Look To The Stars News: Ashley Judd

LTTS Exclusive - Ashley Judd Awarded As Hollywood Hero

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

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

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

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

PHOTO: Crystal A Johnson

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

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

PHOTO: Crystal A Johnson

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

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

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

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

Ashley Judd To Receive Hollywood Hero Award

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Accomplished film, television and Broadway actress and philanthropist, Ashley Judd will be honored November 10 as the recipient of the fourth annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award being presented by USA TODAY President and Publisher David Hunke. The award recognizes her work as Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS, the education and prevention program of Population Services International (PSI).

Judd will be feted at a private award gala on the evening of November 10 at The Montage Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Guests will enjoy special celebrity tributes to Ashley Judd, dinner, a silent auction and an exciting live auction, with all proceeds to benefit PSI.

“I am honored to receive the USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award. I accept it on behalf of the world’s poor, vulnerable, and exploited, who in my capacity as global ambassador for YouthAIDS and board member for PSI, I am committed to serving. I am grateful to PSI and its grassroots mission of providing basic health products, services, and the care necessary to empower people to lead healthier lives, which is the basis for all sustainability and is vital for what we are all working toward: stability and peace,” said Ashley Judd.

“We are very pleased to present our fourth annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero award to Ms. Judd. Her work as an ambassador for YouthAIDS is an inspiration to us all and should be celebrated,” said USA TODAY President and Publisher David Hunke.

In what has become a USA TODAY signature event, the USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award is presented annually to an entertainment industry humanitarian who has made remarkable contributions of time and energies with a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for others. The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award recipient is unique in that his or her efforts extend far beyond charitable contributions or lending one’s celebrity to enhance a cause or concern.

Previous winners of the USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award have been film and TV producer, entertainment entrepreneur and sports legend Magic Johnson, for his work with the Magic Johnson Foundation in providing HIV/AIDS prevention and health care education to adults and children throughout the minority community; Academy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress/producer Geena Davis, honored for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in breaking stereotypes and improving gender portrayals in all media produced for children; and United Nation’s Medaille d’Excellence award-winning actress/choreographer Zina Bethune and her Infinite Dreams program, which has introduced more than ten thousand physically-challenged children across the country into actively participating in the performing arts.

Ashley Judd Speaks Out Over Mountaintop Removal

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Ashley Judd joined a rally outside Kentucky’s state Capitol yesterday, February 10, to protest the abhorrent practice known as mountaintop removal.

The Kentucky native joined over 500 people at the rally to raise awareness of the practice in which pristine mountain peaks are blasted to unearth coal.

“Mountaintop removal mining is a tragedy,” she told reporters. “Mountaintop removal mining is a scourge on our land and our people. It’s killing our mountains – the very thing that produced us.”

She went on to say how shocked she was to witness the effects of mountaintop removal when she flew over Appalachian sites last year.

“Mountaintop removal coal mining is devouring vast acreages of irreplaceable hardwood forests,” she said. “Nothing, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the sheer trauma of seeing mountaintop removal coal mining sites. I flew over barren moonscapes. Where once were ancient, verdant hills, or the most biodiverse forests in the whole of North America, I saw nothingness.”

Kathy Stein, a Democratic state senator from Lexington, is sponsoring legislation that hopes to stop coal companies from filling valleys with the debris from the mountaintops.

Charitable Stars Shine For Obama

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Celebrities were out and about in droves on Tuesday to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration by attending several charity balls.

One of the largest was the Creative Coalition Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington DC. The sold-out event cost between $10,000 and $100,000 to attend, and attracted appearances by Ashley Judd, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Leigh Cook, Ron Howard, Heather Graham, Forest Whitaker, Magic Johnson and many more. Entertainment was provided by Elvis Costello, Sam Moore and Sting.

The Creative Coalition is a nonprofit public charity organized by the creative community to learn about pressing issues so they can better inform and influence the community and nation.

Also taking place on the other side of town – at Club Ibiza – was a ball organized by the Recording Industry Association of America to benefit Feeding America.

Hosted by Courteney Cox and David Arquette, the evening attracted big names such as Rihanna, Shakira, Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Cher, T.I:, Kanye West, Josh Groban, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Stars To Flock To Purple Inauguration Ball

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Inaugural Purple Ball will take place on the evening of Barack Obama’s inauguration and will feature a host of celebrities raising money for charity.

