Look To The Stars News: Matt Damon

DoSomething.org Announces Top 20 Celebs Gone Good 2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

DoSomething.org, one of the largest U.S. organizations that helps teens take action on causes they care about, released today its fourth annual ‘Top 20 Celebs Gone Good’ list.

Lady Gaga continues her reign as the star who uses her celebrity to do the most good. Known for her support of gay rights, AIDS, and poverty, she focused primarily this year on bullying, even taking her thoughts to the White House in December. She also announced the creation of her own charity, the Born This Way Foundation, which aims to empower youth and lead them to a brave new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be.

Making a meteoric rise to number two this year is Justin Bieber, up from number 10 last year. His fast rise is due to his prolific work with Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in Laos and Guatemala. Justin is also a consistent supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raised funds for charity with his fragrance and holiday album, and recently distributed $100,000 to Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas.

Matt Damon And Scarlett Johansson Meet Make-A-Wish Kids

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Three young budding actors recently got their first big break as extras in the filming of “We Bought a Zoo” as part of their Make-A-Wish Foundation experience.

Matt and Charles

Matt Damon Launches Charity Water Bottle

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:15:00 +0000

This week, Matt Damon and Water.org, the charity he co-founded, are launching a water bottle campaign to help some of the 884 million people who lack access to clean, safe water.

Feeding America Launches Hunger Action Month With Celebrity Help

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:00:00 +0000

This September, Feeding America – the nation’s leading domestic hunger relief organization – is encouraging people from all walks of life to raise awareness for hunger relief. Hunger Action Month is an effort to mobilize the public to raise awareness and take action in support of domestic hunger relief.

As shown by Feeding America’s recent study, Map the Meal Gap, one in six Americans suffer from hunger.

Matt Damon Defends Teachers at Washington Rally

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

On July 30, Matt Damon spoke out for teachers during the Save Our Schools March in Washington, D.C., joining thousands of educators, parents, children and others who care about the state of education in the U.S.

The crowds braved the scorching weather to show their concern over the demoralisation of teachers and the stringent testing process that many feel takes the joy and creativity out of learning.

The grassroots effort is instead looking to manifest equitable funding for public school communities, end high-stakes testing and allow for locally developed curriculums which can be better tailored to fit the children they are aimed at educating.

Big Kenny Joins African Children's Choir At Hospital Gig

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Country music star Big Kenny joined the African Children’s Choir onstage during its uplifting performance recently at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The choir is traveling the world to raise money and awareness for the educational needs of children in developing African countries.

Stars Unite For Japan With Charity Videos

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two months ago, Japan experienced a massive 9.0 earthquake and the devastating tsunami that followed. In response to this tragedy, actor Ken Watanabe launched www.uniteforjapan.org to rally people to donate funds for Japan’s relief effort through key organizations like the American Red Cross, Japan Society & Global Giving.

The impact of this natural disaster continues to be felt today by the people of Japan. Unite for Japan has launched two PSA videos featuring a special group of celebrities that came together to convey a very simple message: Unite for Japan.

Some of the stars who are featured in the PSAs are Paula Abdul, Ben Affleck, Zac Brown, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Damon, Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ayako Fujutani, Mikael Hafstrom, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Muramasa Kudo, Sharon Lawrence, John Legend, Richard Lewis, Rob Marshall, Hideki Matsui, Julian McMahon, Jennifer Morrison, Cillian Murphy, Amaury Nolasco, Apolo Ohno, Masi Oka, Robert Patrick, Katy Perry, Maggie Q, Zoe Saldana, William Shatner, Jake Shimabukuro, Cobie Smulders, Steph Song, Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Aisha Tyler and Mark Wahlberg.

Celebrate Mother's Day With Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz, the leading destination for luxury online charity auctions, presents its 3rd Annual Charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction, featuring over 200 once-in-a-lifetime experiences and gifts with mom in mind, from the chance to meet Oprah Winfrey backstage at one the final tapings of The Oprah Winfrey Show to an afternoon with Barbra Streisand on the set of her newest film.

Proceeds directly benefit more than 75 nonprofit organizations around the world, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, The Art of Elysium, The FEED Foundation, After-School All-Stars, Red Cross, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Children Mending Hearts, Generation Rescue, Habitat For Humanity, Malaria No More and many more. Bidding is open now through May 6th at charitybuzz at www.charitybuzz.com/MothersDay2011.

