Look To The Stars News: Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston And Courteney Cox Join Up For The Congo

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

“Friends” co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox have teamed up to head a campaign to fight for women’s rights in the Congo.

They are supporting OmniPeace, an humanitarian fashion brand, which aims to stop violence against women in Congo. Mary Fanaro, the woman who runs the fashion brand, is a friend to both Aniston and Cox.

Cox said, “OmniPeace was created to give back. I can’t think of a better way to support my best friend and all the work that she and OmniPeace do to donate to causes supporting peace, education, human rights and the end of extreme poverty by 2025. Mary’s passion is so contagious and wonderful. It has taught me that anything is possible with enough perseverance and tenacity.”

Aniston and Cox are urging technology fans in the United States and Europe not to buy electronics that contain materials sourced from “conflict mines.” The industry is at the center of violent fighting.

The two women joined Sheryl Crow earlier in the year to raise awareness for the charity. As of now, they’re bringing a new campaign to the attention of Hillary Clinton.

Jennifer Aniston Narrates Charity Audio Book

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Earlier this year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Jennifer Aniston’s newest charity project: narrating a children’s audio book. We can now reveal that the book will be released on October 24 – National Make A Difference Day.

The story – written by Nick Katsoris – is called Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, the third release in an ongoing series about doing nice things for other people. The stories feature Loukoumi the lamb and her friends Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog and Marika the Monkey – a group of characters that like doing good deeds. Among the actors voicing characters for ’Loukoumi’s Good Deeds’ are Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Gaynor and US news presenter Alexis Christoforous.

The actress has promised that $2 from every purchase of the audio book will go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and to celebrate the release, the book’s author will hold a special reading of the book at the hospital on October 20.

“It is a wonderful story, plain and simple,” said a spokesperson for Aniston. “She did it because she wanted to do it with her dad, as well as she loved the story.”

To order the book and find out more, visit the official website.

Molly Sims To Host Charity Fundraiser

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Molly Sims is to host the 2009 Friends of El Faro Fundraiser.

Friends of El Faro helps to improve the lives of the children of Casa Hogar Sion by providing food, shelter, education and a safe environment, with a long term goal to purchase land and build them a new home.

Since November of 2000, Adam Smith and his wife Leigh Kilton-Smith have been traveling with a circle of friends to Tijuana, Mexico every four to five weeks to spend the weekend with the more then 100 children of “Casa Hogar Sion” orphanage. It is here, where children, who have been abandoned or abused or neglected, have found a home, a place where they are safe and cared for, nourished and loved. The Friends of El Faro do what they can take care of the children, and Mama Carmen and Papa Jorge and the staff, remarkable people who have created a home for children who did not have one. Everything from cooking meals, to drying tears, wiping noses, lots of hugs, playing games, talking, listening, breaking up fights and mediating peace; building playgrounds, changing diapers, showing outdoor movies, popping popcorn, and most importantly, letting the children know that they are loved and cherished and important.

Over the years, more then two hundred friends have joined them on their weekend trips and when the orphanage lost their major funding several years ago, Friends of El Faro rallied to put on an annual fundraiser to raise money to take care of our children. The fundraiser has had the support of stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Andy Garcia, Ben Stiller, Josh Duhamel and Sheryl Crow.

This year’s event will take place on September 24 at Boulevard 3 in Los Angeles. Tickets are available here.

Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and Sheryl Crow Campaign for Congolese Women’s Rights

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

OmniPeace, a Los Angeles-based fashion brand that donates 25% of its profits towards efforts to end extreme poverty in Africa by 2025, has launched a new campaign, Stamp Out Violence Against Women and Girls of the Congo.

Actresses Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston and singer Sheryl Crow co-hosted a dinner to help raise awareness for the campaign as well as to raise money. All three spoke to Access Hollywood:

“[OmniPeace is] building this place called the City of Joy,” said Cox, an ambassador for the organization. “It’s a healing center for women and children who have been violated.”

OmniPeace is selling specially designed t-shirts in order to help fund the City of Joy, and many celebrities find donating profits that have been generated through consumerism to be a good idea.

“There are so many looming causes that need everyone to be involved in and everyone to be conscious of,” said Crow. “This is one that I really think does escape people because it’s not happening in our own country and it’s so foreign – the idea of using rape as warfare – that a lot of people close their eyes to it. In our own way of consumer-ship, we can have a voice in what happens over there.”

