Look To The Stars News: Elizabeth Taylor

Madonna To Attend AIDS Charity Cannes Event

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:52:37 -0000

Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, will join Sharon Stone and Michelle Yeoh at this year’s annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS fundraiser on May 22, during the 61st annual Cannes International Film Festival.

The event, which will benefit the American Foundation for AIDS Research, will take place at Le Moulin de Mougins and will include a formal dinner and a live auction. In addition, this year’s event will feature a short clip of I Am Because We Are , the Madonna-produced and -narrated documentary about children orphaned by AIDS in Malawi.

The organization’s annual Cinema Against AIDS galas have generated more than $33 million for essential AIDS research since 1993, and have been hosted by Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John. Last year’s live auction raised $4 million, making a total of $7 million for the night, and featured a surprise performance by Kylie Minogue.

A full screening of I Am Because We Are is scheduled to take place in Cannes the evening before the gala, and will tie in with amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS event.

Tables for this year’s Cinema Against AIDS will range in price from $40,000 to $150,000. For event reservations and details, visit www.amfar.org.

Stars Prepare For Oscar Glory With Charity Parties

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:56:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The next few days will be busy for Hollywood’s elite, as they practice their speeches and iron their gowns in anticipation of the 80th Academy Awards to be held on Sunday, February 24. As always, part of the pizzazz of the event is the glamorous parties in the days leading up to the big night. And although many of these soirees give the rich and famous a chance to be seen in the right places, a few are designed to raise awareness and funds for causes other than fame.

Wednesday, February 20, will see the Fifth Annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party hit Hollywood between the eyes, with an event formulated to promote “smart solutions to global warming”. The party, to be held at the Avalon in Hollywood, will feature performances by Damien Rice and Michelle Branch, as well as Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the stars of Oscar-nominated musical, Once.

A huge selection of stars are expected to attend the event, including Salma Hayek, Alicia Silverstone, Val Kilmer, Adrian Grenier, Dana Delany, and Josie Maran. There is also a strong possibility that committee members Orlando Bloom and Leonardo DiCaprio may also attend.

Tickets to the party, available from the Global Green website, cost $250 for general admission and $5,000 for “green carpet” access and entry to the Patron Lounge, with all proceeds going to Global Green’s climate initiatives and their efforts to rebuild a green New Orleans.

Another big event in the next few days is the 16th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party, to be held at the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood, on February 24.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation gala is the most highly visible and successful fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night, and over the past 15 years has generated over $15 Million for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“This event is our most important fundraiser of the year,” the Foundation stated in a media statement. “Last year, we raised over $4.3 million, and we expect to exceed that record this year.”

The evening will begin at 4pm, with a special cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner and a live screening of the Academy Awards. An auction, featuring items such as a vintage Corvette from Sharon Stone’s collection, will also be held, and Sir Elton will perform for guests such as Victoria and David Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and Elizabeth Taylor.

“With the loyal support of the Hollywood community, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party has raised significant attention and funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past 15 years,” said Foundation Director Scott Campbell. “This year we hope to set the bar even higher and let the world know that we are as committed as ever to fighting this devastating disease.”

Absentee bids and more information on the event can be found at the Elton John AIDS Foundation website.

Gere Awarded Humanitarian Honor

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:29:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Richard Gere has received a prestigious humanitarian award in his home city of Philadelphia.

The Golden Globe winner accepted the Marion Anderson Award, named after the famous African-American opera singer who fought racial segregation in the 1930s, at a ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on November 12.

“I’m not worthy of this award in any way whatsoever,” said the 58-year-old star of films such as “Chicago” and “Pretty Woman”. “I can’t tell you how this makes me feel. My heart is so wide open.”

Gere received the award for his charity and humanitarian work over the last three decades. A devoted Buddhist, Gere has advocated Tibetan independence since 1978, and is a friend and student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has made numerous trips through India, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and China, and has released a book featuring his own photographs of these regions, with a foreword written by the Dalai Lama.

In 1987, Gere co-founded Tibet House, and is now Board Chairman for the International Campaign for Tibet. He has testified on Tibet’s behalf before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the European Parliament, and the House International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee in an attempt to free the nation from China’s grip. His own charitable organization, the Gere Foundation, was set up to award grants to humanitarian foundations, especially in relation to Tibet.

