Look To The Stars News: Patti LaBelle

An Evening Of Stars For The United Negro College Fund

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

The United Negro College Fund will broadcast UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS – presented by Target – nationally in major markets on Saturday, January 28th and January 29th and on BET Networks at 11 p.m. EST/PST and 10 p.m. CST on Sunday, January 29th.

Patti LaBelle and Ledisi

Stars Help Break World Record For Reading With Jumpstart

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record 2011 campaign, presented in partnership with Pearson Foundation, has officially set a new world record for the world’s largest shared reading experience. On October 6, adults across the globe read Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney to 2,184,155 children.

Through We Give Books, the digital reading initiative of the Pearson Foundation and the Penguin Group, 75,723 adults and children helped set a new record for the largest digital reading by reading the campaign book online for free, demonstrating how digital technology enabled the campaign to reach even more people this year.

Naomi Campbell To Be Honored At Charity Angel Ball

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Naomi Campbell will be honoured for her charity work, specifically concerning cancer research.

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research will be hosting the annual Angel Ball on 17 October at Cipriani Wall Street, where they also plan to honour artist Romero Britto, Vladislav Doronin who founded the Capital Group and Dr. Khalid Bin Jabor Al-Thani who founded the Quatar National Cancer Society.

Naomi’s work has already earned her an ELLE award in 2009 for outstanding charity work, mostly in relation to her fund-raising for the White Ribbon Alliance. She regularly teams up with designers and fashion labels, such as Luis Vuitton and Hermes to raise both awareness and funds for charities and is an ardent believer in using her celebrity for good. Although she had been ‘quietly helping charities [she] believed in for years’, her charity work came into the spotlight when Sarah Brown, Gordon Brown the then prime-minister’s wife, asked her to be an ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance. She has also helped organise fashion charity campaigns such as Vivienne Westwood’s Fashion Relief campaign.

Celebrities Commemorate 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

This weekend marks ten years since the 9/11 terror attacks, and celebrities are joining the rest of the world in commemorating the anniversary.

Flight 93 National Memorial
Bill Clinton will join George W. Bush, Laura Bush and Sarah McLachlan at the September 10 dedication ceremony of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. The memorial service will take place at the newly-opened memorial plaza surrounding the site where Flight 93 crashed at 10:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001. President Obama is expected to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial later that day.

Jumpstart Launches 2011 Read For The Record Campaign

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

On October 6, millions of people across the globe will read the same book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, as part of Jumpstart’s annual Read for the Record Day. The simple act of reading with a child on this one day translates into year-long educational support for preschool children from low-income communities, many of whom grow up in homes without a single book.

For the past five years, Jumpstart, a national education organization, has hosted this global event, bringing together celebrities like Bill Cosby, Justin Bieber, Vince Vaughn, Patti LaBelle, Matt Lauer, representatives on Capitol Hill, elected officials, parents, teachers, children and volunteers to help bridge America’s achievement gap. This year, they need your help to set a new world record of 2.1 million readers.

Red Cross Announces New Stars For National Celebrity Cabinet

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Five celebrities join the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need – down the street, across the country and around the world.

New members include talk show host and designer Nate Berkus, Emmy and Tony award winning performer Kristin Chenoweth, Latin star and multiple award winner Rogelio Martinez, award-winning country artist Darius Rucker, and Christian/Pop recording artist, Michael W. Smith.

With the addition of the five new members, the Red Cross now has 40 members on its National Celebrity Cabinet. This group of newcomers joins the National Celebrity Cabinet that also includes Josh Duhamel, Alyssa Milano, Greg Biffle, Pierce Brosnan, Jim Cantore, Jackie Chan, Chayanne, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Sara Evans, George Foreman, Leeza Gibbons, Amy Grant, Pat Green, Marcia Gay Harden, Patricia Heaton, Julianne Hough, Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Demi Lovato, Eli and Peyton Manning, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Phil McGraw, Nancy O’Dell, Masi Oka, Rascal Flatts, Amanda Peet, Sally Pressman, Elisabeth Rohm, Anika Noni Rose, Jane Seymour, Jimmy Smits, Raven Symone and Daddy Yankee.

Elizabeth Taylor And Bill Clinton Honored For Charity Work

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg were honored by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) last Wednesday.

