Look To The Stars News: Billy Joel

Bar Refaeli Joins Angels At Charity Ball

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

A host of some of the Entertainment Industry’s hottest stars hit Cipriani’s on Wall Street in New York last night for the 2009 Angel Ball benefiting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

Among the guests who flocked to the exciting event were Bar Refaeli, Blake Lively, Penn Badgely, Jennifer Hudson, Natalie Cole, Howard Stern, Robin Thicke and Estelle.

The charity proudly funds leading junior investigators whose work represents cutting-edge scientific research in both conventional and integrative disciplines which focus on prevention, treatment and quality of life issues of leukemia, lymphoma and other related cancers. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $11 million in Medical Research Awards making it one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support to blood cancer researchers at the nation’s leading institutions. Established by Denise Rich in 1996, the charity honors Rich’s daughter Gabrielle, who died from acute myelogenous leukemia at age 27 in 1997.

“What makes this night so special is that when you lose a child, it becomes an absolute compulsion to find a cure so this doesn’t happen to any other family," said Natalie Cole. "Denise is doing it for the right reason.”

Bar Refaeli – who lost a friend to cancer just two weeks ago – told JustJared.com exactly what the charity means to her: “I love working with charities and cancer is one of the things that touches my heart the most. Cancer research is really important, because one day we’re going to look back and say, “I wish we had that cure back then.” As soon we find it, it’ll be better.”

Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively was also excited to be part of the evening: “Cancer research in general is so important. My grandfather had cancer. Also, I’m very close with [jewelry designer] Lorraine Schwartz and this is close to her for personal reasons. So, I wanted to be out here to support her tonight. She got me off work, so I’m very excited!”

The evening raised $4 million for the charity. And now YOU have the chance to bid on some amazing items through the online Angel Ball auction. Unique opportunities such as the chance to sit in on a live broadcast of the Howard Stern Show, meet Bar Refaeli in New York or LA, meet Wynonna, VIP tickets to see Elton John and Billy Joel and much more.

The auction finishes on October 29, and can be accessed here.

To find out more about the charity, visit the official website.

Love Our Children USA Launches Blue Shirt Day To Stomp Out Bullying

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Love Our Children USA has announced that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proclaiming October 5th Blue Shirt Day to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, October 4th – 10th.

Thousands of kids and adults will wear blue shirts as they make their way to school or to the office on October 5 as a grassroots national movement to STOMP Out Bullying.

The organization launched the STOMP Out Bullying Campaign in October, 2008. STOMP Out Bullying focuses its efforts to reduce Bullying and Cyberbullying, decrease school absenteeism and truancy, educate against homophobia and racism and deter violence in schools, playgrounds and communities across the country. To date over 53,000 have committed to STOMP Out Bullying on the site.

It’s not just our politicians who support STOMP Out Bullying an initiative of Love Our Children USA, but celebrities are out in full force to help.

Teen Celebrities Demi Lovato, JoJo and the latest children’s sensation The Oogieloves participate in the public service campaign which includes TV spots, videos, posters, brochures and wristbands. Additional celebrities such as Brittany Snow, Naturally 7 and others are slated to join the ongoing campaign created by the Geppetto Group.

In order to raise funds for bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools, Love Our Children USA is holding its Second Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on CharityFolks from October 5th –16th.

This year’s celebrity contributors include: Elton John, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Ellen DeGeneres, Phil Collins, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Guster, Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Bye Bye Birdie, Rock Of Ages, the NJ Nets and more.

“Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that they contemplate suicide. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves” said Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA Founder and Chief Executive Officer. This campaign’s key purpose is to educate those kids who are being bullied and those who are bullying, that there are choices for them to get help.

To find out more about the campaign, go to LoveOurChildrenUSA.org and StompOutBullying.org.

Celebrities And TV News Heavyweights Donate To Diversity In Journalism

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Melissa Charbonneau

A teen pop rock idol, country superstars, and internationally renowned television journalists are contributing to an online auction for the NPC Scholarship Fund to promote diversity in newsrooms. Sponsored by The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the charity auction offers opportunities to bid on celebrity memorabilia and win “experience” visits with America’s most-influential news personalities from nationally-recognized news shows.

A winning bidder could win a personalized Gibson Flying V Faded guitar signed by Nick Jonas, the youngest of the Jonas Brothers or an autographed guitar from Grammy Award-winning country music star Toby Keith. Lucky news junkies could win visits with their favorite news correspondents by bidding on:

A visit to a production of “Amanpour” and coffee with its host Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s International Correspondent, during Thanksgiving week New York City.

