Look To The Stars News: Helen Mirren

Jennifer Aniston To Go To The Movies For Charity

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Jennifer Aniston is to host a special movie screening to raise funds for Haiti.

The star will host the screening of The Last Station – starring Helen Mirren – to benefit AmeriCares, a disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.

The star will follow the screening with a cocktail party with director Michael Hoffman. LookToTheStars.org will bring you more info as it is released.

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela's audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: 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. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

All of the publisher’s profits benefit the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and ANSA. 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 in the world. The audiobook, which is recommended for children 7 and up and for people of all ages, is published and distributed by Hachette Audio, a division of Hachette Book Group and subsidiary of Hachette Livre, the second largest publisher in the world. The publisher, performers, director, producers, engineers, designers, attorneys, manufacturers, pr team and studios all donated their services.

The website www.mandelasfavoritefolktales.com, includes discussion questions, family activities, coloring book pages, background on the performers, audiobook and issues, and other information.

The 3-disk audiobook, which includes a PDF with full color illustrations, has already received critical acclaim and awards and has been featured in best of lists including a Grammy Award nomination, National Parenting Publications Gold Award , iTunes’ Best Fiction Audiobooks of 2009, AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of 2009, Audible.com’s 2009 Top 5 Audiobooks for Kids and Young Adults, a Library Journal’s Fall 2009 Pick, and an Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio 2009 Platinum Award.

To find out more about the audiobook and pick up your own copy for Christmas, visit the official website.

Celebrities Sign Petition To Stamp Out Domestic Violence

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

On 2 December 2009 Avon UK and Refuge – a UK-based charity whose safe houses provide emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need – will host a press conference at the House of Commons to discuss the Four Ways to Speak Out campaign.

The event will mark the mid-point in the ‘16 Days of Activism’ which begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and which ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. At the event, Avon will announce the results of new research it has commissioned into public perceptions of domestic violence, seeking to break down the wall of silence that surrounds the issue.

The event will be hosted by Reese Witherspoon. The Four Ways campaign calls on people to speak out against domestic violence and encourages people to sign a petition, which asks the government to provide more domestic violence services. A host of celebrities – such as Fiona Bruce, Dame Helen Mirren, Janet Ellis, Maxine Peake, Ruby Wax, Helena Bonham Carter, Jo Brand, Patrick Stewart, Madeline Peyroux and Lorraine Kelly – have already signed the petition.

Avon has supported Refuge for the last two years, donating 80% of the UK proceeds of its Empowerment necklace and bracelet to support services for abused women and children. Worldwide sales have raised $8.1million, which has gone towards funding programmes in 53 countries.

To sign the petition and find out more about the Four Ways campaign, visit the official website.

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent Richard Barker was lucky enough to attend the Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards and filed this exclusive report and photos.

I was delighted to spend some time with A-list celebrities from music, film, theatre and television on the Red Carpet. The event was in aid of one of UK’s longest running children’s charities, The Variety Club, as it celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

London saw some of the brightest stars from the showbiz world light up London’s West End as they congregated on the Red Carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1 to show their support for one of UK’s longest running charities dedicated to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people – The Variety Club – and to honour the most talented individuals from the world of entertainment at The Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards 2009. Don’t worry readers if you are based in England but weren’t there on the night – you’ll get a chance to watch the glitz, the glamour and hear the gossip on FIVE on Sunday 22nd November 2009 at 3.35pm.

The evening’s star-studded event commenced with an array of international A-list celebrities, industry stalwarts and leading luminaries from the worlds of film, television, comedy, theatre, popular music and classical music gracing the Red Carpet. The guest list welcomed names such as Kevin Spacey, Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, Kelly Brook, Alesha Dixon, Dame Kelly Holmes (Ambassador for The Variety Club), David Suchet, Jon Culshaw, Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins, Pixie Lott, Spandau Ballet, The Saturdays, Daniela Lavender, Faryl Smith and Joe Calzaghe. The stars shined for cameras as they made their way to an exclusive reception where champagne flutes were overflowing, as a prelude to a gourmet banquet and the coveted awards ceremony, which took place against a theatrical backdrop of exclusive world-class entertainment, including dazzling performances by Spandau Ballet, Pixie Lott and Faryl Smith.

The only event of its kind to honour the entire showbiz industry, this year’s winners included: Kevin Spacey, who was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre by fellow actor David Suchet; Justin Lee Collins, who was presented with the Television Presenter of the Year Award by Alan Carr; and Spandau Ballet, who were presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Popular Music by The Saturdays.

On receiving his award, Sir Ian McKellen said, "This is an over-generous recognition of a career which, in truth, has been its own reward. Acting is working with friends and entertaining people and that’s quite enough for me. The Variety Club is having its 60th birthday, which means I was ten years old at the time in 1949, living in the north of England in Wigan, Lancashire. I was, without knowing it, preparing for a life in show business.

The Variety Club is the essence of life for kids who desperately need the help to get healthy. I am full of admiration for the work you have done for the past 60 years and hope you carry on with the work you do. I am extremely honoured to be associated with this charity and this award."

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards is one of the most eagerly anticipated entries on the British entertainment calendar and has become an international celebrity institution in itself. Nearly every showbiz personality of note from the past 60 years has been honoured by The Variety Club, renowned for its strong links with the showbiz world, including Tommy Trinder, Dame Vera Lynn, Lord Laurence Olivier, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sir Alec Guiness, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judy Dench, Ben Kingsley, Diana Dors, Daniel Craig, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, James McAvoy, Al Pacino, Peter Sellers, Tommy Cooper, Ricky Gervais, Alan Carr, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra.

