Look To The Stars News: Beyoncé Knowles

Jay-Z Answers The Call For Charity

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

Hip Hop megastar Jay-Z played a tribute concert in New York on Friday night to mark the deaths of those that lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks eight years ago.

The Answer The Call show, which launched his new album Blueprint 3, raised money for the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, a charity fund that has distributed over $96 million to the families of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty since 1986.

The rapper was joined by stars such as Kanye West, Pharell Williams, P. Diddy, John Mayer, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Santigold for a two hour show that covered hits from his 11 album career.

“Make some noise for everybody that lost their lives so we can live ours,” the rapper told the crowd. “We stand here tonight eight years later even stronger, even stronger.”

He also held a minute of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the attack.

Beyoncé Continues To Lend A Helping Hand

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Beyoncé Knowles’s commitment to Hamburger Helper’s “Show Your Helping Hand Campaign” continues well into her 2009 U.S. tour.

The pop diva spent the July 4th holiday in her hometown of Houston, Texas. Concert-attending fans were once again encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the singer’s event. All donations were presented to the Houston Food Bank.

Through the Show Your Helping Hand campaign, Beyoncé and Hamburger Helper plan on delivering more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks. According to the starlet, "There is no better feeling than giving back.” Fans that want to share this feeling can visit showyourhelpinghand.com to explore ways in which they too can give back.

Beyoncé Lends a Helping Hand to Charity

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:29:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Beyoncé Knowles, Hamburger Helper, and Feeding America are working together to supply more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks.

The “Show Your Helping Hand” hunger relief initiative launched at Madison Square Garden on June 22nd. Beyoncé is an active promoter of the campaign and has filmed a commercial for the humanitarian cause.

Fans of the diva can aid the initiative by visiting the site ShowYourHelpingHand.com. Visitors of the site can make a monetary donation, or submit codes worth 18 cents each from specially marked packages of Hamburger Helper. Concert-attending fans can donate non-perishable groceries at U.S. tour concert stops.

Feeding America maintains a nationwide network of over 200 food banks and distributes more than 2 billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually. With Beyoncé‘s help, the company aims to continue their remarkable track record.  

Wayans Brothers Launch Charity Auction

Fri, 29 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

The Wayans Brothers are well known for their numerous contributions to the comedy world. In addition to keeping fans of the spoofing genre in stitches, the siblings are donating their designer stitches including shirts, jeans, jackets, and sweaters to benefit children’s charities.

The NorthStar Moving Corporation and Clothes Off Our Back Foundation are collaborating with the comedy family to auction off their charitable goods. Bids can be placed at the Foundation’s site until Tuesday, June 9th at 5 p.m. PDT. All proceeds will directly benefit Feeding America (previously America’s Second Harvest), The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

NorthStar Moving Corporation, “the leading eco-luxury mover in California," collects donations from celebrity patrons and delivers the charitable items to auctions sponsored by The Clothes off Our Back Foundation. All proceeds benefit various children’s charities. Other celebrity supporters include Akon, Jessica Alba, Beyoncé Knowles and Scarlett Johansson.

Teen Activist Hayley Hasselhoff Joins Torrid in High School Model Search

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:49:00 -0000

Written by Michelle Vink

“I am so proud of my daughter Hayley. She is growing up to be a young woman that possesses a true compassion for people and desire to help & inspire others,” exclaims David Hasselhoff.

David has every reason to be proud of his “power” teen. This fashion model, recording artist and community activist has been keeping herself very busy. This last Saturday, Hayley joined forces with the plus size fashion label, Torrid to launch a nation-wide search for high school-aged fashionistas as part of their High School Fashion Advisory Panel. They will choose 10 winners that will have the opportunity to show their real beauty. All model search entrants will be evaluated on their fashion sense, image on campus, online presence via social networking sites and most importantly their contributions to their communities. Once on board, these girls will have the opportunity to create looks for the label, and share fashion tips and trends through personal blogs and videos.

“I love the Torrid fashion brand and I am excited to be part of the team. We are giving high school girls a chance to shine and show their personal style. It is an honor to be selected as a fashion mentor to this group of girls,” says Hayley.

