Look To The Stars News: Cindy Crawford

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date.

Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. The special black-tie evening took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.

“We are honored to present Jerry as an exceptional individual who has demonstrated visionary and transformative leadership on behalf of children worldwide with the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award.” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “His philanthropic commitment to UNICEF’s mission to reach a day when zero children die from preventable causes, is truly inspirational.”

The UNICEF Ball was co-chaired by Bryan Lourd, Ghada Irani and Tamar & Bob Manoukian. The evening included performances by Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Jane Morgan-Weintraub and Franki Valli & The Four Seasons. Paul Anka added his own special touch to the night by changing the lyrics to his popular song “My Way” to reflect the guest of honor. George Clooney, Bruce Willis and Bryan Lourd were among those who spoke about Jerry Weintraub as a friend and colleague. Guests were also treated to special surprise appearance by Mr. Weintraub’s long-time friend Muhammad Ali.

During dinner, George Clooney presented the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award to Jerry Weintraub, Special Advisor to UNICEF USA. Weintraub’s more than 40 year career in entertainment has spanned all genres of music, film, Broadway Theatre, concerts and television. A celebrated producer and entertainment mogul, Weintraub has produced numerous blockbuster hits such as the Ocean’s 11 series and he has founded several successful production companies including Jerry Weintraub Productions. Committed to helping others in need, Weintraub’s philanthropic endeavors are just as great as his professional career. Most recently, Not On Our Watch, co-founded by Weintraub, has supported UNICEF’s at-risk Zimbabwean refugee children living on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border.

“Every day 24,000 children die from preventable causes. I believe that number should be zero,” said Jerry Weintraub, Producer and Recipient of UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. “UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world and I am committed to supporting their efforts to provide children worldwide the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood.”

In spirit of the evening, Jerry Weintraub, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle donated $250,000 on behalf of Not on Our Watch in support of UNICEF’s mission to reduce the number of preventable deaths of children from 24,000 to zero.

Guests of the UNICEF Ball included Ellen Barkin, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford & Rande Gerber, Luciana & Matt Damon, Larry David, Selena Gomez, Elliot Gould, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Anthony Kiedes, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Rebecca Mader, Alyssa Milano, Jeremy Piven, Sumner Redstone, Bruce Willis and more.

Dinner hosts included Shelli and Irving Azoff, Peggy and Jeff Bewkes, George Clooney, Carole Bayer Sager and Bob Daly, Luciana and Matt Damon, Brynne and Dan Fellman, David Geffen, Harvey S. Gettleson, Brad Grey, Cindy and Alan Horn, Lucy Liu, Michael Meldman, Wendy and Barry Meyer, Kelly and Ron Meyer, Lori and Michael Milken, Julie and Leslie Moonves, Robin and Gerald Parsky, Brad Pitt, Nicole and Jeff Robinov, Ande and Bruce Rosenblum, Steve Roth, Ellen and Richard Sandler, Jane and Terry Semel, Steven Spielberg, Emma and Bruce Willis, Ellen and Ken Ziffren and Jane Morgan Weintraub.

Kevin Spacey Donates Shoes To Charity Auction

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Whose shoes would you most like to step in to? A glamorous day in the life of Kylie Minogue? A moment treading the boards as Kevin Spacey or a chance to strut your stuff as Cindy Crawford?

A new and amazing auction offers you the chance to step into the shoes of some of the most idolised people in the world, with proceeds to go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

And there is a whole bunch of celebrity shoes going under the hammer, including footwear donated by Olivia Newton-John, Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon, Yasmin Le Bon, Rod Stewart, Darren Hayes, Sharleen Spiteri, Melanie C, Russell Watson, Denise Van Outen and many more.

The auction will close at 1pm on Wednesday 18th November. At this point the shoes will be entered in to an auction at the ‘In Their Shoes’ Macmillan Annual Ball on Thursday 19th November. If you are not attending the event but would like to make your maximum bid known, please contact hfoster@macmillan.org.uk before midday on Thursday 19th November.

