Look To The Stars News: Bill Maher

Humane Society Announces Genesis Award Nominees

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:05:00 +0000

DreamWorks’ Academy Award-nominated War Horse, Twentieth Century Fox’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Rio, and Alcon Entertainment’s Dolphin Tale lead the diverse field of 58 nominees for The Humane Society of the United States’ 26th Genesis Awards.

Honoring the news and entertainment media for their outstanding reporting and creative portrayals of animal protection issues in 19 categories, The HSUS’s 26th Genesis Awards, hosted by Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba, will be presented at a gala ceremony on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, Calif. The event will air as a one-hour special on Animal Planet in May.

Celebrity presenters will include Bill Maher, Kristin Bauer and Pauley Perrette.

Carrie Ann Inaba To Host Humane Society Awards

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba will take time out from prepping for the 14th season of the hit ABC show to host The Humane Society of the United States’ 26th Genesis Awards on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills.

The only major awards show of its kind, the annual Genesis Awards honors the news and entertainment media for raising awareness of animal issues. It will air as Television Special on Animal Planet in May.

Known for her compassion for animals, Carrie Ann will emcee this star-studded awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding reporting and creative portrayals of animal protection issues in feature films, documentaries, TV news and entertainment programming, as well as print and online journalism.

George Clooney's Signed Jacket Up For Auction To Benefit RFK Center

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Celebrities spanning the worlds of politics, sports and entertainment have joined together for The Robert F. Kennedy Center’s annual Ripple of Hope Holiday Auction.

Icons including Madeleine Albright and George Clooney have donated exclusive experiences and VIP access to raise funds for the organization’s integral human rights work. Bidding is currently live and runs through December 15th at leading charity auction site charitybuzz.com at www.charitybuzz.com/RFKHoliday2011.

Michael Moore, Martin Sheen, Mark Hamill and many more celebrities have donated exclusive experiences to raise funds for the 42-year-old organization dedicated to providing an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world. Additional notable participants include: Jenna Fischer, George Clooney, Rosie Perez, Debra Messing, Bill Maher, Michael Lombardi, John Starks, Ray Romano, James Earl Jones, Chris Matthews, Marc Summers, Florence Henderson, Kate Mulgrew, Jay Leno, Joe Scarborough, Steve Case, Robert Wolf, Austan Goolsbee, Paul Volcker, Mort Zuckerman and Dr. Madeleine Albright, with more A-listers joining the auction each day.

Star Power Backs Occupy Wall Street Movement

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The tenacious Occupy Wall Street movement that began on September 17 may have been ignored by mainstream media, but it caught the attention of many celebrities who have visited the New York city protest camp. Film maker Michael Moore and actor Susan Sarandon were in there early and, more recently, actor John Cusack and musicians Kanye West and Russell Simmons have lent their support.

Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, who performed on the ground for protestors last week, explained his participation: “Do people have control over what their lives and their world are like beyond voting once every four years for someone they cross their fingers and hope is going to do the best job? It’s not a choice between the lesser of two evils; it’s often the choice of the evil of two lessers. The blinders are off. We’re on our own. We’ve got to figure this out for ourselves. As Ghandi said, first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”

“There’s a hopelessness that’s descended upon people,” said Mark Ruffalo, joining the protest in New York. “That hopelessness crushes dignity, and there’s only so far that human dignity can actually be crushed before it says ’That’s enough’. We’re reaching that point. We’re seeing it happen all over the world.”

Stars To Celebrate World Peace Day At Bullets4Peace Event

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

A number of celebrities will come together on Wednesday for a very special World Peace Day celebration in Hollywood with Bullets4Peace.

The third annual Reloading Life event will feature a very special live performance by peace activist and international vocal sensation Liel Kolet, with a guest list that includes host Chris Noth, Bullets 4 Peace founder Rafi Anteby, LOVA Tea co-founders Stephanie Cence and Tara Wilson, Akon, America Ferrera, Bill Maher, Bobby Brown, Boris Kodjoe, Brandon T. Jackson, Brandy, Brian McKnight, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Pine, Cynthia Nixon, Dennis Haysbert, Donald Faison, Eric Dane, Esai Morales, Eva Marcille, Forest Whitaker, George Lopez, Hill Harper, Idris Elba, Jill Hennessy, John Corbett, John Slattery, Jordin Sparks, Julie Benz, Kathy Griffin, Kiefer Sutherland, Keke Palmer, Kristin Davis, Kyle Maclachlan, Lance Gross, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Johansson, Regina King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sean Penn, Shannon Elizabeth, Taraji P. Henson, Tatyana Ali, Travis Barker, Vivica Fox, Zoe Kravitz, Wayne Brady and many others.

