Look To The Stars News: Pink

Pink Talks To Animals Australia Unleashed

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Pink currently has her work cut out for her keeping up with Aussie enthusiasm for her tour down under – her shows seem to sell our faster than she can announce them. But despite a hectic schedule Pink still managed to make the time to catch up with Animals Australia Unleashed for an exclusive interview.

“When I was a little girl, I rescued hurt animals, always had pets, rats, mice, dogs, etc,” the singer explained to Animals Australia Ambassador Jackie O. “And I helped my neighbor with her farm. I’ve always loved animals immensely. I have been known to tell people with fur on how disgusting they look. I’m pretty vocal.”

The singer also explained simple ways people can make a difference when comes to Animal Welfare: “Rescuing a shelter animal as opposed to a puppy mill or pet shop. Not wearing fur, becoming a vegetarian, donating time or money to a shelter.”

Animals Australia Unleashed is the youth outreach division of Animals Australia, Australia’s largest and most dynamic animal protection organization. Animals Australia campaigns to protect all animals, and is known for its groundbreaking work in investigating and exposing animal cruelty.

To read the full interview and win a Pink prize pack, click here.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Charities supported by Whatever It Takes include: Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace, Healthlink Worldwide, Heifer International, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, LIFEbeat, LifeLine & Rape Crisis PMB, Opportunity International, Oxfam, ROTA, Rights and Humanity, S.A.F.E., Save the Children, Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program, Snoop Youth Football League, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Teenage Cancer Trust, The BRIT Trust, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Little Dreams Foundation, Lotus Outreach, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Toothfairy Foundation, Trade plus Aid, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WaterAid.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until June 30, click here.

Annie Lennox To Play Unplugged In South Africa

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox will play a special unplugged concert in South Africa next month for charity.

The singer will perform at the Teatro theatre in Montecasino on July 8 to raise funds and awareness for her SING Foundation.

“Audiences will see the star up close and personal, accompanied by nothing other than her piano and her stories,” said Penny Stein, spokeswoman for the event.

SING was launched in 2007 to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Tickets are available here and include a pre-show cocktail party with a special performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Annie Lennox SINGS In Norway

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox was in Norway last week to host a special event that aimed to raise money and awareness for the SING Campaign against AIDS.

The singer performed in Oslo on May 15 at an event in which guests were required to make a minimum donation of NOK 1,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite.

SING was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

“One third of pregnant women in South Africa are HIV positive,” said the 53-year-old in a recent CNN interview. “We can prevent their children being born with the virus if we let the women have access to treatment. If you do not allow that to happen, you’re going to have future generations simply being wiped out.”

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

Beatles Day 2009 To Benefit Charity Appeals

Wed, 13 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of the Fab Four around the world will have the chance to celebrate their favorite band during Beatles Day 09 and raise money for the Imagine Appeal for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the Marina Dalglish Appeal for a radiotherapy centre in Liverpool.

Officially launched by Julia Baird – John Lennon’s sister – and Ricky Tomlinson, the event will take place on July 10 in places as diverse as China, Russia, New Zealand and of course Liverpool.

This year will mark the second time the event will be held, with last year’s homage to John, Paul, George and Ringo – which gained support from Pink, Russell Brand and the Sugababes – raising over £45,000. Liverpool will once again host a concert as part of the event, and there will be loads of merchandise and happenings available.

July 10 was chosen as the date as it is the anniversary of the Beatles triumphant return to Liverpool from the States and the premiere of the film ‘Hard Day’s Night’ in 1964. The streets were lined with thousands of adoring fans, and organizers hope to re-create the same sort of Beatlemania this year.

“It’s 24 hours when people can show their love for the Beatles and celebrate the legacy of their music,” said Chas Cole, Summer Pops promoter. "The concert at the Echo Arena will be a great way to finish, but BEATLES DAY is really a chance for the ordinary people of Liverpool and other towns and cities all over the world to take part in Beatles related fundraising activities and events. The most important thing is to have fun whilst raising money.

“Liverpool will be the centre of events on 10th July. It would be a great time to visit and let the people show you what makes this city truly great; its heritage, humor, boundless enthusiasm under pressure and above all, its ability to not take itself too seriously. BEATLES DAY here we come!”

