Look To The Stars News: Ellen DeGeneres

Rose McGowan Visits The Gentle Barn

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Actress Rose McGowan experienced a special trip to The Gentle Barn this weekend, the same day the organization received a Toyota Highlander Hybrid as part of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program.

McGowan, who regularly supports animal rights and rescue organizations, was on hand to feed, clean and even hug just some of The Gentle Barn’s 130 rescue animals – including cows, horses, goats, pigs, chickens, llamas, turkeys, emus and peacocks.

The visit began with the animal sanctuary’s promoted “Hug-A-Cow” experience, a campaign inviting all visitors to hug a cow to feel the connection between all animals. Rose gave a tremendous hug to Buttercup and Buddha, while others were on hand to hug Holy and Madonna (which were named by The Gentle Barn supporter Ellen DeGeneres). Additionally, Rose was graciously surprised when The Gentle Barn co-founder Ellie Laks chose to name a newly rescued goat “Rose” as a thank you for her support.

Ellen DeGeneres And Brad Pitt To Make It Right In New Orleans

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Make It Right has announced that Ellen DeGeneres will join Brad Pitt as host of “A Night to Make It Right”, a charity gala to raise vital funds to complete Make It Right’s goal to build 150 environmentally friendly homes in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward.

The gala will be held at Hyatt Regency New Orleans on Saturday, March 10, 2012 and also celebrates the hotel’s grand re-opening. Performers will include Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, Seal and The Neville Brothers, and the host committee includes Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Spike Lee, Blake Lively, Djimon Hounsou, Josh Brolin, Bennett Miller and Chris Paul.

“I’m so happy I can be a part of this incredible foundation,” said Ellen DeGeneres, a long-time supporter of Make It Right. “I’m from New Orleans, I love New Orleans and I love that Make It Right continues to help the people there rebuild their beautiful city. Brad Pitt is amazing – not only for what he started, but also because, who else can make a hard hat look like a jaunty fall fashion accessory?”

Elton John To Host Annual Oscar Viewing Party For Charity

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

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

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

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

DoSomething.org Announces Top 20 Celebs Gone Good 2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

DoSomething.org, one of the largest U.S. organizations that helps teens take action on causes they care about, released today its fourth annual ‘Top 20 Celebs Gone Good’ list.

Lady Gaga continues her reign as the star who uses her celebrity to do the most good. Known for her support of gay rights, AIDS, and poverty, she focused primarily this year on bullying, even taking her thoughts to the White House in December. She also announced the creation of her own charity, the Born This Way Foundation, which aims to empower youth and lead them to a brave new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be.

Making a meteoric rise to number two this year is Justin Bieber, up from number 10 last year. His fast rise is due to his prolific work with Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in Laos and Guatemala. Justin is also a consistent supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raised funds for charity with his fragrance and holiday album, and recently distributed $100,000 to Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas.

Justin Bieber Supports Social Good Facebook Games

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Sojo Studios has forged a partnership with global pop/R&B phenomenon Justin Bieber to help children around the world.

The company recently heralded the preview launch of its first “social good” Facebook game, WeTopia, and its first celebrity partnership with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Both DeGeneres and Bieber will provide entertainment marketing support as Sojo rolls out its slate of games, beginning with WeTopia.

“Playing online games is a lot of fun already, but WeTopia makes it better by helping children around the world. Some of these kids need to go to school or they need clean water,” said Bieber. “I’ve been so lucky and blessed and that’s why I believe so much in giving back, and I know my fans will feel the same way when they play WeTopia.”

Justin Bieber Spreads Christmas Charity Cheer In Las Vegas

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Justin Bieber spread some Christmas cheer to underprivileged students in Las Vegas last week.

The teen heartthrob made a surprise visit to Whitney Elementary to deliver a $100,000 donation to the school. He also delivered an extra $100,000 of Christmas presents to the children from the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Superstore Target also donated $100,000.

Many of the 650 students at the school are homeless, or come from the poorest families. The money will help the school provide children with clothes and food.

Stars Create Bookprints To Help Children In Need

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A new campaign, ONE MILLION BOOKPRINTS FOR ONE MILLION BOOKS, kicked off yesterday, inviting readers of all ages to create a “Bookprint” at the online community, youarewhatyouread.com.

For every Bookprint created, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate a new book to a child in need (up to one million books). Books will be distributed through the national school readiness initiative Reach Out and Read.

What’s a “Bookprint”? The five books that most impact someone’s life comprise their Bookprint. They can be children’s or adult books and Bookprints can change over time. On the “You Are What You Read” website, more than 200 “Names You Know” from entertainers to authors to journalists and even two U.S. presidents have shared their Bookprints. The donation launches with 20,000 books – one book for each of the 20,000 Bookprints created by users already on youarewhatyouread.com.

Write A Guest Blog For Perez Hilton For Charity

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Love to gossip? Don’t miss your chance to work with Perez Hilton, the internet’s most notorious gossip columnist, to write a guest blog for his website, Perezhilton.com! And you’ll be helping a great cause as well!!

