Look To The Stars News: Richard Branson

Richard Branson Rocks The Kasbah For Charity

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Richard Branson hosted his annual star-studded Rock The Kasbah charity event in Los Angeles last week.

The event attracted an amazing array of celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Paula Abdul, Daisy Fuentes, Jenna Elfman, Kristin Cavarlli, Matt Goss, Natasha Bedingfield, Gavin Rossdale and many others.

Proceeds from the evening went to Virgin Unite’s domestic and international programs, including the Eve Branson Foundation, set up by Sir Richard’s mother to help women in Morocco generate their own incomes to support their families.

Bette Midler Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bette Midler has launched a new online charity auction, and she wants YOU to be part of it.

“It’s just brimming with fabulous experiences donated by dear friends who share my deep concern about the environment!” she said. “With a tennis lesson with [”John McEnroe":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1182-john-mcenroe], a walk-on role with Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, lunch with Jann Wenner, a getaway to Richard Branson’s Necker Island, the chance to meet Cher, John Mayer, Tim McGraw – not to mention yours truly – we’ve got something for everyone!

“Proceeds benefit [”New York Restoration Project":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/864-new-york-restoration-project] (NYRP), a nonprofit I founded to clean & green New York City. We’ve turned 55 vacant lots into beautiful community gardens and planted more than 250,000 trees, and we’re just getting started, so I hope you’ll join in the merriment by placing a bid today!"

There are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities featuring Daniel Craig, John Stamos, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Jackson Browne, Jay Leno and many more.

The auction runs until November 13 and can be accessed here.

The Stars On Climate Change - What Do They Think?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

October 15 marks the third annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.

This year’s topic is climate change, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 13 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.

Hugh Jackman: "You can’t separate the issues of climate change and poverty. They are inextricably linked. Having been to Ethiopia and seen these farmers, seen the battle they face from what is a problem that the developed countries have brought on many of these developing countries, there is a justice, there is a gap we need to fill.

I don’t do private jets. I try and do my best and I teach [sustainability] to my kids. Deb [wife Deborra-lee Furness] and I have brought in a company to say what we can do in our home – change light bulbs, etc."

Richard Branson: “Our generation has inherited an incredibly beautiful world from our parents and they from their parents. It is in our hands whether our children and their children inherit the same world. We must not be the generation responsible for irreversibly damaging the environment.”

Al Gore: “We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.”

KT Tunstall: “Stop completely twatting your planet. We haven’t got anywhere else to live.”

Leonardo DiCaprio: “Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity. We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet.”

Harrison Ford: “What we do today will set the course and the example for generations to come. I have four children and two grandsons. I feel responsible for tending to things I can affect as a private person, not as a celebrity. I can’t fix the world, but it’s our duty to help how we can. We have a moral responsibility for what we do as individuals. We have to accept it.”

Ronan Keating: “Climate change is a really big deal that all of us should be concerned about, because there’s no question that runaway climate change will endanger the lives of people, as well as animals.”

Desmond Tutu: “Climate change is the greatest human-induced crisis facing the world today. It is totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion. It affects every human being on the planet.”

Phil Keoghan: “The biggest issue we face is that we continue to take the world’s resources without giving enough back in return. It’s a little like having a credit card and spending at large without thinking about how to your going to pay the bill. The solution will come from finding financial solutions to our environmental challenges. Right now many of those answers are locked away in the minds of young people. I have faith that we will find a way to create change.”

Melora Hardin: “The environment is really a serious issue, and it really doesn’t take that much to make a difference. I would just say that people should do whatever they can do – it’s good not to litter, it’s good not to pollute, it’s good to recycle when you can.”

Lucy Lawless: “There’s nowhere else for our kids and grandchildren to go. We need to get on with the business of tackling climate change.”

Keisha Castle-Hughes: “Our Pacific Island neighbours are suffering. I saw the real and devastating impacts of a changing climate: coral bleaching, homes battered by cyclones, erosion and food crops affected by rising sea levels… The locals were all extremely welcoming and happy to share their stories of how their daily lives have been impacted. It was a real eye-opener.”

Spinal Tap: “[We’ve] heard of global warming. Nigel thought it was just because he was wearing too much clothing, and if he took his jacket off it would be cooler.”

More Performers Announced For Keep A Child Alive Black Ball

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Back in July, Look to the Stars brought you a story about this year’s scheduled 6th Annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball. As the official website promised, more artists have been announced.  

