Look To The Stars News: Kanye West

Brad Pitt Makes It Right With Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:05:00 +0000

eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, is teaming up with Brad Pitt’s Make It Right to take charitable fundraising to a whole new level with a physical space and interactive bidding.

Fans are invited to walk through a gallery featuring one-of-a-kind celebrity experiences and mementos to be auctioned off for charity on eBay Celebrity. Smartphones add a hands-on element to visually innovative displays, enabling attendees to participate in an interactive bidding process via dimensional QR codes by utilizing the eBay mobile app to bid in real time as well as track auction progress.

The elite exhibition brings celebrity charity auction items to life in New York’s famed Chelsea Market, with 100% of proceeds going to Make It Right, a non-profit foundation building sustainable, affordable homes in disadvantaged communities. Launched in November, eBay Celebrity is a unique shopping destination that combines celebrity experiences, memorabilia and merchandise with philanthropic causes.

Star Power Backs Occupy Wall Street Movement

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The tenacious Occupy Wall Street movement that began on September 17 may have been ignored by mainstream media, but it caught the attention of many celebrities who have visited the New York city protest camp. Film maker Michael Moore and actor Susan Sarandon were in there early and, more recently, actor John Cusack and musicians Kanye West and Russell Simmons have lent their support.

Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, who performed on the ground for protestors last week, explained his participation: “Do people have control over what their lives and their world are like beyond voting once every four years for someone they cross their fingers and hope is going to do the best job? It’s not a choice between the lesser of two evils; it’s often the choice of the evil of two lessers. The blinders are off. We’re on our own. We’ve got to figure this out for ourselves. As Ghandi said, first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”

“There’s a hopelessness that’s descended upon people,” said Mark Ruffalo, joining the protest in New York. “That hopelessness crushes dignity, and there’s only so far that human dignity can actually be crushed before it says ’That’s enough’. We’re reaching that point. We’re seeing it happen all over the world.”

Stars Step Up For Save The Children East Africa Appeal

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Yesterday saw the launch of a ground-breaking celebrity charity social media campaign, ’I’m Gonna Be Your Friend’ supported by many of the world’s most famous names in entertainment and their fans, including Beyoncé Knowles, Annie Lennox and Sting.

A global audience close to 600 million Facebook and Twitter fans will be able to view a short film of the crisis in East Africa created by award-winning director Kevin MacDonald from footage of East Africa. The film is set to the 1973 Bob Marley & The Wailers song ‘High Tide or Low Tide’ and will reach over a billion people.

The campaign was developed to support Save the Children’s fundraising for the devastating food crisis affecting millions of children and their families across East Africa.

Fashion Designers Launch Charity Auction For Japan

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

In response to the current crisis resulting from the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11th, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Board of Directors is galvanizing the fashion industry’s participation in a “Fashion & Friends for Japan” fundraiser to benefit the victims of the natural disasters.

Kicking off on Tuesday, April 5th, the CFDA is hosting an online auction at luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com. All proceeds will benefit the Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will funnel 100% of the monies to front-line organizations in Japan assisting in the short and long-term recovery.

Celebrity 21st Century Leaders Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Samuel L. Jackson, Kanye West, Claudia Schiffer, Sugababes, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beverley Knight and Sophie Ellis Bextor are all 21st Century Leaders. To become so, their first level of engagement and commitment has been to donate their original artworks to the 21st Century Leaders’ Whatever It Takes Campaign.

Whatever It Takes is an ethical and charitable lifestyle product campaign, which involves more than 600 celebrity leaders in all fields including; Royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates and well-known leaders in the fields of film, music, fashion, art, sport and literature.

As ambassadors and 21st Century Leaders in the fields of film, fashion, and music, Samuel L Jackson, Kanye West, Claudia Schiffer, Sugababes, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beverley Knight and Sophie Ellis Bextor each created an original piece of art with a strong message of hope. This artwork has been designed into a variety of environmentally sustainable lifestyle products, created by producers who are working towards the Whatever It Takes ethical policy. The products are sold to raise funds for education, health and environmental programmes, through the Whatever It Takes Web Shop, as well as through 4500 prestigious retail partners globally, including Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford, David Jones and Harvey Nichols amongst others, and will soon be available for the first time in Abu Dhabi.

