Look To The Stars News: Dolly Parton

Stars Donate To Grammy Charity Online Auctions

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

In celebration of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, the Grammy Charity Online Auctions are open now through Feb. 23.

Presented in partnership with Kompolt, the auctions provide bidders an opportunity to bid on approximately 100 exclusive items, including once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences, memorabilia from world-renowned celebrities, and official Grammy merchandise autographed by artists during Grammy Week.

Featured items will be available for bid in two cycles, including a 2012 Vans Warped Tour three-day/three-city VIP experience, including the chance to ride on the official tour bus; private guitar lessons with Phil Collen of Def Leppard and Manraze, and Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander; and official Grammy merchandise autographed backstage at the 54th Grammy Awards rehearsals and telecast by celebrity participants. This year’s performers include Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift, among others.

Guitar String Bracelets Raise Thousands For Charity

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Wear Your Music, the creators of the Original Artist Bracelet, succeeded in donating over 60,000 dollars to charity in 2011. The Original Artist Bracelet is custom-made from the intertwined guitar strings of music icons with profits donated to individual musicians’ charities of choice.

Over 150 artists including modern favorites Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Jack Johnson, classic legends like Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend and Gregg Allman and country music icons like Dolly Parton and Tim McGraw are donating their strings to create The Original Artist Bracelets.

“We created this company in 2007 when we noticed that musicians were just tossing away their used guitar strings,” explains Hannah Garrison, Co-Founder of Wear Your Music. “We wanted to use these guitar strings to make a difference by recycling a piece of rock memorabilia to create bracelets for fans. We took it a step further and decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of the Artist Bracelet to the musician’s charity of choice.”

VH1 Divas Bring Soul To Charity

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved franchise VH1 Divas paid tribute to the great cities of soul music last night, including Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia.

The all-star diva roster included Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J and Jill Scott, accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove and Adam Blackstone as musical directors.

In addition to the Divas, the evening included an incredible line-up of performers including Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, Martha Reeves and Ledisi. Presenters were Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common, Sherri Shepherd, La La Anthony, and Archie Panjabi.

VH1 Divas To Pay Tribute To Amy Winehouse

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:05:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved, popular franchise, “VH1 Divas,” has announced a special tribute to Amy Winehouse at this year’s VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul with performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

The tribute will reflect Winehouse’s contribution to modern, London soul music. Some highlights of the tribute will include Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing “You Know I’m No Good,” and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson will perform her song “Back to Black.” The Dap-Kings contributed a number of tracks for Winehouse’s Grammy Award-winning album “Back to Black.” In addition, Nas, who collaborated with Winehouse on the first single of her current posthumous album, will introduce the tribute medley.

Stars Donate Items To Grammy Charity Auction

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

The GRAMMY Charity Black Friday Sale — a post-Thanksgiving closeout including all-new “buyitnow” bargains and slashed prices on amazing celebrity autographed memorabilia and VIP experiences — is perfect for the music lover in your life!

The auction launched on Black Friday, Nov. 25, and will continue until Dec. 5 at www.ebay.com/grammy. Presented in partnership with Kompolt, all proceeds raised through this special auction will benefit programs and services of MusiCares and the Grammy Foundation.

Annie Lennox, Liza Minnelli, Paul McCartney Honored At Charity Awards

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The 36th annual Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards took place on Friday 1st July at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Tinie Tempah, photo: John Marshall via Nordoff Robbins

Dolly Parton To Sing At Marty Stuart's Late Night Celebrity Charity Jam

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On June 8, country music legend Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam, the kick-off event for the CMA Music Festival, will celebrate its 10 year anniversary. Marty started the event as way to welcome fans to country music’s biggest festival, but the jam has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for MusiCares, which provides assistance for music people in times of need.

This year’s event will feature performances by Doug Kershaw, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Dolly Parton, the Quebe Sisters Band, Connie Smith and Mel Tillis. Past performers have included Dierks Bentley, Neko Case, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Jerry Lee Lewis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Keith Urban and Porter Wagoner, among others.

“It’s hard to believe that the Late Night Jam is ten years old,” said Stuart. “I can’t help but think back on the first one. I was nervous; pacing and hoping that we’d have enough people show up. The show ended up being a sell-out and we’ve been going strong ever since. That first show was over 25,000 people ago, and it was also many good deeds ago from MusiCares, and a lot of really magical performances ago from some of my dearest musical friends. Every year I say, ‘How can I top that show?’ Somehow it happens and good things result from it. This year will be no different.”

GLAAD Honors Stars For LGBT Charity Work

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Downtown LA saw some of Hollywood’s finest at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Westin Bonaventure this week.

Tori Spelling

Dolly Parton Gives Free Books To Scottish Children

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Country music superstar Dolly Parton has launched a new charity initiative as part of her Dollywood Foundation, where free books will be made available to children in foster care across Scotland.

The Dollywood Foundation project proved successful in the US and other parts of the UK, after Parton developed it in 1995 for her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee.