One of the new honorees is Youssou N’Dour. N’Dour is a legendary Senegalese musician and he’s been consistently active in promoting the health and well-being of those in Africa. N’Dour is also scheduled to perform at The Black Ball. To add to the excitement building over this event, two more performers are on the event list: Chris Martin and John Mayer.  

In addition, Queen Latifah is the event’s emcee. Alicia Keys is event host and musical director, and Iman and Padma Lakshmi are the event’s co-hosts. The other two honorees are former President Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson.  

With only a few more days before the event, we’re pretty excited to see who else might attend and perform.

  For more information about Keep A Child Alive and The 2009 Black Ball, please click here

Charity Mourns Death Of Boyzone Singer

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The music and charity worlds are mourning the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, who passed away on the Spanish island of Majorca on Saturday, October 10.

The singer was an ambassador of Missing People, a charity that provides support for missing children, vulnerable adults and families left in limbo.

“Stephen Gately was a compassionate man who was committed to using his popularity with young people to raise awareness of Missing People’s Runaway Helpline, and supporting families with missing loved ones,” the charity said in a release. "His support of the charity directly impacted many vulnerable adults, missing children and families across the UK. It is a very sad day for all those whose lives Stephen touched.

“The staff and volunteers at Missing People wish to send their collective sympathy to Stephen’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Other supporters of the charity include Richard Branson and Cliff Richard.

Boyzone members Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy are reportedly flying to Majorca, and we at Look To The Stars send the band and Stephen’s family our sincere condolences.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Missing People charity should visit their website.

Stars To Take Heart For India At Roof Gardens

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

This year’s Take Heart Ball will be taking place at Kensington’s Roof Gardens in London tonight, 1 October. The jungle fever themed fundraiser will again attract over 600 young socialites, including royalty, celebrities and budding entrepreneurs.

Guests at last year’s event included Princess Beatrice, Peaches Geldof and Sam Branson, son of Sir Richard Branson, who is also a key member of the Take Heart Charity Committee. This year the Roof Gardens will be transformed into an urban jungle: affluent Tarzans and glamorous Janes partying into the wee hours, the flash of wild animal print passing through the dark jungle foliage, off to claim their prey at the nearest bar.

Charity Director and event organizer, Lucian Tarnowski, describes Take Heart as “a youth-focused, young charity that has a loyal supporters group of future business leaders.” Take Heart, a purely voluntary charity, directs 100% of its proceeds into providing valuable I.T. training to blind students in rural India, enabling them to get jobs and support themselves, without having to beg. Money made from previous balls has helped build a school, which has now helped several thousand able-bodied students and hundreds of blind students gain a job for life with their new found IT skills. Again, all proceeds from this year’s Ball will go into the next stage of the school’s development.

The Take Heart Committee chaired by Lucian Tarnowski, also includes Simon Ambrose, winner of BBC 1’s The Apprentice, as well as Pete Ward and Jerome Touze, Founders of global social network Wayn.com. The Committee has organized an auction as the main money-making focus on the night with lots being donated by Richard Branson, Virgin Airlines, Swarovski, Breitling, L’Oréal and Aura Ibiza, to name a few.

Founded by Count Arthur Tarnowski in 1963, Take Heart is a visionary charity that has provided aid and rehabilitation to the physically handicapped people of rural India. Wheelchair-bound from his late twenties, Arthur Tarnowski visited India on a two year assessment of the plight of those people with disabilities. There he set up Take Heart with the legendary Baba Amte in partnership with Anandwan and the institution, Maharogi Sewa Samiti. Since then Take Heart has established a working future for thousands of people in rural India. Costing just £37 to provide a six month IT and English language training course per student, this can secure a job for life.

Take Heart holds dear to its principles of actually helping people to help themselves through education and skill training, rather than just giving them money. The Take Heart parent institution has the close support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

For more info, visit www.takeheartindia.org.

Jude Law Launches Peace Day Video Contest

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Peace One Day’s annual International Day of Peace will take place on September 21, and actor Jude Law is encouraging people to enter a new video competition to celebrate the initiative.

World Peace Day has been held on September 21 annually since 2001, when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted September 21 as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. The initiative came from an idea by Jeremy Gilley, who founded his non-profit organization – Peace One Day – in 1999. Since then he has amassed an impressive list of supporters, including Chris Martin, Sir Richard Branson, Angelina Jolie, Alan Rickman, and Michael Douglas.

