Look To The Stars News: Rachael Ray

Jeans Engineered For Celebs On Auction

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Anybody walking through Times Square may be surprised to find hundreds of jeans and shirts hanging like laundry from clotheslines above the streets. Don’t be too concerned… it’s all part of the Pair in the Square Celebrity Jeans Auction.

Alison Sweeney, host of “The Biggest Loser” and cast member of “Days of Our Lives,” kicked off the auction yesterday by auctioning off Ryan Seacrest’s jeans to benefit the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation. The remaining celebrity jeans from Miley Cyrus, Nick Lachey, Ashlee Simpson, Lauren Conrad, Rachael Ray, Minnie Driver, Debra Messing, Brittany Snow, Terrence Howard, Forest Whitaker, Neil Patrick Harris, and many more are available at www.clothesoffourback.org. A sweepstakes will also be held at www.washingmyjeans.com to win the new GE Profile Frontload Washer and Dryer as part of the auction.

Proceeds from the auction, which runs until September 8, will go to America’s Second Harvest, The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

Other stars offering to split their jeans with you include Alan Alda, Maria Menounos, Nancy O’Dell, Chris Rose, John Salley, Toni Collette, Jeff Probst, Kristian Alfonso, Shaun Robinson, John Krasinski, John McCrea, Melissa Joan Hart, Angie Harmon, Jillian Michaels, Christian Slater, Zachary Levi, Tony Shalhoub, Dule Hill, Greg Grunberg, and Coolio.

Famous Faces Flock To Family Festival

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:30:00 -0000

A host of celebrities will gather at the annual Kids for Kids Family Carnival in New York in September to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

For 15 years, Kids for Kids has brought families together to rally in support of the Foundation’s fight against pediatric AIDS. In celebration of the Foundation’s lifesaving work, plans are under way to make this year’s carnival unforgettable!

Kids for Kids has moved to a new time and place, and will feature new and exciting components, but you can still expect your favorite attractions from years past — samplings from New York’s greatest restaurants, world-class artists and photographers, celebrities, and both old-fashioned and cutting-edge games and activities. Stars already confirmed to attend include Natalie Portman, Whoopi Goldberg, Helena Christensen, James Gandolfini, Heidi Klum, Rachael Ray, Julianne Moore, Petra Nemcova, Susan Sarandon, Meredith Vieira, and many more.

And that’s not all! The evening before the carnival, the Foundation will host a very special art auction featuring pieces by acclaimed artists Cecily Brown, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, and Tom Friedman.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 20, from 1pm to 5pm at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. More information and tickets can be obtained from www.pedaids.org.

Stars Sell Hand-Me-Down Maternity Wear

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Anybody in the market for a new set of clothes should head over to www.clothesoffourbacks.org to pick up some hand-me-downs from the stars.

The Isabella Oliver Celebrity Maternity Fashion Auction has just kicked off to bring a little style and panache to the wardrobes of pregnant women. Bidders have the chance to own the heather grey Isabella Oliver Kimono Top signed by singer Gwen Stefani, the sea colored Isabella Oliver Portrait Top and Isabella Oliver jeans donated from the set of the upcoming feature film Labor Pains starring Lindsay Lohan, the oyster colored Isabella Oliver Funnel Neck Jacket worn by Teri Hatcher on Desperate Housewives, a cranberry/sand Isabella Oliver Duo Sleeveless Wrap Dress donated by Minnie Driver, a grey Isabella Oliver Cut Away Ruched T signed by television host Samantha Harris, an Isabella Oliver Cap Wrap Around Top signed by television host Nancy O’Dell, a green Isabella Oliver Cut Away Wrap Top donated by actress Jeri Ryan, and clothes from Lisa Marie Presley, Melissa Joan Hart, and many more.

Also up for auction on the site is the black Donna Karan Collection gown that Rachael Ray wore to the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards and Barbara Walter’s black Chanel handbag.

Bidders must be quick – the Maternity Fashion auction ends on August 27 and the other items must go out the door by August 29.