The Variety Club Showbiz Awards raises significant funds for and awareness of the work The Variety Club undertakes to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, the charity has raised over £200 million and improved the lives of more than a million children and young people since its inception. Among its tireless work, the charity provides Sunshine Coaches, Easy Riders electric wheelchairs, exciting and educational trips, equipment for children’s hospitals and life enhancing equipment.

Also at this year’s Showbiz Awards, The Variety Club, in partnership with The Co-operative, revealed the face of its 2010 Gold Heart campaign – Alesha Dixon. The Gold Heart badges will be sold in Co-operative food, bank, travel and pharmacy stores from 28th January 2010. Owned by its members, The Co-operative has a long and proud history of supporting charities, community groups and other good causes. Every £1 donated in-store to the fund will help The Variety Club to provide vital, life-changing equipment to those children that need it most.

John Sachs, Chairman, The Variety Club Showbiz Awards comments, "Once again, the Showbiz Awards has honoured the UK’s top entertainment personalities embracing television, film, comedy, theatre, classical and popular music. As The Variety Club also celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year, there was even more glamour, showbiz magic and star appeal than ever before.

The prestigious event also helped raise awareness and funds for The Variety Club’s praiseworthy work and as one of the UK’s longest serving charities dedicated to helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, our sole and primary focus is to make sure every child and young person is given the chance to reach their fullest potential."

Here are some facts about The Variety Club:
The Variety Club provides practical solutions to allow sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK to reach their full potential. This year sees The Variety Club celebrate its 60th year of bringing hope, independence and freedom to children and young people. In the past 60 years The Variety Club has raised over £200 million and helped more than a million children and young people. The Variety Club has donated more than 3,300 Easy Riders electric wheelchairs and mobility aids since 1981, put 4,890 Sunshine Coaches on the road and given around £20 million to children’s hospitals. To find out more information or donate go to www.varietyclub.org.uk. Follow the Variety Club on twitter here.

Stars Pushing the Envelope for Literacy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:25:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Today is the final day to bid on celebrity-designed, one-of-a-kind envelopes while helping to transform lives through literacy.

Over 100 celebrities, including Zoë Wanamaker, Sir Ian McKellen, Sadie Frost, Amir Khan and Dame Shirley Bassey have decorated envelopes for the Pushing the Envelope campaign in association with Pitney Bowes and the National Literacy Trust.

Dame Helen Mirren’s envelope

Over the last six years, the campaign has raised £65,000 ($107,000) to support literacy programs across the UK, helping people with poor reading and writing skills gain confidence and a chance for better employment and opportunities.

Some of the other celebrities taking part this year include Dame Helen Mirren, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Fearne Cotton, Samantha Fox and Frederick Forsyth.

To view the all of the designs, visit the Pushing the Envelope website. The auction is being held on eBay.co.uk.

LTTS Exclusive - An Interview With Jack Petchey: Philanthropist

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK correspondent Richard Barker – nominated as Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser – recently met with one of Britain’s top philanthropists and filed this report.

Jack Petchey is a British businessman and leading philanthropist, born and brought up in the East End of London. During the second world war, he served in the Royal Navy and used his Navy discharge pay to start a car hire and car sales business. This grew into a business empire worth close to half a billion pounds.

The Jack Petchey Foundation, formed in 1999, has given over £50 million to youth programs. He started a Young Achiever award scheme recognising “extreme endeavour and to help young people to help themselves”. Over 60,000 young people have received awards since the scheme’s inception.

Jack Petchey was chairman of British football club Watford F.C. for 10 years, buying the club off singer Sir Elton John in 1987. Jack re-sold the club to Sir Elton in 1997. In 2004 Jack Petchey was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) at Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty The Queen.

I am one of Jack Petchey’s Young Achievers. They notified me that I had won the award on my seventeenth birthday. I was fortunate enough to meet Jack Petchey at the awards ceremony, a seminal moment in my life. I never knew that people gave so much time and money back to their communities. It was like meeting a rock star! I suddenly realised that I wanted to be in his position. This was definitely a life changing experience. I’ve since launched my own charitable appeal and have helped to raise over £100,000 for good causes.

I recently had lunch with Jack Petchey and Trudy Kilcullen – The Jack Petchey Foundation’s Chief Operations Officer. Jack filled me with inspiring and positive thoughts, so I sent Jack a few questions in order to share his amazing story with you.

What motivated you to create the Jack Petchey Foundation?

I have taken a lot out of life and I believe that it is everybody’s responsibility to give back. That is why I set up the Foundation, particularly to support and encourage young people to achieve their potential, make the most of their lives and give back to society.

What is a Young Achiever?

An Achiever is someone who tries their absolute best and looks for the solutions in life. We reward over 12,000 young people each year, ordinary youngsters who have done their best and made a difference to their lives and their community.

Have you met anyone who has inspired you?

The people who particularly inspired me were those who supported me in my youth. In my life story The 50/50 Man (see www.jackpetcheyfoundation.co.uk for further information) I write about those early influences and how much they affirmed me and encouraged me in life. It is about the relationship and the encouragement that adults give to young people that inspires them to develop their confidence and outlook on life.

