Look To The Stars News: Debra Messing

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.

Debra Messing Supports eBay's Give-A-Toy Charity Store

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Actress Debra Messing recently joined eBay to launch The Give-A-Toy Store in New York City, located at 35th Street & Broadway, near Herald Square.

eBay also unveiled a Give-A-Toy Store in San Francisco. The stores are eBay’s latest innovation that makes it easy for shoppers to donate joy – and toys – via their mobile devices. The holiday storefronts benefit Toys for Tots and feature interactive displays of popular toys such as teddy bears and trains that represent donation amounts from $2 to $25.

Window shoppers can download the eBay mobile app to scan QR codes on virtual price tags, which triggers an instant donation to Toys for Tots. As codes are scanned and donations are made, the windows come to life as animated toys celebrate and express their gratitude.

Stevie Wonder To Sing At Bette Midler's Celebrity Charity Hulaween Gala

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Bette Midler will host her annual charity Hulaween Gala in New York tonight, October 28.

The event will benefit the New York Restoration Project, an organization founded by Midler in 1995 when she and her family moved back to New York City and found many of its parks, community gardens and open spaces reduced by abandonment and neglect to a state of complete disrepair.

The Gala will feature a performance by Stevie Wonder, and a costume contest judged by Michael Kors. Other stars expected to attend include Jane Krakowski, Debra Messing, John McEnroe, Alan Cumming, Martha Stewart and many more.

Bulgari To Host Star-Studded Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

On Thursday, January 13, 2011, Bulgari will host an exclusive event in Los Angeles honoring award-winning producer Simon Fuller and Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis for their personal commitments to helping the world’s most vulnerable children through their respective work with Save the Children and Artists for Peace and Justice.

As part of Bulgari’s $7.4 million initiative to fund global education programs, 100% of the funds raised by the event will support Save the Children’s education programs in the U.S. and Artists for Peace and Justice’s efforts to bring education to Haiti’s poorest children.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela’s audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

LTTS Exclusive - Ashley Judd Awarded As Hollywood Hero

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars contributers Fatima Fofana and Crystal A Johnson were guests at a very special event that honored a philanthropic actress this week. They filed this report and exclusive photos.

USA Today honored Ashley Judd with its annual Hollywood Hero award this week at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The award is presented to an exceptional entertainment industry humanitarian who has made a notable contribution to a non-profit organization. The recipient is recognized for his or her efforts that extend far beyond charitable contributions or lending’s one’s celebrity status to enhance a cause or concern. Judd’s work as a Global Ambassador for the past ten years with YouthAIDS, the education and prevention program of Population Services International (PSI), earned her this noteworthy award.

Celebrities To Perform Acts of Love in October

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Stars such as Debra Messing, Alfred Molina and Zachary Quinto are gearing up to perform Acts of Love in support of Autism Speaks.

Acts of Love is Autism Speaks’ annual awards reception celebrating those who have made a difference in the Autism Community. The event raises funds and awareness which allows Autism Speaks to continue its work in finding a cure for autism.

International performers and celebrities including Adam Arkin, Benjamin Bratt, Austin Butler and Michael Chiklis, make up some of the cast which will perform an array of readings and quotes for the 7th Annual Acts of Love event. Also taking part are Emmanuelle Chriqui, Gary Cole, Michaela Conlin, Keith David, Carla Gugino, John Heard, Mary McDonnell, CCH Pounder, Amanda Seyfried, Amber Tamblyn and Lynn Whitfield.

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Tales For Charity

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

In honor of Nelson Mandela, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) and Hachette Audio have produced an audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of stories hand-picked by the Nobel laureate.

Diverse, acclaimed performers donated their talents to the charitable endeavor by voicing stories, including: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker, and Alfre Woodard. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recorded a message to the world’s children, and African music legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela composed original music.

Stars Design Necklaces For Charity Auction

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The World Gold Council has launched its charity auction featuring jewelry designed by some of entertainment’s biggest stars.

As reported by Look To The Stars last year, a range of celebrities – including Debra Messing, Christina Applegate, Whoopi Goldberg, Marcia Gay Harden, Samantha Harris, Eric McCormack, Chris Noth (“Mr Big”), Lena Olin, Rachael Ray, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, and Pauletta & Denzel Washington – have designed gold pendant necklaces incorporating a leaf motif. Participants will choose to have proceeds from the sale of their designs benefit their favorite charity or Jewelers for Children, the jewelers industry charity that has invested over $30 million in special programs to reach children whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect.

Other charities to benefit from the auction include YouthAIDS, Right Action for Women, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Project Angel Food, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Hope for Henry Foundation – a charity which improves the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses by providing carefully chosen gifts and specially designed programs to entertain and promote comfort, care and recovery – Yum-o!, and the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Gwyneth Paltrow Designs Bikini For Charity

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Following her announcement that she was going to design clothes for a British children’s charity, Gwyneth Paltrow is at it again. This time, the 36-year-old star has created a bikini as part of the Lilly Pulitzer Colorful Cause: Celebrity Designer Program, supporting The EB Medical Research Foundation.