All of the proceeds from the auctions will be donated to Clothes Off Our Back’ selected charities, which include America’s Second Harvest, The Art of Elysium, Hope North, and H.E.L.P. Malawi.

Look To The Stars Asks Aaron McCargo

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:31:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Viewers of the The Next Food Network Star watched Aaron McCargo go from struggling in front of the camera to dazzling the audience alongside Rachael Ray and a little Girl Scout.

The husband and father of three kids admits working with a child gave him a little piece of home in the kitchen. Last week he was dubbed the winner of the series, and his new show Big Daddy’s House has just begun airing on the Food Network.

As for his road to success, it is one that is paved with the help of mentors. It is McCargo’s hope that his new show will be a platform to make a difference in the lives of teenagers. He is already getting bombarded with calls from kids who are interested in culinary arts but may not be on the right side of tracks. McCargo says his focus is being able to reach out to the young kids.

Look To The Stars talked with McCargo about his win, cooking, and the role which mentorship played in his life.

How exciting is it to be the Next Food Network Star?

It’s very exciting. It is one step closer to my dream to make an impact on the world by my food and a big personality.

How did you come to trying out for the show?

My wife said I was always cooking and always talking. She thought it would be a great stage for me to be in the Next Food Network Star Competition.

You’ve been cooking since a very young age. How did the passion develop?

Since age seven or eight I was always cooking – even microwavable dishes for my parents. One summer came when I was thirteen, my mom was like “what do you want to do this summer?” I told her I want to cook. She said, “Well, you might as well work in the hospital and be a candy striper.” I thought she was kidding but sure enough I became a candy striper, then found my way to the kitchen and fell in love.

There is an episode coming up called Mentor Madness. Who is the episode inspired by?

When I first got to the hospital, I bumped into a gentlemen called Clem. He said to me, ” I noticed that you like hanging around…Do you want to be a chef?” And I said, “Yes, that is my dream.” He took me under his wing, showed me how to make soup and sauces. He became a mentor to me, and there are a couple of other people who have crossed my path during my life that really had an impact. They really pushed me to continue with my cooking and pursue my dream to become a great chef. The episode will reflect my relationships, so each meal on that show will be something that applies to that person in one way or another.

Working with teens is an interest of yours. What is your vision to do with your new celebrity in relation to working with teens?

I really want to do an inner city type of thing and let people know that – whether it be the Bronx, Compton, Camden or New Jersey – there is a lot of talent… I would like to direct them at a young age to become great chefs.

Your show was great. Although you are a professionally trained chef, you also have a look about you, a way about you that makes people think, “Hey, I can do this.” You make everything look so easy and fun, especially when you are in the kitchen with your children. Is there something that you want to impart to parents?

There are a lot of kids who want to spend time with their parents, and sometimes parents don’t have time to go play in the park – but there is always the kitchen. My whole thing is to show you something that I know you can do.

Thanks for your time, Aaron.

Rachael Ray's Food Goes To The Dogs

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

America’s favorite TV culinary talk show host is cooking up something new and this time it is for the dogs.

Yes, Rachael Ray wants to perk up your pup’s palette while helping at-risk animals through the adoption process. She is a launching a new line of dog food dubbed Rachael Ray’s Nutrish. The proceeds from the products will go to Rachael’s Rescue, an organization she founded where pets take center stage.

“I love my dog Isaboo, and as a member of my family, I need to make sure that she eats as well as the rest of us,” Ray gushes. “With the launch of Nutrish, I now have the opportunity to share with other pet lovers some of her favorite meals, flavors and special treats.”

Known for her quirky sense of humor, the TV show and cook has humorous names for many of her dog treats such as Isaboo Booscotti and Isaboo Grill Bites. Not to worry, everything is not going to the dogs. Ray will spread the love with a new line of cat food in the works.

Stars Line Up For Women's Conference

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

California First Lady Maria Shriver has announced the lineup of celebrity speakers confirmed for this year’s annual Women’s Conference in Long Beach.

