Look To The Stars News: Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt Partners With Kiehl’s For The Environment

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

If you are one of the many women who claim Brad Pitt and luxury beauty brand Kiehl’s as two of your favorite things, you are in luck!

Mega movie star, philanthropist, and father of six Brad Pitt has teamed up with Kiehl’s to create the brand’s first 100% eco-friendly product. Kiehl’s Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser will hit stores at $16.50 a bottle in October and be a permanent addition to the brand’s renowned line of products. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales of the body wash will go towards JPF Eco Systems, a new non-profit launched by Pitt and Kiehl’s. The mission of the new charity is to “minimize impact on the environment through thoughtful design.”

The body cleanser will be packaged in recycled plastic and consist of all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and glycerin. The formula is free of environmental foes like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and dyes. The bottle’s label will include a reproduced hand-written note from Pitt himself, though Pitt will not be appearing in any advertisements for the product. The cleanser will be available at Kiehl’s stores, department store counters, and online.

Commenting on the lack of print advertisements bearing Pitt’s famous face, Kiehl’s senior VP of Global Marketing, Roberta Weiss, told WWD, “Brad is not a face, he’s a partner. We shared a vision, to support this new way of thinking – being more eco-intelligent.”

WWD estimates that the product will raise $1 million for JPF Eco Systems and its initiatives, which include supporting Make It Right, Pitt’s New Orleans-based charity that builds green homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

George Clooney Helps Out Brad Pitt's Foundation

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

George Clooney has revealed his admiration for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s charitable efforts.

The 47-year-old heartthrob has confessed that he would like to be more like his Ocean’s 11 co-star, adding: “There is a tendency to make fun of people who get involved in these sorts of things. Brad went there [New Orleans], builds houses… he can do a lot of other things with his time. He and Angie really put their money where their mouth is. I’m always very impressed by them.”

Clooney is also planning to invest more money in pal Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation after sponsoring the building of two homes earlier this year, and is keen to add to the $300,000 he has already donated.

“I’ve bought a couple of those houses already that he’s building,” said Clooney. “You can build a house for $150,000, which is amazing. So I bought two of them and plan on buying more as they’re doing an amazing thing there.”

Make It Right is building 150 environmentally friendly, self sustaining homes in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the hardest areas hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Having spent time with community leaders and displaced residents determined to return home after the disaster, Pitt realized that an opportunity existed to build houses that were not only stronger and healthier, but that had less impact on the environment. He established the Foundation in 2006 to prove that safe homes could and should be rebuilt. He hopes that this project will be a catalyst for recovery and redevelopment throughout the Lower 9th Ward and across the city of New Orleans.

Angelina Jolie Plans AIDS Clinic

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Angelina Jolie has revealed plans to build an AIDS clinic in Ethiopia.

The actress – currently busy looking after her newborn twins – has said that she will travel to her adopted daughter’s native country to discuss building the clinic as part of the work of the Jolie-Pitt Foundation.

“We will be building a TB/AIDS clinic in Ethiopia,” she has been reported to have told Britain’s Hello magazine. “One we plan for Zahara to take over when she is older.”

Zahara was born in Ethipoia, and adopted by Jolie and partner Brad Pitt in 2005.

Jolie also revealed that she plans to visit Cambodia – where her adopted son Maddox was born – when the newborn twins are a little older.

“The next trip for our foundation will most likely to be Asia to follow up on the situation in Burma and our work in Cambodia,” she said. “The boys have been asking to go so we will take them when Knox and Viv are a little bit older.”

Jolie and Pitt founded the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2006 to assist with humanitarian crises around the world. In June, the couple donated $1 million to support the education of war-affected children through the foundation.

The Chips Are Up For Africa

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The Second Annual ‘Ante Up for Africa’ poker tournament was held on July 2nd in Las Vegas, and drew an impressive field of poker pro’s, celebrities and athletes – all of who helped make the event a success by raising over $400,000 for charity.

The event, co-hosted by humanitarian/actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke, is already having a positive impact in Darfur – notably in reference to a UN Security Council vote authorizing a peacekeeping force in the area. “It wouldn’t have taken place [without us],” said Cheadle.

“It’s just great to see everybody,” Cheadle said as the event began.

The mood was comical at some tables,”All the tournaments I’ve ever won have been for charity,“ said actor Jason Alexander. “When there’s no actual money for me, I’m very good.”