The t-shirts feature drawings by the child victims at the center’s art therapy program.

“[The t-shirt logo] are images that have been made into a collage from these children,” explains Aniston. “You can see all of these drawings. It’s quite disturbing to know that this is what is in front of them… It’s excruciating. [This] is what they see in front of their eyes.”

Madonna And Friends Launch Handbag Auction For Earthquake Relief

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities have donated handbags to an auction to raise money for victims of April’s devastating earthquake in Italy.

Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Eva Longoria, Dita von Teese, Lucy Liu, Marisa Tomei and Lily Tomlin have autographed and donated a selection of Salvatore Ferragamo handbags to the auction. 100% of the proceeds from the online auction will be donated to GlobalGiving’s Italy Earthquake Recovery and Relief Fund.

On April 6, 2009, the deadliest Italian earthquake in over 15 years struck the Abruzzo mountain region of Italy, with the town of L’Aquila at its epicenter. The toll was grim with nearly 300 people killed, more than 1,000 injured, and as many as 65,000 residents displaced. Many of those who lost their homes are still living in tent cities.

Madonna also reportedly donated money to victims following a plea for help from the mayor of a small hamlet called Pacentro. Madonna’s grandparents lived in the village until 1919.

To take part in the auction – which runs until June 12 – click here.

Jennifer Aniston Helps Out With Children's Charity Audio Book

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jennifer Aniston is to narrate a new children’s book with her father for charity.

Along with John Aniston, the 40-year-old actress and star of Marley And Me will lend her voice to an audio CD version of Nick Katsoris’ Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, the third release in an ongoing series about doing nice things for other people.

“Jennifer was wonderful, they were so easy to work with and it was the first time they had done something together,” Katsoris told RadarOnline.com. “They recorded in L.A. last fall and she was just a joy to work with… All the proceeds go to [”St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/80-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital], and Jennifer is a big fan of them."

The stories feature Loukoumi the lamb and her friends Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog and Marika the Monkey – a group of characters that like doing good deeds. Among the actors voicing characters for ’Loukoumi’s Good Deeds’ are Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Gaynor and US news presenter Alexis Christoforous.

“It is a wonderful story, plain and simple,” said a spokesperson for Aniston. “She did it because she wanted to do it with her dad, as well as she loved the story.”

$2 from the sale of every CD will go to St Judes to help seriously ill children. An excerpt from the CD – which is to be released on April 1 – can be heard here.

Stars Come Out For Charity The Night Before

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

The entertainment industry’s biggest stars are set to shine this weekend at the annual Academy Awards, but the night before the big event they will be partying it up to support the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation.

The 7th annual The Night Before event will take place on Saturday, February 21, at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, and aims to help provide charitable health and community services to entertainment industry people in need.

The first Night Before event was held in 2003 and instantly became one of the most coveted invitations in town kicking off what is now a much-anticipated awards season tradition. Since its inception, the Night Before fundraiser has raised more than $30 million for MPTF.

“This event raises more money to help the entertainment industry than any other single event we do,” said Ken Scherer, CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation. “The money raised here during the past six years has changed the lives of countless people in the entertainment industry, through the various services and programs offered by MPTF.”

MPTF Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg added: “This year, more than any other, we are asking the entertainment industry to come out and help those in the business who are facing some type of hardship, financial or otherwise. There are people who are losing their cars and homes; the need has never been greater. The money raised from this event will enable MPTF to keep up with the increasing requests for help and hopefully we wont have to have to say ‘no’ to anyone.”

Celebrities on this year’s hosting committee include: Jennifer Aniston, Tanya Haden Black & Jack Black, Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Luciana & Matt Damon, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Jake Gyllenhaal, Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Jennifer & Tobey Maguire, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, Christine Taylor & Ben Stiller, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Weisz, Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks, Kate Winslet & Sam Mendes, Reese Witherspoon, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones & Michael Douglas.

The non-profit Motion Picture & Television Fund, headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calif., was founded in 1921 to provide “relief” for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, 85 years later, MPTF is a major service provider supporting the health and well being of the entertainment community. Healthcare, childcare, retirement living and social/charitable services are offered with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person. Care is offered through the MPTF 250-bed hospital, five outpatient health centers, charitable financial assistance and community outreach programs, a full-scale retirement community and a children’s day care center. More information is available here.

