Look To The Stars News: Alicia Keys

TLC Reform For Justin Timberlake Charity Concert

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Justin Timberlake wrapped his annual charity golf tournament with a dazzling concert on Saturday night that featured Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Alicia Keys and a reformed TLC.

The concert – held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children – marks the second year that Timberlake has gathered his friends for a charity performance. Last year’s show featured the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, will.i.am, Maroon 5, 50 Cent, Boyz II Men, Esmee Denters, and Leona Lewis.

“There were a lot of acts this year that weren’t able to get here till today, so there weren’t as many collabs as I had in my brain,” Timberlake told MTV News during rehearsals. “But I think that’s always the case, it’s kind of like [when] you do an album and you write, like, 40 songs, and then 12 of them make it. … But still, just having everyone out and getting to see them do their set — there are a couple of things that have never been performed onstage. There’s a new song from [Timbaland] tonight, from his record that we did together. I think Snoop’s doing a new song from his new record. So it’s kinda cool for them too, because it’s like perfect test marketing.”

More Performers Announced For Keep A Child Alive Black Ball

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Back in July, Look to the Stars brought you a story about this year’s scheduled 6th Annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball. As the official website promised, more artists have been announced.  

One of the new honorees is Youssou N’Dour. N’Dour is a legendary Senegalese musician and he’s been consistently active in promoting the health and well-being of those in Africa. N’Dour is also scheduled to perform at The Black Ball. To add to the excitement building over this event, two more performers are on the event list: Chris Martin and John Mayer

In addition, Queen Latifah is the event’s emcee. Alicia Keys is event host and musical director, and Iman and Padma Lakshmi are the event’s co-hosts. The other two honorees are former President Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson

With only a few more days before the event, we’re pretty excited to see who else might attend and perform.

  For more information about Keep A Child Alive and The 2009 Black Ball, please click here

Taylor Swift Signs Elephant For Family Health International

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:29:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported earlier by Look To The Stars, Family Health International is one of many charities to benefit from the current auction of celebrity-signed toy elephants organized by PROJECT ZAMBI.

Among those who have signed the elephants specifically for FHI are Taylor Swift (pictured below), the Jonas Brothers, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum and Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi.

“Family Health International is deeply grateful to these celebrities for lending their names to help address one of the world’s most serious problems. Their support raises awareness of the crisis and brings real help to children orphaned by AIDS in Africa—not just help to survive but to thrive,” said Al Siemens, CEO of Family Health International.

A number of other celebrities have also chosen charities to support through the auction, including George Clooney (Global Action for Children), Alicia Keys and Brooke Shields (Keep A Child Alive), Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake (African Children’s Choir), Jessica Simpson (Operation Smile), Scarlett Johansson (The Global Fund), Leonardo DiCaprio (SOS Children’s Villages), Naomi Watts (CIDRZ Foundation), James Taylor (Hole in the Wall Gang), Susan Sarandon (UNAID), Danny DeVito, Joely Fisher and Brad Garrett (Save the Children), Jennie Garth, Peter Facinelli and Glenn Close (Children of Uganda), and Barbara Walters and Denzel Washington (Save Africa’s Children).

To take part in the auction – which runs until October 15 – click here.

Will Smith's Children Support Charity Initiative

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jaden and Willow Smith – the actor children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – have spoken about their support for PROJECT ZAMBI, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“Willow and I joined Project Zambi to represent all the kids out there who want to make the world a better place,” said Jaden. “We want to encourage kids everywhere to lend a hand and join us in spreading the word about how much children who have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa need our help.”

The children have joined a host of stars – including Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts – in signing toy elephants to benefit charities such as Keep A Child Alive, the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.

“Project Zambi is about kids and for kids, and it’s so important that we all learn to take care of each other,” said Willow. “Even from the other side of the world, kids in Africa will know they have friends who care about them.”

The 10-day Project Zambi Celebrity Charity Auction is being held online via eBay beginning October 5 with bidding closing on October 15. Visitors will be able to log on to www.ebay.com/projectzambi.

Noble Awards Set To Honor Celebrity Humanitarians

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

As the film industry has the Oscars, television the Emmys and the music industry the Grammy Awards, the charity community and its most dedicated Hollywood supporters will gain global recognition with the staging of the inaugural Noble Humanitarian Awards, to take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, October 18. And Look To The Stars is proud to support it.