And now celebrity Parton is working with the Scottish government and the Scottish Book Trust to launch the ‘Imagination Library scheme’, in which youngsters in care in Scotland will be given a free book every month until their fifth birthday.

Cyndi Lauper Launches Celebrity Charity Auction

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Between a whirlwind tour, launching a new campaign for MAC cosmetics, and filming a reality show, Cyndi Lauper has had a busy past year.

That hasn’t stopped the talented artist and gay-rights activist from rallying an impressive list of stars from music and entertainment to help kick off the True Colors Winter Charity Auction on charitybuzz.com to benefit the True Colors Fund in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.

Incredible experiences and memorabilia from Ricky Martin, Jason Mraz, Rosie O’Donnell, Dolly Parton, Sarah Silverman, David Gray, U2, Lady Gaga and many more celebrities and artists are up for auction now through February 10th at www.charitybuzz.com/TrueColorsWinter10.

TwitChange To Help Families of Soldiers

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Alyssa Milano, Reba McEntire and Ryan Seacrest are among the long list of celebrities taking part in the TwitChange auction, this time raising funds for Operation Once in a Lifetime.

Starting January 29th, fans can bid to have their favorite celebrity Follow them, mention them in a Tweet or ReTweet one of their posts.

Operation Once in a Lifetime provides financial and morale support to U.S. service members, helping them feel more secure knowing that their families are not worrying about home foreclosure or utility bills, and letting them instead focus on coming home safely.

Keith Urban And Friends To Perform Benefit Concert

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

Keith Urban and an all-star lineup of friends returning to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, October 5 for We’re All For The Hall, a concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Reserved seating tickets, which are priced at a family friendly $25 and $35 (does not include Ticketmaster surcharge), will go on sale Friday, September 17, at 10:00 AM. A limited number of VIP ticket packages will also go on sale on September 17 at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

  The show — which will feature performances from Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, John Mayer, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert and Billy Currington — promises to be a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime evening of music, friendship and camaraderie.

Celebrity Country Music Auction Raises Charity Cash

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A host of country music’s hottest stars joined Martina McBride for her annual YWCA charity auction in Nashville last weekend.

The event, part of the CMA Music Festival – raised $102,000 to help eliminate domestic violence, and featured a range of items donated by stars such as Keith Urban (whose signed DVD and meet-and-greet package raised $3,800), Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts and many more. Martina’s framed lyrics for her song She’s A Butterfly raised $22,000.

“It is Martina’s genuine support and the devotion of her fans that help make the auction so successful each year,” said Pat Shea, CEO of the YWCA. “It is so amazing to me that Martina has helped us raise over $100,000 in a few hours. Those dollars will help the YWCA help women and children who need counseling, medical care, support and emergency shelter as they flee violent homes. We are very grateful to Martina.”

See The Children Through The Trees At Charity Auction

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

The Durst Organization presents an auction and awards gala to benefit and recognize Health People’s Kids-Helping-Kids Mentoring Program, which trains older teens with sick or missing parents to be mentors to younger children in the same difficult situations. The works of art for auction are curated with the theme of “See the Children Through the Trees”, reflecting how parentless children in NYC are invisible and have no state, city or federally funded support programs.

Being auctioned are works that range from internationally acclaimed artist April Gornik’s “The Woods” to Ross Bleckner’s abstracted leaves in “Early Every Morning”; from Milton Glaser’s blazing “Red Tree” to an original signed panel from Garry Trudeau’s Doonesbury to Walter Channing’s 8 foot sculpture in which a natural tree trunk seems to “whirl” to the sky. And for the ‘leaf peepers’, unique celebrity “Leaf Autographs” donated by Dolly Parton, John Updike, Michael Bloomberg, Lauren Bacall, and others will be auctioned.

The hosts of the “See the Children Through the Trees” auction and awards night gala include; Larry B. Wright, Carl Berstein, Bill Boggs, Milton Glaser, Edwina Sandys, Richard Kaplan, Barbara Roberts, Stephanie Stokes, Stanley Cohen, Edward Enck, Dr. Hal Strelnick and Chris Norwood.

Celebrities And TV News Heavyweights Donate To Diversity In Journalism

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A teen pop rock idol, country superstars, and internationally renowned television journalists are contributing to an online auction for the NPC Scholarship Fund to promote diversity in newsrooms. Sponsored by The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the charity auction offers opportunities to bid on celebrity memorabilia and win “experience” visits with America’s most-influential news personalities from nationally-recognized news shows.

A winning bidder could win a personalized Gibson Flying V Faded guitar signed by Nick Jonas, the youngest of the Jonas Brothers or an autographed guitar from Grammy Award-winning country music star Toby Keith. Lucky news junkies could win visits with their favorite news correspondents by bidding on:

Cyndie Lauper Launches Charity Auction

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Cyndi Lauper has launched the True Colors Fund online auction which aims to raise money to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied community by growing the number of volunteers and donors to the non-profit organizations working on their behalf.