Gere also established Healing the Divide, an organization dedicated to improving care for HIV/AIDS patients, and in 2004 instigated the Heroes Project, which addresses the spread of AIDS in India. He is a spokesman for Meals On Wheels, and earlier in 2007 appeared in the charity’s first ever advertising campaign, along with his father who has been a volunteer for 17 years. He is also a longtime supporter of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

“We are proud to honor Richard Gere with the Marion Anderson Award,” said Philadelphia Mayor, John F. Street. “His accomplishments as an actor are only surpassed by his accomplishments as a humanitarian and as a advocate for human rights issues around the world. We are particularly pleased to honor Mr Gere this year as it will mark the first time that the award will be conferred upon a native Philadelphian.”

Gere attended the award ceremony with his friend and co-star of three films, Diane Lane, and made special mention of the woman the award is named after. He told the audience that Marion Anderson paved the way for artists to use their celebrity status for humanitarian work, and urged people to adopt her traits.

“I think that is what we are here for,” he said during the ceremony. “To make the road easier for those who follow us.”

The Marion Anderson Award, which includes a $100,000 honorarium, is bestowed annually upon individuals whose support for a cause upholds humanitarian principles and benefits society, and previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Harry Belafonte. Marion Anderson gained international fame in the music world in the 1930s, although she faced racial segregation at home in the United States. She bravely fought racism with her music, and became the first African-American person to perform at the White House in 1939. She was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Johnson in 1963, and died in 1993 at the age of 96.

“In honoring Richard Gere, we celebrate the achievements of an outstanding artist and humanitarian,” said Pamela A. Crawley, Chair of the Marion Anderson Award. “He has used his remarkable career as an actor to support his unparalleled advocacy for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. He has traveled the globe supporting efforts that allow people to live in health, in the integrity of their cultures, and with the fundamental human rights that all citizens of the world must possess. These are the qualities of a leader, and we are deeply honored by his acceptance.”

“Richard is a man whose heart dictates his choices,” added award winning actress, Diane Lane. “He has cultivated this tenacious advocacy for those who are in danger of being railroaded, shut out, and trampled under the big machine of ‘Business As Usual’.”

Gere intends to share the prize money between selected charities.

Celebrities Go To The Dogs Over Auction

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:41:16 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for something a little different to give the special pet in your life? Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron may be able to help, as they are some of the stars donating items for the upcoming “Celebrity Collars For Dollars” auction, starting June 23rd.

The event aims to raise funds for Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing dogs that are permanently chained and mistreated.

Bidders will have the chance to buy pre-used dog collars belonging to the canine friends of celebrities such as Robin Williams, who has donated three collars from his pets Gabby and MabelMae, three autographed photos, three signed DVDs, and an autographed Dogs Deserve Better calendar.

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, has been enjoying preparations for the auction over the last few months, and has been touched by the generosity shown by the stars involved.

“It’s been great fun opening the mail from celebrities to see what they’ve donated,” she said. “Candice Bergen, who did not have a collar to send, had her assistant call to say they were sending a specially signed photo to DDB… and gave a generous donation for chained and penned dogs.”

Other items up for sale include autographed photos of Dolly Parton, a signed copy of Bill Maher’s book Polite Musings From A Timid Observer, and Martha Stewart has autographed a copy of the Dogs Deserve Better Calendar for the event.

Online bidding will run for 10 days, finishing on July 3rd, and can be accessed through www.dogsdeservebetter.org.

Kylie, Clooney, Stone Boost AIDS Charity At Cannes Event

Thu, 24 May 2007 14:40:49 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A dinner and auction event in Cannes drew film festival attendees and raised more than $7 million for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Tables for the Cinema Against AIDS gala ranged from $30,000 to $100,000, including Burlesque entertainment from Dita Von Teese and a suprise performance by Kylie Minogue of her songs “Locomotion” and “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”.

Guest auctioneer Sharon Stone sold lots which included a kiss from George Clooney, for which one woman happily paid $350,000.

AmfAR supports AIDS research, prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Its Cinema Against AIDS gala has taken place annually since 1993, and has raised more than $22 million for essential AIDS research. Past events have been hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John.

Oprah Tops Celebrity Philanthropy A-List

Sat, 12 May 2007 08:24:15 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A list of the 30 largest public donations made by celebrities in the past year puts Oprah in the top spot.

The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and advises on celebrity philanthropy, compiles its list each year. President Marc Pollick said, “Encouragement-by-example is the main reason for the Giving Back 30 list.”

Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah’s Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy.

Of the other celebrities high on the list, Barbra Streisand was in fourth spot, having given $11.75 million through her Streisand Foundation.

