Look To The Stars News: Tracey Emin

Stars Write Letters To Themselves For Charity Book

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

If you were to write a letter to your 16-year-old self, what would it say?

In the new book Dear Me, some of the world’s best loved personalities have written just such a letter. Their letters range from the compassionate, to the shocking via hilarity and heartbreak – but they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique glimpse at the teenager who grew up to be a house-hold name.

£1 from each copy sold will be given to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“We’ve all written a letter to our sixteen-year-old selves collected together in the fabulous new book, DEAR ME: A LETTER TO MY SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD SELF,” said Sir Elton John. "It’s a wonderful, uplifting and poignant journey through the lives of some of the country’s best-loved personalities and would make a great gift for all your friends and family this Christmas.

“Your purchase will also directly benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which works throughout the world to provide support to those affected with HIV and AIDS.

“DEAR ME made me laugh, cry and reminisce to when I was 16 – so I went and wrote a letter too. It starts ‘Dear Reg’ and ends ‘CHANGE YOUR NAME!’ I hope you enjoy it!”

Some of the stars featured in the book include Annie Lennox, Burt Bacharach, Alan Carr, Rosanne Cash, Julian Clary, Jackie Collins, Jenny Éclair, Tracey Emin, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jane Fonda, Mark Foster, Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, Debbie Harry, Peter Kay, Patsy Kensit, Lynda La Plante, Baz Luhrmann, Joanna Lumley, James Nesbitt, Yoko Ono, Jonathan Ross, Emma Thompson, Desmond Tutu, Suzanne Vega, Alfre Woodard, and Sir Elton John.

Dear Me is the perfect gift for anyone, mum, dad, cousin, aunt, nephew or perhaps someone who is turning 16.

To buy a copy, click here.

Annie Lennox Joins Art For Africa Charity Auction

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Annie Lennox, Tracey Emin and David Bowie are just some of the artists who have donated works for a new auction that aims to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.

The Africa Foundation is developing the Art for Africa auction, to be held at Sotheby’s on Monday 21 September 2009. For the first time, this auction brings together work from the leading contemporary artists from South Africa and the United Kingdom, in a collaboration to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa. The auction will be preceded by an exhibition of the work at Sotheby’s in London from 16 – 21 September.

In 2001 Beezy Bailey, a South Africa artist, was motivated by the growing number of children orphaned by the AIDS “tsunami” in Southern Africa to put together an Art for AIDS Orphans Auction to support charities that provide foster parenting to the growing number of AIDS orphans. 80 South African artists opened their hearts contributing to what was the biggest contemporary art auction in South Africa, hosted by Stephan Welz and Sotheby’s. This was followed in 2004 by a second auction at Sotheby’s in Johannesburg. These two auctions combined, raised R2.6 million [£200 000].

As these funds were distributed and invested in the care and well-being of literally hundreds of AIDS Orphans, rather than abandon the children he and so many others have worked so hard to support, Beezy approached his friends, Tara and Jessica Getty, Trustees of Africa Foundation, and asked for their help to bring the concept to London, and to a broader and more international audience.

Through their work with Africa Foundation (a registered charity in United Kingdom), Tara and Jessica were motivated to join forces with Beezy, and Art for Africa was born.

Art for Africa carefully identified and approached leading contemporary artists in the UK and South Africa and asked them to contribute a piece of their work – and in some cases a work created especially for the occasion – for sale, by auction, to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children supported by Africa Foundation and joint beneficiary, Ikamva Labantu. The contributing artists showcase both long-established contemporary artists as well as a new generation of award-winning, rising stars.

To find out more about the auction, click here.

Tracey Emin Donates Naked Kate Moss Drawing To Charity Raffle

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Artist Tracey Emin has donated a limited edition drawing of a naked Kate Moss to a new charity raffle.

The charity raffle has been set up to raise money for Mothers4Children, a charity dedicated to harnessing the compassion of women to create a powerful and enduring platform for change. Established by model and actress Lisa B, the foundation has trustees such as Yasmin Le Bon, Trinny Woodall, Anya Hindmarch and Natalie Massenet, and raises money for charities such as Kids Company and the Foundation for the Relief of Disabled Orphans.

Tickets to the UK-based raffle – which also includes lots such as a dinner party catered by Tom Aikens and much more – cost as little as £1. The raffle can be accessed here.

British Stars Sing For Palestinian Refugee Children

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Dozens of British celebrities were out in force at the Cafe de Paris in London last night for the annual Hoping’s Got Talent charity karaoke event.

