Look To The Stars News: Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz Gets Hands Dirty For Charity

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Actress Cameron Diaz got down and dirty at charity project on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Friday.

The star joined Boston Celtics players and about 125 volunteers in building a garden and basketball court at a school in Massachusetts. She spent two hours helping volunteers to assemble an elevated flower bed at the Young Achievers Pilot School, in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston.

“She literally dug in and helped build some walled gardens at the school,” said Wyc Grousbeck, owner of the Boston Celtics. “She was hauling lumber, digging holes and hammering nails. She’s a really good person – not one of the phoneys.”

Leonardo DiCaprio: A Big Green Help

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

In recognition for his significant and visible contribution toward helping the environment, and for inspiring kids to do the same, Nickelodeon will honor multi-Academy Award-nominated actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio with the first-ever “Big Green Help Award” at this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday, March 28, at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, Calif.

Nickelodeon’s 22nd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards — featuring host Dwayne Johnson — will honor kids’ favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television in a star-studded live event.

The award — which will be presented to DiCaprio by longtime friend and fellow friend of the planet Cameron Diaz — is part of Nickelodeon’s Big Green Help campaign — a multiplatform, global pro-social campaign designed to empower kids to take action on the environment and connect them to energy saving and earth-friendly activities in their everyday lives. Created for the more than half of U.S. kids who say they are concerned about the environment, The Big Green Help aims to fashion a new generation of environmentalists for whom green will become not only a cause, but a way of life.

Leonardo DiCaprio has been a tireless promoter of green causes and events, and an avid environmentalist. He established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 to foster increased awareness of environmental issues, and served as global chairman of Earth Day 2000.

DiCaprio recently co-wrote, co-produced and narrated the documentary The 11th Hour, which touches on the world economy, politics, personal transformation and environmental consciousness. DiCaprio is on the board of trustees of the Natural Resources Defense Council (a Big Green Help partner) and Global Green USA.

Kids can join DiCaprio to help better the environment by pledging on www.nick.com/biggreenhelp. On Earth Day (April 22, 9 p.m. ET/PT), Nickelodeon will “Power Down” for 60-seconds, celebrating the nearly two million kid-pledges to-date, and symbolizing kids’ commitments to be more environmentally conscious. On-screen messaging will ask kids to simultaneously turn off their lights and unplug their gadgets and devices signaling their year-long promise to engage in real-world environmental action. When they power back up, kids can go online and find real-world tactics they can take to help the environment.

Stars Come Out For Charity The Night Before

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

The entertainment industry’s biggest stars are set to shine this weekend at the annual Academy Awards, but the night before the big event they will be partying it up to support the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation.

The 7th annual The Night Before event will take place on Saturday, February 21, at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, and aims to help provide charitable health and community services to entertainment industry people in need.

The first Night Before event was held in 2003 and instantly became one of the most coveted invitations in town kicking off what is now a much-anticipated awards season tradition. Since its inception, the Night Before fundraiser has raised more than $30 million for MPTF.

“This event raises more money to help the entertainment industry than any other single event we do,” said Ken Scherer, CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation. “The money raised here during the past six years has changed the lives of countless people in the entertainment industry, through the various services and programs offered by MPTF.”

MPTF Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg added: “This year, more than any other, we are asking the entertainment industry to come out and help those in the business who are facing some type of hardship, financial or otherwise. There are people who are losing their cars and homes; the need has never been greater. The money raised from this event will enable MPTF to keep up with the increasing requests for help and hopefully we wont have to have to say ‘no’ to anyone.”

Celebrities on this year’s hosting committee include: Jennifer Aniston, Tanya Haden Black & Jack Black, Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Luciana & Matt Damon, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Jake Gyllenhaal, Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Jennifer & Tobey Maguire, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, Christine Taylor & Ben Stiller, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Weisz, Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks, Kate Winslet & Sam Mendes, Reese Witherspoon, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones & Michael Douglas.