It is a perfect brand for a teen philanthropist like Hayley to represent. Torrid is responsible for launching the first-ever plus-size collection of fashion T-shirts for The Samburu Project, helping the people of Kenya gain improved access to safe drinking water. This charity, created by Kristin Kosinski, former Paramount Television Executive, has already had celebrity support with Beyoncé, Jessica Alba and Kristen Bell – all fans of the knit tops from The Samburu Project collection. And now women size 12 and up will also be able to show their support for the cause as Torrid joins Mighty Fine to bring The Samburu Project even more exposure.

This will not be the last you see Hayley Hasselhoff using her celebrity status to promote her passion for charity. Coming up later this month, she will be involved in a teen-created fundraiser in Beverly Hills called “The Bash.” As a board member on this event, she has joined with her celebrity friends in Beverly Hills to create a “Sweet 16” style party that will raise money and awareness for the teens at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on May 17th. Maybe her actions can be the inspiration for the next hottest trend with Hollywood teens this year: Compassion.

About The Samburu Project: The Samburu Project is a nonprofit 501© (3) organization that collaborates with communities in developing countries to enhance people’s daily lives by addressing one of their most immediate and basic needs: access to clean drinking water. The nonprofit began its work in the Wamba area of the Samburu District, drilling wells that could be easily maintained and sustained by the community. Former Paramount Television executive Kristen Kosinski conceived The Samburu Project while traveling through Kenya and working with women’s groups from the Samburu Tribe in 2005. Dedicated to providing clean drinking water and community empowerment to the families of the Samburu District, The Samburu Project has changed the lives of more than 20,000 men, women and children since it began drilling wells in 2006. By forming this exciting new partnership with Torrid, Mighty Fine hopes to continue the work it started with The Samburu Project while broadening its reach to include the plus-size market.

About Torrid:
Torrid, the second division of national retailer Hot Topic, Inc., provides size 12+ fashion-forward apparel and accessories for young women principally between the ages of 15 and 29. As of April 2009, Torrid operates 160 stores and an Internet store.

Wyclef Jean To Play Phoenix House Benefit

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Musician Wyclef Jean will perform at a charity gala tonight, March 30, to benefit the largest non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facility in the US.

The 2009 Phoenix Rising Gala will benefit Phoenix House, the organization established in 1969 that treats more than 5,000 persons in nearly 100 residential and outpatient programs throughout nine states every day. The evening will feature cocktails and dinner, and will honor Lisa Ellis, a record executive whose work in the arts and entertainment has encouraged positive and responsible behavior in young people.

Co-chairs of the event include Eli Manning and Shaquille O’Neal, and the Host Committee includes John Legend and Michael Strahan.

Phoenix House hit the news earlier this year when Beyoncé Knowles donated $4 million to the organization.

The event will take place at The Plaza on Fifth Avenue, New York City, and more information can be found here.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

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

Written by Tim Saunders

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has announced he will donate all the proceeds from sales of his new live album, Jimmy Barnes Live At The Enmore, to the appeal.

“Importantly, the people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” said Barnes. “It’s a good buy for all involved. Not only are music fans getting a bargain, but were all in this together for an extremely important cause.”

The album is available for $3.39 on iTunes.

Also released to raise funds for victims is Bushfire Aid – Artists For The Bushfire Appeal, a CD featuring performers from Australia and the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. Artists to donate songs include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Beyoncé Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Dido, Midnight Oil, Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, Eurythmics, Delta Goodrem, Westlife, Paul Kelly, Anthony Callea and many more.

“Sony Music Australia is privileged to support the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special CD,” said Denis Handlin Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our thanks go to all of the artists and songwriters for generously donating their tracks royalty free. We also thank Sony DADC Australia for kindly donating the CD manufacturing. I know everyone in Australia shares deep concern for this tragedy, its horrific toll on life, families, communities and wildlife. On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

The album is in stores in Australia now, and more info can be found by clicking here.

