Look To The Stars News: Will Ferrell

Bruce Springsteen To Rock Autism Concert

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Autism Speaks is proud to announce the next performance in their Concert for Autism series.

This year’s star-studded event will feature comedian Jerry Seinfeld, with a special appearance by “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen. The evening will be hosted by NBC’s Meet the Press moderator, David Gregory, on November 17, at world famous landmark Carnegie Hall.

The event will benefit the families and individuals who live with autism every day by supporting research, awareness and family services initiatives

Jamie Foxx, Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Seth Rogen, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, Glenn Close, Céline Dion, Will Ferrell, Edie Falco, Troy Aikman and Harry Smith are a few of the many committee members supporting this unprecedented, one-of-a-kind event. Serving as the evening’s honorary Co-Chairs are Sir Elton John, Senator Al Franken, Donald and Melania Trump, Ambassador Nassir Abdul Aziz al Nasser and Mrs. Muna Rihani Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, and Ernie and Liezl Els.

Event sponsorships include entry to a VIP reception prior to the concert, and preferred seating in Carnegie Hall. For inquiries on sponsorships or individual tickets for the 2009 Concert for Autism, please contact us via e-mail at ConcertforAutism@AutismSpeaks.org.

Charlize Theron Gets A Kick Out Of Charity Soccer

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Charlize Theron was joined by a host of celebrities at a charity soccer match in LA on Tuesday.

The actress attended the match to officially announce that the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project and the LAFC Chelsea Soccer Club have joined forces to give kids living in underserved communities – in Southern California and Umkhanyakude District of the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa – more opportunities to play competitive soccer.

The match saw Chelsea take on Inter Milan at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, and attracted stars such as Ashton Kutcher, Will Ferrell, Alyssa Milano, Gilles Marini, Brandon Routh and Anthony LaPaglla.

“The World Cup is a huge, huge thing for South Africans and for Africa. The pride Africans have of hosting this is tremendous,“ said Theron. "The question is, how do we generate that into other areas and have more of an impact?“

The fundraising event will help continue LAFC Chelsea’s mission to give economically challenged youth living in Southern California real opportunities to play competitive soccer as a means to keeping them in school through graduation. Money raised will also allow LAFC Chelsea to help expand its reach, building a viable youth soccer club in a rural community of South Africa in cooperation with Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP).

“LAFC Chelsea has always been focused on leading economically challenged young people to brighter futures and a better life through the universal sport of soccer,” says Don Sheppard, President of LAFC Chelsea. “When I learned about Charlize’s incredible plan to give sustainable opportunities to young South Africans who are at enormous risk, I knew that LAFC Chelsea was in position to help.”

Will Ferrell And Jordin Sparks Join Up For Charity Tennis

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

The United States Tennis Association has announced that Will Ferrell and multi-award winner and platinum-selling artist Jordin Sparks will team with former US Open champion Andy Roddick and additional superstar players for the 14th annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

The popular full-day tennis and music festival for children and families – including interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis clinics – will be hosted by television personalities Susie Castillo and Quddus. The festivities are set for Saturday, August 29 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. The tennis and music festival kicks off the 2009 US Open, which runs from August 31 – September 13.

From 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. kids and families can experience an exciting schedule of interactive tennis games, music and attractions taking place throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Returning to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day this year is SmashZone, a fan fest located in the National Tennis Center’s new indoor facility, which will run from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Then from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., a live tennis and music stadium show will feature fun exhibition matches and skills competitions with Roddick, Ferrell and other top players and celebrities with musical performances by Sparks, Honor Society and Justin Bieber.

For the stadium show, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (1-866-OPEN-TIX), usopen.org and at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office. General admission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. Kids 12-and-under with stadium show tickets will receive a free Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day hat from the USTA and Hess on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, ticket holders can log on to usopen.org for the most up to date information.

“Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess is a terrific way to kick off the US Open each year,” said Pierce O’Neil, Chief Business Officer, USTA. “This year’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will again bring together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment for a fun filled day for all ages. Additionally, this year’s event will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the National Junior Tennis and Learning network, a program that Arthur Ashe co-founded in an effort to bring the sport of tennis to economically diverse audiences throughout the country.”

Over the years, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day has featured many of music’s biggest acts including the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Ne-Yo, Cheyenne, The Cheetah Girls, Mario, Sean Kingston, Jesse McCartney, Bow Wow and Kat DeLuna.

Will Ferrell Sunscreen For Charity

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Comedian Will Ferrell wants to make you sure laugh while you lather on his new collection of sunscreen products being sold to benefit Cancer For College. There are three different SPF ‘Will Ferrell’ sunscreens available: ‘Sexy Hot Tan,’ ‘Forbidden Fruit’, and ‘Sun Stroke.’

“The bottle says it all. I’ve always dreamed of owning a lotion company,” Ferrell said. “Honestly, I’m proud to be associated with such a great charity. I’ve watched Craig and Cancer For College help hundreds of cancer survivors realize their dream of a college education. The stories are so inspirational. I’m just happy to help any way I can.”

Cancer for College has been providing scholarships to current and former cancer survivors since 1993. The new line of sunscreen products features Ferrell in a series of humorous poses. The proceeds of all sales go toward the foundation’s scholarship fund.

“We have been so incredibly fortunate to have had Will Ferrell’s support through the years,” said Cancer for College founder Craig Pollard, a two-time cancer survivor and former fraternity brother of Ferrell’s at USC. “Creating this line of sunscreen products allows us the ability to use Will’s image to promote the mission of our charity, raise some valuable funds to help send cancer survivors to college and increase cancer awareness.”

This years Cancer for College Golf Classic hosted by Ferrell is set for September 18th in Rancho Bernardo, California. For tickets or event info please visit CancerforCollege.org.

To purchase Ferrell’s Sunscreen, click here.

Will Ferrell Plays Tennis For Swedish School Charity

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On May 2, actor Will Ferrell joined Swedish tennis champion Mats Wilander, Rainn Wilson and Justin Gimelstob for the K-Swiss Global Tennis Showdown in Los Angeles to benefit the Swedish School of LA.

The event kicked off with a humorous tennis match between Ferrell and Wilander – in which Wilander prevailed – and afterwards, guest enjoyed a delicious barbeque and silent auction while taking in a performance from the Dan Band – best known for their performances in the films ‘Old School’ and ‘Wedding Crashers’.

The K-Swiss Global Tennis Showdown in L.A. to benefit the Swedish School of Los Angeles raised more than $50,000.

Julie Benz To Host US Campaign For Burma Dinner

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of Dexter may like to get down to Beso on Hollywood Blvd later tonight, December 30, as one of the show’s stars is hosting a special charity gala.

Julie Benz, who plays Rita on Dexter, is hosting the Celebrity Foundation Dinner to benefit the US Campaign for Burma and the Human Rights Action Center. The evening will also include a performance by Jose Cortes from the Gipsy Kings, and stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Jason Biggs, Jenny Mollen Biggs, Stacy Dash, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Valerie Cruz are expected to attend.

The US Campaign for Burma aims to help the people of Burma achieve their dreams of freedom, peace, democracy, and human rights. The organization is dedicated to empowering grassroots activists around the world to bring about an end to the military dictatorship in Burma.

Through public education, leadership development initiatives, conferences, and advocacy campaigns at local, national and international levels, USCB works to empower Americans and Burmese dissidents-in-exile to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma and raise awareness about the egregious human rights violations committed by Burma’s military regime. The campaign has recruited stars such as Will Ferrell and Jennifer Aniston to record PSAs encouraging people to stand up against the injustice occurring in Burma, and recently a group of former world leaders, presidents, and prime ministers – including Mikhail Gorbachev, Jimmy Carter, Tony Blair, and George Bush Sr – wrote to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to ask him to secure the release of all political prisoners in Burma by the end of this year.