The two-hour event, produced on behalf of the non-profit Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, seeks to annually honor up to a dozen charities and celebrities who actively support them, elevating awareness of these organizations and the impact of their work.

The organizations to be honored at this first-annual ceremony include The Art of Elysium, Best Buddies International, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, DoSomething.org, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Keep A Child Alive, The Salvation Army, Stand Up To Cancer and Women’s Sports Foundation.

Celebrities who will accept awards on behalf of the charities being honored include Laila Ali (Women’s Sports Foundation), Jessica Biel (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles), Alicia Keys (Keep A Child Alive), Joel Madden (The Art of Elysium) and Brett Ratner (DoSomething.org), with others currently being confirmed. During the ceremony, each will be presented with the trophy award, designed by Antonio Banderas, with personal touches added by children who participated in The Art of Elysium workshop at the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Other performers and presenters will be announced closer to the event.

With nearly two decades of experience across entertainment, fashion and charitable projects, Janeen Mansour is creator and executive producer of the Noble Humanitarian Awards. Mansour, who has interviewed many celebrities, was inspired to create a dedicated award show for the charity community after interviewing the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and learning about her significant charitable work.

“Celebrities have long given their time to charity, championing causes they feel passionate about. Their support draws media coverage, and organizations benefit. With the Noble Awards, we aim to turn the spotlight back onto these celebrities and charities in an effort to provide recognition, to educate, to inspire, and to encourage even more support from the Hollywood community and the public at large. It’s an annual celebration of service and volunteerism,” explains Mansour.

A team of entertainment veterans join Mansour in producing the Noble Humanitarian Awards. They include Ziad Batal (Executive Producer), founder of All 4 Media, one of the most prominent film and television production companies and creator and producer of dozens of reality, talk and sports programs in the Middle East; Michael Seligman (Producer), President & CEO of Seligman Entertainment, Inc, whose 35 years of work includes the Oscars, the Emmy’s, AFI’s, Kennedy Center Honors and Stand Up To Cancer; Tisha Fein (Producer), whose three-decade experience includes the Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, World Music Awards, Fashion Rocks, Movies Rock and Stand Up to Cancer.

The Noble Humanitarian Awards are produced on behalf of the Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, a non-profit organization. With the staging of the first annual awards on October 18, 2009, the Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation will launch a year-round campaign to better unify the efforts of charities with celebrities, influencers, media and everyday citizens in order to create an effective forum for change and service. For more information, please visit www.thenobleawards.org.

Celebrities Sign Elephants For Project Zambi

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

A host of celebrities have come together to be part of an online auction that features one-of-a-kind collectible elephant models.

Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts are some of the stars who have signed the elephant toys for Project Zambi, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“It is encouraging to see that companies such as Hasbro are developing initiatives to support global health issues,” said Alicia Keys. “Through my involvement in this project, I’m proud to support Keep A Child Alive, an organization dedicated to providing care and support to children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS.”

One hundred percent of the sale of each auctioned elephant will be donated to the organization of the celebrity’s choice that supports children orphaned by AIDS in Africa including the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.

“The wonderful support that we’ve received from the celebrities participating in the PROJECT ZAMBI auction is a moving example of the deep concern surrounding the issue of caring for children orphaned by AIDS,” said Brian Goldner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hasbro, Inc. “We are very hopeful and optimistic that this auction will be successful in raising awareness and generating funds that will support some of the many dedicated organizations working to make a better future for these children.”

Earlier this year, Hasbro launched PROJECT ZAMBI, a global cause initiative tied to the new special edition FURREAL FRIENDS ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT toy that is dedicated to raising awareness and benefiting programs caring for children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

Hasbro has committed to donate 50 percent of the net profits from ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT — a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) — to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, beginning in 2009, and hopes to expand this global campaign to include additional Hasbro products and brands in the years to come. By purchasing ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, consumers will be supporting programs that work directly with children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

This latest initiative is a part of the work Hasbro conducts in the U.S. and around the world to help children in need through the Hasbro Children’s Fund and product donations. In 2008, Hasbro impacted approximately four million children through its charitable programs and product donations.

For more information about the PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction, PROJECT ZAMBI and ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, please visit www.projectzambi.com.

The 10-day PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction will be held online via eBay beginning October 5 with bidding closing on October 15. Visitors will be able to log on to www.ebay.com/projectzambi.