Items up for grabs include lunch and Tarot card reading with Lauper, tickets to the Entourage season premiere in LA, a meet-and-greet with Bette Midler in Las Vegas, a set visit to 30 Rock, meet-and-greets with Lady Gaga and Rosie O’Donnell, autographed items from Dolly Parton, one-of-a-kind handwritten lyrics from Jason Mraz, Peter Gabriel, Michael Stipe and many more, and items from Mark Wahlberg, Yoko Ono and others.

“I am excited to launch the True Colors Fund’s Summer Online Auction,” said Cyndi Lauper, who created the True Colors Tour, an annual music tour that tour benefits the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations that provide support to the LGBT community and to the straight friends and family who love them, including PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, as well as local organizations in cities where the concerts were held. “There is literally something for everyone. All of the proceeds will go directly to support the True Color Fund’s work to get everyone – especially my fellow straight allies – to do what they can to help make equality a reality for the GLBT community.”

Country Stars Decorate Guitars For Charity Auction

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Guitars decorated by some of country music’s biggest stars will be auctioned for charity next month.

Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Craig Morgan, Dolly Parton, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Pam Tillis, Steve Wariner, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban have contributed guitars to the auction, which will raise money for the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, an organization that aids people in the country music community with financial and health related issues.

The Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction will take place on Friday, June 12, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. More info can be found here.

Dolly Parton Launches New Charity Partnership

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Country legend Dolly Parton announced this week that her literacy charity will team up with the United Way of America to double the amount of books the program currently provides.

Parton established the Imagination Library in 1996 as part of her Dollywood Foundation, and it now operates in 566 counties across thirty-six U.S. states, as well as in Canada and England. Her idea was simple: to build an organization that sends one book per month to children from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten.

“This program is one of the most important ways I know to improve the educational opportunities for children,” said Parton. “When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you plant in your community can grow across the world.”

Bette Midler And 50 Cent Together For Charity

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The devine Bette Midler is joining with 50 Cent and Dolly Parton to host her annual Spring Picnic to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

The event will take place at Fort Tryon Park, New York City, on May 19, and will include a BBQ and entertainment.

Midler founded the New York Restoration Project in 1995 to improve the natural balance of life in the city. The organization is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

Handbag.com Launches Handbag Amnesty

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000

www.handbag.com and Cancer Research UK have announced a new partnership with the launch of the first ever Handbag Amnesty.

Taking place throughout the month of September – www.handbag.com’s dedicated handbag month – and climaxing in October, the Handbag Amnesty will give women across the country the opportunity to bid for the designer handbag of their favourite celebrity including, just to name a few, Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Dame Shirley Bassey, to raise money to help beat cancer.

Dolly Parton Plays Benefit Concerts

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Country music legend Dolly Parton hosted three sold-out benefit concerts at her Dollywood theme park over the weekend.

The shows, held on August 16 and 17, raised money for Parton’s Imagination Library, a charity the 62-year-old established to encourage children to read. According to Country Music Television, the shows were part of Parton’s current tour, and the singer whipped the crowd into a frenzy with renditions of hits both old and new.

Parton established the charity in 1996 as part of her Dollywood Foundation, and the Imagination Library now operates in 566 counties across thirty-six U.S. states, as well as in Canada and England. Her idea was simple: to build an organization that sends one book per month to children from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten.

Keith Urban Thinks You Would Look Good In His Old Shirt

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Kiwi-born country singer Keith Urban has launched a special new charity auction inspired by his latest hit, You Look Good in my Old T-Shirt.

The country star – who recently became a father for the first time with his wife, Nicole Kidman – has convinced a wide cross-section of his musical friends to join him in donating previously worn T-Shirts to the internet sale to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Stars to take up his cause include Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner, Keith Anderson, Ronnie Milsap, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Trace Adkins, Faith Hill, Darryl Worley and members of Little Big Town.

“St. Jude is a charity that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Urban. “Our fans have always graciously offered their support in past fund-raisers we have done for St. Jude, so I think this auction will be a great success.”

Celebrities Go To The Dogs Over Auction

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:41:16 +0000

Looking for something a little different to give the special pet in your life? Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron may be able to help, as they are some of the stars donating items for the upcoming “Celebrity Collars For Dollars” auction, starting June 23rd.

The event aims to raise funds for Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing dogs that are permanently chained and mistreated.

Bidders will have the chance to buy pre-used dog collars belonging to the canine friends of celebrities such as Robin Williams, who has donated three collars from his pets Gabby and MabelMae, three autographed photos, three signed DVDs, and an autographed Dogs Deserve Better calendar.

Oprah Tops Celebrity Philanthropy A-List

Sat, 12 May 2007 08:24:00 +0000

A list of the 30 largest public donations made by celebrities in the past year puts Oprah in the top spot.

The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and advises on celebrity philanthropy, compiles its list each year. President Marc Pollick said, “Encouragement-by-example is the main reason for the Giving Back 30 list.”

Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah’s Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy.