Look To The Stars News: Desmond Tutu

Salman Rushdie And Michael Stipe To Host Charity Book Fair

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

March 21 will see The Lunchbox Fund hold its annual Book Fair and auction – hosted by Salman Rushdie and Michael Stipe – at the Piedmonte Room, Del Posto.

As well as the chance to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the most beautiful gathering of books to behold, the event will give you the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind handmade books created in collaboration with Ruth Lingen by Salman, Stipe, Sting, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mario Batali, Ben Kingsley, Yoko Ono, Tony Bennett, Shepard Fairey, Deepak Chopra and many more.

An online auction will also take place, which starts on March 20 and can be accessed here.

Alfre Woodard To Attend Desmond Tutu Book Event

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Alfre Woodard, Deborah Santana, Sharon Gelman, Kitsaun King, Marlene Saritzky and noted guests will attend an afternoon of food, drink, enjoyment and a special program on October 30, where Artists for a New South Africa pays tribute from afar to Desmond Tutu.

The event will celebrate the publication of Tutu: Authorized, an extraordinary new book, celebrating eighty years of Archbishop Tutu’s life,

The book features interviews with President Barack Obama, Kofi Annan, Aung San Suu Kyi and ANSA supporters Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Masekela, Deborah Santana, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard and many more.

Celebrities Take Part In Seventh Annual Clinton Global Initiative

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Last week, during the seventh annual Clinton Global Initiative event, President Bill Clinton welcomed Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Prize laureate, peacebuilder, and general secretary of the National League for Democracy via satellite and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of The Elders in a first-time conversation between the two visionary leaders.

Suu Kyi spoke about her own struggles for human rights, democratic governance, and ethic reconciliation, while Archbishop Tutu discussed his recent work to end child marriage. The highlight of the conversation was the overwhelming admiration Tutu and Suu Kyi expressed for each other’s efforts to promote world peace and democracy.

“The lives and accomplishments of Aung San Suu Kyi and Archibishop Desmond Tutu are an inspiring testament to the tremendous good than can be achieved by a boundless reserve of courage, humility, and conviction,” said President Clinton. “Suu Kyi and Archibishop Tutu exemplify the positive work of CGI members – who have made 194 new commitments this year, valued at $6.2 billion that will positively impact more than 100 million people.”

New Film Rooted In Peace

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Documentary filmmaker Greg Reitman urges us in his newest film project ROOTED in PEACE to take notice and ask ourselves: How do I want to live? Along his film production journey, the film team will be coordinating tree drives with the charity One Tree At A Time to plant one million ‘trees of life’ and aligning with Frendo’s fee-free platform for giving in an effort to end the vicious cycle of war and violence and promote world peace.

This comes at a perfect time being that September 21st is International Day of Peace.

Frendo is the first-ever fee-free donation platform for donors, fundraisers and charities that eliminates all fees to charities so every penny donated ends up in the pocket of the charity and not in the pockets of credit card companies and online merchants.

Celebrities Support Troy Davis Ahead Of Execution

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:05:00 +0000

On September 21, the state of Georgia is set to execute Troy Davis in the face of overwhelming evidence that he is innocent, and a number of celebrities are lending him their support through Amnesty USA.

Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer in 1991. However, the case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state’s non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony.

Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured or coerced by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis.

Scarlett Johansson And Kristin Davis Speak Out Against Global Food Crisis

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Leading actors Scarlett Johansson and Kristin Davis, photographer Rankin, supermodel Helena Christensen and TV presenter Zoe Ball are among the stars joining Oxfam in putting out a call to fix the broken global food system, which is failing to feed nearly a billion people each day.

The international food system – which takes food from the fields to our plates – is currently leaving one in seven people going hungry every day and, according to Oxfam, the situation is getting much worse. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Angélique Kidjo and international actor Gael Garcia Bernal are also among the names joining Oxfam calling for governments and big businesses to act now and fix it, to avoid the first ever global food crisis.

Help Free The Children With Richard Branson

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

CharityBuzz.com is currently running a celebrity charity auction that will see two lucky people join Richard Branson at a special cocktail party in Miami on June 25.

According to the charity auction website: "Richard Branson is possibly the most-fascinating man of our time: entrepreneur, explorer, multi-billionaire. And every man on the street we asked in our informal public opinion poll of Branson’s image agrees — he seems a great guy, someone you’d love to have a beer with and hangout. Maybe it’s his disarming charm, likability and devilish smile. Being a committed environmentalist and philanthropist doesn’t hurt either.

“It would seem that with literally hundreds of business irons in the fire, charity and change for good might take a back seat. Not so. The list of well-organized and well-funded efforts for social good is substantial, and it’s no surprise that Branson’s entrepreneurial approach to social change means more bang for the buck, or pound as it were:

Miranda Kerr Hijacks MySpace For Earth Hour

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

With just a day to go before hundreds of millions of people around the globe come together for Earth Hour, Victoria’s Secret supermodel Miranda Kerr will bring her passion for the sustainability of our planet to Myspace as the company’s latest celebrity ‘Hijack’.

Miranda Kerr is one of the most photographed and recognizable faces worldwide. Aside from her work commitments as an international model and businesswoman, Miranda works tirelessly to use her voice and influence to make a positive difference in the world. This year, the new mother joins forces with WWF’s Earth Hour and Myspace to unite people across the globe to work together with common purpose to protect the one thing we all have in common – the planet.

Kerr was named as an ambassador for Earth Hour 2011 earlier this month.

Bill Cosby And P. Diddy To Attend Jackie Robinson Charity Awards Tonight

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The 2011 Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner will be held tonight – Monday, March 7th – at New York’s Waldorf=Astoria Hotel.

Hosted by legendary entertainer Bill Cosby for nearly three decades, the iconic event pays tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson and raises funds for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The star-studded event promises to be an unforgettable evening as the Foundation honors three philanthropists. The ROBIE Humanitarian Award will be presented to Ingrid Saunders Jones. The ROBIE Achievement in Industry Awards will be presented to Sean “Diddy” Combs and Joseph R. Perella.

Miranda Kerr Announced As Earth Hour 2011 Ambassador

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:05:00 +0000

Australian model Miranda Kerr has announced that she is a global ambassador for Earth Hour 2011.

“Each of us has a responsibility for the sustainability of our planet and each of us can make a difference if we choose to do so,” says Miranda, the wife of Orlando Bloom “I am pleased to be a global Ambassador for Earth Hour this year and I personally will be participating in Earth Hour on 26 March 2011, and will continue to adopt sustainability practices thereafter in my everyday life. Together we can make a difference.”

Earth Hour is a global annual event created by the WWF that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. Miranda joins present and previous ambassadors for Earth Hour including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, actress Cate Blanchett, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, Sir Tom Jones, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Edward Norton and many more.

Annie Lennox Urges Support For Desmond Tutu

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has come to the defense of Desmond Tutu after the Archbishop Emeritus was accused of being an anti-Semite for his views on Isreal.

Lennox is encouraging fans to sign an online petition in support of Tutu, who has been called on to resign as patron of several holocaust centers in South Africa after criticizing Israeli policy towards Palestinians.

“The fact that Desmond Tutu is being accused in this way goes way beyond any kind of sane rational,” says Annie Lennox. "The idiots who do so… reveal their own bigoted limitations. We must absolutely take a stand, and show our cohesive support for a man who has consistently exemplified compassion and tolerance under the most challenging circumstances throughout his entire life.

Jason Mraz To Headline Freedom Awards Charity Event

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Jason Mraz will headline a special celebrity charity concert event for Free The Slaves next month.

Free The Slaves works with a wide variety of people, be it Restavek children in Haiti, war children in Uganda, women and children forced into prostitution in Nepal or entire villages in debt bondage in India. Free The Slaves rescues, rehabilitates and educates victims, and also does substantial advocacy on their behalf.

The organization will hold its Freedom Awards on November 7th, awarding those who actively work to eradicate human trafficking and slavery. Previous awards have been attended by Desmond Tutu, Camilla Belle and Demi Moore.

Desmond Tutu Connects The World On CNN

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a special guest on CNN’s Connect The World program this week, and answered some questions sent in from viewers around the world.

The leader answered questions about his new bible for children, and his work to make the world a better place.

As you retire, is the world a better place? And how do you think you’ve contributed to that better place, if, indeed, it is?

Celebrities Pen Letter From Oxfam To G8 Leaders

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A group of celebrities have put their names to a letter on behalf of Oxfam addressed to the G8 leaders meeting in Canada this week.

“G8 leaders meeting in Canada this week must face the fact that collectively their countries have failed to deliver on the promises made to the world’s poorest five years ago,” wrote the stars, who include Annie Lennox, Helena Christensen, Kristin Davis, Colin Firth, Gael Garcia Bernal, Scarlett Johansson, Jim Kerr, Angélique Kidjo, Bill Nighy, Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Martha Wainwright, Desmond Tutu, classic German rockers Die Toten Hosen and many more. "Had the promised aid been delivered it would have had a dramatic effect on the lives of poor people, allowing mothers to survive childbirth, children to attend school and people of all ages greater access to medicines and healthcare.