The event – to be held on October 21 and 22 at the Long Beach Convention Center – sold out in record time, and it is no surprise considering the plethora of newsmakers and world opinion leaders that will appear at the conference to empower and motivate women to pursue a lifelong journey of self discovery. Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Russell Simmons are just some of the 50 speakers set to take the stage, and there will also be a special performance by Bonnie Raitt.

“I am honored to again be hosting what has become the nation’s premier forum for women, where the world’s greatest hearts and minds convene every year to empower women to find a common purpose, be united by a shared conversation, and see themselves as a collective WE,” said Shriver. “This year, I am urging women to take time to explore their deepest hopes and aspirations, and I hope they leave the conference with a better sense of just who they want to be—and the knowledge of how to get there.”

The first Women’s Conference – formerly known as the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women – was held over twenty years ago, but it has been under the leadership of First Lady Shriver and Governor Schwarzenegger that the event has become the premier event in empowering and inspiring women.

This year’s conference will include a new event – the Night at The Village – which will consist of exhibitor booths, stage presentations, book signings, shopping, food, musical entertainment, and a conversation with Rachael Ray.

“We envision ‘Night at The Village’ as the place for celebrating women, launching products for women, and having fun,” said Shriver. “The Village is our answer to a call from women for more time to just be—whether it is to mingle casually, network for work, or shop around for items and experiences that will enrich their mind, body and soul. All of this can now happen only at The Village.”

More information about the conference can be found at First Lady Shriver’s official website.

'Growing Up With Loukoumi' Author Grants 3 Dream Days

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:58:19 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

When children’s book author Nick Katsoris released his book Growing Up With Loukoumi he also launched a national contest where kids were given the chance to win a day in their dream career. Based on his award-winning children’s book and celebrity-narrated CD, the ‘Growing Up With Loukoumi Dream Day’ recipients have been named.

The book, which teaches children they can be anything when they grow up if they believe in themselves, held over national 200 Dream Day events at schools, libraries and bookstores where thousands of children entered the contest by drawing themselves in their dream career

The first winner is a 9-year-old girl from Long Island who wants to be a Mars Rover Engineer. Thanks to the contest, on May 25th she’ll visit NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, CA to witness the Phoenix spacecraft actually land on Mars, tour the facility and meet a Rover engineer.

The second winner, an 8-year-old boy from New York who dreams of becoming a soccer star, is off to play soccer at Giants Stadium with the NY Red Bulls.

And the third winner is a ten-year-old girl from Colorado who wants to be a television chef. Her prize? She’ll cook with acclaimed CBS-TV Chef Tony Tantillo, and also meet Rachael Ray on the set of her hit show.

Contest judges included the narrators on the Growing Up With Loukoumi CD: Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Gaynor, CBS News Anchor Alexis Christoforous, Guiding Light star Frank Dicopoulos, and American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis. The panel also included actress Florence Henderson, Fox-5 Anchor Ernie Anastos, Make-A-Wish Foundation VP Jennifer Maher, and promotional sponsor iParenting Media’s Editor-in-chief Elisa All.

The Growing Up With Loukoumi narrated CD includes an original song, “Believe,” by Gloria Gaynor. $2 from the sale of each book/CD benefits a national children’s charity.

Charity Gifts For Valentine's Day

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:18:47 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it is time to think about loving gifts that rise above the standard red roses. And there are a number of products available this month that not only tell that special person how much you care, but also help raise money for those who are less fortunate. Shoes, dresses, T-shirts, and even a second-hand swimsuit are on offer to help Cupid’s arrow hit its mark.

Actress Keira Knightley’s latest movie, Atonement, has recently received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and now fans have the chance to buy a very special part of the production. The dazzling green dress Knightley wore in the emotionally charged romantic scenes opposite James McAvoy is being auctioned by the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation to benefit Variety – The Children’s Charity.

The dress is one of several made for the scene, and was designed by Jacqueline Durran, who has been nominated for a Costume Design Academy Award for her work on the film. The auction runs from February 1 until March 1 at www.clothesoffourback.org, and bids have already reached $3,000.

