Butterflies Benefit British Wildlife

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:56:00 -0000

Over 120 British celebrities have put their artistic skills to the test for an online auction, and a dazzling collection of their original drawings and paintings will help raise money to save wildlife.

The artworks, which all feature a colorful array of butterflies and moths, are currently being auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Dorset Wildlife Trust, one of 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the UK, dedicated to the conservation of Britain’s unique wildlife. Famous names such as Daniel Craig, Ricky Gervais, and member of the newly reformed Spice Girls, Melanie C, are just some of those who have donated artworks to the auction, which started on September 16 and will run for several months.

“We have had a fantastic and generous response from all our celebrity artists,” said auction organizer, Les Bunce. “And sponsorship of our costs means that all the money raised will go straight to help wildlife in Dorset.”

The auction follows a similar auction held five years ago, in which celebrities such as Sean Bean, Joely Richardson, and Sir Paul McCartney painted their favourite orchids for the Trust. The event raised over $60,000, and the proceeds were used to monitor and improve wildlife habitats, plant trees, clean up roadsides, and raise public motivation to support conservation issues.

The items at this year’s event will be sold a few at a time, and each drawing will be available online for a week. As items are sold, new ones will be added. The event will culminate on December 13, with works donated by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst being auctioned at a Grand Finale at Christie’s Auction House in London.

Other celebrities involved with the event include cricketer Ian Botham, singer Katie Melua, and actor Tony Robinson. A full list of contributors can be seen at www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk, and the auction can be viewed at www.myworld.ebay.co.uk/dorsetwildlifetrust/.

Stars Read Stories for Charity

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:41:12 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Joanna Lumley and Tony Robinson have lent their voice talents to a series of downloadable stories for children. Recordings of the Mr Men and Little Miss books from Roger Hargreaves’ best-selling series benefit the Variety Club, a charity which works with underprivileged children.

Lumley reads Little Miss Sunshine, Robinson reads Mr Tickle, and Wendy Richard tells the story of Little Miss Splendid.

Ben Shephard, Neil Fox and John Simm also tell stories from the beloved series.

Wendy Richard OBE said at her podcast recording: “I was delighted to be asked to read a Little Miss story for the celebrity podcast. It is a great way to raise money for the invaluable work Variety Club does to help underprivileged children have a better quality of life.”

There are seven recordings in all, costing £1.50 ($3) each, or £5 ($10) for the entire set. All of the proceeds go to the charity.

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Butterflies Benefit British Wildlife

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