Look To The Stars News: Penelope Cruz

Ben Stiller Joins Artists For Peace And Justice Board Of Directors

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) has announced that it will merge with Ben Stiller's Haitian school initiative (HSI).

The two organizations, both of whom were committed to improving living conditions in impoverished Haiti prior to the devastating earthquake, will combine their shared passion in helping build essential schools for the children of Haiti. Together they have engaged Global Philanthropy Group (GPG) to help develop and manage their philanthropic efforts. In partnership with an interim Country Director in Port-au-Prince, GPG will coordinate the day-to-day efforts of APJ.

“Ben Stiller understands the important role of schools in the lives of Haitian children. Together we share a mutual passion and determination to be as effective as quickly as possible,” says Paul Haggis, founder of Artists for Peace and Justice. “For the children of Haiti, schools provide so much more than education. They provide their only hot meals, their only clean drinking water and medical attention. These are critical elements for children, especially in a time of crisis.”

Established in early 2009, Artists for Peace and Justice is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. Over the past year, APJ has focused on raising funds to support essential street schools in Haiti. Following the devastating earthquake APJ has expanded its efforts to include emergency aid. To date, APJ has raised nearly $6.3 million including an impressive $3.5 million in long-term commitments through 2014.

Ben Stiller’s Haitian school initiative

Ben Stiller funded a community school in the rural village of Cérévrine, Haiti in 2009 and launched the Haitian school initiative in January, 2010 in an effort to help provide temporary schools for Haitians displaced by the earthquake.

Ben’s humourous STILLERSTRONG campaign, which was launched prior to the earthquake, included viral videos with high-profile participants such as Robert De Niro and Bill Clinton. As a result of this campaign, Ben generated the $300,000 in fundraising needed to complete the school and achieved an increased awareness of the needs of the impoverished Haitian people.

“If there is one way we can help Haiti emerge from this crisis, putting our efforts into building temporary and permanent schools is a step in the right direction,” says Ben Stiller. “When I heard about APJ’s initiatives and the difference they’re making in the country and spoke with Paul Haggis about their fundraising efforts, I knew we could accomplish more together.”

Given the shared goals and interests of Artists for Peace and Justice and the Ben Stiller Haitian school initiative, a merging of forces seemed a natural progression. As part of the merge, the Haitian school initiative will become a core program of Artists for Peace and Justice with Ben Stiller continuing to provide funding. Ben Stiller will join the APJ Board of Directors that includes Paul Haggis, Dr. Reza Nabavian and Dr. Bob Arnot. The Board of Directors is supported by an Advisory Board that includes a number of influential voices: Simon Baker and Rebecca Rigg, Javier Bardem, David Belle, Maria Bello, Josh Brolin, Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Jim Clark, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe, Penelope Cruz, Dina and Clint Eastwood, Frances Fisher, Dr. Henri Ford, James Franco, Gale-Anne Hurd, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Natasha Koifman, Diane Lane, Michael Stahl-David, Lekha Singh, Madeleine Stowe, Charlize Theron and Olivia Wilde.

Celebrities Play Hollywood Dominoes for Peace and Justice

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:57:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Celebrities en route to the Academy Awards this year will make a pit-stop beforehand to take part in the 3rd Annual Pre-Oscar Hollywood Domino Gala Benefiting Artists for Peace and Justice.

The much anticipated dominos tournament of the Academy Awards, invites iconic personalities of Hollywood, such as Penelope Cruz, Charlize Theron and Demi Moore, to play at ‘bar210’ in an effort to aid Haiti and its people. This black tie ‘island style’ evening will include specialty Disaronno cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Executive Chef Marcel Vigneron and music by DJ Jus Ske.

One hundred percent of the donations received at this event will be directed to Artists for Peace and Justice’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Players include: Molly Sims, Rosario Dawson, Camilla Belle, Garcelle Nilon, Christina Aguilera, Malin Akerman, Rachel Bilson, Eric Dane, James Franco, Olivier Martinez, Luke Wilson, Ridley Scott, Aaron Eckhart, Olivia Wilde, Common, Olivia Munn, Thandie Newton, Nicky Hilton, Rose McGowan, Rachel Zoe, Dave Annabel, Jamie King, Gerard Butler, Marisa Tomei and Giannina Facio.
 
Artists for Peace and Justice, established in early 2009, is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice. It addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. The organization’s immediate goal is to build schools to serve the poorest areas of Haiti, providing an education, hot meals, clean drinking water and regular medical treatments to the children living in the slums.

For more information please visit their website.

Celebrities Donate Items To Artists For Peace And Justice Charity Auction

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Artists for Peace and Justice – the Haitian earthquake charity supported by a host of stars – has partnered with popular online auction site charitybuzz.com for a special celebrity awards-themed auction that launched on February 24.