As part of Lily Pulitzer’s 50th anniversary, the company has joined with nine actresses to celebrate style and purpose. Celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Debra Messing, Marcia Cross, Angie Harmon, Bridget Moynahan, Catherine Bell, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilson have joined the program to create limited edition prints for designs for “mommy-and-me” looks for both daughters and sons.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a genetic condition that causes skin and linings to break and blister at the slightest touch. Sufferers battle daily with fluid loss and infection of the open wounds. In worst cases, they’ll die of skin cancer before the age of 40, many in infancy.

Stars Decorate Bags For Charity Auction

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A group of stars is to launch an online auction of hand-decorated messenger bags for charity.

Celebrities such as Chace Crawford, Debra Messing, Twilight’s Taylor Lautner, Samantha Harris, Sophia Bush, Tina Fey and many more have put their hearts into decorating the bags for Books For Kids, an organization that promotes literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool- aged children.

Books for Kids creates libraries, donates books, and partners with literacy programs to develop the critical early foundation and skills which young children need to be successful in life. Since its founding in 1986, the Books for Kids Foundation has provided children with more than 5 million books, created 56 libraries and provided literacy programs in many of these locations.

Celebrities Support Latisse Wishes Campaign

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Mandy Moore, Debra Messing, Angie Harmon, Marisa Tomei, Debi Mazar, Jewel, Jennifer Coolidge and Perrey Reeves were just some of the celebrities to attend a star-studded event last week in Hollywood to launch Latisse Wishes, a charitable public awareness campaign designed to help make wishes come true.

Actress Brooke Shields and beauty expert to the stars Anastasia Soare will lead the campaign to generate $1 million to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The Latisse Wishes campaign was borne out of the tradition of blowing on an eyelash to make a wish come true and leverages the excitement surrounding the availability of Allergan’s Latisse, the first and only science-based prescription treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes (inadequate or not enough lashes) that is used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, fuller and darker.

Win Gold Jewelry Designed By Debra Messing For YouthAIDS

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:30:00 +0000

World Gold Council is proud to announce its “Legendary Gold” contest where consumers can enter online to win a piece of gold jewelry designed by Debra Messing and renowned jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris to benefit YouthAIDS.

Information about the contest is featured in the February and May 2009 issues of InStyle magazine. Debra’s favorite personal story involving gold jewelry is shared in the magazine and on the Legendary Gold website which will be live during award show season from January 13th to February 24, 2009.

Debra’s story highlights her personal affinity for gold and shows the powerful role that gold jewelry has played in her life. To enter the contest, consumers can share their own emotional connection to a significant piece of gold jewelry and will be automatically entered for a chance to win the piece developed by Messing and Morris. The winning consumer story will also be featured in an advertorial in the May issue of InStyle magazine.

Debra Messing To Appear In Gender Equality Play

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Debra Messing will appear in a one-night-only theater experience designed to aid in the fight against gender inequality.

LOVE is a benefit performance of short plays on the theme of love by some of the hottest female writers and performed by celebrated actors followed by a gala with open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dancing and gift bags.

Joining Messing on stage will be Entourage’s Emmanuelle Chiriqui and Perrey Reeves, as well as Gretchen Mol, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Messina and many more.

Anne Hathaway Gets Ready For A Cracked Xmas

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The Trevor Project – the nonprofit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention – is to hold an evening of irreverent comedy, performances, and awards next month.

The 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night will be presented by Anne Hathaway and will honor Sigourney Weaver with a Life Award for her support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Previous recipients include Ellen DeGeneres, Debra Messing, and Rosie O’Donnell.

“I feel grateful and humbled to be honored with the Trevor Life Award, and to be recognized as an ally to the LGBTQ community,” said Weaver. “I hope that films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ will send messages of compassion and acceptance to all people, and compel them to create safer, all-encompassing environments for our young people.”

Mischa Barton Knits Hat For Ethiopian Child

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Actress Mischa Barton has launched her new official website by posting a photo of a hat she knitted for a child as part of her work with Save the Children.

“I knitted [the] cap a few weeks ago, which was then delivered to Ethiopia and given to an expectant mother who was waiting to give birth in her incredibly primitive home,” wrote Barton. “The baby was delivered with the help of a birth attendant that had been trained by Save the Children. The birth attendant put the cap on the newborn’s head in order to prevent hypothermia.”

The Knit One, Save One campaign was launched last month and asked some of Hollywood’s leading ladies to create one baby cap to keep a newborn warm during the first critical hours and days after birth. Stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Rebecca Romijn, Debra Messing, Lisa Edelstein, Vera Farmiga, and Patricia Arquette.

