Look To The Stars News: Madonna

Ethan Hawke Praises Madonna's Support Of Gypsies

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Actor Ethan Hawke has praised Madonna’s words of support for Gypsies during her concert in Romania.

Hawke was in Romania on Saturday to promote the Ovidiu Rom charity run by his mother, Leslie Hawke. The charity supports education for gypsy children. His comments followed the singer’s concert in August in Bucharest in which she stated that widespread discrimination against Eastern Europe’s Gypsies should end – an idea that didn’t go down well with the crowd as thousands of fans responded by booing her.

“She transcended being a pop star,” PopEater reports him as saying. “She drew international attention and shone the spotlight on a level of racism and the need for greater education. I don’t have an agenda, Madonna doesn’t have an agenda. We aren’t politicians.”

A pair of Madonna’s Christian Dior shoes with autographed skyscraper gold heels were raffled at the ball, held in the giant palace of the late dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Among the other prizes was a gold chain donated by Vanessa Redgrave.

“I feel I can do something, instead of being part of the problem,” said Hawke, who has been visiting Romania since 2000 to support his mother’s charity work.

Visit PopEater.com to find out more.

Madonna Promises Electricity To Village

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

During her visit to Malawi last week, Madonna promised electricity to a village that has never been able to have power.

“I know you work in darkness,” she told villagers in Mphandula. “I will bring you electricity.”

The singer was in the country – one of the poorest in the world – to oversee the start of construction of a new girl’s school her charity, Raising Malawi, is building.

The organization has already donated $500,000 for a child care center in the village – a facility that now feeds and educates 3,000 orphans.

Madonna In Malawi For New Girl's School

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Madonna is in Malawi to lay the foundation stone of a new girls’ school she is building with her charity, Raising Malawi.

“Our vision for the school is to empower girls to become Malawi’s future leaders,” blogged the singer on the charity’s website. "Our goal is to teach them to challenge themselves, serve their local communities and develop their country. We created this vision in partnership with the local Malawian Ministry of Education, and other educational experts from Malawi, Sub-Sharan African and elsewhere around the world.

“We are developing and using innovative educational approaches, cutting-edge architectural design methods, and other modern technologies, which we hope, will become a replicable model for girls secondary school education.”

The school is expected to cost $15 million, and the cause is close to Madonna’s heart. She is a member of Raising Malawi’s Advisory Committee, and helps with the volunteer organisation’s mission to help orphans by providing water, food, medical care and schooling.

“Research proves that young girls throughout the developing world are often left without opportunities to receive a comprehensive education and the benefits that education can provide,” she wrote. "It’s an honor for me to be able to help as many of these girls as I can achieve their dreams.

“I’m also incredibly proud of all the projects Raising Malawi is involved in and I look forward to visiting a number of them during my visit.”

Madonna will also meet President Bingu wa Mutharika during her trip. The ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. on the future site of the Academy.

LTTS Exclusive: Chefs For Heroes

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

I was recently honoured to be asked to attend a ‘Chefs for Heroes’ champagne and canapé reception. I felt inspired and enormously proud to be part of the project.

Paul Gayler read us a truly moving speech about his son. He felt compelled to help the British Armed Forces after his son Lee was shot in the leg whilst serving with the Territorial Army in Afghanistan. Having cooked for Royalty and pop icons such as Madonna, Mariah Carey and the late Michael Jackson, Paul’s team of the finest chefs will be serving up the most sumptuous menu (using only the finest and freshest ingredients) to London’s glitterati in a bid to raise £250,000 for Help for Heroes.

The funds raised will be channeled through “Help for Heroes, an independent charity that raises vitally needed funds to help support our wounded troops. Over the next year, the Charity’s aim is to provide seven “Hero Recovery Centres” at garrison towns across the UK. These Recovery Centres will provide a home for the wounded and a much needed breathing space while they re-skill and prepare for the next phase of their lives, be that in the military or on and out into a civilian future.

Celebrity Chef Gary Rhodes commented: “I think that the great thing about being a chef is living in one big family. Chefs for Heroes provides us with an opportunity to help members of that family. We are always happy to help men like Paul in their hour of need.”

Chefs for Heroes tables are still available. You have the unique opportunity to dine with Ainsley Harriott, Anton Mossimann, Brian Turner, Aldo Zilli and Antonio Carluccio. VIP red carpet arrival will be followed by a champagne reception. The chefs will use live cook stations to create some stunning canapés ‘live’.

Guests will be served a sumptuous 5 course menu:

Terrine of smoked maize fed chicken and wild mushrooms
Baked Orkney scallop with leeks, ginger and coriander
Roasted fillet of Scotch beef, oxtail Boulanger, sauce hermitage
Iced soufflé ‘Eau de Vie Dantzig’, warm Mirabelle compote
Farmhouse Cheeses
Coffee & Friandises

The event also features a ‘money can’t buy’ experiences auction, which features dinner at Coutts and a special break at Cliveden.

Live entertainment will be provided by Bond, who have been described as the best selling string quartet of all time, selling over 4 million records.

The event takes place on October 2 at Guildhall, London. More info can be found here.

If you would like to sponsor the event or book a table please contact Richardb@looktothestars.org.

Elton John Donates To Northern Ireland Children's Hospice Ball

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Belfast, Northern Ireland, is to play host to a red carpet gala like never before. The White Sapphire Ball, in aid of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, will be the highlight of the Irish Social Calendar. The glittering event takes place on 3 October in Belfast’s Europa Hotel.

Not only will Riverdance be headlining, with a spine-tingling performance of extracts from their smash-hit show, there will also be a ‘Money Can’t Buy’ Grand Auction featuring lots donated by a host of celebrities, including Elton John, Brian May, Madonna, Rafael Nadal, Ireland Rugby, Rory McIlroy and Michael Deane.

Guests already scheduled to attend the White Sapphire Ball include Northern Ireland industry’s high fliers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists, celebrities and supporters of the Children’s Hospice.

Currently there are 750 children with life-limiting illnesses in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice looks after every child’s nursing, medical, social, spiritual and emotional needs with added support for the family continuing into bereavement. Services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and there is no charge. It costs approximately £2 million to keep the Hospice’s services going and with limited government funding they are totally reliant on corporate and public support to maintain its vital services.

Music legend Sir Elton John has donated two tickets to his must-see Dublin concert on October 30. The sought after tickets are part of a luxury VIP weekend package that includes a weekend break at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow and dinner at the celebrity hotel’s acclaimed Gordon Ramsey restaurant. The successful bidder will head off on the Friday night to Dublin’s O2 Arena to attend Sir Elton’s sell-out live Red Piano show before setting off to the foothills of the majestic Sugar Loaf Mountain in Co Wicklow to the opulent Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where internationally-famed chef and TV celebrity Gordon Ramsey has chosen to plant his first restaurant in Ireland.

Set amidst one of the most scenic and historic estates in Ireland, The Ritz-Carlton showcases Palladium style architecture and also hosts a 30, 000 luxury ESPA spa and two championship calibre golf courses. Sir Elton John’s Red Piano show debuted to critical acclaim in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in 2004 and was subsequently extended worldwide due to an overwhelming demand finally closing in Las Vegas earlier this year, after the ‘candle in the wind’ singer played 243 performances to around a million people. This Dublin Red Piano Show is the very last one Worldwide and with none planned for the foreseeable future, it is highly unlikely that the show will be seen again in Europe at all.

A piece of Irish sporting history and unique VIP Package will go under the Hammer. Up for grabs is a signed 2009 winning Grand Slam six nations Irish Rugby Jersey and amazing VIP experience at Croke Park. The jersey was signed by the team after Ireland claimed a dramatic win and their first grand slam in 61 years. Originally donated to the Ballycastle Hospice Support group, the signed jersey was passed on to the organizer of The White Sapphire Ball, Séainín Brennan, who will put it up for auction at her star studded red carpet event next month.

Tommy Bowe, who plays on the wing for the Ospreys, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions has also personally donated 2 tickets to watch Ireland versus Australia at the magnificent Croke Park stadium on Sunday 15th November 2009. The sold out match will be one of the highlights in this year’s rugby diary and the lucky bidder will experience Ireland play on home ground to a packed stadium of 82 000 people and to top it all off afterwards they will meet the young international star.

Northern Ireland’s golfing sensation Rory McIlroy is taking time out from his busy schedule to play a round of golf with a lucky bidder. The round of golf with Northern Ireland’s hottest golfing superstar at the stunning 5 Star Lough Erne Golf Resort is just one of the exclusive ‘Money Can’t Buy’ Grand Auction lots on offer at the Europa Hotel on October 3rd. The lucky bidder also gets use of an Audi R8 – courtesy of the evening’s main sponsor Agnew Corporate, for a true driving experience as they make their way to enjoy a luxury weekend break at the famous Lough Erne Golf Resort.

This is the dream package for any golfer! The lucky bidder gets to drive down to Lough Erne Golf Resort in the Audi R8 supercar – the only 5* star golf resort in Northern Ireland. This luxury package includes two nights’ accommodation in a luxury lodge or suite with breakfast, dinner in the fine dining restaurant with a specially selected bottle of wine, afternoon tea for two with their famous chocolate cocktail, thai spa treatments for two and then to top it all off, you get to play a round of golf on the Faldo championship golf course with the world famous Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy: “Playing a round with the winner will be all the more rewarding knowing that children are going to benefit. I had no hesitation offering to support such a worthy cause and I hope the charity auction raises everything it sets out to.”

‘Hollyoaks’ are also on board and are offering one lucky bidder a Walk On Part in their smash hit TV show. This celebrity package also includes: An exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour of the Hollyoaks set and lunch at Lime Pictures Childwall Studios with the cast for the lucky bidder and a guest of their choice and to top it off, local Hollyoaks star Gerard McCarthy will take the bidder and their guest out for dinner at one of Liverpool’s top show-biz restaurants before they take to the opulence of Liverpool’s Mal Maison hotel for an overnight stay.

Michelin Star celebrated chef, Michael Deane, is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a gourmet dinner for 8 people, prepared and cooked by Michael himself, in your own home. The winning bidder and 7 friends will also get the opportunity to learn some trade secrets from Northern Ireland’s top chef. This luxury auction item also includes a Sommelier’s choice of fine wine, making it a fantastic opportunity for all gourmet lovers and fans of Northern Ireland’s only Michelin Star Restaurant, Deanes.

