Look To The Stars News: Iman

John Legend To Perform At Alvin Ailey Dance Benefit

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will kick-off a five-week New York season on November 30th with a star-studded gala benefit at New York City Center that begins an exciting new era led by Artistic Director Robert Battle. Honorary Chairs for the special evening are First Lady Michelle Obama and the legendary model Iman.

Nine-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend will join Ailey’s Alicia Graf Mack in an exclusive live performance of “If It’s Magic,” choreographed by Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison to the timeless music of Stevie Wonder. Legend, a long-time Ailey fan, stated, “Like millions of others, I’ve always been moved by Ailey’s performances and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of bringing this touching dance to life through the music of one my greatest inspirations, Stevie Wonder.”

Celebrities Take Part In Seventh Annual Clinton Global Initiative

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Last week, during the seventh annual Clinton Global Initiative event, President Bill Clinton welcomed Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Prize laureate, peacebuilder, and general secretary of the National League for Democracy via satellite and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of The Elders in a first-time conversation between the two visionary leaders.

Suu Kyi spoke about her own struggles for human rights, democratic governance, and ethic reconciliation, while Archbishop Tutu discussed his recent work to end child marriage. The highlight of the conversation was the overwhelming admiration Tutu and Suu Kyi expressed for each other’s efforts to promote world peace and democracy.

“The lives and accomplishments of Aung San Suu Kyi and Archibishop Desmond Tutu are an inspiring testament to the tremendous good than can be achieved by a boundless reserve of courage, humility, and conviction,” said President Clinton. “Suu Kyi and Archibishop Tutu exemplify the positive work of CGI members – who have made 194 new commitments this year, valued at $6.2 billion that will positively impact more than 100 million people.”

Iman And Kevin McKidd Fast For Charity

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Supermodel Iman and actor Kevin McKidd backed a Save the Children sponsored 24-hour “Fast-A-Thon” on August 8 to raise awareness and funds for children suffering from the East Africa food crisis.

Participants in the Fast-a-Thon skipped a snack, meal or a day’s worth of food. Iman supported the Fast-A-Thon through her social networks, while Kevin McKidd joined Save the Children staff, volunteers and supporters in fasting while on the Grey’s Anatomy set, and ended the fast on August 9, his birthday. Last week, Kevin McKidd and Save the Children released a PSA to generate more awareness of the emergency situation in East Africa, which can be viewed here.

A severe food shortage from the worst drought in 60 years is threatening the lives of close to 3 million children in East Africa. Save the Children is delivering life-saving food, water, medicines and care to children and families affected by child hunger crisis in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Given the scale of the East Africa food crisis, Save the Children globally is seeking to raise $100 million for its humanitarian response.

Rihanna Honored At DKMS Celebrity Charity Gala

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Last Thursday night, the DKMS 5th Annual Gala raised a record $2.5 million to support the fight against leukemia and other blood related cancers. The money raised at the star-studded gala, which took place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, will help register nearly 30,000 bone marrow donors and work to save lives worldwide.

Katharina Harf, COO of DKMS Americas presented an award to Rihanna in recognition for her tireless work in the fight against leukemia. “Anyone can be affected by leukemia,” said Rihanna. ""It is the number one disease children in the U.S. die of and we can change that. I encourage people to become bone marrow donors with DKMS. If we have more donors, we can save more lives."

Rihanna went on, “I would like to dedicate this award to Shannon Tavarez who fought so bravely against this disease but was tragically taken from us far too soon. Shannon was a great inspiration who selflessly promoted awareness of the need for donors, so that others may receive the help they need, and she will be missed.”

Iman To Design On A Dime For Charity

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +0000

In just three weeks, the largest-ever roster of designers and celebrities will come together for Housing Works’ spectacular interior design shopping benefit, Design on a Dime, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea.

All five of this year’s co-chairs, Iman, Nate Berkus, James Huniford, Charlotte Moss, and Lara Spencer, will attend to raise funds for Housing Works. Housing Works is a non-profit with a mission to end AIDS and homelessness.

Rob Thomas To Perform At Point Foundation Celebrity Charity Gala

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

A host of celebrities will help honor the current and future champions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community at the Point Foundation’s Gala in New York on April 4.

Special guests expected include Kelly Ripa and Iman, and performers will include Rob Thomas.

Point Foundation is the largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students of merit in the US. Point provides financial support, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT individuals who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Point provides its scholars with the financial ability to attend the nation’s foremost higher educational institutions and its donors and mentors with the rare satisfaction of directly investing their resources and time in future generations of leaders.

Elizabeth Taylor And Bill Clinton Honored For Charity Work

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg were honored by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) last Wednesday.

The black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year, and featured a special reunion performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” by all of the original artists: Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. Also in recognition of amfAR’s 25 years, special tributes were made to the Foundation’s co-founders, Mathilde Krim, Ph.D and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The evening was presented by Hublot, and co-sponsored by M*A*C Viva Glam. More than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research.

President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research. Ms. von Furstenberg was presented with her award by her husband, Barry Diller. Chelsea Clinton presented the award to her father. Sir Elton John delivered a personal message from Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who could not be in attendance, stating “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.” Sir Elton accepted the award on her behalf.

Bono Leads Celebrity PSA For (RED) Charity

Sun, 02 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

(RED) has announced the launch of The Lazarus Effect Campaign, a multi-platform campaign across TV, online and print, including an HBO documentary airing on May 24, that will help raise awareness of the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine for those living with HIV in Africa.