The non-profit Motion Picture & Television Fund, headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calif., was founded in 1921 to provide “relief” for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, 85 years later, MPTF is a major service provider supporting the health and well being of the entertainment community. Healthcare, childcare, retirement living and social/charitable services are offered with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person. Care is offered through the MPTF 250-bed hospital, five outpatient health centers, charitable financial assistance and community outreach programs, a full-scale retirement community and a children’s day care center. More information is available here.

“We Have to Do This:” Stars Urge Answer To Obama’s Call To Service

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

Actors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have recorded a star-studded “Presidential Pledge” in collaboration with MySpace and Katalyst Films to encourage Americans to get involved in community service via USAService.org. The move is part of an effort to answer President Barack Obama’s call to begin the “work of remaking America.”

During his inauguration speech on January 20th, President Obama asserted that despite all that “government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”

“The price and promise of citizenship,” according to Obama, is that “we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world.”

It was this call to duty that inspired Kutcher and Moore to record the commercial. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kutcher explained that, “The truth is it’s going to take millions, hundreds of millions, of people for that [change in the world] to happen.”

“It’s going to be because of what all of us do. He’s the catalyst. It’s his inspiring message that asks us to be of service to each other. "

“Someone came into our office and had the idea of doing pledges for Obama, and instantly it was like, ‘We have to do this’,” he said.

The commercial, aired online and viewable here, features celebrities sharing their personal commitments to service. The pledges range from simple tasks (“I pledge to turn the lights off”) to grand endeavors (“I pledge to find a cure for Alzheimer’s”). Participants included famous faces such as George Lopez, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jason Bateman, Dakota Fanning, Nicole Richie, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Kevin Connolly, Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Molly Sims, amongst others.

In a statement, Kutcher emphasized the interactive nature of the PSA announcement, saying, “We are honored to be working with MySpace to rally the entertainment industry to answer President-elect Barack Obama’s call to service. The ‘Presidential Pledge’ is a platform for people across the nation and throughout the world to make a first-person commitment of service to our new president, articulating a specific intent or action to become an agent of positive change.”

Read the full text of President Obama’s Inaugural Address here.

To record and post your own ‘Presidential Pledge,’ visit the MySpace site .

Have Lunch In Style With New Celebrity Auction

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s that time of year again – time for the Annual Celebrity Lunchbox Auction to benefit the Food Bank For New York City.

The Lunchbox Auction is a non-profit organization that runs a yearly auction of celebrity designed lunchboxes and splits the proceeds between the Food Bank For New York City and The Lunchbox Fund, a foundation that provides lunch to pre and high school children in South Africa.

This year’s auction includes lunchboxes designed and signed by celebrities such as Mario Batali, Beastie Boys, Gwyneth Paltrow, David Chang, Tom Colicchio, Salman Rushdie, Cameron Diaz, the cast of Gossip Girls, Rachael Ray, Eva Mendes, Mike Myers, Ellen Page, Michael Stipe, Liv Tyler, Diane Von Furstenberg, and many others.

The auction starts on December 12 at www.thelunchboxauction.org. For a special sneak peak of some of the items, click here.

Jack Johnson Goes Barefoot For Charity

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jack Johnson is kicking off his shoes to lead a host of celebrities in a new auction to save America’s shoreline.

The singer is just one of many conservation-minded stars who have donated their footwear to the auction, which benefits the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

The Barefoot Wine Rescue Project auction also features shoes donated by Cameron Diaz, Matthew McConaughey, Kelly Slater, Sophia Bush, Andrew Keegan and many more.

“Barefoot Wine is committed to helping make beaches ‘barefoot-friendly’ through the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project,” said Jeremy Soine of Barefoot Wines. “We’re donating 100% of the proceeds from this charity auction to support the Surfrider Foundation’s ongoing efforts to keep our world’s beaches healthy for generations to come.”

“This charity auction is an additional step towards improving the state of our coastlines,” added Matt McClain, Director of Marketing and Communications for Surfrider Foundation. “We’re stoked and grateful to see some of our long-time celebrity supporters kicking off their shoes and going ‘barefoot’ for the Surfrider Foundation.”

