Look To The Stars News: Geri Halliwell

British Stars Donate Dresses Fit For A Princess

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

In collaboration with the Princess Alice Hospice charity in the UK, The Bentall Centre in Kingston is hosting a star-studded fashion exhibition from 26th September 2009 until 19th October showcasing celebrity party attire in store windows, which will then be online at www.ebya.co.uk/charity from 19th October, to raise money for the Hospice.

Over forty personalities and luminaries, including; Dame Helen Mirren, Lynda Bellingham, Samantha Cameron, Beth Ditto, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Helena Bonham Carter, Geri Halliwell, Paloma Faith, Joanna Lumley, Trinny Woodhall, Fearne Cotton, Twiggy and The Saturdays have all kindly donated dresses to the Fit For a Princess event.

Unique pieces include an Alberta Ferretti sequin skirt and top which was worn at The Planet of the Apes premiere by Helena Bonham Carter, Paloma Faith’s gorgeous green silk and lace prom dress, which she wore in her latest ‘New York’ music video and a Herve Leger gown from Beverley Knight. There is a wonderful two piece worn by Joanna Lumley at a James Bond gala, which in her letter given with the dress boasts that they have been ‘shaken and stirred’ by two 007 agents – Daniel Craig and Roger Moore!

Most of the attire donated comes with provenance from the celebrity patrons i.e. signed pictures and letters, which potential new owners will gain.

Garments from these celebrities amongst other musicians, actresses and fashionistas will be displayed exclusively in The Bentall Centre for one month. Visitors to the Centre will then be able to bid for their favourite idol’s outfit through an auction on eBAY, with all proceeds coming to Princess Alice Hospice.

The auction goes live on October 19 and runs until October 29. To be sure of getting your hands on a celebrity treasure visit www.ebay.co.uk/charity and type in Fit for a Princess as your search term.

Darran Hutchings, Communication Officer at Princess Alice Hospice, said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Bentall Centre on such a large and high profile project. Not only are they dedicated to supporting local charities, they are also able to deliver highly professional and rewarding events. Together we will be able to raise money for, and raise the profile of this vital local charity”.

Princess Alice Hospice is a registered charity based in Esher, Surrey. It provides specialist end of life and palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families both at the Hospice and in their homes. The Hospice catchment area includes Surrey, South West London and Middlesex serving a population in excess of 1 million. Over £7 million is needed each year to provide these vital and much needed services, with limited NHS funding over 75% of funding must be raised through voluntary donations and fundraising.

More info about the Princess Alice Hospice can be found at www.pah.org.uk.

Geri Halliwell Launches UN Campaign In Nepal

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell launched a campaign to help women suffering from gender based violence in Nepal last week.

The Goodwill Ambassador of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, made an impassioned plea for the protection of women as she joined Nepal’s Prime Minister, Madhav Kumar Nepal, in launching a national campaign to stop violence against women.

“Violence against women and girls is not acceptable in any country; it’s not acceptable in the United Kingdom and it’s not acceptable in Nepal,” said Ms. Halliwell. “Though it’s the 21st century, mothers are still dying in childbirth and subjected to violence within the home.

“Women deserve to be empowered in all areas, in health, education, and to feel safe. It’s a proven fact; a strong healthy educated mother is the key to a healthy, prosperous country. We all benefit: we take care of them, they take care of us.”

Launching the year-long campaign that he will champion, Prime Minister Nepal declared 2010 the Nepali Year to End Gender-Based Violence. He committed to helping to end such violence and challenged Nepalis to make similar personal pledges.

The campaign is expected to engage many partners, including ministries, political parties, the police, army, the judiciary, civil society and development partners.

Ms. Halliwell took part in the launch during a three-day goodwill mission that also highlighted the problems of maternal death and injuries, such as uterine prolapse. A Nepalese woman dies of childbirth every four hours, while 1 in 10 suffer from prolapse, which is sometimes called ‘fallen womb’.

