Look To The Stars News: Wyclef Jean

Sean Penn Honored At Happy Hearts Fund Celebrity Charity Gala

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

More than 500 guests from over eight countries gathered on Saturday night in New York City to celebrate the Happy Hearts Fund Land of Dreams: Haiti event and to recognize “Heart of Gold” honoree Renee Haugerud and “Lifetime Achievement” honoree Sean Penn.

Photo: Petra Nemcova, Founder and Chairwoman, Happy Hearts Fund and evening performer Wyclef Jean.

Wyclef Jean To Attend Hands For Haiti Charity Benefit

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The Annual Hands for Haiti Red Carpet Benefit, an exclusive fundraising event to benefit the work of The Hope For Them Foundation and the construction of a new school for over 1,200 children in Carrefour and Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, will take place in New York tomorrow, October 19.

Special guests at the event will include Wyclef Jean, as well as Bonnie Young, Diandra Douglas, Lee Hawkins, Marc Baptiste, Papa Jube Altino, Pastor Larry Mack, Patrick McMullan, Pras Michel, Unik Ernest and Haiti General Consulate Felix Augustin.

Guest of honor will be Jonathan Nash Glynn, founder of Wings Over Haiti, who will be awarded by Haiti General Consulate Felix Augustin for his humanitarian contributions in the rebuilding of Haiti.

LTTS Exclusive: Bill Clinton, Emilio Estevez And Martin Sheen Celebrate Film Premiere For Charity

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Last Wednesday evening, Look To The Stars’ Allison DiLiberto and Scott Cable celebrated the premiere of The Way at an after party benefiting the Walkabout Foundation at the Imperial No. Nine at the Mondrian SoHo in Manhattan’s posh downtown neighborhood, on Crosby street.

Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez attend the after party for the premiere of The Way to benefit the Walkabout Foundation. Photo: PMc.

Wyclef Jean Honored For Charity Work In Haiti

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean has been honored in Haiti for his efforts to raise the profile of the country.

The rapper – who has been a roving ambassador for the country where he was born since 2007 – was made a Grand Officer of the National Order of Honor and Merit by President Michel Martelly yesterday.

“I have great joy in solemnly honoring a son of this earth who has assumed with force, conviction and humanity, his Haitian quality,” Martelly said. “You are one of the Haitians who make us proud.”

Hugh Jackman Joins Celebrity Friends At Charity Polo

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Naomi Watts, Kathy Griffin and musician Wyclef Jean attended the fourth annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic last weekend (5 June 11) in New York City to benefit Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation’s Hope, Help & Rebuild Haiti (HHRH) mission.

Co-hosts of the event included Stephane Baschiera, president and CEO of Veuve Clicquot, Vanessa Kay, president of Veuve Clicquot USA, Polo superstar and Ralph Lauren model, Nacho Figueras, his wife Delfina Blaquier, and fashion designers Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan.

Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean, who performed impromptu during the pre-polo luncheon, spoke to JustLuxe about the fundraiser:

Celebrity Guests Announced For Charity Cannes Gala

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Janet Jackson, Brooke Shields, Gwen Stefani, Freida Pinto, Michelle Yeoh, Milla Jovovich, Patrick Dempsey and Harvey Weinstein are among those who will travel to Cannes to raise funds for AIDS research at amfAR’s annual Cinema Against AIDS gala, to be held on May 19 during the 64th annual Cannes International Film Festival.

Other event chairs include amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, amfAR Global Fundraising Chair Sharon Stone, Milutin Gatsby, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Ryan Kavanaugh, Karl Lagerfeld, Michel Litvak, Vincent Roberti, Carine Roitfeld and Donatella Versace.

The annual star-studded event at the Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, will include a formal dinner and a world-renowned live auction, all to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. As in previous years, Harvey Weinstein will recruit talent from the room to help with the live auction.

Maria Shriver Remembers Father as "Legendary Public Servant"

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Sargent Shriver was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends, and dignitaries including Vice President Biden, former President Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama and Shriver’s son-in-law, former CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It was 8 years ago that the brother-in-law of former President John Kennedy and the late Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease. He died on January 18, at the age of 95.

Attending the funeral were Clint Eastwood, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Muhammad Ali. Bono, Vanessa Williams and Wyclef Jean sang at the funeral.

Haiti One Year On: The Care For Haiti Celebrity Charity Album

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

America’s top Grammy nominated artists and internationally celebrated musicians, Slip N Slide Records and charity CARE have partnered with Melky Jean and Wyclef Jean to launch a worldwide effort, The Care For Haiti Album, to benefit women and children in Haiti, on the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

On January 12, 2011, to commemorate the one year anniversary of the earthquake, The Care For Haiti project will release the first single from the album, “Better,” highlighting the hope and future of Haiti if we unite to make things better. The song was written and performed by Melky Jean; Wyclef Jean served as the A&R.