A meeting with FOX News’ Greta van Susteren, ranked by Forbes Magazine among the world’s 100 most powerful women, at a live taping of “On the Record – and an appearance on her internet news show “Greta Live Wire.”

Tickets to the Sept. 28 National Press Club Luncheon with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and a chance to have your photo taken with Burns at a VIP reception at the Press Club in in Washington, D.C.

Attending a live broadcast of the second oldest show on television, "Face the Nation,” followed by a VIP tour of the studio given by CBS News host Bob Schieffer.

Other items include a Mary Tyler Moore script of “Chuckles Bites the Dust,” the 1975 sitcom Emmy-winning script ranked by TV Guide as the #3 TV episode of all times; books and dvd collections signed by Grammy-Award winners Dolly Parton and Billy Joel; and weekend visits in top Washington, D.C.’s luxury hotels.

The NPC auction will run through September 24 on CharityFolks.com. For details on auction items and to bid, click here.

The auction benefits the National Press Club Scholarship Fund for Diversity in Journalism/ Persina Scholarship and raises funds for four-year college scholarships for minority students who plan to pursue a career in print, broadcast or online journalism. The NPC Scholarship Fund works to promote the cause of diversity in newsrooms and has helped launch the careers of talented minority journalists. The NPC’s Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library has distributed nearly $600 ,000 in scholarships to bright young people who needed financial assistance to attend journalism schools around the country.

The National Press Club, founded in 1908 in Washington, D.C., has more than 3,500 members worldwide. The NPC is widely known for its Speaker Luncheon Series televised by C-SPAN and carried by XM Satellite Radio, and American Public Media, and its public forums for visiting heads of state. The NPC conducts an aggressive program of professional education for journalists, funds scholarships for journalism students, and operates the nation’s only non-academic research library for journalists. www.press.org

Kellie Pickler Launches Charity Shoe Initiative

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Kellie Pickler’s affinity for shoes is well documented. Her 2006 debut single kicked a no-account-ex-boyfriend to the curb in “Red High Heels,” and her current, self titled album closes with “Going Out In Style,” which expresses her desire for her final resting place…having her ashes spread in shoe department of Saks Fifth Avenue. But Pickler, whose modest upbringing allowed for little more than the basics, understands the realities of living without.

With that, Kellie continues her support of Soles4Souls and will team with Ladies’ Home Journal the “Look Good. Do Good. Feel Great” magazine, to collect new and gently worn shoes on Thursday, August 27 before her show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The drop point for the shoes will be located at entrance to the Garden and will be open from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

On Soles4Souls Pickler said, “I love shoes but they are more than just a fashion statement, they are a necessity and not everyone has access to them because of financial reasons or natural disaster. Whatever the situation, Soles4Souls is there to help and I’m glad to lend my support. Thanks to the wonderful people from Ladies’ Home Journal who are volunteering their time to come out and collect the shoes that people are giving.”

Pickler joins her friend Taylor Swift on the Fearless Tour 2009 for the sold out show at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 27. Pickler and Swift wrote Pickler’s last single, “Best Days Of Your Life,” which has sold more than 700,000 digital downloads and peaked inside the Top 10.

Nashville-based Soles4Souls collects and distributes free footwear (both new and ‘gently worn’) to people in need around the world. Since its inception, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs — currently one pair every 13 seconds — to people in 125 countries, including Honduras, Romania, Thailand, The Sudan and the United States.

In addition to donations from the footwear industry, Soles4Souls has received shoes and support from Scarlett Johansson, Zach Braff, Billy Joel, Jessica Simpson, Donald Faison, Stevie Nicks and many other celebrities, professional athletes and musicians.

Early Tickets To Farm Aid Go On Sale Today

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pre-sale tickets to this year’s Farm Aid concert are available today, July 17.

The concert will take place on October 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The annual event is set to include Farm Aid board members Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and John Mellencamp, with more acts to be announced soon.

“Just as rock & roll is loud and proud, so is Farm Aid,“ said Neil Young. "Farm Aid’s greatest accomplishment, I believe, is in the spirit. It’s the fact that we represent the spirit of the good fight, to keep something good happening. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger….”

Now entering its 24th year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives since the first concert in 1985. A plethora of stars have appeared at the concerts to increase awareness of the importance of family farms over the years, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Charley Pride, and Lou Reed.

Every year Farm Aid funds farm support organizations that assist farmers with services including financial and credit counseling, legal advice, and disaster and emergency services. However, without the nation’s attention and support, Farm Aid’s work could not continue. It is the annual high-profile concert that ultimately keeps Farm Aid alive and running.

Pre-sale tickets are only available to Farm Aid members. General public tickets go on sale July 25. To find out more or purchase tickets, visit the official website.