Celebrities Sign iPods For Charity Auction

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Tonic.com has announced the launch of a new charity auction series. Leading celebrities from the worlds of music, film, television, and fashion have contributed an autographed iPod loaded with their personal playlist to be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting Music Rising, a campaign founded in 2005 to replace lost or destroyed instruments of musicians in the Gulf Coast Region after the hurricane disasters.

Over seventy celebrities will participate in the auction series including U2’s The Edge, former President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Beyoncé Knowles, Cher, Donna Karan, Warren Buffett, Christy Turlington, Britney Spears, Michael Stipe, Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey, Stevie Nicks, Michael Buble, Ben Affleck, Ellen DeGeneres, Estelle, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Scarlett Johansson, Peter Wentz, Randy Jackson, will.i.am, Kevin Bacon, Gisele Bundchen, Marc Jacobs, Ed Burns, Samantha Ronson, Nick Lachey, Petra Nemcova, Mandy Moore and many others.

Each celebrity was given a new iPod which they each autographed and Tonic pre-loaded with a playlist of ten to twenty of the celebrities’ favorite songs. Beginning February 12 between one and five separate iPod auctions will simultaneously launch every week on eBay; playlists will be revealed to the public on both tonic.com and eBay when auctions are launched.

“Music Rising is honored to be the charitable beneficiary of Tonic’s innovative iPod auction series,” said Bob Ezrin, Co-founder of Music Rising. “My visits to New Orleans gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. Every person who wins an iPod bid will directly be helping ensure that one of the Gulf Coast’s greatest assets, its music, will rise again.”

“Everyone who has ever wondered what songs their favorite celebrities listen to in their home or on the road won’t have to wonder much longer,” said Pankaj Shah, CEO and Founder of Tonic. “We’ve compiled pre-loaded, autographed iPods from countless iconic celebrities to share with the public. By bidding on an autographed iPod, you’ll be helping to aid in the continued rebirth of the Gulf Coast Region. The Celebrity iPod Auction Series is Tonic’s first major campaign of 2009 to offer consumers an opportunity to create social good and we’re thrilled to rally people behind a great cause.”

Gwyneth Paltrow And Courteney Cox Honored For Charity Work

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Gwyneth Paltrow and Courteney Cox were honored at the 14th Annual Saks Fifth Avenue’s Unforgettable Evening benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund in Beverly Hills last night, February 10.

The annual event raises much needed funds each year for innovative cancer research, and recognizes one remarkable individual for his or her unwavering commitment to the cause.

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow received the 2009 Courage Award. She, along with her mother, Blythe Danner, and brother, Jake Paltrow, established the Bruce Paltrow Fund in memory of her father who lived with oral cancer for several years. The Bruce Paltrow Fund, set up through The Oral Cancer Foundation and with support from the EIF, works to prevent oral cancer through public education, early detection and patient support. In 2008, Paltrow served as ambassador for EIF and Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE Initiative, appearing in a nationwide public service announcement to raise funds and awareness for women’s cancers.

Courteney Cox was presented with the 2009 Nat King Cole Award for her dedication to helping people, especially those near to her, who have battled cancer.

The evening included a special performance by Beyoncé Knowles and featured guests such as Jennifer Aniston, David Arquette, Sheryl Crow, Lisa Kudrow, Laura Dern, Jennifer Meyer and Tobey Maguire, Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, Josh Groban, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Kirk Douglas, Jessica Capshaw, along with EIF’s WCRF honorary chairs Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, EIF’s WCRF co-founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Jamie Tisch, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie, and Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills’ Vice President & General Manager Larry Bruce.

Obama's Inauguration Set To Rock

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Barack Obama’s official inauguration concert this weekend is going to be a who’s who of the music industry, with some of the world’s biggest superstars confirmed to perform or attend.

The lineup for this Night Of Nights includes Bono and U2, Beyoncé Knowles, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, James Taylor, {celerity:Josh Groban}, and Mary J. Blige. Historical passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington.

The show will be aired on HBO at 7pm EST on Sunday, January 18, via an open feed, which means cable and satellite viewers will see the show for free.

