Look To The Stars News: Portia de Rossi

Elton John To Host Annual Oscar Viewing Party For Charity

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will celebrate its 20th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26 at the newly re-designed West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish will host the gala event sponsored by Chopard, Neuro and Wells Fargo. This year celebrity chef Cat Cora will prepare a special menu to be served to guests seated to watch a live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards. Following dinner, Grammy nominated Foster the People will take the stage to perform.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party is the most highly visible and successful fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Over the past 20 years, this annual event has raised millions of dollars thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s supporters. The money raised is used to increase EJAF’s investments in its grant-making initiatives, which support HIV prevention and treatment programs, stigma reduction efforts, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially marginalized populations with special needs.

The Gentle Barn Hosts Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

84 golfers joined celebrities Bailey Chase, Danny Masterson, Gary Valentine, Jim Parrack, Kevin Farley and Michael Pena at The Gentle Barn’s Second Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Aimee Garcia To Play Celebrity Charity Golf For The Gentle Barn

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Gentle Barn tees off for its Second Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Robinson Ranch Golf Course, the beautiful Valley Course in Santa Clarita.

The event kicks off with a photo op with special guests, Holy and Madonna, the rescued cows named and adopted by Ellen and Portia DeGeneres, followed by a shotgun start at 12:00 noon. A gourmet dinner and awards ceremony will follow with lots of amazing raffle prizes and auction items, allowing players to mingle with celebrities at this star studded event. The 18-hole course meanders through untouched stands of sage and chaparral, California Sycamore and Coastal Live Oaks. Big views and dramatic vistas await you at every turn and tee.

Stars confirmed to attend include Aimee Garcia (Trauma), Bailey Chase (Damages), Danny Masterson (That 70’s Show), Dick Rutan (pilot of Voyager aircraft), Jim Parrack (True Blood) , Johnathon Schaech (5 Days of War, That Thing You Do), and Kevin Farley (comedian) .

Natalie Portman Joins Celebrities In Supporting Freedom To Marry

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are the latest stars to sign a letter urging Barack Obama to consider the marriage rights of same-sex couples.

The I Do letter has gained the support of 100,000 people, including Lance Bass, Dustin Lance Black, Ellen and Portia DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, David Geffen, Anne Hathaway, Cyndi Lauper, Jane Lynch, Eric McCormack, LeAnn Rimes, Martin Sheen, Lily Tomlin and Rufus Wainwright.

“Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are in love, and believe all loving couples should be able to share in the freedom to marry without discrimination,” says Evan Wolfson, president of campaign group Freedom to Marry, "That is why they are joining the more than 100,000 people on Freedom to Marry’s Say, “I Do” Open Letter calling on the president to do the right think and become part of America’s majority for marriage."

Ellen DeGeneres To Party With The Pigs

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and partner Portia de Rossi are big fans of an amazing organization called The Gentle Barn, which rescues and rehabilitates farm animals in need of help.

After learning about the charity in September 2009, Ellen sent Portia on a field trip to visit the rescued animals, which she video-taped and shared with Ellen’s viewers.

“Portia and I recently learned about an incredible organization called The Gentle Barn,” writes Ellen on her website. “It’s located in Santa Clarita, California and it’s home to 120 farm animals that have been rescued from abusive situations. At The Gentle Barn, these animals are loved, cared for and rehabilitated. The Gentle Barn also brings in at-risk and special needs kids to learn about the animals, about trust, and most importantly, about compassion.”

Kristin Davis To Be Honored For Charity By Humane Society

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Kristin Davis will receive The Wyler Award, one of The Humane Society of the United States’ most prestigious honors, at the animal protection organization’s 25th Anniversary Genesis Awards.

Bestowed on a celebrity or public figure who has made news on behalf of animals, the award is being given to Kristin in recognition of the attention she has brought to the plight of orphaned African elephants impacted by the increase in elephant poaching for their ivory tusks. The event will be held on March 19, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles, Calif.

Elton John Announces Annual Celebrity Charity Oscar Viewing Party

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today that the 19th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will take place on Sunday, February 27, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

Sir Elton stated, “I am tremendously excited to announce that Best New Artist Grammy nominee Florence + The Machine has accepted my personal invitation to perform for guests attending this year’s gala event.”

Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi Wants Healthier School Lunches

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi is America’s newest advocate for healthy school lunches.

Lakshmi is urging Congress to support legislation that will help schools serve healthier lunches and fight childhood obesity. The Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act (H.R. 5504) would help schools serve more fruits, vegetables and low-fat plant-based meal options.

Hugh Jackman Wants Healthier School Lunches

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Hugh Jackman is ripping into the problem of unhealthy school lunches.

He has written to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asking her to make sure H.R. 5504, the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act, is voted on and passed this month.

Jennie Garth Wants Healthier School Lunches

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Jennie Garth, star of Beverly Hills, 90210, thinks greasy school lunches are not so cool—and the mother of three wants Congress to help students get better options.

In a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Garth urges Rep. Pelosi to throw her support behind a House bill that would fight childhood obesity by assisting schools in serving healthier choices.

Sarah Silverman Joins The Fight For Healthier School Lunches

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Comedian Sarah Silverman is the latest celebrity to advocate for healthy school lunches, urging Congress to support the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, a bill that will help schools serve healthier meal options.