Would you encourage young people to become entrepreneurs?

It depends what you mean by ‘entrepreneurs’. Not everyone can become successful business person or an actor or singer. We have to look at our own individual strengths and develop them. I encourage all young people to find their strengths and develop them. I encourage them not to look at problems as blocks but as challenges and to find their own solutions. Try your best and develop to your full potential – in this way you will overcome life’s challenges and in doing this you are an entrepreneur!

Do you think that more businessmen should become philanthropists?

As I said – I think we all have a responsibility to give back to society!

What are your plans for the future?

I try to live life to the full. Everyday I want to continue to encourage and support young people in developing their potential, that is what gets me out of bed in the morning! I also want young people to encourage and inspire other young people. If you have enjoyed reading this – have a look at the Jack Petchey Foundation Fan Page and leave your inspiring message there! Thank you.

These final two questions come from an interview with a young man named Antonio Akue. I think that the final response is particularly inspiring.

What one thing brings you the most joy and, when you retire, what would you like to be remembered for?

 What gives me joy is seeing youngsters achieve more. I want to be remembered as a pleasant fellow who gave back to the young people.

What advice can you give me, as a young person growing up in today’s society?

It’s easier growing up in this society than when I was growing up- there’s more opportunity. When you see an opportunity, take it. Have the guts to go for it and have determination.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has worked with a number of celebrities over the years, including its patrons Helen Mirren, Griff Rhys-Jones and Tim Campbell, as well as Chris Tarrant, June Sarpong and many others. To find out more about the charity and the Young Achievers program, visit the official website.

British Stars Donate Dresses Fit For A Princess

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

In collaboration with the Princess Alice Hospice charity in the UK, The Bentall Centre in Kingston is hosting a star-studded fashion exhibition from 26th September 2009 until 19th October showcasing celebrity party attire in store windows, which will then be online at www.ebya.co.uk/charity from 19th October, to raise money for the Hospice.

Over forty personalities and luminaries, including; Dame Helen Mirren, Lynda Bellingham, Samantha Cameron, Beth Ditto, Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, Helena Bonham Carter, Geri Halliwell, Paloma Faith, Joanna Lumley, Trinny Woodhall, Fearne Cotton, Twiggy and The Saturdays have all kindly donated dresses to the Fit For a Princess event.

Unique pieces include an Alberta Ferretti sequin skirt and top which was worn at The Planet of the Apes premiere by Helena Bonham Carter, Paloma Faith’s gorgeous green silk and lace prom dress, which she wore in her latest ‘New York’ music video and a Herve Leger gown from Beverley Knight. There is a wonderful two piece worn by Joanna Lumley at a James Bond gala, which in her letter given with the dress boasts that they have been ‘shaken and stirred’ by two 007 agents – Daniel Craig and Roger Moore!

Most of the attire donated comes with provenance from the celebrity patrons i.e. signed pictures and letters, which potential new owners will gain.

Garments from these celebrities amongst other musicians, actresses and fashionistas will be displayed exclusively in The Bentall Centre for one month. Visitors to the Centre will then be able to bid for their favourite idol’s outfit through an auction on eBAY, with all proceeds coming to Princess Alice Hospice.

The auction goes live on October 19 and runs until October 29. To be sure of getting your hands on a celebrity treasure visit www.ebay.co.uk/charity and type in Fit for a Princess as your search term.

Darran Hutchings, Communication Officer at Princess Alice Hospice, said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Bentall Centre on such a large and high profile project. Not only are they dedicated to supporting local charities, they are also able to deliver highly professional and rewarding events. Together we will be able to raise money for, and raise the profile of this vital local charity”.

Princess Alice Hospice is a registered charity based in Esher, Surrey. It provides specialist end of life and palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families both at the Hospice and in their homes. The Hospice catchment area includes Surrey, South West London and Middlesex serving a population in excess of 1 million. Over £7 million is needed each year to provide these vital and much needed services, with limited NHS funding over 75% of funding must be raised through voluntary donations and fundraising.

More info about the Princess Alice Hospice can be found at www.pah.org.uk.

Derek Jacobi Joins Madonna as Charity Patron

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Sir Derek Jacobi has just signed on as the latest Patron of Children of Peace, joining existing Patron Madonna, and a long list of famous names, in supporting the charity’s work.

Children of Peace works to protect children from the violence in Israel and Palestine, while establishing projects and programs in the arts, education, health and sports for Israeli and Palestinian children, aged 4-17.

The charity has so far garnered the support of stars such as Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Stewart and Emma Thompson.

Proud supporter Corinne Bailey Rae calls the organization a “remarkable charity”, going on to say, “Children do not choose. Right now they are the innocent bystanders in all of this. Yet, they are the next generation and we must give them every opportunity to live normal lives and live in peace with each other.”

In his official acceptance statement for the office of Patron, Sir Derek Jacobi says:

“I am honoured to have been asked to become a Patron of Children of Peace. The children of the region of whatever nationality or religion have been foremost in my mind when I hear reports of the conflict in the area. Children hold our future in their hands. We must assist, guide and support them in bringing a stable, caring and sound resolution to the past and present conflict. Please help us to understand them and help them in their need.”

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.childrenofpeace.org.uk.

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A car signed by some of Britain’s favorite stars will go up for auction at Bonhams Auction House tonight, July 3, to raise money for the British Forces Foundation's Lap of Honour charity, which aims to boost morale in Britiain’s Armed Forces.

