Look To The Stars News: Gillian Anderson

Stars Record Nelson Mandela's Favorite Stories

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

In honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday this week, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) announced plans to produce an audiobook version of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an award-winning book of legendary tales hand-picked by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

An array of celebrated performers are donating their talents to the charitable endeavor; those already signed on to voice stories include Gillian Anderson, America Ferrera, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Rickman, and Jurnee Smollett. Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will record a special message to the world’s children that will be featured on the audiobook.

Emmy/Golden Globe winner/Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard, who co-founded ANSA in 1989, will serve as Creative Director of the audiobook. She said, “I was privileged to be with Nelson Mandela recently 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…after nearly 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.’ With this audiobook, ANSA pays tribute to our friend and our hero, Nelson Mandela, on his 90th birthday. It will take the hands of all mankind to lift that burden and carry on the work. We hope you will join in and support this effort.”

Proceeds from the audiobook – slated for a Summer 2009 release – will benefit the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), a South African organization founded in 1995 to improve the way society treats its children; and ANSA, which works in the U.S. and South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS, provide comprehensive assistance to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, advance human rights, educate and empower at-risk youth and build bonds between both nations through arts, culture and the shared pursuit of social justice. Both organizations are working to address the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in South Africa, which has more people living with HIV/AIDS and more children orphaned by the disease than any other country.

“We’re deeply grateful to our generous partners and to the gifted artists who are helping bring these remarkable stories to life,” said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “Our goal is to create an audiobook that can be enjoyed by people around the world, increasing awareness of Africa’s rich cultural heritages and creating a better future for South Africa’s most vulnerable children.”

In his original foreword for the folktale collection, 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.” With the forthcoming audiobook edition of Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, his vision comes full circle, as the timeless tales he selected return to the great oral tradition that allowed them to be passed down for centuries, and will now enlighten and entertain children of all ages the world over

Gillian Anderson Auctions X Files Memorabilia For Charity

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Gillian Anderson is auctioning off tickets to the premiere of the new X Files movie and some other very special items from the popular TV series, with all proceeds to go to great causes.

The X Files: I Want To Believe – starring Anderson, David Duchovny and Billy Connolly – opens in the US on July 25, and eBay has eight opportunities to attend the premiere in either London or LA up for grabs. And as if that is not exciting enough, the highest bidders will also meet Gillian Anderson in person.

“Starting this July, you’ll be able to bid on hundreds of items I have saved from the series – from signed magazine covers and stills to scripts to clothing to specialty items like FBI badges and even a Scully cross,” said Anderson. “Also… there are premiere tickets and a talk show or two where we can meet and take pictures backstage.”

Proceeds from the auction, which can be accessed through Gillian Anderson’s eBay page, will be split between Neurofibromatosis, Inc., Artists for a New South Africa, Buskaid, and the Salisbury Community Choir. The premiere tickets are on auction until July 17, and the merchandise auction runs from July 17 till August 7.

Celebrity "Doodle" Auction Sets Sales Record

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:33:35 -0000

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (20 May 2008) – The gavel has pounded, the auction has ended, and NF, Inc., the national non-profit organization that supports families affected by Neurofibromatosis, has set a new sales record for its celebrity “Doodle” auction.

The National Doodle Day celebrity “Doodle” auction, which began on May 8, has quadrupled its earnings from the auction, netting over $28,000. This year’s top ten celebrity Doodles include those donated by Gillian Anderson ($2,749.99), Neil Gaiman -Doodle #1 ($1,325.00), Seth Green ($882.00), Neil Gaiman – Doodle #2 ($660.00), Mark Snow ($611.00), David Duchovny ($610.00), Scarlett Johansson ($565.00), Garry Trudeau ($523.52), Jimmy Pickering ($517.49), and Wanda Sykes ($500.00).

“We are thrilled with this year’s auction results,” said Rosemary Anderson, a board member for NF, Inc. “We were hoping to increase last year’s total, but have been blown away by the bidding this year. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the celebrities, cartoonists, illustrators, artists, authors, musicians, and NF friends and relatives who generously donated Doodles or other items, and the wonderful people who bid on them.”

Last year’s auction, featuring a Doodle from presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama, netted nearly $7,000 for NF, Inc. The high bidder paid $2,075 for a picture that the Illinois senator drew while presiding over the Senate.

All proceeds raised from the auction will benefit NF Inc.’s education, advocacy, and coalition programs as well as research for treatments and a cure.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that affects one in every 2,500 births, and is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Huntington’s Disease combined. This progressive disorder affects all races, all ethnic groups and both sexes equally; there currently is no cure. Approximately half of all cases are the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation in a family with no history of neurofibromatosis.

To see the all of the 168 celebrity Doodles, visit www.doodledayusa.org. For more information about NF, please visit www.nfinc.org.