P. Diddy And Friends Want You To Support Pakistan NOW!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Sean Combs, Kanye West, Erykah Badu and Lupe Fiasco are the latest stars to urge fans to help victims of Pakistan’s devastating floods.

The pair have taken to Twitter to highlight the Pakistan NOW campaign, a group of committed artists and cultural influencers who are coming together with the United Nations to use their celebrity and reach to raise awareness of the relief and recovery effort in the aftermath of the recent Pakistan flooding.

“Everybody!!! Please Follow Pakistan_Now and help raise awareness about the flood in Pakistan!!! They need us!!” wrote Combs on Twitter.

Rage Against The Machine Leads Celebrity Protest In Arizona

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A long list of artists have joined a group actively protesting new immigration laws in Arizona, refusing to play gigs in the state until the laws are changed.

The new law – called SB 1070 – allows police to question any individuals they suspect are illegal immigrants, and all legal immigrants are required to carry registration documents at all times.

Rage Against The Machine singer Zack de la Rocha is spearheading the group, which includes Cypress Hill, Juanes, Conor Oberst, Michael Moore, Kanye West, Joe Satriani, Rise Against, Massive Attack, Sonic Youth, Jack Black’s Tenacious D and many others.

Celebrity Designs On Offer In Qatar

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

This Friday and Saturday, February 26-27, the Doha Marriott Hotel in Qatar is hosting a Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw for hope event in the main lobby featuring items from your favorite stars.

All of the unique merchandise for sale at this event features original artwork donated to Whatever It Takes — products include watches with artwork by Pierce Brosnan, John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson; t-shirts with the artwork of musicians Amy Winehouse, Barry Manilow, Suggs and Joss Stone; and a variety of totes and wallets with the artwork of Kanye West, Lucy Liu and David Bowie; the prices start at just 50QR (US$13).

After a pass through, shoppers are encouraged to enjoy the Doha Marriott’s lavish weekend brunch that offers an array of cuisines featuring stations from the restaurants Asia Live!, Corniche, All’ Aperto, Taj Rasoi, Salsa and special treat, cakes featuring Whatever It Takes Celebrity Symbols of Hope. In addition to shopping and dining, kids are invited to draw their own Symbols of Hope for the 21st Century or be entertained in the Doha Marriott’s kids club.

Kanye West To Attend Haiti Food Project Event

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, Lou Gossett Jr and Larry King will be some of the stars attending the Haiti Food Project Second Aid Benefit presented by MAZON at the Amercian Jewish University in Bel Air on Thursday, February 4.

Guests will be treated to motivational words from Deepak Chopra, as well as performances from Master of Ceremonies Beverly Todd, James Ingram, Deniece Williams, Brenda Russell and special secret guests yet to be announced.

Proceeds from the event will be awarded to the Lambi Fund of Haiti, International Medical Corps, Friends of the Children of Lascahobas, Haiti, and the Albert Schweitzer Hospital of Haiti.

Stars Do Whatever It Takes For Charity In Qatar

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Whatever It Takes is to hold a massive sale in Qatar next week featuring a huge amount of celebrity-designed items.

The items include t-shirts, computer accessories, stationary, watches, plates, and alarm clocks, wallets, and bags featuring artwork donated by such celebrities as Snoop Dogg, Giorgio Armani, Heidi Klum, Coldplay, Kanye West, Nicole Kidman, Foo Fighters, Donna Karan, Samuel L. Jackson, Stella McCartney and George Clooney.

 Each purchase makes a direct humanitarian impact on the lives of children in South Africa. By working with our partners – Trade plus Aid South Africa, Twilight Children in Hillbrow, FLOC – For the Love Of Children, Trauma Unit – Cleveland Police Station, Cleveland / Denver Informal Settlement, and Ekukhanyeni Combined School – we provide life sustaining meals, blankets, educational supplies, medical care and other social services.