Patricia Arquette, Amy Brenneman, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Brad Silberling, Kate Walsh, Angela Bassett, John Cusack, Brendan Fraser, David Alan Grier, Herbie Hancock, Hill Harper, Clifton Powell, and Lisa Marie Presley have been confirmed to attend the Ball, which will feature live performances by Il Divo and Peter Cincotti.

A portion of the proceeds from The Inaugural Purple Ball will benefit the Eracism Foundation, a charity established in 2006 by Academy Award Winner Lou Gossett Jr that aims to better society by addressing the negative impacts of racism. The organization provides programs that foster cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education, and antiviolence initiatives in an effort to eradicate racism. The evening will also honor American troops stationed overseas.

Tickets to the event are $5,000 and are available at the Inaugural Purple Ball website.

Rihanna To Play Inauguration Show For The Hungry

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop star Rihanna is set to perform at Barack Obama’s inauguration to benefit hunger relief.

The 20-year-old has been confirmed to sing at the Recording Industry Association of America’s Presidential Inauguration Charity Ball in aid of Feeding America.

“We could not be happier that Rihanna will be performing at the Inauguration charity ball to benefit Feeding America,” Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), told people.com. “Rihanna’s involvement will help raise awareness about the prevalence of hunger in America and help bring more aid to the 36 million Americans who do not always know where they will find their next meal.”

The concert will take place in Washington DC, and will also feature Aretha Franklin. Look To The Stars will give you more info about tickets when it comes to hand.

Also taking place on inauguration night – January 20 – is a charity concert benefiting the Creative Coalition, a nonprofit public charity organized by the creative community to learn about pressing issues so they can better inform and influence the community and nation. Performing at the sold-out event are Elvis Costello and Sting, with appearances from Seal, Ashley Judd, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Marcia Cross, and film director Spike Lee.

Stars Support YouthAIDS at Company 81 Launch Event

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Michelle Vink

On November 5, 2008, Adam Gregory (90210) and the trendy Santa Monica boutique, Fred Segal Fun hosted a launch event for the clothing line Company 81 to benefit YouthAIDS.

YouthAIDS is an education and prevention program of PSI, a non-profit organization to improve the health of poor and vulnerable people in the developing world. Youth Aids uses the power of music, media, and pop culture to reach over 600 million young people in more than 60 countries with pop concerts and marketing campaigns featuring Alicia Keys, Diddy, Ludacris, Rihanna and Good Charlotte to name a few.

Ashley Judd is the Global Ambassador for Youth Aids and is supported by her fellow celebrity ambassadors, Emmy Rossum, Josh Lucas, Wynonna Judd, and 12-time Grammy winner Juanes. These celebrities have traveled all over the world visiting schools and clinics, raising funds and awareness and providing student outreach, education, and prevention programs in support of the charity.

This night, the stars came out again to support the cause at a boutique that is no stranger to charity or celebrities. In attendance were host Gregory’s 90210 costars Jessica Lowndes and Brandon Michael Vayda, along with Amanda Bynes, Holly Montag (“The Hills”), Jason Kennedy (E! News Daily), and many more—enjoying cocktails and shopping for a cause made possible by Company 81 and the local celebrity, Jackie Brander, owner of Fred Segal Fun Boutique.

Ashley Judd Wants You To Make A Difference

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

October 25 is Make A Difference Day, and Ashley Judd is urging you to help others by volunteering for non-profit organizations.

The 40-year-old has been a Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS for the last six years, and has traveled through 13 countries – including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo – to witness health empowerment programs and raise awareness of their work.

“Volunteer work has revolutionized my life,” she said. “It has, in the best possible, most dramatic and rewarding way, turned my life inside out and upside down.”

The star – who supports causes such as Jeans for Genes and SixDegrees.org – wants to encourage others to help, and says that the feeling of fulfillment is extremely satisfying.

“Volunteering in other countries is spiritually rewarding because it demonstrated to me in such a profound way that the things we think make us different are illusions,” said Judd. “I can’t imagine a better way to see the world than by doing service work.”

To find out more about how to volunteer for a charity on Make A Difference Day, visit www.makeadifferenceday.com.

Annie Lennox Honored By YouthAIDS

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:45:00 -0000

Annie Lennox was honored at the 2008 YouthAIDS Gala last week, an event honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Hosted by Ashley Judd, YouthAIDS Global Ambassador, the ceremony – held on October 3 at the Ritz-Carlton in Virginia – also honored Bob Geldof and MTV CEO Judy McGrath.