The auction will feature exclusive one-of-a kind items donated by internationally known artists. One hundred percent of the funds raised will be directed to the initiatives of APJ, a charitable organization founded by award winning writer/director Paul Haggis and friends that is committed to improving the lives of children in the impoverished and devastated nation of Haiti. APJ’s immediate goal is to build schools to serve the poorest areas of Haiti, providing an education, hot meals, clean drinking water and regular medical treatments to the children living in the slums.

The list of items going under the hammer includes:

Red-carpet gowns worn by Meryl Streep (gown by Chris March), Olivia Wilde (gown by Gucci), Amy Poehler (gown by Jay Godfrey), Kristen Bell (gown by Jasmine Di Milo), Jenna Fischer (gown by Halston) and Sarah Hyland (gown by BCBG MAXAZRIA, after-party dress by BCBGeneration) at the 2010 Golden Globes
Tuxedos worn by Gerard Butler (tux by Dolce & Gabbana) and Josh Brolin (tux by Dolce & Gabbana) at the 2010 Golden Globes
Gibson Guitar from the Grammy Awards signed backstage by Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Kings of Leon, Alice Cooper, John Legend, Green Day and many more
2 tickets to the Hollywood Domino Pre-Oscar Gala in Beverly Hills on March 4th
One-of-a-kind Haiti print signed by numerous celebrities including Robert De Niro, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Gerard Butler, Demi Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Macy Gray, Daniel Craig, AnnaLynne McCord, Moby, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jackson Browne, Joel Madden, Benji Madden, Ludacris and many more.

The auction runs until March 17, and can be accessed here.

Keith Urban Building Schools In Haiti

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Country singer Keith Urban spoke on the radio recently about a project he and his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, are involved in – building schools in Haiti.

“We’re going to be funding a school down there for the next five years,” he told CatCountry 96. “The kids will also have one hot meal a day. They’ll have all of their medical taken care of by the school, and clothing as well.”

Several other celebrities have joined the same Artists for Peace and Justice school building project, including Javier Bardem, Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood and Sean Penn, each committing $50,000 a year for the next five years. The schools will be attended by children living in slums and camps around Port-au-Prince.

Stars Sign Chrysler Car For Charity Auction

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

February 20 will see a Chrysler 300 signed by hundreds of celebrities go under the hammer to raise money for the Red Cross' relief efforts in Haiti.

The car has been signed by everybody who is anybody in Hollywood, including George Clooney, Oprah, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Morgan Freeman, Paul McCartney, Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Mariah Carey, Stanley Tucci, Nicole Kidman, Sigourney Weaver, Mark Wahlberg, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Gerard Butler, Seal, Heidi Klum, Kiefer Sutherland, Woody Harrelson, Hugh Laurie, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and many more.

Tulsa’s Leake Auction Company will auction the car at their Collector Car Auction in Oklahoma City.

The auction has been organized by Stars For A Cause, and more info can be found here.

Stars Make Long-Term Charity Donations To Help Haiti

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:45:00 -0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is proud to announce the support of an impressive roster of Hollywood celebrities who have pledged their long-term support to Haiti through annual donations.

The stars are lending their financial support and influential voices to help rebuild Haiti by funding street schools for the children living in the slums and in the burgeoning camps around the city of Port-au-Prince. Getting children back to school – often the only place they receive clean drinking water, their only food for the day, medical attention, clothing and hope – has become a top priority. APJ remains committed to long term sustainability in the ravaged country.

The following donors will each contribute $50,000 annually for the next five years ($250,000 total). Each donation will fully sustain a street school in Port-au-Prince including providing clean water, meals, medical supplies and educational material to the children: Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe with wife and musician Danielle Spencer, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood with wife Dina, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Sean Penn and more.

“Emergency relief is still very important — with the help of Operation USA, last week we trucked in another $150,000 in food and supplies to sustain the St. Luke’s program and the children and families of the slums that rely upon its outreach programs,” says Paul Haggis, Founder of APJ. Schools right now might not seem like the most important thing to reestablish but it just isn’t true. The children may not be in urgent need of an education, but they desperately need physical and psychological support. They need a daily meal and water and medical care that comes with our schools. These thousands of children need a safe place to gather, where they can find hope, and even joy and beauty. The issues on the rise right now are gangs, violent crime, prostitution and child slavery. Schools are more important now than ever."

When built, the street schools will assist thousands of children living in the slums of Port-au-Prince. Prior to the earthquake, APJ had been committed to sponsoring a number of these schools in Haiti and supporting the work of Father Rick Frechette, a doctor and community organizer who works out of St. Damiens Pediatric Hospital in Port-au-Prince, the only free pediatric hospital in the country. Donors to APJ have an opportunity to contribute to long term sustainability in a country that so desperately needs it.

Stars Record Videos For Peace And Justice In Haiti

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Some of Hollywood’s most prominent celebrities have recorded a series of PSAs to encourage people to dip into their hearts and pockets and help Haiti.

