Look To The Stars News: David Geffen

Elton John To Host Annual Oscar Viewing Party For Charity

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will celebrate its 20th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26 at the newly re-designed West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish will host the gala event sponsored by Chopard, Neuro and Wells Fargo. This year celebrity chef Cat Cora will prepare a special menu to be served to guests seated to watch a live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards. Following dinner, Grammy nominated Foster the People will take the stage to perform.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party is the most highly visible and successful fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Over the past 20 years, this annual event has raised millions of dollars thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s supporters. The money raised is used to increase EJAF’s investments in its grant-making initiatives, which support HIV prevention and treatment programs, stigma reduction efforts, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially marginalized populations with special needs.

Natalie Portman Joins Celebrities In Supporting Freedom To Marry

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are the latest stars to sign a letter urging Barack Obama to consider the marriage rights of same-sex couples.

The I Do letter has gained the support of 100,000 people, including Lance Bass, Dustin Lance Black, Ellen and Portia DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, David Geffen, Anne Hathaway, Cyndi Lauper, Jane Lynch, Eric McCormack, LeAnn Rimes, Martin Sheen, Lily Tomlin and Rufus Wainwright.

“Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are in love, and believe all loving couples should be able to share in the freedom to marry without discrimination,” says Evan Wolfson, president of campaign group Freedom to Marry, "That is why they are joining the more than 100,000 people on Freedom to Marry’s Say, “I Do” Open Letter calling on the president to do the right think and become part of America’s majority for marriage."

Celebrities Pen Letter To President Obama For Gay Rights

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

A number of stars have added their names to a letter to Barack Obama urging him to end discrimination of same-sex marriages.

Anne Hathaway, Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch, David Geffen, Eric McCormack, Martin Sheen, Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and many others have signed the letter.

“In law, in love, in life, marriage says ‘we are family’ in a way that nothing else does,” reads the letter. “Marriage is the coming together of two lives, marked by a public promise of love and responsibility in front of friends and family. And marriage brings not only public respect and personal significance, but also a safety net of legal protections, rights, and responsibilities for which there is no substitute.”

Elton John To Perform Private Charity Concert Tonight

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

Legendary singer Elton John will perform at an intimate concert in Beverly Hills tonight, January 19, in support of the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

A host of celebrities will be there to enjoy the show, including co-chairs David Geffen, Yeardly Smith and Michele & Rob Reiner.

Also set to attend are evening are Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams and Barbra Streisand.

Christina Aguilera To Perform At Museum Fundraiser

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:30:00 +0000

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is proud to announce that Grammy Award-winning artist Christina Aguilera will bring her vocal artistry to the opening gala fundraiser for the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion. The event, to be held Saturday, September 25, 2010, will benefit LACMA’s special exhibitions and programming.

“As a member of the Los Angeles arts community, I am honored to celebrate the opening of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Pavilion at LACMA,” said Aguilera. “The building is a physical testament to the Resnicks’ dedication to helping the arts thrive.”

George Clooney Presents Jerry Weintraub Humanitarian Award

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

On December 10, the UNICEF Ball brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a fundraising gala to honor those individuals who have made key contributions to UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives worldwide. The evening raised more money for the organization than any UNICEF Ball to date.

Producer and long-time philanthropist Jerry Weintraub was honored as Man of the Year with UNICEF’s Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. The special black-tie evening took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.

Slash Says No To Proposition 8

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Former Guns ‘N’ Roses guitarist Slash has joined the fight against Proposition 8.

The musician has filmed a new video with his wife – Mrs Slash, AKA Perla Hudson – in which they urge people to protest against the decision that will ban same-sex marriages in California.

In the video, Slash plays the Star Spangled Banner on his guitar while Hudson says, “I married my sweetheart, you should be able to marry yours too. Say no to hate and yes to equal rights. Keep up the fight.”

Drew Barrymore Says No To Propostion 8

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Drew Barrymore joined thousands of protestors in West Hollywood over the weekend to march against Proposition 8, the controversial initiative to ban same-sex marriage in California.