“The care that the Children’s Hospice gives to terminally-ill children and the support that they provide to their families is vital. I’m a father myself, but I can’t imagine what it must be like for these families. The Children’s Hospice concentrate on making sure that every day is special for these children and that the whole family gets the support they need. We can all do something to help these children and families by supporting NI Children’s Hospice. It is a great privilege for me to be able to be involved with such a worthy cause” said Michael.

To find out more about this amazing charity event, visit the official website by clicking here.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ticket info can be found here.

Derek Jacobi Joins Madonna as Charity Patron

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Sir Derek Jacobi has just signed on as the latest Patron of Children of Peace, joining existing Patron Madonna, and a long list of famous names, in supporting the charity’s work.

Children of Peace works to protect children from the violence in Israel and Palestine, while establishing projects and programs in the arts, education, health and sports for Israeli and Palestinian children, aged 4-17.

The charity has so far garnered the support of stars such as Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Stewart and Emma Thompson.

Proud supporter Corinne Bailey Rae calls the organization a “remarkable charity”, going on to say, “Children do not choose. Right now they are the innocent bystanders in all of this. Yet, they are the next generation and we must give them every opportunity to live normal lives and live in peace with each other.”

In his official acceptance statement for the office of Patron, Sir Derek Jacobi says:

“I am honoured to have been asked to become a Patron of Children of Peace. The children of the region of whatever nationality or religion have been foremost in my mind when I hear reports of the conflict in the area. Children hold our future in their hands. We must assist, guide and support them in bringing a stable, caring and sound resolution to the past and present conflict. Please help us to understand them and help them in their need.”

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.childrenofpeace.org.uk.

Celebrity Chefs Cook For an Army

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:04:00 -0000

An Army marches on its stomach they say, so it’s entirely appropriate that on the 2nd October, London’s top chefs will be cooking up a five-course feast to raise money for troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Chefs for Heroes gala dinner is being spearheaded by The Lanesborough’s chef de cuisine, Paul Gayler, and dished up by an ‘army’ of chefs from the City of London’s top restaurants including Andrew Bennett (Sheraton Park Lane), Gary Klaner (Landmark Hotel), Martyn Nail (Claridges), Paul Bates (Intercontinental, Hyde Park Corner), Simon Young (The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge) and Matthew Marshall (Chamberlains Events).

They will be joined on the night by many of TV’s favourite chefs who will host a limited number of tables. Imagine exchanging recipes and pleasantries over dinner with Gordon Ramsay, Raymond Blanc or Heston Blumenthal – all of whom are on the guest list! Other celebrity guests include Graham Wellesley, Jeremy Clarkson and Andy McNab.

Having cooked for Royalty and pop icons such as Madonna, Mariah Carey and the late Michael Jackson, Paul’s team of the finest chefs will be serving up the most sumptuous menu (using only the finest and freshest ingredients) to London’s glitterati in a bid to raise £250,000 for Help for Heroes, a charity Paul felt compelled to help after his son Lee was shot in the leg whilst serving with the Territorial Army in Afghanistan.

Paul says, “The situation in Afghanistan is forever in our minds with casualties reported almost daily in the news. Hospitals like Selly Oak and rehabilitation centres like Headley Court are having to deal with ever-increasing numbers of injured servicemen returning home in need of their care. As a father of a wounded soldier, I will be forever grateful for the brilliant care Lee received at the hands of the Headley Court team.”

Help for Heroes raises funds needed for services and facilities like Headley Court to exist. In the next year, the charity aims to raise £20m to fund seven “Hero Recovery Centres” across the UK, providing homes where the wounded can recover, re-skill, and prepare to return to their lives.

The markets of London are kindly donating the ingredients for the evening’s menu, so the proceeds from attendance go direct to Help for Heroes and the true beneficiaries – the returning wounded heroes.

Tickets can be booked at www.chefsforheroes.org. Anyone wishing to sponsor or otherwise get involved in making this evening a success can email richardb@looktothestars.org.

Stars Shine for Sick Kids at Diamonds in the Sky Gala

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:17:00 -0000

Who needs Hollywood when stars make Virginia Beach their playground for a memorable black-tie affair?

Musical guest Starship with Mickey Thomas and celebrity emcee Teri Polo of the Meet the Parents movie fame lend their star power to the 4th Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala hosted by the We Promise Foundation.

The 4th Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala will be held at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel this Wed., Sept. 2nd, and features silent and live auctions of celebrity memorabilia, athletic event and concert tickets, exotic vacation packages and much more. Event proceeds are used to put smiles on the faces of children in Hampton Roads and across the country who face tremendous adversity as a result of life-threatening illness or severe hardship.

Many other stars who aren’t able to make stage appearances endorse the We Promise Foundation’s efforts with donations to the Gala’s silent and live auctions. From signed posters and books to personal items and priceless collectibles, guests can browse and bid on items from celebrity donors such as Madonna, Richard Petty, Cheryl Tiegs, Peyton and Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, James Earl Jones, Mario Andretti, Leonardo diCaprio and Peter Coyote, just to name a few.