Adam Sandler cracked his first joke as the first hand was dealt, “I just want to hurry up and lose my money and go home to my wife.”

Matt Damon busted out of the tournament early, while seasoned poker pal Ben Affleck made it all the way to the final table before losing to John Hennigan.

Affleck said he remains optimistic about the situation in Darfur, “I do think that [Sudan’s leaders] are afraid of the next administration being tougher, and are probably a little bit more willing to be more cooperative. But I’m optimistic about what’s going to happen.”

Other celebrities who kicked in the $5k for a spot at the felt included Charles Barkley, Jennifer Tilly, Shannon Elizabeth, Ray Romano, Casey Affleck, and poker pro Phil Helmuth among others.

The tournament benefited two charities: ENOUGH, a project co-founded in 2007 by the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress; and Not On Our Watch (NOOW), a group co-founded by Cheadle, Damon, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Stars To Attend Coma Patient's Gala

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A gala to raise funds for charity in the name of a 17-year-old British coma patient will take place this Saturday.

Sophie Wilkinson has been in a coma since she was involved in a car accident last October, and her plight has attracted a wide range of celebrities to step forth and help raise the funds needed to provide her with care. Earlier this year her parents set up the Sophie’s Gift Fundraising Program on behalf of the Southampton Hospital Trust to raise the £250,000 (US$500,000) needed to provide Sophie with a Mobile CT Scanner. As well as receiving a video and words of encouragement from Johnny Depp, Sophie has also got support from the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, and Chris Tarrant.

Sophie’s parents, Andrew and Alison Wilkinson, have also established a database of celebrity voices to help wake up other coma patients. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Amanda Holden are just some of the names who have already committed to the initiative.

The Sophie’s Gift Gala Dinner will take place on the 5th July at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, with proceeds to go to the Southampton Hospital Charity. Tickets are still available from www.sophies-gift.com for £65 each. Attendees can expect live entertainment and a spectacular auction and gala dinner, with several celebrities – such as Chris Tarrant and Mike Osman – scheduled to make an appearance.

Jolie-Pitt Foundation Donates To War Children

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have donated $1 million to support the education of war-affected children through their Jolie-Pitt Foundation.

The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict will distribute the donation to four organizations working with children who have lost parents and homes in Iraq, and children in the United States who have lost parents in the conflict will also benefit.

“These educational support programs for children of conflict are the best way to help them heal,” said Jolie, who co-chairs the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

“We hope to encourage others to give to these great organizations,” added Pitt.

$500,000 will go to the Armed Services YMCA Operation Hero Program, which will provide educational tutors and counseling to 2,500 children affected by the war in America. The remainder will be split between three organizations operating in Iraq: Women for Women International, which provides books, school supplies and other basic necessities to Iraqi women and children; the International Rescue Committee, which will repair three schools and offer classes for more than 2,500 students; and www.NineMillion.org – a UNHCR campaign – which will donate learning materials to more than 2,000 displaced Iraqi children.

Aid will also go to refugee children and school rehabilitation programs.

Celebrities To Raise Stakes For Africa Again

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 2008 ‘Ante Up For Africa’ Poker Tournament at the World Series of Poker will be held on July 2 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The tournament is the brainchild of actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke, who created the event to raise money and awareness for the crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan.

“After the success of last year’s tournament, we are looking forward to another exciting year while raising awareness for an ongoing crisis,” Duke said. “It is exciting to bring the world of poker and entertainment together, and we are once again asking players who win prize money to donate half of their winnings to our charities.”

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $700,000, thanks in part to the stellar list of celebrities, athletes, and poker professionals who participated.

Confirmed to participate in this year’s event are Cheadle, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd, Kevin Pollack, Cheryl Hines, George Lopez, Joe Trohman from Fall Out Boy, and more.

“The poker community has a unique opportunity to help ease the suffering in Darfur,” said Jeffrey Pollack, WSOP commissioner. “The stars are coming out for this special event once again and we encourage everyone to register early before we sell out.”

Two charities will benefit form this year’s Ante Up For Africa showdown – the ENOUGH Project and Not On Our Watch.

ENOUGH is joint initiative of the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress, which aims to end crimes against humanity in Darfur, Northern Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization also hopes to prevent future mass atrocities around the world.

Not On Our Watch, which was founded by George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, strives to focus global attention and resources on putting an end to mass atrocities around the world. It takes its name from the book authored by Cheadle and John Prendergast, and draws on the voices of celebrities, cultural leaders and activists to help bring the crisis to the public’s attention and generate humanitarian assistance for the nation.