Tonight’s event takes place at 7pm at Beso, 6653 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

Bid 2 Beat AIDS Auction Jam-Packed With Stars

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

December 1st marked World AIDS Day. It was also the first day of BID 2 BEAT AIDS’s 4th annual charity auction.

Fans of celebrities in film, music, television, sports and Broadway have 10 days to bid on eBay for autographed items, VIP seats, original art, costumes and props, memorabilia, exclusive events and meet-and-greets from a legion of stars.

Autographs range from CDs by stars like Bon Jovi and Amy Winehouse, books signed by Madonna and Kevin Bacon, posters signed by Jake Gyllenhaal, Owen Wilson, and Matthew McConaughey, DVDs signed by Will Ferrell and Steven Spielberg, and toys, clothes, instruments and other memorabilia.

For those who crave concerts, VIP seats and backstage meet-and-greets with stars such as the Jonas Brothers, Tony Bennett, Jewel, Bernadette Peters, Harry Connick Jr. and Joan Rivers are up for auction. Olympic champion Michael Phelps and skateboarder Tony Hawk are also available for meet-and-greets, as is Paul Shaffer at The Late Show with David Letterman.

Previous Bid 2 Beat AIDS auctions have raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s proceeds are hoped to reach at least that. The proceeds will benefit LIFEbeat, dedicated to AIDs prevention, awareness and support.

Will Ferrell Launches Human Rights Awareness Month

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Funnyman Will Ferrell launched Human Rights Awareness Month earlier this week with a passionate plea to help Burma.

“You know when you hear about something happening in the world that is so awful, so violent and terrible and evil and wrong and you think wait – I have to do something about this,” he said in a PSA. “But it just seems too big… this month, all that is going to change for you. A human rights crisis is happening right now in the South East Asian country of Burma… Today we’re launching a 30 day campaign for human rights and democracy in Burma.”

Ferrell announced that over the next month, special videos featuring stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, and Jackson Browne will be featured on the US Campaign for Burma YouTube page, to talk about the Burmese fight for freedom from an unjust and violent military regime.

“You’ll also get to know one of my heroes, an extraordinary woman called Aung San Suu Kyi, ” said Ferrell. “She sacrificed her freedom to lead a non-violent protest movement against oppression in Burma. Stay with us for 30 straight days, alert all of your friends, speak at school, speak at your churches, talk to strangers in the street… invite them to join with us, the US Campaign for Burma, as we build a coalition of millions of people who care about human rights. People power counts. Let this month be the month you join an effort to change the world.”

The full PSA 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.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

The gala will feature performances from Josh Groban, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and many more under the music direction of David Foster. The guest list is expected to be huge, with stars such as Tom Arnold, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas, Halle Berry, Valerie Bertinelli, Lara Flynn Boyle, Bo Derek, Geena Davis, Daisy Fuentes, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, Anjelica Huston, Magic Johnson, Dr. Phil McGraw, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Nicole Richie, Jane Seymour, Nicollette Sheridan, Forest Whitaker and James Woods all expected to attend. Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier will take part in Denzel Washington’s presentation.

The evening will feature a silent auction that includes an array of eco-friendly shirts donated by Guess and signed by Jason Bateman, Halle Berry, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Cuba Gooding Jr., Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Lee, Jared Leto, Bill Maher, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson, Ray Romano, Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Stewart, Usher and many more. There will also be handbags signed by Joan Collins, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Dakota Fanning, Mariska Hargitay, Fergie, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and Racquel Welch, as well as items from Trace Adkins, P. Diddy, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andie MacDowell, Alyssa Milano, Eva Longoria, Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, Denise Richards, Joel Madden, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Carrie Underwood and many more.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Stars To Be BRAVE For Veterans

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop stars 50 Cent and Ludacris will perform at a concert to raise awareness of veterans causes next month.

