Look To The Stars News: Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow Saddles Up For Horses

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Gwyneth Paltrow showed her deep concern for animal welfare when she attended a special gala on Saturday night.

The 35-year-old actress was co-host at “The Mane Event,” a function to benefit Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue in New York on August 9. Paltrow – who shared the emcee duties with world-renowned photographer Steven Klein – is a longtime supporter of the Hamptons-based group’s goal of saving unwanted horses from slaughter.

Since 2005, AFER has saved 74 horses, ponies and mules from untimely deaths, with many of them being adopted by caring owners.

The gala event was held at Steven Klein’s West Kill Farm, and the honorary chairperson was Madonna.

Gwyneth Paltrow Gets On The Baby Buggy Campaign

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Gwyneth Paltrow attended a special charity gala and auction hosted by Jerry Seinfeld’s wife last week.

The Tods and Baby Buggy Summer Luncheon took place on the Seinfelds’ sprawling lawn in Amagansett, New York, and was co-hosted by designer Derek Lam and Jessica Seinfeld. The event showcased Tods’ latest fashion collection to raise funds for Baby Buggy, a charity dedicated to providing New York families with essential baby equipment, clothing, and products.

After a delectable lunch, Paltrow and Jerry Seinfeld were joined by stars such as Kelly Ripa, Diane Kruger, and Jessica Capshaw in the Seinfelds’ 200-year-old barn for a special sale of boots, coats and bags from the Tod’s fall collection. Kruger and Paltrow both bought black cashmere trench coats, while Ripa bought a “Pashmy” baby bag.

“We give Baby Buggy all our stuff,” Paltrow told People magazine. “Strollers, car seats, clothes, toys.”

Earlier this year, Baby Buggy received $150,000 from the Carnegie Corporation to help with their mission of supplying baby products to needy families.

Gwyneth Paltrow Pushes For A Key To The Cure

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) have announced that Gwyneth Paltrow is their new Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s 2008 Key To The Cure campaign.

Key to the Cure is a women’s cancer initiative founded in partnership with EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, and 35-year-old Paltrow will appear in a series of advertisements wearing a limited edition T-shirt to raise awareness. The T-shirts – created by celebrated designer Karl Lagerfeld – will be available from Saks Fifth Avenue from October 1, with $35 from each shirt going to the Cancer Fund.

“Key to the Cure is one of Saks Fifth Avenue’s most important initiatives because of the numbers of people within our communities who are affected by cancer and depend on both the advancement of research and the efforts to ultimately find a cure,” said Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue. “We are… truly privileged to have the support of Karl Lagerfeld and Gwyneth Paltrow in our momentous 10th anniversary year.”

Saks Fifth Avenue will also hold a charity shopping weekend from October 16-19 at all of its stores nationwide and online, during which 2% of sales will benefit local organizations through EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation raises awareness and funds for important causes such as childhood hunger, cancer research, creative arts, education, and cardiovascular research by using the talent and compassion of entertainment industry members who donate money and volunteer time on their behalf.

Karaoke With The Stars Raises Much Needed Cash

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Gwyneth Paltrow might be about to outshine Coldplay-singing husband Chris Martin behind the microphone… but maybe not quite yet. The 35-year-old actress showed off her vocal talents at a charity karaoke show in London last Thursday, after a $90,000 bid prompted her to take to the stage.

The event, held at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, attracted a number of stars to get up on stage and sing their favorite tunes to benefit the Hoping Foundation. Hosted by veteran presenter Bruce Forsyth, the evening’s entertainment hoped to raise $1 million to help Palestinian children.

Paltrow is reported to have sung Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”, and gained a standing ovation for her effort. Other stars to hit the stage included Jeff Beck, Jarvis Cocker, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Stella McCartney, and Lily Cole.

This is the second year that Karaoke With The Stars has been held by the Hoping Foundation, with last year’s event raising over $700,000 to go towards the community programs the Foundation runs in refugee camps.

Gwyneth Paltrow Donates $75,000 To Food Bank

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:10:16 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has made a huge donation of $75,000 to an organization that helps feed the hungry in New York.

The 35-year-old mother-of-two and wife of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin made the donation to the Food Bank For New York City following a Food Bank gala last Saturday, April 19. It was the second time Paltrow has attended an event for the organization this month – she was guest of honor at the Can-Do Awards on April 8, which raised over $1 million for the Food Bank.

“I’ve been thinking about all the crap my children have and how much food we throw away,” the actress told the guests at the gala. “We have to do better.”

The Food Bank distributes free food to over 1.5 million hungry New Yorkers every year – that’s equivalent to over 68 million pounds of food annually, or 250,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers who otherwise would go hungry or not eat enough. To find out more on how to help the Food Bank For New York City, visit their website.