TLC To Reform For Charity Gig

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

R&B group TLC is to reform for a special benefit show hosted by Justin Timberlake.

The trio disbanded following the death of Lisa Lopes in 2002. The remaining members of the group, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, later worked on a reality show called “R U the Girl?” that sought a third member of the group, but have never officially performed under the name TLC again.

Timberlake’s concert, which benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children, will take place on October 17 in Las Vegas and will also feature Alicia Keys, Ciara and Taylor Swift. The concert will take place alongside a weeklong golf tournament, the 2009 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, which will take place from October 12-18.

Following Lopes’ death in a car accident, the Lisa Lopes Foundation was established to bring her dream of creating a non-profit educational and medical center on some property she owned near the coastal cities of La Ceiba and Jutiapa to life.

The show will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Tickets are priced at $250, $200, $150 and $100, and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Mandalay Bay at (877) 632-7400 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Noble Awards Aim To Honor Philanthropic Celebrities

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

An awards show that aims to be the Golden Globes of non-profits will hit Los Angeles in October.

The Noble Awards will honor the work of 10 philanthropic organizations – such as Keep A Child Alive, The Salvation Army, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, DoSomething.org and The Art of Elysium – and allow each to award the NOBLE (designed by Antonio Banderas) to a celebrity supporter who has used their evevated platform to bring awareness to the cause.

This unprecedented event will be a star-studded evening stimulating greater charity involvement around the world. The celebrities to be involved will be announced later, but Look To The Stars can confirm the involvement of Alicia Keys and Heroes’ Greg Grunberg.

The show is being organized by the Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, a non-profit entity whose aim is to unify the efforts of charities with celebrities, media and everyday citizens to create an effective forum for change and service.

The event will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 18. For more information, check out the official Noble Awards website and check back to Look To The Stars for further updates.

Nelson Mandela's 91st Celebrated In Style

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A galaxy of stars turned out to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday in New York during the weekend, with proceeds going to one of the South African legend’s charities.

Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and many more appeared at the Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, July 19, with money raised going to 46664, Mandela’s campaign to help raise Global awareness of AIDS/HIV. 46664 aims to highlight the emergency of AIDS/HIV through unique live events and music related initiatives.

Mandela himself was unable to attend the event, but did send a video message in which he said “It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” President Barack Obama also appeared via video, saying that Mandela’s life “teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen.”

Morgan Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins spoke at the event.

Others to perform at the concert included French first lady Carla Bruni, who sang Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind with former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart. Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, will.i.am, Wyclef Jean and Gloria Gaynor also performed, and Cyndi Lauper dueted with Lil’ Kim.

“Our struggle for freedom and justice was a collective effort,“ said Mandela. “It is our hope that people will dedicate their time and effort to improve the conditions within their own community.”

2009 Keep A Child Alive Black Ball Details Announced

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Queen Latifah is to emcee this year’s Keep A Child Alive Black Ball.

The sixth annual Black Ball will honor Bill Clinton and Richard Branson for their work in eradicating AIDS in Africa, and will be co-hosted by Iman and Padma Lakshmi and feature music from Alicia Keys. More artists will be announced.

The event, which follows last year’s successful gala, will be held at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom on October 15, and will feature an evening of cocktails, dinner & extraordinary performances to benefit children & families with HIV/AIDS in Africa & India. Alicia Keys helped found Keep A Child Alive after visiting South Africa in 2003 and witnessing the effects of the AIDS pandemic firsthand.

“It scares me… it really does,“ she said, referring to the problem of AIDS around the world. “Thinking of myself, thinking of younger generations, my brother’s generation. We have a lot to really be careful about and it’s such a major thing that we have to be cautious. But we can totally avoid it by practicing safe sex and, if you can, just abstinence. And definitely being aware of what’s going on so that you know that you want to protect yourself every time, all the time.”

To find out more about the event, click here.

Annual Women's Conference To Attract Big Names

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Maria Shriver will once again host the annual Women’s Conference in October, and tickets go on sale on July 13.

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

“I am honored to again be hosting what has become the nation’s premier forum for women, where the world’s greatest hearts and minds convene every year to empower women to find a common purpose, be united by a shared conversation, and see themselves as a collective WE,” said Shriver. “This year, I am urging women to take time to explore their deepest hopes and aspirations, and I hope they leave the conference with a better sense of just who they want to be — and the knowledge of how to get there.”