Whether you want a taste of The Ashes with Andrew Strauss’ cricket shoes or to walk tall in Trinny Woodall’s stilettos, there is something here for everyone! Each celebrity has kindly donated their signed shoes and they are here for the taking!

To take part in the auction or view the shoes, click here.

Room 23 Opens The Lives Of Celebrities For Human Rights

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

A new book featuring photos of over 100 celebrities will raise money for a human rights project.

Room 23 is the brainchild of entrepreneur and philanthropist Diana Jenkins and depicts a year in the life of a Beverly Hills penthouse suite. Stars to take part in the project and allow themselves to be intimately revealed include George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Elton John, Dennis Hopper, Larry King, Heidi Klum, Kid Rock, Lindsay Lohan, Ludacris, Moby, Hayden Panettiere, Christian Slater, Sharon Stone and many more.

The book – to be released in 120 countries on September 8 – will benefit the Sanela Diana Jenkins International Human Rights Project, a non-profit entity at the UCLA School of Law that brings war criminals to justice through legal resources and technology. Established by Bosnian-born Diana Jenkins, the project aims at developing groundbreaking approaches to advancing human rights and to training the next generation of human rights lawyers and advocates.

“When good things happen for me, I pay it forward by helping my country,” said Jenkins. “In the Bosnian-Serbian War, people lost homes, cars and money, but the greatest casualty was the loss of family and friends. No one should ever have to be a victim of human rights violations, so that is why I founded the Sanela Diana Jenkins International Human Rights Project.”

Other stars to feature in the book include James Blunt, Rachel Hunter, Peter Wentz, Jerry Weintraub and many more.

To find out more, visit the official website.

Tom Brady Bikes For Best Buddies

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

Quarterback of the New England Patriots of the National Football League, Tom Brady, joined Best Buddies International on the weekend of May 30 as honorary chairman of the Best Buddies bike challenge ride of Boston.

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge (ABBC) cycling event and the Carl Lewis Walk/Run Challenge are exciting adventures along a challenging and beautiful course, with active participation and inclusion of athletes with intellectual disabilities, that ends with a star-studded celebrity criterium race. 100% of the money raised by participants benefits Best Buddies International in carrying out its mission of providing friends and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.

The ABBC weekend has the feel of a big family gathering, as participants, celebrities and new buddies ride side-by-side. The ride finishes with a one-of-a-kind post-ride party, including a concert and dinner. Past concert performers range from The Black Eyed Peas, Jon Bon Jovi, Marc Anthony to The B52’s!

Past notable guests at Best Buddies events include athletes like Carl Lewis, as well as celebrities Cindy Crawford, Robert De Niro and Kevin Spacey, to name just a few!

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing friends and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 middle school, high school and college campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute services that estimate a value of $70 million – at no cost to the community.

Today, Best Buddies programs annually impact the lives of more than 350,000 volunteers and people with intellectual disabilities in hundreds of communities around the world.

Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, Miss Teen USA Stevi Perry, The Brady Brunch actress Maureen McCormick and Mini Me movie star Verne Troyer also got into gear for the ride to aid people with intellectual disabilities.

If you missed out on the Boston Best Buddies ride with Tom Brady, there’ll be another in LA with Maria Shriver in September.

Have Your Favorite Star Record Your Voicemail Message

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Now is your chance to bid on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a celebrity record your outgoing voicemail message – with proceeds going to charity.

A range of stars have put their voicemail recording talents under the hammer for this very special charity auction, including Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Cindy Crawford, Billy Crystal, Joe Mantegna, Isla Fisher, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Sacha Baron Cohen, Felicity Huffman, Jennifer Garner and many more.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the International Medical Corps and their work in supporting the women and children victimized by war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of Congo has suffered 20 years of continuous fighting which has led to an estimated 5.4 million deaths.

The auction follows the star-studded event held last week honoring the organization.

To take part in the auction – powered by AuctionCause and ending very soon – visit eBay Giving Works.

