Look To The Stars News: Kathy Griffin

Stars Join Elephant Project Auction For Alzheimer's

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

A host of celebrities have signed “Elephant Cards” for the latest Elephant Project auction to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Building on the idea that elephants never forget, the special photo cards have been signed by stars such as Ashley Tisdale, Miranda Cosgrove, Chace Crawford, Kristin Chenoweth, Stockard Channing, Carrie Fisher, Brandon Flowers, Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt, Jane Fonda, Nelly Furtado, Jonny Lee Miller, Sienna Miller, Lauren Ambrose, Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Griffin, Sarah Silverman, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga, Gerard Butler and many more.

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!“

To access the auction – which ends on October 13 – or to find out more, click here.

Stars Speak Out Over Prop 8 Decision

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The celebrity world has shown its disappointment at yesterday’s Prop 8 decision, in which the Californian Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages should remain outlawed.

“This just should invigorate people to get it back on the ballot in 2010 and 2012 and every two years until all people are allowed a basic civil right,“ George Clooney told E Online.

“This really makes me sad,” said Kim Kardashian, who also expressed disbelief at the decision. "I thought we were more forward thinking than this, and I’m disappointed in the Supreme Court for being so close-minded.

“Everyone – gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered — EVERYONE should have equal rights to marry who they want to. I have many gay friends, and all I want is for them to be happy, yet this is just another obstacle in their way. Now they must continue fighting to be granted a basic civil right that many people take for granted. Shame on you, California! We must all continue to fight the h8!”

Former Star Trek actor George Takei – who married Brad Altman in September last year – expressed his hope that another ballot will overturn the decision: "I am confident that if we go through this again, we will ultimately prevail and our [State] Supreme Court will go into the dust of history.“

Many celebrities chose Twitter to air their grievances about the decision. Alyssa Milano called it "a sad day for equality,“ while Eliza Dushku wrote “Shame on California Supreme Court!” Kelly Osbourne is "sick to think that people cant have equal rights,“ and Holly Montag wrote: “BOO CALI! Our Bill of Rights and Constitution intended equal rights for ALL regardless of race, gender, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, age or creed!”

Other stars to indicate their disappointment included Fall Out Boy’s Peter Wentz, Sophia Bush, Kathy Griffin, Fran Drescher, Adrianne Curry, Emmy Rossum, Bryan Greenberg, Diablo Cody, Meghan McCain and many more.

Natasha Richardson To Be Honored By AmfAR

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Bravo’s second annual A-List Awards will be taped in LA this weekend – ready for a broadcast later this month – and will include a special tribute to Natasha Richardson by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Hosted by Kathy Griffin, the awards show will feature appearances from Gwen Stefani, Neil Patrick Harris, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Procter, Chelsea Handler, Tori Spelling, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland and many more.

“The A-List Awards” will team up with amfAR, the organization dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research, to pay tribute to Natasha Richardson, who was a passionate spokesperson for the cause. Richardson most recently captured Bravo fans’ attention when she appeared on “Top Chef” to promote amfAR, a personal commitment since her father’s death of AIDS-related causes. amfAR – along with Richardson’s family – created a special fund for those who wish to donate in her honor all donations can be made at www.amfAR.org.

Also as part of the event, Housewives from all three Bravo series Orange County, New York City and Atlanta will meet up for a fashion face-off for charity. The women will join together for an interactive fashion show in which the A-List audience at home will vote to award $10,000 to the winning housewife’s charity of choice. Viewers can text which housewife they think deserves to win, or go online on www.BravoTV.com for video, photo galleries and to vote for their favorite.

The show will be broadcast on April 15 on Bravo.

Grammy Charity Auction Set To Rock

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With the Grammy Awards only days away, now is the time to bid on exclusive celebrity items in the annual Grammy Awards Charity Auction and help a good cause.