This year’s event – dubbed The Power Of Music and voted by Washingtonian magazine as one of the top five social events in Washington, D.C. – included a gathering of musicians, artists, health professionals, celebrities, business and political leaders, and media who share YouthAIDS’ commitment to protecting young people from HIV/AIDS.

MC for the evening was Sharon Osbourne, and the event featured a musical performance by John Mellencamp. Former tennis star Anna Kournikova was spotted in the crowd, as was Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza.

Music plays a powerful role in educating populations, breaking-down cultural barriers, reinforcing behavior change and informing low-literacy populations about available products, services and care provided by YouthAIDS in more than 60 countries around the globe. Net proceeds from the gala directly benefited YouthAIDS programs and approximately 90 cents of every dollar donated to YouthAIDS supports their programs in the field.

More information on YouthAIDS can be found at their website.

Affleck Tops Charity Stars in Denver

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Denver saw an outpouring of celebrity love during last week’s DNC, with Ben Affleck leading the philanthropic pack.

On the Tuesday night, Affleck took part in a poker tournament, along with Richard Dreyfuss and Montel Williams, which ultimately raised over $60,000 for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“A lot of important organizations use this environment and the people who are here, celebrities, members of Congress, to try and raise money. This is not a Democratic or Republican group, this is a group serving our veterans,” Affleck said of the charity.

Wednesday morning, the Pearl Harbor star was down at a local food bank, the Food Bank of the Rockies, to participate in a repack event for America’s Second Harvest. Also on hand for the event were members of the Senate Hunger Caucus and members of the House – all there to see who could pack the most boxes of food in five minutes. Affleck, incidentally, won both the poker and the packing events.

He was joined by wife Jennifer Garner for a book reading at the Starz Green Room. Also set to attend were Charlize Theron, Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Kerry Washington, Josh Brolin, Kal Penn, Stuart Townsend and Hill Harper.

Jennifer Lopez spoke at a reception sponsored by the Jennifer Lopez Foundation in honor of Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Fran Drescher, Ashley Judd and Joy Bryant joined Lopez in honoring Edelman.

The Black Eyed Peas performed at the Fillmore Auditorium for the Creative Coalition, and Kanye West performed at a party benefitting the ONE Campaign. Forest Whitaker, Kal Penn and Jamie Foxx were in attendance at the latter.

Moby performed at a private party for DoSomething.org, and Willie Nelson sang out for the people of Darfur at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Stars Support New MTV Video Competition

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

MTV and MySpace have launched an exciting new competition that puts YOU in the creative driving seat. And if you win, you could be making your directorial debut on MTV… and helping the Staying Alive Foundation in their aim to reach at-risk youth and protect them from the multiple threats posed by HIV and AIDS.

Untold Stories is looking for budding scriptwriters to finish off three videos posted on the competition website, and the person whose ending really packs a punch will be chosen as the winner. If you’re that lucky person, you’ll get to make the script into a short film – with the help of MTV producers! According to the Staying Alive Foundation, not only will your finished masterpiece be shown on MTV channels, but you’ll also be whisked off to watch your film played at a World AIDS Day event in India.

The competition is being supported by Selma Blair, Ludacris, T-Pain, Idris Elba, and Ashley Judd – all of whom appear in the videos on the competition’s MySpace page.

As well as the competition – which ends on September 2 – the Staying Alive Foundation is also auctioning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the excitement of the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, including celebrity meet & greets, red carpet access, after party tickets, and accommodation at The Standard in downtown LA. The auction ends on August 28, and can be accessed through the Charity Folks website.

The Staying Alive Foundation is a charity established by MTV in 2005 to present small grants that support innovative projects in schools, youth centers, and clubs to educate youth about safe sex and HIV/AIDS.

Sting And The Police Offer Jean Therapy At Charity Auction

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They once sung about “walking on the moon”, but The Police probably didn’t wear the jeans that were auctioned off for US$19,800 in Sydney on Wednesday whilst gallivanting around in outer space.

The denim trousers were part of the 2008 Celebrity Jeans For Genes auction, an annual event to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Every year a host of international celebrities donate a pair of their personally signed jeans to the cause, which are then transformed into unique and valuable pieces of artwork by talented artists who volunteer their time.

This year’s event – which celebrated 50 years of the Children’s Medical Research Institute – was held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, and raised a total of $250,000 for the charity. It also raised awareness of the Jeans for Genes Day on August 1, which aims to encourage people to wear jeans to work and donate money to the institute.