This year’s World Peace Day will be preceded by a concert featuring Lenny Kravitz and Kasabian in Paris, and the organization has launched the video competition to help spread the word of peace. All you have to do is create a video showing how you will be making a difference on World Peace Day, no matter how big or small the action whether it’s bringing people together; making amends with someone; organizing a football match; doing something in the home, the workplace, the community; or simply offering your take on what peace means to you.

“Show us what Peace means to you,” said Jude Law. “It doesn’t have to look professional, just have a go. Share it with the world on Peace One Day’s YouTube channel. We’ll select the most inspirational finalists and then you’ll decide the winner. The prize is a state-of-the-art HD camera and a day with Jeremy Gilley learning the art of documentary filmmaking.”

The competition ends on September 30, and more info can be found here.

Be An Intern For Richard Branson And Russell Simmons

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has joined with British businessman Richard Branson to give you the Ultimate Intern Experience.

A new charity auction is giving you the chance to meet two of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs and experience first hand how their companies operate, as well as having the opportunity of a week at each of their foundations – Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Virgin Unite – to see how they are addressing tough social and environmental issues.

The lucky bidder will spend a total of six weeks learning the business skills that will give you an insight into the success of these great brands. One week at each of the following companies:

Virgin Mobile USA, Warren, NJ (near New York City)
Virgin Unite, the non profit foundation of the Virgin Group, New York City
Virgin America, San Francisco, including round-trip economy airfare from NYC to San Francisco and a week of accommodation at Clift San Francisco
Def Jam Enterprises, New York City
Rush Communications, New York City
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, New York City

To meet Sir Richard Branson: On 26th October 2009, the intern and a guest will fly to LA, courtesy of Virgin America (round-trip economy), stay for two nights at the luxurious Mondrian Hotel and be VIP guests at the ‘Rock the Kasbah’ Fundraising Gala, hosted by Sir Richard Branson for Virgin Unite.

To meet Russell Simmons: the winner will get to meet him during their tenure at the Rush companies and will also have a lunch with him while in New York City.

The auction runs until July 28 and can be accessed here.

2009 Keep A Child Alive Black Ball Details Announced

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Queen Latifah is to emcee this year’s Keep A Child Alive Black Ball.

The sixth annual Black Ball will honor Bill Clinton and Richard Branson for their work in eradicating AIDS in Africa, and will be co-hosted by Iman and Padma Lakshmi and feature music from Alicia Keys. More artists will be announced.

The event, which follows last year’s successful gala, will be held at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom on October 15, and will feature an evening of cocktails, dinner & extraordinary performances to benefit children & families with HIV/AIDS in Africa & India. Alicia Keys helped found Keep A Child Alive after visiting South Africa in 2003 and witnessing the effects of the AIDS pandemic firsthand.

“It scares me… it really does,” she said, referring to the problem of AIDS around the world. “Thinking of myself, thinking of younger generations, my brother’s generation. We have a lot to really be careful about and it’s such a major thing that we have to be cautious. But we can totally avoid it by practicing safe sex and, if you can, just abstinence. And definitely being aware of what’s going on so that you know that you want to protect yourself every time, all the time.”

To find out more about the event, click here.

Animated Frog Helps Raise Awareness Of Rainforests

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:30:00 -0000

London’s Picadilly Circus came alive last week when its iconic Coca Cola and McDonalds signs burst into life with the appearance of a new animated rainforest frog. St Trinian’s star Talulah Riley was on hand to launch the new initiative, which is part of an ongoing campaign for the Prince’s Rainforests Project.

The McDonald’s sign gives members of the public the chance to interact with the breathing frog, allowing them to be photographed in front of the screens with the frog seemingly on their hand, head or shoulder, in keeping with the PRP campaign video.

The animated frog was first seen earlier this year in a video featuring Harrison Ford, Prince William and Prince Harry, Robin Williams, Daniel Craig, Kermit The Frog, Joss Stone, footballer Pelé and the Dalai Lama that promoted the protection of rainforests. This was followed by another video featuring Richard Branson and other business leaders.

The PRP’s ‘Prince and the Frog’ campaign was launched in May to build a community of support to put rainforests at the heart of the climate change debate. In a move which signals the support of these two global brands to The Prince of Wales’ project, the new signs will be live from now until the end of the year.

Launching the new signs serves to remind all visitors to London of the important role rainforests play globally in keeping our planet cool, and delivers a message asking people to sign up in support of the project. Through this, The Prince’s Rainforests Project hopes to gather more sign ups and public support for its call for emergency action for the forests to be agreed before the end of this year.

