Look To The Stars News: Elizabeth Hurley

LTTS Exclusive - The Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball

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

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent, Richard Barker, attended the Caudwell Children Ball last weekend and filed this exclusive report.

As a photographer and a journalist, I am fortunate enough to have many unique experiences, and I’m pleased to say that on Friday night was one of the best!

Archant London hosted a Press Ball for Caudwell Children. The Butterfly Ball at the Landmark Hotel in London’s Regent Park was attended by some truly inspiring people. Archant London’s Managing Director, Enzo Testa, welcomed the guests telling them though financial conditions were tough, he was confident that by their very presence, their generosity would produce a wealth of cash for the children, and so it proved.

  Archant London publishes 29 weekly newspapers and 28 local community websites. With this sort of pulling power it’s not surprising that the auction prizes were donated by Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and a one off designer dress from Jenny Packham. The top raffle prize was a diamond encrusted Rotary watch.

  Caudwell Children, founded in 2000 by entrepreneur John Caudwell, has so far raised more then £10 million. Every penny has gone straight to the children! John picked up the tab for the administration, which is one of the reasons the charity was chosen by Enzo Testa.  

He said: "Caudwell Children helps children with terminal illnesses who need support. Every penny we raise goes directly to helping Caudwell do just that. That is why I chose this worthy cause as Archant London’s focus for our Butterfly Ball.

“  To achieve the total, a team from Archant London spent a full year organising and collecting prizes and gifts.  

Actress Lucinda Rhodes and X Factor singer Andy Abraham donated their time and provided the cabaret with popular broadcaster Mike Read hosting the evening. Other celebrities to attend included Miss England 2009 Rachel Christie, Miss Galaxy International 2010 Hayley Mac, Lynne Franks of I’m a Celebrity Get me out of Here fame and leading PR expert, Lisa Voice self made music and property millionaire and girlfriend of the late 50’s rock legend, Billy Fury, Esther McVery presenter, Karen Millen designer and performer Sonique.  

The dress donated by designer Jenny Peckham went for £1,400 and a signed Michael Jackson display containing a platinum disc went for £1,500. Mohamed Ali’s signed boxing trunks were sold for £2,100. The top prize of the night was a lithograph by legendary artist Pablo Picasso from his Sketchbook collection that eventually sold for £3,000.

I sat with Hayley Mac (Miss Galaxy 2010). She told me that it was a pleasure to be supporting such a worthy cause. She’s very passionate about her charity work. Hayley said that she was really pleased that we were raising funds for the kids. She also said that she would love to meet them. We both agreed that there wellbeing is incredibly important.

  Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, Trudi Beswick thanked Enzo Testa and Archant London for their commitment and for organising the event. She also thanked the many sponsors of the evening by highlighting some of the individual cases where the charity has brought life and fulfilled ambitions.  

Many children they help are terribly afflicted by disease and life threatening illnesses, and the charity supplies the means to achieve their ambitions and restore dignity to illness devastated young lives.  

She emphasised that every penny goes to helping them achieve ambitions such as just walking or going on a family holiday.  

She said: “I am looking forward to meeting Daniel. He is only 10 and suffers from Leukaemia. He was not given much hope of survival and indeed suffered a stroke from which he was not expected to live through. But against all the odds Daniel fought back and has survived, and in November his ambition will come true. We are taking him and his family to Disneyland in America. His life expectancy is very short, but we are pleased to help fulfil this determined young man’s wishes.”

  The battle to help these children continues and as Archant London’s chosen charity, readers can make their own donation on www.justgiving.com/archantappeal or by posting a cheque to Archant Appeal, Media House, 539 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1UD. For more details speak to Claire Evans – 020 8477 3939 claire.evans@archant.co.uk

To date Caudwell Children has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions. The Charity is committed to changing the lives of children by providing individual donations of specialist equipment, treatment and therapy as well as its annual Destination Dreams holiday for families coping with a child’s terminal illness.