The tournament is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on July 2.

Brad And Angelina's Baby Photos To Be Sold For Charity

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:20:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The hottest couple in Hollywood, Brad and Angelina, are reportedly selling the photo rights to their unborn twins to the highest bidder – with the money going to charity.

The bidding war is said to be up to $15 million, which will bring a lot of smiles to the couples’ chosen charity (yet to be named publicly, but we’ll let you know when it is). And it looks like the only mags left standing in the fight are OK! and People.

“We’d love to see the photos in People,” said one of the publication’s reps. “We wish the family well.”

Want To Get Your Hands On Brad Pitt's Seat?

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:34:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Here’s something special for everyone out there who thinks that Brad Pitt has a nice bottom: you now have the chance to rest your backside in exactly the same spot as the man himself!

The chair which the actor used on the Alberta set of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is being sold to raise money for people dying of AIDS in Africa. The tall, black canvas seat is posted on eBay with a minimum bid of $3,000, and has been signed “Thanks for caring, BP” on the back.

The chair was previously bought at auction in 2006 to raise funds for the same hospice and palliative care program in Litein, Kenya, that the money from the present sale will go to.

“He is very much into this compassionate type of work,” said Darlene Fach, who currently owns the chair. “My thought is that he would not have an issue with me putting it onto eBay with the same intent, the intent is that it would be going back into compassionate care.”

Fach also says the chair has brought a lot of joy to her family.

“I let my granddaughter have it for a year because she’s such a big Brad Pitt fan,” she said. “She had it at home and her friends would come over and enjoy the chair – it’s a conversation piece – and people would just come over and enjoy it. It’s fun to sit in.”

Anyone interested in Ms Fach’s posterior motives should head over to eBay.

Alliance for the Lost Boys Nominated for a ‘Stevie Award’

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:11:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The 6th annual Stevie Awards will be presented on June 12 in New York City, and the Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan has been named as a finalist in the Public Relations category for its fundraising/awareness campaign video: “Mission SSS.”  

The Stevie Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of companies and business people worldwide. More than 2,600 entries from companies in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Best Overall Company, Best Executive, Best New Product or Service, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program, and new categories including Best Management Team and Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program.

Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan will be competing in the Public Relations category with their “Mission SSS” awareness and fundraising video that was launched in schools across the US this year.

  “We are extremely honored to be named as finalist in the prestigious 2008 Stevie Awards. It’s incredible to think that we made this video with a budget of zero dollars, and yet, we are being honored among finalist of the most prominent corporations in America,” Ms. Hecht, Founder and President of the Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan, said. “We hope that the national exposure from this esteemed honor will bring us a broader support base and recognition for our foundation and the people that we serve. I am extremely thankful for the  commitment and dedication of our Board of Directors, local Lost Boys, and everyone who has contributed their time and talents to make our foundation and this campaign a huge success.”

Celebrities who have supported the Lost Boys’ cause include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Manute Bol, and Luol Deng among others.

The ‘Mission-SSS’ campaign video was written, directed, and co-produced by Joan Hecht along with assistance from a local production specialist.  

“Because of the Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan, lives are being changed and, in many cases, saved due to the selfless efforts and compassion of everyday people who have joined their hands and hearts to help those in need.”

  The Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Thursday, June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Look to the Stars congratulates and applauds the Alliance for the Lost of Boys of Sudan for their hard work and dedication. Hopefully, they bring home the ‘Stevie statue,’ which was designed by R.S. Owens, the same company that makes the Oscar, Emmy, and Clio Awards. The Stevie trophy is a 16 inch tall, hand-cast 24-karat gold statuette, holding aloft a crystal pyramid that represents the hierarchy of human needs, a system developed in the 1960s by psychologist Abraham Maslow, who observed that after their basic needs are met, human beings seek the esteem of their peers. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

 Established in 2004, Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan is an all-volunteer 501 C-3 foundation that assists with the health and educational needs of Lost Boys/Girls. To date, the Alliance has assisted  over 50 Lost Boys and Sudanese refugees with college tuition and books and has provided life changing surgeries and medical treatment for numerous Lost Boys and their families, both in the US and Africa. They support numerous projects in Southern Sudan, such as the building of hospitals, schools and orphanages. In addition to educating Lost Boys and Sudanese refugees in the US and Sudan, Alliance president Joan Hecht and local Lost Boys speak at schools and organizations around the US in an effort to educate the American public on the atrocities occurring in Southern Sudan and Darfur.