CharityBuzz.com is giving you the chance to meet with Perez for 30 minutes in LA to write your blog post. Not in LA? No problem! Perez is happy to connect with you on the phone or via video chat!

The auction is celebrating Rock the Vote’s 21st Birthday. Rock the Vote’s mission is to engage and build political power for young people in our country. Founded twenty years ago at the intersection of popular culture and politics, Rock the Vote is growing its team and its campaigns in 2011, to support the tidal wave of young people who want to get involved in elections and seize the power of the youth vote to create political and social change.

PETA Honors Famous Vegetarians On Postage Stamps

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A number of famous vegetarians are featuring on a limited edition sheet of US postage stamps launched by PETA.

According to PETA.org: “The VIPs featured on these unique postage sheets ditched meat from their diets either out of concern for their health, for the environment, or for animals—and our world would not be the same without their accomplishments. Although the individuals featured in this series seem very different at first glance, they are united in their respect for animals.”

Stars Design Dog Bowls For Animal Charity

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

When does a basic dog bowl become something more? Answer — When it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of “pup art” created with love by many of today’s hottest stars.

Scheduled to launch on December 5, 2011 and run through December 16, 2011, Bowl Project 2011 is an online charity auction featuring ceramic dog bowls that are custom painted by such celebrity animal lovers as Paula Abdul, Ellen DeGeneres, Betty White, Jessica Simpson, Jane Lynch, Chelsea Handler, Cindy Crawford, William Shatner, and many others.

These collectible bowls are personally signed by each celebrity artist. The bowls’ conveyed messages are an important reminder of the love and affection pets offer people, especially those in need of care most. To view and bid on these custom bowls, visit Bidding for Good.

Twitter's Biz Stone Talks Turkey For Charity

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone is making it known through a humorous home video that on November 19, he and his wife Livia will be celebrating turkeys with “one of the classiest organizations [they] have been supporting for more than ten years,” when they attend Farm Sanctuary’s much loved Celebration FOR the Turkeys at the organization’s shelter for abused farm animals in Orland, California.

In the video Biz ruminates, “Turkeys are intelligent, social, curious, and sometimes even funny. I wish people were more like turkeys sometimes.”

Hillary Clinton Names Ellen DeGeneres As Special Envoy For Global AIDS Awareness

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

During a major address on November 8, 2011 on HIV/AIDS at the National Institutes of Health, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that Ellen DeGeneres has been named as a Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness.  

In this role, DeGeneres will use her celebrity platform to raise awareness about the global fight against AIDS.

In a letter to DeGeneres, Secretary Clinton stated, “By lending us your energy, compassion, and star power to serve as our Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness, your words will encourage Americans in joining you to make their voices heard in our campaign to achieve an AIDS-free generation. The enormous platform of your television show and your social media channels will enable you to reach millions of people with the strong and hopeful message that we can win this fight.”

Meet Ellen DeGeneres And Russell Brand At David Lynch Foundation Gala

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Here is your chance to bid on 2 VIP tickets to attend the LA Gala for the David Lynch Foundation, Change Begins Within, on Saturday, December 3, 2011, to be held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

The unforgettable night begins with a special VIP meet-and-greet with Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Brand, Russell Simmons, David Lynch and others, followed by a Conversation and Performance with the celebrities and other surprise guests. Finally, you will be treated to a gourmet dinner and world-class entertainment.

Soldiers returning from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq and their families, as well as underserved youth living in violence and poverty, often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), called the “black death of the 21st century.” This living nightmare fuels violent, impulsive behavior; substance abuse; acute anxiety; manic depression; the inability to hold a job or stay in school; frayed family relations; and homelessness. In fact, more soldiers commit suicide each day than die in combat.

Ellen DeGeneres Wants You To Adopt A Turkey For Thanksgiving

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Who can resist the adorable faces of turkeys gobbling for compassion at Thanksgiving? Not Ellen DeGeneres. That’s why she’s back for the second year in a row to serve as Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project spokesperson, inviting everyone to save, not eat, a turkey this holiday season.

Rob Lowe Unveils Celebrity Charity Handprint Auction

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Rob Lowe has joined Valspar Paint and Habitat for Humanity International in unveiling Valspar Hands for Habitat, an initiative to auction the handprints of celebrities and notable personalities to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Habitat has set a goal to serve 50,000 families impacted by Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, helping move them toward safe, secure and permanent housing. Those donating to the auction created their handprints using Valspar paint.

True Blood Star Latest Celebrity To Join Charity Campaign

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgård is the latest star to record a PSA for the It Gets Better campaign.

“I believe it gets better when parents start to lead by example,” says the vampire star in the new video. "We have to teach our children that, not only through our words but also through our actions, that every single human being has equal value.

“And to bully someone or for society to discriminate against someone because they have a different sexual orientation, it’s unacceptable.

The Gentle Barn Hosts Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

84 golfers joined celebrities Bailey Chase, Danny Masterson, Gary Valentine, Jim Parrack, Kevin Farley and Michael Pena at The Gentle Barn’s Second Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Russell Brand And Kristen Wiig Voted Sexiest Celeb Vegetarians

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

You’ve had your say and cast your votes, and today Russell Brand and Kristen Wiig have been named as PETA’s sexiest celebrity vegetarians for 2011.