Briony Mathieson, Head of Communications for The Prince’s Rainforests Project comments: “We are delighted that our important message will be on shown in one of London’s top visitor spaces. It is an amazing opportunity to gather increasing support for our campaign.”

Steve Easterbrook, CEO of McDonald’s UK and member of The Prince’s Rainforests Project Steering Group comments: “The Prince’s Rainforests Project is a fantastic way to spread the message about climate change and we’re keen to play our part in this wherever possible. That’s why we’ve agreed to share our landmark Piccadilly sign with the Project and in turn introduce the frog to as many people as possible. People can have fun interacting with the frog on our sign and hopefully many more people will sign up to the campaign as a result.”

Liz Lowe, Citizenship Manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain comments: “Coca-Cola has been lighting up the Piccadilly Circus sign since 1954 and, as one of London’s most iconic landmarks, it’s an engaging way to get this important message out to masses of people – Londoners and visitors alike. We’re delighted to be able to support The Prince’s Rainforests Project in this way.”

Find out more about the campaign here.

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A car signed by some of Britain’s favorite stars will go up for auction at Bonhams Auction House tonight, July 3, to raise money for the British Forces Foundation’s Lap of Honour charity, which aims to boost morale in Britiain’s Armed Forces.

For the last year, the Mini cooper – adorned with a Union Jack on the roof – has been traveling around Britain, gathering autographs from well-known faces such as Michael Caine, Richard Branson, Sienna Miller, Simon Cowell, Terry Wogan, Joan Collins, Roger Moore, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Ranulph Fiennes, Tom Jones, Hugh Grant, Judi Dench, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Jackie Stewart, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, Elton John, David Beckham, Magaret Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Gordon Brown, Paul McCartney and many more.

“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year,” said Mark Cann, director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

Proceeds will go to the well-being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel.

To find out more, click here.

Prince Charles’ Rainforest Videos, Stage 2

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Last month, Prince Charles launched a “protect the rainforest” online video that included a few words from various celebrities that support the cause. Last week Prince Charles launched two more videos: one that includes a few words from various corporate leaders, and an application where anyone can make his own video to support the cause.

This is an effort to build an online community to demand that the protection of the rainforest be on the agenda at the Copenhagen climate discussions at the end of this year. The corporate clip has an impressive line up of supporters for the Prince’s Rainforest Project, such as the CEO of Google, the Chief Executive of McDonalds UK, the CEO of Sony, “computer guy” Michael Dell, the TIMES editor, and corporate leaders of the Financial Times, NIKE and Yahoo.

At the Rainforests SOS website, Charles explains that rainforests not only help keep the climate cool, absorb CO2 emissions and provide oxygen and rainfall, but their destruction releases the carbon that the trees have been storing back into the atmosphere at a rate higher than the total worldwide emissions of transport.

It is his belief that, “Unless we protect the rainforest, we will most certainly lose the battle against catastrophic climate change.”

The real star of the films is a digital frog, which can be included in the “create your own frog message” application. But unlike the traditional frog/prince relationship – or in Richard Branson’s case, unlike the turn-frog-into-beautiful-woman kiss – this frog is symbolizing the rainforest and its preservation.

“Saving the rainforest can help save us all,” says Charles, “before it really is too late.”

Formula 1 Stars Hit The Catwalk For Charity

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Prior to the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Formula One drivers took part in a fashion show at the Amber Fashion event to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

This is the second year in a row that Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One Management CEO Bernie, has unveiled her F1 inspired men’s wear collection ‘FORM’ using the sports’ driver’s as models. Walking the catwalk for charity were Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Mark Webber, Adrian Sutil, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Sebastian Vettel and F1 veteran David Coulthard.

One of last year’s participants, Mark Webber, commented: “Last year my knees were shaking a bit, but now it’s all routine! Could the catwalk be a career for me? No. So far I’ve never been a fashion junkie, but you never know – never say never!”

Jenson Button also returned to the catwalk for the second year in a row: “Whatever you might think, a modeling career was definitely never my ’plan B,” said this years Monaco Grand Prix winner. “I do this here because it is a fun event and it is for a good cause. Hopefully the guests will put their hands in their pockets and get some money out this evening. For us drivers it’s a nice break to do something different.”