Other stars who donated their jeans to the cause included Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Suzi Quatro, and Keith Urban. Jackie Chan didn’t just stop at his jeans – he donated a shirt as well.

Previous years auctions have included jeans from Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caton, Kurt Russell, Richard Branson, and Ashley Judd.

Malaria No More Fights A Forgotten Killer

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:55:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

When people think of health and welfare in Africa, they think of AIDS, famine, poverty, and hundreds of other killers that bring death and hardship to the continent. But they hardly ever think of malaria. “It’s not a problem anymore,” they say. “We’ve been treating it for over 100 years…”

And yet it is still a problem – a HUGE problem.

The disease, which is spread by mosquitoes, causes a drawn-out and painful death. It destroys red blood cells and clogs the tiny capillaries that carry blood to the brain and other organs – a horrible way to die in anyone’s books. And it is killing as you read this – an African child dies of the disease every 30 seconds. That’s 3,000 children a day… over 1 million a year. In addition to the devastating human toll, the African economy loses over $12 billion in productivity due to the disease annually.

Malaria No More is an organization with one simple mission: to stop all malaria deaths. Established in 2006 at the first-ever White House Summit on Malaria, the organization uses contributions from the public to fund the provision of bed nets, sprays, anti-malaria drugs, education, and also the development of a vaccine to achieve its aim. Founded by a group of organizations such as the American Red Cross, UNICEF, United Way, Millennium Promise, the Global Fund, the United Nations Foundation, and the Global Business Coalition, Malaria No More also supports the President’s Malaria Initiative, a $1.2 billion, 5 year campaign launched by President Bush in 2005 to cut malaria deaths in Africa by 50%.

Malaria No More recently benefited from Idol Gives Back, the special American Idol show that raised money for a variety of organizations both in America and overseas. It is still too early to know exactly how much Malaria No More will get of the $60 million raised by this year’s show, but the music extravaganza donated $9 million to the organization in 2007, and another $8 million to other malaria-related causes. Idol host Ryan Seacrest and Idol judge Simon Cowell, along with Idol performers, have visited Africa and seen the devastation of the disease, and last month 2007 Idol winner Jordin Sparks joined President Bush in Ghana to highlight malaria control efforts.

“I was shocked to learn of the devastation caused by malaria,” said Sparks. “It’s incredible what a difference a simple mosquito net can make in the life of a child.”

The organization, whose spokespeople include David Beckham and Ashley Judd, has also launched an exciting way for schools to join in the fight against malaria and empower students to be active in raising money and saving lives. Stayin’ Alive was created by a group of high school students in Florida, and encourages schools and students to hold fundraising dances. By dedicating a dance, or series of dances, to Malaria No More – and committing to a $1,000 donation from the proceeds – schools everywhere can play a significant role in eradicating malaria.

Malaria No More aims to partner with 10,000 Stayin’ Alive dances throughout America over the next three years. This will provide over $10 million in funds – enough to pay for $1 million bed nets to protect at least 2 million children.

To learn more about the initiative, visit the Stayin’ Alive website.

Celebrities Listen For Disadvantaged Children

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:33:55 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge and exciting new global media campaign has kicked off to raise awareness and funds for some of the world’s most disadvantaged children.

The Listen Campaign is the result of seven years work and research, and is being supported by a host of celebrities who want the public to listen to the rights and needs of children affected by poverty, disease, natural disaster, exploitation, war, and AIDS in places such as Africa, America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

“Listen is an annual global media campaign bringing together some of the finest creative artists in film, music, and the arts to raise awareness and funds for 200 children’s charity projects around the world, and to develop a worldwide community of supporters,” said Tony Hollingsworth, Executive Producer of the campaign.

The campaign’s website was launched in November, and contains short films made by some of the world’s biggest stars, who have spent time visiting and listening to children in need. Brooke Shields, Jessica Lange, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Natalie Portman, and Ashley Judd have all pledged their support for the campaign and are featured on the site, and Samuel L. Jackson has recorded a film about children in New Orleans.

“I had to come here for this… to listen to remarkable stories,” said Jackson, who was drawn to the project from the outset. “I don’t know how [the children] get through it. These kids shouldn’t be hungry and homeless, going to school hearing gunshots, without good schooling, getting ill from the formaldehyde leaching out of the trailer walls. That these kids are still suffering, two years after Hurricane Katrina, is a national scandal. Their voice should be a call to action.”