Ben Affleck To Address Celebrities At Charity Event

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

This Wednesday, February 18, will see some of Hollywood’s biggest stars turn out at the House of Blues in Los Angeles to honor International Medical Corps (IMC) and support its life-saving work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Expected to attend the event are George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Diane Keaton, Felicity Huffman, Forest Whitaker, Tobey Maguire, Kate Walsh, Heather Graham and Brooke Shields, with entertainment to be provided by Sheryl Crow.

The evening is to be hosted by writer/producer Grant Heslov (“Good Night & Good Luck”) and his wife Lysa, who founded the arts exchange organization, Children Mending Hearts, and traveled to IMC’s programs in the Congo last month. A special humanitarian award will be presented to CNN’s Anderson Cooper for his reporting in Africa.

Featured speaker at the event will be Ben Affleck, who has made several trips to the Congo and this week published an article he wrote about his experiences in TIME Magazine.

“I’ve been traveling to Congo since 2007,” he wrote in the article, titled A Glimmer Of Hope In Africa. “The picture of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown tragically familiar: a region with great natural wealth, riven by war, racked with hunger and traumatized by a long history of colonial abuse, postcolonial kleptocracy and plunder. In the past 10 years alone, millions have died here, and more die each day as a result of the conflict. Most die not from war wounds but from starvation or disease. A lack of infrastructure means there is little medical care in the cities and none in rural communities, so any infection can be a death sentence. The most vulnerable suffer the worst. One in five children in Congo will die before reaching the age of 5 — and will do so out of sight of the world, in places that camera crews cannot reach, deep in a vast landscape and concealed under a canopy of bucolic jungle.”

Established in 1984, International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Gwyneth Paltrow And Courteney Cox Honored For Charity Work

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Gwyneth Paltrow and Courteney Cox were honored at the 14th Annual Saks Fifth Avenue’s Unforgettable Evening benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund in Beverly Hills last night, February 10.

The annual event raises much needed funds each year for innovative cancer research, and recognizes one remarkable individual for his or her unwavering commitment to the cause.

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow received the 2009 Courage Award. She, along with her mother, Blythe Danner, and brother, Jake Paltrow, established the Bruce Paltrow Fund in memory of her father who lived with oral cancer for several years. The Bruce Paltrow Fund, set up through The Oral Cancer Foundation and with support from the EIF, works to prevent oral cancer through public education, early detection and patient support. In 2008, Paltrow served as ambassador for EIF and Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE Initiative, appearing in a nationwide public service announcement to raise funds and awareness for women’s cancers.

Courteney Cox was presented with the 2009 Nat King Cole Award for her dedication to helping people, especially those near to her, who have battled cancer.

The evening included a special performance by Beyoncé Knowles and featured guests such as Jennifer Aniston, David Arquette, Sheryl Crow, Lisa Kudrow, Laura Dern, Jennifer Meyer and Tobey Maguire, Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, Josh Groban, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Kirk Douglas, Jessica Capshaw, along with EIF’s WCRF honorary chairs Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, EIF’s WCRF co-founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Jamie Tisch, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie, and Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills’ Vice President & General Manager Larry Bruce.

Jennifer Aniston Rescues Dog In Roadside Drama

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Jennifer Aniston turned rescuer during the weekend when she came to the aid of a dog running loose along Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

The star of the current hit movie Marley and Me was reportedly driving along the busy road when she spotted the stray pooch that was in danger of being run over. Stopping her car and jumping out, Aniston managed to grab the canine by its collar before it came to any harm. The dog was later reunited with its owner.

Aniston is known to be a dog lover, owning several of her own. She also shared her thoughts about her canine companions while promoting Marley and Me last month.

“Men come and go but there really is no relationship like the one you have with a dog,” Aniston told USA Today. “But then they don’t live as long as they should. You have to say goodbye way too soon. It’s just so sad. It makes me so sad. But their love is unconditional and I love that.”

David Arquette Helps Feed America

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor David Arquette hosted a star-studded charity cocktail evening for Feeding America over the weekend.

The event – held in Los Angeles on Friday, January 9 – attracted an amazing array of celebrities, including Arquette’s wife Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Tobey Maguire, Josh Groban, Amanda Peet, Nick Lachey, Kevin Connelly, Lukas Haas, Jason Bateman and many more.

The event was held to help Shepard Fairey unveil his new range of artworks that raise awareness about Feeding America, an organization that increases public awareness of domestic hunger and advocates for public policies that benefit America’s hungry. Fairey is one of the world’s best known street artists.