The complete Care For Haiti Album will be released on March 8th, 2011, on to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the celebration of International Women’s Day, and will feature original songs and selections from Patti LaBelle, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Paul, Angélique Kidjo, The Kindred Family, Talib Kweli, Brooke Hogan and many others.

Haiti One Year On: Wyclef Jean Calls For Moment Of Silence

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Yéle Haiti Foundation and its founding ambassador Wyclef Jean, in a series of national and international radio public service announcements, are inviting the world to join them in a commemorative moment of silence at 4:53 pm EST on January 12th to pay tribute to the victims of last year’s disaster and to signal a collective renewed hope for Haiti.

It was just one year ago when the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010 struck Haiti claiming the lives of more than 250,000 people and leaving another 1.5 million homeless.

“We are anticipating that millions of folks in Haiti, and millions more from all around the world will join in the moment of silence on January 12th, to remember those who tragically became victims of the quake; to pray for those still struggling for the most basic of life’s necessities; and to signal our collective determination for a new tomorrow in Haiti,” said Derek Johnson, CEO of Yéle Haiti.

DoSomething.org's Top 20 2010 Celebrity Charity Champions

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DoSomething.org – the website that aims to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action – has released a list of what it considers to be the top 20 “Celebs Gone Good” for 2010.

20. 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord ventured outside of her zip code more than once this year to support her favorite causes, including access to clean water in Africa and helping victims of global sex trade. This Christmas she’s off to Cambodia with Somaly Mam to bring needed supplies to sex trafficking survivors there.

19. Stephen Colbert, who is a massive supporter of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as being on the Board of Directors for the education charity DonorsChoose.org and has even testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on immigration.

Wyclef Jean To Perform At The Truth For Haiti

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean will perform at a special charity event to help the people of Haiti tomorrow, December 16.

While Haitians are still facing darkness and despair almost a year after the tragic earthquake that rocked Haiti, their courage and vibrancy continue to shine and inspire. THE TRUTH exhibition is Urban Zen’s celebration of Haiti’s resilient spirit, showcasing a dynamic country bursting with life. The Premier Exhibition and Auction will raise funds to give “Gifts of Love” packages to the Haitian people this holiday season and into the New Year. These packages will include vital supplies: shoes, solar flashlights and whistles to offset night attacks and rapes on women living in the Haitian camps. Cholera relief supplies will also be added as a critical component in these “Gifts of Love.”

Fashion icon and Urban Zen founder Donna Karan & music mogul Andre Harrell will host the launch of THE TRUTH at the Urban Zen Center, 711 Greenwich Street, New York, tomorrow night. Human rights activist Kerry Kennedy will be Master of Ceremonies, renowned fashion photographer Marc Baptiste is the Exhibition’s Curator, and Christie’s Lydia Fenet is the evening’s Auctioneer. The Premier Reception will also feature musical performances from Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean and special guests. Plus, a LIVE three-hour Twitter party hosted by Kim Kardashian will also take place.

Celebrate George Clooney's Charity Honor With Celebrity Auction

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

George Clooney was honored for his charity work at a celebrity-studded event in New York City this week.

The Ripple Of Hope Awards, held at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, were presented by the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. Clooney’s award recognized his work as a UN Messenger of Peace and his work in Darfur.

To celebrate the Ripple of Hope Awards, the organization is holding a special online celebrity charity auction, featuring lots such as dinner with Kevin Spacey, the chance to meet Andrea Bocelli, VIP tickets to see Ray Romano live in Las Vegas, dinner with Mario Batali, a meet-and-greet with Kevin Bacon, Luciano Pavarotti’s cufflinks, George Clooney’s slippers and much more.

Wyclef Jean: The Rebuilding Of New Orleans And Haiti

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean has blogged on CNN about two tragedies – Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti.

“This weekend is the fifth anniversary of the devastation that Katrina wrought in New Orleans. As a member of the Creole community, I feel a deep connection to New Orleans and the Gulf region, and want to send out my prayers to those who are still working to rebuild there. The destruction that Katrina caused really struck home for me—so many brothers and sisters lost, and so many lives shattered.

“I see a corollary to the vast destruction of the earthquake that Port-au-Prince suffered just seven months ago: Like the people of the Gulf Coast, my countrymen in Haiti have been forced to witness more despair than anyone should have to bear. And in New Orleans, as it is in Haiti, so much of the loss was suffered by those who had little to begin with.