The event included a charity auction presented by David Furnish, partner of Sir Elton John, and featured unique ‘money can’t buy’ items such as a ‘Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay Luxury Experience,’ a unique print of soccer star Thierry Henry, an original hand-signed etching by Henri Matisse, and the ultimate item – dinner for ten with Sir Elton John at his house in Nice.

Guests in attendance included HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, Bernie Ecclestone, Sir Martin Sorrell, Sir Richard Branson, iconic sprinter Michael Johnson, Elizabeth Hurley and her husband Arun Nayar and many others.

Young Girls Help To Raise Millions At Butterfly Ball

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Caudwell Children hosted a star-studded Butterfly Ball at Battersea Evolution on Thursday, May 14th, which raised a record breaking £1.7 million ($2.58 million) for the charity.

Numerous celebrities attended the event including Rachel Stevens and Elizabeth Hurley, and Rod Stewart performed some of his greatest hits during an hour-long set.

Elizabeth Hurley

Founder John Caudwell and his partner Claire Johnson

Actress, model Emma Noble

Famous guests paid thousands of pounds in a “Destination Dreams” auction, with the money going to fund holidays for sick and disabled children and their families.

Auction highlights included a week-long stay on Richard Branson’s Necker Island resort, which raised £50,000 and a bespoke diamond encrusted Mark Wilkinson jewellery case in the shape of Marilyn Monroe, which raised £90,000. A round of golf with Bruce Forsyth went for £40,000, an opportunity to meet Rod Stewart sold for £18,000 and the WBO Championship Belt from the 1993 fight between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank raised £25,000.

The real stars on the night, though, were nine-year-old Tilly Griffiths, who has spinal muscular atrophy disease and her sister Candice, 11, from Cheddleton, Staffordshire.

The Butterfly Ball was named as a dedication to Tilly, who created a special picture for last year’s ball with Candice. The painting was auctioned and raised £340,000. This year someone paid £860,000 for a new painting by the heroic sisters. Look To The Stars salutes these inspiring young fundraisers.

Photos copyright Richard Barker

Richard Branson Takes Over Hunger Strike For Darfur

Mon, 11 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress and activist Mia Farrow has ended her hunger strike to raise awareness over atrocities in Darfur, but is passing the torch to Richard Branson, who has taken over her fast for three days.

A spokesman for the actress said her health had deteriorated after 12 days, and her doctor requested that she end her liquids-only fast. But she asked British billionaire Branson to take over the fast for three days over the weekend.

“We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace,” said Branson.

Farrow’s hunger strike was part of Genocide Prevention Month, and attracted the support of George Clooney. The 64-year-old said the strike was “a personal expression of outrage at a world that is somehow able to stand by and watch innocent men, women and children needlessly die of starvation, thirst and disease.”

“I’m honored to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur,” said Branson. “Over a year and a half ago, I traveled to Darfur and was horrified by the stories that people of all ages shared with us. Young children had watched their entire family get killed and then had to survive on their own in unimaginable conditions. I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organizations that were working on the frontlines. Now, with 13 aid organizations expelled from the country, over 1m people are at grave risk. We cannot stand and watch as 1m people suffer.”

To follow the hunger strike and lend your support, visit the Fast For Darfur website.

Bid On Signed Books, Photos And Even C3P0 To Support Children With AIDS

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

Written by Tim Saunders

Celeb2nds.com – a website that specializes in celebrity charity auctions – is currently holding an amazing sale of celebrity-signed items for the Children with AIDS (CWAC) charity.

There is a huge amount of books going under the hammer at the site, including titles signed by Ted Turner, Richard Branson, Michael Parkinson, Geri Halliwell, Piers Morgan, Terry Pratchett, Chris Tarrant, Jeffrey Archer, Maeve Binchy, Bernard Cornwall, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Paul Auster and many others.

For autograph hunters who are looking for signed photos, there is a massive selection including pictures signed by Terry Wogan, Moby, Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly, Tess Daly, David Gower, Rio Ferdinand, Boris Johnson and a particularly revealing signed shot of Danielle Lloyd.

And for Star Wars fans, the auction also gives you the opportunity to pick up a C3PO toy signed by Anthony Daniels, who played the droid in all six films.

Also up for offer – and reported by Look To The Stars last month – is a rare copy of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows signed by JK Rowling.

The items were collected by Richard Barker, who was inspired by the stories of young people that had been infected and affected by HIV, and was nominated as Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser in 2008. Barker created The Make A Child Smile Appeal and has raised over ten thousand pounds for CWAC. As a Non-Executive Director of Celeb2nds he’s able to raise money for lots of worthy causes.

