Look To The Stars News: Stephen Colbert

Bid On A Potrait Sitting With Shepard Fairey For Charity

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

For the first time in his career, Shepard Fairey, one of the world’s most renowned and influential contemporary artists, is auctioning off a coveted portrait sitting.

This unbelievable art experience is up for bidding at Charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity auctions, as part of The Art of Elysium's Pieces of Heaven Art Auction in partnership with Christie’s. Art of Elysium encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.

The auction will run from February 24 – March 4. Complete details on the Shepard Fairey experience can be found here.

Fairey received worldwide recognition during the 2008 presidential election with his ‘HOPE’ ‘CHANGE’ ‘PROGRESS’ posters for the Obama campaign. His work was personally recognized by Barack Obama as a contributing factor of the campaign’s success. Most recently, Fairey captured Stephen Colbert in his signature style for Colbert’s Vancouver Defeat the World Olympics campaign.

Fairey is recognized as emerging from the skateboarding scene and became most notably known for his “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign and “OBEY” street art movement in the ’90s. Since 1989, Shepard has consistently produced a wide range of artwork from screenprints, mix media stencil collage, to 15 foot mural installations. His work is included in the collections at The Smithsonian, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The portrait sitting with Shepard Fairey will take place during the months of July-August, 2010.

Chevy Chase Launches Annual GREEN Auction

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Here is your chance to hit the links with Chevy Chase and Bill Murray for a Caddyshack Golf Outing! Chevy & Bill will go on the block once again in support of GREEN Community Schools providing the chance for the lucky winning bidder and a guest to go golfing with these old friends and stars of the beloved Caddyshack film. Who knows what hijinks will ensue out on the links with these two?

Also up for grabs, a chance to join Howard Stern in the studio. The winner of this incredible experience will be able to sit in during a taping of the show and observe all the action. A meet and greet with the entire crew is included in this package. Once again, Chevy Chase will go on the Howard Stern show to talk about his latest acting projects including the acclaimed new NBC comedy, Community.

This year, Oprah Winfrey is also supporting Jayni and Chevy Chase’s Green School project with the lucky winning bidder receiving VIP tickets to a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show including a chance to go backstage and meet the talk-show queen backstage! Dave Matthews Band is in support as well offering lucky fans the chance to meet them backstage after a concert of choice in Summer 2010. Robert Downey Jr has graciously offered a pair of tickets to the premiere of his upcoming film Due Date also starring Jamie Foxx & Michelle Monaghan, and Stephen Colbert and Regis Philbin are offering the chance to meet them backstage of The Colbert Report and LIVE! with Regis & Kelly respectively, and acclaimed actor Dustin Hoffman is offering the chance to join him on the set of an upcoming film. You can also spend a day on the set of Community with Chevy Chase; meet Joel McHale backstage on The Soup; Take a 10 Day expedition to The Galapagos aboard the National Geographic Endeavor; or catch Jimmy Buffett in concert, plus many more being added daily.

The auction is running live at www.charitybuzz.com through November 18, 2009 with new experiences being added each and every day as so many of Jayni and Chevy Chase’s friends are supporting their environmental initiatives.

The GREEN Community Schools mission is to create long-term holistic partnerships between the school, local community residents, stakeholders, available resources and families to ensure that the community is environmentally aware and able to successfully practice and promote sustainability in their lives, communities and globally.   Jayni Chase has over 20 years of experience with Green education and environmental community action. She is tirelessly dedicated to providing underserved communities with the tools and resources necessary to create healthy learning environments and greener neighborhoods. The combined experience of Jayni Chase and the MGR Foundation has proven to be a powerful force for positive change.

You can access the auction here.

Stephen Colbert Broadcasts From Iraq

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stephen Colbert is broadcasting “The Colbert Report” from Iraq this week to support an initiative with DonorsChoose.org, the online charity that connects individual donors nationwide to classrooms in need.

Colbert is taping four episodes of “The Colbert Report” in Baghdad. According to the New York Times, "It’s the first time in the history of the U.S.O. that a full-length non-news show has been filmed, edited and broadcast from a combat zone."

