Look To The Stars News: Elton John

Elton John AIDS Foundation Announces $3.2 Million In New Grants

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Elton John and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) have announced over $3.2 million in new grants that will further its mission to assist the most marginalized populations vulnerable to HIV infection. These new awards brought EJAF’s final total grant-making commitments for calendar 2011 to a record $8,316,871, with disbursements totaling $7,006,871 last year.

  These grants represent EJAF’s continuing commitment to fund demographics and geographic regions that are seriously impacted by HIV/AIDS and under-served by traditional funders. Grant expenditures totaling $3,221,622 were awarded for 19 new and 29 renewal grants, including:

health services for Black women, one of the highest HIV-impacted populations in this country;

Paul McCartney Honored As MusiCares Person Of The Year

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Beatles legend Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event in Los Angeles on Friday, celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work.

The sold-out tribute to McCartney benefits MusiCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute — now in its 22nd year — provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that members of the music community have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Hosted by Eddie Izzard, performers included Cirque du Soleil, Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Sergio Mendes and Katy Perry. The evening also featured a special performance by 14-time GRAMMY winning artist and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year Paul McCartney.

Attend Elton John's Oscar Viewing Party With Steven Tyler For Charity

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is very pleased to announce that Steven Tyler, a generous Foundation supporter and an Event Chair for EJAF’s 20th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party, is working with EJAF to help make its 20th Oscar-night event especially successful.

Through an auction on Charitybuzz.org, Steven is inviting the highest bidder to be a guest at his table for the Party.

The winner of the auction will be a guest of Steven Tyler and Erin Brady, dining at their table for the February 26, 2012 event, which will be held at the newly redesigned West Hollywood Park in West Hollywood, CA. The Foundation’s 20th annual event will feature a cocktail reception, an incredible dinner prepared by celebrity chef Cat Cora and served during the Oscar telecast, an exciting live auction, and an after-show performance by Foster the People. Chopard, Neuro, and Wells Fargo are the Presenting Sponsors for the event, and American Airlines is the official airline partner for the Foundation.

Stars To Come Out For Paul McCartney At Charity Gala

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

An impressive star-studded cast will come together to honor 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney during a sold-out gala on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Hosted by actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, artists set to perform are current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Katy Perry; GRAMMY-winning artists Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Sergio Mendes; and the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” Beatles tribute show. The evening will also feature a special performance by McCartney.

The 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will celebrate McCartney’s exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic work, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation that will offer an exclusive selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG Live, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS. This year’s red-carpet press arrivals will be sponsored by Kinect for Xbox 360 and Dance Central 2. Other event supporters include CenterStaging — A SoundCheck LA Company, Classic Wines of California, Delta Airlines, Double Platinum, Gibson, Global Art, Heineken, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Jackson Limo, Korbel, Patron Spirits Company, Pepsi, and Sweetwater.

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.

Foster The People To Play At Elton John's Oscar Viewing Party

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has announced that the 20th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, will feature a special performance by the Grammy Nominated and Billboard chart-topping band, Foster the People.

Best known for their edgy smash single, “Pumped Up Kicks,” off their debut album “Torches” (Sony Music Entertainment), Foster the People is one of the hottest young indie bands in the country. The group will briefly take a break from their world tour just in time to perform at the EJAF Academy Awards Viewing Party to be held on February 26, 2012.

“We were thrilled when Sir Elton John asked us to play his Academy Awards party,” said Foster the People front-man Mark Foster. “His foundation has globally impacted the lives of millions of people suffering from HIV/AIDS and we’re honored to be involved in any way we can.”

Paul McCartney To Perform At MusiCares Person Of The Year Event

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Legendary singer/songwriter, 14-time Grammy winner and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney is set to perform at the sold-out star-studded tribute concert, taking place in Los Angeles during Grammy Week on Feb. 10.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the dinner and concert will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Sting And Friends To Hit The Carnegie Hall For Charity In April

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Sting and Trudie Styler will present the 2012 Sting & Friends Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, April 4.

Performers are yet to be announced, but ticket prices are as follows:

- $50,000 Packages (16 Tickets for concert & supper)

Elton John To Publish Book About AIDS Epidemic

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Elton John is to publish a new book detailing his work overcoming the plague and the stigma of AIDS through his personal efforts and the creation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised and donated nearly a quarter-billion dollars to fighting AIDS worldwide.