Artists for Peace and Justice has recorded the PSAs with a multitude of famous faces, including Daniel Craig, Gerard Butler, Pierce Brosnan, Paul Haggis, Olivia Wilde, Penelope Cruz, Maria Bello, Ludacris, Marcia Cross, Jimmy Jean-Louis and others.

Haiti had been a country already in crisis with little clean drinking water, food, adequate housing or medical help. Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) has been working together with Father Rick Frechette in the slums of Port au Prince since early 2009 to raise funds to create sustainable support. Now that mission is stronger than ever.

Donations can be made directly to the APJ website with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to Haiti. Artists for Peace and Justice remains steadfast in its determination to send every penny to those who need it. The organization has already begun the process of re-building 50 street schools in the slums of Port-au-Prince. The schools provide clean drinking water, hot meals and an education to the children of Haiti.

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), established in early 2009, is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world. Over the past year, APJ has directed its efforts to raising enough funds to fully sponsor three schools in Haiti in support of the initiatives of Father Rick Frechette and his team. These schools aren’t just a place to learn but provide for a hot meal, clean water and a chance at the future to children who desperately need it. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, APJ has focused its efforts on raising much needed funds for emergency relief efforts in the ravaged country that is only a few hours from our shores.

To view the PSAs, visit the Artists for Peace and Justice website.

Penelope Cruz Pledges Cash To Schools In Haiti

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Penelope Cruz has pledged $50,000 a year to Haitian schools until 2015 – a promise that has been matched by her partner Javier Bardem.

The pair joined a host of celebrities – including Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Sheryl Crow, Gerard Butler and many more – at a charity brunch hosted by director Paul Haggis to raise money for Artists for Peace and Justice earlier this week.

The brunch raised over $4.5 million to help earthquake victims.

Charitable Celebrities To Receive 21st Century Leaders Awards

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Celebrities will be out in abundance in Doha, Qatar, next week for the Whatever It Takes Experience presented by 21st Century Leaders and Whatever It Takes.

As well as a private art experience and gala dinner, several stars will be honored with 21st Century Leaders Awards at this massive charity event.

The Doha 21st Century Leaders’ Awards are granted to individuals who, whilst being leaders in their own fields, have also made a serious commitment and significant impact on their chosen cause.

The award is given to individuals who have used their influence to raise awareness, their celebrated status to raise funds, and the respect and notoriety which they have gained from successes in their chosen profession, to make positive policy changes to progress either environmental or humanitarian concerns.

Friday, October 30, will see Sir Ben Kingsley CBE, Venus and Serena Williams, Josh Hartnett, Danny Boyle and Christian Colson honored for their outstanding charity and humanitarian work. A surprise guest will open the event, and an art exhibition will also take place featuring original artworks by George Clooney, Stella McCartney, Sir Roger Moore KBE, Sir Michael Caine CBE, and Lady Shakira Caine, Sir Ian McKellen, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Laurence Fishburne, John Travolta, Pierce Brosnan OBE, Morgan Freeman, Charlize Theron, Minnie Driver, Lucy Liu, Susan Sarandon, Courteney Cox & David Arquette, Whoopi Goldberg, Penelope Cruz, Benicio del Toro, Joseph Fiennes, Anjelica Huston, Christian Slater, Harvey Keitel, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Gillian Anderson, Hilary Duff, Adrien Brody, Mickey Rourke, Robin Wright Penn, Patrick Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Stephanie Powers, Toni Collette, Daniel Craig and many more.

An active supporter and patron of charities such as the Prince's Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and First Star, English actor Sir Ben Kingsley CBE is very much devoted to helping disadvantaged young people and children. In 2008, Kingsley was awarded the “Cinema for Peace Honorary Award”, for the portrayal of the humanitarian role-models Simon Wiesenthal, Itzhak Stern and Gandhi.

In April 2009, following the success of Slumdog Millionaire, filmmakers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson announced a commitment of £500,000 to Plan, an international children’s development organization. The money will be spent on a five-year program focusing on education and sanitation, designed to improve the lives of children in Mumbai’s slum communities. In consultation with Plan, the filmmakers have also founded the Jai Ho Trust, an independent trust which aims to ensure that Rubina Ali (who played the youngest Latika in the film) and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail (youngest Salim) receive an education, housing and social support. The trust will also hold a sum of money for the two children until they reach adulthood.

American actor and film producer Josh Hartnett supports a number of worthy causes and has backed Global Cool, a charity focused on climate change since its inception. Launching with a reception at No.10 Downing Street in London in 2007, Josh Hartnett met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair on behalf of the group and has since taken the message of greenhouse gas reduction far and wide, to let people know that they really can make a difference to the environmental health of our planet.

Professional women’s tennis players whom have won a combined 12 Grand Slam titles. The Williams sisters have demonstrated an immense amount of charitable work off the court. The “Williams Sister’s Tour” set out to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities which provides housing for families of seriously ill children. In addition, Serena started The Serena Williams Foundation which focuses on education, and helping underprivileged children in Africa who cannot afford to go to school or college to do so.