UNFPA supports Nepal in reproductive health, women’s empowerment and population and development strategies. It assists the Government in improving the quality of health services, such as emergency obstetric care, by helping to increase the availability of trained health workers and medical equipment. It also supports access to voluntary family planning, skilled attendance at birth and quick transportation to maternal health facilities, which are among the most effective means of reducing deaths and injuries during pregnancy or childbirth.

Michelle Williams To Headline Ndoro Children's Charities Event

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Fashion designers and entertainers are joining forces to raise much needed funds for children in Zimbabwe, at the inaugural Ndoro Children’s Charities fund-raising gala evening at The Dorchester, London on 17th September, 2009.

“The situation in Zimbabwe is critical. One in four children are orphans due to the Aids crisis, and with the economic crisis and political unrest, it is tragic state of affairs. We are a small charity focused on making a better life for children all over the world,” says Ronald Ndoro, Operations Manager and son of the founder Roseline Ndoro.

The gala night combines music and fashion and highlights including music from Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Nate Evans’ The Temptations, Mutya Buena and The London Community Gospel Choir. They will also be joined by Headphones & Heels, girl-team DJs.

20 British and leading designers also join together for a catwalk show and high-profile auction. Fashion leaders such as Nicole Farhi, Maria Grachvogel and Mark Jacobs are participating as well as rising stars from the British fashion industry; Charlotte Olympia, Olivia Rubin, Mac-Millan and Bordelle.

The night will be hosted by a raft of talent to include Michelle Williams, Konnie Huq, Nick Ede, Leah Charles and Bobak Kianoush, with a guestlist that at this stage includes former Spice Girls Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Geri Halliwell, as well as Erin O’Connor and many others.

Ndoro Children’s Charities was formed to help children in deprived developing countries with an initial focus on Zimbabwe. The aim of the night is to raise £100,000 which will go towards building a new orphanage home, school and clinic in Zimbabwe, 80 miles from Harare.

The charity has already raised enough money to open two homes in Harare for 16 street children or orphans to live and attend local schools. The properties are currently being re-furbished and are due to open this August.

Ndoro Children’s Charities was set up by Roseline Ndoro, who visited her home country Zimbabwe in 2005 after having been away for 10 years. She was shocked by what she saw and became quickly aware of the plight of the people, especially children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, TB and cancer. Roseline then became ill with Breast Cancer and then unexpectedly her long-term partner died. Following discussions with her family here in the UK, she decided to setup the charity which was officially launched in 2008. She has recently been joined her by son, Ronald Ndoro, who gave up his training as a lawyer to head up the charity.

More info can be found here.

The Stars Come Out For Tilly

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of stars were out in the weekend to support a young British girl who contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia as a baby and lost her hands as a result.

Last year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Tilly Lockey, who contracted a deadly form of flesh-eating meningitis for which there is no vaccination. It was every mother’s nightmare, and for four weeks Tilly fought back in intensive care. After ten blood transfusions later she was finally pronounced out of danger. Unfortunately her hands and toes were already dead, and had to be removed.

Tilly recently received her first set of prosthetic hands. According to her parents, "these need to be replaced as she grows, consultants have told us that they will need to be changed a minimum of once every year if not twice up until she is 18 years old! We received the invoice for the hands and they are costing £23,464.00 a pair. Therefore if we need to have a target of raising approx £800,000.00 to cover the costs up until Tilly is 18 years old.“

A star-studded event at Gateshead’s Hilton Hotel in the UK on September 5 saw over 100 celebrity hand prints auctioned to raise money for three-year-old Tilly. British stars such as fundraising patron Denise Welch, Duncan Bannatyne, Emmerdale’s Charlie Hardwick and Vicky Hawkins, and Waterloo Road’s Chris Greere turned out for the event, which featured hand prints from stars such as JK Rowling, Linford Christie, David Jason, Cliff Richard, David Prowse, Alan Shearer, Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, the late Wendy Richard, cast members from Coronation Street, Bill Bailey, Geri Halliwell, Katherine Jenkins, Katie Melua, Jonathan Ross, Rolf Harris, Lorraine Kelly, the late Bobby Robson and many more.