Celebrities Give Their Soles To Foster Care Centre

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The first “Foster Soles” online charity auction took place last month to support Hillsides, a Los Angeles foster care and treatment centre.

Foster Soles collected the shoes of dozens of big names, such as Denzel Washington, Elton John, Jake Gyllenhaal and Nicolas Cage, who autographed their footwear before putting them up on the block.

Proceeds of the auction will be used by Hillsides for their programs and in public awareness. Once an orphanage, it is now a private, non-profit centre providing abused children with a safe refuge and advocating for their rights. Hillsides’ website says, “Although [the children] come from all over Southern California and encompass every ethnic and socioeconomic group, they share a common experience – the emotional scars that result from child abuse. With counselling and mental health treatment, children at Hillsides learn that they are not alone, that they are safe and cared for. Six programs constitute the framework for Hillsides treatment services – Residential Treatment, the Education Center, the Family Center and Advocacy.”

The Foster Soles auction kicked off with a festive party where the bidding began and then continued on line through most of May. Billy Joel, Billy Zane, Carmen Electra, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Jack Johnson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kelly Slater, Marlee Matlin, Monique Coleman, Rachel Hunter, Rod Stewart and Shia LaBeouf were also among the celebrities that donated to their soles to the cause.

Bette Midler And 50 Cent Together For Charity

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The devine Bette Midler is joining with 50 Cent and Dolly Parton to host her annual Spring Picnic to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

The event will take place at Fort Tryon Park, New York City, on May 19, and will include a BBQ and entertainment.

Midler founded the New York Restoration Project in 1995 to improve the natural balance of life in the city. The organization is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities.

To raise awareness of the event, Midler has launched an online auction to benefit the NYRP. Items going under the hammer include the chance to meet Hugh Jackman on the set of his next movie, front row tickets to see Elton John and Billy Joel, backstage passes to meet Cher, tickets to see Michael Jackson in London, meet-and-greets with John Stamos, LeAnn Rimes, Stevie Nicks, Kristin Chenoweth, Keith Urban, and Bernadette Peters, items from Scarlett Johansson and Mick Jagger, and much more.

To make a bid, visit Charity Buzz.

To order tickets to the Spring Picnic – which start at $250 – click here.

Billy Joel Signs Piano For Charity Auction

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Billy Joel has signed a Steinway baby grand piano for an auction to raise money for a music program run for children in New York.

The Piano Man has donated the $60,000 Steinway to benefit 10 O’Clock Classics, a non-profit organization that provides free lessons and instruments to Catholic-school children. The funds will be used by young musicians at East Harlem’s Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary School in Manhattan.

Joel made the decision to sign the instrument after reading a recent article in the New York Times, Juilliard Curtails Program That Serves Poor Children. The sale of the Steinway will help pay for the children featured in the article to continue with their music lessons, and Joel will sign and personalize the fallboard (directly above the keys, on the right side) for the winner once the auction has concluded.

Joel is on the advisory board of 10 O’Clock Classics, along with Alicia Witt. To find out more about the organization, visit their website.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until May 6, visit the Charity Buzz website.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has announced he will donate all the proceeds from sales of his new live album, Jimmy Barnes Live At The Enmore, to the appeal.

“Importantly, the people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” said Barnes. “It’s a good buy for all involved. Not only are music fans getting a bargain, but were all in this together for an extremely important cause.”

The album is available for $3.39 on iTunes.

Also released to raise funds for victims is Bushfire Aid – Artists For The Bushfire Appeal, a CD featuring performers from Australia and the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. Artists to donate songs include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Beyoncé Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Dido, Midnight Oil, Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, Eurythmics, Delta Goodrem, Westlife, Paul Kelly, Anthony Callea and many more.

“Sony Music Australia is privileged to support the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special CD,” said Denis Handlin Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our thanks go to all of the artists and songwriters for generously donating their tracks royalty free. We also thank Sony DADC Australia for kindly donating the CD manufacturing. I know everyone in Australia shares deep concern for this tragedy, its horrific toll on life, families, communities and wildlife. On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

The album is in stores in Australia now, and more info can be found by clicking here.

Drummers And Wrestlers To Meet For Charity Drum Fight

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:30:00 -0000

On Sunday January 25th, join Music School Inc, the DAD (Drums and Disabilities) program, special celebrity judges and many of the best and brightest in local drummers for the seventh installment of the widely popular and successful DRUM FIGHT.