Wynonna To Headline Charity Soundcheck

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Wynonna is set to perform at a special concert for the GRAMMY Foundation in Texas on December 4.

Prior to her concert at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, forty high school students and Texas Chapter Board members will have the unique opportunity to watch Judd soundcheck before her concert. Afterward, Judd will come down from the stage for an intimate question-and-answer session with students to talk about her career in music. Additionally, students and Board members will receive a discounted ticket price for that evening’s concert.

Throughout the year, the GRAMMY Foundation presents GRAMMY SoundChecks with a wide range of artists on tour in cities across the country. GRAMMY SoundChecks provide young people with a glimpse into the realities of music careers by inviting them to attend rehearsals and concert sound checks of major artists. GRAMMY SoundChecks have featured a host of artists, including Babyface, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Coldplay, the Dave Matthews Band, Destiny’s Child, Macy Gray, Billy Joel, Jack Johnson, Juanes, John Mayer, No Doubt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, U2 and Kanye West.

British Stars Get Behind Anti-Bullying Campaign

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Tons of singers, including Leona Lewis and Kanye West’s protégé, Mr. Hudson, have teamed up to film an anti-bullying campaign video for BBC’s music station Radio 1.

Celebrities have recorded motivational video messages to help U.K. teens that suffer under the hands of bullies.

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole encourages teens to be comfortable with themselves. She said, “There’s nothing more beautiful than somebody that is comfortable and confident in themselves. Surround yourselves by the people who absolutely adore you and love you for who you are.”

$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.   

Kanye West Takes To Stage At Charity Event

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The Common Ground Foundation held its second annual “Common & Friends” concert at the famed Hollywood Palladium on Saturday night. The show raised funds for the foundation, created by Grammy-Award winning hip-hop artist and actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, best known as Common.

The concert featured live performances from Common, The Roots, Nas, De La Soul, Ludacris, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Heavy D, while Freddy Rodriguez, Garth Trinidad, Rasual Butler, Toccara Jones, Serena Williams, Amber Rose, Erica Hubbard, Alyssa Milano, Eva Amurri and Ian Ziering were all in attendance to support the Common Ground Foundation.

“I am very grateful and thankful to all who attended and supported the 2nd annual Common Ground Foundation event. To all the gifted artists that participated – I thank you for giving your time, energy, and creativity,” said Common. “To all the sponsors, thank you for your ongoing commitment to the progress of the future of our youth. God bless… Love.”

Jay-Z Answers The Call For Charity

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Hip Hop megastar Jay-Z played a tribute concert in New York on Friday night to mark the deaths of those that lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks eight years ago.

The Answer The Call show, which launched his new album Blueprint 3, raised money for the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, a charity fund that has distributed over $96 million to the families of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty since 1986.

The rapper was joined by stars such as Kanye West, Pharell Williams, P. Diddy, John Mayer, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Santigold for a two hour show that covered hits from his 11 album career.

Go Back To School With Celebrity Items

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares want you to rock in the new school year by taking part in a new charity auction that features unique memorabilia and VIP experiences that benefit their high school music programs.

Decorate your room with original artwork and photos from Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, signed postcards from Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, and play on guitars signed by Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

The auction also gives you the chance to extend your wardrobe with hoodies signed by the Jonas Brothers and a T shirt signed by Iggy Pop. There are also items and experiences from Coldplay, Maroon 5, Joe Satriani, the Dave Matthews Band, Slash, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Neil Diamond, 3 Doors Down, John Legend, Jason Mraz, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Green Day and many more.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Bono Faces The Real Deal In Elle Magazine

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

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

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

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

James Taylor To Headline Musicians On Call Benefit

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Musicians on Call has announced Grammy award winner James Taylor as the headliner for their 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction which will take place at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square on February 24, 2009. The exclusive V.I.P. event will include a red carpet, with special appearances by artists and celebrities committed to the cause.

As music and philanthropy are at the core of the brand, Hard Rock International has partnered with Musicians on Call for the benefit event, helping the charity to continue its mission of room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities.