Guests to the event were treated to an amazing fun-filled night for the very special little girl. Upon entering the venue, guests were able to have their photos taken with Jaws from the James Bond films and Bond’s very own Aston Martin. After being greeted by characters from Star Wars, they were then treated to a Champagne Reception, three course dinner and performances from Paul Lytton, Michael Donoghue and Richard Fleeshman.

There was also an amazing raffle where guests had the chance to win amazing prizes such as long haul flights, cosmetic treatments and much more.

To find out more about Tilly, visit her website.

Celebrity Handprints To Be Auctioned For Tilly

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Tilly Lockey, a young girl who contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia as a baby and lost her hands as a result.

A number of stars, such as JK Rowling, Linford Christie, David Jason, Cliff Richard, David Prowse and Alan Shearer showed their support for Tilly’s cause by donating handprints and casts for a charity auction to give her new hands. Look To The Stars is now happy to announce that the 2009 Celebrity Handprint Auction will take place on September 5 at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel in the UK.

The gala evening will feature entertainment from Paul Lytton, Michael Donoghue and Richard Fleeshman, as well as a Champagne Reception and 3 course dinner.

Other handprints up for auction on the night include Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, the late Wendy Richard, cast members from Coronation Street, Bill Bailey, Geri Halliwell, Katherine Jenkins, Katie Melua, Jonathan Ross, Rolf Harris, Lorraine Kelly, Bobby Robson and many more.

To purchase tickets to the event, view the handprints, or find out more about Tilly’s cause, visit the official website.

Elton John Dedicates Song To Michael Jackson At Charity Bash

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Elton John held his 11th annual White Tie & Tiara Ball to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Thursday, June 25.

Held at his Windsor mansion, “Woodside”, the party featured entertainment by Justin Timberlake and attracted guests such as Sam Taylor Wood, Damien Hirst, Elizabeth Hurley, Kate Beckinsale, Shirley Bassey, Lily Allen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Natalie Imbruglia, David Walliams, Geri Halliwell, Lily Cole and Erin O’Connor.

The annual ball has raised over £27 million since its inception, with last week’s event raising £4 million.

Sir Elton reportedly was told about the death of Michael Jackson during the evening, and dedicated a version of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me to the singer.

Geri Halliwell Presents Childbirth Report To Government

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has launched a campaign to help provide better care for women during childbirth.

Halliwell joined Sarah Brown – wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown – at the UK’s House of Commons on Wednesday, May 6, to highlight a new parliamentary report which claims up to 20 million women suffer serious injuries during the birth process each year.

“Women are at the heart of their families, communities and countries,“ she said. “Their health and survival has a huge impact on the economy and the environment, and on peace and stability. This is not about charity – this is about humanity.”

The singer was at the event as part of the White Ribbon Alliance, an international coalition of individuals and organizations formed to promote increased public awareness of the need to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women and newborns around the world.

“When you save the life of a mother, so much survives with her,“ said Sarah Brown. "For if a health system can cope with mothers in pregnancy and childbirth, then it will be able to cope with so much else. A health system that works for mother will work also for early infant care, for vaccinations, for infection control, for blood transfusions, for emergency surgery for every member of the community.

“Today’s report gives a host of examples that show that when people have access to health care, mothers do not die or suffer injury in childbirth. It tells the story that by building for mothers you build for everyone. The world relies on women and mothers who are well and full of energy for all that they do. That is why maternal health and this report are so important.”

Stars Redesign Mickey Mouse Ears For Charity

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of British celebrities have redesigned the famous ears of Mickey Mouse for an auction to benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK.

Phil Collins, Geri Halliwell, Estelle, Daisy Lowe, John Terry, Amir Khan, Luella Bartley and Giles Deacon are just some of the names that have taken up the challenge of redesigning the iconic ears, with the auction being launched on May 5.

According to Sky News, Collins revealed he drew inspiration from his musical skills for his creation, which are in the shape of a golden drum kit with “some bald bloke playing the drums” in the middle.

The promotion is being held to celebrate the opening of Mickey’s Magical Party, a year-long celebration taking place between 4th April 2009 and March 2010 at Disneyland Paris that promises to offer guests of all ages interactive entertainment and new experiences.