“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” is part of MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, an initiative designed to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. The concert hopes to draw attention to a new petition launched by MTV called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (or BRAVE) which calls on politicians to support vets’ issues and enact positive legislative changes.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war — we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said MTV President Van Toffler. “By raising awareness through ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,’ and by launching the BRAVE petition, we aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

The concert – which will be taped on October 23 and aired on MTV on October 24 – will also feature performances by Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Juanes, Nelly and Taylor Swift, with appearances from Beyoncé Knowles, Will Ferrell, Common, Fat Joe, Seth Green, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Wyclef Jean.

Will Ferrell Raises Laughs And Money At Charity Golf Classic

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo in San Diego was ‘classy’ on Friday afternoon as actor/comedian Will Ferrell once again hosted the annual Cancer For College Golf Classic and Live Auction.

“We gave out about 15 or 20 [scholarship checks] four years ago,” CFC founder Craig Pollard said. “Last year, it was around 100. This year, it’s exploded.”

With the aid of Pollard’s most famous fraternity brother, this year’s sold out event raised more than $250,000 for the foundation that provides college scholarships to cancer survivors.

When asked what his favorite part of the Cancer for College Golf Classic was, it wasn’t the golf Ferrell was excited about: “Getting to see my old friends, and golf is so secondary. The banquet part of evening is the really the highlight. Getting to meet the new scholarship winners, and to revisit with the old scholarship winners, to see their progress and meet their families…to see how much of an affect this charity has on their lives.”

Ferrell addressed the media wearing black/white checkered shorts, an ‘Army Man’ t-shirt, and a pair of gold Pumas which begged an explanation, “They were actually built for me by scientists at NASA, so I can actually levitate for 30 seconds at a height of 15 to 20 feet. I don’t know how that will help me with my golf, but that’s just a cool trick.”

Another cool trick Ferrell has performed is helping the event grow from a little known backyard fundraiser into one of the premier charity events in San Diego. And he’s done it all for his college pal Pollard, who is a local golf entrepreneur, cancer survivor and double amputee.

For the most part, Ferrell addressed the media with his deadpan humor, and even busted out an impromptu ‘Ron Burgundy’ impression, a character he famously portrayed in the movie ‘Anchorman.’ “It is a glorrrious day,” said Ferrell as Burgundy, “here in beautiful Son Diego, we’ve got a record turn out. I thought there’d be more media here frankly, for someone of my stature. In fact, I’ll have to say as I look out into the face of the media here, you guys look like a bunch of idiots compared to when I was in the news game. Have some class, some dignity. I don’t see anyone wearing a suit.”

After the funny man had the media warmed up, he got serious about his support for the event.

“For all of the things Craig has been through kind of physically and emotionally, he’s probably one of the most upbeat, positive people you can ever be around,” said Ferrell. “He just epitomizes . . . perseverance. The fact that he’s so involved in helping others when he could easily sit back and say, ‘Woe is me,’ he never does that. He’s just kind of a shining example to everyone who meets him of the power of being positive and having a great outlook on life.”

Ferrell has generously donated more than one check to Pollards foundation. “His loyalty has been phenomenal,” Pollard said. “Those two commercials that he did for the Super Bowl – all that money went to the charity. Budweiser paid him $250,000, Proctor and Gamble $500,000.”

Two of Ferrell’s playing partners, Emil and William, were excited about taking part in the event. “We expect to be slightly above par even though it’s a scramble,” Emil said as he proudly sported the same black/white shorts as Ferrell, “Will [Ferrell] keeps us in the game.”

William was curiously out of uniform and dressed in a military jumpsuit, instead of the shorts. “I wanna support our troops right now in Iraq,” he explained, “You know, sport the jumpsuit and give a little preview for tonight’s bidding [William won the jumpsuit at last year’s auction]. There’ll be some great items up for bids tonight, and, its all for the kids!”