This year’s event is expected to feature a plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders who will endeavor to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Last year’s event included appearances by Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Russell Simmons and a special performance by Bonnie Raitt. This year will see Cindy McCain, Elizabeth Edwards, Katie Couric, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Kelly Preston, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and racing driver Danica Patrick among the featured speakers.

To find out more about the event – to be held on October 26 and 27 at the Long Beach Convention Center – visit the official website.

VIP Tickets To Mandela Day Concert Available

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation announced this week that a number of extra VIP tickets are available for the Mandela Day concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The concert forms part of the celebrations for Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday on July 18, 2009 at 8pm.

Mandela Day serves as a global call for people to recognize their individual power to help change the world for the better.

The concert will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean and many more. Special guests include Whoopi Goldberg, Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and Susan Sarandon.

The concert is the culmination of a week-long series of events in New York to celebrate Mr Mandela’s life. Activities include a gala fundraising dinner and a Ralph Appelbaum-designed installation of Mr Mandela’s life and the work of his many 46664 ambassadors.
Both events take place at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall.

Tickets are limited and on sale now. Prices range from $95 to $250 and can be bought online from Ticket Master, Live Nation and The Garden, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Alicia Keys Urges American Idol Viewers To Text For Charity

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

Twelve-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys appeared last night on Fox’s American Idol as part of a massive initiative called the Text ‘ALIVE’ Challenge, which aims to provide lifesaving medicine and care to children and families with HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

The campaign is being organized by Keep A Child Alive (KCA), the non-profit organization for which Keys serves as Co-Founder and Global Ambassador. As part of Keys’ appearance, she asked the millions of “American Idol” viewers to text the word ‘ALIVE’ to 90999 to make a $5 donation. The Text ‘ALIVE’ Challenge aims to generate millions of new texts that will provide lifesaving care through KCA’s beneficiary sites in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and India.

Keys explained that the Text ‘ALIVE’ Challenge will not only benefit Keep a Child Alive’s beneficiaries, but introduce millions of new donors to the rewards of charitable giving.

“No matter how much or how little we each have, when we pull together we have the power to change the world,” says Keys. “That’s the beauty of Keep A Child Alive and the Text ‘ALIVE’ Challenge – it only costs $5 to help save a life by texting the word ‘ALIVE’ to 90999.”

Keys also introduced a performance by 15-year-old Rwandan rapper, Noah, who is a patient at the KCA-funded clinic in Kigali, Rwanda. KCA Co-Founder and music industry veteran Leigh Blake first met Noah during a visit to the clinic and after hearing him perform, invited him to appear at KCA’s annual fundraiser in New York City, the Black Ball.

Blake describes her first meeting with Noah, “Here he was in the slums of Kigali with so little access to popular culture, really almost none at all. But as soon as he started rapping, I saw he had it – the talent and the intensity was in him – and I knew I had to find a way make his dream to record an album come true.”

Simon Fuller, creator and Executive Producer of American Idol was being honored that night by KCA for his extraordinary charitable contributions via “Idol Gives Back.” He couldn’t forget Noah’s courage and dedicated himself to making Noah’s dream come true.

Through his music, Noah hopes to transform not only his life and the lives of his family, but the futures of millions of people living with HIV. Noah performed “The World’s Greatest,” written by R. Kelly and produced by Swizz Beatz. The song is currently available for download from Apple iTunes, with all proceeds benefiting Keep A Child Alive.

The Text ‘ALIVE’ Challenge is a first for American Idol and a departure from traditional fundraising methods. Viewers are able to respond to Keys’ call to action by using their mobile phones to give $5 simply by texting the word “ALIVE” to 90999. Seconds after texting, they will receive a message back asking for confirmation. Mobile donors confirm by replying “YES” via text message, and the $5 donation is added to their next mobile phone bill. The mobile giving campaign is powered by mGive, founded by wireless pioneer James Eberhard.

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.

Giorgio Armani Donates To New York Schools

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Wendy Williams

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani donated $1 million to New York City public schools this week. The money will fund the Armani Arts Institute, supporting art education in the city’s disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The donation is a new initiative under the Fund for Public Schools, an organization that has raised more than $240 million since 2003. Armani’s gift is the single largest retail donation to the fund.

Armani announced the gift during the opening of his new flagship Armani/5th Avenue store, coinciding with New York City’s Fashion Week. Speaking in Italian, he described his donation as “an investment in the future generations of New York City. . . we are giving young kids a chance to dream.”