Disney is helping raise £10 million towards the Great Ormond Street Hospital’s amazing redevelopment, creating a nicer space to treat more children who desperately need care. The hospital in London treats more than 100,000 patients each year – children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. They receive the best medical care that money can buy, but the government funding cannot meet these ever-rising costs.

“I had too much fun designing my Mickey ears as part of Mickey’s Magical Party!” said Estelle. “They’re individual, glamorous and have a touch of attitude… Just like me!”

The auction will run on Buy Once Give Twice – the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction site. More information about the auction can be found here.

Bid On Signed Books, Photos And Even C3P0 To Support Children With AIDS

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Celeb2nds.com – a website that specializes in celebrity charity auctions – is currently holding an amazing sale of celebrity-signed items for the Children with AIDS (CWAC) charity.

There is a huge amount of books going under the hammer at the site, including titles signed by Ted Turner, Richard Branson, Michael Parkinson, Geri Halliwell, Piers Morgan, Terry Pratchett, Chris Tarrant, Jeffrey Archer, Maeve Binchy, Bernard Cornwall, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Paul Auster and many others.

For autograph hunters who are looking for signed photos, there is a massive selection including pictures signed by Terry Wogan, Moby, Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly, Tess Daly, David Gower, Rio Ferdinand, Boris Johnson and a particularly revealing signed shot of Danielle Lloyd.

And for Star Wars fans, the auction also gives you the opportunity to pick up a C3PO toy signed by Anthony Daniels, who played the droid in all six films.

Also up for offer – and reported by Look To The Stars last month – is a rare copy of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows signed by JK Rowling.

The items were collected by Richard Barker, who was inspired by the stories of young people that had been infected and affected by HIV, and was nominated as Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser in 2008. Barker created The Make A Child Smile Appeal and has raised over ten thousand pounds for CWAC. As a Non-Executive Director of Celeb2nds he’s able to raise money for lots of worthy causes.

Children with AIDS Charity (CWAC) was set up in 1992 to help the youngest of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS maintain a good quality of life. It is a national UK charity with the aim of working towards a future without poverty or prejudice for these children and their families. Patrons include George Michael, Diana Rigg, and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.

Celeb2nds.com was set up in 2006 by Steve Howell to specifically raise much needed funds for charities using authentic celebrity memorabilia.

“Celeb2nds.com is an exciting new concept that allows users to get their hands on money can’t buy items from their celebrity idols, whilst raising money for some very worthy charities,” he said.

To view the items on auction, visit Celeb2nds.com by clicking here.

Geri Halliwell Donates To Charity Auction

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Anyone wanting to get their hands on clothes or memorabilia from the stars should head to a fashion show and auction in Walberswick, near Southwold in the UK, to benefit Comic Relief next month.

The auction will feature items such as a designer jacket owned by Jo Brand, Davina McCall’s dresses, a t-shirt signed by Twiggy, a shrug owned by former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and one of Clive Anderson’s ties. Also going under the hammer are a Bourne Ultimatum DVD signed by director Paul Greengrass and a signed copy of a Gerri Halliwell children’s book.

“There is something for everyone over this weekend from children to adults to enjoy and hopefully people will don a red nose and spend lots of money,” organizer Angie Power told the East Anglian Daily Times. “I have really done a lot of begging and asking for these items and hopefully it should be good fun and will lift people’s spirits in this recession period.“

For tickets or more information, call Angie Power on 07816575631.

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A British charity for victims of landmines has launched their annual online celebrity shoe auction.

The Mines Advisory Group has gathered footwear from over 50 celebrities for the auction, which will raise vital funds for their projects and draw attention to the part of the body most vulnerable to landmines.

The auction was launched by model Kelly Knox, the glamorous winner of BBC 3’s best disabled model competition, at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in London.

“We are extremely honored to have Kelly launch our shoe auction this year,” said MAG’s Chief Executive Lou McGrath OBE. “Despite being born without a left forearm, Kelly has proven disability is not a deterrent to success. She should be an inspiration to the many thousands of people who have been cruelly maimed by the thousands of landmines still threatening lives and communities worldwide.”