(Photos copyright Delinda Lombardo)

Will Ferrell To Host Charity Auction

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Comedy actor Will Ferrell is to host a live fundraising auction for a charity founded by a friend who survived cancer.

The 41-year-old star will host the auction during the 15th Annual Cancer for College Golf Classic, an event that also includes a golf tournament, banquet and after-party. Cancer For College – an organization which helps cancer survivors seeking college education – was established by Chris Pollard, Ferrell’s frat brother at USC, in 1993 after a life-threatening infection and two long battles with Hodgkin’s lymphoma caused him to lose both his feet below the ankles.

“A lot of the credit for our growth has to go to Will Ferrell and his wife, Viveca Paulin,” said Pollard. “They bring an instant awareness to the charity that we probably couldn’t have achieved on our own. In life, people can choose to be charitable with their time or their money. Will and Viveca have been extremely generous to Cancer for College with both.”

Ferrell has been a supporter of the charity since 2006, and has called it one of the “purest” charities he has ever seen. In 2007 he auctioned a movie role in Step Brothers to benefit the charity, which raised $47,000

“Will is one of the most down-to-earth celebrities you will ever meet,” said Pollard. “He really goes out of his way to make sure everyone from the participants to the scholarship recipients and their families have a memorable day.”

The event takes place on September 19, and more information can be found at the Cancer for College website.

Celebrities Raising Voices For Burma

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:46:12 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Will Ferrell and Jennifer Aniston have joined the US Campaign for Burma, and are asking others to do the same for the Burma: It Can’t Wait Campaign. Stars are on a mission to raise one million voices in 30 days against the human rights atrocities occurring in the Southeast Asian country.

The people of Burma are being attacked by their own government, and, just as the world stood together to demand the freedom of Nelson Mandela, the campaign is asking people to speak up for the leader of Burma’s democratic party, Aung San Suu Kyi. The world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Suu Kyi has been deprived of her freedom for 12 of the last 18 years. She has appealed to people around the world, saying, “Please, use your liberty to promote ours.”

To make matters even worse, southwestern Burma was hit by a cyclone on Friday, May 2, leaving up to 60,000 dead, with tens of thousands missing and hundreds of thousands displaced or homeless. It is being called the worst natural disaster in Asia since the 2004 tsunami. Despite knowing about the approaching cyclone days in advance, the government did not warn its citizens. The U.S. Campaign For Burma is accepting donations to help with relief efforts in the medium-term, as the Burmese government is currently blocking international aid agencies from offering their support.

Join Woody Harrelson, Sarah Silverman, Julie Benz, Eddie Izzard and the others who are speaking out for the brave young people fighting for democracy and struggling through the wake of Cyclone Nargis. For more information visit the U.S. Campaign For Burma, and to view the celebrity videos, go to BurmaItCantWait.org.

Kite Runner Auction Raises Afghan Hopes

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:38:15 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Madonna, Will Ferrell and Angelina Jolie are among the many celebrities who have joined the Kite Runner Auction, which runs until the 15th of December.

The auction corresponds with the theater release of The Kite Runner on December 14th. Based on the book of the same name, the film explores the world of Amir, who returns to Afghanistan after 20 years in America to set right his past mistakes.

The book’s author Khaled Hosseini is joined in the auction by tail-signers Edward Norton, Steve Nash, Cher and Halle Berry. 75% of the auction’s proceeds will be donated to the Afghanistan Relief Organization.

Other items on the auction block include a visit to the set of the new James Bond film with director Marc Forster, who also directed The Kite Runner film, dinner with Khaled Hosseini, or the chance to name a character in one of his future works.

To see the full list of celebrities, or to bid on kites and tails signed by Jessica Biel, Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal or Reese Witherspoon, go to The Kite Runner Auction page.