In partnership with Hard Rock International, Musician on Call’s 5th Annual Benefit Concert & Auction will kick off Hard Rock’s month-long March On Stage charitable celebration. March On Stage is a global live music series featuring both iconic and emerging artists as a philanthropic initiative to support music healing organizations. Committed to its “Love All, Serve All” creed, Hard Rock will donate proceeds from its March on Stage events in North America to Musicians On Call.

Charitable Stars Shine For Obama

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Celebrities were out and about in droves on Tuesday to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration by attending several charity balls.

One of the largest was the Creative Coalition Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington DC. The sold-out event cost between $10,000 and $100,000 to attend, and attracted appearances by Ashley Judd, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachael Leigh Cook, Ron Howard, Heather Graham, Forest Whitaker, Magic Johnson and many more. Entertainment was provided by Elvis Costello, Sam Moore and Sting.

The Creative Coalition is a nonprofit public charity organized by the creative community to learn about pressing issues so they can better inform and influence the community and nation.

Stars Gather For Flaunt Magazine's Annual Toy Drive

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:30:00 +0000

The cold weather didn’t stop a host of stars from shining at the Flaunt Magazine 10th Anniversary Party and Annual Holiday Toy Drive in Los Angeles during the weekend.

Kanye West joined celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne, Eva Mendes, Jessica Szohr, Leven Rambin, Taryn Manning, Nikki Reed, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Danny Masterson, Marley Shelton, Krysten Ritter, Shannen Doherty, Rhona Mitra, Bai Ling, Chingy, Maggie Grace, and Christina Milian for the evening to benefit the Wayne Kao Foundation.

The Foundation collects toys to distribute to needy children across LA, and the evening made Christmas a little bit happier for disadvantaged children this week.

Rihanna To Host Star-Studded Jingle Ball

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

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

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

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

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest celebrity charity auction events of the year is currently gearing up for its launch on December 1.

Bid2Beat AIDS is an annual event that will feature over 1000 items from top stars such as 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Adrian Grenier, Aerosmith, Alec Baldwin, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Common , Death Cab for Cutie, Denzel Washington, P. Diddy, Donny Osmond, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Hanson, Hilary Duff, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Blunt, James Earl Jones, James Morrison, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z , Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst, Ludacris , M.I.A., Madonna, Mariah Carey, Neil Patrick Harris, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Raven Symone, Razorlight, Rihanna , Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Wyclef Jean, and many, many more. Also up for grabs will be VIP tickets to concerts and backstage visits with stars like Bernadette Peters, Jewel, Aimee Mann, Joan Rivers, and Michael Feinstein.

The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity. The first three BID 2 BEAT AIDS auctions raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s looks set to be the biggest yet.

Stars To Be BRAVE For Veterans

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Hip Hop stars 50 Cent and Ludacris will perform at a concert to raise awareness of veterans causes next month.

“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” is part of MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, an initiative designed to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. The concert hopes to draw attention to a new petition launched by MTV called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (or BRAVE) which calls on politicians to support vets’ issues and enact positive legislative changes.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war — we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said MTV President Van Toffler. “By raising awareness through ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,’ and by launching the BRAVE petition, we aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

Kanye West Supports Live To Give Campaign

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

The Dr. Donda West Foundation and Washington Redskins NFL hall of famer Darrell Green have teamed up with the Live to Give Campaign for the Give Back Concert Benefit taking place November 4, 2008 at Ibiza.

The show will benefit the work of Kanye West’s foundation named in honor of his mother, Dr. Donda West. The Give Back Concert Benefit will mark the first hip-hop concert benefit in the nation’s capital to encourage giving back to the community.

The campaign specifically focuses on inspiring young adults to give back by voting in the upcoming historic election. The Dr. Donda West foundation will also receive the Give Back award, which honors philanthropists who inspire and encourage young adults to give back to their community and for their dedication to impacting the community through their socially engaged philanthropic efforts. Although Kanye West will be overseas on tour, attendees will be able to gain access to view Kanye’s exclusive video tribute for private viewing only.