Launching April 29 on HBO, the awareness campaign will roll out across various TV and online networks in the coming weeks. The campaign equates the relative value of 40 cents by comparing trivial items worth 40 cents e.g. a stick of gum, a smear of lipstick — to the value of one day’s worth of life transforming antiretroviral medication.

The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, features Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Claire Danes, Alek Wek, Iman, John Turturro, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Liu, Gabourey Sidibe, Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, LeAnn Rimes, Jane Lynch, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwen Stefani, Hayden Christensen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Don Cheadle, Ludacris, Common, Benicio del Toro, Dakota Fanning, Christy Turlington and the Jonas Brothers.

$1.1 Million Raised At Milan Fashion Week Charity Event

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Supermodel Linda Evangelista opened the amfAR Milano Foundation’s inaugural event held recently in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week.

In a moving speech in which she recalled the losses of friends during the early epidemic, she talked about the death of her booking agent. “Those were desperate times for so many of us. I watched him die and helped bury him, not understanding any of it. The fashion industry was especially hard hit by AIDS.”

  The event raised $1.1 million (euro750,000) for HIV/AIDS research, and was attended by many of the rich, famous and fashionable, including Rachel Bilson, Kanye West, Donatella Versace and models Anja Rubik and Chanel Iman.   

More Performers Announced For Keep A Child Alive Black Ball

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

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.  

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

2009 Keep A Child Alive Black Ball Details Announced

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

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.

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.

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.

Love Our Children USA Recognizes Mother's Who Make A Difference

Fri, 09 May 2008 09:37:50 +0000

Love Our Children USA announced today the Third Annual “Mothers Who Make A Difference List.”

What is the most difficult job in the world? Parenting!!

Celebrities On Show For AIDS Relief

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:52:49 +0000

“A Dollar Saves A Life” is the catchphrase of a new advertising campaign featuring Alicia Keys, Jessica Alba, and Somalia-born model Iman, launched to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

The stars will join actress Lisa Bonet, Indian model Padma Lakshmi, and Zöe Kravitz – daughter of Lenny Kravitz – in a series of advertisements in magazines across America, as part of Keys’ Keep A Child Alive Foundation’s new “Good Cents Initiative”.

The advertisements will see the stars dressed in stylish black clothes, striking simple yet elegant poses surrounded by accessories and props to promote the new campaign. Keys has been photographed clutching a large pink piggybank, and Alba smiles under an umbrella as coins rain down from above.

Lunchbox Auction Will Help Feed Hungry Children

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:49:04 +0000

Forget what they say about good things coming in small boxes, better things come in lunch-boxes created by artists, actors, chefs, musicians, photographer, politicians, and fashion designers to shed light on the plight of hungry children in New York City and South Africa. These original artistic efforts are for the Lunchbox Auction.

The artistry is often unique and often indicative of the personality behind the work. World renown chef Bobby Flay’s 2005 lunchbox was decorated with spices. Bono’s lunchbox was simply red signifying his (RED) campaign. The bidding for lunchbox items will commence online on December 6, 2007

Bono Awarded For AIDS Work

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:32:08 +0000

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Bono has received an award at an AIDS charity event in New York.

The U2 frontman was honored for his humanitarian work at The Black Ball, a ceremony held at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 25 to raise money for the Keep A Child Alive foundation, a non-profit organization that provides treatment to AIDS victims in Africa.

The sparkling evening of cocktails, dinner, and rare musical performances was organized and co-hosted by Alicia Keys, a Global Ambassador for the foundation, who described Bono as “an amazing man [who] works tirelessly at really having a cause and fighting for it. He is an inspiration and single-handedly made it cool to have something to speak about.”

GLAMOUR Making A Charity Star

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:52:38 +0000

GLAMOUR Magazine is gearing up to honor an every-day woman and support her charity with their “Woman of Your Year” search. From now until August 19, anyone can nominate an inspiring colleague, friend, or community leader at glamour.com/woty. GLAMOUR’s Woman of Your Year contest pays tribute to a real-life woman who uses her strength, agility, and compassion to incite major change in her community. GLAMOUR readers will help choose the winner by voting online.

The 2007 GLAMOUR Woman of Your Year will receive support for her cause and coverage in an upcoming issue of the magazine. She and the person who nominated her will win a trip for two to New York City for two nights, including tickets to the star-studded GLAMOUR Women of The Year gala at Lincoln Center on Monday, November 5, 2007.

For 17 years, GLAMOUR magazine has saluted gutsy, high-achieving women with our annual GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards, a special issue and event devoted to celebrating the visionary, talented leaders who motivate and excite young women. Some well known past winners include Hillary Clinton, Billie Jean King, Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Katie Couric, Queen Latifah, Iman and many more.

Vanity Fair Charity Issue Edited By Bono

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:35:00 +0000

Bono is putting his philanthropic energy into Vanity Fair’s July 2007 special issue about Africa. The issue has 20 different cover photos of high-profile individuals, all taken by renowned photographer Annie Liebowitz.

The magazine includes information about the issues and charities supported by actors, athletes, models, politicians, musicians, activists, and billionaire philanthropists, all of whom are using their celebrity status and the publicity they receive to bring attention to the complex set of problems faced by the inhabitants of Africa.

Africa is a continent with great need, and has been given a disproportionately low amount of attention and aid from wealthy nations. It is the first Vanity Fair issue to have a guest editor, and Bono’s highly publicized commitment to aiding Africa makes him an obvious choice for editor of this issue. In recent years, celebrities have used their status to bring a great deal of attention to Africa.