Caroline Kennedy, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Joel I. Klein, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, lauded Armani’s investment in the city during challenging economic times. The fashion designer said, “An entrepreneur shows his true colors in a period of crisis, not in a period when everybody is having success.” Kennedy, vice-chair of the Fund, commented that Armani’s gift was one of the “largest personal donations” to the fund.

Armani and Kennedy traveled to the Bronx visit one of the recipient schools.

Armani explained that because of the economic climate, he toned down the opening of his store, substituting the school donation in place of a fashion show or dinner. But his new 43,000-square-feet glass-cube emporium is hardly drab. Four stories of luxury Armani items, from shoes to chocolate, are connected by a curved staircase lined in white plastic.

Everybody in NYC at Store Opening

During the opening party, editors for top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Town& Country, InStyle Group and Elle jockeyed to get a word with the 74-year-old fashion billionaire. As described by Joanna Coles, editor of Marie Claire, “Clearly, everyone in New York is here.”

Customers of Mr. Armani also turned out for the event, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Alicia Keys, Ricky Martin, Liam Neeson, Josh Hartnett, Solange Knowles, Chase Crawford, John Mayer and Natalia Vodianova.

Victoria Beckham, a sometimes model for Armani underwear, was in town for NYC’s Fashion Week to introduce her Victoria Beckham Dress Collection. About her former boss she said, “I have so much respect for Mr. Armani—you know, I can dream.”

Bono Faces The Real Deal In Elle Magazine

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

As a rock and roll star, Bono has written some of the most important music of our time, and now, the U2 front man has been asked by ELLE Magazine to turn a page (RED) and address “the greatest health crisis in 600 years: HIV/AIDS.”

In his one page letter, which appears in this month’s edition, Bono shares startling statistics on HIV/AIDS, including the fact that 90% of new cases occur in females aged 15-24. “I can’t get my head around that fact, let alone get it out of my head” he writes. Bono also shares details of his journey to Africa six years ago, where he witnessed the devastating effect the disease has had on the communities, including “orphans raising orphans.”

Bono also writes about the importance of (RED), its products and the pure power of consumer activism. “They have power in their pockets,” he writes, “(RED) raises money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS—$120 million so far. That is enough to buy drugs for more than 750,000 people for a year. (RED) funds prevention and counseling programs as well as treatment, and is now the thirteenth biggest contributor to the Global Fund; it’s giving more than many countries.”

“There are the millions of men and women whose names we don’t know, but whose (RED) purchases are doing nothing less than keeping people alive,” he continues, “(RED) is not asking you to flock to the stores for the sake of it, but if you find yourselves browsing, we are asking you to choose (RED) where you can—for the sake of those who can’t ask you themselves.”

Other celebrities involved with (RED) include: Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bundchen, Christy Turlington, Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Garner, Kanye West, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Rock and Steven Spielberg among others

Bono’s complete (RED) letter can be read here.

Miley Cyrus Joins Jonas Brothers For Inauguration Gig

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have been confirmed to perform on the eve of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration at a concert honoring military families.

The “Kids’ Inaugural: We Are the Future” concert will air Monday, January 19, on the Disney Channel. The show will be held at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C, and will be hosted by Michelle Obama. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.

“We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events,” said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever.”

The following night, January 20, will see The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball take place, featuring Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Alicia Keys and Shakira. The show will allow the Obamas to meet some of their new neighbors in the District of Columbia, and will be broadcast live on ABC.

“We are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever,” said Beliveau.

Rihanna To Host Star-Studded Jingle Ball

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stand Up To Cancer is holding a special Christmas concert hosted by Rihanna in New York this weekend – the Z100 Jingle Ball.

Friday, December 12, will see acts such as Leona Lewis, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Brandy, David Archuleta, Jesse McCartney, Paramore and Lady GaGa perform at Madison Square Garden, with proceeds going to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The annual Z100 Jingle Ball has been held every year since 2003, with artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Avril Lavigne, Alicia Keys, Timbaland, the Pussycat Dolls and many others performing.

More information about the show, and the chance to win tickets, visit the Z100 Jingle Ball website.

Christina Aguilera Performs At CNN Heroes Event

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop singer Christina Aguilera joined fellow Grammy Award winners Alicia Keys and John Legend at the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute event that aired on CNN last night.