Clothes Off Our Back is also selling a series of outfits donated by some of Hollywood’s most beautiful woman. The Little Black Dress Auction runs until March 13, and features dresses from the closets of Julianne Moore, Felicity Huffman, Mena Suvari, Gabrielle Union, and Jaime Pressley. Beneficiaries include Second Harvest, The Art of Elysium, World Education, and autism research.

If it is shoes you are after, look no further than the Spirit of Women Health Network’s Celebrity Red Shoe Auction. The auction is being run on eBay from February 5-14, and features footwear autographed by celebrities such as Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Rachael Ray, LeAnn Rimes, Alanis Morissette, and Dancing With The Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba.

“This February, we hope to encourage women to take action for their heart health by dancing and exercising, discussing their health with their physicians, and helping to support women’s heart health research and education,” said Josh Davis, President of the Spirit of Women Health Network.

The auction is part of the Red Shoe Initiative, a national health education and action campaign that aims to encourage women to be aware of their heart health. As with past shoe auctions, proceeds will benefit several charities, including the National Stroke Association and the Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition.

The auction will also precede Spirit of Women’s Day of Dance, an event that will involve dance and health screenings around the US on February 23.

Another gift idea this Valentine’s Day is the new charity T-shirt from designer Marc Jacobs – featuring a naked Victoria Beckham.

The T-shirt has been designed to raise awareness of the Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, an initiative with aspirations almost as big as their name. The program was established by Jacobs’ business partner, Robert Duffy, to raise consciousness of one of the most common types of cancer in the world – over 160,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, with around 48,000 deaths.

“Since we moved to California, I have realized how important it is to practice safe sun for myself, and to keep my three boys skin well protected as well,” said Beckham. “Skin cancer is a huge problem, and I really wanted to help raise awareness by taking part in Marc’s initiative.”

The T-shirts are available at Marc Jacobs’ stores in America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia for $35, and even Victoria’s husband David has been seen sporting one recently, at the opening of the David Beckham World of Sport in Brazil.

The Victoria Beckham line of T-shirts follows a similar series designed by Marc Jacobs last year, featuring Heidi Klum, Julianne Moore, and Naomi Campbell, which raised $60,000.

Finally this month, if you are looking for something really special to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day, why not buy Nicole Kidman’s old swimsuit – it is to be auctioned in Sweden to raise funds for poor families in India.

The story behind the swimsuit is long and twisty. Kidman visited Sweden six years ago to film Dogville, and hired a private pool while there. However, she left her black one-piece swimming costume in the changing rooms when she went home. Attempts to return it failed, and it was donated to a cancer charity, where it raised $4,700 at auction. It was later donated to the Salvation Army, where it was auctioned for a further $865.

A new auction will raise funds for Erikshjalpen, a charity that aims to buy cows in India with money raised.

The swimsuit is framed and is expected to raise $1,500.

Kristin Davis Supports Oxfam on Rachel Ray Show

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:57:59 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis is set to appear on the Rachael Ray Show today, with an adorable miniature donkey by her side.

The donkey will be there to help Kristin introduce Oxfam America Unwrapped. The Oxfam program supports poverty relief around the world, and allows gift-givers to purchase unusual items such as camels ($175 each), gender rights training ($90), one year’s irrigation for a farm ($120) or a can of worms ($18). The gift’s recipient receives a photo card of the gift, and information on how it is helping someone in need.

Oxfam America Unwrapped is mirrored across the Atlantic by Oxfam Unwrapped. Supported by Dame Helen Mirren, Helena Bonham Carter, and Will Young, the British Oxfam Unwrapped site allows givers to purchase 100 school lunches (£6/$12), teach a teacher (£24/$48) or provide safe drinking water (£18/$36).

Oxfam America strives to provide lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice in the US and around the world.

Brooks Goes Pink For Breast Cancer

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:29:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The fastest selling solo artist in music history, Garth Brooks, is to release two versions of his latest album, one dedicated exclusively to charity.

