Look To The Stars News: Debra Messing

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.

PHOTO: Crystal A Johnson

Joining the celebration to honor Judd were Morgan Freeman, Mandy Moore, Molly Sims, Omar Miller, Debra Messing and Magic Johnson.

Last year’s recipient, Magic Johnson, flew in from the east coast to surprise Ashley. “After I received the award last year, I said, ‘The next person has to be beautiful.’ They have to care about the community, give back to the community, do it with passion, love and a big heart. When I found out it was Ashley Judd, it couldn’t have been a better person. The only thing I don’t like about her is she’s a Kentucky Wildcat fan. Sometimes they play against my Michigan Spartans.”

PHOTO: Crystal A Johnson

Mandy Moore (“License to Wed”), recently started working with YouthAIDS. “Ashley has inspired me to work with PSI. It’s a wonder organization, that I’m glad to be a part of because of their commitment to fighting AIDS.”

Omar Miller (“CSI: Miami”) noted that “…if one person is influenced by the charitable contributions recognized by this award, to give more and be more, then it’s a very effective tool in inspiring others to give back.” Other celebrities, including Rick Yune, commented, “Its important to be here this evening to honor the tireless work that people like Ashley do everyday to make life a little better for others in need.”

When asked why she became involved with PSI, Judd stated, “Because they allowed me to be involved, working on a grass roots level in poverty stricken countries, and on the Board of Directors. It adds such meaning to my life.” Judd encouraged others to get involved, “…by visiting the website at PSI.org and watching the documentary which highlights some of our work. Its important (for others) to get in touch with their core values, find their passion and leverage that in advocacy work.”

A teary Judd humbly accepted her award and added “I accept this on behalf of PSI … and maybe a little bit for myself.”

Celebrities To Perform Acts of Love in October

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

Written by Myrlia Purcell

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.

Musical performances will include vocalist Niki Haris with Tim McAfee-Lewis & New Thought and The Agape House Band.

Many more celebrities are expected to walk the Red Carpet.

Autism affects 1 in 150 children born today, making it the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet still receives less than 5% of the research funding going to less prevalent childhood diseases. Autism Speaks aims to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders through funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism.

Acts of Love will take place Saturday, October 3rd, at Santa Monica City College on the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, starting at 5 p.m. with a VIP & Celebrity Pre-Show. The theater doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the performance and Awards Presentation.

To find out more or purchase tickets, visit the Acts of Love website.

There is currently a call for help with ticket sales and volunteers; those interested in getting involved “behind the scenes” should email Emma Petievich at epetievich@autismspeaks.org.

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.

Academy Award nominee, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Alfre Woodard, who co-founded ANSA in 1989, served as the audiobook’s director. She said, “I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela last year in London, where he challenged us, saying, ‘…our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are oppressed, there is more work to be done. It is in your hands now.’ With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and hero, Nelson Mandela. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join us and support this effort.”

Samuel L. Jackson, a leading ANSA supporter, commented, “I’ve traveled with ANSA to rural villages and met children whose lives will be changed by this audiobook. This is our way of honoring Mr. Mandela, by assisting children who are the future of his nation and our world.”

“We hope the audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages, increasing awareness of Africa’s rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa’s vulnerable children,” said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his foreword for the book, Nelson Mandela wrote, “It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books.” The audiobook brings these timeless tales to a new oral tradition to be heard around the world.

ANSA is a nonprofit organization working in South Africa and the U.S. to combat HIV/AIDS, assist children orphaned by the disease, educate and empower youth, advance human rights, and build bonds between our nations through arts, culture, and the shared pursuit of social justice.

To find out more about the recording, click here.

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.

The auction runs until May 7, and will be followed by a live gala event in New York City.

To make a bid or view the items, click here.

Gwyneth Paltrow Designs Bikini For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

The designs will be available very shortly from Lily Pulitzer stores and online. For a sneak peek at the designs, click here.

Stars Decorate Bags For Charity Auction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“As a big sister, I know how important it is to encourage reading,” said Kim Kardashian, who has also decorated a bag for the auction. “I was happy to decorate a bag to benefit Books for Kids knowing what a huge difference such a small effort can make.”

The auction launches on April 14 and can be accessed here.

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.

“Every 40 minutes the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish to a child with a life-threatening medical condition. Forty seconds is all it takes to visit www.LATISSE.com to register your support and help make wishes come true,” said David Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “We urge everyone to log on to the Latisse Website and register their support to help grant the wishes of children in their communities.”

Brooke Shields has also talked about her support for the campaign.

