Look To The Stars News: Phil Collins

Roger Moore Steps Up Battle Against Foie Gras

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

Former James Bond star Roger Moore is continuing his fight against British supermarkets that stock Foie Gras by paying for and appearing in a new PETA ad placed outside the entrance to Selfridges Food Hall in central London.

Foie Gras is a pâté made from the livers of ducks and geese, and the actor is campaigning against the cruel way producers fatten the livers – up to two kilograms of mash are pumped into the birds’ stomachs through a pipe two or three times a day. The pipes sometimes puncture the birds’ throats, causing the animals to bleed to death.

The actor originally had a different image from the one used in mind, but the advertising agency deemed it as offensive.

“The ad agency deemed the image of the force-feeding of birds for foie gras offensive because it is offensive, but as foie gras production is too violent to show on an ad, surely this ‘torture in a tin’ is too violently produced for Selfridges [a British supermarket] to sell,” he said. “What I’m sure the public will find far more offensive is Selfridges’ refusal to stop selling foie gras, the production of which is so incredibly cruel that it is prohibited in Britain.”

The star is joined in his crusade by Phil Collins and Prince Charles.

“I have seen few things so revolting and shaming as the horrendous routine cruelty to ducks and geese that goes into the production of one of the world’s so-called culinary delicacies, foie gras,” wrote the veteran actor in the Daily Mail. “I refuse to speak to old friends who, even when they know how it is produced, are prepared to overlook the suffering for self-gratification.”

To watch a video narrated by Roger Moore about Foie Gras production, click here.

Celebrity Paw Prints A Big Winner For Cat Charity

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

The UK’s largest feline welfare charity, Cats Protection, has been overwhelmed by the success of this year’s Celebrity Paws auction, which has raised a staggering £2,473.58 for unwanted cats and kittens in the UK.

This year’s most popular ‘paw prints’ were from singer Alison Goldfrapp, which was sold for £502.00, musical legend Phil Collins, which was sold for £430.00 and Top Gear presenter James May, which was sold for £271.00.

‘Paw prints’ from Peckham pals Sir David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, John Challis and Roger Lloyd Pack, who played Del Boy, Rodney, Boycie and Trigger in the popular sitcom Only Fools and Horses managed to raise £262.00 towards the auction.

When asked why he had chosen to support the charity, actor John Challis said: “I love cats and I have done a lot of work for charities with a similar cause. We actually inherited some feral cats on the farm and we decided to take care of them. They were breeding at the time, so we took them to the vets and found homes for their kittens. We weren’t really cat people before that, but I think that cats have a way of finding you. We have one male cat and one female- they both follow us around all of the time”.

Now in its third year, Cats Protection’s Celebrity Paws auction raises much needed funds for the charity, which helps over 193,000 cats and kittens every year. It is a simple and easy way for celebrities to show their support of the work that the charity does. Celebrities were asked to draw around their hand, decorate it in their own unique way, sign it and send it back to Cats Protection.

The money raised from this year’s auction will go towards building a state-of-the-art homing centre in Ferndown, Bournemouth. The Homing Centre will work alongside the charity’s volunteer-run branches in the area. With 24 homing pens and an on-site retail area for essentials, Ferndown will only offer cats which are ready to go to a new home – cutting out lengthy waiting times for cat owners to take their new pet home. It is hoped the Homing Centre will be open for early 2010.

Kate Bunting, the charity’s PR Manager, said: “We have had an amazing response to Celebrity Paws this year and we are very grateful to our celebrity supporters for contributing their own special works of art. The lucky winners of the ‘paws’ have got a truly one-of-a-kind item, which I hope they will treasure. The money raised from the auction will certainly support the ongoing work that we do and the exciting plans that we have in the pipeline for 2010.”

Other celebrities who took part in the auction included Chrissie Hynde and Tony Robinson.

For more information on the Ferndown Homing Centre Appeal, click here.

Chrissie Hynde And Phil Collins Lead Celebrity Paws Charity Auction

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Rock icon Chrissie Hynde, along with many other stars, is showing her support for unwanted moggies by donating her ‘paw’ print to the UK’s leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection.