Caudwell Children was registered in March 2000 and is widely recognised as one of the country’s fastest growing children’s charities. Since its inception the charity has doubled every pound raised, achieved through supplier partnerships, which means every pound donated works even harder.

The Charity was founded by entrepreneur, John Caudwell, whose vision was to create a sustainable children’s charity that offered benefactors’ transparency and piece of mind that 100% of their donation was being used to directly change children’s lives.

By donating the cost of the Charity’s annual management and administration overheads, John has guaranteed an efficient way for individuals and businesses to change the lives of thousands of sick and disabled children living in the UK.

John Caudwell remains the Charity’s largest benefactor and sits as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The Charity’s ambassadors include Hollywood actress and author, Joan Collins, actress Elizabeth Hurley, Rod and Penny Stewart, Bruce Forsyth and singer Robbie Williams.

Elizabeth Hurley Donates To Imagine Appeal Event

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Alder Hey Imagine Appeal has teamed up with the Racquet Club in Liverpool for it’s first ever Clothes Throw.

With some of Liverpool’s finest fashionistas supporting the event, and the generosity of Merseyside’s style conscious ladies, it’s hoped there will be a plethora of top designer wear for sale at this unique gathering – and with all money raised going to help the work of the world famous children’s hospital.

The concept, the idea of Racquet’s owner Helen Ainscough, is simple. Anyone wishing to make space in their wardrobe for the new season’s must-have’s can donate anything that’s no longer a favourite in advance of the sale. All donated items will then be sold at the Clothes Throw on Monday 28th September at The Racquet Club in Liverpool.

Helen, who wanted to help the hospital after her young daughter Molly May was taken there with viral meningitis earlier this year said, “After our ordeal with little Molly we feel indebted to the team at Alder Hey particularly in the caring way they looked after her and us during the illness. Having made a full recovery we are very keen to work with the Appeal Team in creating new events that capture the imagination and are fun to attend whilst helping raise funds.”

Amongst the famous names who have already donated items are The Saturdays, Coleen Rooney and Elizabeth Hurley.

Elizabeth, who has donated a piece from her amazing Elizabeth Hurley Beach collection, added, “I am delighted to be able to donate something for this event which will raise much needed funds for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal. The Clothes Throw is a great way of combining recycling and fundraising for a very worthy cause.”

Alder Hey, Europe’s busiest children’s hospital, provides family-focused care for around 250,000 young patients every year and is responsible for the health of more children than any other hospital in the UK. Alder Hey Imagine Appeal was launched in October 2005 with the support of Yoko Ono, who is Honorary Patron of the charity. It aims to support the pioneering work of the hospital by funding research, improving the environment and providing facilities for patients and their families and buying the very latest medical equipment.

If you’d like to donate an item from your wardrobe please contact The Racquet Club on 0151 236 6676 or The Imagine Appeal on 0151 252 5726.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

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.

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

Formula 1 Stars Hit The Catwalk For Charity

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Prior to the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Formula One drivers took part in a fashion show at the Amber Fashion event to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

This is the second year in a row that Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One Management CEO Bernie, has unveiled her F1 inspired men’s wear collection ‘FORM’ using the sports’ driver’s as models. Walking the catwalk for charity were Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Mark Webber, Adrian Sutil, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Sebastian Vettel and F1 veteran David Coulthard.

One of last year’s participants, Mark Webber, commented: “Last year my knees were shaking a bit, but now it’s all routine! Could the catwalk be a career for me? No. So far I’ve never been a fashion junkie, but you never know – never say never!”

Jenson Button also returned to the catwalk for the second year in a row: “Whatever you might think, a modeling career was definitely never my ’plan B,” said this years Monaco Grand Prix winner. “I do this here because it is a fun event and it is for a good cause. Hopefully the guests will put their hands in their pockets and get some money out this evening. For us drivers it’s a nice break to do something different.”