The Gala is complemented by the 11th Annual Charity Golf Classic played at the Signature at West Neck Golf Course on Thurs., Sept.3rd. The afternoon event is a sponsor/patron-only event that toasts more than 20 benefiting children who join the players on the course. For golf and gala tickets or more information, contact Jill Haag at #757-233-7111 or jahaag@chartway.com.

With more than 441 wishes funded for Hampton Roads children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and grants for countless other programs across the country funded since 1999, the We Promise Foundation is making a difference in the lives of its members and their community. Last year’s annual Gala and Golf Classic raised a combined $385,000 for the We Promise Foundation, which benefited charities including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater, St. Mary’s Infant Home and others.

The continued success of these events is due, in large part, to the generous commitment and sponsorship of Fidelity National Information Services, Summit Information Systems, VISA USA, GTI Systems, Inc., Harland-Clarke, Pender & Coward, WAVY-TV 10, Hampton Roads Magazine, Professional Printing Center, Summs Skip & Collection, Americomm Direct Marketing and GVA Advantis Construction. A variety of sponsorship packages still are available for the Diamonds in the Sky Gala and Annual Golf Classic.

About the We Promise Foundation®
As the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, the We Promise Foundation® is dedicated to making dreams come true for children struggling with degenerative, life-threatening, debilitating or chronic illnesses, or those facing tremendous hardship. The foundation provides funding within the communities the credit union serves with a single goal: to put smiles on a child’s face by making their dreams come true. The foundation was launched in 2005 based on the enduring success of Chartway’s previous charitable events. Since 1999, Chartway and its We Promise Foundation have raised more than $2M in support of numerous Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters, St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater and other Hampton Roads-area charitable groups. For more information, click on www.WePromiseFoundation.com.

Chartway Federal Credit Union, chartered in 1959, is a not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. With assets exceeding $1.3 billion, it serves nearly 150,000 members in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia. For more information, visit www.chartway.com.

Michael Jackson's Glove To Be Auctioned For Charity

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Michael Jackson’s original sparkling glove will be auctioned off for charity at the annual Music Icons event at the Hard Rock Café in New York’s Times Square in November.

But this isn’t just one of the many gloves the singer wore over his lifetime, which were right hand gloves. This is the one-of-a-kind left hand glove Jackson wore when he unveiled the moonwalk during the “Motown 25” special in 1983. Jackson gifted the glove to Walter Orange, one of the founding members of the Commodores, and it is considered one of the most iconic pieces of Michael Jackson history.

“Michael came up behind me and put his hand over my eyes and said, ‘Guess who?’“ said Orange. “I knew who it was because I felt the one glove on his left hand and no glove on the other. When I once again asked him for his autograph, Michael gave me the glove he wore that night instead, still refusing to give me his autograph! He was always a real prankster, even as a little boy, so I asked him if he was serious about giving me the glove, and he assured me that he was.”

Also going under the hammer are a stage-worn fedora hat worn by Michael in his performance at the 1995 MTV Music Awards with a letter from Lisa Marie Presley Jackson stating its provenance, zombie costumes from the Thriller video, a stage-worn costume from Jackson’s final United States concert in April of 2002, Michael Jackson’s stage worn “Bad” jacket signed by Michael Jackson, record awards and other property from his historic career. Also going up for sale are early Madonna demo tapes, unreleased Jimi Hendrix lyrics and items from Bob Dylan, Elvis, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin.

Proceeds from the sale of the glove will go to MusiCares, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Its services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

To learn more about the auction, click here.

John Stamos To Rock n' Roll For Charity

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor John Stamos will make an appearance at a special night of Rock n’ Roll benefiting Project Cuddle tonight, June 10.

The event celebrates the public opening of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in New York, and will feature great food and drinks, and the chance to look through the history of popular music – with a selection of items from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, Madonna to John Lennon.

Project Cuddle is a 24-hour crisis line for women who are hiding their pregnancies and is the result of one woman’s crusade to help prevent infants from being abandoned, Debbe Magnusen. Since its inception, the organization has saved over 600 babies across the US and into Canada from the fate of being abandoned or worse. Project Cuddle works with frightened girls or women and helps them find safe, legal options so that they never have to leave a baby at a dumpster, a church or dirty back alley.

As part of the event, Project Cuddle is also running an online auction featuring guitars signed by John Stamos – national spokesman for the organization – and a variety of health and beauty experiences. The auction can be accessed here.

For more information about tonight’s event – to be held at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, 76 Mercer Street, SoHo, New York at 6:30pm – visit the Project Cuddle website.

Annie Lennox To Play Unplugged In South Africa

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox will play a special unplugged concert in South Africa next month for charity.

The singer will perform at the Teatro theatre in Montecasino on July 8 to raise funds and awareness for her SING Foundation.

“Audiences will see the star up close and personal, accompanied by nothing other than her piano and her stories,” said Penny Stein, spokeswoman for the event.

SING was launched in 2007 to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Tickets are available here and include a pre-show cocktail party with a special performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Madonna And Friends Launch Handbag Auction For Earthquake Relief

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities have donated handbags to an auction to raise money for victims of April’s devastating earthquake in Italy.

Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Eva Longoria, Dita von Teese, Lucy Liu, Marisa Tomei and Lily Tomlin have autographed and donated a selection of Salvatore Ferragamo handbags to the auction. 100% of the proceeds from the online auction will be donated to GlobalGiving’s Italy Earthquake Recovery and Relief Fund.

On April 6, 2009, the deadliest Italian earthquake in over 15 years struck the Abruzzo mountain region of Italy, with the town of L’Aquila at its epicenter. The toll was grim with nearly 300 people killed, more than 1,000 injured, and as many as 65,000 residents displaced. Many of those who lost their homes are still living in tent cities.

Madonna also reportedly donated money to victims following a plea for help from the mayor of a small hamlet called Pacentro. Madonna’s grandparents lived in the village until 1919.

To take part in the auction – which runs until June 12 – click here.

Prince Harry Plays Charity Polo In New York

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

Prince Harry arrived last Friday, May 29th, in the United States of America. For his first journey in New York, Harry chained together visits, inaugurations and matches of polo, and tried to represent to best the British royal family.

Hardly arrived at the Big Apple, Prince Harry – third in the order of succession to the throne – began with a visit to the site of the World Trade Center, destroyed by the events of September 11th, 2001. The Prince then inaugurated with emotion the British Garden of Manhattan – dedicated to 67 British victims of these attacks – by planting symbolically a magnolia within the framework of the campaign of Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York, aiming to make the city more green.

Later, Prince Harry – who is presently undertaking a pilot’s training course in the army after having served in the land forces in Afghanistan – was keen to visit a health center for war veterans to speak to them.

On Saturday, the son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana showed his support for an association helping discriminated young people by attending a class of mathematics of Harlem: "Who is the best in the class? " he said “I was always the worst!”

A royal obstacle race was then organized, featuring Prince Harry and Prince Seesio of Lesotho, both founders of Sentebale, a charity helping the poor children of Africa. Although he came second in that race, Harry was able to catch up a little later during the day, during a match of polo at Governor Island to raise funds for “Sentebale”.

“Prince Seesio and I both lost our mothers when we were very young,” Harry said before the match. “We set up Sentebale in their memory, and because my mother loved this city, it makes this occasion all the more poignant for me.”

The team led by the brother of Prince William competed against that of the Argentine model Nachos Figueras. Celebrities who attended the match included actress Chloë Sevigny, LL Cool J, dressmaker Marc Jacob and Madonna.

Harry’s team, named after the charity, proceeded to defeat the opposing Black Watch team 6-5. Harry assisted on the winning goal in the last seconds, drawing the biggest cheer of the afternoon. It was the second and final day of Harry’s first official visit to the United States.

Not tired for all that, Harry ended his day by a visit to the “Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum of Manhattan,” where he was able to admire the cockpit of the former Concorde of the British company British Airways, as well as air transport dating the Second World War.

Annie Lennox SINGS In Norway

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox was in Norway last week to host a special event that aimed to raise money and awareness for the SING Campaign against AIDS.

The singer performed in Oslo on May 15 at an event in which guests were required to make a minimum donation of NOK 1,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite.

SING was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

“One third of pregnant women in South Africa are HIV positive,” said the 53-year-old in a recent CNN interview. “We can prevent their children being born with the virus if we let the women have access to treatment. If you do not allow that to happen, you’re going to have future generations simply being wiped out.”

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

George Clooney Makes Statement Against Imprisonment Of Nobel Prize Winner

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

George Clooney joined Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and many others on Friday in calling for the immediate release from prison of Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Along with Bono, Madonna, Steven Spielberg, Nobel Laureates professor Elie Wiesel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright and US Senator John McCain, the group released a statement protesting about the fact that Aung San Suu Kyi – who has been under house arrest for 19 years – has now been moved to a prison facility.

The only Nobel Peace Prize recipient currently imprisoned, and leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma, Suu Kyi is a noted prisoner of conscience and advocate of nonviolent resistance.

“Yesterday Suu Kyi was taken to Burma’s Insein prison to face criminal charges as part of a concerted plan to deny her freedom,“ said the statement. “We must not stand by as she is silenced once again. Now is the time for the United Nations and the entire international community to speak clearly, and with one voice: Free Aung San Suu Kyi.”

Aung San Suu Kyi is a remarkable woman – immortalized in the U2 song “Walk On” and the only Nobel Peace Prize winner kept imprisoned anywhere in the world – her crime was her desire to see her people free.

Other stars to sign their name to the statement included Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Matthew Broderick, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Ashton Kutcher, Meg Ryan and many more.

To read more about Aung San Suu Kyi’s plight, click here or visit the Not On Our Watch website.

Madonna Donates To Earthquake Victims

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Madonna has reportedly made a donation to victims of Monday’s tragic earthquake in Italy.

According to People.com, the pop princess has made a “substantial donation” to victims, following a plea for help from the mayor of a small hamlet called Pacentro. Madonna’s grandparents lived in the village until 1919.

“I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from,” she said. “My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes.”

Over 200 people are feared dead after the 6.3 magnitude quake hit the country at 3:32am on Monday.

The amount of Madonna’s donation is not yet known for certain, but is rumored to be in the region of $500,000.