The event honored the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2008, and was taped in front of an audience of 2,500 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Liz McCartney, dedicated to helping survivors of Hurricane Katrina rebuild their homes, was named 2008 CNN Hero of the Year, and will receive $100,000 to carry on her humanitarian work.

“In this time of economic turmoil, it is such a relief to know that there are people like these heroes, people who care more for others than they do for themselves,” said Anderson Cooper, who hosted the show.

Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Forest Whitaker, Meg Ryan, Terrence Howard, Lucy Liu, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Selena Gomez were among the stars that attended the event.

Aguilera has also spoken out about the recent Prop 8 decision and leant her support to the same-sex marriage campaign.

“They’re [gay couples] constantly pushing to be heard and given equal rights,“ she said. “I think there’s a lot of unfairness that goes along with being gay, so the more I can do to give them a voice, then I’ll do so. But I think we’d be fooling ourselves if we thought that everywhere was accepting of gay rights and marriages. I think it’s unfair there has to be some kind of standard for marriage. Marriage should be about two people celebrating their love for each other. It shouldn’t have anything to do with someone’s sexual preference.”

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.

Alicia Keys Celebrity Charity Auction To Support Keep A Child Alive

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:25:00 -0000

Alicia Keys and many of her celebrity friends are coming together for a star-studded celebrity charity auction benefitting Keep A Child Alive.

The list of celebrity ambassadors for Keep a Child Alive is as extensive as it is impressive and they are urging others to support the fight against AIDS in Africa. Join Alicia and celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Bill Cosby, Britney Spears, Russell Crowe, Rachael Ray, Kirsten Dunst, Magic Johnson, Forest Whitaker, Jenny McCarthy, Josh Brolin, Denzel Washington, the NY Giants and many more as they come together to raise support and money for an inspiring cause.

The celebrity-inspired auction features numerous items that have been generously donated by some of Hollywood’s most talented and brightest stars with big hearts. Bidders have a chance to win hot items such as VIP tickets to the Black Ball hosted by Alicia Keys and Iman.

This auction package ends Monday, November 10th, so make sure to get your high bid in early. Other auction packages include autographed American Gangster posters and scripts from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, signed High School Musical poster from Vanessa Hudgens, 2 signed DVD’s of the Nanny Diaries from Scarlett Johansson, a signed Alex Rodriguez jersey, spending a day with Bonnie and Thor, the reigning King and Queen of Tweens, signed Brooks & Dunn jean jacket and photograph, a signed “How I Met Your Mother” script from Britney Spears, and many more items from celebrities such as Marlon Wayans, Mariska Hargitay, Rick Fox, Tyler Perry, Channing Tatum, the Cheetah Girls, Ryan Seacrest, Dwayne Wade, Julian McMahon and others! This group of auction packages and many others end on November 15th.

This auction is crucial for saving the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. AIDS is a growing epidemic in Africa and has left nearly 13 million children orphans, young mothers without children, and husband’s without wives. The proceeds from this auction will help provide communities with life-saving medication, support, and orphan care to keep children and families alive. Keep a Child Alive is a global initiative to help those who cannot help themselves; bidders are urged to take a stand against this fatal disease and help make a difference.

For more information and to view all the lots, visit www.auctionwire.com/keepachildalive.

Keep A Child Alive Announces 2008 Black Ball Details

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Keep A Child Alive’s fifth annual Black Ball Gala, hosted by Ambassadors Alicia Keys and Iman, will take place at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, November 13, and will honor the global AIDS work of three remarkable humanitarians.

The event – chaired by Jessica Alba – will begin with a cocktail party followed by a seated dinner with extraordinary live performances by Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Joni Mitchell, Jack White, Jennifer Hudson and more very special guests to be announced.

Keep A Child Alive’s humanitarian honorees are an incredible group of people who have used their will, fame, and courage to change the lives devastated by this pandemic. Guest presenters pay tribute to the work of the honorees through powerful moving footage.

This year the organization will honor Simon Fuller, CEO & founder of 19 Entertainment Limited for spearheading the Idol Gives Back phenomenon and mobilizing Americans to take action; Queen Latifah, for being one of the incredible pioneers in the fight against AIDS; and Jackie Branfield, founder of Operation Bobbi Bear for being a true hero in the lives of children in South Africa. Previous honorees include Bono, rock star and campaigner for Africa; Dr. Stephen Lewis of The Stephen Lewis Foundation and author of Race Against Time; Richard Beckman of Condé Nast Media Group; Nick Reding of Sponsored Arts for Education; and Dr. Shaffiq Essajee Pediatric Advisor on AIDS for the Clinton Foundation.