The event included a charity auction presented by David Furnish, partner of Sir Elton John, and featured unique ‘money can’t buy’ items such as a ‘Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay Luxury Experience,’ a unique print of soccer star Thierry Henry, an original hand-signed etching by Henri Matisse, and the ultimate item – dinner for ten with Sir Elton John at his house in Nice.

Guests in attendance included HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, Bernie Ecclestone, Sir Martin Sorrell, Sir Richard Branson, iconic sprinter Michael Johnson, Elizabeth Hurley and her husband Arun Nayar and many others.

Young Girls Help To Raise Millions At Butterfly Ball

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Caudwell Children hosted a star-studded Butterfly Ball at Battersea Evolution on Thursday, May 14th, which raised a record breaking £1.7 million ($2.58 million) for the charity.

Numerous celebrities attended the event including Rachel Stevens and Elizabeth Hurley, and Rod Stewart performed some of his greatest hits during an hour-long set.

Elizabeth Hurley

Founder John Caudwell and his partner Claire Johnson

Actress, model Emma Noble

Famous guests paid thousands of pounds in a “Destination Dreams” auction, with the money going to fund holidays for sick and disabled children and their families.

Auction highlights included a week-long stay on Richard Branson’s Necker Island resort, which raised £50,000 and a bespoke diamond encrusted Mark Wilkinson jewellery case in the shape of Marilyn Monroe, which raised £90,000. A round of golf with Bruce Forsyth went for £40,000, an opportunity to meet Rod Stewart sold for £18,000 and the WBO Championship Belt from the 1993 fight between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank raised £25,000.

The real stars on the night, though, were nine-year-old Tilly Griffiths, who has spinal muscular atrophy disease and her sister Candice, 11, from Cheddleton, Staffordshire.

The Butterfly Ball was named as a dedication to Tilly, who created a special picture for last year’s ball with Candice. The painting was auctioned and raised £340,000. This year someone paid £860,000 for a new painting by the heroic sisters. Look To The Stars salutes these inspiring young fundraisers.

Photos copyright Richard Barker

Rod Stewart To Headline Butterfly Ball

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:29:00 -0000

A host of celebrity guests are slated to attend the glamorous Butterfly Ball in London this month, raising money for sick and disabled children in the UK.

Guests including the Charity’s Ambassador, Elizabeth Hurley, Danny Cipriani, Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens, Ronan Keating and Bruce Forsyth are all expected to attend the annual Caudwell Children fundraiser.

Caudwell Children is the charity founded by Staffordshire entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist, John Caudwell, who personally funds all of the Charity’s administration and management costs, allowing every penny raised to be donated directly to the children.

In previous years, the annual fundraising event has been headlined by global superstars including Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, with this year being no different, as guests are set to enjoy an exclusive performance from British singer songwriter, Rod Stewart.

The generous singer, famed for hits including Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Sailing, has agreed to donate his appearance and perform at the ‘Butterfly Ball’ after learning about the work of the charity.

The exclusive performance at London’s Battersea Evolution on May 14th, will be in front of an impressive guest list of celebrities and charity supporters and will be the first performance in England by Stewart since appearing at the Princess Diana memorial concert at Wembley Stadium in 2007.

The high-profile fundraising event has become a landmark feature on the London social calendar, and has been successful in raising millions to provide vital specialist equipment, treatments and therapy for thousands of sick and disabled children living in the UK.

Mr Caudwell commented; “The Butterfly Ball is our flagship fundraising event and we are delighted so many guests have agreed to support us once again. It is set to be yet another electrifying night and the money raised will all go to support children who desperately need our help.”

In 2008 celebrity guests including Joan Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Kelly Rowland, Louis Walsh and David Furnish attended what is fast becoming the most anticipated charity event of the year and joined in raising a staggering £1.5million for the charity.