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:21:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and celebrities are doing their best to make holiday shopping easy this year. Several charity auctions have already kicked off to raise money for good causes, including one that may be eBay’s largest sale of celebrity items… ever!

The BID 2 BEAT AIDS online auction will open on December 1, World AIDS Day, and will feature over 1000 specially signed items, ranging from posters to iPods. The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity, and in the past has raised up to $175,000.

The array of memorabilia up for sale this year is simply colossal, with perhaps the most interesting items being a series of “Lend a Hand to LIFEbeat” cards that feature the handprints of over 100 celebrities. Stars such as Britney Spears, Jack Black, and Kathy Griffin traced around the outlines of their hands and decorated their artworks for the auction, and the finished products will make a unique addition to any Christmas stocking.

Also included in the auction is a selection of signed musical instruments. Rapper 50 Cent has donated the tambourines he used during his performance at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, and Metallica and the Foo Fighters have both donated guitars. There are also over 200 official RIAA gold and platinum record awards up for sale, from artists such as Annie Lennox, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Green Day. Rare tour crew jackets from Guns N Roses, Cher, George Michael, and Prince are also available.

There are a stack of autographed CDs and DVDs on offer in the auction, from Mariah Carey, Elton John, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse, and Val Kilmer, as well as books signed by Madonna, Bill Clinton, Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Ethan Hawke. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Elijah Wood, and Usher have all signed posters for the auction.

For those people after something a little different, the auction also includes an iPod designed by Yoko Ono, a box of cereal signed by Will Ferrell, Borat’s hat signed by Sacha Baron Cohen, and a Spiderman action figure autographed by Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

And if nothing mentioned so far whets your appetite, there are also signed items from Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Nelly, Joan Collins, John Travolta, Kanye West, The Cure, Jay-Z, Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Robin Williams, Hilary Duff, Jason Alexander, Jack Nicholson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adam Sandler, John Legend, Jessica Simpson, Whoopi Goldberg, Aerosmith, Denzel Washington, Good Charlotte, James Blunt, Jeremy Piven, Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Norah Jones, Razorlight, Wyclef Jean, and many more… far too many to list here.

More information and a full list of items can be found at www.bid2beataids.com.

As if this wasn’t enough choice for Christmas shoppers, there are also several other auctions and events on the go at the moment. The biggest of these is the 10th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Benefit Dinner and Auction, a massive black tie gala to be held on November 29. It also happens to be one of the highest grossing charity events held every year in New York, and last year raised over $4 million for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that has provided over $55 million in grants to cancer research, and has been instrumental in the development of new cancer drugs.

The gala dinner and live auction will be held at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue, New York City, and over 1200 guests are expected to attend. The host for the evening is Chevy Chase, and attendees will be treated to a very special performance by Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, members of 70’s rock group, the Eagles.

Selected items up for auction on the night as well as online include dinner with Chevy Chase, the chance to play tennis with Andre Agassi, and a meet and greet with Aerosmith.

More information can be found at www.charitybuzz.com.

Also on the Charitybuzz website is an auction to raise funding for Stand Up For A Cure, an organization dedicated to lung cancer research and awareness.

The auction runs from November 28 until December 12, and features unique items such as the chance to have Andrea Bocelli perform in your own home, the opportunity to have Patti LaBelle host your cocktail party, and VIP tickets to see Céline Dion at Madison Square Gardens.

And if you still can’t find a suitable gift, have a look at the Have A Heart Auction on Charitybuzz. All proceeds from the auction, which features the chance to meet Avril Lavigne, a copy of “An Inconvenient Truth” signed by Al Gore, and a “Godfather II” DVD signed by Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, will benefit HEART, an organization that aims to foster compassion and respect for all living beings.

But you have to be in quick, as the auction ends on November 29.