Colbert is a long-time supporter of DonorsChoose.org and the USO. Last month he donated his birthday to address the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in public schools, and all iTunes downloads of the Iraq shows will go to the USO.

The “Support Our Troops by Supporting Their Children” campaign calls on everyday citizens to donate to classroom projects, which include anything from basic school supplies to field trips, submitted by teachers at high-need, military-serving public schools. “Support Our Troops” fuels a fun competition between the five branches of the Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard – to see which branch’s supporters can have the biggest impact on classrooms. DonorsChoose.org estimates that “Support Our Troops” will benefit 10,000 children of service members.

More info about the campaign can be found here. Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando is being broadcast on Comedy Central all week. Broadcast times can be found here.

Stephen Colbert Donates His Birthday To Charity

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Stephen Colbert has donated his 45th birthday to charity!

The comedian and host is one of the first stars to sign up to the new Great Give-Back Birthday campaign being hosted at DonersChoose.com, a website dedicated to addressing the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in public schools. The new campaign invites individuals to donate their birthdays to support high-need public school classrooms nationwide.

Here’s how it works: birthday donors create custom birthday giving pages at www.DonorsChoose.org/Birthday, then select their favorite classroom projects, and then invite friends and family to donate to those projects in honor of their birthdays.

The launch of the Great Give-Back Birthday comes with some other exciting news: just two nights ago at the Time 100 Gala in NYC, First Lady Michelle Obama highlighted DonorsChoose.org as an innovative leader in social change. Click here to read more.

To donate your own birthday to the cause, or to donate to the birthdays of Stephen Colbert, Jeff Bridges and more, visit the DonersChoose.com website.

Lunch With Anderson Cooper And Help AIDS Sufferers

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fancy meeting with some of the media’s most interesting news anchors and discussing current events? This charity auction gives you the chance to do just that.

The 21st Annual Bailey House Auction and Party will take place on February 26 at the Roseland Ballroom in New York to benefit the lives of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Up for grabs on the night will be the chance to enjoy lunch with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, the opportunity to meet Katie Couric and tour the CBS News studio, and the chance to meet Charles Gibson and watch a live broadcast of World News With Charles Gibson.

Bailey House has been providing housing and support services to homeless men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in New York City for 25 years. They address the fundamental human needs—housing, food, safety and deliver comprehensive and compassionate support services, including access to healthcare, counseling, support groups, and substance abuse treatment.

Also going under the hammer at the auction – to be hosted by Tim Gunn and Simon Doonan – are tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, tickets to a performance of “33 Variations” starring Jane Fonda at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre, a set visit and signed memorabilia from Ugly Betty, tickets to a taping of The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert and much more.

More information about items up for auction and how to attend the event can be found at the auction’s website.

Stephen Colbert's Christmas Special For Charity

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stephen Colbert will host his own holiday special this Sunday, November 23, with the show being released as a charity DVD next week.

“A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” is an hour-long tongue-in-cheek extravaganza with the Colbert Report host belting out Christmas hits from Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, and even David Bowie.

“This is just some good fun to watch during your eggnog-induced dementia,” Colbert joked.

During the show, Colbert will be joined by Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Jon Stewart, John Legend, and Elvis Costello to sing Christmas songs penned by “Daily Show” executive producer David Javerbaum and composed by Adam Schlesinger.

“I had a clear, clear command to everyone involved: ‘No cynicism,’” said Colbert. “We’re not mocking Christmas specials. We’re doing MY Christmas special. And that was the aesthetic we tried to bring into it. Like, we’re really doing this. I want people to see this every year.”

Costume pieces from the special will be auctioned to benefit Feeding America, and a percentage of the DVD proceeds – to be released on Tuesday, November 25 – will also go to the charity.

The auction can be accessed via the Colbert Nation MySpace page, and the show will go to air on Sunday at 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.

John Mayer Explores Arts With Tony Bennett

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

John Mayer joined Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, and Terrence Howard at a special art’s education benefit on Tuesday night.