Stars Honor Inspirational Young People

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:13:10 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Several socially-conscious celebrities joined Prince Charles at a special event on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate young people who have succeeded against the odds.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Jenni Falconer, and Richard E. Grant were among the 1,500 people who attended the UK finals of the Celebrate Success Awards in London yesterday, March 18, to recognize the work of young people who have overcome homelessness, drug addiction, and unemployment to achieve business success with the support of the Prince’s Trust.

“I am a great admirer of the Prince of Wales,” said Paltrow. “The work he has done through his charity to help young people is quite remarkable”.

The main accolade of the event – the Young Achiever Award – went to 20-year-old Ian Fisher, who beat a heroin and crack addiction to establish a business educating children and prisoners about the dangers of drugs and binge-drinking.

“Ian has shown remarkable will-power and strength of character to overcome drug addiction and prison,” said Paltrow, who presented the award. “I am personally humbled by how such a young man can put his past experiences to good use and help others avoid similar problems.”

Kevin Spacey was also impressed with the inspirational stories shared during the ceremony, and was on hand to present an enterprise award to 29-year-old single mother Claire Hutchinson, who overcame unemployment to establish a recycling business through a low-interest loan and mentoring from the Prince’s Trust.

“Claire’s success just shows how a little support can go a long way,” said Spacey, who also revealed that Hutchinson’s business now employs 25 people and has donated over $500,000 to a local children’s charity.

Band of Brothers actor Damian Lewis presented a community impact award to a team of unemployed young people who revived a Second World War memorial garden in Witton, Birmingham.

“Civilians who died in the World War II heavy bombing were often buried without a permanent tombstone,” said Lewis. “I think the young people from this Prince’s Trust team did an amazing thing, providing a crucial place for relatives to remember their lost ones.”

The Prince’s Trust has helped more than 575,000 young people who are not in education, employment, or training since it was established in 1976. More information about the work that they do can be found at www.princes-trust.org.uk.

Gwyneth Paltrow Gives The Gift To UNICEF

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:19:49 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The Gift is a new short film that features Gwyneth Paltrow as she narrates a poem by Simon Armitage for UNICEF. The dramatization depicts a typical, small African village, young love, a dark discovery, the social stigma of a pregnant woman with AIDS, and fear for the baby’s future.

The first message of the 4-minute short: Almost every minute, somewhere in the world, a baby is born with HIV. It costs less than $2 for treatment to prevent over 98% of mothers with HIV from passing the virus to their newborn child.

“I hope that this new short film will raise awareness and funds about this issue,” said Paltrow. “And UNICEF will be able to reach every woman with the vital care and medicines they need.”

The second message: A plea for support of UNICEF’s petition “to keep the promise made at the G8 Summit to help raise the $1.5bn needed to stop babies being born with HIV.”

“All that’s needed now is funding and political will,” said Jemima Khan. “World leaders promised to help but we are yet to see any concrete action or money.”

Madonna And Friends Shine A Light On Malawi

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:23:58 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If you were to look on a map, you could be excused for missing Malawi completely. Bordered by Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique in South East Africa, the nation of Malawi is shaped like a lightning bolt, with much of its land area covered by a massive lake. But it a country that is in dire need of help, and a host of celebrities turned out to a dazzling evening of fun on Wednesday, February 6, to raise awareness for what is one of the poorest countries in the world.

The gala event was hosted by Madonna on the lawns of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the $3.7 million raised going to UNICEF and her own Raising Malawi organization. A long list of stars, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lopez, Tea Leoni, Lucy Liu, Billy Joel, Gwen Stefani, and Djimon Hounsou, attended the event, with tickets ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. The evening also featured performances by Alicia Keys, Timbaland, and Rihanna.

“I want to put Raising Malawi on the map,” said Madonna. “I want credibility as a philanthropic organisation. I want to inspire people. I don’t want them to just write me a cheque: I want them to give me a piece of their heart.”

Comedian Chris Rock hosted an auction during the evening, which featured some exciting items donated by celebrity guests. Priceless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities were up for grabs, such as a dance class with Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow (which sold for $600,000), and a trip to Château Latour – including lunch with Salma Hayek – which was sold to Donald Trump for $120,000.

Tom Cruise, who attended the event with wife Katie Holmes, narrowly missed out on buying a sports package that included baseball practice with Yankee Alex Rodriguez and soccer practice with David Beckham.

“It was an extraordinary evening,” said Cruise. “The whole evening was quite moving. [Saving Malawi] is an absolute necessity.”

Saving Malawi was co-founded by Madonna in 2006, after she witnessed the plight of the country firsthand. And it is a plight she hopes to make more people aware of.

Recent UNICEF figures state that almost 1 million people in Malawi (whose total population is 13 million) suffer from HIV/AIDS, including 83,000 children. 267 people are infected with the virus every day, and half of the country’s 1 million orphans have lost their parents to the disease.