“Where aid has increased it has made a massive difference. The number of people receiving HIV treatment, for example, has increased tenfold in recent years.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Nobel Peace Prize Winners Demand Fair Trial In Japan

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Betty Williams along with a diverse range of international celebrities have added their support for Greenpeace anti-whaling activists Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki: calling on the Japanese government to ensure that the upcoming trial of the ‘Tokyo Two’ is both fair and conducted in accordance with international human rights standards.

The new Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo has travelled to Japan to support the Greenpeace activists as they prepare for the beginning of their trial on Monday 15 February. Today he released an open letter to Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, urging him to uphold Japan’s commitment to international human rights.

“Today our voices have united with those of more than a quarter of a million people around the world, all of which are calling for justice for Greenpeace activists Junichi and Toru,” said Dr Naidoo. “It is time the Japanese government listened to these voices. The eyes of the world are on Japan and this trial.”

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela’s audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Desmond Tutu Connects The World With Your Questions

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be this week’s guest on CNN’s Connect The World program, including an interview from the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The program has given the public the chance to ask the questions they want answers to.

Using diplomacy and peaceful campaigning, Tutu has spent a lifetime striving to make the world a better place.

Throughout the 70s and 80s he was a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement in his home country South Africa. The cleric was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and became the first black head of the Anglican Church of South Africa.

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.

The Stars On Climate Change - What Do They Think?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

October 15 marks the third annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.

This year’s topic is climate change, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 13 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.

Hugh Jackman: "You can’t separate the issues of climate change and poverty. They are inextricably linked. Having been to Ethiopia and seen these farmers, seen the battle they face from what is a problem that the developed countries have brought on many of these developing countries, there is a justice, there is a gap we need to fill.

World March For Peace Starts In New Zealand

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The World March for Peace and Non-Violence kicked off in Wellington, New Zealand, today, beginning a trek that will visit 90 countries on 6 continents, ending in Argentina on January 2 of next year.

Marchers braved chilling winds in the country’s capital to start the march, which has been endorsed by world leaders and celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Viggo Mortensen, Desmond Tutu, Martin Sheen, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Carter, Lou Reed, Yoko Ono, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Bryan Adams and many more.

The 160,000-kilometre (99,419 mile) march has been organized by World Without Wars. A core group of 25 marchers will complete the entire journey, carrying with them a “nuclear abolition torch” taken from the Hiroshima Flame which was lit from embers following the 1945 nuclear explosion in Japan. The primary goals of the World March include:

Duran Duran Join All-Star Recording For Climate Awareness

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Some of the biggest selling singers and groups of all time – and even a Nobel laureate – are lending their voices to a new song to raise awareness of global warming.

British superstars Duran Duran are joining together with Germany’s The Scorpions, French ‘Piaf’ actress Marion Cotillard, Senegalese star Youssou N’dour, Sir Bob Geldof, Chinese singer Khalil Fong and South African archbishop Desmond Tutu to record the song. Entitled “Beds’r Burning”, and based on the song originally released by Australian group Midnight Oil in the 1980s, the single will be available for download from October 1.

The song is part of a campaign to raise awareness of climate change organized by the Global Humanitarian Forum, headed by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

Roving Billboards Marked Hiroshima Day

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Organizers of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence marked Hiroshima Day last week by launching roving celebrity billboards throughout midtown Manhattan.

The billboards featured the faces of many of the national presidents, Hollywood actors, musicians, Nobel Laureates and religious leaders who have endorsed the World March to demonstrate their deep concern about the unprecedented nuclear threat facing the world today. These included Penelope Cruz, Viggo Mortensen, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Lou Reed, Yoko Ono, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Bryan Adams and many more.

“It’s important to mark this day not only to remember what happened but to prevent a future nuclear catastrophe,” said World March spokesperson Chris Wells. “The situation is far more dangerous and unstable than people realize. There is a growing call for abolition, in the UN, with Obama and Medvedev, and civil initiatives like the World March for Peace and Nonviolence and Global Zero. But we need to build up massive public support to make sure it happens.”

President Obama To Award Medals Of Freedom Today

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0000

President Obama has named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities.

President Obama said, "These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way.