“On that first day, we asked Springsteen, Bono and Garth Brooks within a period of 45 minutes and got three `yeses,’” said executive producer George Stevens Jr. “We said, `This is going to be fun.’”

The concert will be held at the Lincoln Memorial, and the Obama family is expected to attend.

Miley Cyrus Joins Jonas Brothers For Inauguration Gig

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have been confirmed to perform on the eve of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration at a concert honoring military families.

The “Kids’ Inaugural: We Are the Future” concert will air Monday, January 19, on the Disney Channel. The show will be held at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C, and will be hosted by Michelle Obama. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.

“We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events,” said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever.”

The following night, January 20, will see The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball take place, featuring Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Alicia Keys and Shakira. The show will allow the Obamas to meet some of their new neighbors in the District of Columbia, and will be broadcast live on ABC.

“We are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever,” said Beliveau.

Beyonce Donates To Drug Rehab Charity

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Beyoncé Knowles has donated her entire $4 million salary from her new film to help a drug treatment organization in America.

The 27-year-old spent two weeks with addicts undergoing treatment at a Phoenix House centre in New York last year while researching her role in Cadillac Records, in which she plays soul legend Etta James.

“Her incredibly generous gesture to Phoenix House comes as no big surprise to those close to her,“ a source told Britain’s The Daily Star. “Without fanfare or publicity of any kind she has quietly given away millions to causes that move her. I don’t think she’s ever before given away such a large amount to one organization but she clearly believes that many people, possibly thousands, would die without their help. We’re talking about people here who can’t afford $20,000-plus a week to check themselves into Promises in Malibu or the Betty Ford Clinic. These people are hand-to-mouth street junkies and without groups like Phoenix they wouldn’t stand a chance of recovery. Beyoncé has acted, like she always does, from the heart and if she’s helped save even one life over Christmas she’ll consider every last cent well spent.”

Phoenix House runs 98 residential and outpatient rehab programs throughout the US, and treats over 5000 addicts a day. Their mission to reclaim disordered lives and treat addictions is achieved through donations from patients and the public.

Beyoncé Gets Help from Her Sister For Charity Concert

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Beyoncé Knowles will join her sister Solange on stage next week for a concert to benefit victims of Hurricane Ike.

The Hope For The Holidays concert will take place at the Houston House of Blues on December 9, with proceeds being distributed by the Survivor Foundation to hurricane victims in Texas.

‘It is an honor for our family to be able to give back to our hometown with a holiday concert that will air on Fuse,’ said the sisters’ father and manager Mathew Knowles. ‘Tina [their mother] grew up in Galveston and still has family and friends there, and we’re fortunate to bring Beyonce and Solange together to support the efforts of The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund through the Survivor Foundation.’

The one hour concert special will premiere exclusively on Fuse on Sunday, December 21st, at 10PM ET.

The concert follows a special gala being held in Hollywood later tonight, December 4. Watering The Seeds of Life: A Benefit for the Victims of Hurricane Ike will be held at The Kress on Hollywood Blvd. Joining Beyonce at the event are stars such as Dane Cook, Roddy Piper, Ariel Teal Toombs, Tom Green, Ryan Cabrera, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Jackson, Josh Henderson, Jay Advis, Alan Thicke and many others.

Stars To Be BRAVE For Veterans

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop stars 50 Cent and Ludacris will perform at a concert to raise awareness of veterans causes next month.

“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” is part of MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, an initiative designed to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. The concert hopes to draw attention to a new petition launched by MTV called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (or BRAVE) which calls on politicians to support vets’ issues and enact positive legislative changes.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war — we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said MTV President Van Toffler. “By raising awareness through ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,’ and by launching the BRAVE petition, we aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

The concert – which will be taped on October 23 and aired on MTV on October 24 – will also feature performances by Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Juanes, Nelly and Taylor Swift, with appearances from Beyoncé Knowles, Will Ferrell, Common, Fat Joe, Seth Green, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Wyclef Jean.

Beyoncé's Parents To Be Honored

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The parents of Beyoncé Knowles are to receive a special award for their charity work.