The Imagine Appeal is a fundraising campaign launched in 2005 with the help of Yoko Ono to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – the largest children’s hospital in Europe. Since 1914, the hospital has led the way in the care of sick children and now treats more than 200,000 young patients every year. And with patrons such as Wayne Rooney, the Imagine Appeal aims to make the work of the hospital easier.

To find out more about this event, visit the official website.

Stars To Come Out For An Evening Of Women

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities will attend tonight’s (April 24) “An Evening Of Women: Celebrating Art, Music and Equality” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Presented by the LA Gay and Lesbian Center, the annual event is widely regarded as one of the premier events for women in California and the nation. According to the Center, “It continues to fulfill the purpose of its founder by inspiring women to participate in civil rights and social service causes, by showcasing the accomplishments of women leaders.”

The evening will feature performances by Christina Aguilera and Linda Perry, and a live auction hosted by Sharon Stone that includes items donated by Bette Midler, Pink, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys. Cybill Shepherd, Sarah Silverman, DJ Samantha Ronson, Eliza Dushku, Rosario Dawson, Leisha Hailey, Clementine Ford, Perez Hilton and many others are also expected to attend. The host committee includes Cher, Kristen Bell Eric Dane, Jared Leto, Alicia Silverstone, Ben Silverman, Slash and many more. Past presenters have included Kathy Bates, Ellen DeGeneres, Gillian Anderson, Stockard Channing, Lily Tomlin, Melissa Etheridge.

Previously known as Women’s Night, the event raises much-needed funds for the women-specific services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Gay & Lesbian Center programs and services supported by An Evening with Women include women’s health, legal assistance, domestic violence prevention & education, cultural programs, self-enrichment courses, social events and discussion groups.

General tickets to the event cost $300. To purchase tickets or find out more about the event, click here.

Bid On Michael Jackson Tickets In Charity Auction

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tickets to three great concerts in England are up for grabs at Buy Once Give Twice, the premiere charity auction site in the UK.

This could be your one and only chance to see the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, when he rocks the O2 Arena on September 23. You and 14 of your friends have the chance to share a private box at the concert by bidding on the auction, with proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a charity that raises money to drive world-class research to prevent, treat and cure type 1 diabetes and its serious and debilitating complications. For 30 years the charity has been fundamentally involved in the delivery of advances in this field; seeking out, assessing and monitoring the best science to drive the breakthroughs that improve management of type 1 diabetes and will ultimately cure the condition.

The auction runs until May 7 and can be accessed here.

If you are more interested in seeing the Princess of Pop, then you can also bid on tickets to see Britney Spears when she plays London’s O2 on June 4. Proceeds from this auction will go to the Charities Trust, an organization that helps charities in the UK raise money. The auction – which runs until April 15 – can be accessed here.

Also up for auction are tickets to see Pink live in concert at the NIA in Birmingham. The concert will take place on October 30, and the auction can be accessed here before April 16.

Pink And Ricky Gervais Speak For Animals

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Rocker Pink and comedian Ricky Gervais give voices to animals in the new PETA video, Stolen For Fashion.

In the short but effective clip, Pink the stripped alligator and Ricky the naked rabbit ask for their skins back from the woman who now has them in the form of a purse and coat. Their point: “All exotic furs and skins are stolen.”

This is not the first time for either star to lend a voice to PETA campaigns. On PETA’s website, Pink narrates a graphic and disturbing video about the cruelty inflicted upon sheep in the wool industry. Also on the website is the letter Gervais penned to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, criticising the use of real black bear fur in the ceremonial caps of the Queen’s guards.

Despite the alternatives to the gruesome practices of raising and destroying animals for skin, fur and wool, it remains a part of the fashion industry because there is still a market for it.

Pink says, “There are lots of clothes to buy for a look that kills without killing anything.”

Ricky the Rabbit says, “What kind of a person steals a guy’s coat?”

The video can be viewed here.

Elephants Never Forget Celebrity Auctions

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They say an elephant never forgets… and this new celebrity charity auction will give you something to remember forever.