More info about the event can be found at www.keepachildalive.org.

Alicia Keys Holds Charity Ball In London

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Alicia Keys hosted a gala in London last week to raise cash for orphans suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa, and attracted some of the biggest names in showbiz.

The lavish ball – held last Thursday – raised money for Keep A Child Alive, the charity Keys co-founded to provide life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to children and their families with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Guests such as Kelly Rowland, Mischa Barton, Russell Brand, and Jennifer Hudson each paid over $2,000 to be part of the ball.

“Any time you’re helping someone is very important and, of course, when children are involved," said Hudson. "I feel like your celebrity is not about the fortune or the fame. But if you can’t help anyone then it’s in vain, it’s pointless.”

27-year-old Alicia Keys, who stunned the audience by performing a duet of the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams and REM’s Everybody Hurts with Annie Lennox at the gala, helped found Keep A Child Alive after visiting South Africa in 2003 and witnessing the effects of the AIDS pandemic firsthand. She told BBC Newsbeat that people need to remember that AIDS is a global problem.

“It scares me… it really does. Thinking of myself, thinking of younger generations, my brother’s generation. We have a lot to really be careful about and it’s such a major thing that we have to be cautious. But we can totally avoid it by practicing safe sex and, if you can, just abstinence. And definitely being aware of what’s going on so that you know that you want to protect yourself every time, all the time."

The ball raised almost $700,000 for the charity.

Bid For Yoga With Russell Simmons

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One lucky bidder will have the chance to stretch their limbs with Russell Simmons at a private yoga lesson in a new charity auction the hip hop mogul has launched on eBay.

The 50-year-old has launched the auction to raise money for the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a charity he established to provide arts and education programming to New York City youth. Over 75 items have been donated to the auction by a variety of celebrities, all of whom want to reach out to urban youth and offer personal testimony to the transformative power of creative expression.

As well as the yoga opportunity, items up for auction include a one week internship with Simmons at his executive office, a personalized George Clooney cell phone, the chance to meet Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, and Dionne Warwick, the opportunity to attend a baseball game with Petra Nemcova, and a personal rendition of Happy Birthday from John Legend.

The auction runs until July 24, and can be accessed through Charity Buzz.

Alicia Keys Raises a Small Fortune for Keep a Child Alive

Fri, 09 May 2008 09:08:21 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Keep A Child Alive spokesperson Alicia Keys is asking her fans to contribute to the charity’s Text Alive Campaign. This simple act allows the non-profit organization continue its work distributing life-saving medication, support and orphan care to children and families living with HIV and AIDS in Africa.

During her concert in Los Angeles on April 5, 2008, Keys asked her audience to send a text message from their cellular phones to 90999 with the word “Alive”. Making a donation couldn’t be easier; a one-time $5.00 charge is added to the sender’s phone bill for each text Keep a Child Alive gets. Service is available on most United States cellular phone carriers.

Keep a Child Alive provides anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to children with AIDS. It also provides medical services needed to make treatment possible. This includes doctors, nutrition, testing, transportation, and treatment for opportunistic infections because these are all necessary for successful ARV treatment. Furthermore, currently 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. By 2010 this number is expected to reach 25 million. Keep a Child Alive builds and sustains orphanages to keep the most vulnerable children out of harm’s way.

Idol Talk From Alicia Keys

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:34:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

While Idol Gives Back sang and danced its way into the hearts and pockets of America on Wednesday night, it was the words of Alicia Keys that perhaps reflected the thoughts of many people around the world.

“If AIDS got half the attention that the media give to celebrity dramas, this issue would be well on the way to being solved,” said the singer. “It’s crazy… how you can change the lives of people forever for the price of a pair of shoes.”

The singer appeared on the show in a clip filmed during a recent trip to Africa, and urged viewers to donate. Keys established the Keep A Child Alive Foundation to directly assist children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, and although her charity did not benefit from Wednesday’s show, other organizations such as the Children’s Defense Fund, the Global Fund For AIDS, and Save the Children will receive some of the $22 million already raised from donations to Idol Gives Back.

Keys’ words should make us all stop and think about what we watch and read, and start to act with our hearts.

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