Caudwell Children is a UK charity based in Staffordshire that provides direct donations of treatments, therapies and specialist equipment throughout the UK. To date the charity has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with over 160 different medical conditions.

Details about the glamorous event are available by visiting www.caudwellchildrenbutterflyball.co.uk or by calling the charity on 01782 600113.

About The Butterfly Ball
Earlier this year Caudwell Children announced that their flagship fundraising event, formerly known as ‘The Legends Ball’ and ‘The Bedrock Ball’, had been renamed ‘The Butterfly Ball’ in honour of charity beneficiary, 8-year-old Tilly Griffiths who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and raised thousands of pounds for the charity by auctioning a handmade picture. It was at the 2008 Battersea event that Tilly Griffiths presented her magical handmade picture depicting the Caudwell Children mascot releasing butterflies into the air. The artwork was then auctioned in front of the 900 guests, touching the hearts of the audience and raising a staggering £340,000.

About Caudwell Children
To date Caudwell Children has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions

Founder and Chairman John Caudwell has been committed to raising vitally needed funds for children in desperate need since the mid 1990s. Caudwell Children was registered in March 2000 is widely recognised as one of the country’s fastest growing children’s charities. In 2007 the charity doubled every pound raised, achieved through partnerships, negotiation and intangible income, which means every pound donated works even harder. What makes the charity so unique is that all the management and administration costs are covered by John meaning every penny raised can go directly to the cause.

Caudwell Children pledges to continue to make donations to specific child cases of sickness, specialist medical requirements and dying wish holidays and to buy or build a property to help aid children/children’s charities.

Joan Collins Becomes Charity Ambassador

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Joan Collins has become the new ambassador for a British charity that focuses on donations to special children for medical treatment, therapy, specialized equipment, and dying wish holidays.

The 75-year-old star of Dynasty and author of 13 best-selling novels and self-help books will join Elizabeth Hurley as an ambassador for Caudwell Children, a charity established in 2000 by entrepreneur John Caudwell.

“John and his charity are doing wonderful things to help improve the lives of children everywhere,” said Collins. “I’m proud to be named as an ambassador of the charity and wholeheartedly lend my support to this worthy cause.”

The star is a regular attendee of the charity’s annual Legends Ball, and last year offered an exclusive auction prize of dinner with one of her fans at the event. But when bidding became heated and two rival fans were locked in battle over the prize, the screen legend offered both men the opportunity to dine with her, raising £200,000 for the charity.

“Joan is truly a British icon and we are delighted to be able to name her as one of the charity’s ambassadors,” said Trudi Beswick, CEO of Caudwell Children. “With the support of well-known personalities such as Joan and Elizabeth, the charity can continue to grow and help as many children as possible.”

The next Legends Ball – featuring Rod Stewart and Alan Carr – will take place in London on May 14.

Elizabeth Hurley Stamps For Charity

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Two postage stamps featuring signed photos of actress and model Elizabeth Hurley have been sold by auction on eBay for over £1,550 (US$2,250).

Both stamps featured pictures of Hurley’s son Damien and are part of a limited-edition Mothers’ Day themed “Smilers” range which also includes photos donated by model Jasmine Guinness. Money from the stamps will go to Women’s Aid, a UK-based domestic violence charity that helps up to 250,000 women and children every year.

The campaign – which has already raised over £5000 – aims to raise funds to assist the organization’s 500 local services throughout the UK that work to end domestic violence against women and children. The charity will use the money to help empower women who have been affected by domestic violence, meet the needs of children affected by domestic violence, provide services run by women which are based on listening to survivors, challenge the disadvantages which result from domestic violence, support and reflect diversity and promote equality of opportunity, and promote cohesive inter-agency responses to domestic violence and develop partnership.

Liz Hurley Becomes Ambassador For Special Children

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Elizabeth Hurley has become the new Ambassador for a British charity that focuses on donations to special children for medical treatment, therapy, specialized equipment, and dying wish holidays.