Bill Clinton To Attend AmfAR Gala

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former US President Bill Clinton is to address the annual amfAR charity gala at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21.

Hosted by Sharon Stone, the Gala is one of the hottest tickets at the Cannes film festival each year, with hundreds of guests traveling to nearby Mougins for an auction dinner held in a giant marquee. This year’s gala will be held for the first time at the Riviera palace, the Eden Roc, at Cap d’Antibes, and will also see Annie Lennox perform.

Last year’s event raised over $10 million for amfAR, an organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Madonna was guest of honor at the event, and she auctioned off a private concert for $560,000.

The organization’s annual Cinema Against AIDS gala has been an important and successful fund-raising event for the Foundation since 1993, generating more than $44 million for essential AIDS research. Past events have been hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John.

Madonna Book To Raise Funds For Malawi

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Madonna’s charity Raising Malawi is launching a new book – I Am Because We Are – and an online auction on April 2nd to benefit children in Malawi, a country of only 13 million people, yet home to over 1 million AIDS orphans.

The auction will kick off with the release of I Am Because We Are, a poignant new book of images and testimonials of AIDS orphans and their families by award-winning photojournalist Kristen Ashburn. The book features images taken by Ashburn for Madonna’s feature documentary of the same name as well as her work documenting the pandemic throughout southern Africa over the last decade. All author proceeds from the book sales and the auction will go to Raising Malawi and The Raising Malawi Academy for Girls.

“It never ceases to amaze me that there is a complete disconnect between our daily lives and the severity of the pandemic in Africa,” says photographer Ashburn, whose large black and white portraits of AIDS orphans and struggling families will be displayed at the event.

With the global financial crisis taking a heavy toll on sources of funding that sustain the work of charities in Africa, the new I Am Because We Are book campaign seeks to expand that base. The book raises awareness of the crisis by introducing readers to the stories of children living with the effects of HIV/AIDS, and acts as a fundraising tool, because with each book sold, money goes to Raising Malawi.

“This book is a call to action,” says singer, songwriter John Legend.

An April 2nd book launch event at PowerHouse Arena in Dumbo, Brooklyn, will kick-off the book and the online auction. The collection of items on auction will include a number of one-of-a-kind items contributed by Madonna and her inner circle. The bidding begins April 2 on eBay , and remains open to a global audience through April 12. The auction can be accessed here.

In addition, a photo exhibition of Ashburn’s work is open to the public at the PowerHouse Arena throughout the month of April. More information about the book can be found at www.iambecausewearebook.com.

LTTS Exclusive: Inside A Night To Make A Difference with Host Michelle Vink

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Michelle Vink

Look To The Stars’ lead host, Michelle Vink was on hand as a host of Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference Fundraiser on Oscar night. Read her story below:

“Without hope, life is just not worth living”…

Those were the words from Harvey Milk from the Oscar-winning movie, Milk. Despite the uncertain state of the economy and the lack of faith we keep hearing about on the news, there was an overwhelming resurgence of hopeful optimism at the Oscars this year. Winning storylines like Slumdog Millionaire and Milk captured that very essence.

A new type of Oscar party

I recall reading that Slumdog director Danny Boyle placed the money to be paid to the 3 lead child actors in a trust until they complete grade school, and that the production company set up a driver to take the kids to school every day until they are 16 years old. When the movie was nominated for an Oscar alongside all the Milk nominations, I knew it would be a good year.

Soon after that I learned of a new type of Oscar party that Leeza Gibbons was coordinating, called A Night to Make A Difference. The timing was impeccable, and before I knew it I was invited to help host the event.

Michelle with Leeza and co-host, Russell.

Celebrity organisers with special causes

Leeza wanted to “take the global stage of Oscar Night and use it to put the focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.” With a team of volunteers and a production team fueled with the same passion, Leeza did just that. Helped by Olivia Newton-John, music legend David Foster, and several co-hosts, the team created “A Party with a Purpose.” This monumental event not only benefited Leeza Gibbons’ Memory Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, but also raised awareness for philanthropy and inspired a feeling of hope. This inaugural event was streamed live here on LooktotheStars.org, and on other sites including Variety.com , LeezaGibbonsOscarEvent.com, Glam.com and ExtraTV.com.

With the aid of Jessica Biel and her Make The Difference Network, an opportunity was created for viewers to donate to the cause or just open the door for people to get involved in a charity that is close to their own hearts. Check out MTDN.com for more information on Jessica’s charity.

Jessica Biel – photo by Levi Walker

An all-star cast of celebrity givers

Celebrities who came out to support this event and celebrate Hollywood’s big heart included Laila Ali (who uses her celebrity to get kids excited about physical fitness), Mel B., Jessica Biel, Wilson Cruz, Hilary Duff, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk, Paris Hilton, Slash & Perla Hudson (who donated a guitar to the auction), Kym Johnson, Mario Lopez, Melissa Gilbert, Jane Seymour & James Keach, Cindy Margolis, Terrell Owens, Holly Robinson-Peete, Suzanne Somers, Dee Wallace, Forest & Keisha Whitaker and many, many others. I was honored to interview Wilson Cruz (He’s Just Not That Into You) immediately following Dustin Lance Black’s win for Milk and I was moved by his passionate desire for change.