Tiger Woods took fifth place, giving $9.5 million to organisations including the Tiger Woods Learning Center funded by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Giving Back’s Marc Pollick praised an increasing trend in celebrity donations, saying, “Ten years ago when Slate magazine first published the Slate 60 reporting on the most generous American philanthropists, the last donor on their list gave $5 million. This year the last donor donated $30 million to charity. This is the type of growth we are hoping to inspire within the sports and entertainment community. One cannot help but be influenced by the generosity of his or her peers.”

The full list and information about how it was compiled can be found at givingback.org. This site has previously reported on many of the list’s featured celebrities and their donations; a comprehensively linked version of the list appears below:

Position	Celebrity	Donation	Cause(s)
1	Oprah Winfrey	$58,300,000	Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, Oprah’s Angel Network, and other groups
2	Geoffrey Beene	$44,000,000 (bequest)	Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
3	Jack and Marie Lord	$40,000,000 (bequest)	Hawaii Community Foundation
4	Barbra Streisand	$11,750,000	Streisand Foundation, numerous civil liberties, environmental, and civil rights organizations “dedicated to democratic values”
5	Tiger Woods	$9,500,000	Tiger Woods Learning Center, Earl D. Woods Sr. Scholarship Fund, and other Tiger Woods Foundation programs
6	Rosie O’Donnell	$5,700,000	Katrina Relief efforts including Renaissance Village (a temporary shelter for Katrina victims), day care centers, a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, and a Habitat For Humanity sub division in Baton Rouge
7	Martha Stewart	$5,000,000	New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital for a center on healthy aging
8	Carmelo Anthony	$4,282,000	CAF Youth Center in Baltimore, AAU Basketball, Syracuse University Recreational Center, and other charities
9	Pat Boone & Shirley Boone	$3,000,000	Pepperdine University for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology Center for the Family
9	LeRoy Neiman	$3,000,000	The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to support a Master’s class in figure drawing
11	Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt	$2,415,000	School and Community Center in Swakopmund in Namibia, Daniel Pearl Foundation, Namibian hospitals, Doctors Without Borders, Global Action for Children and others
12	Nicolas Cage	$2,000,000	Amnesty International for a fund to help child soldiers
12	Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”) and Dany Garcia Johnson	$2,000,000	University of Miami to name new Alumni Center living room
12	Paul McCartney	$2,000,000	Adopt-A-Minefield
12	Arnold Palmer	$2,000,000	Pledged to the Arnold Palmer Foundation ultimately to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
16	David Geffen	$1,600,000	David Geffen Foundation
17	Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol	$1,300,000	The Gunnery to help pay for a new dormitory in memory of their son Teddy killed in a plane crash
18	Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg	$1,250,000	Boston University to renovate facilities
19	Andre Agassi	$1,070,000	Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
20	Tiki and Ronde Barber and family	$1,000,000	University of Virginia to support the McIntire School of Commerce, the Virginia Athletics Foundation, Childrens Hospital, a scholarship fund for African-American students, the Young Alumni Council, and to challenge young alumni to participate in the capital campaign
20	Bob Barker	$1,000,000	Georgetown University to endow a fund at its law school that will focus on the study of animal rights
20	Gloria Estefan	$1,000,000	Miami Paralysis Project
20	Dr. Phil McGraw & Robin McGraw	$1,000,000	Dr. Phil Foundation
20	George Steinbrenner & family	$1,000,000	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Boshamer Stadium for baseball
20	Tony Stewart	$1,000,000	Victory Junction Gang Camp
20	Denzel Washington	$1,000,000	Save Africa’s Children
27	Mike Sexton	$560,000	Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Children, Inc., Wounded Warrior Project, Ohio State University, and other charities
28	Lance Armstrong	$500,000	Lance Armstrong Foundation
28	Dolly Parton	$500,000	Fort Sanders Medical Center
28	Elizabeth Taylor	$500,000	New Orleans AIDS Task Force to purchase mobile medical unit for AIDS sufferers in New Orleans

Elizabeth Taylor's Birthday Gift

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 21:42:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

For her birthday, Dame Elizabeth Taylor is donating an AIDS medical unit to the people of New Orleans.

Medical professionals who have lost clinics due to Hurricane Katrina will staff the 40-foot vehicle. The unit has two exam rooms and ex-ray facilities, and is already in the possession of the New Orleans AIDS Task Force.

Look To The Stars News: Elizabeth Taylor

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