Wyclef Jean Resigns As Chairman Of Yéle Haiti Charity

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean, the founder and chairman of Yéle Haiti, announced last night that he will relinquish his leadership role in the organization, effective immediately.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation that Jean is contemplating a presidential bid in Haiti’s upcoming election. Derek Q. Johnson, best known for heading up the revitalization of Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater, will assume the role of CEO to continue the organization’s strong momentum during the transition.

Haitian-born Jean, a Grammy Award–winning musician, humanitarian and U.N. goodwill ambassador to Haiti, established Yéle in 2005 as part of his lifelong commitment to improving conditions in his homeland. The organization’s mission is to build global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, health, the arts and the environment. Since its founding, Yéle has made a dramatic and wide-reaching impact on the lives of the Haitian population. Its initiatives have put nearly 10,000 children in schools and provided food, jobs and HIV/AIDS prevention training to thousands of teens and adults. Yéle’s post-earthquake emergency relief efforts raised more than $9 million.

Wyclef Jean To Ring NASDAQ Bell For Haiti

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean, Grammy-winning musician and record producer and co-founder of Yéle Haiti, will preside over the NASDAQ Opening Bell on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 9:30 A.M.

The NASDAQ Opening Bell ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:15 A.M. EST with a video presentation, visualizing the devastation of the earthquake that took place just six months ago in Jean’s homeland of Haiti, followed by remarks from Jean prior to the bell ringing and opening. The event can be accessed live on NASDAQ’s website.

The ringing of the bell is a very meaningful event for Jean, who just returned from Haiti this weekend. “I’ve seen for myself the situation there. It’s still bleak: Rubble and collapsed buildings are everywhere. I need to continue to keep Haiti in the spotlight to make sure promises are kept to my people,” said Jean.

Wyclef Jean Calls For Action On Haiti's Earthquake Anniversary

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

It was just six months ago that the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake struck Haiti and five-year-old NGO Yéle Haiti moved the work of repairing and restoring the nation from that disaster to the top of its agenda.

Wyclef Jean, founder of Yéle Haiti, in a series of national opinion pieces coinciding with the anniversary, is making strong calls to action to those who can help as the conditions in Haiti worsen. Jean is asking the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission to release $150 million of pledged funds in the next 90 days to carry out coherent public safety and security plans addressing current violence, kidnappings, abductions, rapes and sexual abuse rampant in the most vulnerable communities. He is also asking the commission to release an additional $150 million for rubble removal.

“I’m a warrior and can’t stand by quietly while promises aren’t kept. I won’t ever surrender,” said Jean. “We’ve seen the situation, and we’ve been listening to others on the ground. It’s still bleak. Rubble and collapsed buildings are everywhere.” Also, in the next 120 days Jean would like to see the commission’s leaders, the United Nations and former Presidents Bush and Clinton commit themselves to collecting the billions of dollars pledged by the international community to the Haitian relief effort, making sure those promises are converted into actual cash, to ensure Haiti’s infrastructure is rebuilt and the country is on track for a new destiny.

Wyclef's Sister To Hold Charity Event For Haiti

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean will join his sister, Melky Jean, at a special charity event to raise money for Haiti through Melky’s charity, the Carma Foundation, next month.

Hosted by Vivica Fox, the 3rd annual Geminis Give Back event will feature performances by Wyclef and Melky, as well as Patti LaBelle.

Inspired by her brother, Melky set up the Carma Foundation to improve the health of poor women and children in Haiti.

Wyclef Jean's Words Of Wisdom For Young People

Wed, 26 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

On Sunday, May 23, Wyclef Jean received an honorary doctorate from Western Connecticut State University and delivered a commencement speech to the class of 2010.

The university presented Wyclef with a check for $9,500 for his Yéle Haiti Foundation and the crowd cheered as he encouraged the students to create a vision for their future and chase their dreams.

“Yesterday I gave the commencement speech at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Conn,” wrote the star in the Huffington Post. "I’ve spoken at lots of places before — the U.N., the White House, awards shows where hundreds of thousands of people were watching. But this was my first commencement gig. I felt a big responsibility. I wondered what words of wisdom I could give to those young adults, about to start a whole new life.

R. Kelly To Feature On FIFA World Cup Charity Album

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

R. Kelly will perform his new charity single – Sign Of A Victory – at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony on June 11, backed by a 27-member African choir.

“Africa has always had a special place in my heart, both musically and emotionally,” Kelly told UsMagazine.com. “So it means a lot to me to get to work with the Soweto Spiritual Singers and perform my song at this huge event in Johannesburg.”