Celebrities who have donated their soles to the cause include Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell, Chrissie Hynde, Beverley Knight, Ian McKellen, Shirley Bassey, Russell Brand, Jarvis Cocker, Heather Mills, Joanna Lumley, Susan Sarandon, Pete Townshend, KT Tunstall, Chris Martin, Rolf Harris, and many others.

The auction ends on December 4 and can be accessed via the MAG eBay site.

British charity auction site Buy Once Give Twice also currently has some exciting opportunities for philanthropic bargain hunters.

Rays of Sunshine – a charity that grants wishes to seriously and terminally ill children in the UK – have a whole bunch of VIP tickets up for grabs on the site right now, including concert experiences with Coldplay, Madness, and the Kaiser Cheifs. There is also a Fender guitar signed by Sting up for grabs, as well as a Chelsea football shirt signed by the whole team, and the chance to hang out with Emma Thompson on the set of the new Nanny McPhee movie.

But you better be quick, this auction ends tomorrow, November 26.

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.

www.handbag.com and Cancer Research UK are asking celebrities to make space in their wardrobes by donating one of their designer handbags to the Amnesty. The bags will then be auctioned on eBay from Friday 3rd – Sunday 14th October to tie in with Breast Cancer Awareness month. Open to everyone, all proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK, the largest single funder of research into breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK.

Some of the other celebrities who have donated handbags are America Ferrera, Annie Lennox, Ashlee Simpson, Geri Halliwell, Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Scarlett Johansson.

The Handbag Amnesty, however, is not just about celebrities. www.handbag.com and Cancer Research UK are also asking members of the public to donate a handbag that is still in good condition to their local Cancer Research UK shop. Good handbags always sell like hot cakes in Cancer Research UK’s nationwide chain of charity shops.

Claire Higgins, Head of Marketing at www.handbag.com, says: “As the leading lifestyle website for women in the UK, we are in the unique position of being able to reach more than 1.5 million women across the country. 44,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK so we are very proud to be working with Cancer Research UK to help make a difference – not only by raising a lot of money to fund research into preventing breast cancer, but also by helping to raise much needed awareness of the illness.”

Paul Farthing, Director of High Value Relationships at Cancer Research UK, says: “We’re delighted to be working with www.handbag.com to launch Handbag Amnesty. The auction of celebrity handbags will be an exciting way to raise funds for our vital research into breast cancer. We also hope that by encouraging supporters to donate their own favourite handbag, and other unwanted quality items to our shops, we will be able to raise even more to help beat cancer.”

For more information and a full list of celebrities taking part, please visit www.handbag.com/amnesty

Celebs Sign Mercedes for 46664 Auction

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

There was a lot of action backstage at the 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90 last Friday night. In addition to performing and giving interviews, celebrities were asked to sign a new Mercedes-Benz C350. Mercedes-Benz, a lead sponsor of the Mandela concert, then presented the vehicle to 46664, which will put it on the auction block.

Celebrities whose autographs now decorate the car include Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Queen and Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, the Sugababes, Razorlight, Jamelia, Zuccero, Geri Halliwell, Eddy Grant, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Quincy Jones, and Lewis Hamilton.

Earlier in the day, tennis legend and Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Boris Becker – who is also a representative of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – took the vehicle to visit socially disadvantaged children in London. The children decorated the sedan with multi-colored handprints; they were also invited to attend the concert later that evening.

“It is a great honor for us to be able to support a public figure like Nelson Mandela who has influenced entire generations and has inspired people,” said Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “In recognition of Mandela as a symbolic figure for the next generation, and in appreciation of his efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, children have decorated a new Mercedes-Benz C 350 with their handprints.”

Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Party Rocks London

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Hyde Park was transformed into a giant birthday bash Friday night as 46,664 people joined “birthday boy” Nelson Mandela and a stellar lineup of entertainers to raise funds and awareness for his 46664 charity.