Each year, the Feeding America network provides food assistance to more than 25 million low-income people facing hunger in the United States, including more than 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors.

Julie Benz To Host US Campaign For Burma Dinner

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of Dexter may like to get down to Beso on Hollywood Blvd later tonight, December 30, as one of the show’s stars is hosting a special charity gala.

Julie Benz, who plays Rita on Dexter, is hosting the Celebrity Foundation Dinner to benefit the US Campaign for Burma and the Human Rights Action Center. The evening will also include a performance by Jose Cortes from the Gipsy Kings, and stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Jason Biggs, Jenny Mollen Biggs, Stacy Dash, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Valerie Cruz are expected to attend.

The US Campaign for Burma aims to help the people of Burma achieve their dreams of freedom, peace, democracy, and human rights. The organization is dedicated to empowering grassroots activists around the world to bring about an end to the military dictatorship in Burma.

Through public education, leadership development initiatives, conferences, and advocacy campaigns at local, national and international levels, USCB works to empower Americans and Burmese dissidents-in-exile to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma and raise awareness about the egregious human rights violations committed by Burma’s military regime. The campaign has recruited stars such as Will Ferrell and Jennifer Aniston to record PSAs encouraging people to stand up against the injustice occurring in Burma, and recently a group of former world leaders, presidents, and prime ministers – including Mikhail Gorbachev, Jimmy Carter, Tony Blair, and George Bush Sr – wrote to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to ask him to secure the release of all political prisoners in Burma by the end of this year.

Tonight’s event takes place at 7pm at Beso, 6653 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

Jennifer Aniston Joins Children's Cancer Campaign

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Jennifer Aniston has once again joined the fight against childhood cancer by raising awareness of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 5th annual Thanks and Giving campaign.

The actress has filmed a television PSA with a six year old brain tumor sufferer from the hospital named Elle.

“To help that brain tumor go away, Elle’s mother turned to St Judes, where our discoveries have doubled Elle’s chance of survival,” said Aniston in the short film. “The work of St Judes helps save the lives of children across America. We’ve changed how the world treats brain tumors, sickle cell, and leukaemia.”

Other stars to film PSA’s for the fundraising campaign include Robin Williams, Jason Taylor, Antonio Banderas, and Marlo Thomas. Keith Urban and Brad Paisley have both recorded radio PSA’s.

To join the campaign, you can purchase one of the range of clothes available at the Thanks and Giving website. There are DKNY T-shirts and apparel from Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand, and Liz Claiborne. All products can be purchased online at www.stjude.org or by calling 1-800-4STJUDE.

“Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life,” said Aniston, “and give to those who are not.”

The PSA’s can be viewed here.

Will Ferrell Launches Human Rights Awareness Month

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Funnyman Will Ferrell launched Human Rights Awareness Month earlier this week with a passionate plea to help Burma.

“You know when you hear about something happening in the world that is so awful, so violent and terrible and evil and wrong and you think wait – I have to do something about this,” he said in a PSA. “But it just seems too big… this month, all that is going to change for you. A human rights crisis is happening right now in the South East Asian country of Burma… Today we’re launching a 30 day campaign for human rights and democracy in Burma.”

Ferrell announced that over the next month, special videos featuring stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, and Jackson Browne will be featured on the US Campaign for Burma YouTube page, to talk about the Burmese fight for freedom from an unjust and violent military regime.

“You’ll also get to know one of my heroes, an extraordinary woman called [”Aung San Suu Kyi":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1319-aung-san-suu-kyi], " said Ferrell. “She sacrificed her freedom to lead a non-violent protest movement against oppression in Burma. Stay with us for 30 straight days, alert all of your friends, speak at school, speak at your churches, talk to strangers in the street… invite them to join with us, the US Campaign for Burma, as we build a coalition of millions of people who care about human rights. People power counts. Let this month be the month you join an effort to change the world.”

The full PSA can be viewed here.

Feed America With George Clooney's Bowl

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of your favorite actors and musicians have autographed bowls for a new charity auction to raise money for the hungry.

The Fill A Bowl, Feed America campaign is being run in conjunction with Clothes Off Our Back, the celebrity charity auction site founded by Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek.