The Stevie Awards created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of companies and business people worldwide. Their mission is to raise the profile of exemplary companies and individuals among the press, the business community, and the general public.

Stars Call for Action on Disaster Relief

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:24 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Compassion is showing itself to be a universal language, as people from around the world are taking steps to help victims of the recent natural disasters in Asia. Celebrities are flocking to support the desperate nation of Burma/Myanmar, with Not On Our Watch, the charity started by Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, George Clooney and Jerry Weintraub, donating $500,000 towards rescue operations.

The group will use $250,000 for its own relief efforts, and has donated $250,000 of that amount to Save the Children, who, with UNICEF, are two of the few relief organizations currently deployed due to the military government’s reluctance to allow aid workers into the country. According to Britain’s Department for International Development, the country needs at least 10 times the amount of aid that the ruling junta leaders are currently allowing in.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have just released a PSA made in support of UNICEF’s work towards helping the victims of May 2nd’s cyclone, asking people to give what they can to help the survivors of the disaster which has left tens of thousands dead, and hundreds of thousands suffering.

Queen Elizabeth II has also made a “significant” personal donation to the efforts. While the amount of the donation was not disclosed, it is believed that the donation went to Britain’s Disasters Emergency Committee. The first British relief flight left Dubai on Monday, carrying shelter material for 43,000 families.

Organizing aid for victims of Monday’s 7.9 earthquake in China is Jackie Chan, who donated $1.4 million with charity-fund partner Emperor Entertainment Group chairman Albert Yeung. The earthquake, which has killed 12,000 people, was felt as far away as Thailand.

To make donations to help cyclone victims in Burma, visit the Save the Children, UNICEF and the Disasters Emergency Committee websites, and to help victims of the earthquake in China, visit Jackie Chan’s donation page, and choose “China Earthquake Fund”.

Time 100 - Tribute to Brad and Angelina by George Clooney

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:20:52 -0000

As previously mentioned, this year’s “Time 100 List” is out. We would like to share with our readers some of Time’s chosen Heroes & Pioneers, celebrities who are making a difference. Below is the full tribute to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, written by George Clooney, and we’ll feature further tributes in the coming days:

“It is one thing to talk about the problems of the world and quite another to actually try to change things.

“As a team, actors Brad Pitt, 44, and Angelina Jolie, 32, have served as our goodwill ambassadors worldwide. They brought help to Pakistan in 2005, after a catastrophic earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and left millions homeless. They have tended to the poor and sick in Africa. And they’ve raised global awareness—and contributed $1 million of their own money—for the victims of atrocities in Darfur. Brad co-founded Not On Our Watch, an organization set up to focus global attention on Darfur and other hot spots.

“In the U.S., Brad and Angelina didn’t just talk about, or even just throw money at, the tragic fallout from Hurricane Katrina. They actually moved to New Orleans and have set about trying to make right what so many have made wrong. Brad established a project to finance and build 150 new homes in the Ninth Ward.

“Angelina has worked tirelessly through the United Nations on behalf of refugees around the world, touring border camps in Africa, Asia and Latin America and lobbying on Capitol Hill. The couple cares for three adopted children, from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam, in addition to their biological daughter.

“There are hundreds of people who could be honored for their good works, but I’ve seen Brad and Angelina firsthand, and their commitment together is truly impressive.”

Clooney himself is well-known for philanthropic work, and is actively engaged in trying to resolve the Darfur crisis.

Pitt and Jolie Among Time's Most Influential People

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:30:24 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

TIME magazine placed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together in 21st place in its latest annual list of the world’s most influential people, and George Clooney stepped up to write a glowing tribute.

Jolie and Pitt were among the “Heroes and Pioneers” of the list, and the couple’s friend summarises the reasons for their selection:

“There are hundreds of people who could be honored for their good works, but I’ve seen Brad and Angelina firsthand, and their commitment together is truly impressive.”

Clooney praised the pair’s concrete and personal actions, saying, “They brought help to Pakistan in 2005, after a catastrophic earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and left millions homeless. They have tended to the poor and sick in Africa. And they’ve raised global awareness—and contributed $1 million of their own money—for the victims of atrocities in Darfur.”