Bullets4Peace is a jewelry line made of recycled bullet casings taken from reload centers, streets, and war zones. When a bullet is fired the tip flies towards the target and the casing falls to the ground. Manufacturers reload these casings with live ammunition. Bullets4Peace intercepts this vicious cycle by transforming the casings into unique and stylish pendants insuring that these bullets will never find their way back to war zones, thus promoting harmony and peace. Bullets4Peace transforms war bullets into beautiful and unique jewelry as a way of spreading consciousness of peace.

Russell Simmons Launches Art For Life Celebrity Charity Auction

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

Justin Timberlake, one of the hottest stars in entertainment, has donated a once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise funds for Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation through the 2012 Art for Life Online Auction at Charitybuzz.com.

Timberlake is auctioning the chance for two incredibly lucky fans to hang out with him backstage after any concert of their choice during his 2012 tour. Bidding on the package is open through August 10th at leading charity auction site charitybuzz. The estimated value is set at $10,000.

Ke$ha And Iggy Pop Say No To Canadian Seal Hunt

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Ke$ha and Iggy Pop have joined PETA’s campaign to stop the barbaric slaughter of seals in Canada.

According to PETA, “Each year, the Canadian government allows sealers to descend on the ice to club hundreds of thousands of seals to death and sell the animals’ pelts on the international fur market. Sealers routinely hook these fuzzy creatures in the eyes, cheeks, or mouth to avoid damaging their fur and then drag the animals across the ice. The seal-hunters crush baby seals’ skulls in with their clubs before they skin them.”

Farm Sanctuary Celebrates 25 Years Of Animal Protection

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

This year, Farm Sanctuary, the organization responsible for bringing farm animal issues into the mainstream consciousness celebrates its 25th anniversary.

As the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, Farm Sanctuary urged passage of the first U.S. laws to protect animals on farms, initiated the first cruelty convictions at stockyards and slaughterhouses, and established the first and largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America. Along the way, the organization has encouraged the public to embrace compassionate living through public campaigns, like getting the first veggie burger on Burger King menus and welcoming visitors to its sanctuaries, where thousands of people have had transformational experiences — including Twitter Co-Founder Biz Stone, who became a vegan after a visit to the New York Shelter.

Barbra Streisand Honored As Charity Person Of The Year

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Barbra Streisand was honored as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year at its star-studded 21st annual benefit gala on Friday.

The legendary artist was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of her renowned creative accomplishments as well as her philanthropic work, which has included an extraordinary range of charitable activities over the years.

“Barbra Streisand is a genuine Renaissance woman, someone for whom artistry and philanthropy go hand in hand,” said Neil Portnow, president of the MusiCares Foundation. “The enormous talent, passion and dedication she brings to her creative projects — whether film, television or music — are matched by the generosity and commitment she devotes to her charitable causes. It is fitting to celebrate the incredible legacy of Barbra at our 21st Annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute.”

Party with Jimmy Fallon on Grammy's Eve

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Jimmy Fallon is set to host this year’s Roots Jam Session on Friday, February 12th, benefitting OpportunityNation, and you could be there, too!

Every year, award season brings the usual array of star-studded parties, but rarely do any of these become a celebrated institution. The Legendary Roots Crew, named one of the greatest live bands around by both Spin and Rolling Stone, have created the ticket to one of the most coveted and exclusive experiences of the season, delivering an innovative and unforgettable mix of musicians performing under one roof.

Jimmy Fallon will act as this year’s host, following in the footsteps of Don Cheadle, John Legend, Jada Pinkett Smith and Dave Chappelle, while Hennessy Artistry will serve as presenting partner. The announcement comes on the heels of The Roots’ 6 GRAMMY nominations, which are split between their two 2010 releases, Wake Up! (with John Legend) and How I Got Over.

Global Green's Annual Pre-Oscar Party Not to Be Missed

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:02:00 +0000

Celebrities will be walking quite a few red carpets during ‘Oscar’ week in Los Angeles next month, but perhaps the most important carpet they’ll walk will be Global Green’s ‘green carpet.’

The Annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party is where celebrities and other eco-luminaries are treated to the best in eco-products at the green products showcase and an organic bar. The evening culminates with stellar musical performances that help drive home Global Green’s message.

Only 1,500 guests are invited to the Feb 23rd event, where media and press will gather to hear the latest green messages from some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they walk the ‘green carpet.’

Celebrity Endorsments Help Charity Initiative Save Sharks

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Beginning in October, the Shark-Free Marina Initiative will embark on it’s largest membership campaign throughout the United States and the Bahamas in order to save sharks.

Sharks are disappearing from our oceans at an alarming rate. Therefore, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States, and various other organizations have teamed up with the Shark-Free Marina Initiative (SFMI) for a singular, historic purpose: to reduce worldwide shark mortality. SFMI certifies sport fishing and resort marinas as ‘Shark-Free’ thereby prohibiting any shark from being landed at their dock.

