charity Auction

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:45:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Harry Potter fans listen up! A charity auction is giving one lucky bidder the chance to own a very special print signed by JK Rowling.

The auction, accessed through the Charity Folks website, has listed the special print of Peeves The Poltergeist as part of their current event benefiting Love Our Children USA, a non-profit organization that that honors, respects and protects children. Also available as part of the auction is a one-of-a-kind Michael Buble gift pack containing a signed CD, a black Michael Bublé hoodie sweatshirt, a Black Michael Bublé Ladies’ baby t-shirt, a black Michael Bublé Men’s t-shirt, a gray Michael Bublé Ladies’ baby t-shirt, and a pink Michael Bublé Ladies’ baby t-shirt. Robin Williams fans can also get in on the action by bidding on a leatherbound House Of D script signed by the actor.

Interested bidders had better get over to the auction quick – it ends tomorrow, April 30. And bid until it hurts …because children should never hurt!

Young Girl Calls Celebrities For A Hand

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:37:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tilly Lockey is only two years old, but she is hoping for a little magic. At the moment, this bright-eyed toddler is eager and happy, but she lacks the ability to do the things that other two year olds do. She can’t reach out for her toys. She doesn’t know what it is like to clutch a crayon and draw a picture. She can’t even hold her mother’s hand.

You see, Tilly Lockey has no hands of her own. But she wants some. And with a little help, she might just get some.

When Tilly was still a baby, she contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia, a deadly form of flesh-eating meningitis for which there is no vaccination. It was every mother’s nightmare – to see her baby slowly turn purple, then black, tubes coming out of every part of her tiny body, helpless and beaten by a relentless disease. For four weeks Tilly fought back in intensive care, and 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.

But this is where the magic comes in. Tilly’s parents, Adam and Sarah, have launched a campaign to give their daughter a hand – two hands, in fact. And they are appealing to the stars for help.

The initiative involves celebrities making prints of their hands – or perhaps just drawing around them – and then customizing them in a way that defines their character. Harry Potter creator JK Rowling heads the field, with drawings of wizards adorning her fingers. Sir Cliff Richard has donated a plain green handprint to represent his clean image, and Only Fools And Horses actor Sir David Jason has decorated his print with pictures from the long-running BBC comedy series. The pictures will then be auctioned in October.

Other celebrities, such as retired English footballer Alan Shearer, pop duo Erasure, David Prowse – who played Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies – and several members of Manchester United have also made clay casts of their hands for the initiative.

Tilly has so far received over 40 handprints and casts for the auction, including those from singer Katie Melua, Rolf Harris, Patrick Stewart, Linford Christie, Wendy Richard, The Weakest Link’s Anne Robinson, and several English cricket players. But in order for her to get the prosthetic hands she so desperately wants, she needs more. If anyone can help Tilly, the campaign can be reached via enquires@tillylockey.co.uk. More information on Tilly’s story and the handprint auction can be found at www.givetillyahand.co.uk.

JK Rowling Spellbound By Charity Book Sale

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:12:32 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Originally expected to bring in around $100,000, JK Rowling’s book “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” instead raised nearly $4 million… in just ten minutes of bidding. It is a price unheard of for a children’s book at auction and forty times what was anticipated.

The book is one of only seven in existence. Rowling gave the first six to friends as thank-you gifts, and the last one was auctioned by Sotheby’s for charity. The books, hand written and illustrated by Rowling, are bound in leather and uniquely embossed with silver and moonstones. “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” is a collection of wizarding fairy-tales alluded to in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book of the Harry Potter series. In The Deathly Hallows, Dumbledore left the volume of tales that provide clues to defeating Lord Voldemort to Harry’s friend Hermione.

The winning bid went to the London painting and drawing dealership Hazlitt, Gooden & Fox. Says Rowling of the record-breaking bid, “I’m stunned and ecstatic. This will mean so much to the children desperately in need of help. It means Christmas has come early for me.”

The Children’s Voice campaign, beneficiary of the proceeds, is run by the Children’s High Level Group, founded by JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson in 2005 to “improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The Children’s Voice wants to make life better for young people in care; across Eastern Europe and ultimately across the whole of the modern world.”

Rowling Hand-Writes New Potter Stories for Charity

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:23:18 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

JK Rowling hasn’t rested since finishing the Harry Potter series with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The author has hand-written and illustrated seven copies of a new book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a collection of wizarding fairy-tales mentioned in the final Potter book. Rowling gave six of the books as thank-you gifts, and the seventh will be auctioned to raise money for The Children’s Voice campaign run by the Children’s High Level Group (CHLG).

Although one of Beedle the Bard’s stories, The Tale of the Three Brothers, is recounted in the last Potter book, the other four tales were only alluded to. Rowling had these books of never-before-told stories bound in leather with uniquely embossed silver and moon stones, and in her dedication at the front of each wrote that the proceeds of the auction will go to help institutionalized children.

In a BBC interview, Rowing stated, “I could not think of anyone with less of a voice, or more disenfranchised, than a child with mental health issues or handicapped, who has been taken from their family or given by their family to an institution and then placed in a cage. I couldn’t think of anyone more vulnerable, or anyone more in need of an articulate voice.”

JK Rowling and Emma Nicholson founded the CHLG in 2005 to “improve the well-being, health and protection of vulnerable children. The Children’s Voice wants to make life better for young people in care; across Eastern Europe and ultimately across the whole of the modern world.”

Says Rowling, “Large amounts of wealth bring a certain responsibility. If you’re any kind of human being, then once you fulfill your family’s needs, you think, well how do I do some good with this?”

The seventh Tales of Beedle the Bard book will be auctioned by Sotheby’s on December 13, and is expected to fetch up to £50,000 ($100,000).

JK Rowling Helps the Homeless

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:18:13 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

While in Germany to promote the German version of the last book in the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling has once again given special attention to Munich’s independent street magazine BISS. Rowling gave an interview to the magazine, which is sold by the city’s homeless, before last Saturday’s launch of her new book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

BISS was able to publish both snippets of Rowling news, and an account of the author’s trials over the past ten years of writing the Potter series, especially the last book:

“Particularly grueling was the day on which I wrote the 35th chapter, the one in which Harry prepares for his death. All the emotions that had stored up inside me after years of writing about Harry suddenly poured out,” she said.

Founded in 1993, BISS helps a small minority of homeless help themselves. Short for Burger in sozialen Schwierigkeiten (Citizens in Difficulty), homeless men and women with selling permits pocket a percentage of the magazine’s price, and receive support with debt repayments and with getting a foothold back into society.

Rowling herself was on social security, raising her daughter alone until her first success with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. Four years ago, Rowling allowed BISS to publish the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before it hit the shops.

A substantial contributor to charities, mainly ones fighting poverty and social inequality, JK Rowling says, “I think you have a moral responsibility when you’ve been given far more than you need, to do wise things with it and give intelligently.”

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