Mathew and Tina Knowles are to be honored with the National PTA Commitment to America’s Children Award. The presentation will be held on Thursday, October 30, at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and will include performances from children and celebrities.

The Knowles family are passionate about helping the homeless and youth. Their combined efforts to help families and children include establishing the Survivor Foundation – which transforms the lives of survivors of social, economic and catastrophic hardships by providing assistance, education and support – as well as setting up the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, and continuing to provide support to various groups that bring hope and light to children.

Registrations for the 4th annual Commitment to American Children Gala can be made online at the National PTA website.

Celebrity Endorsement Pulls Young Voters

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new study has revealed how celebrity endorsement can encourage young people to vote.

“Celebrities have the power to motivate civic engagement regardless of their own grasp of the issues at hand,” reported a study by Washington State University published in the Mass Communication and Society journal. “Celebrity endorsed campaigns successfully lowered complacency and helped young people believe in their own impact on the political system. Young people got involved at higher levels and became increasingly aware of societal issues.”

According to the study, initiatives from stars such as Jessica Alba – who recently featured in several ad campaigns for Declare Yourself – as well as Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé Knowles have influenced the youth vote in America. 44% of newly registered voters in 2004 were between 18 and 25.

This year’s voters have been encouraged by a host of celebrity campaigns, such as Death Cab for Cutie’s free concert offer and the recent 5 Friends video that featured will.i.am, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Bacon, Maria Bello, Halle Berry, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Connolly, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Jonah Hill, Djimon Hounsou, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Kiedis, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Levine, Laura Linney, Eva Longoria, Tobey Maguire, Demi Moore, Esai Morales, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, Ethan Suplee, Kyra Sedgwick, Michelle Trachtenberg, Usher, and Forest Whitaker.

About 44 million people aged 18 to 29 are eligible to vote in the November 4 presidential election. If young voter turnout exceeds 50%, it will be only the third time since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1972.

Beyoncé Donates To Hurricane Ike Victims

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:31:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Destiny’s Child singer Beyoncé Knowles has made a huge personal donation to victims of Hurricane Ike.

The 27-year-old has pledged $100,000 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund, which was established at the request of Houston Mayor Bill White to help fill unmet human needs for victims of Hurricane Ike in the Greater Houston area.

The singer is also currently organizing a benefit concert through her Survivor Foundation to help raise money for those who have lost homes, property and jobs in Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.

Knowles specifically established her Foundation to assist people displaced or affected by disasters. The family-run family charity – which is also supported by Kelly Rowland – helps people in need, providing assistance to children and to those suffering from AIDS and homelessness.

Since it was established, the Survivor Foundation has raised over $2.5 million dollars in the Houston area alone.

Beyoncé Honored For Charity Work

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Beyoncé Knowles was honored at a special gala on Saturday night for her charity work.

The Diamond Ball raised money for the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, an organization whose mission is to create awareness and generate funds for Miami Children’s Hospital, and featured performances by Smokey Robinson, Gloria Gaynor, and seven-year-old pianist Ethan Bortnick, who was playing to show his appreciation for the hospital for treating his younger brother’s heart troubles.

Tables for the concert cost up to $11,000, and profits went directly to the only licensed specialty hospital in South Florida exclusively for children.

The list of charities Knowles supports is both long and varied, but perhaps the greatest contribution she has made is the Survivor Foundation, an organization she founded with fellow Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The foundation’s accomplishments are many, including the Music World Cares Christmas Carnival that enabled over 300 low-income households to enjoy a fun-filled day of food, entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus and free toys from the toy giveaway. The singer also held a series of food drives before her concerts in 2006 to collect the food that was so desperately needed by victims.

Justin Timberlake Proves That Fashion Rocks

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus and Charlize Theron were some of the stars who appeared at the fifth annual Fashion Rocks concert celebrating the relationship between music and fashion last Friday.

Proceeds from the show – which was televised on CBS on Tuesday night – went to Stand Up To Cancer, which held its own star-studded telethon on the same evening. The Fashion Rocks show included a performance of more than a dozen divas — including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Natasha Bedingfield, Fergie, Rihanna and Cyrus — who sung their new charity song Just Stand Up, which was beamed live to the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza.