“SFMI works directly with the recreational and commercial fishing community to send a clear message,” says Luke Tipple, Managing Director and SFMI founder. “As shark populations are decimated on a global scale we as a species are obligated to pay attention and reduce our wasteful destruction of these incredibly important animals.”

Bill Maher Wants Canada To Stop Seal Hunt

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Bill Maher has written an opinion piece in the New York Daily News, urging Canada to stop its annual massacre of seals.

Although this year’s cull was smaller than usual, Maher laments the fact Canada won’t stop the barbaric practice altogether and ponders if Canadians have a phobia of baby seals.

“There are a lot of things to admire about our neighbor to the north, but the country’s strange seal phobia is not one of them,” he writes. "Canada is terrified of seals. Baby seals, in particular. I know, it doesn’t make any sense to me either.

Stars Support RFK's Human Rights Dream With Charity Auction

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Whether you dream of dancing up a storm with Elton John or grabbing a cup of joe with Robert De Niro, learning to run a fashion empire from Diane Von Furstenberg or belting out a ballad with Alicia Keys, you can help support the RFK Center’s dream of worldwide human rights.

The 2010 Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights’ spring auction is launching on April 8th at Charitybuzz with a star-studded line-up of once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for auction.

Pop culture icons including Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Reggie Bush, Diane Von Furstenberg, Elton John, Robert DeNiro, Shepard Fairey and many more have donated jaw dropping experiences to raise funds for the 42-year-old organization dedicated to providing an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world. Additional notable participants include: George Lucas, Michael Buble, Tim Gunn, Bill Maher, Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey, Venus Williams, Evan Lysacek, Ken Burns, Anderson Cooper, Bobbi Brown, George Lopez, Paula Zahn, Martin Sheen, Jimmy Smits, Ray Romano, John Cusack, James Taylor, Meryl Streep, Tom Ridge, Viggo Mortensen, and Laird Hamilton, with more A-listers joining the cause each day.

Bill Maher Urges NASA To Leave Monkeys Alone

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Bill Maher is urging NASA to leave monkeys out of the space race.

The space agency recently approved a proposal to conduct radiation studies on live squirrel monkeys in an attempt to understand the effects of interplanetary travel. The space agency has not used monkeys for radiobiology research in decades.

“I’m writing to ask you to rethink NASA’s recently announced plan to spend $1.75 million on an experiment that will blast live squirrel monkeys with dangerous levels of radiation.” writes Mr. Maher in a letter dated Jan. 13 to NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. “It’s been decades since NASA last funded a study that involved irradiating nonhuman primates. Don’t turn back the clock — cancel this cruel exercise in futility.”

Sheryl Crow Rides Out For Horses

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Singer Sheryl Crow is trying to stop the US government from relocating wild horses from their native lands in the plains in the West to the East.

The government claims the horses have become too numerous, and the ranges of Nevada can no longer support them. Plans have been made to transport around 25,000 to new pastures.

“I think there has to be a better way than taking them away from their native lands,” said Crow. "I feel so passionate about the issue because wild horses are one of the last remaining ties to the land as it was and our history in America.

Somaly Mam Foundation To Host Star-Studded Charity Event Tonight

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:39:00 +0000

The second annual Evening of Hope and Dreams to benefit the Somaly Mam Foundation will be held in Los Angeles tonight, September 29.

The evening, featuring a special live performance by American Idol’s Kara DioGuardi and inspirational words from Somaly Mam, will raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s Survivor Services, Advocacy and Awareness programs, and recognize leadership in anti-trafficking. SMF will honor entrepreneurs and activists Jeff & Mei Sze Greene with the Voices for Change Award for their commitment to the cause of human trafficking and their special contribution to helping the Somaly Mam Foundation grow into the organization it is today.

The guest list for the event, to be held at the home of Jeff and Mei Sze Greene in Beverly Hills, includes Bill Maher, Daryl Hannah, Lisa Ling, Jane Seymour, Ron Livingston, Sarah Larson, Donald Faison and many more.

Celebrities Sign Letter To Stop Tail Docking

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

An animal rights charity has gathered support from a number of celebrities for its urgent call to end a cruel practice commonplace in the dairy industry.

On behalf of Kim Basinger, Alicia Silverstone, Bill Maher, Bob Barker and a host of other California celebrities – as well as their more than 200,000 members and supporters – Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, sent a letter today to Governor Schwarzenegger urging him to do the right thing and sign a bill sitting on his desk that would end the cruel and outdated practice of amputating dairy cows’ tails.

Both chambers of the California legislature recently passed a bill that would ban tail docking in the dairy industry, but the bill will not become law unless the governor signs it.

Richard Dreyfuss Wants Politics Back In School Curriculum

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Worried that the current generation of American children are on the road to passivity, Richard Dreyfuss wants to make sure that they are reminded of the values and methods that helped form America into the country that it is today.