The single – which will benefit African charities – will also feature on a new charity CD celebrating the FIFA World Cup. Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album will be released on June 1st.

PHOTOS: Wyclef Jean Takes Haitian Amputees On Charity Shopping Spree

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean, co-founder of the Yéle Haiti Foundation brought much needed joy to three young Haitian amputees on their trip to the States to get urgently needed artificial limbs at Penn Station Kmart on Tuesday, when he took them on a $3000 spending spree.

Wyclef Jean and Sarah Maurice

Wyclef Jean To Take Haitian Amputees On Kmart Charity Shopping Spree

Sun, 16 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean, co-founder of the Yéle Haiti Foundation, will be at the Penn Station Kmart on Tuesday, May 18, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., to help bring much needed joy to three young Haitian amputees on their trip to the States to get urgently needed artificial limbs.

Kmart has graciously donated shopping sprees for the three girls and their hosts, valued at $3,000. Kmart has given the girls no restrictions on what they can purchase—toys, clothing, electronics or beauty products, it’s up to them! Prior to the shopping spree the girls will also be treated to makeovers. Wyclef will also be announcing a special scholarship fund for the girls.

Yéle Haiti worked with the Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF) to provide eight round-trip tickets from their partner Delta Airlines — which included tickets for GMRF staff and the patients’ relatives — between Port-au-Prince and the GMRF’s headquarters in Staten Island, N.Y. The group will then travel to Philadelphia later this week, where the three patients will be treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children, which will be providing the care for free.

Wyclef Jean Marches For Yéle Haiti Foundation

Tue, 11 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Grammy Award–winning musician Wyclef Jean and Seton Hall University students marched down South Orange Avenue to drop off donations to the Yéle Haiti Foundation headquarters at noon on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

“Hands On for Haiti” launched on Saturday with a presentation by Yéle Haiti members and Jean in the University Center Main Lounge. Afterward, students gathered with their donated goods on the Green to begin the walk to Yéle’s headquarters, at 6 West South Orange Ave. in South Orange, N.J.

Wyclef Jean Welcomes Haitian Amputees To The US

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Wyclef Jean, co-founder of the Yéle Haiti Foundation, welcomed three young Haitian amputees on their trip to get urgently needed artificial limbs this weekend at JFK airport in NYC.

Yéle Haiti, working with the Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF), has provided eight round-trip tickets between Port-au-Prince and the GMRF’s headquarters in Staten Island, N.Y. The group will then travel to Philadelphia this week where the three patients will be treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children, which will be providing the care for free.

Wyclef Jean's Wife Spearheads Charity Project In Haiti

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

The rainy season is in full swing in Haiti and, more than three months after the Jan. 12 earthquake, approximately 1 million Haitians are still living in tents in massive “tent cities,” struggling to keep dry.

Yéle Haiti is taking the lead in the movement to relocate families from dilapidated tents to 1,200 sustainable temporary housing units across the country. The temporary homes are being built now and will be ready for tenants in the next few weeks. Claudinette Jean, mother, fashion designer turned consummate volunteer, and wife of Yéle Haiti co-founder Wyclef Jean, is spearheading this project on behalf of Yéle Haiti.

The housing units, constructed of wood and cement with metal roofs, can last for several years, or until permanent houses are complete. The units will be 12 feet by 12 feet, complete with windows, front doors and well-constructed roofs, and can house up to six people. One hundred of the homes will be built within each of 12 sites. The sites already confirmed include Croix-des-Bouquets, Dèlma and Cité Soleil; the others will be approved by Yéle Haiti in the next few weeks. Women and children currently living in unimaginable conditions since the earthquake will be first to be relocated.

Wyclef Jean To Meet Haitian Amputees At JFK Tonight

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

As the recovery efforts in Haiti continue, Wyclef Jean, co-founder of the Yéle Haiti Foundation, will be at JFK Airport tonight (April 22) at 6:10pm to welcome three young Haitian amputees on their trip to get urgently needed artificial limbs.

Yéle Haiti, working with the Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF), provided eight round-trip tickets—which includes tickets for GMRF staff and the patients’ relatives—between Port-au-Prince and the GMRF’s headquarters in Staten Island, N.Y. The group will then travel to Philadelphia, where the three patients will be treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children, which will be providing the care for free.

Margarette Pierre, 17, lost her arm to above her elbow in the Jan. 12 earthquake; Chantal Mori, also 17, lost her arm; and Farah Maurice, 8, lost her leg above her knee. They will all be traveling under the auspices of the U.S. State Department with “humanitarian parole” papers.