“This is the first time we’re all together singing the song,” said Bedingfield. “It was really special. It was really like a sisterhood, like a bond… We’re all used to being the stars — the only star in the room — and it was really nice I think that everyone could just come together and really support each other.”

Also present at Fashion Rocks were Hilary Swank and Hayden Panettiere, with performances from Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Duffy, the Black Eyed Peas, and the Pussycat Dolls. But it was the sizzling duet between Timberlake and Beyonce on “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” that stole the show.

And just to prove that there really is nothing like the real thing, Timberlake has also confirmed he will once again host the Shriners Hospitals for Children Golf Open in October.

Following on from the success of last year’s event, the Open will take place October 13-19 at the TPC Summerlin course in Las Vegas.

The annual event has taken place every year since 1983 and has raised more than $10 million for Las Vegas area charities. Previous champions include Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Paul Azinger, Jim Furyk, Curtis Strange and Fuzzy Zoeller.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of facilities in North America that provides superior medical care at no charge to children under the age of 18, and more information about the event – including how to get tickets – can be found at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Golf Open website.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“He looks amazing,” former basketball player Charles Barkley told People Magazine. “For me, seeing Patrick Swayze, someone who is actually fighting this disease, was the best part of the show. Seeing him in person was amazing.”

The idea behind the event was that it is the lack of funding – and not just research – that is slowing the advance of cancer prevention and treatment, and over $100 million has been raised since the Stand Up To Cancer initiative was launched earlier this year.

The telethon – which was viewed by over 10.5 million people – also featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor, as well as the television premiere of the star-studded charitable single Just Stand Up performed by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett underwent a prostate examination on the show, and cartoon character Homer Simpson had a colonoscopy.

Other stars who were part of the show included Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Hilary Swank, Jimmy Fallon, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom wanted to do something positive to help the 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide who die from cancer each year.

As part of Stand Up To Cancer’s efforts, there is also an auction running on eBay that offers the chance to meet the cast of celebrities such as Katie Couric, Stephen Colbert, and Jay Leno. It runs until September 15, and can be accessed through eBay.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Don’t miss Stand Up To Cancer on ABC, CBS and NBC today, Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m. (EST).

A spectacular line up of talent including Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Kirsten Dunst, Charles Barkley, America Ferrera, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Forest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon and Keanu Reeves will appear on the one-hour telecast. The celebrities are set to educate you, move you and entertain you, and will even be on hand to answer your calls in the celebrity phone bank.

The premiere TV performance of Just Stand Up – the star studded charitable single in support of Stand Up To Cancer – will be performed by legendary recording artists Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

Doug Ulman, President of the Lance Armstrong Foundation says, “Inspired to act by their own personal experiences with cancer, the Stand Up to Cancer team recognizes that we can no longer rely on the current system alone to give us the breakthroughs we need. They are calling on the public to help take matters into our own hands, investing in a revolution that will change the way scientists and clinicians work to understand and treat cancer. Stand Up To Cancer is more than a rallying cry. It is a galvanizing force created to urgently move cancer research forward.”

Tonight’s program is raising funds to build “Dream Teams” made up of scientists, clinicians, technicians and other experts.

For more information about Stand Up To Cancer, and a complete list of celebrities who will be appearing during the show, visit the Stand Up To Cancer Website.

Female Stars Unite For New Charity Single

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fifteen of the hottest female stars on the planet are joining together for a brand new charity single to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Just Stand Up will be released on September 2 to coincide with the Stand Up To Cancer television special that will run on NBC, ABC, and CBS on September 5. The new song – which was conceived and produced by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – will feature the soaring voices of Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood, and all sales of the star-studded single will benefit cancer research.

All 15 singers will perform the song during the primetime television event, which will also feature appearances by Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon.

The single will be available through iTunes, and more information can be found at www.standup2cancer.org.

Fashion Concert Stands Up To Cancer

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé Knowles and Rihanna have been revealed as some of the acts confirmed to perform at this year’s New York Fashion Rocks concert.