Debra Messing To Design Charity Bling

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Actress Debra Messing will collaborate with designer Robert Lee Morris to create a piece of gold jewelry to benefit YouthAIDS.

The piece will be featured in the February and May 2009 issues of InStyle magazine, as well as on a special website which will be live from January 13 to February 24, 2009.

Messing is also the first confirmed celebrity participant in the Leaves of Change charity initiative, in which A-List celebrities will be invited to design a gold pendant necklace incorporating a leaf motif. Participants will choose to have proceeds from the sale of their designs benefit their favorite charity or Jewelers for Children, the jewelers industry charity that has invested over $30 million in special programs to reach children whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect.

Daniel Craig Joins De Niro At Charity Bond Screening

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

James Bond star Daniel Craig was in New York on Tuesday night for a benefit screening of Quantum of Solace, the first screening of the film in the US.

Held at New York City’s AMC Lincoln Square theater – and attended by stars such as Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Becki Newton, Julia Stiles and Molly Sims – the screening raised money for the Tribeca Film Institute, a non-profit organization founded by De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in the wake of September 11th to educate, entertain, and inspire filmmakers and film lovers alike. The Institute creates innovative programs that draw on the power of film to promote understanding, tolerance and global awareness.

“This benefit is our budget for next year,” said Rosenthal after the $1,000/ticket screening raised almost $500,000 for the charity. “It’s trying times for everybody.”

Bid For Signed Coffee Cups For Charity

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Fancy sitting down for a cup of coffee and helping to fight breast cancer at the same time? Now you can, with the launch of the Second Annual Nonni’s Biscotti Celebrity Mug Auction.

The auction launches today, October 1, and features over 90 pink Nonni’s mugs signed by some of your favorite stars. 100% of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the auction features cups signed by Barbara Walters, Montel Williams, Zachary Levi, Jason Mewes, Joel Madden, Debra Messing, Cameron Mathison, Daniel Goddard, Julianne Hough, Shannon Elizabeth, Susan Lucci, and many more.

Nancy Brinker created Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of her dying sister’s wish to speed up research and make the treatment process a little more esthetic and feminine friendly. A global breast cancer movement was launched, “fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.”

Jeans Engineered For Celebs On Auction

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Anybody walking through Times Square may be surprised to find hundreds of jeans and shirts hanging like laundry from clotheslines above the streets. Don’t be too concerned… it’s all part of the Pair in the Square Celebrity Jeans Auction.

Alison Sweeney, host of The Biggest Loser and cast member of Days of Our Lives, kicked off the auction yesterday by auctioning off Ryan Seacrest’s jeans to benefit the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation. The remaining celebrity jeans from Miley Cyrus, Nick Lachey, Ashlee Simpson, Lauren Conrad, Rachael Ray, Minnie Driver, Debra Messing, Brittany Snow, Terrence Howard, Forest Whitaker, Neil Patrick Harris, and many more are available at www.clothesoffourback.org. A sweepstakes will also be held at www.washingmyjeans.com to win the new GE Profile Frontload Washer and Dryer as part of the auction.

Proceeds from the auction, which runs until September 8, will go to Feeding America, The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

Glenn Close Throws a Bone to Charity

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:17:52 +0000

Glenn Close is a five-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Golden Globe winner, but it’s her latest role at Fetchdog.com that’s earned the actress a ‘Golden Bone’ from Look to the Stars.

“I’m in a redemption mode, to get back to my real self,” joked Close, who’s portrayed characters that haven’t always been kind to animals, “The real truth is that I’ve been surrounded by dogs my entire life.”

Last October, Close and her husband David Shaw started Fetchdog.com, a site that sells high-end dog products while raising money for charity. Included on the site is Close’s blog, Lively Licks where she interviews celebrities about their dogs, profiles people who work with dogs and dishes out tips on anything from puppy training to canine health.

Celebrity Designed Corsets On Auction

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:06:00 +0000

Some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities have teamed up to design a series of corsets to be auctioned off in October.

Scarlett Johansson, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, and Jessica Biel are just some of the stars who have submitted designs for the 4th annual Frederick’s Of Hollywood Celebrity Corset Auction. The event, which is being run in conjunction with the internet charity auction site Clothes Off Our Back, will raise money for a variety of children’s charities, including Feeding America, a non-profit organization that benefits the hungry, The Art of Elysium, which uses art to help the sick, and World Education, a charity that provides training to underprivileged children around the world. Some of the proceeds will also go towards research into autism.

“In previous years, we got $18,000 for Charlize Theron’s corset and $10,000 for Nicole Kidman’s,” said Frederick’s of Hollywood’s Erin Dominguez. “Each year we set the bar higher and hope to get more.”

Celebrity Portraits Up For Auction

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

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

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

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