Leeza Gibbons And Olivia Newton-John Present A Night To Make A Difference

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars is proud to be a sponsor of an exciting event that is set to take Oscar night by storm. Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster are bringing together a host of celebrities for A Night to Make a Difference to focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

The star-studded and inspirational event will be held at Beverley Hills’ exclusive and iconic Mr Chow, which will be transformed into a “living set” as it provides a backdrop for a very special interactive Oscar viewing party. This unique event will bring together stars from film, TV, music, sports and fashion to celebrate the worlds of celebrity and charity. Special Ambassadors of Change who have used their celebrity to make a tangible difference in the world will be on hand to empower the audience to make a difference in their own lives.

The list of Ambassadors of Change is long and includes Laila Ali, Jessica Biel & Make The Difference Network, Cindy Crawford, John Paul DeJoria, Fran Drescher, Hilary Duff, David Foster, Leeza Gibbons, Melissa Gilbert, Erin Gray, Tony Hawk, Slash & Perla Hudson, Larry King, Ali Landry, Mario Lopez, Gloria Loring, Darryl McDaniels, Dr Phil & Robin McGraw, Olivia Newton-John, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Jane Seymour, and Amy Smart.

“We call it a “party with a conscience” and it happens live on the internet (via EXTRAtv.com and Glam.com)," Leeza Gibbons told Look To The Stars. "Our correspondents are the stars themselves who have been inspired or moved to action by Hollywood’s example and leadership. We will create a “living set” inside Mr. Chow and cut live to our “Glam lounge” where lifestyle reporters will give viewers ways to take Hollywood’s example for confident building looks . We’ll also show how Hollywood beauties (ranging from classics like Audrey Hepburn to contemporaries like Angelina Jolie) have used their beauty to make a difference in the world. We will feature the ways in which Hollywood is leading the charge in the green movement and demonstrate how Hollywood’s huge heart has become a catalyst for good all over the world."

The event will even be carbon neutral, and a tree will be planted in honor of each attendee to erase their carbon footprint.

“Of course , we will have plenty of fun too!” said Leeza. "David Foster is our entertainment director and he is delivering A-list performers. We will have fans interact with our guests to get inspired and learn that together we are stronger than anything than threatens to tear us apart. Favorite Oscar moments, favorite Oscar hosts, and of course, plenty of fashion and flair! It’s all part of our Night To Make A Difference, which is a benefit for the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and Olivia Newton John’s Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia."

The Night To Make A Difference takes place at Mr Chow, 344 N Camden Drive, on February 22. Dinner guests will be treated to a specially planned and prepared 10-course dinner featuring Mr. Chow’s world famous cuisine while watching the Oscars, and there will also be a special celebrity auction.

The event is expected to sell out. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website.

And be sure to stay tuned to Look To The Stars for more coverage of this exciting event.

George Clooney Hosts Charity Dinner For Darfur

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor George Clooney raised $14.57 million for charity when he hosted a fundraising party in London last Thursday, December 4.

The dinner party was held at the home of banker Roger Jenkins, a senior executive at Barclays, with guests – such as Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Cindy Crawford, Sarah Ferguson, Bono, David Walliams, Michael Caine, Claudia Schiffer, Christian Slater, and Guy Ritchie – paying up to $20,000 for a ticket. Kid Rock provided the entertainment, while television chefs Antony Worrall Thompson and Ainsley Harriott provided the food.

Proceeds from the evening went to Clooney’s Not On Our Watch, a charity he founded with actor Don Cheadle in 2007 to focus global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities in Darfur.

Clooney followed up the charity dinner by presenting ‘Golden Heart’ awards to aid workers who have spent time working in Darfur at the Ein Herz Für Kinder charity event in Berlin on Saturday night. Hosted by Thomas Gottschalk, the televised event also featured an appearance by Boris Becker.

Cindy Crawford Feeds The Homeless

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Love Hewitt were among the stars who helped out at Kirk Douglas' annual Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless on Wednesday.

“It’s a great cause,” said actor Ross McCall. “What a wonderful thing that you get to deliver a hot meal to someone who needs it.”