The auction runs until December 12 and can be accessed through eBay Giving Works.

Christina Aguilera Performs At CNN Heroes Event

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop singer Christina Aguilera joined fellow Grammy Award winners Alicia Keys and John Legend at the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute event that aired on CNN last night.

The event honored the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2008, and was taped in front of an audience of 2,500 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Liz McCartney, dedicated to helping survivors of Hurricane Katrina rebuild their homes, was named 2008 CNN Hero of the Year, and will receive $100,000 to carry on her humanitarian work.

“In this time of economic turmoil, it is such a relief to know that there are people like these heroes, people who care more for others than they do for themselves,” said Anderson Cooper, who hosted the show.

Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Forest Whitaker, Meg Ryan, Terrence Howard, Lucy Liu, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Selena Gomez were among the stars that attended the event.

Aguilera has also spoken out about the recent Prop 8 decision and leant her support to the same-sex marriage campaign.

“They’re [gay couples] constantly pushing to be heard and given equal rights,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of unfairness that goes along with being gay, so the more I can do to give them a voice, then I’ll do so. But I think we’d be fooling ourselves if we thought that everywhere was accepting of gay rights and marriages. I think it’s unfair there has to be some kind of standard for marriage. Marriage should be about two people celebrating their love for each other. It shouldn’t have anything to do with someone’s sexual preference.”

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the biggest celebrity charity auction events of the year is currently gearing up for its launch on December 1.

Bid2Beat AIDS is an annual event that will feature over 1000 items from top stars such as 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Adrian Grenier, Aerosmith, Alec Baldwin, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Common , Death Cab for Cutie, Denzel Washington, P. Diddy, Donny Osmond, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Hanson, Hilary Duff, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Blunt, James Earl Jones, James Morrison, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z , Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst, Ludacris , M.I.A., Madonna, Mariah Carey, Neil Patrick Harris, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Raven Symone, Razorlight, Rihanna , Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Wyclef Jean, and many, many more. Also up for grabs will be VIP tickets to concerts and backstage visits with stars like Bernadette Peters, Jewel, Aimee Mann, Joan Rivers, and Michael Feinstein.

The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity. The first three BID 2 BEAT AIDS auctions raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s looks set to be the biggest yet.

More info about the auction can be found at the Bid2Beat AIDS website, and the auction will go live on World AIDS Day here.

Look To The Stars will keep you posted as the items are announced.

M.I.A. Builds School In Liberia

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rapper M.I.A. is currently looking for support to help build a school in Liberia.

The 31-year-old British-born Paper Planes hit maker visited Liberia with 4REAL, a humanitarian-based TV show that features stars such as Cameron Diaz, Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they undertake adventures around the world to connect with young leaders who, under extreme circumstances, are affecting real change on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

M.I.A., who is currently pregnant with her first baby, used $100,000 she was paid for a show earlier this year to kickstart her Liberian school project.

“It costs $52k to build a school for 1,000 in Liberia,” she said.

The school is now starting to take shape, and M.I.A. is asking for help with books and ideas for the school.

“Maybe you have ideas to make this school more eco-friendly,” she said in her latest blog. “Your school might have books and stuff to donate etc let us know. And if you have interest in going to Liberia to do exchange programs at a school or help out in anyway, let us know.”

More info about 4REAL and the 4REAL Foundation can be found at their website.

5 Friends Voting Video Makes A Comeback

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hollywood is a land of sequels – and so be prepared for another one. Hot on the heals of last month’s 5 Friends video organized by Declare Yourself comes 5 Friends 2.

With only days until the US elections, a new video has been produced to encourage people to get out and vote, with stars such as Orlando Bloom, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Snoop Dogg, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Justin Timberlake, Zach Braff, Colin Farrell, Neil Patrick Harris, Scarlett Johansson, Shia LeBeouf, Tobey Maguire, Ryan Reynolds, and Jason Segal making an appearance.