Michelle talks to Teri Hatcher during the event.

A responsibility to help

Rex Lee said of using his celebrity status for good, “For whatever reason, people out in the world pay attention to us, and if I say I support Olivia Newton John and building a new cancer center out in Australia, people listen. There is a responsibily in that.”

Michael Buble expressed his feelings on helping others, too, saying, “I think most people hopefully have compassion and empathy. We’ve been blessed, and we should help.”

Michael Buble and Paris Hilton – photo by Levi Walker

Manuela Testolini, founder of In A Perfect World, talked about giving back, saying, “It’s mutually beneficial. The thing that unites us despite our circumstances is the desire to create better world.”

Making a difference with makeovers

Another special touch to the event was the five women that were “hired” as extras from the LA Women’s Shelter. Celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves supervised red carpet makeovers for these women, providing hair, makeup and wardrobe. Shoes were donated by Jessica Simpson. The women were given life coaching lessons and a boost of confidence to help them show others that change is possible, that we can always reinvent ourselves (just like Madonna), and that there is always room for a second chance.

“Help other people”

While on the red carpet, Jane Seymour said, “It’s not just the Oscars, but giving back and helping other people. It’s about what you can do to help other people right now. The more we help other people, the better it will be for all of us. My mum always used to say to me, ‘When life is tough, go out and help other people’ […] Every single person on this planet can make a difference – it’s just an act of kindness.”

David Foster and Jane Seymour – photo by Levi Walker

So despite what we have been hearing on the news, it looks like there are a few of us out there that still believe in hope. Thank you, Leeza — it truly was a party with a purpose.

Annie Lennox Raises Awareness Of SING Campaign

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox has just released her new Greatest Hits collection in the US and has used the occasion to raise awareness of a new campaign being run by SING, an initiative she established to bring attention to AIDS/HIV in Africa.

Over the next few weeks and months, SING will be telling the stories of four women in Africa who are currently living their lives and raising their families whilst dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

After personally witnessing Nelson Mandela describe the African HIV pandemic as a genocide, with women and children becoming the frontline victims, Annie Lennox set out to try and do something about it.

The singer launched the SING Campaign in 2007 when she released a special fundraising single called Sing, which featured a 23-member choir of female celebrities, including Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell. Proceeds from the single went to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), an organization that that provides much needed support in the continent’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The money raised by SING helps prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, and also supports those currently living with HIV.

“[The focus of the SING Campaign] is really on women,“ Lennox told CNN last week. “I understand what it is for a woman to want to protect their children and give them the best they can.“

To follow the new campaign being run by SING, visit their website. A video announcing the new campaign for 2009 can be viewed here.

Madonna Sends Package To Orphanage

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Madonna has reportedly sent boxes of clothes belonging to her 3-year-old son, David Banda, back to his former orphanage in Malawi.

Contacts at the orphanage have confirmed that a package labeled “From David Ritchie to friends at Home of Hope” was received, but were unable to confirm that it came from Madonna.

“We have lots of friends across the globe who send us stuff from time to time,” Lucy Chipeta, director of the orphanage, told People.com.

The package included clothes, children’s books – including autographed copies of Madonna’s children’s book, English Roses – and a selection of toys.

“These are clothes David can no longer use; they say he is quite a big boy now so he cannot use most of the clothes Madonna bought him immediately after he was adopted,” a source told People.com. “The children were excited to receive the clothes.”

“Home of Hope” is the working name for Mchinji Mission Orphanage, one of the largest children’s homes in Malawi. Since it was founded in 1997 it has provided hope and a new life for 500 children who have lost one or both parents. More information about how you can help the orphanage can be found at its website.

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.”

Stars Heal Patients With A Kiss

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Marie Gorrettie

Medicinema is a registered charity that has partnered with the Health Sector and the Film Industry, installing state-of-the-art cinemas on site in hospitals around the United Kingdom.

By creating purpose built cinemas in hospitals, Medicinema provides a much needed escape for the patients – it’s a welcome break from the hospital ward. Each cinema is specially designed to cater for beds and wheel chairs and nursing staff on duty throughout every Medicinema screening.

With nurses instead of usherettes, Medicinema harnesses the magic of the Silver Screen to help enrich the quality of life for patients. By screening the latest releases for patients young and old – including those in beds and on wheelchairs – patients and their families are able to escape the reality of hospital life.

As the lights dim and the film starts, with the big screen filled and Dolby Surround sound bursting into life, patients can be forgiven for thinking they are spending a night in the West End – apart from the occasional bleep of a patient’s monitor, you could be in a cinema!

Everyone needs a little escapism in their lives, especially if they’re in hospital. There is often not very much to look forward to so a visit to the cinema can give a much-needed boost to the spirits, providing the sort of family outing that is otherwise difficult in hospital. With the help and active support of the leading film distributors, Medicinema screens a wide variety of feature films from action and adventure to romantic comedies. Some films are even screened to Medicinema audiences before they go on general release.