Pitt and Clooney co-founded Not On Our Watch to address the Darfur crisis, and Clooney was obviously impressed by the charitable integrity his friends demonstrated in helping with the Hurricane Katrina aftermath: “They actually moved to New Orleans and have set about trying to make right what so many have made wrong. Brad established a project [Make It Right] to finance and build 150 new homes in the Ninth Ward.”

Similarly proud of charity poster child Jolie, Clooney writes, “Angelina has worked tirelessly through the United Nations on behalf of refugees around the world, touring border camps in Africa, Asia and Latin America and lobbying on Capitol Hill.”

Other celebrities noted in the TIME 100 list for their philanthropy include Oprah (with a tribute written by Michelle Obama), Mia Farrow (for her work with UNICEF and more), Andre Agassi (with a tribute by Andy Roddick), and Lance Armstrong (at position 26).

Buy George Clooney's Gift Bag For Darfur

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:19:08 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If you just can’t resist George Clooney -and let’s face it, who can – then you definitely won’t be able to resist checking out the new charity auction featuring the chance to pick up some of his unwanted bits and pieces.

The actor and UN Messenger of Peace has put his Oscar Nominees Gift Bag up for auction to benefit Not On Our Watch, the charity he set up with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Jerry Weintraub to end genocide in Darfur. The gift bag is filled with a range of elegant items such as a Personal Heineken Beer Tender, Marilyn Monroe ‘Classic Series’ wine goblets, exclusive spa packages including a gift certificate for a two night stay at La Costa Resort and Spa, Oscar Gold Havaianas, a Swarovski Crystal Pet Collar, and more.

The auction, which ends on May 4, is one of several currently being run at www.myqlu.com to raise funds for celebrities’ favorite charities. Also on offer, actress Mariska Hargitay has invited her friends in the field of arts and entertainment to join her in an auction to benefit her Joyful Heart Foundation, a charity she established to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

“I am very excited to be partnering with QLu to raise funds and awareness for my organization, the Joyful Heart Foundation,” she said. “In keeping with Joyful Heart’s groundbreaking programs, designed to help survivors of sexual assault recover lives of joy, possibility, and freedom, we are always looking for partners who take an innovative and impassioned approach to making a difference in the world.”

The auction features items from a range of stars, including Sharon Stone, Maria Bello, Courteney Cox, Marcia Cross, Hilary Swank, Dana Delany, Julia Louis Dreyfus and more. Sharon Stone’s 100 piece couture shoe and gown auction – along with fabulous designer pieces, designer comp gifts and everyday fun pieces belonging to these talented women – began April 10 and will run continuously through May or until all pieces are sold.

Fans of country singer Tim McGraw might also want to head over to the QLu auction site to bid on a suede jacket the star has donated. The proceeds from the sale will go to the Tug McGraw Foundation, set up in 2003 to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with brain tumors and their families by stimulating and facilitating research that addresses the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual impact of the disease. The auction ends May 2.

Edward Norton Chats Online For Earth Day

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:46:27 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor and environmental activist Edward Norton will celebrate Earth Day 2008 today by taking part in a live online Q&A session about what is happening to the world and what people can do about it.

The session will be held at www.slate.com, and will start at 11:45am Eastern Time. Questions can be submitted to the Washington Post before the event, and topics can cover the range of environmental issues that Norton is involved with.

Norton’s passion has always been the environment, a cause he supports through regular substantial financial contributions to the Grand Canyon Trust (founded by his father), the Wilderness Society, and Earthjustice. Norton has also teamed up with oil giant and leading solar panel producer BP to develop the Solar Neighbors Program – every time a celebrity buys a solar system from BP Solar, one of Enterprise Community Partners’ low-income families gets one for free. So far, more than 25 systems have been purchased and donated – by the likes of Owen Wilson, Brad Pitt, Danny DeVito, and Robin Williams.

The actor will also host two episodes of National Geographic’s Strange Days on Planet Earth on PBS on Wednesday, April 23. The episodes, titled Dangerous Catch and Dirty Secrets, will delve into issues surrounding threatened ocean life and toxic groundwater respectively.

“If I bring anything to the series, it is to tell people stories of how your average daily activities create a ripple effect that goes out into the world and comes back in ways that you can recognize, whether it’s the price of fish, or that fact that you can’t eat it anymore,” said the 38-year-old actor. “Every action we take can cause ripples. And every ripple can turn into disturbing waves of change.”