Along with a selection of people off the street, the stars say exactly why they are voting.

Even Sacha Baron Cohen makes an appearance as Borat.

“What you do inside a voting booth is a secret,” he says as only Borat can. “Nice…!”

And they are not the only ones encouraging people to vote. Zac Efron, Monique Coleman, and the rest of the cast of High School Musical 3 have lent their voices to the Declare Yourself organization with a series of voting videos.

All the videos can be found on the Declare Yourself website. But hurry, you’ve only got until November 4 to make yourself heard and be counted.

Stars Are 4Real In New TV Show

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

A new humanitarian-based TV show debuts in the US this weekend, featuring Cameron Diaz and K’NAAN.

4REAL is a project that began as a documentary television series and has expanded to include an online global community, a provider of educational materials (4REAL School), and the non-profit 4REAL Foundation.

The television show, 4REAL, is a series of half-hour episodes hosted by Sol Guy that takes celebrity guests on adventures around the world to connect with young leaders who, under extreme circumstances, are affecting real change on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Celebrity guests for Season One are Cameron Diaz, Mos Def, Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, K’NAAN, M.I.A., and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The shows take you on unique adventures with these celebrities, but ultimately it’s the young leaders who emerge as the stars. 4REAL inspires viewers with stories of their courage, creativity and dedication to tackling issues such as poverty, environment, health, children’s and indigenous rights, drugs and violence in their communities and beyond.

Beyond the exposure that 4REAL provides, these young leaders are partners in the show, with 50 per cent of the show’s profits going directly to their initiatives.

4REAL is airing globally on National Geographic Channels International (not including Canada, U.S., and U.K.) in 166 countries and 35 languages, as well as on The CW channel in the U.S. and on CTV and MTV in Canada.

4REAL premieres in the U.S. on The CW this Sunday October 5 at 5pm. Two episodes will air back to back every Sunday for the next five months.

Sting And The Police Offer Jean Therapy At Charity Auction

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They once sung about “walking on the moon”, but The Police probably didn’t wear the jeans that were auctioned off for US$19,800 in Sydney on Wednesday whilst gallivanting around in outer space.

The denim trousers were part of the 2008 Celebrity Jeans For Genes auction, an annual event to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Every year a host of international celebrities donate a pair of their personally signed jeans to the cause, which are then transformed into unique and valuable pieces of artwork by talented artists who volunteer their time.

This year’s event – which celebrated 50 years of the Children’s Medical Research Institute – was held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, and raised a total of $250,000 for the charity. It also raised awareness of the Jeans for Genes Day on August 1, which aims to encourage people to wear jeans to work and donate money to the institute.

Other stars who donated their jeans to the cause included Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Suzi Quatro, and Keith Urban. Jackie Chan didn’t just stop at his jeans – he donated a shirt as well.

Previous years auctions have included jeans from Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caton, Kurt Russell, Richard Branson, and Ashley Judd.

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunchbox Auction Will Help Feed Hungry Children

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:49:04 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Forget what they say about good things coming in small boxes, better things come in lunch-boxes created by artists, actors, chefs, musicians, photographer, politicians, and fashion designers to shed light on the plight of hungry children in New York City and South Africa. These original artistic efforts are for the Lunchbox Auction.

The artistry is often unique and often indicative of the personality behind the work. World renown chef Bobby Flay’s 2005 lunchbox was decorated with spices. Bono’s lunchbox was simply red signifying his (RED) campaign. The bidding for lunchbox items will commence online on December 6, 2007

Among the other contributors of lunch-boxes for the first online auction included Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, David Bowie and Iman among other famous people. The proceeds help the Food Bank For New York City provide food to more than 1,000 emergency and community food programs throughout the five boroughs.

One in five children in NYC rely on emergency food. Thousands of miles away in South Africa, children face similar hunger oriented plights. Fledgling school programs do not subsidize pre- and high schools, so for many of these children the Lunch box fund feed them their only meal of the day. Moreover, many of the children are AIDS orphans running child-headed households.