Going under the hammer this year are VIP experiences with Katy Perry and Kathy Griffin, guitars signed by AC/DC, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Fall Out Boy and the Jonas Brothers, books signed by Mariah Carey, Slash, and Céline Dion, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the set of a Rihanna music video or photo shoot.

Also on offer are DVDs signed by Flight of the Conchords, drums signed by the Foo Fighters, and memorabilia signed by Sheryl Crow, Katherine McPhee, Jesse McCartney, Tom Jones, Christina Aguilera, Robert Plant, and Sarah McLachlan.

And for the person who thinks they have everything, the auction also offers the opportunity to receive a personal phone call from Aretha Franklin, who will share her favorite recipes with you!

The auction will benefit MusiCares – which works to help those in need in the music industry – and the Grammy Foundation, which works with industries, cultural communities and the public to raise awareness of music and arts education. It runs until February 19 and can be accessed here.

Bonnie Hunt Collects From Celebs For Charity

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Talk show host Bonnie Hunt has launched an exciting new initiative to raise money for charity.

Hunt is currently collecting items from her celebrity guests and auctioning them off to raise money for the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago. So far she has received items from pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, Tom Arnold, Kathy Griffin, John Stamos, and many more.

The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University is committed to being a national leader in the battle to overcome cancer and is dedicated to scientific discovery, advancing medical knowledge. They provide compassionate, state-of-the-art cancer care, as well as training for the next generation of scientists. The Center is one of only 41 cancer centers in the nation to hold the top designation from the National Cancer Institute and is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an exclusive alliance of 21 of the nation’s leading cancer centers.

Visit Bonnie’s website to find out when her talk show airs in your area.

Check Out The Best In Drag This Weekend

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A beauty pageant with a difference will hit the stage in Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre this Sunday, October 19, as a bevy of divas take part in the 6th annual Best In Drag show.

Best In Drag is Aid For AIDS’ largest fundraiser, and features the very best in drag queen entertainment. You can expect all the glamour, the highest heels, the finest evening gowns, the most outrageous makeup in a show that has become a staple of hilarious entertainment.

This year’s judges include Charlie Sheen, Kathy Griffin, Jennifer Coolidge, Maria Menounos, John C. Reilly, and Holland Taylor, who must put all of their red carpet skills together to find the ultimate Best in Drag.

Last year, June Cleavage (Miss Connecticut), Pearl Necklace (Miss Georgia), Bella View (Miss New York), Hedda Hardahearin (Miss Oregon), Marium Rich (Miss Texas), and Velveeta Fondue (Miss Wisconsin) were all out to win, but in the end there could be only one – Bindi Dundat (Miss Minnesota) – who won the judges hearts with her Bollywood dance number… and an evening gown which combined a sparkling sari wrap complete with a headpiece modeled after the Taj Mahal.

Aid For AIDS was founded 25 years ago and prevents homelessness and hunger and improves the quality of life and independent living for those living with HIV/AIDS.

If you want to be part of the fun, visit the AFA website.

Get Into Eva's Jeans

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Are you always on the lookout for the hottest designer denim? Kellogg’s Special K brand is giving you the chance to own the ultimate in denim fashion—a pair of autographed, celebrity jeans.

Splurge for the perfect pair of jeans, and not only will you look good but you will feel good as well, because all the proceeds will benefit United Way. Special K has recruited some of today’s hottest, most stylish celebrities to auction a pair of their personal favorite jeans, including Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria Parker, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Trista Sutter, Stacy Kiebler, Kimora Lee Simmons, Kathy Griffin. Virginia Madsen, Gabrielle Anwar, Diane Neal, Samantha Harris and Jennie Garth.

Each winner will receive a letter of authenticity signed by the celebrity. The auction ends September 12th, so go to www.ebay.com/SpecialK to get involved now!

Kellogg’s Special K brand is hosting this auction in conjunction with its Special K “Drop a Jeans Size Challenge”, which has been and continues to be an inspiration to women to lead a healthy, active lifestyle and to look good while doing it! Looking fabulous for a cause has never been so fun and so rewarding, because 100% of proceeds from this auction will benefit United Way.