The campaign has set a fundraising target of $100 million for its first year, and hopes to raise over $10 billion within 10 years. Magazines, newspapers, internet, and television – in fact, every type of media available – are all going to play their part in attaining the campaign’s goal of making 500 million people a year aware of the plight of desperate children. Broadcasts will be made in over 60 countries, with two television specials set for worldwide release in June. One of these, Listen Live, will be a spectacular concert event in Los Angeles, in which major music stars will collaborate to perform one-off versions of their most famous songs, with musical direction from the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and legendary music producer Don Was.

Over seventy of the world’s most respected charities, such as Save the Children, CARE, Christian Aid, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, (RED), and WaterAid have nominated 200 children’s projects for the campaign to benefit. All of the beneficiary projects have been pre-declared, and can be seen on the website so the public knows exactly how their donations are to be used. As a unique addition, all donors will also receive five update reports to show exactly how their money is changing the lives of children.

“Pre-declaring the projects that will be funded and then reporting back on the effect of the donor’s money is a key difference of the Listen Campaign to other major international fundraising campaigns,” said Hollingsworth. “This pre-declaration and impact reporting will build public trust, and the creative artists’ contributions will generate interest leading to a sustained community of supporters.”

To take part in the campaign, to read exclusive short stories by some of the world’s best novelists, and to donate and enter competitions, the public can register their support at www.listencharity.org.

2007 - The Year The Stars Gave Back

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:11:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2007 was a year of giving, both on grand and not-so-grand scales. Celebrities from all fields, be it movies, music, sport or general entertainment, showed compassion beyond the call of duty, and in most cases had a lot of fun doing it.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest events of the year was Live Earth in July, where stars new and old shone in all of the corners of the Earth to raise awareness of the plight of the planet. The shows were generally well-received, and led to organizer Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But celebrities also participated in smaller, more personal acts of kindness in 2007. Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, and Michael Douglas all donated their time to feed the hungry at the Los Angeles Mission, Fran Drescher launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, and Ewan McGregor visited UNICEF projects during his epic motorcycle trip across Africa.

In January, Kevin Bacon launched www.sixdegrees.org, a website designed to marry the concepts of social internet networks and charities. The site aims to help people fundraise for their chosen causes, and features celebrities such as Kyra Sedgwick and Ashley Judd.

Bette Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project, launched the Million Trees NYC initiative with Mayor Michael Bloomberg in October, to get city dwellers to plant more trees. The project plans to increase New York’s urban forest by 20% in the next ten years.

“To walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted connects you to the roots of our past and the aspirations of our future,” said the 62-year-old singer and actress.

Another singer with a sense of community in 2007 was Jon Bon Jovi who, as well as participating in various benefit concerts, also worked with Project HOME to revitalize a deteriorated lot in Philadelphia and transform it into homes for fifteen families.

And then there was Shakira, co-founder of the Latin America for Solidarity Fund and Pies Descalzos, who donated $40 million to victims of natural disasters in Peru and Nicaragua, and another $5 million to benefit education programs for children across Latin America.

The California wildfires that ravaged much of the state in November also spawned a spate of celebrity donations, with Linkin Park, the Eagles, and Gwen Stefani all making substantial contributions to both victims and firefighters.

American Idol gave back in April, with two shows that raised over $60 million to benefit organizations funding relief programs in America and Africa, featuring performances by Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, and others. Organized by Simon Cowell, American Idol Gives Back also led to a $100,000 donation by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Another talk show host to shine this year was Oprah Winfrey, who opened a state-of-the-art school in South Africa for disadvantaged girls.

“I am creating everything in this school that I would have wanted for myself—so the girls will have the absolute best that my imagination can offer,” said the 53-year-old, who poured $40 million of her own money into the project.

Brad Pitt took on the mission of rebuilding New Orleans by donating $5 million towards new houses, and also set up the Make It Right Foundation to assist in his work. Meanwhile, his wife Angelina Jolie set out to do what her character Lara Croft does best – save the world. As well as donating $100,000 to build the Duk Lost Boys Medical Clinic in the Sudan in March, Jolie also traveled to Iraq and Syria to raise support for those displaced by war.

Although literally tonnes of articles were written about Jolie’s efforts during 2007, even more was reported on Don Cheadle’s and George Clooney’s work to publicize the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The stars of Ocean’s Thirteen established a charity for the Sudanese region called Not On Our Watch, and personally raised over $9 million to help those affected by conflict in the region. The pair were awarded a special peace prize by Nobel laureates for their efforts.

And no round up of the year’s events can be complete without mention of Bono, who continued being Bono by doing what Bono does best – raising awareness for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the needy, and the disadvantaged.