The Pink Edition of “Garth Brooks – The Ultimate Hits” will be released on November 6, and will only be available through Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s online Promise Shop. The CD packages will be priced at $15, with $10 going to Komen, whose mission is to find a cure for breast cancer.

The three-disc set includes 30 classics, plus 3 new songs, as well as a bonus track. It also features a DVD that contains 33 videos, including new and never-before-seen footage. The Pink Edition packages will also contain information on breast health and breast cancer, and an instructional card on breast self-examination.

“Through the release of this very special, and very pink, edition of The Ultimate Hits, Garth Brooks is actively joining Susan G. Komen for the Cure in our promise to end breast cancer forever,” said Hala Moddelmog, cancer survivor and President and Chief Executive of the non-profit organization. “We’re excited about the potential of this relationship, and we’re grateful that Garth is featuring important breast health and breast cancer information from Komen with the album. Through this example of his artistry and generosity, Garth is giving Komen a unique opportunity to raise significant dollars and reach millions of people, ultimately helping us to save lives.”

Brooks said he was inspired to donate the proceeds to charity after watching his wife train for and take part in Breast Cancer 3-Day, an event that challenged people to walk 60 miles over three days, with pledges and donations going to Komen and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

“It was a heck of a lot easier than me trying to walk 60 miles,” joked Brooks.

A host of other celebrities have also been raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in October.

Kelly Clarkson, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, and Toby Keith have joined with the casts of Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers And Sisters, and The Young And The Restless to sign and decorate limited edition, 1/18th scale models of Ford’s newest car, the 2008 Mustang.

The models were auctioned off on eBay, with Clarkson’s selling for over $2,660, as part of Ford’s Warriors in Pink campaign. Since it was launched in 2006, Ford’s Warriors In Pink has raised more than $90 million for breast cancer causes, recognizing the strength and courage it takes to deal with the challenges of the disease.

Warriors In Pink also has a range of apparel for men and women available that feature important symbols of hope, strength, and unity. The designs are added to every year, and $1.1 million was raised in 2006 for the cause from the sale of the clothing.

To celebrate Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s 25th Anniversary, Ford has also announced they will be giving $250 from the public sale of each new 2008 Ford Mustang to the charity.

More information about the auction, which also features models signed and decorated by Rachael Ray and Richard Simmons, can be found at www.fordcares.com. The new Garth Brooks – The Ultimate Hits Pink Edition CD is available exclusively through www.komen.org/garth, and other items for sale to benefit the breast cancer cause can be viewed at www.ebay.com/breastcancer.

Celebrity Auctions Tackle The Big Issues

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:29:11 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Thirteen of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood are creating a buzz with an internet auction taking place in October, in order to raise awareness of one of the biggest and most pervasive threats to life on Earth.

Ebay Giving Works, eBay’s program dedicated to charity listings, is hosting an online auction for the WWF, with 100% of the proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund’s global conservation initiatives, especially those involved in the fight against climate change.

The auction, which runs from October 3 -12, features a series of 100% organic T shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Hotter Than I Should Be”. The shirts, which have created much interest in the media and Hollywood as a unique way to spread the message that the Earth is warming, have all been signed by a multitude of celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, Orlando Bloom, Rachael Ray, Harrison Ford, and Cate Blanchett.

“Global warming is the single biggest threat to our environment today,” said John Donoghue, Senior Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund. “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming celebrity support we’ve received, and we are confident this auction will not only garner funds for our work, but will encourage individuals to take action in their own lives to stop climate change.”

The WWF is a leader in the field of climate science, and is a strong and persuasive advocate for the reduction of harmful greenhouse emissions and the increase of energy efficient technologies. For more than 45 years, the non-profit organization has been working to protect nature, and now provides cutting edge scientific research into areas of concern. With a dedicated team of experts in over 50 countries, the WWF focuses on 4 particular areas of impact: creating responsible global warming policies, working with businesses to reduce carbon dioxide levels, implementing adaptation plans to help the planet respond to climate change, and protecting the forests that help mitigate climate change.