Check the PBS website to find out what time to catch this amazing program.

John Legend Buys Himself At Charity Auction

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:30:11 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation held its first Miami Gala on Saturday night, with a huge celebrity turnout to celebrate the occasion.

The Art For Life event was held at Miami Beach and honored John Legend, Wyclef Jean, and Suze Orman for their efforts to help improve the lives of others. Chaired by Sean ‘P.Diddy’ Combs and hosted by actress Nia Long, the event was co-organized by a legion of well-known names, including Dwayne Johnson, Petra Nemcova, and Rush founder Russell Simmons.

The main attraction of the evening was a massive celebrity auction, which featured a large selection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and items. However, the auction took on a slightly skewed course when John Legend spent $19,000 on the very item he donated – a Happy Birthday serenade over the phone from… well, from John Legend! Quite how he is going to ring himself up and sing is anyone’s guess.

Legend also pledged a further $10,000 to the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which was followed by $10,000 from Sean Combs and another $10,000 from former NBA player Larry Johnson. And although they couldn’t attend, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pledged $5,000 in honor of Wyclef Jean.

The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation was established in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny, and Joseph Simmons to provide funding for non-profit organizations that give disadvantaged urban youth exposure and access to the arts. Although based in New York, a large percentage of the proceeds from Saturday’s gala will go directly to programs in Miami, including One Art, the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet, and the Theatre Institute of South Florida.

This is the third year the event has been held in South Florida – in previous years it was held at Palm Beach – and last year’s event raised over $2 million.

Idol Gives Back On Wednesday

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:11:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It will be raining philanthropic celebrities on Wednesday night when American Idol Gives Back airs on the Fox Network. The “star clouds” are set to burst with a gala of music, fun, appearances, and surprises – all in the name of charity.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was taped in front of a lively audience at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, and producers expect this year’s event to raise over $100 million for charity.

“Tonight isn’t just about raising money,” said Brad Pitt, one of the many guests to attend the gala. “Sometimes, to help people, we’ve got to travel outside of our comfort zone to really understand another situation.”

Pitt’s Make It Right campaign, which he launched to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, is one of many good causes to benefit from the event, which last year netted over $76 million for charity. Other organizations to benefit this year include the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“It’s not about self-promoting,” said former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who will perform on the show. “It’s not about singing your latest single. It’s not about trying to be the most downloaded whatever on iTunes. It’s all about getting people to call in and do something.”

Viewers of the show on Wednesday can expect performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, and Sheila E., as well as a surprise duet between Fergie and Heart. The show will also be sprinkled with appearances from Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama will also be shown.

Celebrities Hair the Call of Charity

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:44:09 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

When most people think of Ken Paves, they think of big hair. The “hairstylist of the stars”, dubbed by the world’s media as the “hottest hairdresser in Hollywood”, is the man responsible for taming the locks of celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, and many more of the most beautiful people on the planet.

But now the stylist with the golden scissors has moved from big hair to big give with a new online auction he has organized through the Kompolt Online Auction Agency.

Inspired by the good deeds being achieved by the hit series “Oprah’s Big Give”, Paves has teamed up with a host of his celebrity friends to launch what could be the hottest auction this year, with all proceeds going to the EB Medical Research Foundation. So if it is once-in-a-lifetime celebrity items and experiences you want, hold on to your toupées and read on.

The auction, which can be accessed through eBay, runs until April 7, and features items from stars such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Sharon Stone, Marcia Cross, Bette Midler, and the Eagles. There are signed posters from Jessica Simpson, Eva Longoria, Carmen Electra, and John Travolta, and enough autographed photographs to cover the inside of even the biggest make-up trailer, including snaps from Courteney Cox, Jewel, and Christina Aguilera. And if it is clothes you are after, why not bid on a T-shirt signed by David Arquette, Ashlee Simpson, or Pete Wentz, a soccer jersey autographed by David Beckham, or slip into Victoria Beckham’s jeans.

If that is not enough to send shivers of anticipation through any star-hungry bidder, there is also the opportunity to snap up concert tickets – including meet-and-greets – to shows by Duran Duran and Céline Dion, as well as the chance to hang out with Ashlee Simpson and to visit the set of Scrubs with Donald Faison. There is even the opportunity to take a trip to Ken Paves’ salon with Eva Longoria.

Paves, who is also a spokesperson for Operation Smile, has chosen the EB Medical Research Foundation to recieve 100% of the proceeds from the auction.