This show will be MC’d by Professional Wrestler (and drummer) Brimstone and will feature special guest judges such as Liberty Devito from Billy Joel’s band, AJ Pero from Twisted Sister, Rod Morganstein from Winger and Dan Gluszak from Envy on the Coast. Contestants will have a chance to win thousands in prizes from top brands like GMS, EVANS, Vic Firth, Sam Ash, Modern Drummer, Zildjian, Jackson Custom Drums, Viper Drums and more.

“We are excited to be back with version 2.0 of the Drum fight show. This show promises to be more fast-paced and action packed.” said Jared Feldman, Founder, Music School Inc and creator of DRUM FIGHT.

The event will also include a lecture and demonstration by DAD Founder Pat Gesualdo, a first for a Drum Fight and a move towards fulfilling the hopes and dreams of drummers across the island, regardless of disability.

“Drum Fight is just another example of how the DAD Program and Music School Inc. are working together to be the exclusive provider for Drum Therapy services for disabled children and adults on Long Island,” said Pat Gesualdo, DAD Program President and CEO. “It is a great honor to join forces with Jared and the entire staff at Music School Inc., to expand the DAD Program via the Drum Fight event, which drummers all over the tri-state area look forward too.”

DAD is a groundbreaking non-profit organization that was launched by award winning drum virtuoso-author-clinician Pat Gesualdo. DAD is certified as a teacher-training program by the New Jersey Department of Education, and numerous psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and teachers throughout the world, use the DAD Program, to help special needs children develop retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning.

The event will be held at the Crazy Donkey on Route 110 in Farmingdale, New York, with a ticket price of $10.

Jonas Brothers Top List Of Favorite Celebrity Charity Auctions

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Charity auction website Charity Folks has released its list of the Top 10 hottest celebrity draws for 2008.

Heading the list is the Jonas Brothers, who raised a massive $450,000 in an auction that offered VIP tickets and meet-and-greets and benefited their Change for the Children Foundation, the charity they set up to support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and a will to succeed.

Coming in a close second on the list was Billy Joel, who raised $400,000 for Charity Begins At Home from a private New York concert. Bruce Springsteen was third with $300,000, followed by Morgan Freeman, Howard Stern sidekick Robin Quivers, and the cast of The Sopranos.

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas this weekend.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Agassi. “We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we’ve accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

The concert will raise funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The concert will be preceded by an invitation-only concert tonight – October 10 – featuring James Taylor and Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

“This year the Grand Slam for Children is being held at Wynn Las Vegas, which offers a first-class, intimate experience for our guests,“ said Agassi. “The event is sure to be a hit with top exclusive entertainment at this beautiful venue.”

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Don Henley, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Goo Goo Dolls, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Seal, Duran Duran and Josh Groban. More than 98,000 fans and VIP guests have attended the past 12 Grand Slam events, raising more than $70 million for charity.

Agassi’s 2008 Grand Slam for Children will take place tomorrow night, October 11, with musical direction by David Foster. More information about tickets can be found at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation website.

An Intimate Evening With Billy Joel

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Piano Man Billy Joel will hold an evening of questions, answers and a little music at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manhattan on October 27 to raise money for charity.

The “Master Class” event will raise money for Charity Begins At Home, which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary of funding nonprofit agencies in the tri-state area. Established by Joel in 1978, the organization uses money from the singer’s concerts to fund charities that serve those dealing with child abuse, domestic violence, autism, cancer and other issues.

Tickets for the show – restricted to 400 – can be bid on at Charity Folks. 30 lucky people will get to sit on stage with the singer, and guests will be provided with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

The auction runs until October 14.

Singers Combine Talents To Support America’s Farmers

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Rachel Krause

A 23-year-old music tradition continues on September 20 as Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young grace the stage at Farm Aid 2008.

While it’s the first time the event will be in New England, it’s not the first time Farm Aid will make a lot of noise. With the mission of combining great music and a great cause, musicians and organizers hope to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep struggling family farms afloat.

While not often covered in the media, there is a crisis facing family farmers in the United States today. Farmers are under intense economic pressure, especially during a recession, and every year thousands are forced off their land. As a result, our quality of food, environment, and food security suffers as large factory farms dominate the rural countryside.

Some think that with that loss of small family farms comes a loss of America.

“We’re at a moment when a lot of people are asking, ‘What is America? What represents America?’ Certainly, I think that the family farm is a main ingredient of what made America,” says Dave Matthews, musician and member of the board of directors of Farm Aid since 2001.

With the scares of tainted tomatoes, spinach, and jalapenos still fresh in American’s minds, people are looking to local farmers to provide safe, delicious, and organic goods. As a result, family farmers are at a higher demand than ever before and it is important to keep these people financially safe and secure.