“I’m writing to you about something that has shocked and offended me,” she wrote in a letter to Congressman George Miller. "And trust me when I say it takes a lot to shock and offend me. Some of the foods we’re feeding kids in schools are repulsive—and that unhealthy food is feeding the childhood obesity epidemic.

“All kids – vegetarian or not – should have healthy options. I think that we forget the simple fact that what we put in our bodies directly affects our bodies. Many kids aren’t able to bring lunches from home – they have to eat what’s in the lunch line. Without healthful options in the cafeteria, we’re doing our children and the future of our country a great disservice.

Ellen DeGeneres Joins Fight For Healthy School Lunches

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are the latest stars to urge Congress to pass the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, which will see plant-based meals and non-dairy beverages a requirement in school lunchrooms.

“We know how much you care about children’s health,” they wrote in a letter to Congress. "That’s why we’re joining the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in urging you to support the Healthy School Meals Act, HR 4870.

“This bill would help schools add healthy plant-based vegetarian options in lunch lines. Two years ago, we switched to a plant-based diet out of concern for animals and the environment. Many children stop eating meat for the same reasons. Adding vegetarian options in schools would not only benefit these children — it would provide healthier options for all young people.

Humane Society To Hold Star-Studded Genesis Awards This Weekend

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Animal welfare warriors shouldn’t forget The Humane Society’s 24th annual Genesis Awards this Saturday, March 20.

This year will see Melanie Griffith present a lifetime achievement award to her mother, 80-year-old Tippi Hedren, for dedicating the last 40 years to the protection of animals and raising awareness of the exotic pet trade.

“Tippi is an extraordinary woman – both a hands-on caregiver to 63 discarded big cats at the Shambala Preserve, as well as a tireless activist who continues to work in support of federal legislation that would ban the breeding of and the trade in exotic animals in the U.S.,” said Beverly Kaskey, senior director of the Hollywood office of The Humane Society of the United States and executive producer of the annual Genesis Awards.

Human Rights Campaign To Honor Portia De Rossi At Charity Dinner

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:30:00 +0000

The Human Rights Campaign, the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization in the US, has announced its lineup for the annual Los Angeles Dinner and Awards to be held on Saturday, March 13, at the Hyatt Century Plaza in Century City, California.

This year’s dinner is themed “Speak the Truth,” symbolizing the time for political representatives, allies and members to put power in words to push for LGBT equality. Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., will be the featured speaker for the evening. Actress Portia de Rossi will be honored with the HRC Visibility Award, and comedian Kathy Griffin will receive the HRC Ally for Equality Award. Special guests include America’s personal financial expert Suze Orman and singer/songwriter Blake Lewis.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Ellen DeGeneres Launches Peace For Animals Auction

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

It’s not every day one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrity couples invites the public to go shopping with them, but as chairs of Farm Sanctuary’s “Peace for the Animals” holiday auction, that’s exactly what Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are doing by encouraging shoppers to join them in using their shopping dollars to protect farm animals from abuse.

All funds raised by bidding on such coveted items as the Volturi crest from the set of The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Emily Deschanel’s personalized lab coat from the hit series Bones and a private yoga session with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons will directly support Farm Sanctuary’s rescue, education and advocacy efforts for farm animals.

Taylor Swift Signs Elephant For Family Health International

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

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

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

Will Smith's Children Support Charity Initiative

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

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

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

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

Family Health International To Benefit From Charity Elephant Auction

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

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

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

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

Celebrities Sign Elephants For Project Zambi

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

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

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

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

Ellen DeGeneres Awarded By The Humane Society

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The stars gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, March 28, for The Humane Society’s 23rd annual Genesis Awards, held in tribute of the organization’s ProtectSeals Campaign.

Special guests such as internationally acclaimed photographer Nigel Barker, Corey Feldman, Hal Sparks, Jorja Fox, James Cromwell, “Bones” star Emily Deschanel, former Oakland Raider Jarrod Cooper, Jennifer Coolidge, Carrie Ann Inaba, “Big Love’s” Ginnifer Goodwin and many more were on hand to present awards to a variety of celebrities, shows, and activists who have spent the last year making the world a better place for animals.

The major award of the night – the Wyler Award – went to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi for using their wedding and Ellen’s talkshow as an opportunity to publicize to a broad audience their ethical decision to avoid animal products in the hope of influencing public behavior. After viewing videotaped congratulations from Sir Paul McCartney, both DeGeneres and de Rossi spoke about their journey toward ethical living and the changes they have made in their lives to reduce animal suffering.

Save The Music's Esquire Party In The Hills

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

VH1’s Save The Music Foundation is to team up with Esquire Magazine for a charity party in the Hollywood Hills.

This fall Esquire will unveil its sixth annual Signature Space, transforming a stunning, contemporary home into a true personification of the modern man’s lifestyle. Charity events held at the Esquire Signature Spaces have raised more than $7 million to date, and on Saturday, October 25th at 7PM the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will once again partner with the Magazine for a spectacular bash to benefit the Foundation’s work to restore instrumental music education programs.

The host committee for the event includes Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, James Denton, Ryan Eggold, Matt Grant, Greg Grunberg, Juliette Lewis, Taryn Manning, Niecy Nash, and Chris Webber. Attendees at past events include Kiefer Sutherland, John Mayer, Paula Abdul and many more.