A host of celebrities have donated signed photos and memorabilia to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Elephant Project Auction. Stars such as Pink, Julie Andrews, Jennifer Garner, Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Sarah Silverman, Shirley MacLaine, John Lithgow, Melinda Doolittle, William H. Macy, Jason Biggs, Jimmy Kimmel and many more have put their signatures on special photo cards for the auction, and all proceeds go to this great cause.

Created in 2006 by 18-year old David Niederhoffer after his grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, the Elephant Project aims to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, and to get teenagers more active in community service.

“There is a phrase that says ‘Elephants never forget’,” said Niederhoffer. “Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia… As I live relatively close to New York City, I wait outside of Broadway theaters and other events to meet each celebrity. After explaining to them what I am doing, I ask each celebrity to sign a business card that was custom made for this project. I also ask the celebrities to pose with either Trumpet the Elephant beanie baby or Peanut the Elephant beanie baby. All the pictures are printed out and auctioned off with the signed card. After I obtain a significant amount of signed cards/pictures, they are auctioned off on eBay. Each auction package also comes with an elephant beanie baby!”

The auctions end on March 15, and can be accessed here.

More info about the Elephant Project can be found at David Niederhoffer’s website.

Annie Lennox Raises Awareness Of SING Campaign

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox has just released her new Greatest Hits collection in the US and has used the occasion to raise awareness of a new campaign being run by SING, an initiative she established to bring attention to AIDS/HIV in Africa.

Over the next few weeks and months, SING will be telling the stories of four women in Africa who are currently living their lives and raising their families whilst dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

After personally witnessing Nelson Mandela describe the African HIV pandemic as a genocide, with women and children becoming the frontline victims, Annie Lennox set out to try and do something about it.

The singer launched the SING Campaign in 2007 when she released a special fundraising single called Sing, which featured a 23-member choir of female celebrities, including Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell. Proceeds from the single went to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), an organization that that provides much needed support in the continent’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The money raised by SING helps prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, and also supports those currently living with HIV.

“[The focus of the SING Campaign] is really on women,” Lennox told CNN last week. “I understand what it is for a woman to want to protect their children and give them the best they can.”

To follow the new campaign being run by SING, visit their website. A video announcing the new campaign for 2009 can be viewed here.

Pink To Star In New PETA Ad

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British funny man Ricky Gervais has revealed that he has joined a very special star for a new charity ad.

The comedian has posted a blog in which he says he has recorded the ad with Pink for PETA.

“Did a cinema charity ad for PETA,” wrote Gervais. “It’s a great idea and I play a rabbit, and Pink plays an alligator. I’ll post it when it’s all finished and shiny.”

Gervais is no stranger to charity work. Last year he appeared in the 2nd annual Stand Up for Heroes: A Benefit for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and has also been involved in benefit shows for the Teenage Cancer Trust. He also committed the profits from a series of 2006 warm-up shows for his 2007 stand-up comedy tour to MacMillan Cancer Support.

The new ad sounds intriguing… be sure to check back to Look To The Stars and we’ll let you know when it’s shiny enough to be released.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

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

Written by Tim Saunders

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has announced he will donate all the proceeds from sales of his new live album, Jimmy Barnes Live At The Enmore, to the appeal.

“Importantly, the people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” said Barnes. “It’s a good buy for all involved. Not only are music fans getting a bargain, but were all in this together for an extremely important cause.”

The album is available for $3.39 on iTunes.

Also released to raise funds for victims is Bushfire Aid – Artists For The Bushfire Appeal, a CD featuring performers from Australia and the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. Artists to donate songs include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Beyoncé Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Dido, Midnight Oil, Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, Eurythmics, Delta Goodrem, Westlife, Paul Kelly, Anthony Callea and many more.

“Sony Music Australia is privileged to support the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special CD,” said Denis Handlin Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our thanks go to all of the artists and songwriters for generously donating their tracks royalty free. We also thank Sony DADC Australia for kindly donating the CD manufacturing. I know everyone in Australia shares deep concern for this tragedy, its horrific toll on life, families, communities and wildlife. On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

The album is in stores in Australia now, and more info can be found by clicking here.

Phil Collins Joins Drummers For Charity Auction

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If you are a fan of drummers, why not have a bash at the fabulous new charity auction being held right now at www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk.