“I am delighted to be a part of Latisse Wishes, to not only help educate women on an eyelash growth product that is the first to be scientifically proven, but also to support a worthy organization such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” she said. “I remember being a child and blowing on an eyelash hoping my wish would come true, and as a mother I’ve passed this tradition onto my children. Through Latisse Wishes and in partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation, we can keep the tradition alive and fulfill the hopes of so many more children around the country.”

More information about the campaign can be found here.

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.

“As consumers share their own emotionally evocative stories that involve gold jewelry, the lasting value of gold and its enduring relevance in our lives will resonate strongly with all who participate,” adds Duvall O’Steen of the World Gold Council.

The special website will feature a designer showcase of great gold jewelry styles from other legendary gold designers like Temple St Clair, Doris Panos and Dana David. The site is interactive, allowing consumers to read Debra’s gold jewelry story, along with a selection of other stories as shared by other contest entrants, and also allowing them to enter their own story. Debra’s connection to YouthAIDS is also highlighted on the site.

In addition to Legendary Gold, Debra is also the first confirmed celebrity participant in World Gold Council’s Leaves of ChangeSM charity initiative. Due to her participation in Leaves of ChangeSM Debra Messing will include a leaf motif in the piece of gold jewelry created by her collaboration with Robert Lee Morris, in order to further raise funds and awareness for YouthAIDS. All Leaves of ChangeSM gold jewelry creations will be auctioned off in early May 2009 with proceeds going to the celebrities’ designated charities. Another special website, leavesofchange.org, will feature each celebrity’s gold design, as well as their charity partnerships.

Robert Lee Morris is honored to work with Debra Messing to support her charity. “If ever the world needed an uplifting theme such as Leaves of ChangeSM, now is the time,” he said.

Debra Messing To Appear In Gender Equality Play

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Proceeds from the show will go to WET, an organization created in 1999 to develop, produce and promote innovative, non-niched, female-generated work in theater, film, television and education. Founders Sasha Eden and Victoria Pettibone recognized that women in the United States are under-represented and often misrepresented in the entertainment industry, with only 17% of theater experiences written by women, only 16% of theater productions are directed by women, and only 15% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors working in the US film industry are women. The pair set up the organization to fight gender inequality.

The LOVE performance will take place on February 9 at the Angel Orensanz Foundation, 172 Norfolk Street, New York. More information and tickets are available here.

Anne Hathaway Gets Ready For A Cracked Xmas

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

Lifetime Networks, a leader in women’s television that produces and distributes diverse programming for its audiences, will receive The Trevor Hope Award.

“We are delighted to honor Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime Networks, since they both demonstrate the courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer of The Trevor Project. “Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime provide inspiration to young people and families who will see films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ and understand the importance of celebrating diversity and life.”

The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth, and has taken over 100,000 phone calls since its inception.

The event will also feature an appearance by Selma Blair and will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on December 7. Tickets and info are available at the Trevor Project website.

Mischa Barton Knits Hat For Ethiopian Child

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this effort to help the world’s babies survive,” said Rebecca Romijn, star of ABC Television’s “Ugly Betty” series. “I believe all moms should get to experience the joy of seeing their beautiful babies grow up and do great things in life.”

“Being a mother, I know how vulnerable a child is during their first few hours and days of life,” added Debra Messing. “So when I was told that something as simple as a knit cap can help save a baby’s life by keeping him dry and warm, I was moved to act.”

Barton’s website also includes information about her recent trip to South Africa with the charity: "I visited a primary school in Soweto. Many of the children there are orphans or are infected with the AIDS virus. The kids and I read together, I helped serve them their lunch, and then after school my boyfriend at the time and I drove one of the little boys home. Just seeing where these children come from and the lives that they lead really opened my eyes to how much there is to be done in the world.

“It truly was a life changing experience and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time with these children. I have every intention of returning in the near future.”

To see the hat Mischa knitted and its lucky recipient, click here.

Debra Messing To Design Charity Bling

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Leaves of Change will culminate in spring 2009 with an exclusive Los Angeles gala event and a live and online auction to raise funds and awareness for all of the participating charities.

“Bringing together highly talented celebrities with renowned jewelry designers will create exciting and innovative gold designs,” World Gold Council U.S. Managing Director John Calnon said in a media release. “The simultaneous benefit to multiple charities, especially in such difficult economic times, makes for a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Daniel Craig Joins DeNiro At Charity Bond Screening

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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 DeNiro, 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.”

More information about the Tribeca Film Institute can be found at their website.

Bid For Signed Coffee Cups For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

“We are proud to help raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment that will hopefully eliminate this disease one day,” said Nonni’s marketing manager Matt Duffy, “We hope this charity auction will not only help raise funds, but also increase awareness about breast cancer.”