The 30-year-old singer/songwriter performed 3 songs – “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Daughters,” and “Find Another You” – at Tony Bennett's Exploring The Arts gala held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Hosted by Goldberg, the evening raised over $1.2 million for Bennett’s charity that supports arts education in public schools. Honored at the event were Reed Hastings, Chairman, President and CEO of Netflix; Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman of Viacom and CBS Corporation; and Steve Wynn, Chairman of Wynn Resorts. Also in attendance were Katie Couric, Quincy Jones, and Rachael Ray. Tony Bennett closed the evening with trademark renditions of “Watch What Happens,” “For Once In My Life,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Who Cares,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”

As part of Bennett’s charity drive for the Exploring The Arts organization, an online auction is also currently running. Items up for grabs include meet-and-greets with Elton John, Katie Holmes, Andre Agassi, Bette Midler, Stephen Colbert, Kevin Spacey, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, as well as a dress owned by Christina Aguilera, signed prints and sunglasses from Bono, guitars signed by KD Lang and Sting, and many more items from Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Bruce Springsteen and others.

The auction – which ends on October 1 – can be accessed through the Charity Buzz website.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“He looks amazing,” former basketball player Charles Barkley told People Magazine. “For me, seeing Patrick Swayze, someone who is actually fighting this disease, was the best part of the show. Seeing him in person was amazing.”

The idea behind the event was that it is the lack of funding – and not just research – that is slowing the advance of cancer prevention and treatment, and over $100 million has been raised since the Stand Up To Cancer initiative was launched earlier this year.

The telethon – which was viewed by over 10.5 million people – also featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor, as well as the television premiere of the star-studded charitable single Just Stand Up performed by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett underwent a prostate examination on the show, and cartoon character Homer Simpson had a colonoscopy.

Other stars who were part of the show included Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Hilary Swank, Jimmy Fallon, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom wanted to do something positive to help the 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide who die from cancer each year.

As part of Stand Up To Cancer’s efforts, there is also an auction running on eBay that offers the chance to meet the cast of celebrities such as Katie Couric, Stephen Colbert, and Jay Leno. It runs until September 15, and can be accessed through eBay.

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.

So far, the campaign has generated celebrity support from an eclectic mix of stars including Stephen Colbert, Emma Thompson, Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson, David Duchovny, Neil Patrick Harris, John Krasinski, Rebecca Romijn, Barry Manilow, Ira Glass, John Hodgman, Bow Wow, Patti LaBelle, and many more. Each celebrity has given the charity information on what their favorite books were when they were younger, and their choices can be found at the organization’s website.

The choice was clear for John Hodgman, the author and humorist best known for his personification of PC in the popular “Get a Mac” advertising campaign: Tintin. “I don’t remember the moment I learned to read, but I do remember the moment Tintin’s captions – always in cursive, which might as well have been hieroglyphics to me – suddenly became clear to me,” Mr. Hodgman explains. “It’s the first time I remember a book actually, physically altering my brain. Though, I am glad to say, not the last.”

First Book was founded in 1992. The First Book model was developed to leverage the work of local heroes who reach children through existing literacy programs in a variety of settings, such as Head Start centers, libraries, soup kitchens, churches, housing projects, and afterschool initiatives. Working through this vast network of organizations, First Book plays a critical role in transforming the quality of preschool and after-school programs nationwide.

To find out more about First Book, or to donate books, visit www.firstbook.org.

Eat From Your Favorite Celebrity's Plate!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:35:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

“Let them eat cake,” said Marie-Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, and now you have the chance to do just that – eat cake from a plate designed and signed by one of Tinsletown’s finest.

The auction, currently underway at the Auction Wire website, features one-of-a-kind plates from stars such as Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, and Carmen Electra, and is raising money for the Parkinson Society Maritime Region – an organization in Canada that aims to be the voice of Maritimers living with Parkinson’s disease. Funds will be used to supply services such as exercise programs, speech therapy, massage therapy, conferences, and workshops, and will also be used towards the National Research Program of the Parkinson Society Canada.