Alba, Cook Raise $260K for Variety

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:06:35 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

A Knoxville screening of “Good Luck Chuck” has benefitted the children’s charity Variety of Eastern Tennessee, thanks to the presence of Jessica Alba and Dane Cook. Fans paid $75 to attend the screening and see the actors, raising a total of $260,000 to help disabled children.

The Variety charity screenings began in 2003 with “Radio” and Cuba Gooding Jr., and “Walking Tall” raised funds the following year. 2005 saw “The Dukes of Hazzard” with Jessica Simpson, Seann William Scott and Knoxville native Johnny Knoxville, and last year’s benefit featured “Talladega Nights” with Will Ferrell. Altogether, nearly $1 million has been raised by the screenings.

The funds are used to purchase mobility equipment for children with physical disabilities and are also shared with other children’s agencies such as Second Harvest, Tennessee School for the Deaf and the Empty Stocking Fund.

Ferrell Attends Cancer for College Golf Tournament

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:42:52 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Friday, September 28th, at the Temecula Creek Inn, actor Will Ferrell took part in the 2007 Cancer for College Golf Tournament and Dinner Banquet to benefit cancer survivors and help them reach their goal of a college education. The event was hosted by Cancer for College founder Craig Pollard, who is a two-time Hodgkin’s disease survivor and fraternity brother of Ferrell’s.

“Each year I’ve gotten more and more involved directly, I think Craig first just invited me as a friend, you know a former fraternity brother to come and have a good time, and each year we started thinking of more ways to give time to charity and so you know its grown” said Ferrell.

With about 240 golfers eagerly awaiting tee-off, Ferrell mingled among the participants who enjoyed a stellar BBQ complimented by island music. He was nothing short of down to earth and extremely sincere. When asked about the recent extra role in his new film Step Bothers that was sold at auctioned last week to benefit Cancer for College, Ferrell’s comedic nature surfaced.

“We auctioned off an extra role in the current film I’m working on now, called Step Brothers, it’s myself and John C. Reilly. We’re the new Abbott and Costello maybe?” He also was thrilled at the final bid of $47,100, and when asked if 100% of the proceeds will go to Cancer for College, the funny man was quick to respond, “No, I think I get it?” he said, “No 100% goes to charity and that’s another reason why this is such a special event because I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a charity that gives so much directly to the kids.”

Thanks to Ferrell’s role in the charity, the 2007 Cancer for Charity event raised more than $150,000 for this very worthwhile foundation. And I say worthwhile because Ferrell himself put it onto perspective, “There is such a sweet nature to this whole event, and it’s really only run by Craig and his wife Stacey, so to see how far its grown- it just makes you want to help people in any way you can, and also to meet the kids it effects and the fact that they don’t turn any applicant away.”

Although Pollard has both legs amputated below the knees, he took to the greens and hit a line drive that seemed to disappear into space. Not only does he have a wicked swing, but a fierce spirit that inspires everyone who meets him.

“Craig is one of the more special individuals you’ll ever get to meet,” said Ferrell, “Between surviving cancer and having the (leg) amputations, it’s just someone that you really look up to. If you feel sorry for yourself for some reason one day, you kind of think about someone like Craig Pollard and you don’t really have a reason to [feel bad for yourself].”

Ferrell wasn’t the only one entertaining golfers along the greens. Minnesota based BogeyPro.com teamed up with Cancer for College by placing 18 different humorous sponsorship signs around the course. ‘Today’s opportunity to flirt with the beer cart girl’ sponsored by Marriott is just one example. Others sponsored signs along the greens included ‘That tree on the right side of the fairway’; ‘the painfully slow play in front of you’; ‘the nagging guilt for taking today off’, and ‘the really bad player on your team’ were just a few that kept players smiling throughout the day. “With Will as host, it only seemed fitting that we throw something fun into each hole,” said Craig Pollard.