Established in 2000, Caudwell Children has made over 2,000 donations to families with disabled children. And now they will benefit from the efforts of Hurley, who will raise awareness of the charity and also help fundraise throughout the next year.

“There are sick and disabled children living in the UK who may not be receiving the support they need,” said the model and actress. “Caudwell Children is trying to make a difference and I’m happy to help.”

The charity is extremely thrilled with the appointment, and is hoping for big things to come from the partnership.

“She is a global film and fashion icon as well as being respected as a loving mother,” said Trudi Beswick, chief executive officer of Caudwell Children. “It is a great start to 2009 to be able to announce Elizabeth’s involvement and I’m confident that she will be influential in the continued growth of the charity.”

The actress is likely to attend the charity’s annual fundraising ball in May. Last year’s event featured a performance by Whitney Houston.

Liz Hurley Flicks The Pink Switch In India

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British model and actress Elizabeth Hurley continued her Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign of turning some of the world’s most famous places pink this week in India.

The 43-year-old attended a function at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai yesterday to illuminate the famous landmark in pink lights to symbolize the fight against breast cancer around the world. The event follows Hurley’s involvement in similar events at New York’s Bloomingdales store and the Tower of London earlier this month.

Hurley – who attended the function with her 6-year-old son, Damian – wrapped herself in a pink sari for the event, which was part of Estee Lauder’s breast cancer awareness initiative.

“Every October – which is a breast cancer month – we always wear pink,” she told CNN-IBN. “When they decided that they are going to light up the Taj Mahal hotel in pink, I thought ‘Gosh, I really want to wear something fabulous and Indian’. So I asked the lovely Rohit Bal, who made me my ‘sangeet’ costume for my wedding, if he’d design me something special for tonight, for the breast cancer awareness show in Mumbai. He made me this saree, which I must say is absolutely stunning. I am thrilled with it.”

The Taj Mahal will remain pink until the end of the month.

Liz Hurley Turns The Tower Of London Pink

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British beauty Elizabeth Hurley was in London last week as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The star – an Ambassador for makeup giant Estée Lauder – delighted fans on Thursday when she appeared at Selfridges in Oxford Street to share makeup tips and photo opportunities. She also signed purchases of Estée Lauder’s pink ribbon collection, which raises funds for the cause.

Hurley was later seen at a function at the Tower of London in which she flicked a switch to bathe the iconic London landmark in pink light. The event mirrors Hurley’s involvement in turning Bloomingdales in New York pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month earlier this month.

Elizabeth Hurley Flicks The Pink Switch

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British model and actress Elizabeth Hurley attended a special gala to raise money for breast cancer research in New York late last week.

The 43-year-old was on hand in Bloomingdales in the Big Apple to take part in the store’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrations, and personally flipped the switch to turn the retailing giant’s lights turn pink as part of their commitment to raise awareness of the disease.

Hurley has been a supporter of breast cancer charities since losing her grandmother to the disease. She has been a leading light in Estée Lauder’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, and created the “Elizabeth Pink” lipstick to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

‘My grandmother had breast cancer, as have a number of my friends," she said. "Now, more than ever, it is important to get the message out. Survival rates are rising, and each year we get closer to a cure. If breast cancer is detected early, it is 98 percent curable.’

Kylie Minogue Adds Her Voice To Children's Campaign

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop princess Kylie Minogue is backing a new campaign to boost vital phone helplines used by thousands of vulnerable and victimized children each year.

The 40-year-old singer has pledged her support to raise $93 million for British children’s charities ChildLine and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Both organizations are currently underfunded and need urgent help to extend their phone helpline services, which provide trained counselors for vulnerable children. According to ChildLine, for every youngster using their service, another cannot get through due to under-funding.