For the last year, the Mini cooper – adorned with a Union Jack on the roof – has been traveling around Britain, gathering autographs from well-known faces such as Michael Caine, Richard Branson, Sienna Miller, Simon Cowell, Terry Wogan, Joan Collins, Roger Moore, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Ranulph Fiennes, Tom Jones, Hugh Grant, Judi Dench, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Jackie Stewart, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, Elton John, David Beckham, Magaret Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Gordon Brown, Paul McCartney and many more.

“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year,” said Mark Cann, director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

Proceeds will go to the well-being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel.

To find out more, 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.

Stars Donate Underwear To Charity Auction

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of stars are going commando for charity this week by donating their underwear to a new charity auction.

Stars such as the Black Eyed Peas' Fergie, Emma Thompson, Helen Mirren, Katie Price, Tilda Swinton, and Joanna Lumley have donated their autographed underwear to the auction, which will benefit the New North London Synagogue, an institution that offers a wide range of educational, cultural, social action, and other communal activities for both its membership and the wider Jewish and non-Jewish community, including a monthly drop-In for destitute asylum seekers.

A wide range of signed underwear is going under the hammer, from the extremely small to the strangely old-fashioned. Also up for auction are pants autographed by Ricky Gervais, Jarvis Cocker, Alex Kingston, Daniel Day Lewis, Nick Cave, Nick Hornby, Ray Winstone, Sacha Baron Cohen, and many more.

Money from the auction will go to buying food and other essentials required by asylum seekers. The organization explains: “Destitute asylum seekers have had their asylum claims refused. They live here in fear, terrified of being forcibly returned home where they face more of the persecution they originally fled from. Many are survivors of torture and have lost loved ones in conflicts back home. They are not allowed to work and in most cases are not eligible for housing or benefits. Many go hungry and some have been diagnosed with malnutrition. They don’t even have the money to buy underwear which is basic to human dignity, and so our celebrities have signed underwear to both raise funds for them and draw attention to their plight.”

The auction runs until March 31 and can be accessed here

Dick Van Dyke Steals The Show At Charity Gala

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The stars came out to play at the annual Geffen’s Stage For Any Age gala earlier this week.

Helen Mirren, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson (who was honored with the Distinction in Theater Award), Martin Short, Dana Delany, Carol Burnett, Christine Lahti and Brendan Fraser were all in the crowd that helped raise over $500,000 for the charity, but it was 83-year-old Dick Van Dyke's renditions of songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that stole the show.

The seventh annual Backstage at the Geffen Gala was held at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, and raised money for Geffen’s Stage for Any Age – a non-profit organization that seeks to make the cultural resources of the Geffen Playhouse available to all of Los Angeles’ diverse communities. Their programs for students, seniors, and underserved populations are designed to stimulate the intellect, imagination, and creative spirit. To increase access to the theater experience, activities are carried out on site as well as in neighborhoods, schools, social service agencies, and community centers throughout Los Angeles.

More information about the Stage For Any Age program can be found here.

Stars Heal Patients With A Kiss

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Marie Gorrettie

Medicinema is a registered charity that has partnered with the Health Sector and the Film Industry, installing state-of-the-art cinemas on site in hospitals around the United Kingdom.

By creating purpose built cinemas in hospitals, Medicinema provides a much needed escape for the patients – it’s a welcome break from the hospital ward. Each cinema is specially designed to cater for beds and wheel chairs and nursing staff on duty throughout every Medicinema screening.

With nurses instead of usherettes, Medicinema harnesses the magic of the Silver Screen to help enrich the quality of life for patients. By screening the latest releases for patients young and old – including those in beds and on wheelchairs – patients and their families are able to escape the reality of hospital life.

As the lights dim and the film starts, with the big screen filled and Dolby Surround sound bursting into life, patients can be forgiven for thinking they are spending a night in the West End – apart from the occasional bleep of a patient’s monitor, you could be in a cinema!

Everyone needs a little escapism in their lives, especially if they’re in hospital. There is often not very much to look forward to so a visit to the cinema can give a much-needed boost to the spirits, providing the sort of family outing that is otherwise difficult in hospital. With the help and active support of the leading film distributors, Medicinema screens a wide variety of feature films from action and adventure to romantic comedies. Some films are even screened to Medicinema audiences before they go on general release.

As part of a new initiative, stars of the Silver Screen have donated kisses to celebrate ten years of Medicinema to help enhance therapeutic care for patients in hospitals around UK. To mark their 10th Anniversary, MediCinema is auctioning the HEALED WITH A KISS COLLECTION. The collection contains over 50 original signed lip prints from some of the biggest names in the Film Industry. The following are the stars who have donated Healed With A Kiss Lip Prints to help bring magic of the Silver Screen to hospital patients across UK: Madonna, Catherine Zeta Jones, Dame Helen Mirren, Sigourney Weaver, Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet, John Hurt, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Judi Dench, Joan Collins, Glenn Close, Shirley MacLaine, Dame Diana Rigg, Kate Beckinsale, Thandie Newton, Nickolas Grace, Tim Roth, Jeremy Irons, Ben Stiller, Jeff Goldblum, Jim Broadbent, Honor Blackman, John Travolta, Claire Bloom, Martine McCutcheon, Greta Scacchi, Saffron Burrows, Geraldine Chaplin, Mariella Frostrup, Juliet Stevenson, Robbie Coltrane, Zoë Wanamaker, Cathy Tyson, Jason Isaacs, Anthony Andrews, Tommy Steele, Mark Addy, Kenneth Branagh, Alice Eve, and Dwayne Johnson.