It had been raining on and off all day in London, but the skies cleared just in time for the once-in-a-lifetime lineup of musicians and entertainers to take the stage in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday. The event was hosted by an enthusiastic Will Smith, and performers included Jivan Gasparyan, Razorlight, the cast of Into the ’Hoods, Sipho Mibuze, Leona Lewis, Zucchero, Suzanna Owiyo and D’Gary, Sugababes, Annie Lennox (who performed with the Agape Children’s Choir), Emmanual Jal, Vusi Mahlasela, Jamelia, Loyiso, Johnny Clegg, Joan Baez, Eddy Grant, Kurt Darren, Simple Minds, Brian May and Andrea Corr, Amy Winehouse, 9ice and Bebe Cool, Josh Groban, Amaral, and Queen and Paul Rodgers. The renowned Soweto Gospel Choir accompanied many of the acts. Additional entertainers who introduced the musical acts included Quincy Jones, Lewis Hamilton, Geri Halliwell, Peter Gabriel, Stephen Fry, and Jerry Dammers.

After Jivan Gasparyan opened the show with an instrumental piece to accompany a moving series of photographs of Mandela, Will Smith took to the stage with his wife Jada and announced, “The party starts now.” An energizing performance by Razorlight set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Quincy Jones introduced crowd favorite Leona Lewis, who sang her two top hits “Better in Time” and “Bleeding Love.” Lewis wished Mandela a happy birthday and told a touching story of how she and her family used to sing songs about him when she was young.

Other birthday wishes came via a film of various celebrities who were unable to attend, including David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Crow, Morgan Freeman, and Susan Sarandon.

Smith returned to the stage throughout the show, revving the crowd with a surprise performance of his song “Switch,” which included rap verses from his hit television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Annie Lennox, a passionate HIV/AIDS activist and staunch supporter of Mandela’s charities, made a moving speech about a young girl she had met in Africa who was gravely ill with AIDS but was able to make a miraculous recovery thanks to proper treatment and care. Before and after images of the girl were shown on the large screens behind Lennox, who then performed a song with the Agape Children’s Choir. The crowd sang along as the lyrics “We are together… We are family” flashed across the screens.

Peter Gabriel introduced Emmanual Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan who sang a song dedicated to the British aid worker who rescued him and 150 other children. Gerri Halliwell introduced trailblazing South African music legend Johnny Clegg, who performed a duet with Joan Baez.

Immediately following this performance was the highlight of the night. Will and Jada Smith introduced the “birthday boy” himself, and Nelson Mandela was escorted onto the stage to thunderous cheers and applause. The concert performers gathered on stage and, together with the nearly 50,000 people in attendance, sang “Happy Birthday.”

Mandela waved to the crowd and made a brief, moving speech. “We say tonight after nearly 90 years of life, it’s time for new hands to lift the burdens,” he said. “It’s in your hands now, I thank you.”

Eddy Grant and Kurt Darren followed up Mandela’s appearance with “Give Me Hope Johanna,” a song Grant wrote during South Africa’s apartheid regime. Simple Minds performed, having also performed at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1988; and celebrated English humorist Stephen Fry introduced Brian May and Andrea Corr. The most highly anticipated performance of the evening came next, as a recently hospitalized Amy Winehouse teetered onto the stage in platform heels to perform her hit songs “Rehab” and “Valerie.”

After a politically-fueled performance by Nigerian artist 9ice and Ugandan musician Bebe Cool – who appeared on stage in bright orange prison jumpsuits emblazoned with "46664” – Josh Groban sang with Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Spanish artists Amaral performed an acoustic number, and then Mandela and the audience were treated to a video of U2’s Bono and The Edge singing Stevie Wonder’s peppy rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The penultimate act was Queen and Paul Rodgers, who performed a fan-friendly medley of Queen’s greatest hits, including “The Show Must Go On,” “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions.” The crowd sang and clapped along thunderously.

The concert’s finale featured anti-apartheid campaigner and musician Jerry Dammers, who organized the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. Dammers and Winehouse led the entire line-up of performers and the crowd in singing Dammers’ anthem “Free Nelson Mandela.” Formerly sung in protest against Mandela’s imprisonment, the song took on a celebratory tone and was a fitting end to an historic event.