Between 2,500 and 3,000 people benefited from the celebrity meal, which also featured free health checks.

“It’s just about recognizing how fortunate we all are,” said Crawford. “It’s a way for us to just put our heads in the right state of mind for being truly thankful and it’s great to interact with the guests of the Los Angeles Mission and just be able to serve them a warm meal.”

Hewitt – who is a regular at the annual event – was also full of praise for the work of the Los Angeles Mission, where the event was staged: “What they do all year round, besides just what they do on the holidays, is really inspiring.”

Celebrities Expected For Kirk Douglas Thanksgiving Meal

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Yesterday, Look To The Stars brought you news about Kirk Douglas' annual Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless. We can now announce the lineup of stars expected to join the 91-year-old at the Los Angeles Mission.

Making a difference for Thanksgiving this year are Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer), Cindy Crawford, Corbin Bleu (High School Musical III), Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty), Neil McDonough (Desperate Housewives), Rebecca Mader (Lost), James Black (Starter Wife), Wilmer Valderrama (Fast Food Nation), Christopher Knight (Brady Bunch), Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model), Doug Rinehardt (The Hills), Deniece Williams (Singer-Songwriter), Katherine Kelly Lang (the Bold and the Beautiful), Daren Kagasoff (Secret Life of the American Teenager), Nora Zehetner (Heroes), Natasha Alam (the Women), Alaina Huffman (Smallville), Christa Campbell (Day of the Dead), Shirly Brener (Righteous Kill), Kate Linder (the Young and the Restless), Ross McCall (Band of Brothers), Brandon Barash (General Hospital), C. S. Lee (Dexter), Jorge-Luis Pallo (Secret Life of the American Teenager), and Casey Reinhardt (Laguna Beach). And, as in past years, there will be a few more surprises on the day.

The celebrities are expected to gather at the Los Angeles Mission – on the corner of E. Fifth Street and Wall Street – at 10:45am tomorrow, November 26, and start dishing out meals to the city’s homeless at 11am. The event will run until 3pm.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

The gala will feature performances from Josh Groban, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and many more under the music direction of David Foster. The guest list is expected to be huge, with stars such as Tom Arnold, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas, Halle Berry, Valerie Bertinelli, Lara Flynn Boyle, Bo Derek, Geena Davis, Daisy Fuentes, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, Anjelica Huston, Magic Johnson, Dr. Phil McGraw, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Nicole Richie, Jane Seymour, Nicollette Sheridan, Forest Whitaker and James Woods all expected to attend. Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier will take part in Denzel Washington’s presentation.

The evening will feature a silent auction that includes an array of eco-friendly shirts donated by Guess and signed by Jason Bateman, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Cuba Gooding Jr., Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Lee, Jared Leto, Bill Maher, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson, Ray Romano, Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Stewart, Usher and many more. There will also be handbags signed by Joan Collins, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Dakota Fanning, Mariska Hargitay, Fergie, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and Racquel Welch, as well as items from Trace Adkins, P. Diddy, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andie MacDowell, Alyssa Milano, Eva Longoria, Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, Denise Richards, Joel Madden, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Carrie Underwood and many more.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Macy's Passport Hits The Big Screen

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For the first time ever, Macy’s Passport – the number 1 fashion fundraising event – will be brought to the silver screen across the US this month.

Keep the evening of October 23 free because special screening parties will be held in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Long Island , Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Petersburg in Florida, and Washington DC. Each party will include performances from celebrities such as the Pussycat Dolls and Fall Out Boy. Proceeds from each party will go to a local HIV/AIDS charity.

Macy’s Passport 2008 celebrates 25 years of dedication to people with HIV/AIDS, and is the result of fashion and compassion joining forces for the common good.