Now is your chance to eat from quality bowls signed by stars such as George Clooney, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Adam Sandler, Rascal Flatts, Paris Hilton, Sacha Baron Cohen, Maroon 5, Wyclef Jean, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Annie Lennox, Ben Harper, Josh Groban, Jordin Sparks, Carlos Santana, Sarah McLachlan, Richie Sambora, and many more.

All of the proceeds from the auction – which runs until December 12 – will go to Feeding America. The auction can be accessed here. And remember – it only takes $1 to provide 16 meals for a child.

Bag Ladies To Gather in Beverly Hills

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Lupus LA’s 2008 Hollywood Bag Lady Luncheon is on for this Friday, November 7th, and celebrities such as Daisy Fuentes, Kourtney Kardashian and Toni Braxton are expected to be among the more than 500 women set to attend the spirited handbag auction.

The silent auction will consist of coveted handbags donated by the top boutiques in the city, as well as directly from the collections and closets of Fendi, Chanel, Hermes, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts, and a Kipling white/gold tote designed and signed by Fergie.

The Luncheon will be hosted by Kris Jenner, and include a fashion show by Escada. Carrie Brillstein and Toni Braxton are the events Honorary Chairs, and will be joined by Kelly Stone and Dorothy Ellis as the Luncheon Chairs.

Lupus LA is the west coast division of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, and promotes lupus research, awareness, and education, while serving the needs of people with lupus and their families in Los Angeles County.

To see the full line-up of bags, and for more information on this event, visit the Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon page.

Celebrity Endorsement Pulls Young Voters

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new study has revealed how celebrity endorsement can encourage young people to vote.

“Celebrities have the power to motivate civic engagement regardless of their own grasp of the issues at hand,” reported a study by Washington State University published in the Mass Communication and Society journal. “Celebrity endorsed campaigns successfully lowered complacency and helped young people believe in their own impact on the political system. Young people got involved at higher levels and became increasingly aware of societal issues.”

According to the study, initiatives from stars such as Jessica Alba – who recently featured in several ad campaigns for Declare Yourself – as well as Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé Knowles have influenced the youth vote in America. 44% of newly registered voters in 2004 were between 18 and 25.

This year’s voters have been encouraged by a host of celebrity campaigns, such as Death Cab for Cutie’s free concert offer and the recent 5 Friends video that featured will.i.am, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Bacon, Maria Bello, Halle Berry, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Connolly, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Jonah Hill, Djimon Hounsou, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Kiedis, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Levine, Laura Linney, Eva Longoria, Tobey Maguire, Demi Moore, Esai Morales, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, Ethan Suplee, Kyra Sedgwick, Michelle Trachtenberg, Usher, and Forest Whitaker.

About 44 million people aged 18 to 29 are eligible to vote in the November 4 presidential election. If young voter turnout exceeds 50%, it will be only the third time since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1972.

Hollywood Urges US To Vote

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of the brightest stars in Hollywood have joined forces in a new video encouraging people to vote in the upcoming US elections.

The 5-minute film, which is called 5 Friends and can be viewed here, features appearances from Amy Adams, Tatyana Ali, will.i.am, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Bacon, Maria Bello, Halle Berry, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Connolly, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Jonah Hill, Djimon Hounsou, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Kiedis, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Levine, Laura Linney, Eva Longoria, Tobey Maguire, Demi Moore, Esai Morales, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, Ethan Suplee, Kyra Sedgwick, Michelle Trachtenberg, Usher, and Forest Whitaker.

The video, which uses a little bit of reverse psychology to get people to the polls, was organized by Declare Yourself, a national nonprofit campaign initiated in 2004 to energize and empower a new movement of young voters.

“If you’re not going to vote I don’t even know what to say to you anymore,” says DiCaprio in the video, which was shot in his home in LA. “You know you have to vote.”

Declare Yourself has also launched a new print and internet advertisement featuring Jessica Alba.

Last month the star appeared gagged and wrapped in plastic in an ad for the organization. In the new campaign, Alba appears wearing only a Hannibal Lecter-type mask called “The Muzzler.”

The advertisement can be seen at the Declare Yourself website.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“He looks amazing,” former basketball player Charles Barkley told People Magazine. “For me, seeing Patrick Swayze, someone who is actually fighting this disease, was the best part of the show. Seeing him in person was amazing.”

The idea behind the event was that it is the lack of funding – and not just research – that is slowing the advance of cancer prevention and treatment, and over $100 million has been raised since the Stand Up To Cancer initiative was launched earlier this year.