The concert, which will take place on September 5, first took New York
Fashion Week by storm in 2004 and still remains one of the hottest events on the celebrity charity calendar. The legendary Radio City Music Hall will once again play host to the star-studded live event, celebrating the powerful relationship between fashion and music. The concert will air the following Tuesday night in a two-hour special on the CBS television network (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

Proceeds from the event will benefit Stand Up To Cancer, whose own television special will go to air on September 5.

“In just five years, Fashion Rocks has become one of the most exciting multi-media events of the year,” said Richard Beckman, president of Conde Nast Media Group. “Whether on stage at the live event, during the show’s broadcast or in the pages of the magazine, Fashion Rocks uniquely celebrates the intersection of two of the most sexy cultural paradigms; fashion and music. This year, we have a spectacular line-up of talent and performances that will take the show to a whole new level.”

Other performers confirmed to appear include Keith Urban, Chris Brown, Kid Rock, Fergie, Lil Wayne, and the Black Eyed Peas.

More info can be found at the Fashion Rocks website.

Shakira Sheds Threads For Charity

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:11:47 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Although the Northern Hemisphere is still gripped with winter chills, it has not stopped some celebrities from shedding their clothes… for a good cause, of course.

Latin American pop princess Shakira leads the pack by donating more than 40 items of clothing from her 2007 Oral Fixation Tour to a massive internet auction.

There is an impressive list of garments from the hip-shaking performer’s wardrobe, including a lavender skirt with turqoise and coral beading and a blue tank top emblazoned with the words “For Those Who Love To Rock”. And the demand has been overwhelming, with one dress attracting bids of $10,000, and a custom-made bra reaching $1,126.

“We have bids from all over the world,” said Eric Ganzin, president of Auction Cause. “It’s very exciting.”

Proceeds from the auction will go to the singer’s Pies Descalzos Foundation, and the money will be used for the construction of a school for impoverished children in North Colombia.

But bidders had better be quick – the eBay auction ends in just a few hours.

Former Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar has pushed the envelope a little further by allowing naked photos of herself to be auctioned on eBay.

But before you get too excited, they are not all that they appear: the 30-year-old actress originally posed for the photos in a little black dress that was later removed digitally.

The proceeds from the photos will go to the Coalition of Skin Diseases.

And even Donald Trump is getting in on the act… although thankfully he is keeping his clothes on.

A tie signed by Trump is currently up for auction on eBay, with proceeds going to the Spirit Fund, a fund established by radio station Warm 101.3 to help children in the Rochester area.

The story behind the tie is twisty and, you could say, knotty: When a Kodak executive arrived on set for a recent taping of The Celebrity Apprentice, Trump objected to his tie. He ordered the executive to replace it with one belonging to one of the security guards.

There are only a few hours left in the auction, and bids have already reached $759.

But the biggest celebrity auction on the Net right now is the 50th Grammy Awards Charity Auction on eBay. Over 100 items from some of music’s hottest stars is up for grabs, with all proceeds going to MusiCares.

The auction, which runs until February 21, features exciting and priceless items such as the chance to visit the set of LL Cool J’s next video, a guitar lesson with Joe Satriani, VIP tickets to concerts by Linkin Park, John Legend, and Rihanna, guitars signed by Richie Sambora, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, and Neil Diamond, a microphone signed by Joss Stone, posters and photos signed by Rod Stewart ($167), John Mayer ($170), and Sting ($482), as well as items from Avril Lavigne, Slash, Reba McEntire, Quincy Jones, Beyoncé Knowles, and Snoop Dogg.

The internet auction follows a live auction held on February 8 at Aretha Franklin’s MusiCare’s Person Of The Year Award ceremony. Items that were up for sale on that night included a private painting lesson with Tony Bennett, a saxophone signed by Bill Clinton, sheet music to Stairway To Heaven signed by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, as well as clothing and instruments donated by Elton John, Slash, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen.