United Way is a global network of nearly 1,300 local organizations whose mission is to advance the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all. For more information visit www.liveunited.org.

Celebrity Doodle Sale For Genetic Disorder

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:44 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the most exciting celebrity auctions of the year will take place in May to raise funds for an organization supporting sufferers of a painful and disfiguring condition.

National Doodle Day will kick off on May 8 as part of Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, and will mark the start of a week-long auction of over 100 celebrity doodles from stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, Scarlett Johansson, and Goldie Hawn. Money from the doodles, which were hand-drawn by each celebrity on a 5" by 8" card, will benefit Neurofibromatosis, Inc., a national organization that supports NF patients, their families, and research into the disorder.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the Untied States, affecting one in every 2,500 births. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time, and can lead to disfigurement, deafness, blindness, seizures, bone deformities, and cancer. Half of the children born with the condition have no family history of the disorder, so it can strike in any family without warning.

The doodle auction runs from May 8 to 18, and follows a successful auction run by the organization last year that featured one-of-a-kind works of art from Cindy Crawford, Kathy Griffin, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Jay Leno, Rick Springfield, Donald Trump, and The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler. However, the highest bid went to a drawing from Barack Obama, which sold for a massive $2,075.

Funds raised from the Doodle Day auction this year will go to support education, advocacy, coalitions, and research for treatments and a cure. Other stars who have put their drawing skills to good use include Gillian Anderson, Candice Bergen, Jeff Bridges, David Cassidy, Dom DeLuise, Garfield creator Jim Davis, Julia Louis Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Seth Green, and many more. There is also an autographed photo and NCIS call-sheet from Mark Harmon on offer.

To view the doodles for sale, visit the Doodle Day website or www.nfinc.org.

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:21:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and celebrities are doing their best to make holiday shopping easy this year. Several charity auctions have already kicked off to raise money for good causes, including one that may be eBay’s largest sale of celebrity items… ever!

The BID 2 BEAT AIDS online auction will open on December 1, World AIDS Day, and will feature over 1000 specially signed items, ranging from posters to iPods. The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity, and in the past has raised up to $175,000.

The array of memorabilia up for sale this year is simply colossal, with perhaps the most interesting items being a series of “Lend a Hand to LIFEbeat” cards that feature the handprints of over 100 celebrities. Stars such as Britney Spears, Jack Black, and Kathy Griffin traced around the outlines of their hands and decorated their artworks for the auction, and the finished products will make a unique addition to any Christmas stocking.

Also included in the auction is a selection of signed musical instruments. Rapper 50 Cent has donated the tambourines he used during his performance at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, and Metallica and the Foo Fighters have both donated guitars. There are also over 200 official RIAA gold and platinum record awards up for sale, from artists such as Annie Lennox, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Green Day. Rare tour crew jackets from Guns N Roses, Cher, George Michael, and Prince are also available.

There are a stack of autographed CDs and DVDs on offer in the auction, from Mariah Carey, Elton John, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse, and Val Kilmer, as well as books signed by Madonna, Bill Clinton, Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Ethan Hawke. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Elijah Wood, and Usher have all signed posters for the auction.

For those people after something a little different, the auction also includes an iPod designed by Yoko Ono, a box of cereal signed by Will Ferrell, Borat’s hat signed by Sacha Baron Cohen, and a Spiderman action figure autographed by Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

And if nothing mentioned so far whets your appetite, there are also signed items from Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Nelly, Joan Collins, John Travolta, Kanye West, The Cure, Jay-Z, Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Robin Williams, Hilary Duff, Jason Alexander, Jack Nicholson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adam Sandler, John Legend, Jessica Simpson, Whoopi Goldberg, Aerosmith, Denzel Washington, Good Charlotte, James Blunt, Jeremy Piven, Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Norah Jones, Razorlight, Wyclef Jean, and many more… far too many to list here.