The Auction party will be held in April 2009 and the complete Healed With A Kiss collection will be auctioned at the Medicinema Private Auction Party at The Movieunm, London’s biggest Film Memorabilia Museum.

The Healed With A Kiss Auction party will offer you the opportunity to own these highly collectable pieces of film memorabilia and the chance to rub shoulders with Movers and Shakers of the film industry. Hugh Edmeades, Christie’s International Auctioneer, will chair the auction in support of MediCinema. An exclusive drinks reception, live entertainment and a private tour will be followed by the auction of the healed with a kiss collection in support of MediCinema.

Here are some of the quotes from patients and their families whom MediCinema has touched:

“Really happy at the thought that I was not going to have to spend an evening on the ward, staring at a blank wall with no neighbours and chewing my lips to avoid being in pain”. Niamh.

“I completely forgot that I was in hospital, and that I had loads of needles in my arm, and when the film ended I thought “right, time to go home; and it was only when the lights came back on and I saw all the other beds and steelchairs that I remembered that I was in hospital”. Jesica, St Thomas patient.

If you would like to Bid for Original Signed Lip prints from the Stars of the Silver Screen and attend the Auction Party and bid in person please contact MediCinema: Tel:+44(0) 20 7188 3697 or email medicinema@gstt.nhs.uk.

If a celebrity lip print has caught your eye, you can make an advance bid before attending the Auction event in writing, on line or by telephone.

If you are unable to attend the Auction Party in person, you can secure an original signed lip print by placing “ABSENTEE” Bid, in writing, on line or by telephone. Please register your bid/s in the Healed with a Kiss Auction by contacting medicinema@gsst.nhs.uk or telephoning +44 (0) 20 7188 3697.

Once you have registered interest in placing an “Absentee” or advance bid, you will be contacted to confirm your bid and contact details.

For more information about the Auction Party please contact MediCinema on +44 (0) 20 7188 3697 or email medicinema@gstt.nhs.uk.

Celebrity Lip Prints To Be Auctioned For Charity

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

A collection of over 50 original signed lip prints from some of the biggest names in film will be auctioned in April in support of the charity Medicinema.

Amongst the stars who have donated a Healed With A Kiss lip print are Keira Knightley, Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet, John Travolta, Shirley MacLaine, Jeff Goldblum, Madonna, Jeremy Irons, Sigourney Weaver, Dame Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson and Glenn Close.

A window display, featuring copies of a selection of the kisses, will be unveiled in Fenwick Bond Street, London and Newcastle during the lead up to Valentine’s Day 2009. The entire collection of over 50 original Healed With A Kiss signed prints will be exhibited at The Movieum, County Hall, London in March 2009. The Exhibition will culminate with a Party on 2nd April at the Movieum, as the first in a series of events to help celebrate MediCinema’s 10th Anniversary year. The lip prints will be auctioned during the Party at the Movieum to help MediCinema bring the magic that is cinema to patients, including those in beds and wheelchairs, in hospitals around the UK.

Ewan McGregor, an active and longstanding Patron of the charity, said “I am delighted to participate in the Healed With a Kiss initiative, having seen at first hand how much patients and their families look forward to an all-encompassing cinema experience and welcome break from the daily routine of life on the hospital wards.”

For further information on the entire Healed With A Kiss collection of celebrity lip prints and details on how to bid for your own signed kiss from a star of the silver screen visit www.medicinema.org.uk.

Hope North To Benefit From Celebrity Clothes Auction

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Clothes Off Our Back has just launched an exciting new auction to benefit Hope North.

Clothes Off Our Back, founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford, is currently holding an online auction with clothing, accessories & memorabilia from the Emmy Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Fashion Week & more. This auction includes items worn by Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Scarlett Johansson, Neil Patrick Harris, Jorge Garcia, Tommy Hilfiger, Helen Mirren and many others. The auction ends on October 21, and all proceeds will benefit Hope North along with three other charitable organizations.

Hope North is a 40-acre campus in northern Uganda where refugees, orphans and escaped child soldiers find a place to call home. With an accredited secondary school and vocational training center, this safe and vibrant cultural setting provides a haven for resident students to rebuild their lives through education and job training. A monthly donation as little as $10 can help these youth develop the skills and strength to build Uganda’s future after a brutal 22-year civil war.

This year, Hope North is one of four charitable organizations selected by Clothes Off Our Back to be beneficiaries of all online auctions held between June 2008 and May 2009. Over 500 celebrities and 200 designers have participated in Clothes Off Our Back auctions since its inception in 2002, helping raise nearly $3 million for various children’s charities.

“The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation started as a way for celebrities to literally give the clothes off their back and make them available to the public to help children in need,” said Michel Schneider, Executive Director of Clothes Off Our Back. “It is our pleasure to support Hope North as one of our current beneficiaries. If you love, fashion, entertainment and charity, make a bid and help a child.”

If you are interested in making a bid in the “Clothes Off Our Back” Emmy Awards Auction, visit Clothesoffourback.com.

British Stars Sign Favorite Books For Africa

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of Britain’s best loved stars have signed editions of their favorite books for a new charity auction.

Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley, and Ian McKellen are amongst the celebrities to sign the books, which cover a wide variety of genres.

“Education offers a route out of poverty and books are the foundation of lifelong learning, yet the majority of people in Africa cannot afford books of their own,” said Lesley Pinder, Book Aid International spokeswoman. “The proceeds from this online auction will help Book Aid International support reading and learning in some of the world’s poorest countries by getting books into libraries, universities, hospitals and refugee camps.”

The range of books chosen as favorites by the stars is vast and revealing. Mirren has signed Suite Francais by Irene Nemirovsky, Sir David Jason has chosen Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows – which he voiced for a BBC series in the 1980s – and Gary Lineker has inscribed A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein. Joanna Lumley has chosen Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, while Robbie Coltrane has signed Huckleberry Finn. Other names to take part include Twiggy, Alexander McCall Smith, Alan Rickman, Sue Townsend, Frederick Forsyth, Tim Rice, and Julian Fellowes.

Book Aid International is a non-profit organization that sends over half a million books to sub-Saharan Africa every year to support literacy, education and development. The books are almost always new books donated by UK publishers, and are distributed to national libraries, local and regional libraries, community libraries, schools, prisons, refugee camps, and NGO resource centers in 12 African countries. They also provide grants for purchasing books locally (especially those in local languages), and training and advice to ensure that books are targeted to the right groups of people and are well used.

The auction runs until October 27, and can be accessed through eBay.

A Wave Of Charity Auctions Hit The Web

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:47:04 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The surf’s up for those interested in celebrity internet auctions this week, with three major auctions being run for good causes.

First up is a selection of exclusive tickets to the fifth annual Kokua Festival to be held in Honolulu on April 19. The sold-out concert will feature performances by Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews, and proceeds will go to the Kokua Hawaii Foundation – an organization founded by Johnson and his wife, Kim, that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii. The funds raised from the Kokua Festival will be used to further support school recycling on Oahu and sponsor field trips to provide students with opportunities and experiences that will enhance their appreciation of the environment.

The two pairs of tickets are available through the Dave Matthews Band website for another four days. Other acts expected to appear at the gig include Tim Reynolds, Paula Fuga, and Brushfire Record’s latest signing, Mason Jennings.

Another auction budding bidders must be quick to get to is raising money for Sense, the UK’s largest organization for children and adults who are both deaf and blind.

The auction features a selection of clothing donated by some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Ewan McGregor, Shirley Bassey, Helen Mirren, and Harry Potter stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. There is also a Versace jacket signed by Kevin Spacey up for grabs, as well as a bra signed by former Page 3 girl Samantha Fox.

“When Sense asked me to give them the clothes of my back – I was only too happy to hand over my bra,” said Fox. “These clothes are a charity auction with a difference. All the money raised from the celebrity items in store will raise vital funds for deafblind people, helping them to lead independent lives.”

Sense was founded in 1955, and is passionate about changing the lives of those affected by deafblindness and advocating for them to be accepted into the community. The auction can be accessed through eBay Giving Works, but the opportunity ends in the next few days.

Finally today, fans of the FX Network’s hit series The Riches will be excited to hear that season two of the show begins on March 18. But what may excite them even more is the new auction being run in conjunction with the premiere.

As well as a selection of awesome items up for auction – including lunch and a photo opportunity with The Riches star Minnie Driver, authentic props from the set, tickets to FX premieres, and a swag of autographed posters, DVDs, and scripts – the big drawcard is the chance to win $100,000 just by bidding.

“On The Riches it is all about the big score, but this show has heart,” said Stephanie Gibbons of the FX Network. “With this auction we’re able to tie in both themes, giving someone the chance to get the win money while making a difference. We couldn’t be more excited to work with eBay and see this auction come to fruition.”

All of the proceeds will go to Oxfam America, and the auction can be accessed through eBay. Bidding opens on March 13 and runs until March 23.

Oxfam Auctions Celebrity Experiences

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:57:21 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

“If you are the kind of person that always wanted to see middle aged men in tight spandex trying to sing, then this is the film for you…”

These are not the kind of words you would expect to come from one of Britain’s leading actors, but Colin Firth is talking about Mamma Mia, his upcoming movie based on the hit stage musical. And two lucky people have the chance to see the spandex clad actors stretch their vocal cords at the world premiere in July.

International relief and development agency Oxfam America has launched a series of exciting celebrity auctions to benefit their poverty relief and advocacy efforts around the world. Six of the hottest celebrities on the planet have put a wave of once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for bid on eBay, with 100% of the proceeds going to Oxfam. But eager fans had better be quick – each celebrity will only list their items for 10 days.

Colin Firth is kicking off the fundraising initiative by auctioning two VIP passes to the World Premiere of Mamma Mia in London, including the opportunity to attend the after party with a chauffeured car service and a meet-and-greet with Firth.

The 47-year-old actor has worked with Oxfam for over five years, and in 2006 was nominated for European Campaigner of the Year. Firth has also traveled to Ethiopia and co-founded the fair trade coffee chain Cafe Progreso with Oxfam.

Firth is also auctioning a special personalized video birthday greeting to one lucky bidder, as well as tickets to the Mamma Mia premieres in Berlin and Stockholm. Several signed DVDs are also on offer, and the auction can be accessed through eBay Giving Works. For more information, Firth has posted a personal message on YouTube.