The “Hotter Than I Should Be” online auction looks set to provide some much needed funding to the WWF’s ongoing research. Many of the shirts have already reached bids of over $300, with Orlando Bloom’s attracting bids close to $800. Other celebrities who have lent their signitures to the cause include Candice Bergen, Gisele Bundchen, Kevin Bacon, Paul Newman, Charlie Sheen, Cindy Crawford, and Susan Sarandon.

Unsigned “Hotter Than I Should Be” T shirts are also available with donations of over $50 to the WWF, and more information about the auction can be found at www.worldwildlife.org.

Also up for auction on eBay Giving Works in October is a series of pink rubber bath ducks, signed and decorated by celebrities such as Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Lucy Liu, and Matthew McConaughey.

The auction has been organized by Munchkin Inc, the makers of award winning infant and toddler products, as part of their Project Pink breast cancer awareness program, and runs from October 1 to November 4. All proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to education and research into the causes, treatment, and the search for a cure to breast cancer.

Other celebrities to design and sign rubber duckies include Brooke Shields, Desperate Housewives’ Marcia Cross, Charlie’s Angels’ Jaclyn Smith, and former First Lady Barbara Bush. The auction is hoped to raise over $30,000, and more information can be found at www.munchkin.com/projectpink.

Celebrity Auction Roundup, September 2007

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:27:03 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

September 2007 is shaping up to be a busy month for celebrity charity auctions, with proceeds going towards a variety of causes, including the disadvantaged, the sick, the environment, and an endangered species of seal.

One of the most anticipated auctions of the year, the Chevy Chase Green School Auction, kicked off on September 6, and runs until September 20 on www.charitybuzz.com. This is the fourth year the auction has been running, with proceeds going to the Centre For Environmental Education Online. CEE Online is a non-profit organization set up 17 years ago by actor Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni, and grew out of their belief that for environmental understanding to change, it must begin with the education of children. This year’s fundraising will benefit initiatives involving sustainability, the science of climate change, and the support of healthy food in schools.

There are 43 items on auction, with the most popular being a lunch with Bill Clinton and Chevy Chase for two people. This was expected to raise $35,000, but is already attracting bids of over $45,000. Other popular items are a day on the set of a movie with Cameron Diaz (expected to reach $10,000), and backstage passes to The Rachael Ray Show in New York, including a meet and greet with the star, a personal tour of the studios, and a set of signed cookbooks and Rachael Ray cooking utensils (valued at $2,500). Simon Cowell has donated tickets to American Idol to the auction, and other lots include a tour of Martha Stewart’s garden, the opportunity to spend an afternoon filming with Daryl Hannah for her environmental website, and the chance to meet Ben Stiller at the world premier of his next movie.

Another major auction underway on the Charitybuzz website is The Christie Brinkley Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, Healthy Environment Auction. The 53 items up for sale will benefit the New York Coalition For Healthy School Food and Wellness In The Schools.

Lots include the chance to meet Bill Clinton (valued at $50,000), a backstage meet and greet with Alicia Keys (expected to raise $1,500), VIP packages to see Dr. Phil McGraw, signed photos of celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, as well as a variety of dinner and vacation packages. The auction runs until September 27.

Also on auction at Charitybuzz is a very special chalk drawing of Princess Diana, by Russian born artist, Zohar. This exquisite work of art was commissioned in 1990 by the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own), of which the Princess was Colonel-in-Chief, and is expected to raise $275,000 at auction. Proceeds will go to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, and will provide support to those suffering from Aids, cancer, and the effects of landmines.

Ebay has several auctions running in September, as part of their Giving Works initiative. The most popular of these is a vehicle belonging to Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie. The 4 Wheel Drive Hummer H2 has belonged to the singer since 2005, and is expected to reach $65,000 at auction. Proceeds will go to Global Green USA, an organization that works with governments and individuals to create a sustainable and secure future for the planet. More information is available at www.globalgreen.org, and the auction can be viewed at www.ebay.com/fergie.

