Look To The Stars News: Gillian Anderson

X Files Stars To Reunite For Charity

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

X Files fans are in for a special treat this month as some of the movers and shakers behind the hit TV show gather for a special evening in the name of charity.

Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully), actor Mitch Pileggi (Walter Skinner), executive producer/writer Frank Spotnitz (“The X-Files”, “Millennium”, “The Lone Gunmen”) and executive producer/director Rob Bowman (currently EP and director on “Castle”) hit the Beverly Wilshire hotel on November 14th, 2009 at 2:00pm to reminisce and answer burning questions (eg all those rumors about X-Files 3 and the 2012 mythology). This is a rare opportunity for fans to get behind-the-scenes scoops on the process of making this iconic television show, ask questions about the panelists’ new, exciting projects and raise money for some very worthy causes.

  "The X-Files", created by Chris Carter, aired from 1993 to 2002 and spawned two feature films. Considered one of the most successful shows in Fox’s history, the award-winning show’s characters, theme song and slogans have a permanent place in pop culture’s history. Whether you were a fan of the mythology episodes or the monsters of the week, there is no denying that “The X-Files” made audiences ponder, gasp, laugh and hide their eyes-occasionally all at the same time.   

In addition to the attending the main Q&A event, some lucky fans can also bid on chances to hang out backstage with the stars! “Meet and Greet” chances are being auctioned off on eBay right now (packages to meet Gillian, Mitch, Frank and Rob are currently available here.

  Would you love to ask a question, but can’t attend the event? You can still be part of the fun. For a small donation, you will be able to submit a question to the moderator for inclusion in the live Q&A event. Details can be found here. DVDs of the panel event will also be made available.

  Proceeds from this amazing event will be donated in support of the participants’ chosen charities, including The Santa Monica-UCLA Rape Treatment Center, Off the Street Kids, Fezeka and Children of the Night.

The Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center is nationally recognized for its exemplary treatment, education, and prevention programs. Over the last year, RTC has campaigned to eliminate the extraordinary backlog of untested rape kits and for faster analysis of DNA evidence. Information regarding RTC’s work will be available at the event.

Off The Street Kids (OTSK) is a newly registered UK charity (No. 1127701). The organization seeks to respond to the needs of young people who are forced to leave care in South Africa at the age of 18 when state funding ceases. Many of these young people return to the streets because they have neither the skills to support themselves nor a home to return to. OTSK is working on a pilot a program that will provide support for these young people in order to prevent them returning to the streets, and enable them to provide for themselves in the long term.

The Fezeka Scholarship Fund has been created with a view to assisting Fezeka’s children through university and higher education helping them to pursue their dreams. Donations will be split 70% to the Fezeka Scholarship Fund and 30% to supporting the Fezeka Outreach ensuring that the film is screened in communities far and wide so that more individuals will be inspired to support and give to the Fezeka Scholarship fund, which will help to make this a sustainable and ongoing fund for many years to come.

Children of the Night is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1979 dedicated to assisting children between the ages  of 11 and 17 who are forced to prostitute on the streets for food to eat and a place to sleep. All programs are funded with the support of private donations.

  The event will be hosted by IBG Inc. In 2008, IBG established an official non-profit campaign focusing on utilizing the power of philanthropy through the arts to benefit a wide range of charities worldwide. IBG acts as a “fundraiser facilitator” for underfunded and start-up charities that would otherwise struggle with the logistics and costs associated with event fundraising. More info about the event and the amazing group of people behind it, click here.

Charitable Celebrities To Receive 21st Century Leaders Awards

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Celebrities will be out in abundance in Doha, Qatar, next week for the Whatever It Takes Experience presented by 21st Century Leaders and Whatever It Takes.

As well as a private art experience and gala dinner, several stars will be honored with 21st Century Leaders Awards at this massive charity event.

The Doha 21st Century Leaders’ Awards are granted to individuals who, whilst being leaders in their own fields, have also made a serious commitment and significant impact on their chosen cause.

The award is given to individuals who have used their influence to raise awareness, their celebrated status to raise funds, and the respect and notoriety which they have gained from successes in their chosen profession, to make positive policy changes to progress either environmental or humanitarian concerns.