The auction can be accessed via eBay and runs until the end of the month.

Jeans Engineered For Celebs On Auction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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 America’s Second Harvest, The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

Other stars offering to split their jeans with you include Alan Alda, Maria Menounos, Nancy O’Dell, Chris Rose, John Salley, Toni Collette, Jeff Probst, Kristian Alfonso, Shaun Robinson, John Krasinski, John McCrea, Melissa Joan Hart, Angie Harmon, Jillian Michaels, Christian Slater, Zachary Levi, Tony Shalhoub, Dule Hill, Greg Grunberg, and Coolio.

Glenn Close Throws a Bone to Charity

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

The most unique aspect of the site is that Fetchdog.com funnels a portion of its sales to dog-related causes. All you have to do is purchase an item and a percentage of the total will be donated to select dog charities with no added cost to you. Martha Stewart, for example, chose the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. When shoppers place their orders through Stewart’s page, the ASPCA receives roughly 6 percent of the price.

“Our dogs love us and keep us laughing through good times and bad,” writes Close on her blog, “This blog is a tribute to all the fabulous dogs who trot and wag their way through our lives and to the people who they have so successfully trained.”

Close has interviewed many dog lovers such as Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson, who directed contributions to Little Angels Pug Rescue, and Dan Zelman and Debra Messing, who selected Animal Rescue New Orleans.

In one of her blogs, there is a great video of Close and her husband taking part in a training exercise with ski patrol member Tracy Christensen and his avalanche rescue dog, Mick. The video, narrated by Close, shows the couple buried beneath 4 feet of snow while Mick catches their scent and leads his handler to their rescue.

Close has more than one furry friend herself, including several canines whose lineage appears to be a mix of cairn terrier, West Highland white terrier and indeterminate other breeds. And wouldn’t you know it, she always brings her ‘kids’ to the set while shooting “Damages,” FX cable network’s critically acclaimed legal drama in which Close plays high-powered attorney Patty Hewes.

“They really change the atmosphere of the set when they come on. People just love it,” Close said. “And as long as they’re in a place where you can’t hear their toenails click when the camera turns on, then we’re fine.”

Celebrity Designed Corsets On Auction

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:06:55 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

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 Second Harvest, 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":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/34-charlize-theron] 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.”

To create the pieces, the celebrities were each given a special design kit to make a sketch of their creation. It was then up to costume designer Linda Stokes, best known for dressing Gwen Stefani on tour, to produce the garments.

“You get to draw and sketch,” said Eva Longoria about her design. “And I sketched some tulle at the top and it has all of this beading.”

Andy Garcia, star of the Ocean’s 11 movies, was inspired in his design by the flag of his native Cuba. Others took a more fanciful approach, with Ashley Olsen’s design dripping black feathers, and Kyra Sedgwick’s creation appearing to have garbage trailing off the hem. Other celebrities involved in the campaign include Christina Aguilera, actress and Clothes Off Our Back founder Jane Kaczmarek, Maria Menounos, Gabrielle Union, Ashlee Simpson, Mandy Moore, Debra Messing, Fergie, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette.

The event kicked off on October 25, with a live auction hosted at Frederick’s flagship store on Hollywood Boulevard, and the online auction runs until November 5 on www.clothesoffourback.org.

“I think you should bid on any and all of them,” said Oscar nominee Julianne Moore, whose peacock inspired design is featured in the auction. “I love them, and it’s a great cause.”

Celebrity Portraits Up For Auction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

The pictures were personally autographed by the stars during Entertainment Tonight interviews held backstage at events such as the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards, and the 58th Primetime Emmys.

“We are always eager to support the charitable endeavors of celebrities,” said Linda Bell Blue, executive producer for Entertainment Tonight. “So we readily embraced the opportunity to get involved with Stars For A Cause.”

The online auction will run until September 27, when a VIP Gala will be held at The Hollywood Museum. Many of the stars featured in the portraits are expected to attend the event, and the evening will bring bidding on the paintings to a close.
Other celebrities whose portraits are for sale include Angelina Jolie, Alan Alda, Mariska Hargitay, Kyra Sedgwick, Jane Kaczmarek, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Geena Davis, Candice Bergen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Debra Messing, Forest Whitaker, Kiefer Sutherland, Meryl Streep, Charlie Sheen, Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Helen Mirren, Penelope Cruz, Daniel Craig, Beyoncé Knowles, and Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen.
Bids start at $500, and can be viewed at www.juliensauctions.com.

Look To The Stars News: Debra Messing

LTTS Exclusive - Ashley Judd Awarded As Hollywood Hero

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