Chrissie Hynde, who is best known as front-woman for The Pretenders, is among a long list of celebrities taking part in this year’s Celebrity Paws auction, which will run from 1 October to 10 October. Other supporters include musical legend Phil Collins, Alexei Sayle, Sir David Jason, Sir Jimmy Savile, Richard Wilson, Pam Ferris, John Challis, Tony Robinson, Tony Christie, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Bruce Forsyth CBE, Timmy Mallett, James May, Felicity Kendal, Su Pollard, Danny John-Jules, Sean Hughes, Kim Woodburn, Alison Goldfrapp and Roger Lloyd Pack.

Now in its third year, Cats Protection’s Celebrity Paws raises much needed funds for the charity, which helps around 157,000 cats and kittens every year. Celebrities were asked to draw around their hand, sign it, and style it in their own unique way. The drawings are then auctioned on eBay. Past auctions have raised an excess of £3,000 for the charity.

Kate Bunting, the charity’s PR Manager, said: “We have had an amazing response to Celebrity Paws this year and we are very grateful to our celebrity supporters for contributing their own special works of art. The paw prints are all completely authentic so I hope people will get bidding – it’s a real chance to get your hands on a one-of-kind item whilst supporting the work of the charity.”

Money raised from this year’s auction will go towards building a new Homing Centre in Ferndown, Dorset, which will make it simpler and easier for the public to adopt cats. The new centre will revolutionise the way unwanted cats are rehomed in the UK and support the work of the volunteer-run branches in the region.

Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the name Cats Protection in 1998. Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps 193,000 cats and kittens each year through a national network of 253 volunteer-run branches and 29 adoption centres.

For the chance to get your paws on these fantastic works of art, and to find out who else has donated their one-off print to Cats Protection, please visit www.cats.org.uk/celebritypaws

For more information about the auction, or to make a donation to help the charity continue its cat welfare work, please call Cats Protection’s national Helpline on 03000 12 12 12

Love Our Children USA Launches Blue Shirt Day To Stomp Out Bullying

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Love Our Children USA has announced that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proclaiming October 5th Blue Shirt Day to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, October 4th – 10th.

Thousands of kids and adults will wear blue shirts as they make their way to school or to the office on October 5 as a grassroots national movement to STOMP Out Bullying.

The organization launched the STOMP Out Bullying Campaign in October, 2008. STOMP Out Bullying focuses its efforts to reduce Bullying and Cyberbullying, decrease school absenteeism and truancy, educate against homophobia and racism and deter violence in schools, playgrounds and communities across the country. To date over 53,000 have committed to STOMP Out Bullying on the site.

It’s not just our politicians who support STOMP Out Bullying an initiative of Love Our Children USA, but celebrities are out in full force to help.

Teen Celebrities Demi Lovato, JoJo and the latest children’s sensation The Oogieloves participate in the public service campaign which includes TV spots, videos, posters, brochures and wristbands. Additional celebrities such as Brittany Snow, Naturally 7 and others are slated to join the ongoing campaign created by the Geppetto Group.

In order to raise funds for bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools, Love Our Children USA is holding its Second Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on CharityFolks from October 5th –16th.

This year’s celebrity contributors include: Elton John, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Ellen DeGeneres, Phil Collins, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Guster, Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Bye Bye Birdie, Rock Of Ages, the NJ Nets and more.

“Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that they contemplate suicide. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves” said Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA Founder and Chief Executive Officer. This campaign’s key purpose is to educate those kids who are being bullied and those who are bullying, that there are choices for them to get help.

To find out more about the campaign, go to LoveOurChildrenUSA.org and StompOutBullying.org.

Prince Charles Thanks Celebrities For Charity Support

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Prince Charles thanked a number of high-profile celebrities for their support of his Prince’s Trust this week by holding a special garden party at his Highgrove home near Tetbury, in Gloucestershire.