Friday, October 30, will see Sir Ben Kingsley CBE, Venus and Serena Williams, Josh Hartnett, Danny Boyle and Christian Colson honored for their outstanding charity and humanitarian work. A surprise guest will open the event, and an art exhibition will also take place featuring original artworks by George Clooney, Stella McCartney, Sir Roger Moore KBE, Sir Michael Caine CBE, and Lady Shakira Caine, Sir Ian McKellen, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Laurence Fishburne, John Travolta, Pierce Brosnan OBE, Morgan Freeman, Charlize Theron, Minnie Driver, Lucy Liu, Susan Sarandon, Courteney Cox & David Arquette, Whoopi Goldberg, Penelope Cruz, Benicio del Toro, Joseph Fiennes, Anjelica Huston, Christian Slater, Harvey Keitel, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Gillian Anderson, Hilary Duff, Adrien Brody, Mickey Rourke, Robin Wright Penn, Patrick Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Stephanie Powers, Toni Collette, Daniel Craig and many more.

An active supporter and patron of charities such as the Prince’s Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and First Star, English actor Sir Ben Kingsley CBE is very much devoted to helping disadvantaged young people and children. In 2008, Kingsley was awarded the “Cinema for Peace Honorary Award”, for the portrayal of the humanitarian role-models Simon Wiesenthal, Itzhak Stern and Gandhi.

In April 2009, following the success of Slumdog Millionaire, filmmakers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson announced a commitment of £500,000 to Plan, an international children’s development organization. The money will be spent on a five-year program focusing on education and sanitation, designed to improve the lives of children in Mumbai’s slum communities. In consultation with Plan, the filmmakers have also founded the Jai Ho Trust, an independent trust which aims to ensure that Rubina Ali (who played the youngest Latika in the film) and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail (youngest Salim) receive an education, housing and social support. The trust will also hold a sum of money for the two children until they reach adulthood.

American actor and film producer Josh Hartnett supports a number of worthy causes and has backed Global Cool, a charity focused on climate change since its inception. Launching with a reception at No.10 Downing Street in London in 2007, Josh Hartnett met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair on behalf of the group and has since taken the message of greenhouse gas reduction far and wide, to let people know that they really can make a difference to the environmental health of our planet.

Professional women’s tennis players whom have won a combined 12 Grand Slam titles. The Williams sisters have demonstrated an immense amount of charitable work off the court. The “Williams Sister’s Tour” set out to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities which provides housing for families of seriously ill children. In addition, Serena started The Serena Williams Foundation which focuses on education, and helping underprivileged children in Africa who cannot afford to go to school or college to do so.

WhateverItTakes.org is a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader. 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission is to assist and encourage a generation of influencers – royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates and well-known leaders in the fields of film, music, fashion, art and literature – to raise awareness and funds for international development causes, thereby leading the way in promoting positive environmental sustainable development. 21st Century Leaders was founded in May 2003 when Charlotte di Vita was made a Goodwill Ambassador to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. 21st Century Leaders was also the 10th Anniversary celebration of Trade plus Aid, the foundation for which Charlotte had received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To find out more about this event – to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Doha on October 30/31 – click here.

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.

Gillian Anderson And PETA Help Form New Law

Thu, 07 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

As the European Commission is finalising a new law on animal experimentation across the European Union, actress Gillian Anderson and PETA want to make sure that it comes out in favour of the animals.

Anderson has emailed a letter to the European Parliament asking for Europe “to stop returning to the darkest days of vivisection. I urge you to act in the interests of compassion when the MEPs vote on the proposed directive on the protection of animals used in scientific procedures. I have been dismayed to learn of proposals introduced to the draft legislation which will have a devastating effect on animal welfare and completely prevent governments from effectively regulating animal experiments on behalf of the citizens of the European Union. Please vote to protect animals, promote good science and ensure proper oversight in the First Reading of the proposed directive in May.”

PETA is urging the public to also contact their Members of European Parliament to make their opinions heard. PETA’s website says, “Many of those who use animals will be resisting our changes and lobbying the politicians to try to water down the proposals that already exist. Those who oppose us have money and influence, and we must counter them by ensuring that politicians know that voters want to see real protection for animals.”

Determined to hold her MEP accountable, Gillian ends her letter: “Please contact me (through PETA) to let me know how you intend to vote on this critical issue. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Dom DeLuise's Charity Legacy

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Actor Dom DeLuise sadly passed away on Monday, May 4, after a long battle with cancer. But the comedian is leaving a lasting legacy for charity.

In lieu of flowers, DeLuise’s family has asked for donations to some of his favorite charities, such as the Elixir Fund, the Lily Sanctuary, the Hydrocephalus Foundation, and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

DeLuise is also one of the stars who has donated doodles to this year’s annual Celebrity Doodle auction to raise money for Neurofibromatosis, Inc..