WhateverItTakes.org is a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader. 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission is to assist and encourage a generation of influencers – royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates and well-known leaders in the fields of film, music, fashion, art and literature – to raise awareness and funds for international development causes, thereby leading the way in promoting positive environmental sustainable development. 21st Century Leaders was founded in May 2003 when Charlotte di Vita was made a Goodwill Ambassador to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. 21st Century Leaders was also the 10th Anniversary celebration of Trade plus Aid, the foundation for which Charlotte had received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To find out more about this event – to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Doha on October 30/31 – click here.

World March For Peace Starts In New Zealand

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The World March for Peace and Non-Violence kicked off in Wellington, New Zealand, today, beginning a trek that will visit 90 countries on 6 continents, ending in Argentina on January 2 of next year.

Marchers braved chilling winds in the country’s capital to start the march, which has been endorsed by world leaders and celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Viggo Mortensen, Desmond Tutu, Martin Sheen, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Carter, Lou Reed, Yoko Ono, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Bryan Adams and many more.

The 160,000-kilometre (99,419 mile) march has been organized by World Without Wars. A core group of 25 marchers will complete the entire journey, carrying with them a “nuclear abolition torch” taken from the Hiroshima Flame which was lit from embers following the 1945 nuclear explosion in Japan. The primary goals of the World March include:

nuclear disarmament at a global level
immediate withdrawal of invading troops from occupied territories
progressive and proportional reduction of conventional weapons
signing of non-aggression treaties between countries
renunciation by governments of the use of war as a means to resolve conflicts

A rehearsal march was held in New Zealand earlier this week, led by Xena Warrior Princess star Lucy Lawless, who walked beneath a Chinese-style dragon made from the sails of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior, sunk by French agents in Auckland in 1985.

Earlier this year – as a lead up to the march – organizers created roving billboards and also recreated the famous Bed-In held by Yoko Ono and John Lennon.

Look To The Stars is proud to support the March For Peace and Non-Violence, and wish all those taking part a great and successful journey.

More info can be found here.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

Roving Billboards Marked Hiroshima Day

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Organizers of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence marked Hiroshima Day last week by launching roving celebrity billboards throughout midtown Manhattan.

The billboards featured the faces of many of the national presidents, Hollywood actors, musicians, Nobel Laureates and religious leaders who have endorsed the World March to demonstrate their deep concern about the unprecedented nuclear threat facing the world today. These included Penelope Cruz, Viggo Mortensen, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Lou Reed, Yoko Ono, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Bryan Adams and many more.

“It’s important to mark this day not only to remember what happened but to prevent a future nuclear catastrophe,” said World March spokesperson Chris Wells. “The situation is far more dangerous and unstable than people realize. There is a growing call for abolition, in the UN, with Obama and Medvedev, and civil initiatives like the World March for Peace and Nonviolence and Global Zero. But we need to build up massive public support to make sure it happens.”

Initiated by the organization World Without Wars, the World March for Peace and Nonviolence begins its historic journey October 2 in Wellington New Zealand before traveling through seven continents, 100 plus countries and 300 plus cities. It will arrive in New York City on November 30, 2009 and reach its final destination in Punta de Vacas, Argentina on January 2. 2010.

The primary goals of the World March include:

nuclear disarmament at a global level
immediate withdrawal of invading troops from occupied territories
progressive and proportional reduction of conventional weapons
signing of non-aggression treaties between countries
renunciation by governments of the use of war as a means to resolve conflicts

To find out more, click here. To view the celebrity billboards, click here.

John And Yoko's Bed-In Recreated For Peace

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Yoko Ono and John Lennon's Bed-In, the organizing committee of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence will be holding a “Bed-In for Peace and Nonviolence” at the Cherry Hill Fountain Terrace in Central Park on August 16th from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m, where they will pay tribute to John Lennon, and Yoko Ono, and the timeless cause of peace. Cherry Hill Fountain Terrace is located adjacent to Strawberry Field inside the park.

A “Peace Bed” will be set-up where the public can express their thoughts on peace, nuclear proliferation and violence just as Lennon and Ono brought attention to the violence of the Vietnam War from their honeymoon bed. The event will feature activities like sign painting, face painting, poetry reading and a live recording of the new song “We Want Peace on Earth” by Mark Lesseraux and Earthdriver at 3 p.m. The public is invited to sing along.

World March US spokesperson Chris Wells will be on hand to speak to the press. Says Wells, “the Bed-in is a tribute to two remarkable people who dared to dream and used their imagination to promote and support the planet’s most urgent need.” Other Bed-ins have been organized by the World March for Peace and Nonviolence to date in Montreal, Rio, Prague, Helsinki, Ireland, San Clemente, Munich, Madrid and Berlin.