Along with the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles wined and dined over 100 guests, including Phil Collins – the Trust’s first ambassador – as well as Bryan Adams, Phillip Schofield, Gary Lineker, Sir Ben Kingsley, Jenson Button, Amanda Burton, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Jeremy Irons, Joss Stone, Kate Adie, Aleisha Dixon and many others. The celebrity ambassadors were given a tour of the Highgrove estate in the late summer sun before lunching on asparagus and pea risotto followed by summer berries with pannacotta.

“I have been a Prince’s Trust ambassador for going back 20 years and it is has been a real privilege to be able to meet people who have benefited from the scheme and turned their life around,” said Gary Linekar.

The Prince’s Trust gives practical and financial support to help disadvantaged young people aged between 14 and 30 develop workplace skills. The Trust offers support by training, mentoring and giving financial assistance to help disadvantaged young people achieve their potential.

Eric Clapton Signs Guitar For Leukaemia Children

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A guitar signed by Eric Clapton was just one of the items that were featured in a charity auction held in the UK last weekend that raised over £6,000 (US$8,500) for Children With Leukaemia.

The guitar – which was also signed by Mike Rutherford from Genesis and Procol Harum singer Gary Brooker – went under the hammer for £500 at the event, held in Norwich. Also up for auction was a guitar signed by Green Day, which sold for £840, and a Clapton-signed DVD of a Cream reunion at the Albert Hall that sold for £200.

Children With Leukaemia is the UK’s leading charity dedicated exclusively to fighting Britain’s biggest childhood cancer. For more than 20 years, they have been helping children affected by leukaemia. They fund research into causes and treatments, support families through welfare programmes and campaign on their behalf. Their current fundraising campaign is being fronted by British celebrity Chris Tarrant, and the charity also enjoys support from Jonathan Ross, Judi Dench, Phil Collins, Joanna Lumley, Paul McCartney and many more.

To find out more about the charity, check out their website.

Stars Redesign Mickey Mouse Ears For Charity

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of British celebrities have redesigned the famous ears of Mickey Mouse for an auction to benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK.

Phil Collins, Geri Halliwell, Estelle, Daisy Lowe, John Terry, Amir Khan, Luella Bartley and Giles Deacon are just some of the names that have taken up the challenge of redesigning the iconic ears, with the auction being launched on May 5.

According to Sky News, Collins revealed he drew inspiration from his musical skills for his creation, which are in the shape of a golden drum kit with “some bald bloke playing the drums” in the middle.

The promotion is being held to celebrate the opening of Mickey’s Magical Party, a year-long celebration taking place between 4th April 2009 and March 2010 at Disneyland Paris that promises to offer guests of all ages interactive entertainment and new experiences.

Disney is helping raise £10 million towards the Great Ormond Street Hospital’s amazing redevelopment, creating a nicer space to treat more children who desperately need care. The hospital in London treats more than 100,000 patients each year – children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. They receive the best medical care that money can buy, but the government funding cannot meet these ever-rising costs.

“I had too much fun designing my Mickey ears as part of Mickey’s Magical Party!” said Estelle. “They’re individual, glamorous and have a touch of attitude… Just like me!”

The auction will run on Buy Once Give Twice – the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction site. More information about the auction can be found here.

Classic Rockers Join Led Zep Guitarist For Charity

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of the biggest names in classic rock have donated items to an auction that benefits a charity supported by one of their contemporaries.

Task Brazil is a UK-based charity established in 1992 that improves the lives and supports the needs of children and pregnant teenage girls living on the streets of Brazil. The charity received a huge boost in 1997 when Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, who witnessed first hand the deprivation of the children and troubles in the favelas whilst playing in Rio de Janeiro, made a massive donation. The money was used to buy a plot of land in Santa Teresa on which ‘Casa Jimmy’ was built to provide a safe and happy home for a lucky few of the abandoned children.

The current auction features loads of Led Zep items signed by Page, as well as guitars signed by Slash and the Eagles’ Joe Walsh, and items signed by Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Iron Maiden and many others.

The auction runs until March 15 and can be accessed here.