The telethon – which was viewed by over 10.5 million people – also featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor, as well as the television premiere of the star-studded charitable single Just Stand Up performed by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett underwent a prostate examination on the show, and cartoon character Homer Simpson had a colonoscopy.

Other stars who were part of the show included Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Hilary Swank, Jimmy Fallon, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom wanted to do something positive to help the 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide who die from cancer each year.

As part of Stand Up To Cancer’s efforts, there is also an auction running on eBay that offers the chance to meet the cast of celebrities such as Katie Couric, Stephen Colbert, and Jay Leno. It runs until September 15, and can be accessed through eBay.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Don’t miss Stand Up To Cancer on ABC, CBS and NBC today, Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m. (EST).

A spectacular line up of talent including Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Kirsten Dunst, Charles Barkley, America Ferrera, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Forest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon and Keanu Reeves will appear on the one-hour telecast. The celebrities are set to educate you, move you and entertain you, and will even be on hand to answer your calls in the celebrity phone bank.

The premiere TV performance of Just Stand Up – the star studded charitable single in support of Stand Up To Cancer – will be performed by legendary recording artists Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

Doug Ulman, President of the Lance Armstrong Foundation says, “Inspired to act by their own personal experiences with cancer, the Stand Up to Cancer team recognizes that we can no longer rely on the current system alone to give us the breakthroughs we need. They are calling on the public to help take matters into our own hands, investing in a revolution that will change the way scientists and clinicians work to understand and treat cancer. Stand Up To Cancer is more than a rallying cry. It is a galvanizing force created to urgently move cancer research forward.”

Tonight’s program is raising funds to build “Dream Teams” made up of scientists, clinicians, technicians and other experts.

For more information about Stand Up To Cancer, and a complete list of celebrities who will be appearing during the show, visit the Stand Up To Cancer Website.

Star Goodies Up For Grabs In Charity Auctions

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Television Academy Foundation is offering an array of exclusive items and experiences to bidders through a special online charity auction hosted by eBay Giving Works.

All proceeds from the auction – which can be accessed through the eBay Giving Works website – will benefit the educational outreach programs of the Television Academy Foundation, as well as the preservation efforts of the Archive of American Television, whose aim is to create an interactive encyclopedia of television history.

A wide range of items are available, including bikes signed by Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, VIP tickets to The Daily Show and signed memorabilia from Jon Stewart, a set visit to CSI: New York, VIP tickets and meet and greets to Jimmy Kimmel Live, and signed memorabilia from the casts of Saving Grace, Two and a Half Men, Rules of Engagement, Rescue Me, Law and Order, King of the Hill, Smallville, and Battlestar Galactica.

The auction runs until September 4.

Also running at the moment is the Celebrity Bric-A-Brac charity auction raising funds for AMREF UK – the leading health development organisation in Africa, saving and transforming the lives of some of the poorest and most marginalised people in Africa.

Items up for offer include Ian McKellen’s slippers, Mischa Barton’s handbag, Lily Allen’s dress, and memorbilia signed by Noel Gallagher, Will Young, and Jodie Kidd.

But you must be quick, the auction – which can be accessed through eBay – ends on September 1.

Female Stars Unite For New Charity Single

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fifteen of the hottest female stars on the planet are joining together for a brand new charity single to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Just Stand Up will be released on September 2 to coincide with the Stand Up To Cancer television special that will run on NBC, ABC, and CBS on September 5. The new song – which was conceived and produced by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds – will feature the soaring voices of Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood, and all sales of the star-studded single will benefit cancer research.

All 15 singers will perform the song during the primetime television event, which will also feature appearances by Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon.

The single will be available through iTunes, and more information can be found at www.standup2cancer.org.

More Stars Stand Up To Cancer

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stand Up To Cancer has announced another selection of stars that will take part in their television extravaganza on September 5.

Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, and Scarlett Johansson have been confirmed to join Meryl Streep, David Cook, and Christina Applegate in appearing on the primetime television event that hopes to raise funds for cancer research. Lance Armstrong has already filmed a segment that will be shown during the one hour event which will be broadcast simultaneously on ABC, CBS and NBC.

Organizer Sherry Lansing is pleased with the celebrity support the event is getting, and is grateful for their assistance.

“It hasn’t been hard getting celebrity involvement,” she told Look To The Stars. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and they want to stand up, just like everyone else.”