The black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year, and featured a special reunion performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” by all of the original artists: Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. Also in recognition of amfAR’s 25 years, special tributes were made to the Foundation’s co-founders, Mathilde Krim, Ph.D and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The evening was presented by Hublot, and co-sponsored by M*A*C Viva Glam. More than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research.

President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research. Ms. von Furstenberg was presented with her award by her husband, Barry Diller. Chelsea Clinton presented the award to her father. Sir Elton John delivered a personal message from Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who could not be in attendance, stating “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.” Sir Elton accepted the award on her behalf.

Haiti One Year On: The Care For Haiti Celebrity Charity Album

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

America’s top Grammy nominated artists and internationally celebrated musicians, Slip N Slide Records and charity CARE have partnered with Melky Jean and Wyclef Jean to launch a worldwide effort, The Care For Haiti Album, to benefit women and children in Haiti, on the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

On January 12, 2011, to commemorate the one year anniversary of the earthquake, The Care For Haiti project will release the first single from the album, “Better,” highlighting the hope and future of Haiti if we unite to make things better. The song was written and performed by Melky Jean; Wyclef Jean served as the A&R.

The complete Care For Haiti Album will be released on March 8th, 2011, on to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the celebration of International Women’s Day, and will feature original songs and selections from Patti LaBelle, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Paul, Angélique Kidjo, The Kindred Family, Talib Kweli, Brooke Hogan and many others.

Elton John To Host Celebrity Charity Ball In June

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

In July 1999, Sir Elton John and David Furnish opened the doors of their Old Windsor home for the first White Tie & Tiara Ball, and the tradition will continue in 2011 on June 23..

Set amongst 37 acres of rolling English countryside next to Windsor castle, the White Tie & Tiara Ball is a spectacular evening, raising money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Since then, it has become an annual event hosted by Elton and David and one of the premier fundraising events of the UK.

Wyclef's Sister To Hold Charity Event For Haiti

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

Wyclef Jean will join his sister, Melky Jean, at a special charity event to raise money for Haiti through Melky’s charity, the Carma Foundation, next month.

Hosted by Vivica Fox, the 3rd annual Geminis Give Back event will feature performances by Wyclef and Melky, as well as Patti LaBelle.

Inspired by her brother, Melky set up the Carma Foundation to improve the health of poor women and children in Haiti.

Alyssa Milano Among New Stars Named In Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The American Red Cross has announced eight new members to its National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need – down the street, across the country and around the world.

New members include actor Penn Badgley, who is best known as Dan Humphrey on the television series Gossip Girl, Giselle Blondet, a Puerto Rican who has long established herself as one of Spanish-language television’s most distinguished and popular on-air personalities, actor Josh Duhamel, who appeared in the hit movie Transformers, country music superstar Wynonna Judd, actor and hip hop music icon, LL Cool J, award winning actress and country music superstar Reba McEntire, actress and humanitarian Alyssa Milano, and actor, comedian and television personality David Spade. With the addition of the eight new members, the Red Cross now has more than 40 members on its National Celebrity Cabinet.

“The American Red Cross runs on the valuable service of volunteers to fulfill our mission, and we are grateful that these celebrities are setting an example by volunteering their time and talents to help raise awareness of our work in responding to disasters, providing blood, helping military members and their families and promoting preparedness through first aid or CPR classes,” states Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross.

Stars Remember Natasha Richardson At Charity Gala

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The stars were out and about on Wednesday, February 10, to remember actress Natasha Richardson – who died in a skiing accident last year – and honor Elton John at the annual New York Fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, featured performances by Rufus Wainwright and Lady Gaga, and featured a guest list that included Cyndi Lauper, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, Stanley Tucci and many more.

Sir Elton received amfAR’s Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.

Lionel Richie Honored By United Negro College Fund

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Legendary singer Lionel Richie was honored with an Award of Excellence by the United Negro College Fund on Saturday night.

Celebrities such as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Akon, Katharine McPhee and comedian Cedric the Entertainer attended the 31st annual An Evening of Stars event, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

“[Richie] is a national treasure and we’re proud to claim him, not only as a graduate of our storied member school, Tuskegee University, but as an artist of international renown and longtime supporter of UNCF and the work we do to make sure that every child in America gets an education that starts in preschool and doesn’t end until college graduation,” said UNCF’s CEO Michael L. Lomax.

American Red Cross Announces Celebrity Cabinet

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce five new additions to its National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need.