“Thank you for allowing us be a part of this,” the 33-year said to protestors through a megaphone. “So many people that I love are being affected by this, people who have defined who I am. This cannot happen. We have to change this. This is so wrong. With all my heart, I could not feel more passionate about this.”

The actress is not alone in her opposition to Prop 8, with donations being made by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), TR Knight ($50,000) David Geffen ($50,000), and Peter Wentz, and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ellen DeGeneres, and Fall Out Boy.

Ellen DeGeneres Records Anti-Prop 8 PSA

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Ellen DeGeneres has produced a Public Service Announcement in opposition to Proposition 8, the initiative that seeks to ban same-sex marriages in California.

“I did something this year I thought I’d never get to do – I got married,” said the talk show host, who wedded Portia De Rossi in September. “It was the happiest day of my life… I believe in fairness, I believe in compassion, I believe in equality for all people – Proposition 8 does not. Please, please vote No on Prop 8.”

The PSA follows a blog posted on her website earlier this month, in which she openly blasted the bill, and her appearance at a high profile “Say Yes To Prop 2” party.

Grey's Anatomy Star Says No To Proposition 8

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Grey’s Anatomy actor TR Knight is the latest star to step up against Proposition 8 in California.

The 35-year-old has donated $50,000 towards the campaign to defeat the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California. His support of the issue follows recent donations to the cause by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), David Geffen ($50,000), Peter Wentz, and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ellen DeGeneres, and Fall Out Boy.

Knight’s donation comes in response to Ohio entrepreneur Jonathan Lewis’ challenge to the entertainment industry for LA’s actors to raise $500,000 against Prop. 8. Lewis and his family has pledged to match the contributions dollar for dollar. The issue goes to the polls on November 4, and according to a new survey carried out by CBS in San Francisco this week, 47% are going to vote for the ban with 42% likely to vote against.

Ellen DeGeneres Says No To Proposition 8

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Ellen DeGeneres has joined the fight against Proposition 8.

“There’s a California Proposition on the ballot that’s a little confusing,” said the talk show host on her Blog. "It’s Proposition 8. It’s called, ‘The California Marriage Protection Act’ – but don’t let the name fool you. It’s not protecting anyone’s marriage. Not yours. Not mine. The wording of Prop 8 is tricky. It’s like if someone asked you, ‘You don’t want dessert, right?’ But you do want dessert so you say, ‘Yes,’ which really means you don’t want dessert. And if you say, ‘No,’ which means you do want dessert – it sounds like you don’t. Either way, you don’t get what you want. See – confusing. Just like Prop. 8.

“So, in case I haven’t made myself clear, I’m FOR gay marriage. And in order to protect that right – please VOTE NO on Proposition 8. And now that you’re informed, spread the word. I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts – I love my new toaster.”

Brad Pitt Says No To Proposition 8

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 to the campaign to defeat Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California.

The donation is the largest so far in the fight against Prop 8, and follows David Geffen’s recent contribution of $50,000 towards the fight against the Bill. Other opponents include Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger. If passed, Proposition 8 would amend the California Constitution with a new section that would read “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

“Because no one has the right to deny another their life even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn’t harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8,” Pitt said in a statement.

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.

Jon Stewart to Appear With L.A. Mayor to Benefit Geffen Playhouse

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 18:03:28 +0000

Famed Daily Show host Jon Stewart and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will perform at L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse on November 17 for a performance to benefit the theater itself.

“Anything goes,” the theater’s producing director, Gilbert Cates, told the Los Angeles Times. Stewart and Villaraigosa are set to share the stage for the entirety of the evening, as their performance should take on the form of an extended conversation. Audience members will be invited to participate by asking the two performers questions during a special open-mic segment.

The Geffen Playhouse is raising funds to account for the more than $3 million left it has to pay on its $19 million renovating and remodeling costs. In 2002, music mogul David Geffen gave $5 million to the theater through the David Geffen Foundation.