A star-studded PSA for the event – featuring Christy Turlington, Tobey Maguire, Susan Sarandon, Morgan Freeman, Keanu Reeves, and Casey Affleck – can be viewed here.

Celebrities Raising Voices For Burma

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:46:12 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Will Ferrell and Jennifer Aniston have joined the US Campaign for Burma, and are asking others to do the same for the Burma: It Can’t Wait Campaign. Stars are on a mission to raise one million voices in 30 days against the human rights atrocities occurring in the Southeast Asian country.

The people of Burma are being attacked by their own government, and, just as the world stood together to demand the freedom of Nelson Mandela, the campaign is asking people to speak up for the leader of Burma’s democratic party, Aung San Suu Kyi. The world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Suu Kyi has been deprived of her freedom for 12 of the last 18 years. She has appealed to people around the world, saying, “Please, use your liberty to promote ours.”

To make matters even worse, southwestern Burma was hit by a cyclone on Friday, May 2, leaving up to 60,000 dead, with tens of thousands missing and hundreds of thousands displaced or homeless. It is being called the worst natural disaster in Asia since the 2004 tsunami. Despite knowing about the approaching cyclone days in advance, the government did not warn its citizens. The U.S. Campaign For Burma is accepting donations to help with relief efforts in the medium-term, as the Burmese government is currently blocking international aid agencies from offering their support.

Join Woody Harrelson, Sarah Silverman, Julie Benz, Eddie Izzard and the others who are speaking out for the brave young people fighting for democracy and struggling through the wake of Cyclone Nargis. For more information visit the U.S. Campaign For Burma, and to view the celebrity videos, go to BurmaItCantWait.org.

Oprah's Big Give Delivers A Surprise Ending

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:55:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stephen Paletta has won the grand finale of Oprah’s Big Give.

The show, which picked up 10 million viewers, featured a special appearance by Jennifer Aniston, who thanked each of the seven contestants for their work and awarded them their cash gifts of $10,000. But what followed took everyone by surprise.
“That just felt too good,” said the 38-year-old. “I personally would like to triple it. So we’re going to go $30,000. Guys, thank you for doing this and inspiring everybody.”

During the final show, the three finalists – Paletta, Cameron Johnson, and Brandi Milloy – worked as a team to pull off a final act of giving in Chicago. Stephen focused on the children of the Chicago Hope Academy, and organized a private performance by the Blue Man Group which raised $100,000 for the school. Meanwhile, Milloy put together a cooking class for children at the Shriners Hospital for Children, and Johnson followed suit and spent money he raised on books, toys, and DVDs for the hospital.

The eight 1-hour episodes of the show, conceived by Oprah Winfrey, featured 10 contestants using their good deeds to change lives and win cash. Paletta took home the $1 million prize for completing a giveaway challenge with zero funds, and will keep half the money and donate the rest to charity.

“I’m in shock,” said Paletta after his victory. “It was such an incredible honor and privilege to be part of this show and to be chosen as the biggest giver with all of these wonderful people.”

The series has seen a number of stars take part, including John Travolta, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andre Agassi, and Tony Hawk, although it was a $1 million donation by Drew Barrymore in the first episode that gained the most attention.

It is unknown whether there will be a second series of Oprah’s Big Give.

Courteney Cox and David Arquette in a Race for Research

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:04:39 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The clock is ticking for actors Courteney Cox and David Arquette, who have pledged to raise $1 million in two weeks to benefit the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF).

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a genetic condition that causes skin and linings to break and blister at the slightest touch. Sufferers battle daily with fluid loss and infection of the open wounds. In worst cases, they’ll die of skin cancer before the age of 40, many in infancy.

“Now is such an important time to put the spotlight on EB and ensure that research can continue at a fast pace,” Cox told the Associated Press.

Both Cox and Arquette are honorary board members of the foundation, as are actors Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Jackie and Adam Sandler and singers Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani. Kate Beckinsale, Orlando Bloom, Rashida Jones, Eva Longoria and James Marsden have also joined the challenge to bring much needed attention to the painful disease.

Cox and Arquette have a personal link to EB as someone close to them suffers from it. To raise funds for EBMRF on an ongoing basis they have co-designed a necklace with a butterfly, a symbol for hope and freedom, etched onto a small silver pendant, on sale at SATYA boutique in New York and online at www.satyajewelry.com.

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