A selection of drums signed by bands and drummers are currently going under the hammer (or should that be drumstick?) to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. Snares, cymbals, toms and bass drums autographed by Phil Collins, Sting and The Police, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Kasabian, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and members of backing bands for Pink and Paul Weller are all on offer for a very limited time.

“I’m delighted to be supporting Teenage Cancer Trust’s Drummer Night auction and hope it will raise as much cash as possible for the charity,” said Mark Schulman, backing drummer for Pink. “I am a cancer survivor myself, as is my ex-wife, Kelly. I understand the challenges that patients go through, and I want to use my credibility as a drummer to raise awareness about such issues. I hope the auction can help raise enough money so that teenagers and young people going through cancer have access to specialized treatment centres, like those provided by Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Six young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust builds units in hospitals to help improve their quality of life and increase their chances of survival.

The auction runs until December 15, and the drums can be viewed here.

Cream Of The Christmas Celebrity Charity Auctions

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s that time of year again when most of us are looking for the perfect gift for those we love, and Look To The Stars wants to make the choice a little easier for you by highlighting some of the great celebrity items up for grabs in the name of charity.

Born-to-run fans of Bruce Springsteen will be revving their engines to get hold of the rocker’s very own Harley Davidson this Christmas. The customized Fatboy motorcycle is up for grabs to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, the charity founded in 1994 by former professional tennis player Andre Agassi and dedicated to transforming U.S. public education for underserved youth.

“This is my Harley Davidson Fatboy FXFSTF,” said Springsteen. "I bought this bike from a friend in 1993. I did some light customizing and put 9,000 happy miles on it on the backroads of New Jersey. It’s got straight pipes, a McConey carburator, HD saddlebags, custom handle bars, forward controls and foot pegs. It’s extremely reliable and a great cruiser. So, if you’re “Born to Run,” this bike’s for you!"

The auction ends on January 8 and can be accessed here.

Also on sale to benefit the Andre Agassi Foundation is the chance to have a private soccer lesson with David Beckham at the LA Academy he set up to give young, aspiring athletes the chance to develop their skills, learn about teamwork, healthy living and, above all, understand the importance of having fun every time they step on the pitch. This auction ends on December 11, so you had better be quick. It can be accessed here.

And if music is your thing, then you will want to grab hold of the Andre Agassi Foundation’s special celebrity-signed Fender Stratocaster guitar. This once-in-a-lifetime item was autographed at the Summer of Stars Malibu Beach Parties by the Jonas Brothers, James Taylor, Pink, Donny Osmond, Boyz II Men, comedian George Wallace, Emeril Lagasse and many others! This auction ends on January 8, and you can find it here.

If the idea of an autographed guitar excites you, then maybe you will be interested in the rare WANDRE guitar signed by Eddie Vedder and the members of Pearl Jam to benefit Red Feather, a charity that builds sustainable homes for American Indian families. This is another sale you’ll have to be quick for – it ends on December 12 – and you can view it here.

Or maybe you would be more interested in guitars signed by the Jonas Brothers or 3 Doors Down. Both these items are going under the hammer for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization that funds leading junior investigators whose work represents cutting-edge thinking in both conventional and integrative disciplines which focus on prevention, treatment and quality of life issues of leukemia, lymphoma and other related cancers. Also included in this auction are the chance to have dinner with astronaut Buzz Aldrin and spend a day with Petra Nemcova. These auctions all end on December 16 and can be found at www.charitybuzz.com.

So there can be no excuse for just finding socks under the tree this year.

Stars Sing Praises For Annie Lennox

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

December 1 marked the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and some of the stars involved have paid tribute to her work.

“Congratulations for all the hard work that Sing has done in the last year, good luck and much love for the next year to come,” said Anastacia. "Happy First birthday Sing! "

“Congratulations on all the success of the foundation,” added Gladys Knight. “We all must do our part to make a difference. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate.”

“Happy anniversary ‘SING’!” said Joss Stone. “Well done to everyone on the team and a special well done to Annie for sticking her neck out for the things that she believes in! I am inspired and proud to be part of this.”

Bonnie Raitt also wrote a note of support: “Thanks for all the wonderful work you’ve done this year with the Sing campaign. I’m so proud to have joined together with so many wonderful singers to help Annie raise awareness and support for the terrible problem of HIV/AIDS especially for women in Africa. I’ve loved Annie’s music for years and hope we can work miracles with her beautiful song and Sister Choir.”