An international team of marchers will kick off the World March in New Zealand on October 2nd, the International Day of Nonviolence and bring together more than one million direct participants in 95 countries on seven continents for thousands of supporting marches, festivals, exhibits, concerts, forums, conferences and social, cultural, educational and athletic events. The goal of the march is to celebrate and demand peace, end wars, dismantle nuclear weapons and eliminate all forms of violence.

The march will arrive in New York City on November 30, 2009, and reach its final destination in Punta de Vacas, Argentina on January 2, 2010.

The World March has been endorsed and backed by more than 500 prominent newsmakers, Nobel Laureates, heads of state, mayors and artists, including Jimmy Carter, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Penelope Cruz and Yoko Ono, who has received a special invitation to attend the anniversary event she so famously brought to the world’s attention 40 years ago.

In a special message to March organizers, Ono writes: “Remember, each one of us has the power to change the world. Power works in mysterious ways. You don’t have to do much. Visualize the domino effect. And just start thinking PEACE. The message will circulate faster than you think. It’s Time For Action. The Action is PEACE. Spread the word. Spread PEACE.”

The World March was launched by the international organization World Without Wars affiliated with the Humanist Movement. For more information, go: www.worldmarchusa.net

Yoko Ono Supports Peace Initiative

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Yoko Ono is supporting the 40th anniversary celebrations of her famous Bed-In for Peace by encouraging a new public show of solidarity calling for nuclear disarmament and an end to war as a means of solving conflicts.

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence is planning to create a giant peace sign using people dressed in white at the Cherry Hill Terrace Fountain which is adjacent to Strawberry Fields of New York’s Central Park on August 16. There will also be a special bed in place for anyone to experience and express their views on peace.

According to the organizers: "40 years ago, John Lennon and Yoko Ono invited the world into their bed and asked us to give peace a chance. Today, with the threat of nuclear confrontation more real than ever, it is time to loudly affirm that the will for peace is stronger than the will for war, and to proudly engage in nonviolent acts of support for a world without wars or violence."

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence will be held in seven continents, starting in New Zealand on October 2nd, the International Day of Nonviolence, and will bring together more than one million direct participants in 95 countries, who will celebrate and demand peace for all countries. The message carried by all is the end of wars, the dismantling of nuclear weapons and for an end to all forms of violence.

The World March is backed by hundreds of endorsements including Nobel Laureates, heads of state, mayors and artists, such as former President Jimmy Carter, President Michelle Bachelet and Penelope Cruz. The World March was launched by the international organization World Without Wars and the Humanist Movement. For more info: www.worldmarchusa.net.

“Remember, each one of us has the power to change the world,” said Ono. “Power works in mysterious ways. You don’t have to do much. Visualise the domino effect. And just start thinking PEACE. The message will circulate faster than you think. It’s Time For Action. The Action is PEACE. Spread the word. Spread PEACE.”

More information on how to take part in the Peace Sign initiative can be found here.

Penelope Cruz And Donatella Versace To Host Charity Gala

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Italian luxury fashion house Versace, is pleased to announce that for the second straight year, it will sponsor the Whitney’s Gala and Studio Party. Taking place Monday evening October 19th, the event will be co-chaired by Penelope Cruz, Liz Swig and Donatella Versace.

In addition to sponsoring the Gala, Donatella Versace collaborated with the Whitney’s Education Department and designed a project called Art Unites to provide children in need in the United States and China with the incomparable spirit, creativity, inspiration and solace that visual arts bestow.

The program, which officially launched on July 1st, will benefit Starlight Children's Foundation, an organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families in the US, and the One Foundation in China, an organization committed to the long-term recovery of the areas devastated by last year’s earthquakes in the Sichuan province, funding and operating two Versace One Foundation children’s centers with schooling, psychological therapy, and post trauma counseling for over 1200, through creative visual arts an essential form of relief.

As part of the program Versace will provide canvas and art supplies to 500 children from Starlight and 900 children from the One Foundation to create original drawings using the theme of “friendship”. Each child’s work of art will be fashioned into a one-of-a-kind Versace canvas tote bag which will be sold worldwide at Versace boutiques and the Gilt Groupe, a member’s only ecommerce site this October. The bags are expected to retail for between $200 and $250, and 100% percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will be donated equally to Starlight and to One Foundation.

“I have been blessed with incredible success in my life,” says Donatella. “And part of that success means being able to give back to people in need. As a mother, children’s causes are especially close to my heart, and I am honored to be able to work with The Whitney on the creation of a program that inspires children through the arts. Both Starlight and the One Foundation provide critical support for children and their families, and I look forward to our ongoing partnership.”

Kicking off the program, The Whitney’s Education department hosted a day of art-making at the museum on July 1st with children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses from the New York chapter of Starlight. Donatella Versace was on hand at the party to encourage and inspire the children in the creation of their designs for the tote bags.