It’s also important to take note of the participants who shelled out big bucks to tee off for the greater good. Many were eagerly waiting tee time in their golf carts, while others mingled around the BBQ as Ferrell enjoyed his time with Pollard. All persons involved, from Will Ferrell and his wife Viveca Paulin, to Pollard and his family, to the participants, gathered together for an amazingly admirable quest to help those in need. The Cancer for College golf tournament and dinner banquet was one spectacular fundraiser that will no doubt continue to grow as word spreads about its heartfelt efforts.

Ferrell Movie Role Brings $47,000 For Cancer Charity

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:23:26 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A 10-year-old boy has won Will Ferrell’s charity auction after the boy’s father bid $47,100, all of which will go to the Cancer For College foundation.

The boy will get a non-speaking part as an extra in Ferrell’s new movie, Step Brothers, and in a statement released by the foundation he said:

“Winning this auction means a lot to me on a very personal basis. I lost my mother to ovarian cancer a few years ago, so I feel fortunate that my 10-year-old and I are able to participate in an event involving Cancer for College and Will Ferrell.”

Ferrell was delighted with the result, saying, "We are overwhelmed with the response and generosity to the auction.
This money will help so many young people with their dreams of attending college.”

The winner will meet Ferrell on Friday at the 14th annual Cancer For College golf tournament dinner in Temecula, and will join the actor on the movie set next month.

Ferrell’s friend Craig Pollard founded Cancer For College to provide scholarships to current and former cancer patients. The foundation has awarded $200,000 to 50 cancer survivors since 1993.

Will Ferrell Auctions Cameo Appearance

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:11:24 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Will Ferrell is auctioning a cameo appearance in his latest film to raise money for the Cancer For College foundation. Founded by Craig Pollard, Ferrell’s friend from university and cancer survivor, the charity provides college scholarships to current and former cancer patients.

Online bidding opens at $5,000 on September 17, and the auction runs until September 26. The winner will visit the set of Step Brothers in October and appear in a scene. The movie, due out next year, stars Ferrell and John C. Reilly as the spoiled sons of single parents who become competitive stepbrothers when their parents marry.

Ferrell says the brief appearance is a “perfect Christmas present for your son or daughter. It is the surefire way to win the parent of the year award. Support this amazing cause, by buying them me."

The winner of the auction will be announced the day after bidding ends.

Last year Ferrell took part in a golf tournament supporting the same charity.

Ferrell Helps Friend's Cancer Charity

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 11:44:30 -0000

Written by Hannah Coone

On September 22nd, Will Ferrell took part in a golf tournament for his favorite charity, Cancer For College. The event was hosted by charity founder Craig Pollard, one of the comedic actor’s former fraternity brothers at University of Southern California.

Cancer for College began with a business plan Pollard wrote up during senior year at University. It was established in 1993 to provide college scholarships to current and former cancer patients. In February 2006, Pollard himself was hospitalized when a bacterial blood infection forced doctors to put him in a sedated coma for 3 weeks. Consequent blood circulation problems led to the amputation of both legs below the knees. After this ordeal, Pollard extended the scholarships to include amputees.

To date, Cancer for College has donated $67,000 in scholarships to 50 students. This year’s 10 new scholars will share $53,000 thanks to Will Ferrell and his wife, Viveca Paulin. Pollard said, “Ferrell did some Sprint commercials and said he would donate the check, thinking it’d be $10,000. He later called saying, ‘I was way off.’” The actual fee donated was $100,000.

Will Ferrell commented on the lighthearted event, “This is such a fun day for everyone. It’s a chance for old friends to get together and badly play golf and celebrate survival. This is the 6th year I have been involved. There’s been some lewd conduct in the past; I shot a guy last year because he picked up my ball.”

Pollard spoke of the benefits of celebrity support, saying, “Our program has increased considerably in the past 4 years especially thanks to Will’s support. Scholarship amounts and the number of winners selected have more than tripled. We’re so blessed to be able to provide this gift to kids and their families who have endured so much in their lives.”

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