The first Macy’s Passport show took place in 1980, when Macy’s presented “GQ Live,” a men’s fashion show featuring American designers in the employee cafeteria of Macy’s San Francisco. Although only 300 people were in the audience that year, word got out about the initiative. By 1983, the audience had grown to 2000. Since then, through the help of Elizabeth Taylor, Claudia Schiffer, Magic Johnson, Sharon Stone, Will Smith, Tina Turner, KD Lang, Macy Gray, Cindy Crawford, P. Diddy, Jennifer Lopez and many more, Macy’s Passport has grown to be one of the biggest fashion charity events in the world, raising over $27 million for AIDS charities.

To find out more about 2008’s shows – including ticket information – visit the Macy’s Passport website.

Stars Hit The Catwalk For St. Judes

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A bevy of stars stepped out on the catwalk on Saturday night for the 5th annual Runway For Life benefit in Beverly Hills.

Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ross McCall, Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez, Jonny Lee Miller, Daisy Fuentes, Jason Alexander, Nancy O'Dell, Cybill Shepherd, Natasha Henstridge and Jaime Pressley were among the stars to show their fashionable sides in the fundraiser for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and William Shatner was spotted in the audience.

Over 1,000 guests attended the event – held at the Beverly Hilton – which raised well over $1 million for St. Judes. Runway for Life is one of the biggest fundraising events of the hospital’s calendar, and has netted over $6.5 million since it was first staged.

Past events have included appearances by Cindy Crawford, Anna Kournikova, Alison Sweeney and many more.

Stars Go Quackers Over Charity Auction

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, Munchkin Inc – designer and manufacturer of infant and toddler products – has announced it will auction celebrity-decorated pink bath duckies on eBay as part of its 3rd Annual Project Pink campaign.

Celebrities such as as Julianne Moore, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, Cindy Crawford, Tori Spelling, Bob Saget, Steven Weber, Jaclyn Smith, Sela Ward, Marissa Jaret Winokur and many more have donated hand-decorated and autographed limited edition pink ducks to the auction, which can be accessed through eBay. Each celebrity duck will be auctioned for a one-week period in the month of October and all auction proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“I love Munchkin’s Project Pink,” said Winokur. “These really cute pink bath duckies will help remind women to schedule routine breast exams, while also raising money to support research for a cure. And that’s something to quack about!”

In addition to the auction of celebrity-decorated ducks, consumers are also encouraged to purchase their own limited edition Project Pink Bath Duck via the Project Pink website or at select retailers nationwide for $2.99. One hundred percent of the net profits from the sale of these ducks will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“At Munchkin, we make products that help moms get through their busy days. With Project Pink, Munchkin is doing a little thing to remind moms that taking care of themselves is an important part of their day. We appreciate the support we’ve received from all participating celebrities in getting that message out,” says Doug Gillespie, vice president of marketing. “We encourage you to bid on your favorite duck or simply remind a friend ’Don’t Duck a Breast Exam’ and the importance of routine check-ups.”

For more information, visit www.munchkin.com/projectpink or www.ebay.com/projectpink.

Cindy Crawford Hosts Mothers Day Spa For Ronald McDonald House

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:26:03 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of Tinseltown’s brightest female stars turned out for an early Mothers Day charity fundraiser event in Los Angeles today, April 29, to salute mothers staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Cindy Crawford, Dayanara Torres, June Ambrose, and Tamia hosted the “spa and wellbeing” event, and treated mothers with sick children to manicures and neck and shoulder massages, make-up tips, and consultations provided by JAFRA Cosmetics International Inc., as well as gift bags filled with beauty items.

“It will be very special to watch these incredible mothers take a break, relax, and enjoy the day,” said Crawford. “We know that the presence of families helps in the healing process for children. These moms give so much love and support to their children during such a difficult time, and in honor of Mother’s Day, this is a nice way to show our appreciation for all the sacrifices they make for their families each and every day.”

The stars took part in the event as Celebrity Friends of Ronald McDonald House (RMHC), part of the charity’s existing Friends of RMHC volunteer program which includes a network of 30,000 volunteers that allows RMHC to serve millions of children each year. Other celebrities involved in the program include Hayden Panettiere, Holly Robinson-Peete, and Wayne Brady. The celebrity program was launched in 2007, during McDonald’s annual World Children’s Day fundraiser for RMHC, and is designed to heighten awareness for the charity and inspire people to take action by actively donating their time, resources, or funds.