New members to the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet include country singer and professional ballroom dancer Julianne Hough, Tony Award-winner and actress Anika Noni Rose, who lends her voice to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated comedy adventure “The Princess and the Frog” and appears in the HBO/Anthony Minghella television drama series,“#1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”, Hollywood Records artist and Disney Channel star Demi Lovato, who is supporting disaster relief via a Text 2 Help campaign throughout her summer tour, actress Sally Pressman from Lifetime’s “Army Wives” who will be supporting Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces, and actress Amanda Peet.

Peet has already made a personal commitment to support the Red Cross Measles Initiative. “As a mom, I feel privileged to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to vaccinate millions of children around the world through the Measles Initiative, a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. I commend the American Red Cross for tackling this global health problem in developing countries, where measles remains a leading cause of death, despite the availability of a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. I am passionate about this cause and look forward partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure children worldwide have this life-saving opportunity.”

Stars Support First Book Campaign

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Following last year’s successful What Book Got You Hooked campaign, literacy charity First Book is once again joining with the stars to raise awareness.

What Book Got You Hooked is an initiative of First Book, a charity whose mission is to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. The online campaign highlights the importance of books in the lives of children – especially for those in need.

From now through September 30, visitors to the First Book website are asked to share their memory of the first book that made reading fun, then help get more children hooked by voting for the state to receive a special donation of 50,000 new books for children in need. Visitors are also invited to make a $10 donation, to help provide four brand new books for a child in need.

Celebrities Donate Dresses And Wine To Charity Auction

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Need a new dress for the upcoming Awards Season? Then why not bid on one of these items donated by Hollywood’s hottest stars and benefiting worthwhile charities?

Julianne Moore, Sharon Stone, Jaime Presley, Ana Ortiz, Angie Harmon, Monique Coleman and many others have handed over their favorite little black dresses to Clothesoffourback.org to benefit the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation and YouthAIDS.

Also up for grabs are signed bottles of Little Black Dress 2006 Pinot Noir, the official wine of Award Season. Sit down for a special drink on behalf of Gavin Rossdale, Miranda Lambert, Patti LaBelle and many more. Portions of the auctions will also go to Feeding America, The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

Martha Stewart Gets Celeb Friends To Sign Decorations

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:00:00 +0000

An eclectic array of stars, including Dido, The Wiggles, James Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Pink, and Joss Stone, have signed Christmas ornaments for Martha Stewart’s new charity auction.

Stewart’s Sirius Radio show launched the auction this week to benefit the Taste of the NFL, an organization that raises money and awareness for hunger organizations.

Other stars to join in the fun include Howard Stern, David Archuleta, the Kaiser Chiefs, Jane Krakowski, Nigella Lawson, Quincy Jones, Elle Macpherson, Tom Arnold, Jacqueline Bisset, David Cook, Nickelback, Jamie Oliver, Lee Ann Womack, and many more.

Divas Simply Sing For Women With AIDS

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The 18th annual DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING! Concert takes place in the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills this weekend.

Hosted by Sheryl Lee Ralph, the show promises to be a magical evening of song and entertainment that will benefit the Women Alive Coalition. The event will feature a host of the most talented women in the entertainment business – including Patti LaBelle, Patti Austin, Miki Howard, Angie Stone, Raven Symone – united in a benefit concert to continue the courageous battle against HIV/AIDS.

In 1990 Sheryl Lee Ralph established the Diva Foundation and created DIVAS Simply Singing! as a loving memorial to the many friends she had lost to HIV/AIDS. For 18 consecutive years, the Diva and her friends have come together to raise their voices in song and commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Each diva performs one song with the sole accompaniment of a concert grand piano.

Joss Stone, Anita Baker To Shine for UNCF's An Evening of Stars

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Grammy-winning ladies of soul Anita Baker and Joss Stone are set to join Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and American Idol winner Fantasia at the UNCF’s tribute to Patti LaBelle.

The UNCF’s 30th Anniversary An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Patti LaBelle Presented by Target promises to be a night to remember as the charity salutes Patti LaBelle before a live audience on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.

What Book Got The Stars Hooked?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Before they were famous, they were reading under the covers with flashlights like the rest of us, and now, stars are sharing their love of reading with us through the What Got You Hooked? campaign.

What Book Got You Hooked is an initiative of First Book, a charity whose mission is to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. The online campaign highlights the importance of books in the lives of children – especially for those in need.