“The Parkinson Society is thrilled that so many celebrities from a variety of backgrounds – movies, television, politics, the arts – have come together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and raise funds through this auction of celebrity designed plates,” said Paul McNair, executive director of the Parkinson Society Maritime Region.

The auction – which also includes plates from Johnny Depp, Dwayne Johnson, William Shatner, Dakota Fanning, Martha Stewart, Henry Winkler, Jordin Sparks, Stephen Colbert, Sarah McLachlan, Muhammad Ali, Phil Collins, Chris Daughtry, and Rob Lowe – runs until May 11.

Celebrities Unite For Earth Day

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:32:47 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tomorrow, April 22, will see one of the largest global events uniting the planet against climate change to be held this year. Millions of evironmentally-minded people around the planet will hold events to celebrate the 38th annual Earth Day, a massive campaign focussing on global warming and raising awareness for a cleaner environment.

First held in 1970, and established by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, the event marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement. All over the world, the day will see concerned citizens of the planet out in force, calling for action against global warming and a healthy, sustainable environment. Breakfasts, Scuba diving contests, celebrations, parties, wine and food festivals, marathons, and concerts are just some of the thousands of events that have been planned around the globe by the Earth Day Network, the driving-force behind the event.

One of the major campaigns being promoted in the US as part of Earth Day 2008 is the Call For Climate initiative, which encourages people to ring Congress and demand climate change action to be taken.

“It doesn’t take a doctor on Scrubs to tell you our climate is changing,” said Zach Braff, who has joined Kevin Bacon and Chevy Chase in recording messages encouraging people to support the campaign. “Earth Day Network wants you to call Congress on Earth Day, April 22, and ask them to take tough and fair action on climate change. Put this number in your phone now – 202 224 3121. That’s Congress. Ask your representative or senator to bring us a healthier climate.”

Washington DC has already kicked off its Earth Day celebrations with a huge concert held on Sunday, featuring performances by Jordin Sparks, The Roots, O.A.R. and more. Speakers at the event included Russell Simmons, Edward Norton, and Tom Friedman.

Also as part of Earth Day, the Waterkeeper Alliance is running a very special auction featuring celebrity experiences, exciting autographed items, and fabulous vacations. Be sure to visit the Charity Buzz website to bid on items such as a day on the set of Damages with Glenn Close, signed X-Files memorabilia from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, a copy of The Comeback DVD signed by Lisa Kudrow, tickets to see Jack Johnson in Ohio, VIP tickets to see The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Dr Phil, as well as the opportunity to have lunch with Alicia Silverstone and MacGyver himself, Richard Dean Anderson. The auction runs until April 29.

For more information on Earth Day – and to find events in your area – visit the official Earth Day website.

Stewart to Host Night Of Too Many Stars

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:53:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart is set to host the Night Of Too Many Stars, an “Overbooked Concert For Autism Education”, on April 13th. The music-and-laughter-packed event will be televised live from The Beacon Theatre in New York City.

Some of the guests joining the comic news anchor in the fundraising efforts are Matthew Broderick, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Conan O'Brien, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Proceeds of the evening will be split among autism education programs, including new schools which provide vocational and life skills for teenagers and adults with autism, and outreach programs which provide training and consultation to families of young autistic children. A portion of the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks, an organization which funds research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, while raising public awareness about the disorder.

Other performers spending their time raising autism awareness at the event are Will Arnett, Rosie O'Donnell, Maroon 5, Kevin James and Amy Poehler. Past performers have included Martin Short and Ricky Gervais.

Autism is a growing concern in the US, as one in 150 children is diagnosed with the neurological disorder, and the number of new cases is growing rapidly. Severely autistic children are unable to communicate and understand, leaving them incapable of functioning normally in the world; even playing with other children can be impossible.

For ticket information and more information about the event, visit the Night Of Too Many Stars website.

Celebrities Kept Busy With Charity Initiatives

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:34:57 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Philanthropic celebrities have been more than busy lately, helping charities through a series of unique and exciting initiatives and events.