“Mothers who depend on the Ronald McDonald House to be a ‘home away from home’ while their children receive treatment at nearby hospitals often form a special bond with one other,” said Wai Ling Eng, RMHC Global Board Trustee. “I’m delighted to be part of this event that salutes these strong women and gives them a chance to further their connection with other mothers going through a similar experience.”

Today’s event at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House followed the opening of a newly-built auxiliary property, which added 40 additional hotel-style bedrooms to the facility. The expansion means the charity can now provide low cost, often free, lodging to 75-families per night; an increase from the previously accommodated 35-families.

Cindy Crawford And Spike Lee Honored

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:19:07 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A model and a director were honored at two different charity events for their humanitarian work this week.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford was the honoree of the 10th annual Rick Weiss Humanitarian Awards in Palm Springs, California, earlier this week – an event that raised money for local charities such as Project New Hope, The Desert AIDS Project, the AIDS Assistance Program, the American Heart Association, Guides Dogs of the Desert, and the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

Crawford was presented with the award by Daisy Fuentes, and spoke of her brother’s death from leukemia at the age of four and her mother’s efforts to raise funds for research into the disease.

“It inspired me by showing me that everyone can do something and make a difference,” said the 42-year-old.

Over in Los Angeles, film director Spike Lee was the recipient of the sixth annual Behind The Lens Award, and spoke on the involvement of African-Americans in the film industry – both behind-the-scenes and in front of the cameras.

The evening included appearances by Laurence Fishburne, Bill Duke, Damon Wayans, and Snoop Dogg, and celebrated the outstanding achievements of African-Americans in film.

“We’ve got a long way to go to catch up to where we are in sports and music,” said the 51-year-old director of Do The Right Thing and Malcom X.

The event was organized by the Chrysler Foundation, who also donated $25,000 to Lee’s old college in Atlanta – Morehouse College – in recognition of his work. The money will go towards a program to expand the college’s School of Sports Journalism for African-Americans.

“Spike Lee epitomizes the ideal of the Behind the Lens Award,” said Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy at Chrysler. “His thoughtful films and activism in Hollywood have inspired a generation of filmmakers, encouraged actors, challenged basic assumptions and expanded the field to include many more African-Americans in key roles behind the lens. We are thrilled to have him as the awards latest honoree and to celebrate his commitment and passion.”

Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:44 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the most exciting celebrity auctions of the year will take place in May to raise funds for an organization supporting sufferers of a painful and disfiguring condition.

National Doodle Day will kick off on May 8 as part of Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and will mark the start of a week-long auction of over 100 celebrity doodles from stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, Scarlett Johansson, and Goldie Hawn. Money from the doodles, which were hand-drawn by each celebrity on a 5" by 8" card, will benefit Neurofibromatosis, Inc., a national organization that supports NF patients, their families, and research into the disorder.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the Untied States, affecting one in every 2,500 births. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time, and can lead to disfigurement, deafness, blindness, seizures, bone deformities, and cancer. Half of the children born with the condition have no family history of the disorder, so it can strike in any family without warning.

The doodle auction runs from May 8 to 18, and follows a successful auction run by the organization last year that featured one-of-a-kind works of art from Cindy Crawford, Kathy Griffin, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Jay Leno, Rick Springfield, Donald Trump, and The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler. However, the highest bid went to a drawing from Barack Obama, which sold for a massive $2,075.

Funds raised from the Doodle Day auction this year will go to support education, advocacy, coalitions, and research for treatments and a cure. Other stars who have put their drawing skills to good use include Gillian Anderson, Candice Bergen, Jeff Bridges, David Cassidy, Dom DeLuise, Garfield creator Jim Davis, Julia Louis Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Seth Green, and many more. There is also an autographed photo and NCIS call-sheet from Mark Harmon on offer.