MusiCares is the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, the group that gives out the Grammys, and focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Celebrities Kept Busy With Charity Initiatives

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:34:57 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Philanthropic celebrities have been more than busy lately, helping charities through a series of unique and exciting initiatives and events.

Although the current Hollywood writers’ strike is keeping the 2008 Academy Awards up in the air, model Heidi Klum has announced she will press ahead with her plans to donate the red dress she intends to wear at the Oscar ceremony to charity.

The donation is part of the Red Dress Program, an initiative between Diet Coke and the National Institutes of Health’s The Heart Truth to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

“Heidi Klum’s participation helps make this program even bigger, and gives consumers a great way to become involved and learn more about a crucial women’s health issue,” said Caren Pasquale Seckler, Group Director for Coca-Cola North America. “Through the Diet Coke Red Dress Program, we’re asking consumers to help us support women’s heart health and giving them the chance to win a one-of-a-kind red dress worn to the Oscars by Heidi Klum.”

The dress will be made available as part of a contest at www.mycokerewards.com, and for every sweepstakes entry, Diet Coke will donate $1 (up to a total of $250,000) in support of women’s heart health research and awareness.

Klum will also hit the catwalk on February 1 during The Red Dress Collection Fashion Show at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. The show will feature a range of dresses created by top fashion designers to show their support of the Heart Truth campaign.

Comedian Stephen Colbert has also recently made a donation to charity, with $171,525 being gifted to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a charity that assists injured service members and their families.

The mock talk show host raised the money through the sale of his “WristStrong” bracelets, which were made available as part of his “Wrist Awareness” campaign started when he broke his wrist last June.

The tongue-in-cheek campaign saw celebrities such as Katie Couric, Brian Williams, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wearing the bracelets. It followed the sale of the cast from Colbert’s broken wrist, which raised $17,000 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

Another well-known figure to make a donation to charity lately was Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons, who gifted $300,000 to the Diamond Empowerment Fund last week.

Simmons established the Fund in 2007 to provide resources for education programs designed to motivate Africans in countries where diamonds are mined. The donation comes from money raised from the Simmons Jewelry Green Initiative, a collection of bracelets made from green malachite and rough diamonds. Beyoncé Knowles, Vanessa Hudgens, and Mischa Barton are all reported to be owners of the bracelets.

In a completely different sort of initiative, singer KT Tunstall and Blur bassist Alex James are among celebrities teaming up to write an upcoming children’s book for charity.

The musicians will join a host of stars recruited by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for the initiative. Each celebrity will write ten lines of the story before passing it on to the next person to continue.

The final product will be revealed in a one-off reading session before being auctioned off later in the year.

And finally, British television personality Jonathan Ross has challenged comedian Jimmy Carr to a celebrity doubles tennis match that will see the entertainers paired up with 1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski and 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash.

The match – which will take place at London’s Albert Hall on March 14 – is part of Sport Relief 2008, a fundraising initiative from Comic Relief. Money raised will go towards helping vulnerable people living in the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

Lunchbox Auction Will Help Feed Hungry Children

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:49:04 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Forget what they say about good things coming in small boxes, better things come in lunch-boxes created by artists, actors, chefs, musicians, photographer, politicians, and fashion designers to shed light on the plight of hungry children in New York City and South Africa. These original artistic efforts are for the Lunchbox Auction.

The artistry is often unique and often indicative of the personality behind the work. World renown chef Bobby Flay’s 2005 lunchbox was decorated with spices. Bono’s lunchbox was simply red signifying his (RED) campaign. The bidding for lunchbox items will commence online on December 6, 2007

Among the other contributors of lunch-boxes for the first online auction included Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, David Bowie and Iman among other famous people. The proceeds help the Food Bank For New York City provide food to more than 1,000 emergency and community food programs throughout the five boroughs.

One in five children in NYC rely on emergency food. Thousands of miles away in South Africa, children face similar hunger oriented plights. Fledgling school programs do not subsidize pre- and high schools, so for many of these children the Lunch box fund feed them their only meal of the day. Moreover, many of the children are AIDS orphans running child-headed households.

To see the full list of lunch-boxes, visit the Charity Folks Website.

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