Although the current Hollywood writers’ strike is keeping the 2008 Academy Awards up in the air, model Heidi Klum has announced she will press ahead with her plans to donate the red dress she intends to wear at the Oscar ceremony to charity.

The donation is part of the Red Dress Program, an initiative between Diet Coke and the National Institutes of Health’s The Heart Truth to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

“Heidi Klum’s participation helps make this program even bigger, and gives consumers a great way to become involved and learn more about a crucial women’s health issue,” said Caren Pasquale Seckler, Group Director for Coca-Cola North America. “Through the Diet Coke Red Dress Program, we’re asking consumers to help us support women’s heart health and giving them the chance to win a one-of-a-kind red dress worn to the Oscars by Heidi Klum.”

The dress will be made available as part of a contest at www.mycokerewards.com, and for every sweepstakes entry, Diet Coke will donate $1 (up to a total of $250,000) in support of women’s heart health research and awareness.

Klum will also hit the catwalk on February 1 during The Red Dress Collection Fashion Show at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. The show will feature a range of dresses created by top fashion designers to show their support of the Heart Truth campaign.

Comedian Stephen Colbert has also recently made a donation to charity, with $171,525 being gifted to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a charity that assists injured service members and their families.

The mock talk show host raised the money through the sale of his “WristStrong” bracelets, which were made available as part of his “Wrist Awareness” campaign started when he broke his wrist last June.

The tongue-in-cheek campaign saw celebrities such as Katie Couric, Brian Williams, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wearing the bracelets. It followed the sale of the cast from Colbert’s broken wrist, which raised $17,000 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

Another well-known figure to make a donation to charity lately was Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons, who gifted $300,000 to the Diamond Empowerment Fund last week.

Simmons established the Fund in 2007 to provide resources for education programs designed to motivate Africans in countries where diamonds are mined. The donation comes from money raised from the Simmons Jewelry Green Initiative, a collection of bracelets made from green malachite and rough diamonds. Beyoncé Knowles, Vanessa Hudgens, and Mischa Barton are all reported to be owners of the bracelets.

In a completely different sort of initiative, singer KT Tunstall and Blur bassist Alex James are among celebrities teaming up to write an upcoming children’s book for charity.

The musicians will join a host of stars recruited by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for the initiative. Each celebrity will write ten lines of the story before passing it on to the next person to continue.

The final product will be revealed in a one-off reading session before being auctioned off later in the year.

And finally, British television personality Jonathan Ross has challenged comedian Jimmy Carr to a celebrity doubles tennis match that will see the entertainers paired up with 1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski and 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash.

The match – which will take place at London’s Albert Hall on March 14 – is part of Sport Relief 2008, a fundraising initiative from Comic Relief. Money raised will go towards helping vulnerable people living in the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

Fox Raises Millions At Parkinson's Fundraiser

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:05:12 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actor Michael J. Fox received an exciting surprise after his 7th annual “A Funny (Groovy) Thing Happened on the Way to the Cure for Parkinson’s” fundraiser last month – the Woodstock-themed event raised an incredible $5.5 million.

Over 1000 guests, including Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Katrina Bowden and Masi Oka, were in attendance, as well as New York’s Governor Eliot Spitzer and Newark’s Mayor Cory A Booker. Stephen Colbert was the comedic host, while musical performances from John Mayer, Joan Osborne, Levon Helm, Gavin DeGraw, and The Soul Ramblers created a psychedelic groove. Even Michael couldn’t resist grabbing his guitar and jamming on stage with the band, performing “Summertime Blues”, “Up On Cripple Creek”, and “Love the One You’re With”.

“He lives in the moment so much,” said Fox’s wife, Tracy Pollan. “I find that a real inspiration.”

Proceeds from the gala will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which researches treatments and cures for Parkinson’s disease. The Foundation has raised almost $100 million since Fox established it in 2000, 10 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself.

The degenerative neurological disorder affects the central nervous system. Obvious symptoms include resting tremors, slowness of movement, imbalance, rigidity, and loss of coordination. Other symptoms range from mild memory difficulties to dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep difficulties, a loss of the sense of smell, speech and swallowing problems, and unexplained pains. One out of every hundred people over 60 are affected by this disease, and there are currently over six million sufferers around the world.