Robin Gibb To Headline Heritage Ball

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Bee Gee Robin Gibb has announced that he will headline the Heritage Foundation’s annual Awards and Summer Ball in June.

The singer will perform with Bill Wyman and The Rhythm Kings at the event, to be held at the Millenium Hotel in London on June 20.

Gibb is a longtime supporter of the Heritage Foundation, an organization that aims to combine paying tribute to Britain’s wealth of talent who have bought pleasure and joy to millions through their performances or technical skills with raising funds for good causes. He is also the 2009 president of the organization, a position that in the past has been held by celebrities such as Phil Collins, Norman Wisdom, and Ernie Wise.

As part of his duties as president, Gibb will attend a special plaque unveiling this Sunday, March 8, to honor legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon. The event will take place at 90 Wardour Street, London – the site of the former Marquee Club – and will be followed by a star-studded lunch at the Grosvenor House Hotel. The Who members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are also expected to attend.

Tickets to the Summer Ball in June cost £110. More information can be found at the Heritage Foundation website.

Phil Collins Joins Drummers For Charity Auction

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If you are a fan of drummers, why not have a bash at the fabulous new charity auction being held right now at www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk.

A selection of drums signed by bands and drummers are currently going under the hammer (or should that be drumstick?) to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. Snares, cymbals, toms and bass drums autographed by Phil Collins, Sting and The Police, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Kasabian, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and members of backing bands for Pink and Paul Weller are all on offer for a very limited time.

“I’m delighted to be supporting Teenage Cancer Trust’s Drummer Night auction and hope it will raise as much cash as possible for the charity,” said Mark Schulman, backing drummer for Pink. “I am a cancer survivor myself, as is my ex-wife, Kelly. I understand the challenges that patients go through, and I want to use my credibility as a drummer to raise awareness about such issues. I hope the auction can help raise enough money so that teenagers and young people going through cancer have access to specialized treatment centres, like those provided by Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Six young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust builds units in hospitals to help improve their quality of life and increase their chances of survival.

The auction runs until December 15, and the drums can be viewed here.

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the biggest celebrity charity auction events of the year is currently gearing up for its launch on December 1.

Bid2Beat AIDS is an annual event that will feature over 1000 items from top stars such as 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Adrian Grenier, Aerosmith, Alec Baldwin, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Common , Death Cab for Cutie, Denzel Washington, P. Diddy, Donny Osmond, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Hanson, Hilary Duff, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Blunt, James Earl Jones, James Morrison, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z , Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst, Ludacris , M.I.A., Madonna, Mariah Carey, Neil Patrick Harris, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Raven Symone, Razorlight, Rihanna , Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Wyclef Jean, and many, many more. Also up for grabs will be VIP tickets to concerts and backstage visits with stars like Bernadette Peters, Jewel, Aimee Mann, Joan Rivers, and Michael Feinstein.

The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity. The first three BID 2 BEAT AIDS auctions raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s looks set to be the biggest yet.

More info about the auction can be found at the Bid2Beat AIDS website, and the auction will go live on World AIDS Day here.

Look To The Stars will keep you posted as the items are announced.

Phil Collins Fights For Ducks And Geese

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British music legend Phil Collins has slammed UK department store Selfridges for selling a controversial French delicacy.

The singer has sent a letter on behalf of PETA to the chain’s chairman pleading for them to pull their stocks of foie gras – a pâté made from the livers of ducks and geese – from their shelves.

“You probably know that every animal protection group in the world condemns foie gras as cruelty to the birds, with 15 countries actually banning its production,” writes the 57-year-old. "As you can imagine, the scientific consensus has to be very strong for a country to ban the production of something, but indeed, foie gras production is really that cruel. A description of foie gras production is not for the faint of heart. To force-feed the birds, pipes are rammed down their throats a few times per day. Many times, the pipes puncture the birds’ throats, and the animals bleed to death. This cruel procedure causes the birds’ livers to become diseased and swell up to 10 times their normal size. Birds that don’t die became sick and lethargic, and indeed, death rates skyrocket during the force-feeding time.