The Colin Firth auction will be followed by a similar auction featuring Scarlett Johansson on March 2. The 23-year-old starlet and Oxfam Ambassador is auctioning two tickets to be her guest at the June premiere of He’s Just Not That Into You, including hair and makeup services and a chauffeured car. This will be followed by an auction spotlighting Kristin Davis on March 12.

Davis, who has worked with Oxfam for two years and has traveled to South Africa and Mozambique as an Ambassador, is placing a “Sex and the City” experience up for bid. The package will feature two VIP passes to the Sex and the City movie premiere in New York in June, including a unique photo opportunity with Davis, hair and makeup services, Jimmy Choo shoes, and a chauffeured car service.

The celebrity auctions will run through to April 1, with auctions featuring Djimon Hounsou, Helen Mirren, and Felicity Huffman. More information can be found at Shop Victoriously.

Kristin Davis Supports Oxfam on Rachael Ray Show

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:57:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis is set to appear on the Rachael Ray Show today, with an adorable miniature donkey by her side.

The donkey will be there to help Kristin introduce Oxfam America Unwrapped. The Oxfam program supports poverty relief around the world, and allows gift-givers to purchase unusual items such as camels ($175 each), gender rights training ($90), one year’s irrigation for a farm ($120) or a can of worms ($18). The gift’s recipient receives a photo card of the gift, and information on how it is helping someone in need.

Oxfam America Unwrapped is mirrored across the Atlantic by Oxfam Unwrapped. Supported by Dame Helen Mirren, Helena Bonham Carter, and Will Young, the British Oxfam Unwrapped site allows givers to purchase 100 school lunches (£6/$12), teach a teacher (£24/$48) or provide safe drinking water (£18/$36).

Oxfam America strives to provide lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice in the US and around the world.

Johnny Depp and Daniel Radcliffe Items Raffled for Charity

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:11:19 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Northampton Welfare Rights Advice Service is holding its annual Christmas raffle on Saturday, but this year the prizes will include contributions from celebrities like Johnny Depp, Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet.

Around 70 prizes, such as a theatre programme from Dame Judi Dench and an exclusive signed photo from Johnny Depp, are hoped to bring in additional funding for the organization to help raise awareness about the service it provides, which is advice about what state benefits are available to families, the disabled and people over 60. EastEnders, Holby City and The Bill have also donated momentos for Saturday’s event.

While Northampton is collecting celebrity possessions for raffle, NBC is collecting character and set items for auction. Starting Monday, NBC will auction up things like The Office character Michael Scott’s (Steve Carrell) watch and lucky tie, original paintings from the Heroes set, a poker game, props and clothing used by the cast of 30 Rock, and various other collectable pieces from Friday Night Lights and Las Vegas.

This first NBC auction will run from November 19 through December 3, with part of the proceeds benefiting United Way.

Oxfam Unwrapped For Christmas

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:39:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Dame Helen Mirren says “it’s ever so sad”. Singer Will Young invites people to look into his tear-filled, “weepy” eyes. And comedian Rob Brydon urges people to “give a loo [toilet] to the world”. Confused? Well, don’t be. It is all part of a new television advertisement for Oxfam Unwrapped, a fun campaign that aims to encourage people to buy presents with a positive impact this Christmas.

The advertisement, which has just gone to air in England, pokes fun at the traditional charity appeal ads that appear on our screens every Christmas, by stating how millions of people in Britain suffer every year from receiving gifts they do not want. It is a tongue-in-cheek way of raising awareness of the Oxfam campaign.

“Oxfam Unwrapped is a novel idea where you can buy friends and relatives presents that really make a difference to other people’s lives,” said Helena Bonham Carter, who appears in the advertisement weeping over a novelty fish. “Why buy someone something they don’t want or need – like a flapping, singing fish? Oxfam’s gifts are life-changing – that’s serious – but Oxfam Unwrapped is fun, too.”

Oxfam Unwrapped was launched in 2004, and has since gone on to sell over 1.2 million gifts to help people in 49 countries. The campaign seeks to improve the lives of poverty-stricken people around the world by allowing consumers to purchase a wide selection of items needed by communities in developing countries. The buyer can choose from items such as fertilizer, toilets, condoms, essential medicines, and school books , which are then donated to countries where they are needed. The buyer receives a gift card and fridge magnet to say what they have bought and where it has gone.

“Oxfam Unwrapped has proven itself as the ultimate way of giving unusual presents,” said Oxfam Director, Barbara Stocking. “Presents that are thoughtful and fun, but far-reaching at the same time.”

All of the items in the Oxfam Unwrapped campaign have been identified as the things that will make the biggest difference to help individual communities escape the effects of poverty. Categories include emergency relief, farming, health, and education, and individual items include sheep, mosquito nets, protect women packs, and rainwater harvesting systems. However, if you buy a sheep, you do not need to worry that it will be wrapped up, ears and all, and shipped off to Africa. Instead, the money from a purchase will go towards funding the program the item represents. For example, by purchasing a sheep or a pig, a donation will be made to an agriculture program, and the purchase of condoms will fund one of Oxfam’s health programs.

“Original presents are hard to find – we’re offering interesting and novel gifts that will help tackle poverty at the same time,” said Oxfam Australia’s Executive Director, Andrew Hewett. “They have been carefully chosen, and are tried and tested aspects of Oxfam’s everyday work to help communities in more than 40 countries. Every gift makes a difference whether you spend $10 or $200.”