LOVE IS THE CURE will be the very personal story of Sir Elton’s life during the AIDS epidemic, including his agony at seeing friend after friend perish needlessly. Through his stories of close encounters with people like Ryan White, Freddie Mercury, and many others, he will convey the personal toll AIDS has taken on his life—and his infinite determination to stop its spread.

Sir Elton writes, “This is a disease that must be cured not by a miraculous vaccine, but by changing hearts and minds, and through a collective effort to break down social barriers and to build bridges of compassion. Why are we not doing more? This is a question I have thought deeply about, and wish to answer—and to help change—by writing this book.”

Lady Gaga Honored At Trevor Live Celebrity Charity Event

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

On Sunday, December 4, 2011, The Trevor Project honored Lady Gaga with the Trevor Hero Award and Google Inc. with the Trevor 2020 Award during “Trevor Live” presented by Audi of America and ING and directed by Adam Shankman.

This high-profile event to benefit the life-saving work of The Trevor Project featured moving performances from Hollywood’s most talented and entertaining performers, including Mary J. Blige, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, LeAnn Rimes, Barrett Foa and the Warblers, Diego Boneta and Julianne Hough, JC Chasez, American Idol contestants Kris Allen and Stefano Langone, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Darren Criss, Step up Dance, and Amber Riley.

Lady Gaga, in a moving speech delivered from the heart shared that, “I want my fans and people all over the world to know that there is always someone who is listening, but I want them to know that they are listening before it gets too late.” She went on to say about The Trevor Project honor, “This award means more to me than any Grammy ever will.”

Surprise A Loved One With Celebrity Charity Gifts

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Surprising a loved one this Christmas is just the beginning. Create goodwill that lives on well beyond the holidays when you shop at www.charityfolks.com and give a gift that “give backs.” With dozens of unique ideas, ranging from one-of-a-kind experiences to fun and unique stocking stuffers, even the most discerning of shoppers can find something this holiday season.

Need that perfect gift for the sports fan in your life? How about the chance to be on the field for the Red Sox batting practice; to catch a Yankees game from amazing seats right behind home plate; to watch Sunday football with Michael Strahan or have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to caddy for golf great Justin Rose at the Arnold Palmer Invitational? Perhaps someone on your list is looking for their big break? You can help them and others too by shopping for “foot in the door” opportunities like an internship at MTV, a mentor meeting with #1 New York Times Bestselling author Brad Meltzer or meetings with some of the most successful directors, producers, agents & writers in Hollywood. Or maybe you need an unforgettable gift for the hobnobber in your life? Surely lunch with soap legend, Susan Lucci, set visits to “Mad Men,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “NCIS,” VIP tickets to Saturday Night Live or the chance to attend Elton John’s 84th Academy Awards viewing party will do the trick!

If not, you can customize gifts for your loved ones. Maybe it’s lunch with their favorite actor, visiting a movie set, walking the red carpet or having VIP access at their next concert. No matter what it is that you’re day dreaming of, chances are that Charity Folks can make it happen – and all while making the world a better place! Email concierge@charityfolks.com to connect with your personal gift concierge.

Stars Donate To Westland School Charity Auction

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

A host of stars have donated items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to a great new auction on CharityFolks.com to benefit Westland School.

With incredible experiences up for grabs, ranging from the chance to go behind-the-scenes of MAD MEN to tour the set, watch filming & meet the cast, to a pair of impossible-to-get tickets to attend Elton John’s 84th Academy Awards Viewing Party in LA, there’s no doubt it will get attention well beyond school’s campus.

Westland’s educational philosophy is reflected in its approach to children; each child has a commitment to the group and each group to the entire school. A child learns responsibility to the school community through participation in age-appropriate school jobs. The group gives the individual a strong sense of identity. Each child gains self-knowledge and grows into an integrated person through the responses and concerns of the group. Each group gains solidarity through the strengths, weaknesses, and potentials of the individuals.

The Killers Release Annual Christmas Charity Single

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Every year since 2006, The Killers have released an annual Christmas single for (RED) – featuring collaborations with Elton John, Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, and Mariachi El Bronx – with proceeds from the sale of the songs going to fight AIDS. And this year is no exception!