“Won’t you please dissociate Selfridges from this cruel industry that is opposed by about two-thirds of Britons? Selfridges’ reputation is being dragged into the mud, which is tragic and not something you should allow to happen. Please, do the right thing – stop selling foie gras.”

Collins joins former James Bond star Sir Roger Moore in protesting against Selfridges’ decision to stock the food when many other British stores have banned it.

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas this weekend.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Agassi. “We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we’ve accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

The concert will raise funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The concert will be preceded by an invitation-only concert tonight – October 10 – featuring James Taylor and Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

“This year the Grand Slam for Children is being held at Wynn Las Vegas, which offers a first-class, intimate experience for our guests,” said Agassi. “The event is sure to be a hit with top exclusive entertainment at this beautiful venue.”

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Don Henley, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Goo Goo Dolls, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Seal, Duran Duran and Josh Groban. More than 98,000 fans and VIP guests have attended the past 12 Grand Slam events, raising more than $70 million for charity.

Agassi’s 2008 Grand Slam for Children will take place tomorrow night, October 11, with musical direction by David Foster. More information about tickets can be found at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation website.

Eat From Your Favorite Celebrity's Plate!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:35:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

“Let them eat cake,” said Marie-Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, and now you have the chance to do just that – eat cake from a plate designed and signed by one of Tinsletown’s finest.

The auction, currently underway at the Auction Wire website, features one-of-a-kind plates from stars such as Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, and Carmen Electra, and is raising money for the Parkinson Society Maritime Region – an organization in Canada that aims to be the voice of Maritimers living with Parkinson’s disease. Funds will be used to supply services such as exercise programs, speech therapy, massage therapy, conferences, and workshops, and will also be used towards the National Research Program of the Parkinson Society Canada.

“The Parkinson Society is thrilled that so many celebrities from a variety of backgrounds – movies, television, politics, the arts – have come together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and raise funds through this auction of celebrity designed plates,” said Paul McNair, executive director of the Parkinson Society Maritime Region.

The auction – which also includes plates from Johnny Depp, Dwayne Johnson, William Shatner, Dakota Fanning, Martha Stewart, Henry Winkler, Jordin Sparks, Stephen Colbert, Sarah McLachlan, Muhammad Ali, Phil Collins, Chris Daughtry, and Rob Lowe – runs until May 11.

Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of Addiction

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:00:16 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Although regarded by many as one of the best rock and blues guitarists to ever live, Eric Clapton is a man who has suffered for his art. But the succession of addictions and the tragic personal dramas have not stopped the legend from becoming one of the most successful performers in the world today, and have fueled his desire to help those who face the same problems in their daily struggle to survive.

Clapton was born in 1945, in Surrey, England. He was raised by his grandmother and grew up believing his mother was actually his older sister – she was only 16 when he was born. He eventually found out the truth when he was 9 years old, and he took it hard. He became shy and lonely, and took solace in the only thing he could find stability in – blues music.

A proficiency with the guitar led the young teenager to join a band called The Yardbirds in 1963, and the group started to attract a large cult following when they took over the Rolling Stones’ residency at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond. Clapton played on The Yardbirds first hit record, “For Your Love”, before leaving the band in 1965 due to their pop-orientated musical direction.

Before he left, however, Clapton started his long association with benefit concerts by joining Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page for a series of 12 gigs in support of Action For Research Into Multiple Sclerosis, a cause he has continued to support over the years.

A brief stint in “John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers” was followed by Clapton’s first shot at the big time – he formed “Cream” with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. A string of hits – such as “Sunshine of Your Love”, “White Room”, and “Crossroads” – was unleashed on a music scene where the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Who were creating a psychedelic stir. Drugs fueled the industry, and Clapton started to feel their attractive lure. It was a relationship that was destined for disaster.

Cream disbanded in 1968, and Clapton spent his time in bands such as “Blind Faith” and “Derek And The Dominos”. He also found a solid friendship with George Harrison, guitarist for The Beatles.