A special first birthday film for the campaign – featuring Lennox – can be found at YouTube.

Martha Stewart Gets Celeb Friends To Sign Decorations

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An eclectic array of stars, including Dido, The Wiggles, James Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Pink, and Joss Stone, have signed Christmas ornaments for Martha Stewart’s new charity auction.

Stewart’s Sirius Radio show launched the auction this week to benefit the Taste of the NFL, an organization that raises money and awareness for hunger organizations.

Other stars to join in the fun include Howard Stern, David Archuleta, the Kaiser Chiefs, Jane Krakowski, Nigella Lawson, Quincy Jones, Elle Macpherson, Tom Arnold, Jacqueline Bisset, David Cook, Nickelback, Jamie Oliver, Lee Ann Womack, and many more.

The auction – which runs until December 12 – can be accessed through eBay.

Annie Lennox Sings For World AIDS Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day – and also the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and the star has launched a host of new additions to the SING website to celebrate.

Among the additions are a new Timeline that plots the progress of the campaign since its launch, and an Advent calendar which will unlock a new window every day through December that features either SING video’s, SING Image’s or a special video message from Lennox. There is also a new Widget that can be downloaded for Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and other sites, as well as a special SING Campaign YouTube site. Lennox is also writing a column in today’s issue of Britain’s The Sun newspaper about her work with SING.

To watch a special video celebrating the first anniversary of the SING campaign, click here.

Kristen Johnston Bares Her Soul - And More - For PETA

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former 3rd Rock From The Sun actress Kristen Johnston has appeared in a sexy new advert for PETA.

The 41-year-old actress has stripped off for the ad and appears in a Lady Godiva-type pose on horseback in a bid to stop New York’s horse-and-carriage industry. She joins a host of other stars who have already raised awareness of the plight of the horses used to tow carriages around Central Park, including Pink, Chrissie Hynde, and Alec Baldwin.

According to PETA: “Horses used in the horse-drawn carriage industry are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them. These gentle, social animals are denied the opportunity to socialize with other horses, graze in fields, and run free.”

“I was blown away by how these horses live, or actually I should say, don’t live,” said Johnston. “The horses go from this horrible job, where they’re pulling people through the streets of Manhattan all day, to this tiny jail cell in this building that’s like a cramped parking garage. I’d say to tourists considering coming to New York, there’s so much amazing stuff to do here. But please do something else. Go ice-skating, see a show, go shopping. I hope within the next year that there are no more horse-drawn carriages.”

The advertising campaign will debut in Central Park on Thursday, November 20, and has drawn support from New York City council member Dan Garodnick, who aims to phase out horse-drawn carriages and replace them with eco-friendly “horseless carriages.”

Annie Lennox Sings Praises For Charity Work

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox has written an update about her SING campaign, an initiative she launched last year to raise money for AIDS treatment projects.

“December 1st will be World Aids day, and will also be the 1st anniversary of the launch of SING,” she wrote in her latest blog. “I think it’s essential that anyone who supports the campaign gets a clearly outlined list of everything we’ve done so far, so that you can get a better understanding of our accomplishments.”

The campaign was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

“One of the reasons SING supports the Treatment Action Campaign is because it is a “grassroots” organization, run by the people “for” the people," wrote Lennox. "Once you can start to empower people with information, education and collective solidarity, you can begin to implement effective changes at a community level. Now that there is a new health minister in South Africa, there can be a window of opportunity to take some significant steps towards saving and sustaining lives. In a few weeks I will be having a meeting with the CEO of TAC, where we’ll have the chance to discuss what needs to be done, and how we can go about instilling and supporting positive action asap.

“Meanwhile thank you for supporting SING… as I’ve said before, we’re in for the long haul, and I aim to make a difference!”

It has also been announced that Lennox is to receive a Special Achievement Award at the 2008 German Sustainability Awards for her commitment to a sustainable future, in particular her commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The ceremony will take place in Düsseldorf on December 5.

Pink Wonders Where Her Royal Reply Has Gone

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

PETA supporter Pink has revealed that she once wrote to Prince William to challenge him about his views on hunting.