For a limited time, you can get one of those songs for free when you add a pledge to your panel on the (2015)QUILT. Choose from ‘A Great Big Sled,’ ’Don’t Shoot Me Santa,’ ‘Joseph, Better You Than Me,’ ‘Boots,’ ‘¡Happy Birthday Guadalupe!’ or this year’s song, ‘The Cowboy’s Christmas Ball.’ The songs are available as singles or you can buy the EP exclusively on iTunes and proceeds from the purchase benefit the Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) monies, to fight AIDS.

Every generation is known for something. Let’s be the one to deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015. In 1987, a quilt created by The Names Project Foundation covered the National Mall in Washington, D.C., memorializing those we lost to AIDS. Today, we’re at another defining milestone: by 2015, we could end the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies. That’s why (RED) is creating the QUILT to show your support for an AIDS Free Generation.

Ne-Yo And Swizz Beatz To Attend Songs Of Hope VII

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Ne-Yo, Skylar Grey, Sara Bareilles, Swizz Beatz, Desmond Child, Mark Mothersbaugh (co-founder and lead singer of Devo), and other music and entertainment industry giants committed to fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases will tonight take part in Songs of Hope VII, a special event and silent auction presented by Esquire that supports lifesaving research at City of Hope.

Held at the exclusive Esquire Apartment in the penthouse of The Clocktower in DUMBO, Brooklyn, N.Y., the Dec. 1 event will be emceed by Ne-Yo and feature intimate performances by Skylar Grey and Sara Bareilles. Lending their names in support to the host committee are Miley Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, John McEnroe, Patty Smyth, Rob Thomas, and Mary Mary.

Recognizing their amazing careers as songwriters and composers, the Songs of Hope VII award recipients will include the:

Songs For Japan Raises $10 Million For Earthquake Victims

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Songs For Japan, the unique, star-studded album collection created to help raise money for victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, continues to benefit the survivors through Japanese Red Cross Society.

Yesterday in Tokyo, senior executives from four major music companies – EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group – met with Japanese Red Cross Society Vice President, Yoshiharu Otsuka, to recognise the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan. The occasion was a reception hosted by Frances Moore, chief executive of worldwide recording industry organisation IFPI.

A music industry-wide initiative, Songs For Japan is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five #1s from more than 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.

Music Icons To Rock For The Prince's Trust

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Boy George, The Feeling and Pete Townshend are among the artists on board to rock the Royal Albert Hall next month for The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala supported by Novae.

The gala – one of the most important fundraisers in The Prince’s Trust calendar – will take place on 23 November to raise vital funds for the charity’s work with disadvantaged young people.

Elton John Charity Candles Raise Money For AIDS Foundation

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

NEST Fragrances, the leading luxury home fragrance manufacturer, has announced the introduction of Sir Elton John’s Holiday to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, one of the world’s leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs. The Sir Elton John’s Holiday charitable candle and boxed votive set will debut at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and specialty stores nationwide beginning in October.

“Elton John loves candles…he is a true home fragrance aficionado,” said Laura Slatkin, founder and CEO of NEST Fragrances. “When I launched my first company with my husband in 1992, Elton quickly became a Slatkin & Co. devotee. One day, we closed our shop so Elton could investigate and enjoy our fragrances in privacy; ever since that day, we have become good friends. We later came up with the idea of combining Elton’s passion for candles and his dedication to helping those affected by AIDS, and we began a decade-long plus tradition of launching home fragrance collections to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.”

Stars Come Out For Elton John's Celebrity Charity Winter Ball

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Elton John hosted another highly successful Grey Goose Winter Ball in the heart of Battersea Park in London on Saturday night.

This year’s Winter Ball – which once again benefitted the Elton John AIDS Foundation – featured the first ever elBulli experience on UK soil. elBulli has been ranked the world’s number one restaurant a record five times. Its chefs are pioneers in a new way of experiencing taste, stripping food back to a molecular level, isolating components and then rebuilding to their own design or vision.

Among the guests who were scheduled to attend included Sir Elton’s partner, David Furnish, along with Jonathan Saunders, Marc Quinn, Plan B, Graham Norton, Kelly Rowland, Joe Jonas, David Walliams, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michelle Dockery, Tali Lennox, Nicole Scherzinger, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Jaime Winstone, Giles Deacon, Dinos Chapman, Marcus Wareing, Johnny Vaughan, Lulu, Alfie Boe, Ozwald Boateng, Nick Candy and Holly Valance.