Once all the drawings worldwide are complete, a panel of judges led by Donatella, including Adam D. Weinberg, the Whitney’s Alice Pratt Brown Director, Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, international actress Penelope Cruz, and Jet Li, actor and founder of the One Foundation, will select one winning bag from each charity which will be featured in the Versace runway show this September.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Charities supported by Whatever It Takes include: Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children's Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace, Healthlink Worldwide, Heifer International, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, LIFEbeat, LifeLine & Rape Crisis PMB, Opportunity International, Oxfam, ROTA, Rights and Humanity, S.A.F.E., Save the Children, Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program, Snoop Youth Football League, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Teenage Cancer Trust, The BRIT Trust, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Little Dreams Foundation, Lotus Outreach, Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Toothfairy Foundation, Trade plus Aid, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WaterAid.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until June 30, click here.

Bono To Play Charity Dominoes At Cannes

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

U2 singer Bono is to co-host a charity event with a difference at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival on May 18.

Bono will join Penelope Cruz and director Pedro Almodovar at the Hollywood Domino tables to benefit The Global Fund, which raises cash to further AIDS research. Along with Charlize Theron, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, the stars will take part in a game that has taken Hollywood by storm.

Hollywood Domino is a new take on a very old game originally invented in China over 400 years ago. The new version was developed after two young entrepreneurs – Inge Theron and Daya Fernandez – met in LA during the Oscars. It was not long before a select group of celebrity friends including Salma Hayek, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher caught onto the trend and began to meet regularly to play.

“Beating the credit crunch has never been so much fun,” said Inge Theron. “Staying in has definitely become the new going out. ‘Hollywood Domino’ is a fun and exciting parlour game that you cannot help being absorbed by. It is strategic and highly addictive, and brings the glamour of the Hollywood Hills into your living room.”

The game is available for purchase from Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and other selected retailers.

Stars For A Cause On Display

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A selection of celebrity designed/autographed jewelry, footwear and other unique items will be on display at auction house Bonhams in New Bond Street, London, tomorrow before being auctioned at Bonhams and Butterfields in Los Angeles on May 28.

Half of the proceeds of the auction, organized by Stars For A Cause, will go to charities chosen by the participating stars, such as the The Art of Elysium, Keep A Child Alive, Red Cross, Elton John AIDS Foundation, UNICEF and many many more. The other half will go to the Prince's Trust, which helps young people develop confidence, motivation and skills to find work.

Celebrities taking part in the campaign include Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Gervais, Charlize Theron, Goldie Hawn, Miley Cyrus, Colin Farrell, Susan Sarandon, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Hanks, Sigourney Weaver and more.

To learn more about this amazing auction, visit the official website.

Stars Set To Shine At Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Environmental organization Global Green USA will hold their annual pre-Oscar party this week and have invited some stellar performers and hosts.

Entertainment at this year’s party will include Sheryl Crow and Gavin Rossdale and co-hosting the event are stars such as Orlando Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio, Penelope Cruz , Rosario Dawson, Marisa Tomei, Kate Bosworth, Sebastian Copeland, Lyn & Norman Lear, Damien Rice, Heather Graham, Roland Emmerich, Dominic Monaghan, Matt Petersen, Neil Patrick Harris, Sharon Lawrence and Esai Morales.

Proceeds from the evening – which includes drinks and a gift bag – will go to Global Green USA’s Green Schools Initiative. Green Schools are community facilities that are designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. Green schools protect occupant health, provide a productive learning environment, connect students to the natural world, increase average daily attendance, reduce operating costs, improve teacher satisfaction and retention, and reduce overall impact to the environment.

General tickets to the party – which will be held on Thursday, February 19, at Avalon in Hollywood – range from $125 – 250. VIP tickets are available for $1000 and give you access to exclusive VIP lounge with hosted bar, unreserved seat in VIP balcony area for the musical performance, an eco gift bag, & access to the after party.

More info and tickets are available from the Global Green USA website.

Bono Faces The Real Deal In Elle Magazine

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

As a rock and roll star, Bono has written some of the most important music of our time, and now, the U2 front man has been asked by ELLE Magazine to turn a page (RED) and address “the greatest health crisis in 600 years: HIV/AIDS.”

In his one page letter, which appears in this month’s edition, Bono shares startling statistics on HIV/AIDS, including the fact that 90% of new cases occur in females aged 15-24. “I can’t get my head around that fact, let alone get it out of my head” he writes. Bono also shares details of his journey to Africa six years ago, where he witnessed the devastating effect the disease has had on the communities, including “orphans raising orphans.”

Bono also writes about the importance of (RED), its products and the pure power of consumer activism. “They have power in their pockets,” he writes, “(RED) raises money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS—$120 million so far. That is enough to buy drugs for more than 750,000 people for a year. (RED) funds prevention and counseling programs as well as treatment, and is now the thirteenth biggest contributor to the Global Fund; it’s giving more than many countries.”