It is a country where 48% of children are severely malnourished, and many are subjected to the horrors of exploitation. The infant and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world, and 133 children out of 1000 die before they reach the age of five. They suffer from lack of food, shelter, clothing, education, clean water and sanitation, as well as basic medical services, and the average life expectancy is only 37 years.

Raising Malawi hopes to ease the suffering of the children of Malawi by providing smart solutions to the most challenging problems. Instead of just throwing money at the nightmare, they provide grassroots initiatives in the way of healthcare, education, and agriculture at a community level. To do this, they have partnered with some of the best organizations that work in the country, including the Millennium Promise Alliance, the Network of Organizations for Vulnerable and Orphan Children, and Spirituality for Kids.

One of Raising Malawi’s greatest initiatives is the Orphan Care Center recently built in the village of Mphandula. Designed to serve 4000 children, it provides a safe haven for orphans, and supplies nutritious meals, basic education, and crucial life skills. Along with programs to introduce solar power, clean water systems, and self-sustenance, Madonna hopes the Orphan Care Center will help Malawi overcome its problems.

“I’ve earned a reputation for many things,” said Madonna during Wednesday’s gala evening. “For pushing the envelope, for being a provocateur, for never taking no for an answer, for endlessly reinventing myself, for being a cult member, a kidnapper, for being ambitious, outrageous, and irreverent. And for never settling for second best. I don’t just want you to write me a check. I’m more interested in your heart. I want to take you on that journey with me tonight. I want you to feel as inspired as I do right now.

“Yes, I want to raise Malawi. But if I can do that – if we can do that – then the sky’s the limit.”

Madonna To Headline Charity Event

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:54:12 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the most well-known names in show business is teaming up with one of the biggest names in fashion for a fund raising event expected to generate millions of dollars to revitalize the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in the African nation of Malawi.

Madonna has joined forces with Gucci to prove she is not just a material girl, and will headline a special gala and show on February 6, 2008. The event will benefit UNICEF and Raising Malawi, the charity the singer co-founded in 2006, and will focus on ending the poverty and hardship suffered by Malawi’s 1 million orphans, many of whom have had parents die from the AIDS pandemic.

To help with the event, which is expected to raise over $2 million for the cause, Madonna has enlisted the help of her many friends as co-chairs, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Lucy Liu, Salma Hayek, Tea Leoni, Adrien Brody, Arpad Busson, and Francois-Henri Pinault.

“I am grateful that Gucci is joining forces with me to bring attention to a country with millions of children in desperate need of our help,” said Madonna when the event was announced. “Raising Malawi has already done tremendous work in helping these children. But we have much more to do, and this event will surely bring us closer to our goal.”

Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie are currently embroiled in a bid to adopt a young child from Malawi, 13-month-old David Banda. However, the adoption attempt has been the centre of much controversy, especially from human rights groups who have accused the singer of trying to get around the country’s laws by using her fame and wealth. The 49-year-old denies the allegations, and a hearing at Malawi’s High Court will be held in 2008 to decide whether the couple are suitable parents and should be allowed to welcome the child into their family.

Raising Malawi was established to assist the African country with its poor public health record and high AIDS rate – it is estimated that 12% of the population between the age of 15-49 suffer from the disease.

“Every day, 6000 children lose a parent to AIDS,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF, who also thanked Madonna and Gucci for organizing the gala event. “Every day, 1400 children die from AIDS.”

Gucci has been a UNICEF corporate partner since 2004, and the event in February will also celebrate the opening of the biggest Gucci store on the planet, situated on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

Paltrow Hosts Diamond Charity Auction

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:58:37 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Gwyneth Paltrow hosted a diamond auction in New York last week to raise money for Hope Lodge, an American Cancer Society initiative providing free housing for adults with cancer.

The actress described the charity as “a really good cause”—her own father died from throat cancer in 2002. “My life has been affected by cancer in so many different ways.”

“When my father had cancer, he found it so isolating. It’s very difficult to empathise with it if you haven’t gone through it.”

Paltrow braved icy weather and a cold to host the event, as it had “been planned for a long time… I couldn’t take a sick day.”

Paltrow Offers Face To African AIDS Charity

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:14:34 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Gwyneth Paltrow has joined a number of top celebrities by adding her support to charity Keep A Child Alive, which fights AIDS in Africa.

The actress is appearing in a print advertisement for the charity, in which she urges readers to donate money in order to “pay for lifesaving AIDS drugs that can keep a child, a mother, a father, a family alive”.

Look To The Stars News: Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow Saddles Up For Horses

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Gwyneth Paltrow Gets On The Baby Buggy Campaign

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Gwyneth Paltrow Pushes For A Key To The Cure

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