“We want to be that point for people who wake up in the morning and think, ’Who’s finding a cure for this?‘. It’s us. We wake up every day and that’s our mission,” said Fox.

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 De Niro, 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.

Colbert's Cast on eBay

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:41:40 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Stephen Colbert's pain is set to bring relief to injured soldiers returning to the States. The Comedy Central news presenter broke his wrist during a fall, and has decided to make the best of the situation.

“If I had known that it would give me the opportunity to help our wounded veterans, I would have shattered my triquetrum a long time ago!” Colbert said.

The now-famous cast has been signed by New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Katie Couric, Bill O’Reilly, Nancy Pelosi, Tim Russert, Tony Snow and Brian Williams.

It is available on eBay, with bids being accepted through Monday, September 3. Currently the bid stands at $16,900, and the winning bid will be announced on-air the week of September 10 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

The Yellow Ribbon Fund aids injured service members and their families by offering housing, transportation, tickets to sporting and cultural events and job mentoring and internships while they recuperate at both the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center.

Not satisfied with breaking a bone for charity, Colbert has created a red Wrist Strong bracelet. The bracelet also supports wounded veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Fund, and can be purchased via www.colbertnation.com and www.comedycentral.com.

Colbert Show Portrait Prop Nets Money for Children’s Charity

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:22:43 -0000

Written by Robert Powers

When The Colbert Report, a half-hour TV-news commentary satire that follows The Daily Show, celebrated its one-year anniversary last month, the show decided to replace a mainstay set prop: the portrait-within-a-portrait of host Stephen Colbert.

The “painting,” which is actually a digital photo of Colbert doctored to resemble a painting, features a cross-armed, stern-looking Colbert standing in front of a picture that depicts a more urbane and suave-looking Colbert. So when the actual Colbert would come to stand by his set’s fake fireplace, he could be seen standing beside two versions of himself, virtually creating a portrait-within-a-portrait-within-yet-another-portrait of the cantankerous commentator.

And now, while another equally humorous portrait in the same vein now graces The Colbert Report set (the new one encapsulates three whole likenesses of Colbert), the old one has been auctioned off for the charity Save the Children on eBay. The charity, as its name suggests, is a globally-linked series of organizations that are involved in efforts to improve the lives of children in need throughout the world.

The auction, plagued early by fake bids, settled on a winning bid of $50,605 by Chad Walldorf and business associates of the Sticky Fingers chain of seventeen barbeque restaurants.

“We don’t know much about art,” said Walldorf, chain owner and business partner, talking to the Associated Press, “but [we] figured any time you can get two portraits for the price of one, then it must be a great deal…”

The portrait can now be seen at the chain’s Charleston, N.C. location. Why Charleston out of sixteen other viable options? The North Carolina capital city can be proud to list Colbert as one of its own — the city is his hometown.

Look To The Stars News: Stephen Colbert

Bid On A Potrait Sitting With Shepard Fairey For Charity

Related past articles

Chevy Chase Launches Annual GREEN Auction

Related past articles

Stephen Colbert Broadcasts From Iraq

Related past articles

Stephen Colbert Donates His Birthday To Charity

Related past articles

Lunch With Anderson Cooper And Help AIDS Sufferers

Related past articles

Stephen Colbert's Christmas Special For Charity

Related past articles

John Mayer Explores Arts With Tony Bennett

Related past articles

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Related past articles

What Book Got The Stars Hooked?

Related past articles

Eat From Your Favorite Celebrity's Plate!

Related past articles

Celebrities Unite For Earth Day

Related past articles

Stewart to Host Night Of Too Many Stars

Related past articles

Celebrities Kept Busy With Charity Initiatives

Related past articles

Fox Raises Millions At Parkinson's Fundraiser

Related past articles

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Related past articles

Colbert's Cast on eBay

Related past articles

Colbert Show Portrait Prop Nets Money for Children’s Charity

Related past articles