Throughout the year, charitybuzz raises funds for causes ranging from natural disaster relief to global poverty prevention to access to the arts by auctioning one-of-a-kind experiences donated by socially conscious celebrities, athletes, artists, political leaders and pop culture icons. The charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction brings together the most coveted experiences in a customized collection of gifts that give back. Moms can mingle backstage with their favorite music artists, pose for a photo with their Hollywood heart-throbs, sneak onto the sets of their favorite TV shows, and everything in between.

Clint Eastwood To Donate Hereafter DVD Proceeds To Japan

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Clint Eastwood is to donate some of the DVD profits from his latest movie, Hereafter, to aid charity efforts in Japan.

The film – starring Matt Damon – was pulled from theaters in the stricken country earlier this week because of its scenes of destruction depicting the 2004 tsunami.

George Clooney In Southern Sudan For Historic Referendum

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:45:00 +0000

George Clooney was in Southern Sudan on Saturday to help raise awareness of the region’s historic independence referendum, which began on January 9.

The star – who is a UN Messenger of Peace and is well known for his work in Darfur and the Sudan – has met with President Barack Obama twice about conflict in the region, and recently launched the Satellite Sentinel Project, which uses satellite imagery analysis and crowd-sourced mapping to monitor the tense border between North and South Sudan.

“Our job is trying to keep this on the front burner of the news,” Clooney told The Associated Press. "I’m the son of newsman. I understand how hard it is to keep stories on the front of news, and sometimes entertainment and news can be meshed together if you do it properly.

Matt Damon To Be Honored For Charity At Critics' Choice Awards

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced today that renowned actor and philanthropist Matt Damon will be presented with the fourth annual Joel Siegel Award at the 16th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. The ceremony will air live on VH1 on Friday, January 14 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.

Given annually, this special award pays homage to beloved “Good Morning America” film critic and BFCA member Joel Siegel, who lost his long struggle with cancer in June, 2007.

George Clooney's Message To Stop The War

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Earlier today, LookToTheStars.org brought you a story about George Clooney’s new initiative to bring peace to Sudan through www.satsentinel.org. He has released this personal message – with John Prendergast – on what he hopes to achieve.

“A new state is being born in Southern Sudan against a backdrop of decades of war between the South and North of Sudan. A peace deal in 2005 ended the latest round of open conflict, but the possibility of a return to war remains high as Southern Sudan prepares for independence.

“One of the biggest risks in this dangerous moment is that an incident on the highly armed border could lead to wider conflict. The government in Khartoum has armed militias in contested bordering regions, the government air force has bombed border areas, and both sides have massed military units and equipment along the hottest border spots.

George Clooney Teams With Google To Stop War In Sudan

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

A new human rights project — initiated by George Clooney — will combine satellite imagery analysis and field reports with Google’s Map Maker technology to deter the resumption of war between North and South Sudan.

Launched this week, the Satellite Sentinel Project will use satellite imagery analysis and crowd-sourced mapping to monitor the tense border between North and South Sudan.

Oil-rich southern Sudan will vote next month in a referendum on independence from the rest of Sudan. Analysts say that this could plunge the country back into civil war and may spark the world’s next genocide.

DoSomething.org's Top 20 2010 Celebrity Charity Champions

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DoSomething.org – the website that aims to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action – has released a list of what it considers to be the top 20 “Celebs Gone Good” for 2010.

20. 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord ventured outside of her zip code more than once this year to support her favorite causes, including access to clean water in Africa and helping victims of global sex trade. This Christmas she’s off to Cambodia with Somaly Mam to bring needed supplies to sex trafficking survivors there.

19. Stephen Colbert, who is a massive supporter of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as being on the Board of Directors for the education charity DonorsChoose.org and has even testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on immigration.

Join A Conference Call With Matt Damon's Water.org

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:30:00 +0000

This is your chance to hear first-hand from Matt Damon’s Water.org about their work in Tigray, Ethiopia, the impact their programs are having on people’s lives, and their plans for the future in this region.

You are invited to be part of a conference call from Water.org’s International Programs Manager, Heather Arney about the charity’s work.

In addition, Water.org’s Chief Community Officer, Mike McCamon, will talk about the third generation of the organization’s field reporting tool, my.Water.org, and how you can receive and share real-time program updates from the field.

Matt Damon’s Water Charity To Receive Million-Dollar Donation

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Business schools from around the world have been invited by Hult International Business School to compete in its second annual Global Case Challenge.