To view the doodles for sale, visit the Doodle Day website or www.nfinc.org.

Cindy Crawford To Receive Honor

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:30:49 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The world’s largest marrow donor center will honor Cindy Crawford at a special event in May.

The second annual Linked Against Leukemia Gala will take place on May 7 in New York to raise money for the Deutsche Knochemarkspenderdatei (better known as the DKMS or German Bone Marrow Donor Center), an organization that boasts 1.6 million registered donors and has facilitated over 13,000 transplants. The Center is committed to the fight against leukemia, and recruits donors from every race and ethnicity to help blood cancer patients receive life-saving transplants.

The gala event will be hosted by actor Mario Cantone and will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and a performance from platinum-selling recording artist Sarah Connor.

“I am thrilled to be part of this evening,” said Crawford, who will be honored for her humanitarian work. “This is a cause that is very close to my heart and I hope we are able to raise awareness and funds for DKMS.”

Last year’s gala featured a performance by Rihanna, who recently helped find a donor for a mother in New York suffering from leukemia and in dire need of a transplant.

“We are excited to be celebrating our second annual gala, and are grateful for the support we continue to receive,” said Katharina Harf, Executive President of DKMS. “More than 140,000 people in the US are diagnosed each year with life-threatening blood diseases, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and leukemia is the most common disease children in the US die of. Our goal is to raise funds so that we can recruit 30,000 new donors this year.”

Ticket prices for the event start at $1,000, and more information can be found at www.dkmsamerica.org.

Stars Design Ugg Boots For Charity

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:56:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It may be cold, and snow may be falling outside your window, but a new charity auction might have just the thing to keep you warm and cosy this winter. A host of celebrities have got together to fight the winter blues by designing a range of sheepskin-lined Ugg boots, with all proceeds going to fight childhood diseases.

Sharon Stone, Penelope Cruz, and John Travolta are just some of the 22 stars trying to keep your toes toasty this holiday season, with a variety of designs on offer in the auction to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, America’s third largest healthcare charity.

St. Jude’s is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, and offers free treatment to all of its patients. The hospital, based in Memphis, Tennessee, was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, and shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities all around the world, making it a leader in children’s healthcare.

The auction has been organized by Ugg Australia, the company behind the famous sheepskin boots, established in 1978 when a young Australian surfer named Brian Smith started selling the boots while on a trip to America. The boots soon became the preferred footwear of Californian surfers, and have now become almost legendary around the world.

The surfing theme has been captured in Ashlee Simpson's design, which incorporates surfers and dolphins splashing in the ocean, and Eva Longoria's design highlights the importance of love, with bronze hearts adorning the toes. Matthew McConaughey's design is emblazoned with the phrase “Just Keep Livin’”, and Liv Tyler's boots look fit for an Elven Princess. Other stars to donate specially designed boots include Ashton Kutcher, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Minnie Driver, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart, Kelly Ripa, and Kelly Preston.

The boots start with a reserve price of $200, and the auction runs from December 1-14 on www.cmarket.com.

Also in the mood for giving this holiday season is actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has teamed up with non-profit organization Trickle Up to offer a special piece of jewelry available when people make donations to the charity.

“Would you like to give a gift that will change someone’s life?” said the 30-year-old in a letter published on Trickle Up’s website. “This holiday season, make a donation of $100 in honor of a friend or family member and Trickle Up will send them the beautiful Trickle Up necklace, designed by one of my favorite designers – TENTHOUSANDTHINGS. Trickle Up will use your donation to help someone living on less than one dollar a day to start a micro-enterprise and take the first steps out of poverty. With their successful businesses, Trickle Up entrepreneurs are able to feed their families more nutritious meals, send children to school, receive medical care, and improve their housing. The Trickle Up necklace is a great holiday gift that will always remind you of an even greater gift: a hopeful future for a very poor family. You can seed a dream.”

The necklace is available from www.trickleup.org.