“There are the millions of men and women whose names we don’t know, but whose (RED) purchases are doing nothing less than keeping people alive,” he continues, “(RED) is not asking you to flock to the stores for the sake of it, but if you find yourselves browsing, we are asking you to choose (RED) where you can—for the sake of those who can’t ask you themselves.”

Other celebrities involved with (RED) include: Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bundchen, Christy Turlington, Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Garner, Kanye West, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Rock and Steven Spielberg among others

Bono’s complete (RED) letter can be read here.

Signed Movie Posters For Sale In Charity Auction

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A selection of movie posters signed by the original stars is up for sale on eBay to raise money for charity.

Each week, from now until February 27th, a new round of autographed movie posters will be unveiled and put up for bids, with ALL proceeds benefiting the American Cinematheque, an independent, non-profit cultural organization in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the Moving Image in all its forms.

To mark the release of the all new step-by-step movie making guide “Filmmaking for Dummies” and to celebrate the movies we know and love, Wiley Publishing will be auctioning off autographed movie posters ranging from hilarious comedies, classic dramas, and every movie in between. Fill your living room with posters signed by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Heath Ledger, Penelope Cruz, Leonardo DiCaprio, the cast of Lord of the Rings and many more.

The auction can be accessed here.

Penelope Cruz: Help Fight Cancer For Christmas

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

Actress Penelope Cruz is asking fans to sign up to become bone marrow donors.

While filming in London for her upcoming movie, Nine, Cruz met Joe Cawse, a young boy from Maidstone, Kent, England, who has been on a donor waiting list for over three years.

“He’s a sunny and intelligent eight-year-old but is battling with leukemia as I speak,” Cruz said. “One suitable donor could save his life.”

To spread the word, the Vicky Cristina Barcelona star has teamed up with British charity, The Anthony Nolan Trust, in its efforts encourage people to join the bone marrow register this holiday season.

Leukemia patients need bone marrow transplants because the chemotherapy or radiotherapy processes necessary to defeat the cancer also severely weaken the patient—bone marrow is needed to redevelop the immune system. However, less than a third of the patients are able to find a bone marrow match within their own family, and have to hope to find a match from a stranger instead. The probability of finding one is slim, but creating a large registry of potential donors increases the odds of discovering a suitable match for the patient.

Of the donation process, Cruz said, “I was very surprised to discover there are two different ways to donate your bone marrow and the second way is a much easier, less invasive process than I had ever imagined. If only more people in Britain knew that there is a method of donating bone marrow that is simple and pain free.”

She added, “Imagine if it was your brother, mother, cousin or friend, and with just one step, you could save their life. Wouldn’t you do it? Please contact The Anthony Nolan Trust register and find out how simple it is to save a stranger’s life.”

If you are between the ages of 18 and 40, you can donate bone marrow. Learn more about how to join the bone marrow registry at The Anthony Nolan Trust official website: www.anthonynolan.org.uk.

Penelope Cruz Gets Under The Mistletoe On World AIDS Day

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Penelope Cruz opened a special new initiative in New York’s Madison Square Park yesterday in recognition of World AIDS Day.

The Unbreakable Kiss Mistletoe Installation – sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever – will donate $5 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) for every couple that kisses under the mistletoe from now until December 4. And in addition, one lucky couple every day will win a piece of jewelry from A Diamond Is Forever.

“All of us at EJAF are deeply grateful to our dear friend Penelope Cruz for representing the Foundation at this important World AIDS Day observance and to A Diamond is Forever for choosing to support EJAF through this lovely and unique event,” said Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John. “Until we have a cure and a preventive vaccine, teaching people how to prevent HIV infection is one of the most important things we can do right now to bring an end to this terrible epidemic. That has been EJAF’s mission from day one.”

Proceeds from the initiative will go to EJAF’s grant-making initiatives in support of HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in communities across the Americas and the Caribbean.

The Unbreakable Kiss Mistletoe Installation will be open December 1-4 daily from 2PM to 8PM.

Stars Design Ugg Boots For Charity

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:56:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It may be cold, and snow may be falling outside your window, but a new charity auction might have just the thing to keep you warm and cosy this winter. A host of celebrities have got together to fight the winter blues by designing a range of sheepskin-lined Ugg boots, with all proceeds going to fight childhood diseases.

Sharon Stone, Penelope Cruz, and John Travolta are just some of the 22 stars trying to keep your toes toasty this holiday season, with a variety of designs on offer in the auction to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, America’s third largest healthcare charity.

St. Jude’s is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, and offers free treatment to all of its patients. The hospital, based in Memphis, Tennessee, was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, and shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities all around the world, making it a leader in children’s healthcare.

The auction has been organized by Ugg Australia, the company behind the famous sheepskin boots, established in 1978 when a young Australian surfer named Brian Smith started selling the boots while on a trip to America. The boots soon became the preferred footwear of Californian surfers, and have now become almost legendary around the world.