Children with AIDS Charity (CWAC) was set up in 1992 to help the youngest of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS maintain a good quality of life. It is a national UK charity with the aim of working towards a future without poverty or prejudice for these children and their families. Patrons include George Michael, Diana Rigg, and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.

Celeb2nds.com was set up in 2006 by Steve Howell to specifically raise much needed funds for charities using authentic celebrity memorabilia.

“Celeb2nds.com is an exciting new concept that allows users to get their hands on money can’t buy items from their celebrity idols, whilst raising money for some very worthy charities,” he said.

To view the items on auction, visit Celeb2nds.com by clicking here.

Richard Branson Attends Bush Fire Relief Celebrity Soccer Match

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Without A Trace star Anthony LaPaglia was the mastermind behind a celebrity soccer match held last week to raise money for victims of the horrific Australian bush fires.

Held at the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, the match attracted celebrity players such as House star Jesse Spencer, Simon Baker, Stephen Moyer, Vinnie Jones, Gracie Otto, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, Melbourne rock star Toby Rand, Love My Way star Damon Herriman and The Bachelor reality television show host Chris Harrison.

“Anthony rang me and said we’ve got to raise some money for these people and I said sure, I’ll see you there,” said Vinnie Jones. “The fires were so heart-wrenching. This was the least we could do get people involved and raise awareness.”

Hundreds of spectators attended the game, including Virgin chief Sir Richard Branson, who has donated over $500,000 to victims of the fires that have claimed over 200 lives and left thousands homeless.

“Australia has been a second home for years and these particular fires have been absolutely devastating; they’ve ruined lots of peoples lives,” he said. “Virgin is in a position where we can do something about it, and a lot of people just can’t afford to help at the moment so its good to mix business with charity and pleasure.”

Also in attendance were True Blood star Anna Paquin, LaPaglia’s wife Gia Carides and Without a Trace’s Poppy Montgomery.

LaPaglia was inspired to organize the match through the Hollywood United soccer team he plays for because he was born in Australia and wanted to do something for his country.

“When we started to see all of the images coming through from the Victorian fires, I just thought this is what were here for, this is what we do,” he said. “It was terrible to see entire towns wiped out and to see images of cars burnt to a crisp trying to get out just horrifying images. Without hesitation, people – world-class soccer players and celebrities not just from Australia but from America and Britain too – put up their hands to use their profile to help.”

Bid On Signed Harry Potter Book For Charity

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of Harry Potter are able to bid on a rare first edition of The Deathly Hallows – the seventh book in the series – signed by author JK Rowling.

The auction is being run Celeb2nds.com, a website that specializes in celebrity charity auctions, and will raise money for Children with AIDS (CWAC) – a charity that responds to the specific practical, emotional and educational requirements of children and their families infected and affected by HIV.

Established in 1992 to help the youngest of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS maintain a good quality of life, CWAC is a UK-based charity that aims to work towards a future without poverty or prejudice for these children and their families.

Celeb2nds.com was set up in 2006 by Steve Howell to specifically raise much needed funds for charities using authentic celebrity memorabilia.

Currently on the site are items from John Travolta, Status Quo, Travis, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Branson and many more.

The Harry Potter auction runs until March 7 and can be accessed here.

Richard Branson Awards Disadvantaged Students

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Business guru Sir Richard Branson was in South Africa last week to present awards to students at his School of Entrepreneurship.

The Branson School of Entrepreneurship is designed to foster the business ambitions of young black students and aims to provide business degrees to disadvantaged black students unable to afford higher education.

“You can build international empires with small amounts of money,” said Branson, who had to judge a series of business proposals from students at the school. “South Africa has been oppressed for decades.”

The winner of the competition, Sonwabile Mngenela, creates unique ceramics and wants to take his company global.

“The South African economy is dependent on entrepreneurial activity for creating future economic growth and jobs,” Branson told the BBC. “Currently the economic contribution to South Africa’s entrepreneurial sector is below the emerging markets norm, I believe that increasing entrepreneurship in this country is the golden highway to economic freedom.”

Peter Gabriel Talks About The Elders

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rock star and humanitarian Peter Gabriel has commented on the inspiration behind forming The Elders, the group of public figures he established with Richard Branson to solve global figures.