To see the full list of lunch-boxes, visit the Charity Folks Website.

Natural Heroes' Stories Told By Green Stars

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:14:28 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

“All over the world, ordinary citizens are finding ways to bring clean air and water back to their communities, preserve open spaces, protect endangered species, and ensure that their schools and neighborhoods are healthy.” The show Natural Heroes’ stories is back for its third season, narrated by a host of celebrities, and jointly made by award-winning non-profit organization Green Treks Network and KRCB Public Television.

The show’s stories span all types of environments, across the globe:

Plantations: impoverished coffee farmers gaining little from the increased sale price of coffee, American apple farmers losing their land and others who hold the answers to renewal, and the largest urban garden in the US, the South Central Farm in LA, where Daryl Hannah, Joan Baez, Martin Sheen and Willie Nelson profile the benefits, supporters, evictions, developers and farmers.

Oceans: Papua New Guinea where the Titan people, after 40,000 years, are running out of fish on their coral reefs, the continuing decline of native fish populations all over the world and its impact on the dependant communities, and the threat to Moss Beach, California’s surf and rocky tide pools.

Wilderness: New Zealand looking to the wilderness for answers, and Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula where people, industry and nature seek a way to live in harmony.

Solutions: from pilots in the skies to an outdoor learning centre for urban kids, from the Power Shift, narrated by Cameron Diaz, where homes generate more power than they use, to fourth generation fisherwoman, Diane Wilson, who puts her life at risk to battle the giants of the petro-chemical industry and their toxic waste.

Out to educate people, Green Treks focuses on “the interconnectedness of environmental, societal, economic and individual health,” and KRCB with information and culture in partnership with community.

“People from all walks of life are taking environmental stewardship seriously” — Green Treks and KRCB are bringing those people’s efforts to us.

Diaz Joins Pangea Day

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:58:22 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Cameron Diaz, besides working on environmental awareness activities, joins Goldie Hawn, Meg Ryan and other artists, directors and activists on the Pangea Day advisory board, an organisation set on creating a worldwide network of concerned citizens who are making a difference and believe that film can change the world.

The brainchild of Arab-American, award winning documentary film-maker Jehane Noujaim, the group’s first action is to create a global film day where short films will be screened simultaneously across the world, and subsequently be available from the Internet. Submitted by any person from anywhere in the world, the films, which “should provide a powerful glimpse into various aspects of our lives,” will be judged and four hours of the best shorts, visionary speakers and live music will be broadcast May 10, 2008, on Pangea Day.

Towards her wish for world peace and in her effort to heal the world’s conflicts, Ms Noujaim believes that by showing meaningful clips of people of different countries and cultures to the whole world at the same time, she can make conflicts more personal to individuals than perhaps a newspaper report might, humanize the issues, and begin a healing process. After the world wide screening next year, Pangea Day organisers will connect inspired people with appropriate organisations to “facilitate community-building activities.”

Ms Noujaim was last year’s recipient of the TED award at the Technology, Entertainment, Design Conference where "the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers come together to give the talk of their lives. You can hear Ms Noujaim’s wish speech, the wish that she is granted by TED along with $100,000 prize money, at www.pangeaday.org

Pangea is the word given to the earth’s complete land mass before the continents split off. Pangea Cinema Day for Ms Noujaim is “the day the world comes together by reaching out to people’s hearts and souls through film.”

Celebrity Auction Roundup, September 2007

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:27:03 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

September 2007 is shaping up to be a busy month for celebrity charity auctions, with proceeds going towards a variety of causes, including the disadvantaged, the sick, the environment, and an endangered species of seal.

One of the most anticipated auctions of the year, the Chevy Chase Green School Auction, kicked off on September 6, and runs until September 20 on www.charitybuzz.com. This is the fourth year the auction has been running, with proceeds going to the Centre For Environmental Education Online. CEE Online is a non-profit organization set up 17 years ago by actor Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni, and grew out of their belief that for environmental understanding to change, it must begin with the education of children. This year’s fundraising will benefit initiatives involving sustainability, the science of climate change, and the support of healthy food in schools.