This year’s theme is on clean water, and this year’s recipient of a million-dollar donation to implement the winning team’s solution is Water.org, the organization co-founded by actor Matt Damon to provide communities in developing nations with access to clean water.

Hult has partnered with Bill Clinton’s Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), whose goal is to link expertise with resources to provide sustainable solutions. One of the obstacles CGI recognizes is that “charitable organizations have grassroots knowledge of problems and know effective solutions to address them, but they have trouble getting to the next stage, overcoming local resistance and seeing the solutions implemented.”

Matt Damon To Host Charity Fundraiser Next Week

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Matt Damon will host the third annual ONEXONE fundraiser in New York next week.

The evening will feature keynote speaker Paul Farmer, Co-Founder of Partners in Health, and a special musical performance from multi-platinum band Collective Soul, as well as other popular artist and an award-winning local children’s choir. ONEXONE will welcome back Jay Bilas in his third year as Master of Ceremonies, and Jesse Itzler in his second year as Auctioneer of the event’s live auction. 9-year old pianist and composer Ethan Bortnick will also return to this year’s show. Patricia Arquette will receive the ONEXONE Difference Award for her work with Give Love, the organization that she co-founded.

Mia Hamm and Lennox Lewis are both expected to attend.

Matt Damon To Host ONEXONE Charity Fundraiser

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

ONEXONE, the charitable organization committed to fighting health issues and preserving the lives of children locally and globally, along with Academy Award-winner Matt Damon, will host their 3rd Annual ONEXONE Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 27th at Capitale at 130 Bowery in New York City.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Glee's Jane Lynch To Host Do Something Charity Awards

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

DoSomething.org has announced comedic actress and star of “Glee”, Jane Lynch as host of its star-studded “Do Something Awards” live telecast on VH1 on July 19, 2010 at 9PM EDT.

The final five nominees and grant recipients to be honored during the show were also announced. Each nominee is honored for their commitment to service and social change with a community grant of $10,000. Of these five nominees, a grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 grant for their cause during the live broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation’s best young world-changers, 25 and under. The Do Something Award is the premier national award for community service, and nominees and winners represent the pivotal “do-ers” in their field, cause, or issue.

Matt Damon Honored By Save The Children For Charity Work

Mon, 24 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Actor Matt Damon received Save the Children’s Leadership Award at the annual Celebration of Hope event in Greenwich on Friday, May 21.

Damon was honored for his steadfast commitment to mothers and children in the poorest regions of the world. The benefit, which raised funds for Save the Children’s newborn and child survival programs, was hosted by Ann Curry, NBC’s Today Show and Dateline anchor. Other NBC attendees included Brian Williams, Meredith Vieira, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.

“I have bumped into Save the Children staff members around the world and think they are some of the most incredible people I have ever met,” said Damon. “They are professional and passionate about protecting children in some of the most difficult and impoverished places.”

Matt Damon And Ben Affleck To Play Ante Up For Africa Charity Poker

Tue, 18 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Many would love the opportunity to play poker with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the most skilled poker professionals. Now you can.

The 2010 Ante Up For Africa Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament on Saturday, July 3 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas offers a special opportunity as the only event of its kind where the general public can participate.

Don Cheadle To Be Named United Nations Ambassador In Rwanda

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Don Cheadle is set to become a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment next month.

“I will be named officially in Rwanda on June 5th, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Programme,” he said. “I’ll be in Rwanda on June 5th.”

The UNEP provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

George Clooney And Celebrity Friends Make Charity Donation To UNICEF

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Not On Our Watch, the international advocacy and grant making organization founded by actors George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, producer Jerry Weintraub, and human rights lawyer David Pressman, has awarded the U.S. Fund for UNICEF a grant of $250,000 to support an innovative program to reduce maternal mortality in Southern Sudan.

The grant will provide motorcycle ambulances and improved maternal health care in five states of the Southern Sudan region, including Western Equatoria, Lakes, Jonglei, Western Bahr El Ghazal, and Central Equatoria.

“As the situation in Sudan grows increasingly unstable, it is imperative that the international community take action to help those most vulnerable,” said Not On Our Watch co-founder Matt Damon. “The maternal mortality rate in South Sudan is one of the highest in the world. We are proud to help UNICEF as they work to save lives, especially during this critical period.”

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.