But five years after writing the letter, the star still hasn’t heard back.

“I’m still waiting for a reply to my letter to Prince William,” she said. “He wanted me to play at a concert for his 21st birthday, but I wrote back saying I wouldn’t until he explained why he went hunting.”

The 29-year-old singer has also revealed she wrote a similar letter to the Queen, Prince William’s grandmother.

“I also wrote to the Queen… asking why bearskins couldn’t be made of synthetic material,” she said. “I don’t get that we can’t question people just because of their position in society. I support PETA; I want to make people think about their responsibilities. I don’t care if they have a crown.”

Pink has been extremely outspoken in her support of PETA over the last few years, especially in her efforts to criticize the Australian wool industry over its use of mulesing. In May, 2008, she became an advocate for the RSPCA in Australia.

Celebrity Fashion Up For Grabs

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Anybody interested in celebrity fashion should head over to www.clothesoffourback.org in the next few days to bid on some of the fabulous items up for grabs in the name of charity.

The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance has an exciting range of clothes and memorabilia up for auction on the site, including the Badgley Mischka dress that Comedy For A Cure honoree Teri Hatcher wore to the “American Idol” Season 7 Grand Finale, a green Max Mara wrap dress, smoky quartz & sterling silver earrings, and autographed photo from “Dexter” star Julie Benz, a “Chuck” t-shirt autographed by the show’s star Zachary Levi, a “CSI:NY” white lab coat autographed by Melina Kanakaredes, and the Theory dress that “Access Hollywood” correspondent Shaun Robinson wore to last year’s Comedy for a Cure event when she was the show’s emcee.

Bidders should be quick, as the auction ends on July 8.

And for anybody who wants to step out on the town in some special shoes, Clothes Off Our Back is also auctioning off a range off footwear designed specially by stars such as Sheryl Crow, Hilary Swank, Zooey Deschanel, Rose McGowan, Kate Winslet, Maggie Grace, Cate Blanchett, Kirsten Dunst, Kristin Davis, Natasha Henstridge, Lisa Edelstein, Pink, Becki Newton, Melissa George, Kerry Washington, America Ferrera, Ana Ortiz, and Kate Walsh.

Proceeds from the auction will go Second Harvest (the nation’s largest charitable hunger-relief organization), The Art of Elysium (which enriches the lives of artist and critically ill children), World Education (focusing on girls’ scholarship programs in Africa), and autism research. The auction ends on July 11.

Over 500 celebrities have participated in Clothes Off Our Back auctions since it was established by Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford in 2002, helping raise over $2 million for various children’s charities.

Leona Lewis Promotes Sun Safety For Summer

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Leona Lewis has designed a special headscarf to raise funds for a major charity’s new education campaign.

The 23-year-old was made an Ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Sunburn campaign – a program to encourage young people to use sunscreen when out in the sun – in May, and has designed an exclusive limited-edition headscarf decorated with butterflies to celebrate her involvement.

The scarves will be available exclusively from British chain “Superdrug”, and cost £2.99 ($6US). They officially go on sale on July 2, but can be pre-ordered from the Superdrug website from today.

Lewis was also recently named – along with Red Hot Chili Peppers singer, Anthony Kiedis – the “Sexiest Vegetarian of 2008” by PETA. The pair beat opposition from Pink, Natalie Imbruglia, Bryan Adams, and others for the honor. She is also due to play at Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert in London this Friday.

Annie Lennox And Friends Sing For Africa

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:59:52 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Momentum is building behind Annie Lennox’s Sing Campaign, and the singer is now offering fans the chance to download the song that started it all for free in an initiative to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS problem in South Africa.

US residents will be able to download the song from Amazon MP3 until March 17 and support the Treatment Action Campaign, an orgainization that provides much needed support in the country’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The single, which was made available in the UK through the Body Shop, has sold out in countries such as Ireland and cities such as London. The entire UK has sold half of its stock in only two days, an unprecedented occurrence in the music industry, especially in relation to a charity single.

Lennox was joined by a choir of 23 well-known female performers for the song, which was originally released on her Songs of Mass Destruction album in 2007. The former Eurythmics lead singer believed that a group of female voices would make the message of the song stronger, so she enlisted the talents of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell in the recording.