Five double tickets to a concert featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant in Tennessee on September 27 are also up for auction. The VIP packages include a pre-show reception, front row seats at the gig, a meet and greet with the stars, and an autographed Hatch Show print commemorating the event. Proceeds are going to Community High School, a facility for teenagers in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions, operated by Creative Recovery Communities. The ticket packages are expected to reach $500 each, and the auction runs until September 18. It can be viewed at www.givingworks.ebay.com.

Finally in September, a special auction is to be held to benefit the plight of the Canadian Harp Seal. Thousands of these creatures are clubbed to death annually for their pelts, and several celebrities have banded together in an effort to stop the slaughter. An auction is to be launched through www.harpseals.org, in association with eBay, and will include a pair of autographed pants worn by Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist, Slash, as well as Tiffani Amber Theissen’s parasol and signed CDs from KD Lang and Shania Twain.

Big Shoes To Fill For Blue Planet Run

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 08:30:32 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An unusual new exhibition is raising eyebrows in downtown New York. A series of giant running shoes, designed by 20 well-known celebrities, has been placed around the city to raise awareness of an enduro-sport charity event taking place during July and August.

Courteney Cox, Rosie O’Donnell, Ben Harper, and Rachael Ray are just some of the actors, actresses, and musicians to have contributed the oversized footwear to Manhattan’s landscape. Each giant sneaker measures 3 feet by 5 feet, and draws attention to the Blue Planet Run, the first ever round-the-world running relay, which started in New York on July 1.

This special sporting event will see an international team of 20 athletes attempt to cover more than 15,000 miles in 100 days to promote the need for safe drinking water. The relay passes through 16 countries, including England, France, Germany, Belarus, and Japan, before finishing in New York on September 4.

The event has been organized by the Blue Planet Run Foundation, an organization founded in 2002 to assist in providing safe drinking water to 200 million people around the world by 2027, and is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company.

“I am proud to participate in this project to help decrease the impact of water related diseases,” said American Beauty and Six Feet Under actress Mena Suvari, who designed one of the 20 sneaker statues. “Everyone involved is enthusiastic about helping to make a positive impact on people’s lives worldwide.”

Also as part of the event, the giant sneakers are to be auctioned on eBay. The bidding starts at $500, and runs from July 2 to July 12. All proceeds go directly to the Blue Planet Run Foundation, and the auction can be viewed at www.ebay.com/sneakersandthecity.

Rachael Ray Supports Great American Bake Sale

Wed, 23 May 2007 13:50:02 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

TV cook Rachael Ray is lending her support to The Great American Bake Sale, an initiative of charity Share Our Strength which works to end childhood hunger.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” last week, Ray said, “Imagine what it’s really like to go hungry. And then imagine what that must be like for a small child, how that must make them feel, completely lesser-than in every way; they’re not good enough to get food?”

The campaign mobilizes young and old alike to help end childhood hunger in America by having a bake sale in their community. Proceeds from every bake sale are donated to Share Our Strength and in turn granted to hunger relief organizations that work to end childhood hunger. Since 2003, over $3 million has been raised and over 1 million people have participated—baking, selling or buying goods.

This year’s Great American Bake Sale runs from May 19 to August 31.

Clinton And Rachael Ray Unite For Kids' Nutrition

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:32:27 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

TV chef Rachael Ray is launching a charitable organisation aimed at helping children in the U.S. to eat more healthily, with the support of former president Bill Clinton.

Yum-o! will work with schools to improve cafeteria food, create scholarships, educate parents about healthy eating, and help fund charitable groups that feed needy children.

The organisation will work with Clinton’s Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the American Heart Association to improve school food.

Clinton appeared on Ray’s TV show on April 26 to announce their collaboration. British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched a similar programme in the UK over two years ago, which has led to increased government funding for school meals, making healthier menus possible.

“Great food changes the entire quality of your life,” said Ray. “It’s just this great building block for families.”

Look To The Stars News: Rachael Ray

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