The EBMRF is dedicated to increasing awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa, a condition that affects the skin and can cause painful wounds, similar to burns, to form over up to 75% of a child’s body. Courteney Cox and David Arquette recently pledged to raise $1 million for the foundation. More information about the disease, as well as the opportunity to purchase a special necklace designed by Cox and Arquette, can be found at www.ebkids.org.

Courteney Cox and David Arquette in a Race for Research

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:04:39 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The clock is ticking for actors Courteney Cox and David Arquette, who have pledged to raise $1 million in two weeks to benefit the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF).

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a genetic condition that causes skin and linings to break and blister at the slightest touch. Sufferers battle daily with fluid loss and infection of the open wounds. In worst cases, they’ll die of skin cancer before the age of 40, many in infancy.

“Now is such an important time to put the spotlight on EB and ensure that research can continue at a fast pace,” Cox told the Associated Press.

Both Cox and Arquette are honorary board members of the foundation, as are actors Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Jackie and Adam Sandler and singers Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani. Kate Beckinsale, Orlando Bloom, Rashida Jones, Eva Longoria and James Marsden have also joined the challenge to bring much needed attention to the painful disease.

Cox and Arquette have a personal link to EB as someone close to them suffers from it. To raise funds for EBMRF on an ongoing basis they have co-designed a necklace with a butterfly, a symbol for hope and freedom, etched onto a small silver pendant, on sale at SATYA boutique in New York and online at www.satyajewelry.com.

DeGeneres Returns to Idol Gives Back

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:11:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Ellen DeGeneres will once again be joining Ryan Seacrest to host the second edition of the wildly successful Idol Gives Back.

Also joining this year’s previously announced celebrity attendees such as Brad Pitt and Bono will be Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men and the Clark Brothers.

The hit fundraising show raised $76 million last year, benefitting charities such as UNICEF, Malaria No More and Second Harvest.

George Clooney Makes A Stand For Darfur

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:09:52 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

UN Messenger of Peace George Clooney is putting pressure on a major Olympic sponsor to make a stand against China’s foreign policy in the Sudan. And to drive the point home, Clooney’s non-profit organization Not On Our Watch has just donated $500,000 to the World Food Program to provide aid in the war torn region of Darfur.

“World Food Program planes and helicopters deliver humanitarian workers and urgent supplies to nearly every aid organisation working in Darfur,” said Clooney, who co-founded Not On Our Watch with Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, and Jerry Weintraub. “This is a critical time for the program. Without immediate additional funding, humanitarian aid in the region will be crippled. We are proud to help ensure the survival of this lifesaving programme and strongly encourage others to do the same. Protection of these victims should not fall solely in the hands of charitable organisations. Governments have a responsibility to help those who cannot defend themselves.”

The 46-year-old actor is also calling for Omega Watches, official timekeepers of the Olympic Games since 1932, to take a hard line against China’s involvement in the Sudanese region of Darfur, where over 200,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million people displaced in three years of fighting between African rebels and government troops allied with Arab militia known as janjaweed.

“I have talked with Omega [about China] for over a year and will continue to talk to Omega,” Clooney told the BBC earlier this week. “I have and will go to the places I and China do business and ask for help.”

China is an important trading partner with the Sudan, and a major investor in Sudan’s oil industry. It has also been accused by lobby groups of breaching international rules and encouraging bloodshed by selling Sudan weapons that have been diverted to Darfur.

“Last year I took Olympic athletes Joey Cheek and Tegla Loroupe to Beijing to meet with the heads of the Chinese government,’’ said Clooney. “I have and will continue to ask China to use its considerable leverage with the government of Sudan.”

The news follows Steven Spielberg’s decision last month to withdraw as an artistic adviser to the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Spielberg said his conscience would not allow him to continue working, and he pledged to spend his time and energy not on Olympic ceremonies, but on trying to end the “unspeakable crimes against humanity” in Darfur.

Omega Watches confirmed that they had been in touch with Clooney, and would work towards addressing the issues he raised, although they are unwilling to take the hard initiatives he has suggested.

“We have full respect for his strong engagement in the fight for the good cause and share his opinion, especially concerning Darfur, and we are proud to work with a person who has such high ethical views,” said Omega chief executive Nick Hayek. “It is our policy not to get involved in politics because it would not serve the cause of the sport which is one most noble human endeavors for creating understanding and peace all over the world.”

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