Celebrity Auctions Tackle The Big Issues

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:29:11 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Thirteen of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood are creating a buzz with an internet auction taking place in October, in order to raise awareness of one of the biggest and most pervasive threats to life on Earth.

Ebay Giving Works, eBay’s program dedicated to charity listings, is hosting an online auction for the WWF, with 100% of the proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund’s global conservation initiatives, especially those involved in the fight against climate change.

The auction, which runs from October 3 -12, features a series of 100% organic T shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Hotter Than I Should Be”. The shirts, which have created much interest in the media and Hollywood as a unique way to spread the message that the Earth is warming, have all been signed by a multitude of celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, Orlando Bloom, Rachael Ray, Harrison Ford, and Cate Blanchett.

“Global warming is the single biggest threat to our environment today,” said John Donoghue, Senior Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund. “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming celebrity support we’ve received, and we are confident this auction will not only garner funds for our work, but will encourage individuals to take action in their own lives to stop climate change.”

The WWF is a leader in the field of climate science, and is a strong and persuasive advocate for the reduction of harmful greenhouse emissions and the increase of energy efficient technologies. For more than 45 years, the non-profit organization has been working to protect nature, and now provides cutting edge scientific research into areas of concern. With a dedicated team of experts in over 50 countries, the WWF focuses on 4 particular areas of impact: creating responsible global warming policies, working with businesses to reduce carbon dioxide levels, implementing adaptation plans to help the planet respond to climate change, and protecting the forests that help mitigate climate change.

The “Hotter Than I Should Be” online auction looks set to provide some much needed funding to the WWF’s ongoing research. Many of the shirts have already reached bids of over $300, with Orlando Bloom’s attracting bids close to $800. Other celebrities who have lent their signitures to the cause include Candice Bergen, Gisele Bundchen, Kevin Bacon, Paul Newman, Charlie Sheen, Cindy Crawford, and Susan Sarandon.

Unsigned “Hotter Than I Should Be” T shirts are also available with donations of over $50 to the WWF, and more information about the auction can be found at www.worldwildlife.org.

Also up for auction on eBay Giving Works in October is a series of pink rubber bath ducks, signed and decorated by celebrities such as Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Lucy Liu, and Matthew McConaughey.

The auction has been organized by Munchkin Inc, the makers of award winning infant and toddler products, as part of their Project Pink breast cancer awareness program, and runs from October 1 to November 4. All proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to education and research into the causes, treatment, and the search for a cure to breast cancer.

Other celebrities to design and sign rubber duckies include Brooke Shields, Desperate Housewives’ Marcia Cross, Charlie’s Angels’ Jaclyn Smith, and former First Lady Barbara Bush. The auction is hoped to raise over $30,000, and more information can be found at www.munchkin.com/projectpink.

Celebrity Auction Roundup, September 2007

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look To The Stars News: Cindy Crawford

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Related past articles

Kevin Spacey Donates Shoes To Charity Auction

Related past articles

Room 23 Opens The Lives Of Celebrities For Human Rights

Related past articles

Tom Brady Bikes For Best Buddies

Related past articles

Have Your Favorite Star Record Your Voicemail Message

Related past articles

Leeza Gibbons And Olivia Newton-John Present A Night To Make A Difference

Related past articles

George Clooney Hosts Charity Dinner For Darfur

Related past articles

Cindy Crawford Feeds The Homeless

Related past articles

Celebrities Expected For Kirk Douglas Thanksgiving Meal

Related past articles

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Related past articles

Macy's Passport Hits The Big Screen

Related past articles

Stars Hit The Catwalk For St. Judes

Related past articles

Stars Go Quackers Over Charity Auction

Related past articles

Cindy Crawford Hosts Mothers Day Spa For Ronald McDonald House

Related past articles

Cindy Crawford And Spike Lee Honored

Related past articles

Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

Related past articles

Cindy Crawford To Receive Honor

Related past articles

Stars Design Ugg Boots For Charity

Related past articles

Celebrity Auctions Tackle The Big Issues

Related past articles

Celebrity Auction Roundup, September 2007

Related past articles