By the time Clapton kicked off his solo career in 1970, he was drinking heavily and was addicted to heroin. His personality became erratic and his live shows suffered as a result. He became reclusive, only leaving his house to secure more drugs and to perform at the occasional benefit concert – during George Harrison’s Concert For Bangladesh in 1972, Clapton passed out on stage.

If something was not done quickly, Clapton’s friends could see that he would go the same way as Hendrix and many other stars caught up in the drug culture. Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, organized a comeback for Clapton to help him beat his addictions in 1973. Although Clapton returned to his art for the rest of the decade, releasing some of his greatest hits, he would not truly kick his alcohol and drug habits until the mid-1980s. He contemplated taking his own life on several occasions, but was only stopped by the realization that if he were dead, he would not be able to drink anymore.

“I thought there was something otherworldly about the whole culture of drinking, that being drunk made me a member of some strange, mysterious club,” Clapton told The Today Show recently. “The stuff that happened to me as a child made me totally insular — I thought I could do all of this on my own. It wasn’t until I was quite a bit older that I finally did ask for help.”

Help came through the continuing support of friends such as Phil Collins, who reestablished a love of music and a sense of self-worth in the artist. In 1989, after two decades of struggling to take control of his inner demons, Clapton declared himself sober and released “Journeyman”, a critically acclaimed album that proved he was back at the top of his game.

Throughout the 1990s, Clapton worked quietly to help others who had fallen into the dark world of addiction. In 1998, he opened the doors to the Crossroads Centre, a facility located on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, dedicated to helping those who suffer from chemical abuse.

“My vision was to create a centre of the highest caliber to treat people of the Caribbean and throughout the world,” he said. "The centre would be staffed with experienced and internationally recognized professionals. The cost of treatment would be held to the lowest possible level, ensuring affordability and accessibility. And most importantly, this non-profit centre would provide treatment scholarships for people of the Caribbean region and around the world.

“Crossroads is like no other treatment centre. It is the perfect place to begin the road of recovery and utilizes a combination of effective therapies to address addiction and recovery, while capturing the spiritual serenity that many have found unique to Antigua. Within the serene, healing atmosphere individuals participate in a structured 29-day residential 12 step based program that allows clients to experience a whole person wellness approach to recovery.”

Since the Crossroads Centre was opened, Clapton has held two sales of his own guitars to raise money for the non-profit venture – which generated a total of $12 million – and he has also organized two Crossroads Guitar Festivals, featuring stars such as Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. To kick off 2008, Clapton joined Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh at a gig held in a bar in Surrey, to raise money for various Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

As a human being, Clapton will never forget the struggle to beat his addictions, but he believes the only way to get through it all is to keep moving forward.

“In the last couple of years there’s been more action in my life, and drama, than I would have wished for. But I think I’ve learned something from it all. I can’t say tangibly what it is, except that I’m happy to be me and to have survived.”

For more information on how to help those who suffer from addictions, visit www.crossroadsantigua.org.

Stars Deliver For Literacy Charities

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:43:34 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Kate Winslet, Margaret Atwood, Jonathan Pryce and Phil Collins are among 40 celebrities who have donated their time and artistic skills to the UK Pitney Bowes Pushing the Envelope campaign.

The stars have each decorated an envelope in order to raise funds for the National Literacy Trust, and the unique framed art is available on eBay until the 20th of October.

This is the third year that the campaign has taken place, and organisers are hoping it will be as successful as last year’s auction, which raised over £11,000 for the Trust.

Pushing the Envelope usually involves simultaneous auctions around the world, with the money raised in each country going to support local literacy programs. This year Katie Melua has created an envelope for the auction taking place in France, which benefits Asmae and their work with children in the Phillipines.

In past years Pitney Bowes has sponsored auctions in the U.S. and Canada as well, featuring art from Halle Berry, Mike Myers, Lindsay Lohan and Sharon Stone for the U.S. auctions, and from Alex Trebek and Wayne Gretzky in the Canadian events. The charities to benefit from those auctions included First Book, the National Center for Family Literacy, ProLiteracy Worldwide, Reading Is Fundamental, and ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation.

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