The pair were up against last year’s winner’s – Olivia Wilde and Bob Harper – as well as Bill Clinton, Bryan Adams, Jared Leto, Alyssa Milano, Aimee Teegarden, Isabel Lucas, Hayden Panettiere, Ellen DeGeneres and past winners Anthony Kiedis, Leona Lewis, Kellie Pickler and a host of others.

According to PETA: "Russell, a vegetarian since the age of 14, keeps us endlessly entertained with his wit and crazy antics, which always leave us wanting more. He explains, “You shouldn’t eat animals, it’s mean to them.” Kristen makes us laugh until we cry in whatever she does—whether she’s lighting up the big screen in films like Bridesmaids or cracking us up with her unique characters on Saturday Night Live. Her jam-packed schedule is often crazy, so Kristen stays healthy by eating lots of tofu and soy. But both of these hilarious hotties know that there’s nothing funny about the abuse endured by animals raised for food on factory farms. These sexy stars prove that being vegetarian helps a person shine from the inside out."

Aimee Garcia To Play Celebrity Charity Golf For The Gentle Barn

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Gentle Barn tees off for its Second Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Robinson Ranch Golf Course, the beautiful Valley Course in Santa Clarita.

The event kicks off with a photo op with special guests, Holy and Madonna, the rescued cows named and adopted by Ellen and Portia DeGeneres, followed by a shotgun start at 12:00 noon. A gourmet dinner and awards ceremony will follow with lots of amazing raffle prizes and auction items, allowing players to mingle with celebrities at this star studded event. The 18-hole course meanders through untouched stands of sage and chaparral, California Sycamore and Coastal Live Oaks. Big views and dramatic vistas await you at every turn and tee.

Stars confirmed to attend include Aimee Garcia (Trauma), Bailey Chase (Damages), Danny Masterson (That 70’s Show), Dick Rutan (pilot of Voyager aircraft), Jim Parrack (True Blood) , Johnathon Schaech (5 Days of War, That Thing You Do), and Kevin Farley (comedian) .

Vote For Sexiest Celeb Vegetarians With PETA

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

PETA has once again opened voting for their annual Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities Awards.

Last year’s winner’s – Olivia Wilde and Bob Harper – are once again in the running for the honor, along with veg celebs including Bill Clinton, Bryan Adams, Jared Leto, Russell Brand, Alyssa Milano, Aimee Teegarden, Isabel Lucas, Hayden Panettiere, Ellen DeGeneres and past winners Anthony Kiedis, Leona Lewis, Kellie Pickler and many more.

To find out more and cast your votes, visit PETA.org.

Natalie Portman Joins Celebrities In Supporting Freedom To Marry

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

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

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

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

Ellen DeGeneres Deals Blackjack With Playboy Bunnies For Charity

Thu, 26 May 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres served as a celebrity bunny dealer at the Playboy Club inside the Palms Casino Resort in an episode of her show that aired on Monday, May 23rd.

Photo Credit: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

Country Music Stars Raise Cash For Storm Victims

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Last Thrusday, May 12, CMT premiered MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute concert special designed to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the special featured an urgent call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Media outlets including American Forces Network, CNN.com, multiple local TV affiliates and radio stations also simulcast MUSIC BUILDS, reaching tens of millions of viewers around the world.

Stars Unite For Japan With Charity Videos

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two months ago, Japan experienced a massive 9.0 earthquake and the devastating tsunami that followed. In response to this tragedy, actor Ken Watanabe launched www.uniteforjapan.org to rally people to donate funds for Japan’s relief effort through key organizations like the American Red Cross, Japan Society & Global Giving.

The impact of this natural disaster continues to be felt today by the people of Japan. Unite for Japan has launched two PSA videos featuring a special group of celebrities that came together to convey a very simple message: Unite for Japan.

Some of the stars who are featured in the PSAs are Paula Abdul, Ben Affleck, Zac Brown, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Damon, Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ayako Fujutani, Mikael Hafstrom, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Muramasa Kudo, Sharon Lawrence, John Legend, Richard Lewis, Rob Marshall, Hideki Matsui, Julian McMahon, Jennifer Morrison, Cillian Murphy, Amaury Nolasco, Apolo Ohno, Masi Oka, Robert Patrick, Katy Perry, Maggie Q, Zoe Saldana, William Shatner, Jake Shimabukuro, Cobie Smulders, Steph Song, Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Aisha Tyler and Mark Wahlberg.

Country Music Stars To Unite For Tornado Victims Tonight

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

CMT and its pro-social initiative CMT One Country will tonight air Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute celebrity charity concert special featuring a special call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins and more to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the fundraising special will air live from Nashville on Thursday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on CMT and will be simulcast on CMT.com. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert will highlight a number of regions affected by recent storm, tornado and flooding damage including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; Vidalia, La.; Memphis, Dyersburg and Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Raleigh, N.C. to name a few. In addition to performances, the special will include additional calls to action from Big Kenny, Carrie Underwood, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, Nicole Kidman, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and others. HLN will re-air the telecast Sunday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m., ET.