There are 43 items on auction, with the most popular being a lunch with Bill Clinton and Chevy Chase for two people. This was expected to raise $35,000, but is already attracting bids of over $45,000. Other popular items are a day on the set of a movie with Cameron Diaz (expected to reach $10,000), and backstage passes to The Rachael Ray Show in New York, including a meet and greet with the star, a personal tour of the studios, and a set of signed cookbooks and Rachael Ray cooking utensils (valued at $2,500). Simon Cowell has donated tickets to American Idol to the auction, and other lots include a tour of Martha Stewart’s garden, the opportunity to spend an afternoon filming with Daryl Hannah for her environmental website, and the chance to meet Ben Stiller at the world premier of his next movie.

Another major auction underway on the Charitybuzz website is The Christie Brinkley Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, Healthy Environment Auction. The 53 items up for sale will benefit the New York Coalition For Healthy School Food and Wellness In The Schools.

Lots include the chance to meet Bill Clinton (valued at $50,000), a backstage meet and greet with Alicia Keys (expected to raise $1,500), VIP packages to see Dr. Phil McGraw, signed photos of celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, as well as a variety of dinner and vacation packages. The auction runs until September 27.

Also on auction at Charitybuzz is a very special chalk drawing of Princess Diana, by Russian born artist, Zohar. This exquisite work of art was commissioned in 1990 by the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own), of which the Princess was Colonel-in-Chief, and is expected to raise $275,000 at auction. Proceeds will go to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, and will provide support to those suffering from Aids, cancer, and the effects of landmines.

Ebay has several auctions running in September, as part of their Giving Works initiative. The most popular of these is a vehicle belonging to Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie. The 4 Wheel Drive Hummer H2 has belonged to the singer since 2005, and is expected to reach $65,000 at auction. Proceeds will go to Global Green USA, an organization that works with governments and individuals to create a sustainable and secure future for the planet. More information is available at www.globalgreen.org, and the auction can be viewed at www.ebay.com/fergie.

Five double tickets to a concert featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant in Tennessee on September 27 are also up for auction. The VIP packages include a pre-show reception, front row seats at the gig, a meet and greet with the stars, and an autographed Hatch Show print commemorating the event. Proceeds are going to Community High School, a facility for teenagers in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions, operated by Creative Recovery Communities. The ticket packages are expected to reach $500 each, and the auction runs until September 18. It can be viewed at www.givingworks.ebay.com.

Finally in September, a special auction is to be held to benefit the plight of the Canadian Harp Seal. Thousands of these creatures are clubbed to death annually for their pelts, and several celebrities have banded together in an effort to stop the slaughter. An auction is to be launched through www.harpseals.org, in association with eBay, and will include a pair of autographed pants worn by Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist, Slash, as well as Tiffani Amber Theissen’s parasol and signed CDs from KD Lang and Shania Twain.

Live Earth Rocks the Planet

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:16:25 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They came, they rocked, they conquered. 07/07/07 saw the Live Earth concerts take place on 7 continents, and the event will go down in history and in people’s hearts as one of the greatest spectacles ever staged.

The nine concerts held around the globe attracted hundreds of thousands of music lovers, and another 9 million internet streams – a world record internet audience. Many more are expected to watch replays over the next few weeks.
Concert-goers partied for a total of 22 hours at the events organized by Al Gore to raise awareness of climate change and environmental issues.

“You are Live Earth,” Gore told the crowd in New Jersey, on a stage made from recycled tires. “Today 2 billion of us have come together in over 130 countries… Times like these demand action.”

Despite the rain and low temperatures, 30,000 fans in Hamburg enjoyed stunning and energetic performances by Yusuf – formerly known as Cat Stevens – Shakira, Snoop Dogg, Enrique Iglesias, and former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. German comedian Elton joked about the inclement conditions with the comment “We’re here to fight against global warming in such c—p weather.”