Judged by Kate Moss and X Factor’s Louis Walsh, the event raised money for the Hoping Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to showing Palestinian refugee children that their struggle to transform their lives is encouraged and supported by people in Britain and throughout the rest of the world.

The evening attracted a plethora of British entertainers, including Lily Allen, Guy Ritchie, David Walliams, Jeremy Clarkson, Sienna Miller, Jemima Khan, Will Young, Tracey Emin, Shane MacGowan and socialite Kimberly Stewart. Lost’s Matthew Fox also made an appearance.

Last year’s event raised £319,000 for the charity, and featured Gwyneth Paltrow singing “Killing Me Softly”. 2007’s event featured Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Bryan Adams.

The Hoping Foundation provides grants to community projects working with children in Palestinian refugee camps

Harry Potter Stars Attend Art Against Knives Auction

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton were some of the stars to attend the Art Against Knives charity auction in London last night, May 6.

The event was held to support 21-year-old Oliver Hemsley, a promising fashion designer who was about to start a fashion print degree at Central St Martin’s School of Art when he was stabbed eight times in an unprovoked attack in August last year. His injuries – which include a partially severed spinal cord – mean he will need constant medical attention for the rest of his life.

Art Against Knives was launched by a close friend of Oliver’s, Katy Dawe, to raise the money for the care he needs. She also coordinated the art auction that took place in London last night, which featured works by Tracey Emin, Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon.

“It’s so sad and appalling what happened to Oliver,” said Emin. “A young designer with his whole life ahead of him stabbed in the spine and for what? Absolutely nothing.”

Will Young also attended the event.

Fashion For Relief A Huge Success

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Supermodel Naomi Campbell took to the runway on Wednesday for her 2008 Fashion For Relief charity catwalk show benefiting the White Ribbon Alliance.

Celebrity models who graced the catwalk included Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, model Erin O’Connor, artist Tracey Emin, rock daughters Kimberley Stewart and Lizzie Jagger, the Sugababes, Cilla Black, and Olympic gold medalists Rebecca Adlington and Sarah Ayton.

The show – which took place at London’s Natural History Museum – was opened by the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sarah, and was watched by a star-studded audience that included Mischa Barton.

“This is what the fashion world is doing to give back,” said Campbell. “I won’t ask people to do anything unless I think it’s really important. I only ask when I think it’s something they will be passionate about. All these people here tonight feel the same way.”

The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is 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.

“I do lot of work with Save the Children, and today I was doing press with them and they told me this charity is affiliated with theirs,” said Barton. “I learned up on it, and Naomi is doing a good thing with it. She has always been very friendly and caring to me. She’s really sweet.”

Sir Elton John's White Tie And Tiara Party Hits The Beach

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Once a year Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish throw open the doors of their exquisite Berkshire home to a sparkling array of celebrities for their annual White Tie and Tiara Ball, and last night was no different as a staggering number of stars filed into the singer’s house for this year’s much-looked-forward-to event.

More than 600 guests turned up to the beach-themed party, each paying around US$6,000 for the dinner, auction, and concert. This year’s performance came from Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, and attendees included Bill Clinton, Elle Macpherson, Denzel Washington, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael Caine, Simon Cowell, Rod Stewart, Mischa Barton, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Gordon Ramsay, Tracey Emin, Roger Federer, Natalie Imbruglia, Kelly Osbourne, and Jemima Khan.

Sir Elton decorated his lavish garden with palm trees and sand for the party, which raised money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Last year’s event raised over $12 million for the cause, and the White Tie and Tiara Balls have made over $50 million since 1998.

Orlando And Bono Attend Gorbachev Gala

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:36:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev hosted a glittering charity gala at Hampton Court on Saturday night that saw a stunning array of celebrities show up to support the fight against cancer in children.

Kate Beckinsale, Orlando Bloom, Tracey Emin, Petra Nemcova, Kevin Spacey and Joan Collins were just some of the stars that turned out for the dinner, auction and dance to raise money for the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation – a charity established by Mr Gorbachev following the death of his wife in 1999.

A three course dinner was followed by an impressive selection of items up for auction, including a private night at Annabel’s nightclub in Mayfair for 160 people, clothes from designer Giles Deacon, a new Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and a private high-speed drive with British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

This was followed by a moving speech made by Hugh Grant, whose mother died from cancer in 2001, and a special performance from Bono.

“We are delighted Hugh is so involved this year,” said one of the organizers. “He is a very important part of the charity. For him to stand up and talk about his late mother is very special. It’s a night where people really do go to incredible lengths to raise money for an amazingly worthwhile charity.”