“People have lost trust in a lot of institutions around the world, but they still have faith in certain of key individuals,” said the 58-year-old. “We felt that if we could get a group of elder statesmen and women together, they could have an influence and leverage and help on a few situations. We went to [”Nelson Mandela":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/543-nelson-mandela] and he set it up a couple of years ago. We have Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan. They can connect people on the ground who are suffering with people who can make a phone call."

The Global Elders group was set up in 2007 to bring “almost 1,000 years of collective experience” to work on solutions for seemingly insurmountable problems like climate change, HIV/AIDS, and poverty, and “use their political independence to help resolve some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.” There are currently 12 active members, including Jimmy Carter and Aung San Suu Kyi. They have launched peace missions in Darfur, the Middle East, and Zimbabwe.

More information about the work of the Global Elders can be found at their official website.

Richard Branson's Rock The Kasbah Event Tonight

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For once, Sir Richard Branson will not be on stage at his Virgin Unite charity’s Rock The Kasbah event in Los Angeles later tonight, October 23. The business mogul and adventurer is sea-bound in a bid to beat a transatlantic sailing record.

The event will instead be hosted by Dancing With The Stars’ Samantha Harris and will feature performances by Natalie Imbruglia and Island Def Jam recording artist Jon McLaughlin.

The night will include a Moroccan dinner and an auction of epic proportions that will include items such as the chance to stay at Branson’s luxury game park in South Africa, race an Astin Martin around the California, name one of Virgin’s new A320 Airbuses, spend a week on Branson’s Private Paradise in the Virgin Islands, and much more.

Proceeds from the evening will go to Virgin Unite’s domestic and international programs, including the Eve Branson Foundation, set up by Sir Richard’s mother to help women in Morocco generate their own incomes to support their families, and the REGeneration initiative in the US, which helps homeless young people.

Last year’s Rock The Kasbah event – which Sir Richard described as “one of the best parties I’ve ever been to” – was attended by a who’s who of the celebrity world, including Jewel, Rachel Hunter, and Buzz Aldrin.

More information about the event – which will be held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – can be found at the Rock The Kasbah website.

Edited on 24 Oct to reflect Branson’s unexpected non-attendance.

Peter Gabriel To Receive Amnesty International Honor

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Peter Gabriel is to receive a special award for his humanitarian work today, September 10.

The 58-year-old singer has been named as the recipient of Amnesty International’s 2008 Ambassador of Conscience Award, an acolade that recognizes exceptional individual leadership in the fight to protect and promote human rights. Inspired by a poem written for Amnesty International by Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, the award aims to promote the work of the human rights organization by drawing attention to the work high profile people carry out, and former recipients include Nelson Mandela, U2, Mary Robinson and Vaclav Havel.

Gabriel is well known for his work with human rights around the world, and first worked with Amnesty when he helped organize the Conspiracy of Hope Tour with Bono in 1986. He went on to found Witness, a video community campaigning for Human Rights, and more recently became a founding member of The Elders – a private alliance of senior global figures who want to launch diplomatic assaults on the globe’s most intractable problems – along with Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Richard Branson, and Jimmy Carter.

The award will be presented at London’s Hard Rock Cafe by U2 guitarist The Edge, who credits Gabriel with introducing the Irish rockers to Amnesty International in the early 1980s. The event will also mark the launch of Amnesty International’s Small Places Tour 2008 , the organization’s most ambitious global music project since the Human Rights Now! tour in 1988. Details of the tour will be announced following the award presentation.

Sting And The Police Offer Jean Therapy At Charity Auction

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They once sung about “walking on the moon”, but The Police probably didn’t wear the jeans that were auctioned off for US$19,800 in Sydney on Wednesday whilst gallivanting around in outer space.

The denim trousers were part of the 2008 Celebrity Jeans For Genes auction, an annual event to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Every year a host of international celebrities donate a pair of their personally signed jeans to the cause, which are then transformed into unique and valuable pieces of artwork by talented artists who volunteer their time.

This year’s event – which celebrated 50 years of the Children’s Medical Research Institute – was held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, and raised a total of $250,000 for the charity. It also raised awareness of the Jeans for Genes Day on August 1, which aims to encourage people to wear jeans to work and donate money to the institute.

Other stars who donated their jeans to the cause included Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Suzi Quatro, and Keith Urban. Jackie Chan didn’t just stop at his jeans – he donated a shirt as well.

Previous years auctions have included jeans from Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caton, Kurt Russell, Richard Branson, and Ashley Judd.

Peace Day Concert 2008 To Rock London

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

After last year’s sell out show, the annual Peace One Day concert is set to rock the Royal Albert Hall in London.