All proceeds from the concert will go to 46664, the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s campaign for global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

To send birthday wishes to Nelson Mandela – who turns 90 on 18 July – visit www.happybirthdaymandela.com. Proceeds from this birthday card campaign go to Nelson Mandela’s charities.

Depp and Halliwell Help Teenage Coma Patients

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:07:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Hollywood hero Johnny Depp and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell have brought hope and joy to the families of two teenage girls in comas.

Earlier this month, Halliwell visited Jessica Knight, a 14-year-old girl who was attacked and left for dead while walking in a park near her home. Jessica suffered a stroke while fighting for her life on the surgeon’s table, and had been in a coma for six days when Halliwell paid the family a surprise visit.

“Geri sang a couple of lines of one of their songs and Jessica started moving her arms and legs,” said Jessica’s mother, Jill Walmsley.

“It was amazing. We were all in fits of giggles because we were so relieved and it was just so funny seeing her legs move to Geri’s singing. The next day, she opened her eyes for the first time.”

Jessica had planned to attend the Spice Girls concert in Manchester, but the stabbing occurred two days before the show. A family member got in touch with the band, prompting Geri to try to help.

The family of Johnny Depp fan Sophie Wilkinson is hoping for a similar result with their 17-year-old daughter. The teenager has been in a coma since an accident five months ago, when a truck collided with the car she was in.

Sophie’s father, Andrew, wrote to the Pirates of the Caribbean star, asking for help.

“We are looking for the key to wake her up, so we wrote to Johnny and he said he would do the recording in the voice of Jack Sparrow,” he said.

Depp was so moved by Mr. Wilkinson’s letter that he recorded the message, and said that he would also try to visit her in the hospital.

“After the accident, we were told she wouldn’t make it through the night, but she has fought on and we know she is still in there,” says Andrew.

“Only this week, Sophie moved her right leg which she has never done before. When we got home, my wife and I were jumping for joy.”

Celebrities Clean Out Their Closets For Charity

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:09:39 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Is your closet looking a little empty? Or maybe a little boring? Have the moths eaten holes in your favorite frock? Well, never fear, help is here – in the form of a couple of celebrity auctions for great causes.

March will see the opening of Katherine Heigl’s new film 27 Dresses, and to mark the occasion, 20th Century Fox is auctioning 27 celebrity dresses on eBay. Fabulous frocks from Heidi Klum, Thandie Newton, Mariah Carey, Geri Halliwell, Naomi Campbell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Alesha Dixon will be up for sale in the special event, with all proceeds going to the Lavender Trust, an initiative of the UK charity Breast Cancer Care to raise money for young breast cancer sufferers.

The auction also features a stunning white John Galliano dress worn by Kylie Minogue to Cannes 2007, and a full length silver halter top belonging to her sister, Danni Minogue. The auction starts on eBay at 7pm on March 4, and a different dress will be auctioned every day.

If accessories are more your thing, then an exciting auction being held in Britain may be of interest. The Grace House North East Children’s Appeal Celebrity Bag Auction features a range of bags donated by some of England’s top stars, including members of Girls Aloud, as well as Dame Judi Dench, Twiggy, Sarah Ferguson, celebrity chef Ainsley Hariott, and newsreader Kirsty Young.

The event, to be held at the Apartment Bar in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on March 6, is sponsored by Makoosh, an online jewelry store, and will raise money to build the region’s first hospice for terminally ill children. The auction follows a similar event held last year, which raised $19,500, and featured items donated by Annie Lennox and Graham Norton.

“It is fabulous to see so many household names come out in force to support Grace House by donating their favourite handbags and manbags to be auctioned,” said Grace House Fundraising Assistant Sumera Bashir. “I would like to thank them all for making this event possible.”

More information about the auction can be found at www.gracehouse.co.uk.