“Finding the courage to tell someone about being abused is one of the most difficult decisions a child will ever have to make,” Minogue told Britain’s The Sun. “Sadly their cries for help are not always heard because ChildLine is unable to speak to every child who rings the 0800 1111 number. We can all help to change that by supporting the NSPCC’S Child’s Voice Appeal and make sure those children no longer face their troubles alone.”

The Child’s Voice Appeal is a three-year campaign that aims to help ChildLine answer more calls and protect more children. It will also use funds raised to make the unique service available to children by phone, online and by text.

More information on how to join Kylie in supporting this worthy campaign, visit www.childline.org.uk or www.nspcc.org.uk.

Also raising money for the NSPCC at the moment is a online celebrity auction organized by a retired couple in England – Don and Yvette Courtney.

A dress donated by Elizabeth Hurley and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton’s baseball cap are just some of the items on offer. To view the auction, visit www.mooreallen.co.uk.

Gordon Ramsay Cooks Up A Success For Women's Aid

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A star-studded dinner organised by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his wife, Tana, raised money for Women’s Aid in London last week.

The 41-year-old chef shared compèring duties with DJ Neil Fox at the black-tie event for the Women’s Aid ACT — Until Women and Children are Safe campaign. Among the 300 guests at Hanover Square in London on Thursday night were the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah – who is a patron of Women’s Aid – as well as Elizabeth Hurley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Trinny Woodall.

Women’s Aid is a national charity in Britain that aims to end domestic violence against women and children. Proceeds from Ramsay’s dinner – an annual event that last year raised over US$400,00 for the charity – will go towards a planned project to improve advice and support for abused women and kids, as well as lobbying for changes in the law to improve the lives of victims.

“We are so grateful to Gordon and Tana Ramsay for generously hosting this wonderful event for the second year,” said Nicola Harwin, Women’s Aid Chief Executive. “This not only raises vital funds for Women’s Aid but also sends out the message that we all need to ACT now to end domestic violence – that is to Admit it’s a problem, Call it by its name and Talk to someone. We desperately need funds to continue in our work to end domestic violence and money raised from this year’s event will allow us to continue in our vital work to end violence against women and children into 2009. Every penny raised tonight will make a real difference to our work and will help us to save lives.”

The sumptuous dinner, catered by Gordon Ramsay, started with a Champagne and caviar reception and canapés, followed by best end of lamb with confit shoulder, spiced aubergine puree and spinach and fondant potato. The guests were then served a milk chocolate, praline and salted caramel parfait for dessert.

“We want to make sure the police, teachers and members of the public are aware of domestic abuse to make sure it does not go unnoticed,” said Harwin. “Women’s Aid has three main aims to help women escape violent relationships — preventing abuse through support and awareness, providing services such as refuges and helplines, and protecting those who manage to break away from their abuser. We help more than 320,000 women each year. With events like this, we hope to [help] more in the future.”

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.

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.

Elton John Crowned Karaoke King

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:09:59 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Sir Elton John has given hope to aspiring singers everywhere by being crowned Karaoke King in a recent charity auction.

The event, held at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London on June 21, raised funds for the Hoping Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists children in Palestinian refugee camps. Bidders at the auction were able to “buy” their favourite singer to perform a song of their choice, or in some cases to perform a duet with them.

Sir Elton gave his rendition of the Elvis Presley tune “Are You Lonesome Tonight” in front of an audience that included Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson. His talents were bought by Elizabeth Hurley for $200,000 as a birthday gift to herself.

Other popular choices included Australian-born singer Nick Cave, well known for his dark songs, who raised $150,000 by singing Destiny Child’s “Bootylicious”, and Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, who performed Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start The Fire” for $60,000. Bryan Adams shook the building to its foundations with his version of “Rocking All Over The World”, and James Blunt serenaded the audience with his gentle tones on “Summertime”.

A total of $700,000 was raised during the evening, much of which will go towards providing university scholarships in Lebanon, as well as emergency relief for Palestinian families forced to flee their camps at Nahr Al-Bared during recent fighting.

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