It was also a cold affair in Antarctica, where a previously unknown band Nunatak – made up of polar researchers – played for 17 fellow scientists, allowing Gore to keep his promise to hold concerts in all seven continents.

45,000 people turned out in warmer circumstances in Sydney, where they were treated to performances by Jack Johnson, Toni Collette’s band The Finish, and a newly reformed Crowded House. Sydney was the first of the concerts to open, and was followed by Japan, where thousands rocked to performances by Linkin Park, Rihanna, and a host of local acts.

Johannesburg, experiencing its first snow in ten years, swayed to the rhythms of some of their best known local acts, as well as an intense performance by Joss Stone.

It was a smaller and quieter affair in Washington, where a subdued crowd was entertained by a few lesser known blues and hip hop acts.

The most popular concerts were held in London and New York. The newly refurbished Wembley Stadium was rocking under the weight of 70,000 concert-goers, all enthralled by stellar performances from the Beastie Boys, Kasabian, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 1980’s comedy rock act Spinal Tap reformed for the event to perform their new single, “Warmer Than Hell”, and there was also a touching performance by singer/songwriter Terra Naomi. Naomi wrote the track “Say It’s Possible” after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, and was asked personally by Al Gore to perform it at Live Earth.

The finale of the Wembley show was a set by Madonna, which included “Hey You”, the song she wrote especially for Live Earth. She also thanked Gore “for giving the world the wake-up call it so badly needs, and for starting the avalanche of awareness that we are running out of time.”

Over 50,000 people crammed Giants Stadium in New Jersey to join Al Gore, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Kevin Bacon for a night to remember. Cool rhythms from Alicia Keys and the Dave Matthews Band gave way to rockier beats later in the evening from Kelly Clarkson, Melissa Etheridge, and Jon Bon Jovi. The show ended with Sting and The Police performing a duet of their hit, “Message In A Bottle”, with rapper Kanye West
.
The free show in Rio De Janeiro, almost cancelled over security concerns, drew a crowd of 600,000 to listen to sun-drenched performances by Lenny Kravitz and Macy Gray, and the show in Shanghai was also a success.

The Chinese crowd were made aware of the International Energy Agency warning that China could become the top emitter of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, by later this year.

The Live Earth concerts were a great day’s entertainment for those who witnessed them, and only time will tell if they achieved their goals.

“Thank you for coming to Live Earth,” said Al Gore as the concerts ended. “Harness the energy in your hearts and help us solve the climate crisis.”

Diaz and Timberlake Help Out

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 22:23:55 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

During a recent ski holiday, Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake rushed to help a woman after seeing her collide with another skier and fall to the ground. They stayed with the woman for 20 minutes until the paramedics arrived, and it was only then, when they removed their masks and hats, that people discovered who they were.

Look To The Stars News: Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz Gets Hands Dirty For Charity

Related past articles

Leonardo DiCaprio: A Big Green Help

Related past articles

Stars Come Out For Charity The Night Before

Related past articles

“We Have to Do This:” Stars Urge Answer To Obama’s Call To Service

Related past articles

Have Lunch In Style With New Celebrity Auction

Related past articles

Jack Johnson Goes Barefoot For Charity

Related past articles

Christina Aguilera Performs At CNN Heroes Event

Related past articles

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Related past articles

M.I.A. Builds School In Liberia

Related past articles

5 Friends Voting Video Makes A Comeback

Related past articles

Stars Are 4Real In New TV Show

Related past articles

Sting And The Police Offer Jean Therapy At Charity Auction

Related past articles

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Related past articles

Lunchbox Auction Will Help Feed Hungry Children

Related past articles

Natural Heroes' Stories Told By Green Stars

Related past articles

Diaz Joins Pangea Day

Related past articles

Celebrity Auction Roundup, September 2007

Related past articles

Live Earth Rocks the Planet

Related past articles

Diaz and Timberlake Help Out

Related past articles