Children in Need

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:27:27 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The stars have lined up for the 2007 Children in Need Appeal, the BBC’s annual TV charity event. Airing tonight on BBC One, the evening of special programming will be hosted by Terry Wogan, and will feature special live performances by the Spice Girls in LA, Kylie Minogue, Westlife, Annie Lennox, David Gray and Sugababes.

The Spice Girls are also helping out by donating funds from their new single “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)”. [Amazon: CD, MP3]

Irish boy band Boyzone have reformed for the event; the band split seven years ago when lead singer Ronan Keating went solo.

Last year’s appeal brought in £33 million ($66 million) for the charity, which strives to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

As we are reporting in other news today, Children in Need is also one of the beneficiaries of a new fundraising book of celebrity handprints.

Mandela Hopes Spice Girls Will Reunite For Charity Birthday Party

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:36:56 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

British newspaper The Mirror reported that Nelson Mandela is keen to reunite the Spice Girls for a charity party on July 28 to celebrate his 89th birthday.

A source was quoted as saying, “It would make Nelson’s day if the girls performed,” and confirmed that individual invitations have been sent to the former band members Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Melanie C and Melanie Brown.

Since his retirement from the South African presidency in 1999, Mandela has devoted his remaining years to peace and charity work through his Nelson Mandela Foundation, and his birthday has even been trademarked for charity.

His birthday celebrations have been accompanied in recent years by the peace-oriented Nelson Mandela Lectures, which have featured such guest speakers as Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai. In 2003, Mandela gave an hour-long address to a young audience of 2 billion on international music channel MTV concerning HIV/AIDS, the struggle for democracy, and reconciliation.

Other music celebrities invited to this year’s celebrations include Queen guitarist Brian May, Annie Lennox and Peter Gabriel.

In related news, $27,000 was raised this week in a charity auction for the chance to have tea with Mandela.

Tracey and Joan Clean House

Sun, 13 May 2007 12:15:00 -0000

Written by Chris Tarttelin

Falling behind with your housework? Do you need a cleaner? One bidder at the charity auction at Christies bid £13,000 (approx $25,500 US) to have Tracey Emin and Joan Rivers come and do some ‘light cleaning’.

The annual Lighthouse Gala Auction raised over £320,000 for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). THT is the leading HIV / AIDS and sexual health charity in the UK. It was one of the first charities to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDS ever since.

Tracey Emin auctioned a neon sign which says ‘Keep Me Safe’, bought by George Michael’s partner Kenny Goss for £50,000, and a second bespoke neon sold to an anonymous bidder for a further £60,000. Other auctions included having your dog walked by Geri Halliwell, which raised £5,500, and a tour round the set of Coronation Street with Antony Cotton, raising a further £5,000.

Over the last 10 years, the annual Lighthouse Gala auction has seen some fabulous and unique lots and provided outrageous entertainment for the attendees. To date it has raised nearly £2 million towards services for people living with, and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Look To The Stars News: Geri Halliwell

British Stars Donate Dresses Fit For A Princess

Related past articles

Geri Halliwell Launches UN Campaign In Nepal

Related past articles

Michelle Williams To Headline Ndoro Children's Charities Event

Related past articles

The Stars Come Out For Tilly

Related past articles

Celebrity Handprints To Be Auctioned For Tilly

Related past articles

Elton John Dedicates Song To Michael Jackson At Charity Bash

Related past articles

Geri Halliwell Presents Childbirth Report To Government

Related past articles

Stars Redesign Mickey Mouse Ears For Charity

Related past articles

Bid On Signed Books, Photos And Even C3P0 To Support Children With AIDS

Related past articles

Geri Halliwell Donates To Charity Auction

Related past articles

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

Related past articles

Handbag.com Launches Handbag Amnesty

Related past articles

Celebs Sign Mercedes for 46664 Auction

Related past articles

Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Party Rocks London

Related past articles

Depp and Halliwell Help Teenage Coma Patients

Related past articles

Celebrities Clean Out Their Closets For Charity

Related past articles

Children in Need

Related past articles

Mandela Hopes Spice Girls Will Reunite For Charity Birthday Party

Related past articles

Tracey and Joan Clean House

Related past articles