The surfing theme has been captured in Ashlee Simpson's design, which incorporates surfers and dolphins splashing in the ocean, and Eva Longoria's design highlights the importance of love, with bronze hearts adorning the toes. Matthew McConaughey's design is emblazoned with the phrase “Just Keep Livin’”, and Liv Tyler's boots look fit for an Elven Princess. Other stars to donate specially designed boots include Ashton Kutcher, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Minnie Driver, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart, Kelly Ripa, and Kelly Preston.

The boots start with a reserve price of $200, and the auction runs from December 1-14 on www.cmarket.com.

Also in the mood for giving this holiday season is actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has teamed up with non-profit organization Trickle Up to offer a special piece of jewelry available when people make donations to the charity.

“Would you like to give a gift that will change someone’s life?” said the 30-year-old in a letter published on Trickle Up’s website. “This holiday season, make a donation of $100 in honor of a friend or family member and Trickle Up will send them the beautiful Trickle Up necklace, designed by one of my favorite designers – TENTHOUSANDTHINGS. Trickle Up will use your donation to help someone living on less than one dollar a day to start a micro-enterprise and take the first steps out of poverty. With their successful businesses, Trickle Up entrepreneurs are able to feed their families more nutritious meals, send children to school, receive medical care, and improve their housing. The Trickle Up necklace is a great holiday gift that will always remind you of an even greater gift: a hopeful future for a very poor family. You can seed a dream.”

The necklace is available from www.trickleup.org.

Celebrity Portraits Up For Auction

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:25:15 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Autographed portraits of some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are up for auction on the internet this month, as part of the “Stars For A Cause”: charity Gala to be held in September.

George Clooney, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt are just some of the legends who have been immortalized in the works by acclaimed artist, Nicolosi. Painted using acrylic on canvas, these pop-art style portraits are both colorful and dynamic, and have been exhibited in London and Los Angeles, as well as at the Cannes Film Festival and on the cruise liner, the Queen Mary II.

Proceeds from the auction will go to The Prince's Trust, a UK based charity that helps young people overcome barriers by providing training, mentoring, and financial assistance. Joanna Lumley, an ambassador for the Trust, is one of the stars featured in the collection. The Hollywood Museum will also benefit from the auction.

The pictures were personally autographed by the stars during Entertainment Tonight interviews held backstage at events such as the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards, and the 58th Primetime Emmys.

“We are always eager to support the charitable endeavors of celebrities,” said Linda Bell Blue, executive producer for Entertainment Tonight. “So we readily embraced the opportunity to get involved with Stars For A Cause.”

The online auction will run until September 27, when a VIP Gala will be held at The Hollywood Museum. Many of the stars featured in the portraits are expected to attend the event, and the evening will bring bidding on the paintings to a close.
Other celebrities whose portraits are for sale include Angelina Jolie, Alan Alda, Mariska Hargitay, Kyra Sedgwick, Jane Kaczmarek, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Geena Davis, Candice Bergen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Debra Messing, Forest Whitaker, Kiefer Sutherland, Meryl Streep, Charlie Sheen, Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Helen Mirren, Penelope Cruz, Daniel Craig, Beyoncé Knowles, and Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen.
Bids start at $500, and can be viewed at www.juliensauctions.com.

Look To The Stars News: Penelope Cruz

Ben Stiller Joins Artists For Peace And Justice Board Of Directors

Related past articles

Celebrities Play Hollywood Dominoes for Peace and Justice

Related past articles

Celebrities Donate Items To Artists For Peace And Justice Charity Auction

Related past articles

Keith Urban Building Schools In Haiti

Related past articles

Stars Sign Chrysler Car For Charity Auction

Related past articles

Stars Make Long-Term Charity Donations To Help Haiti

Related past articles

Stars Record Videos For Peace And Justice In Haiti

Related past articles

Penelope Cruz Pledges Cash To Schools In Haiti

Related past articles

Charitable Celebrities To Receive 21st Century Leaders Awards

Related past articles

World March For Peace Starts In New Zealand

Related past articles

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Related past articles

Roving Billboards Marked Hiroshima Day

Related past articles

John And Yoko's Bed-In Recreated For Peace

Related past articles

Yoko Ono Supports Peace Initiative

Related past articles

Penelope Cruz And Donatella Versace To Host Charity Gala

Related past articles

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Related past articles

Bono To Play Charity Dominoes At Cannes

Related past articles

Stars For A Cause On Display

Related past articles

Stars Set To Shine At Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

Related past articles

Bono Faces The Real Deal In Elle Magazine

Related past articles

Signed Movie Posters For Sale In Charity Auction

Related past articles

Penelope Cruz: Help Fight Cancer For Christmas

Related past articles

Penelope Cruz Gets Under The Mistletoe On World AIDS Day

Related past articles

Stars Design Ugg Boots For Charity

Related past articles

Celebrity Portraits Up For Auction

Related past articles