We at Look To The Stars would like to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to continuing to bring you celebrity charity news in 2008.

HG's Jeans Bigger Than Schwarzenegger’s

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:11:56 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

HG Nelson of the wildly popular Australian comedy team Roy and HG won the top bid for his jeans at the Jeans for Genes charity auction in Sydney earlier this month. His pants went for $32,000. Second highest bid was $21,000 for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s, third was $16,000 for Michael Caton’s, $11,000 for Ashley Judd’s, $10,000 for Brigitte Bardot’s and $9,000 for David Copperfield’s.

Each pair of jeans was signed by the owner and featured painted artwork. The $200,000 raised will go to the Children’s Medical Research Institute.

“All money from [this auction] and from August 3 [Jeans for Genes Day] goes to funding research to investigate the causes of childhood diseases and disorders,” spokeswoman Julijana Trifunovic said. “From this research it is hoped better treatments or cures may follow.”

Kevin Bacon Launches “SixDegrees.org”

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:02:12 -0000

Kevin Bacon has launched SixDegrees.org, a new web site that builds on the popularity of the “small world phenomenon” to create a charitable social network and inspire giving to charities online.

Bacon started the network with celebrities who are highlighting their favorite charities – including Kyra Sedgwick (Natural Resources Defense Council), Nicole Kidman (UNIFEM), Ashley Judd (YouthAIDS), Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek (Clothes Off Our Back), Dana Delany (Scleroderma Research Foundation), Robert Duvall (Pro Mujer), Rosie O’Donnell (Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation), and Jessica Simpson (Operation Smile) – and he encouraged everyone to be celebrities for their own causes by joining the Six Degrees movement.

“SixDegrees.org is about using the idea that we are all connected to accomplish something good,” said Bacon. “It is my hope that Six Degrees will soon be something more than a game or a gimmick. It will also be a force for good, by bringing a social conscience to social networking.”

The game, ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,’ made the rounds of college campuses over the past decade and lived on to be a shorthand term for the small world phenomenon.

Bacon created SixDegrees.org in partnership with the nonprofit, Network for Good, AOL, and Entertainment Weekly. Through SixDegrees.org, which builds on Network for Good’s giving system for donating to more than one million charities online and AOL’s AIM Pages social networking service, people can learn about and support the charities of celebrities or fundraise for their own favorite causes with their own friends and families. Bacon will match the charitable dollars raised by the top six non-celebrity fundraisers with grants of up to $10,000 each.

“People give to charity because someone they know or respect asks them. So charities are increasingly looking to their supporters – not just themselves – to raise awareness and money online. That means both celebrities and everyday people can make an enormous difference for people in need,” said Bill Strathmann, CEO of Network for Good.

SixDegrees.org harnesses two important online trends: the exponential growth of social networks and the increasing interest in using the web for raising money for charity among family and friends. Through SixDegrees.org, people can upload their own photos and stories and fundraise for the charity of their choice with their own charity badges and AIM Pages.

To kick off the launch of SixDegrees.org, Bacon will attend opening weekend of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT, where he and other celebrities will be encouraging charitable giving. Entertainment Weekly is celebrating SixDegrees.org and Kevin Bacon at its third annual Sundance Festival Opening Weekend Party on January 20 at Jean Louis in Park City. At the party, guests will be able to learn more about SixDegrees.org and celebrities will be encouraged to donate their “swag” to benefit charity. Items will later be listed on eBay using eBay Giving Works.

There will also be a representative from SixDegrees.org in Entertainment Weekly’s Main Street photo studio throughout the week so that when celebrities come to be photographed for the magazine, they can learn more about the organization and find out how they can get involved. Bacon will also be feted at an AOL reception where he will tape an episode of Moviefone.com’s Unscripted with Bradley Whitford, a SixDegrees.org participant and star of “An American Crime” premiering at Sundance.

“AIM Pages and Six Degrees are the perfect pairing as the immense popularity of social networking and the importance of individual giving converge. We look forward to building an important network of good-deed-doers via AIM Pages to benefit the scores of charities associated with Six Degrees,” according to Marcien Jenckes, VP/GM, Instant Messaging & Social Media, AOL.

Look To The Stars News: Ashley Judd

LTTS Exclusive - Ashley Judd Awarded As Hollywood Hero

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Charitable Stars Shine For Obama

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Ashley Judd Wants You To Make A Difference

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Malaria No More Fights A Forgotten Killer

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