Celebrities Unite For Earth Day

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Celebrity Auctions Kick Off The New Year

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:24:10 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The new year has kicked off with a flurry of celebrity charity auctions, with items for sale to benefit a plethora of worthwhile causes and issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization that advocates individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad range of issues, including free speech, AIDS, human rights, racism, and more. The Southern California branch of ACLU has launched an auction on www.charityfolks.com to raise much-needed funds.

Items up for auction until January 3 include lunch with Jake Gyllenhaal on the set of his new film, a framed and autographed art print by Viggo Mortensen, the chance to dine with Harry Belafonte or Mike Farrell, a signed T shirt and photo from Danny Glover, and original artwork from singer Maria McKee, and an autographed copy of Corinne Bailey Rae’s single, “I’d Like To”.

Also up for auction on the Charity Folks website are 12 twelve very special packages to see Hilary Duff in concert. VIP tickets and the chance to go backstage to meet the young diva are included, and the concerts are being held across the US, Mexico, and Australia.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Blessings in a Backpack, a program run by USA Harvest to generate public awareness of child hunger. The organization will use the money to assist in providing weekend meals to needy children and ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. The auction runs until January 25.

Virgin Unite has put several items up for auction, including a leather jacket designed and signed by Jon Bon Jovi, a guitar autographed by Jewel, and a cymbal signed by members of the Beastie Boys.

Virgin Unite is the non-profit entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, established by Richard Branson as a catalyst for business based solutions to social and environmental problems. The auction ends on January 3.

Artists for a New South Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 to advance human rights in Africa, and now encompasses a whole raft of issues, including the fight against AIDS, assisting children orphaned by AIDS, and educating and empowering youth. They are offering some incredible items for auction until January 18, including original Star Wars comics signed by Samuel L. Jackson, a signed photo of ex-X Files star Gillian Anderson, and signed CDs from Mandy Moore.

And finally, the Friends and Helpers Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence, is auctioning items such as a Red Hot Chili Peppers poster signed by bass player Flea, a signed photo of Donald Trump, a flag autographed by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan, and a guitar signed by LeAnn Rimes.

2008 looks set to be the year of celebrity giving.

ANSA Shakes the Blues With Stars in Los Angeles

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:42:33 -0000

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) will host “Shaking The Blues,” a star-studded benefit, at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The evening combines the power of music and activism to shake off our blues – from the personal to the global – and make a difference in the world. The event will feature blues-influenced musical artists as well as a multi-cultural array of renowned entertainers who are donating their time and talents to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the US and Africa.

The event begins with a pre-show cocktail party for major donors at 6 PM. Shaking The Blues performances start at 7:45, immediately followed by a VIP after-party. Those confirmed to appear include Erykah Badu, Nikka Costa, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal Trio and The Roots, with Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson serving as the event’s musical director. Additional highlights include appearances by George Lopez, Jurnee Smollett, Blair Underwood and other special guest stars soon to be announced.

Shaking The Blues, which continues ANSA’s tradition of presenting one unique and extraordinary major fundraiser annually, is chaired by Dianna Cohen & Jackson Browne, Myrna Colley-Lee & Morgan Freeman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson & Samuel L. Jackson, Ann & George Lopez, Deborah Santana, Alfre Woodard & Roderick Spencer and Keisha Nash-Whitaker & Forest Whitaker Host committee members include J.J. Abrams, Gillian Anderson, Johnny Clegg, Danny Glover, Dulé Hill, Quincy Jones, Norman Lear, Lebo M, Alexandra Paul, Chris Rock, Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Alice Walker, Denzel Washington and other luminaries.

“Last year, ANSA was honored to host the 75th birthday celebration for our dear friend and advisor Archbishop Desmond Tutu said ANSA’s Executive Director Sharon Gelman. “He embodies the belief that justice and love will ultimately triumph and maintains a remarkable sense of humor, even in the face of enormous challenges. It is activists like him who inspire us to shake off the blues and take action to fix our world. That’s the spirit of Shaking the Blues, which promises to be one of ANSA’s best events ever.”

Proceeds from the event will support ANSA’s work in the US and Africa. ANSA will also donate a portion of the proceeds to the Treatment Action Campaign, the grassroots organization that is at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Tickets range from $45 to $100, and are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and (213) 480-3232. For major donor and VIP tickets, ranging from $250 to $75,000, contact Blue Room Events: (310) 491-1401.

A Shaking The Blues online auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences from President Bill Clinton, Denzel Washington, J.J. Abrams, Dulé Hill, and many others, launched October 29 at www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

ANSA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization working to combat HIV/AIDS, safeguard voting rights and democracy, advance human rights and equality, and assist and empower AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth. By working in partnership with effective grassroots organizations and pivotal movements on the frontlines of these issues, ANSA makes a substantial difference. Founded in 1989 to support South Africa’s quest to end apartheid and build a new democracy, ANSA is now dedicated to eradicating social and health inequities that are the legacies of apartheid, segregation, and generations of poverty. In the past decade alone, ANSA has raised $9 million for effective African programs, shipped 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of adults and young people in the US, South Africa, and across the African continent about HIV/AIDS and voting rights. For more information go to www.ansafrica.org

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