Imagine an unpredictable disease that causes tumors to form on the nerves of your body. Depending on their location, these tumors can cause disfigurement, dysfunction, deafness or blindness. In the wrong place they can be fatal. That is Neurofibromatosis, or NF for short. If that weren’t enough, NF can also cause learning disabilities, seizures, bone deformity and cancer. Currently, 100,000 Americans have NF; worldwide, 115 babies are born each day with this same genetic disorder.

Neurofibromatosis can affect any family. Half the children born with it have no family history of NF. Despite the many researchers studying this devastating condition, there is still no cure, and treatments are largely inadequate.

But there is hope. In support of its mission, NF, Inc., the national non-profit organization dedicated to serving families affected by NF, announces its third annual National Doodle Day fundraiser, an auction of “Doodles” by a wide range of celebrities and artists. Each contributor has donated and autographed a one-of-a-kind work of art drawn on a 5 × 8 Doodle Card. Beginning Thursday, May 7, these Doodles will be auctioned on eBay, with all funds raised supporting NF, Inc.

To date, over 75 celebrity Doodles have been posted to the NF, Inc. web site, and include: actors Christopher Atkins (The Blue Lagoon), Tom Bosley (Happy Days, Father Dowling Mysteries), James Cromwell (Babe), Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie), Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky & Hutch), Rue McClanahan (The Golden Girls), Chef Duff (Ace of Cakes), singers Tony Bennett, Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), Coach Bruce Boudreau (head coach, Washington Capitals ice hockey team), Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback), former Boston Celtics Tom Heinsohn, legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, bestselling author Jodi Picoult and many more. To take a “sneak peek” at the Doodles, visit www.doodledayusa.org.

Last year’s auction raised $28,000 for NF, Inc. The top seller, at $2,749, was a Doodle by X-Files actress Gillian Anderson. The premiere auction in 2007 featured a Doodle by the junior senator from Illinois, now President Barack Obama! It sold for $2,075.

Stars To Come Out For An Evening Of Women

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities will attend tonight’s (April 24) “An Evening Of Women: Celebrating Art, Music and Equality” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Presented by the LA Gay and Lesbian Center, the annual event is widely regarded as one of the premier events for women in California and the nation. According to the Center, “It continues to fulfill the purpose of its founder by inspiring women to participate in civil rights and social service causes, by showcasing the accomplishments of women leaders.”

The evening will feature performances by Christina Aguilera and Linda Perry, and a live auction hosted by Sharon Stone that includes items donated by Bette Midler, Pink, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys. Cybill Shepherd, Sarah Silverman, DJ Samantha Ronson, Eliza Dushku, Rosario Dawson, Leisha Hailey, Clementine Ford, Perez Hilton and many others are also expected to attend. The host committee includes Cher, Kristen Bell Eric Dane, Jared Leto, Alicia Silverstone, Ben Silverman, Slash and many more. Past presenters have included Kathy Bates, Ellen DeGeneres, Gillian Anderson, Stockard Channing, Lily Tomlin, Melissa Etheridge.

Previously known as Women’s Night, the event raises much-needed funds for the women-specific services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Gay & Lesbian Center programs and services supported by An Evening with Women include women’s health, legal assistance, domestic violence prevention & education, cultural programs, self-enrichment courses, social events and discussion groups.

General tickets to the event cost $300. To purchase tickets or find out more about the event, click here.

Gillian Anderson Voices Disturbing Anti-Fur Film

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Gillian Anderson has lent her voice to a new video made by PETA exposing the cruelty of rabbit slaughter in China and France, two countries from which top fashion designers buy rabbit fur for their fashion lines.

The video – filmed undercover – focuses on rabbit fur farms in China and France and reveals the pitiful living conditions for rabbits, who are confined to small wire cages before they are slaughtered. The film shows in detail workers at a Chinese farm pull rabbits out of cages by their ears and shoot them in the head with captive-bolt guns. Rabbits with slit throats can be seen twitching and shaking, with their eyes wide open, before they die.

“Our investigations of fur farms always turn up the same horrible abuses: Animals are forced to live in filthy, miserable conditions where they are deprived of basic necessities and then die in agony and terror,” said PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. “Armani [who sources fur from the factories featured in the film], like all fur pushers, is now supporting one of cruelest industries on Earth.”

To view the disturbing video, visit Peta.org.

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":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/580-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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