More information and a full list of items can be found at www.bid2beataids.com.

As if this wasn’t enough choice for Christmas shoppers, there are also several other auctions and events on the go at the moment. The biggest of these is the 10th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Benefit Dinner and Auction, a massive black tie gala to be held on November 29. It also happens to be one of the highest grossing charity events held every year in New York, and last year raised over $4 million for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that has provided over $55 million in grants to cancer research, and has been instrumental in the development of new cancer drugs.

The gala dinner and live auction will be held at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue, New York City, and over 1200 guests are expected to attend. The host for the evening is Chevy Chase, and attendees will be treated to a very special performance by Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, members of 70’s rock group, the Eagles.

Selected items up for auction on the night as well as online include dinner with Chevy Chase, the chance to play tennis with Andre Agassi, and a meet and greet with Aerosmith.

More information can be found at www.charitybuzz.com.

Also on the Charitybuzz website is an auction to raise funding for Stand Up For A Cure, an organization dedicated to lung cancer research and awareness.

The auction runs from November 28 until December 12, and features unique items such as the chance to have Andrea Bocelli perform in your own home, the opportunity to have Patti LaBelle host your cocktail party, and VIP tickets to see Céline Dion at Madison Square Gardens.

And if you still can’t find a suitable gift, have a look at the Have A Heart Auction on Charitybuzz. All proceeds from the auction, which features the chance to meet Avril Lavigne, a copy of “An Inconvenient Truth” signed by Al Gore, and a “Godfather II” DVD signed by Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, will benefit HEART, an organization that aims to foster compassion and respect for all living beings.

But you have to be in quick, as the auction ends on November 29.

More Music Against AIDS

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 19:26:47 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

After thirteen years of the annual One Mighty Weekend parties being held at The Walt Disney Resort in Florida, founder and producer Johnny Chisholm is bringing the show to Europe, with the first of four European events set to take place at Disneyland Resort Paris June 29 and 30.

This year’s shows once again benefit the non-profit Elton John AIDS Foundation. According to EJAF Executive Director Scott Campbell, these contributions are a huge help for the Foundation’s work in the worldwide fight against AIDS. The 2006 OMW generated $50,000 for the cause, and this year’s goal is to raise at least the same per show.

One Mighty Weekend has grown into America’s largest gay and lesbian celebration. It looks like it might grow into Europe’s as well – according to JustCircuit.com, the European party community is cancelling plans to attend the Madrid Pride events in lieu of Paris.

The Florida event held at the start of June featured diva Kathy Griffin and “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer. Paris headline performers are Gloria Gaynor and just-announced Mariah Carey.

Meanwhile, Elton John headlined a free concert in Kiev in an effort to bring attention to Ukraine’s AIDS problems. He performed to a 200,000-plus audience, including past and present top government officials. The concert was broadcast live on Ukrainian television.

EJAF has funded over $2.6 million in HIV/AIDS related projects in the Ukraine over the past six years. Mr John is also, with singer Olena Franchuk’s ANTIAIDS Foundation, launching a five-year project to help HIV-positive children and their families.

Celebrity Chefs Cooking Up Compassion

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:10:39 -0000

Written by Jill Marie Elliott

The 13th Annual Dine Out Los Angeles is taking place today! Dine Out Los Angeles is a one-day fundraising event, where Los Angeles area restaurants donate 20% or more of their day’s proceeds to Aid For AIDS to help prevent homelessness and hunger for individuals and families impoverished and disabled by HIV/AIDS.

This year’s honorary chefs include Curtis Stone of Take Home on TLC and David Lawrence of Boy Eats World fame.

Aid For AIDS, whose mission is to provide financial assistance for necessities of life to adults and children living below the
poverty-line with HIV/AIDS primarily in Los Angeles County, has the support of such screen celebrities as Peter Gallagher, Charlie Sheen, John C. Reilly and Kathy Griffin.

Look To The Stars News: Kathy Griffin

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