This year’s concert will see performances from Annie Lennox, Bryan Adams, and a guest appearance from Jude Law. There will also be a gala screening of The Day After Peace, the acclaimed new documentary film made by Jeremy Gilley. The film, which received a great reception at its premiere during the 61st Cannes Film Festival, features Kofi Annan, The Dalai Lama, Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, Annie Lennox and Jonny Lee Miller.

The 2007 concert featured acts such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Kate Nash, James Morrison, and Yusuf, with video segments from David Beckham and the Dalai Lama.

Tickets to the 2008 Peace Day Concert can be bought from Ticketmaster, and cost between £35 and £55.

Time's 100 - Peter Gabriel By Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:57:00 -0000

Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu wrote about Peter Gabriel’s contributions to humanity for this year’s Time 100 list:

“I did not know [”Peter Gabriel":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/696-peter-gabriel] from a bar of soap when I met him for the first time on his friend Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Virgin Islands. But within moments, he had charmed me. I heard him sing his Biko, which still moves me to tears each time I hear it, as we stood round the piano he was playing. He volunteered to give me my first swimming lessons and was a great hit with two of my grandchildren who met him there.

“What is his secret? He has a heart—in our part of the world, we would give him our highest accolade and say, “He has ubuntu.” It is that marvelous quality that speaks of compassion and generosity, about sharing, about hospitality. Peter founded WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), presenting 50 festivals in more than 40 countries and conducting workshops in schools around the globe. He is a passionate human-rights advocate who participated in the 1988 Human Rights Now tour, and he co-founded Witness, which provides cameras and computers to activists.

“In 2007 he and Branson co-founded the [”Elders":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1020-the-elders], which Nelson Mandela and his wife Graça Machel launched in Johannesburg on Mandela’s 89th birthday. With our world battered by so many problems—ethnic conflict, oppression of women and children, climate change—their idea was that a group of eminent people would serve as Elders for our global village. A dozen of us—including Kofi Annan, President Jimmy Carter and Fernando Cardoso (with an empty chair for Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma)—have accepted their offer and challenge.

“Peter, 58, has received many awards, including the Man of Peace award given by Nobel Peace laureates. He has ubuntu, and he deserves this latest accolade richly.”

Bishop Tutu, the former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and founded the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre support and promote peace throughout the world.

Celebrity Auctions Kick Off The New Year

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:24:10 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The new year has kicked off with a flurry of celebrity charity auctions, with items for sale to benefit a plethora of worthwhile causes and issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization that advocates individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad range of issues, including free speech, AIDS, human rights, racism, and more. The Southern California branch of ACLU has launched an auction on www.charityfolks.com to raise much-needed funds.

Items up for auction until January 3 include lunch with Jake Gyllenhaal on the set of his new film, a framed and autographed art print by Viggo Mortensen, the chance to dine with Harry Belafonte or Mike Farrell, a signed T shirt and photo from Danny Glover, and original artwork from singer Maria McKee, and an autographed copy of Corinne Bailey Rae’s single, “I’d Like To”.

Also up for auction on the Charity Folks website are 12 twelve very special packages to see Hilary Duff in concert. VIP tickets and the chance to go backstage to meet the young diva are included, and the concerts are being held across the US, Mexico, and Australia.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Blessings in a Backpack, a program run by USA Harvest to generate public awareness of child hunger. The organization will use the money to assist in providing weekend meals to needy children and ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. The auction runs until January 25.

Virgin Unite has put several items up for auction, including a leather jacket designed and signed by Jon Bon Jovi, a guitar autographed by Jewel, and a cymbal signed by members of the Beastie Boys.

Virgin Unite is the non-profit entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, established by Richard Branson as a catalyst for business based solutions to social and environmental problems. The auction ends on January 3.

Artists for a New South Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 to advance human rights in Africa, and now encompasses a whole raft of issues, including the fight against AIDS, assisting children orphaned by AIDS, and educating and empowering youth. They are offering some incredible items for auction until January 18, including original Star Wars comics signed by Samuel L. Jackson, a signed photo of ex-X Files star Gillian Anderson, and signed CDs from Mandy Moore.

And finally, the Friends and Helpers Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence, is auctioning items such as a Red Hot Chili Peppers poster signed by bass player Flea, a signed photo of Donald Trump, a flag autographed by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan, and a guitar signed by LeAnn Rimes.

2008 looks set to be the year of celebrity giving.

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