Anderson Cooper To Host Elton John's Enduring Vision For Charity

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:45:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will present its 10th annual An Enduring Vision benefit event at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City next week.

The October 26 event will see Anderson Cooper return as host, and there will be a performance by Smokey Robinson.

This year’s Enduring Vision Awards will be presented to to EJAF benefactors Bob and Tamar Manoukian, EJAF Advisory Board member Greg Gorman, and corporate philanthropic leader John Demsey, Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies and Chairman of the M·A·C AIDS Fund.  

Stars Help STOMP Out Bullying

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

As October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, STOMP Out Bullying – the signature program of Love Our Children USA – announces its annual bullying prevention activities to raise awareness to end the epidemic of bullying.

On October 3rd, the country and many across the globe joined STOMP Out Bullying in it Third Annual BLUE SHIRT DAY – WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION where students, schools, and others wore blue shirts in solidarity to STOMP Out Bullying. The day was most successful as hundred of thousands went blue across the globe.

Teen celebrities Bella Thorne, Willow Shields, Joey King, Mark Indelicato, Cassie Steele, Olesya Rulin, Alexz Johnson, Taylor Spreitler, Y I Yell!, Payton Rae and Savannah Outen tweeted about the day and are involved in a month-long social media campaign to promote the organizations prevention activities with its sponsor Customink.

Art Auction To Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Works by artists such as Tracey Emin, Jeff Koons and Keith Haring will go under the hammer for Elton John’s AIDS charity in November.

Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Day Sale will take place on 10 November 2011 in New York, with proceeds benefitting the initiatives of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The auction is part of a series of art-related events that will help mark the 20th year of the organization in 2012.

“All of us at EJAF are tremendously grateful to Sotheby’s and to all of the amazing artists who have so generously contributed truly special pieces to the charity lots for this auction,” said Sir Elton John. “I am inspired by their great generosity as we kick-off our fund-raising efforts for the 20th year of the Foundation’s work.”

Andy Roddick And Elton John Raise Charity Cash

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The 6th annual Andy Roddick Foundation Charity Gala raised over one million dollars for children’s organizations last week at the ACL Live Moody Theater.

Andy was joined on the red carpet by his wife Brooklyn Decker, Terrell Owens, Fred Couples, James Blake, Bobby Bones, Mark Knowles and the Mayor of Austin, Lee Leffingwell.

The inspiring evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction, an intimate performance by Elton John and after party hosted by SAP. Guests bid on one of a kind auction items including a spa day with Brooklyn Decker, golf with Andy and Fred Couples and unique trips to The Masters and Australian Open.

Exploring The Arts With Tony Bennett At Celebrity Charity Event

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:00 +0000

When Tony Bennett makes his debut at his sold out performance at the Metropolitan Opera House on Sunday, September 18, he will be joined by Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John and Alejandro Sanz for special duet appearances.

Franklin, John and Sanz all recorded with Bennett for his Duets CD projects: Elton John appeared on the first CD, DUETS in 2006; and Aretha Franklin and Alejandro Sanz recorded with the singer for the forthcoming follow up CD, DUETS II, set for release on Tuesday, September 20.

The evening at the Metropolitan Opera will also mark the official celebration of Tony’s 85th birthday where he will be honored at a post-concert gala hosted by Alec Baldwin. The gala is a benefit for Exploring The Arts, the non-profit organization started by Bennett and his wife Susan, to support arts education in public schools. Over $2.5M has been raised for the evening thus far.

Elton John And George Michael Support New Gay Rights Group

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Sir Elton John and George Michael will both attend the launch of new gay rights group at the House of Commons in London today, September 13.

Supported by British Prime Minister David Cameron and other high-ranking government officials, Kaleidoscope aims to revoke 19th British colonial anti-gay laws and stop persecution of gay and lesbian citizens, using business and political pressure.

“In some countries, it’s simply appalling how people can be treated – how their rights are trampled on and the prejudices, and even violence, they suffer,” says Cameron. “I want Britain to be a global beacon for reform.”

Robin Gibb To Perform At Celebrity Charity Event

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Legendary international recording artist and songwriter Robin Gibb CBE is the latest artist to be confirmed as one of the performers at this year’s prestigious Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball on Thursday, 15th September.

Robin Gibb and Robbie Williams at Caudwell Children event