From now through September 15, visitors to the First Book Web site are asked to share their memory of the first book that made reading fun, then help get more children hooked by voting for the state to receive a special donation of 50,000 new books for children in need. Oklahoma was last year’s campaign winner with over 34,000 votes in its favor. Visitors are also invited to make a $10 donation, to help provide four brand new books for a child in need.

Patti LaBelle Rings The Bells Of Peace

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:32:16 +0000

Grammy Award-winning singer, humanitarian, and New York Times Best-Selling author Patti LaBelle has joined the Board of Directors of an organization devoted to protecting the history of Virginia Union University, a historical African American College/University opened in 1865.

Bells for Peace is a non-profit organization that seeks to restore a top quality facility, the Belgian Pavilion, where excellence in multi-cultural educational services is heightened for students, community, state, nation, and the world. The building was gifted to the University in the spirit of brotherhood, friendship, and peace from the Government of Belgium after the 1939 New York World’s Fair – where 25 million people heard its bells ring out – and was a powerful gesture of international goodwill many years before the Civil Rights Laws were enacted. Listed as a national treasure and Virginia Historical landmark, the building is now without the bells that gave its original purpose – they now ring in Hoover Tower at Stanford University. The building, designed by world-renowned architect Henri Van de Velde, is in need of repair, and Bells for Peace is working to leverage local, national and international attention to the university to preserve the history of the landmark.

LaBelle brings with her a lifetime of charitable work, and has always been committed to the call of peace and stability through her work at improving access to education, access to health care, access to housing, and equality of justice.

Red Cross Announces The 2008 Celebrity Cabinet

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:36:00 +0000

The American Red Cross unveiled their 7th annual National Celebrity Cabinet yesterday, February 28, with 15 new members from movies, sports, and television.

Skateboard legend Tony Hawk will join former Beverly Hills 90210 and Dancing With The Stars alum Jennie Garth, Heroes’ Masi Oka, Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley, House M.D.’s Lisa Edelstein and Kal Penn, Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz, Grey’s Anatomy’s Sara Ramirez, Scrubs’ Judy Reyes, Everyone Loves Raymond’s Patricia Heaton, Hairspray’s Brittany Snow, two-time NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, New York Yankee Robinson Cano, NFL star Matt Leinart, and Life Coach Iyanla Vanzant in the 2008 Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, part of a mobilizing force to urge people to perform extraordinary life-saving acts in dire circumstances through the assistance of the Red Cross.

“I am extremely honored to participate in the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, especially at a time when we have the ability to do so much for people around the world who have endured such tragedies,” said new member Jennie Garth. “The Red Cross brings help and hope to those in need and has done tremendous good for so many different people on a global level. I believe this is a time when we can educate others and the Red Cross allows for the opportunity for each individual to contribute to the effort. I am grateful that I am able be part of this amazing organization.”

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

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

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

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

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

"Cover" Story by Bill Duke

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:13:18 +0000

Actor/director Bill Duke’s film Cover held one of the two coveted spots for closing night film at the close of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Los Angeles. Members of the audience were in awe by the dramatic unfolding of a story which sheds light on the issue of “down low” behavior and the alarming consequences which add up to African American women accounting for up to 70% of all new HIV/Aids cases.

What is “down low”? It is a street term which refers to the secret sexual infidelity on the part of a husband or boyfriend with a man/woman. Usually, the man learns that he has the disease and withholds the truth. Duke implores men to be honest.

The film seeks to save lives with its message. I asked Bill to elaborate on the main message that he hopes to send with his film. He replied emphatically with reference to percentages of Black women contracting AIDS, “For 80% of the women that are infected to be infected by men that know they have the disease something is wrong!” He prefaced the statement with addressing the issue as tragic.

Russell Simmons and Lil' Kim Support Lisa Lopes Orphanage

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:46:00 +0000

The Lisa Lopes Foundation is celebrating the grand opening of the Lisa Lopes Rural School and Orphanage with its Celebrity Auction and Fund-raiser this
Saturday, August 18. The event will take place at The 40/40 Club in New York, where guests can mingle with Russell Simmons, Lil’ Kim, Flava Flav, JD Williams, Patti LaBelle and more while raising funds for the Lisa Lopes Orphanage in Honduras.

The orphanage provides a healthy home, dental clinic, and free healthcare for twenty abandoned children, ages 2-15. Free on-site schooling is also available for children in the community. Many of the children living in the orphanage have lost