“Because I had written a song called ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’ in the 80s, which became a fairly well-known feminist anthem really, [I thought] perhaps it would be possible to try to attempt to write another kind of anthemic song for women,” said Lennox. “So I started to write a song and it ended up being called ‘Sing’. I sort of melded the song in with an HIV activist song written by a group of activists living in Khayelitsa in South Africa.”

The Sing Campaign, which Lennox launched in 2007, has also just set up a new video on YouTube, in which the public can leave comments in support of the campaign.

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

KT Tunstall - Globally Cool

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:25:48 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

She is Scottish, she is a rock star, she has sold millions of albums all around the world, and yet she does not own a car or even a television. Her new recording studio has been built using 100% reclaimed wood, sheep’s wool insulation, and solar panels, and her house is the same. When it comes to being environmentally friendly, singer/songwriter KT Tunstall is almost as revolutionary as her music.

September saw the release of Tunstall’s third album, Drastic Fantastic, which quickly climbed to the top of the charts in many countries. It has already outsold her 2006 release, “Acoustic Extravaganza”, and is set to reach the lofty levels of 2005’s “Eye To The Telescope”.

But music is only one of Tunstall’s passions, the other being the state of the environment. When not performing or recording, Tunstall is usually found hard at work supporting ecological causes. In 2005, she planted 6000 trees in Scotland to offset the environmental cost of her first CD. And July 2007 saw her perform an extremely energetic set at the Live Earth concert held at Giant’s Stadium in New Jersey.

“I feel responsible because I am making money out of it,” said the 32 year old singer, whose hits include Suddenly I See and Black Horse And The Cherry Tree. “I use bio-diesel fuel on my buses and carbon-neutralize the audience’s journey to the gigs. With this next album, a portion of the money is going towards investing in renewable energy sources in developing countries.”

Tunstall has recently involved herself with Global Cool, a ten year campaign which plans to inspire one billion people to each reduce their personal CO2 emissions by one tonne. She joins a long list of celebrities involved with the initiative, including Stephen Fry, Josh Hartnett, Tony Blair, Prince Charles, Pink, the Kaiser Chiefs, Orlando Bloom, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Stop completely twatting your planet,” she said on the Global Cool website. “We haven’t got anywhere else to live.”

The start of September also saw Tunstall return to her roots when she went busking in Glasgow. But this time it was for charity, with a street side performance in front of the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre that raised $550 for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

“Music is a really special way of helping disabled children,” said Tunstall. “I have a deaf brother who loves playing drums because he can really feel it and gets a lot out of it. I had heard of Nordoff-Robbins and they asked if I would be interested in raising a little money for them when I was in town. It was so different to when I first busked. In between every single song, I felt like I had to say the money wasn’t for me.”

More information on KT Tunstall’s new album and ecological beliefs can be found at www.kttunstall.com, and to work out your own personal CO2 usage and what you can do to lower it, visit www.globalcool.org.

Idols To Give Back On TV Special

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:21:10 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Forest Whitaker will be appearing on the two-night special, Idol Gives Back on April 24th and 25th. The stars hope to raise awareness and funds for relief programs helping children living in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

Other celebrities who plan to appear include the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Helena Bonham Carter, Daniel Radcliffe, Teri Hatcher, and Rowan Atkinson.

The show on the 25th will include entertainment by Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Viewers will be encouraged to make donations on toll-free lines and the Internet, with the funds being distributed via the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund to Save the Children, UNICEF, and other organizations dealing with poverty, health and education in the U.S. and Africa.

The event is inspired by Red Nose Day, part of the UK’s Comic Relief, which has raised over $800 million in its history of entertainment fundraisers.

Ozzy Headlines Prince Charles Charity Gig

Sun, 21 May 2006 10:44:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

An all-star music concert was held in London yesterday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Prince’s Trust charity.

Leading the line-up was veteran rocker Ozzy Osbourne, and other music acts included the Bee Gees, Lionel Richie, Annie Lennox, Ronan Keating, Pink and Embrace. Illusionist David Blaine also appeared.

Thanks to the Prince’s position, the 2000-strong audience was able to enjoy the concert in a unique setting: the grounds of the Tower of London.

The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged children reach their potential.

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