As part of a new initiative, stars of the Silver Screen have donated kisses to celebrate ten years of Medicinema to help enhance therapeutic care for patients in hospitals around UK. To mark their 10th Anniversary, MediCinema is auctioning the HEALED WITH A KISS COLLECTION. The collection contains over 50 original signed lip prints from some of the biggest names in the Film Industry. The following are the stars who have donated Healed With A Kiss Lip Prints to help bring magic of the Silver Screen to hospital patients across UK: Madonna, Catherine Zeta Jones, Dame Helen Mirren, Sigourney Weaver, Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet, John Hurt, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Judi Dench, Joan Collins, Glenn Close, Shirley MacLaine, Dame Diana Rigg, Kate Beckinsale, Thandie Newton, Nickolas Grace, Tim Roth, Jeremy Irons, Ben Stiller, Jeff Goldblum, Jim Broadbent, Honor Blackman, John Travolta, Claire Bloom, Martine McCutcheon, Greta Scacchi, Saffron Burrows, Geraldine Chaplin, Mariella Frostrup, Juliet Stevenson, Robbie Coltrane, Zoë Wanamaker, Cathy Tyson, Jason Isaacs, Anthony Andrews, Tommy Steele, Mark Addy, Kenneth Branagh, Alice Eve, and Dwayne Johnson.

The Auction party will be held in April 2009 and the complete Healed With A Kiss collection will be auctioned at the Medicinema Private Auction Party at The Movieunm, London’s biggest Film Memorabilia Museum.

The Healed With A Kiss Auction party will offer you the opportunity to own these highly collectable pieces of film memorabilia and the chance to rub shoulders with Movers and Shakers of the film industry. Hugh Edmeades, Christie’s International Auctioneer, will chair the auction in support of MediCinema. An exclusive drinks reception, live entertainment and a private tour will be followed by the auction of the healed with a kiss collection in support of MediCinema.

Here are some of the quotes from patients and their families whom MediCinema has touched:

“Really happy at the thought that I was not going to have to spend an evening on the ward, staring at a blank wall with no neighbours and chewing my lips to avoid being in pain”. Niamh.

“I completely forgot that I was in hospital, and that I had loads of needles in my arm, and when the film ended I thought “right, time to go home; and it was only when the lights came back on and I saw all the other beds and steelchairs that I remembered that I was in hospital”. Jesica, St Thomas patient.

If you would like to Bid for Original Signed Lip prints from the Stars of the Silver Screen and attend the Auction Party and bid in person please contact MediCinema: Tel:+44(0) 20 7188 3697 or email medicinema@gstt.nhs.uk.

If a celebrity lip print has caught your eye, you can make an advance bid before attending the Auction event in writing, on line or by telephone.

If you are unable to attend the Auction Party in person, you can secure an original signed lip print by placing “ABSENTEE” Bid, in writing, on line or by telephone. Please register your bid/s in the Healed with a Kiss Auction by contacting medicinema@gsst.nhs.uk or telephoning +44 (0) 20 7188 3697.

Once you have registered interest in placing an “Absentee” or advance bid, you will be contacted to confirm your bid and contact details.

For more information about the Auction Party please contact MediCinema on +44 (0) 20 7188 3697 or email medicinema@gstt.nhs.uk.

Forest Whitaker Brings The Dream To Los Angeles

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Forest Whitaker will host a special screening of Kassim The Dream, a multiple award-winning documentary based on the journey of a Ugandan child from child soldier to world champion boxer.

The film is the true life story of Kassim Ouma, the seventh of thirteen children in his Ugandan family, who was abducted at age six along with a class of school children by the National Resistance Army, the rebel gorilla force that took governmental control through a coupe d’etat in 1986. Forced to fight as a soldier, Ouma also joined the army’s boxing club, and excelled. Fourteen years later he was able to obtain a visa to the US for a military boxing tournament and took advantage of the opportunity to defect, an act that cost his father his life but led to Ouma’s world title and a chance to help back home.

Today Ouma still fights professionally, but he also advocates for the plight of the 300 thousand child soldiers around the world today: “My heart is into working with my African people, working with the UN, helping my people in Africa as much as I can.”

Whitaker’s screening should also help – proceeds will go to Hope North, a refuge for orphans and escaped child soldiers in northern Uganda that provides schooling and training to rebuild their lives. The $25 tickets include the 29 January movie screening with VIP seating at ArcLight Cinemas in Los Angeles, and a cocktail reception and question and answer period afterwards.

“There are a lot of groups out there really helping, like ONE Campaign Ouma told New York Magazine. “Celebrities like Oprah and Madonna have gotten involved in African problems. It’s all part of the same issue, the same fight.”

Ashton Kutcher Praises Demi Moore's Compassion

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ashton Kutcher has spoken to Tyra Banks about what he finds beautiful about his wife, Demi Moore.

“I think the most beautiful quality that she has is just her capacity to give to others,“ said the 30-year-old star. “She’s always thinking about somebody else… The first moment I recognized her beauty was just listening to her talk to her daughters, my stepdaughters over the phone. The compassion she shares. To me was breathtaking. It was the first time I realized how special she was in that moment.”

Both Kutcher and Moore are well known for their charity work, and spent a week together in Central America last year building homes for the disadvantaged. In 2006, Kutcher announced he would donate one dollar to Habitat For Humanity for each of the first 50,000 MySpace users who add him as a friend. The pair also attended Madonna’s gala event at UN Headquarters for Raising Malawi last year.

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