More information about the campaign, including links to Oxfam Unwrapped programs around the world, is available here, and to view the television advertisement, click here.

Celebrity Portraits Up For Auction

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:25:15 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Autographed portraits of some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are up for auction on the internet this month, as part of the “Stars For A Cause”: charity Gala to be held in September.

George Clooney, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt are just some of the legends who have been immortalized in the works by acclaimed artist, Nicolosi. Painted using acrylic on canvas, these pop-art style portraits are both colorful and dynamic, and have been exhibited in London and Los Angeles, as well as at the Cannes Film Festival and on the cruise liner, the Queen Mary II.

Proceeds from the auction will go to The Prince's Trust, a UK based charity that helps young people overcome barriers by providing training, mentoring, and financial assistance. Joanna Lumley, an ambassador for the Trust, is one of the stars featured in the collection. The Hollywood Museum will also benefit from the auction.

The pictures were personally autographed by the stars during Entertainment Tonight interviews held backstage at events such as the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards, and the 58th Primetime Emmys.

“We are always eager to support the charitable endeavors of celebrities,” said Linda Bell Blue, executive producer for Entertainment Tonight. “So we readily embraced the opportunity to get involved with Stars For A Cause.”

The online auction will run until September 27, when a VIP Gala will be held at The Hollywood Museum. Many of the stars featured in the portraits are expected to attend the event, and the evening will bring bidding on the paintings to a close.
Other celebrities whose portraits are for sale include Angelina Jolie, Alan Alda, Mariska Hargitay, Kyra Sedgwick, Jane Kaczmarek, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Geena Davis, Candice Bergen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Debra Messing, Forest Whitaker, Kiefer Sutherland, Meryl Streep, Charlie Sheen, Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Helen Mirren, Penelope Cruz, Daniel Craig, Beyoncé Knowles, and Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen.
Bids start at $500, and can be viewed at www.juliensauctions.com.

Johansson, Mirren, Firth and Hounsou Join Oxfam's Global Ambassador Team

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:44:22 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Oxfam launched their Global Ambassador programme this week, and Scarlett Johansson was the latest celebrity to join. Oxfam International, founded in 1995, is a league of 13 organizations working with thousands of partners in over one hundred countries, aiming to find long-term solutions to economic and social injustice.

Ms Johansson recently accompanied Oxfam on a trip to India and Sri Lanka to meet young Dalit girls in a rural school, women campaigning against domestic violence and humanitarian workers. She said, “Once you’ve met amazing people like the Dalit girls I met on my trip you just can’t turn your back. I was shocked by a lot of what I saw, but seeing the fantastic work Oxfam was doing I also felt that there was hope.”

Other Ambassadors in Oxfam’s programme include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Colin Firth, Dame Helen Mirren, Minnie Driver, Gael Garcia Bernal and Annie Lennox.

“I’m in this fight for the long term,” says Lennox. “The outcomes of the G8 this year are a disappointment and we must not allow politicians and governments to get away with breaking promises around health and education, which are essential for developing nations.”

Supporting Oxfam’s maxim ‘we work with poor people, we influence powerful people, we join hands with all people’ actor Gael Garcia Bernal says, “We have to help small-scale farmers to have a voice and then – together with millions of others – exert huge pressure on decision makers to change the trade rules.”

Actor Djimon Hounsou says, “As an African, born and raised in Benin, where cotton is the main source of income for farmers, it is important for me to join forces with Oxfam, an organization that works to fight against the unfair trade laws that keep farmers poor and unable to provide for their families. Subsidies in developed countries are killing the chances of hardworking farmers in Africa of earning a decent wage. It is an honor to
be able to represent Africa and Oxfam when I’m meeting with the powerful politicians that create these laws.”

Oxfam’s International Artist Liaison Manager, Claire Lewis, says of the new Global Ambassador programme, “Our Ambassadors are listened to across the world, and their support helps to give a voice to people who would not otherwise be heard. Through their work, Oxfam’s campaigning messages can reach a much wider audience and have a huge impact on decision makers. We are delighted to have so many credible and passionate Ambassadors from across the globe.”

The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942 during World War II. Today, Oxfam International is involved in development programs, emergency work, research and lobbying, and campaigning to raise awareness.

Stars Support Oxfam's Darfur Appeal

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:22:59 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Oxfam has launched an online celebrity and public auction to raise funds for its $10 million appeal to help victims of the violence in Darfur and Chad.

Actors, musicians and artists are showing their support for Oxfam’s work with donations of autographed items, clothing, art and concert tickets. Available items include a Dolce & Gabbana jacket worn by Chris Martin on Coldplay's Rush of Blood Tour which is signed by the band members, Sir Elton John's tailor-made Donatella Versace suit, gold Roger Vivier Shoes signed by Sienna Miller, and a script from The Queen signed by Dame Helen Mirren.

According to UN figures, four years of ethnic strife in Darfur have resulted in at least 200,000 deaths and left more than two million people displaced. Oxfam provides aid to 470,000 people in Sudan’s Darfur and 60,000 in neighboring Chad, which has been affected by the years of unrest.

Oxfam’s work in the area costs $10 million each year, and the charity hopes this auction will raise at least $500,000 towards those costs. The public is invited to either donate items to the auction or simply make a monetary donation.

To see a full list of available items or make a donation, go to the Oxfam Shop on eBay.

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