Last year’s Gala was also an exciting event.

Celebrities Raid The ARK In Charity Auction

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A role in the next film made by Uma Thurman, a Damien Hirst painting, a Fiat 500 decorated by the artist Tracey Emin, and a private jet tour of the Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem wineries were all up for auction on Wednesday night to raise money for ARK.

The event was the annual ARK Charity Dinner, and was held at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. A host of celebrities attended the function, including Sarah Ferguson, Jemima Khan, Elizabeth Hurley, and Simon Cowell, each paying up to $98,000 for a table of 10.

The 1,000 attendees were entertained by a special performance by Stevie Wonder and a speech from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Over £25.5 million ($50.23 million) was raised this year, coming close to meeting the success of last year’s £26.6 million ($53 million) event. A downwards trend is currently being seen across the board – the Robin Hood Foundation in New York raised $56.5 million for charity in an evening last week, $15 million less than a year earlier.

ARK, or Absolute Return for Kids, is an international charity whose purpose is to transform children’s lives. Founded in 2002 by a group of senior figures in the alternative investment industry, the organization works to pool the skills and resources of the industry to improve the life chances of children.

Butterflies Benefit British Wildlife

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:56:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Over 120 British celebrities have put their artistic skills to the test for an online auction, and a dazzling collection of their original drawings and paintings will help raise money to save wildlife.

The artworks, which all feature a colorful array of butterflies and moths, are currently being auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Dorset Wildlife Trust, one of 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the UK, dedicated to the conservation of Britain’s unique wildlife. Famous names such as Daniel Craig, Ricky Gervais, and member of the newly reformed Spice Girls, Melanie C, are just some of those who have donated artworks to the auction, which started on September 16 and will run for several months.

“We have had a fantastic and generous response from all our celebrity artists,” said auction organizer, Les Bunce. “And sponsorship of our costs means that all the money raised will go straight to help wildlife in Dorset.”

The auction follows a similar auction held five years ago, in which celebrities such as Sean Bean, Joely Richardson, and Sir Paul McCartney painted their favourite orchids for the Trust. The event raised over $60,000, and the proceeds were used to monitor and improve wildlife habitats, plant trees, clean up roadsides, and raise public motivation to support conservation issues.

The items at this year’s event will be sold a few at a time, and each drawing will be available online for a week. As items are sold, new ones will be added. The event will culminate on December 13, with works donated by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst being auctioned at a Grand Finale at Christie’s Auction House in London.

Other celebrities involved with the event include cricketer Ian Botham, singer Katie Melua, and actor Tony Robinson. A full list of contributors can be seen at www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk, and the auction can be viewed at www.myworld.ebay.co.uk/dorsetwildlifetrust/.

Stars Sparkle for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A charity party organised by Sir Elton John has raised $12.2 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and was a night to remember for all those involved.

Kate Winslet, Dame Judi Dench, and Elle Macpherson were among the 500 guests who dusted off their best clothes for the 9th annual White Tie and Tiara charity ball and auction, held on June 28 at Sir Elton’s home in Berkshire.

The theme of the night was “Las Vegas”, and the evening sparkled and shone as the celebrity party-goers wore their most stylish dresses and suits for the $6000/ticket event. Sir Elton’s house, “Woodside”, was lavishly decorated with a pink stretch cadillac, giant props from his “Red Piano” shows at Caesar’s Palace, and seven Elvis impersonators serenaded the crowd as they enjoyed a feast of “Las Vegas proportions”: truffle soufflé, followed by filet mignon with Maine lobster tail, and a giant knickerbocker glory for desert.

The dinner was followed by a special auction, in which guests bid on items such as a four day tennis lesson with Roger Federer (sold for $650,000), and an Audi R8 sportscar (snapped up for $800,000).

The most sought-after items for sale on the night included an artwork by party guest Tracey Emin, a trip to South Africa with Sir Elton and his partner, and a brand new Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe (which is said to be so elite that it has a waiting list that lasts until 2009). All of these items were sold for over $1.6 million each.

After the auction, guests such as Sir Michael Caine, Kirsten Dunst, and Stephen Fry – who wore a white tie AND tiara – were treated to the concert event of a lifetime. Backed by a 25 piece orchestra, Elton John joined Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones on stage to duet on songs such as “Hey Big Spender” and “Delilah”.

During the event, Sir Elton said that over the last 15 years the Elton John Aids Foundation has raised over $125 million. Much of this money has been used to raise awareness and aid for those affected by the disease in 55 countries.

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: Tracey Emin

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