“You can actually learn the constancy of curiosity, and the constancy of outrage,” said Dreyfuss in an interview with Bill Maher. "You can learn that it is ok to keep asking the questions and to be dissenters. If you’re not taught it, then you don’t know it. But we owe ourselves and the United States that we will pass off to our children to relearn the tools of reason, logic, clarity, dissent, civility and debate. And those things are the non-partisan basis of democracy and without them you can kiss this thing good-bye.

“The expertise needed to understand western enlightenment and civil liberties is not something you’re born with. You have to learn it. We teach our kids what we want them to know, and we don’t teach our kids what we don’t want them to know. That’s not a conspiracy, that’s human nature…. If you don’t teach it, it will go away, and in the middle of the night when the towers fall we will not say ‘What am I responsible for?’ We will say, ‘Tell us what to do,’ … and we’ll chuck these liberties the moment the next terrorist horror happens.”

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

An exciting new charity auction has been launched featuring an unbelievable number of celebrity experiences.

Ever want to meet Oprah Winfrey? Hop in the pool for a swim lesson from Michael Phelps. Get fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn over lunch at Bryant Park Grill? Learn the arts of comedy and paper sales from Steve Carell on the set of the Office. How about talking politics with the most powerful woman in Washington, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, during a tour of the U.S. Capitol or crossing the aisle to discuss backyard BBQ recipes and foreign policy with Senator John McCain? See Iron Chef Bobby Flay in action at Kitchen Stadium? Make your Hollywood debut in Ridley Scott’s new “Robinhood” film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Seek enlightenment and meet Richard Gere with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC. Or ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction. With the help of CharityBuzz, the online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. The auction is open now and runs until December May 28th with new lots continuing to be added each and every day.

Lint Roller Party Picks Up Big Names

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:38:00 +0000

An impressive list of stars will be turning into party animals at the newly restored Hollywood Palladium on Thursday, November 13th, for the 15th annual Lint Roller Party.

Lisa Edelstein along with Eric and Tania Idle are Honorary Co-Chairs for the night, which supports the Best Friends Animal Society. The party’s honorary committee includes animal lovers such as Adrian Grenier, Charlize Theron, Nicollette Sheridan, Bill Maher, Dan Aykroyd and Willie Nelson, to name but a few.

The event raises funds for the Society’s programs in LA, which improve and save the lives of animals, including: A Puppy-Store-Free LA, Pet Adoption Festivals, Date with a Dog, Indie Rescue, Catnippers, Best Friends Brigade, Pup My Ride Transport Program.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

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

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

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

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

Celebrities Gather For Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:23:00 +0000

Celebrities, artists, actors, industry executives, and environmentalists joined Global Green USA CEO Matt Petersen for the 5th Annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party last Wednesday, February 20, at the Avalon Nightclub in Hollywood.

The theme of this year’s event was “Time To Act: Reduce your Carbon Footprint today: Drive Green, Live Green, Vote Green”. The evening, emceed by HBO’s ‘Real Time’ host Bill Maher, raised $420,000 to benefit Global Green’s climate change initiatives, which include the green rebuilding of New Orleans.

“There are a lot of people in this town who talk a lot about (the issue), but these guys (Global Green) are actually doing something,” said Maher, who arrived at the event in a hybrid SUV.

Celebrities Go To The Dogs Over Auction

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:41:16 +0000

Looking for something a little different to give the special pet in your life? Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron may be able to help, as they are some of the stars donating items for the upcoming “Celebrity Collars For Dollars” auction, starting June 23rd.

The event aims to raise funds for Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing dogs that are permanently chained and mistreated.

Bidders will have the chance to buy pre-used dog collars belonging to the canine friends of celebrities such as Robin Williams, who has donated three collars from his pets Gabby and MabelMae, three autographed photos, three signed DVDs, and an autographed Dogs Deserve Better calendar.

Comic Relief Brings Laughter to New Orleans

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 21:12:33 +0000

Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams are back to host the 20th Anniversary of the US Comic Relief event this Saturday, November 19th. After an eight-year hiatus, the beloved event has returned to raise funds for New Orleans and the people still suffering from the effects of last year’s hurricane. Comedians such as Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Ray Romano and Roseanne Barr have joined the cause.

The show will take place at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas as part of The Comedy Festival, with tickets starting at $95. For those unable to attend in person, the three-hour concert will appear simultaneously on HBO and TBS from 9pm to Midnight EST.

This year a special Comic Relief concert has been scheduled in New Orleans to coincide with the regular Las Vegas show. The event will be held at Harrah’s Fulton Street promenade and is free to the public. Wayne Brady is the host of this show, and he will be joined by entertainers such as Louie Anderson and Tom Arnold.