“There’s a new food movement sweeping the country and Farm Aid is doing all we can to promote that movement,” says Willie Nelson, well-known folk musician and president of Farm Aid.

Every year Farm Aid funds farm support organizations that assist farmers with services including financial and credit counseling, legal advice, and disaster and emergency services. After the recent flooding in the Midwest in June, Farm Aid provided emergency funds for families to buy food and cover living expenses, as well as provided groups to help farmers avoid foreclosure. However, without the nation’s attention and support, Farm Aid’s work could not continue. It is the annual high-profile concert that ultimately keeps Farm Aid alive and running.

“Farm Aid puts family farmers on center stage,” says Caryoln Mugar, Executive Director. “We shine a national spotlight on family farmers – for our food, our health, our environment, our country. Farm Aid has always done that.”

As the longest running benefit concert in America, its ties have remained strong with famous musicians. Young, Mellencamp, and Nelson first organized the event in 1985, which took place in Champlain, Illinois. Throughout its run, famous musicians such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan have performed in the hope of saving America’s family farmers.

This year’s lineup includes the three founding members of Farm Aid, as well as Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Dave Matthews, and One Flew South. While the concert is sold out, Farm Aid is sponsoring the Farmer Hero Sweepstakes that will give one winner and three lucky guests the chance to see the concert — which takes place in Mansfield, Massachusetts — for free. There are two ways to enter. One is to simply enter your name and email address on the Farm Aid website. The second option is to submit a 150 word true story about a farmer who you believe is a true hero.

Even if you can’t make it to this year’s concert there are always ways to help support Farm Aid and its mission of saving the family farmer. Anyone can make a donation or become a member. Even a visit to the Farm Aid shop will help support family farmers.

Every little bit counts, as through the efforts of Farm Aid and people across the nation, over $30 million dollars has been raised to support the family farmer, which in turn, has helped build a sound agricultural future for America.

To learn more about Farm Aid 2008 and the sweepstakes, visit http://www.farmaid.org.

Jonas Brothers Raise Scholarship Money

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Jonas Brothers played a special gig attended by a host of stars on Saturday.

The boy band – who recently made headlines for their work raising awareness of diabetes – played at Ross School in East Hampton on August 9. The concert – attended by 650 people who paid $1,500 each – was part of a star-filled summer series to raise funds for the school, where tuition is up to $24,800 per year. Money raised will go toward raising the $2 million needed to build up the school’s annual scholarship fund and give any interested children the opportunity to attend.

“Our goal of events like this is to make the Ross School available to any student that is interested,” said Michele Claeys, head of the school. Currently, 40% of students receive scholarships to attend the school.

Later this month, Aretha Franklin will headline a $1,000-per-ticket concert at the school – a follow-up to a show she played in 2006 that raised $1.3 million for financial aid. Last year’s concerts were headlined by Billy Joel.

Christie Brinkley and Kelly Ripa were among the audience for the Jonas Brothers’ show.

Farm Aid 2008 To Rock New England

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker John Mellencamp has unveiled the main acts set to kick up a storm at Farm Aid 2008.

The concert – which will take place on September 20 – will be held for the first time in New England, and will see performances by Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Willie Nelson, all of which are on the board of directors for Farm Aid. More acts will be announced over the next few weeks.

“We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England,” said Nelson, Farm Aid’s president. “I’m looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers."

Now entering its 23rd year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives since the first concert in 1985. A plethora of stars have appeared at the concerts to increase awareness of the importance of family farms over the years, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Charley Pride, and Lou Reed.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

The concert will take place at the Comcast Arena in Mansfield. Tickets go on sale July 28 through Ticketmaster.

Sting’s 20th Year Saving Rainforests

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:44:38 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, will celebrate their 15th annual Rainforest Foundation Fund benefit concert, Some Kinda Legacy, at Carnegie Hall May 8.

The Rainforest Foundation Fund (RFF) came out of Sting and Styler’s Rainforest Foundation International (RFI), created in 1989 to raise awareness about the need to conserve tropical forests, support indigenous peoples, their land, their rights and to develop resource management. RFI began its focus on Brazil and then spread throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia. RFF has continued funding the programs and creating new ones to this end since 1999.

To help raise awareness of both the rainforest and the Fund’s mission, the Mayor’s office has declared May “Rainforest Awareness Month” and the Empire State Building will be lit in green Thursday evening during the event.

Besides Sting, the many other performers at the concert will include Billy Joel, James Taylor and Brian Wilson, followed with a gala dinner at the Grand Ballroom at Plaza Hotel, and then impressive items will be up for auction, such as a smart car, an opera night in Paris and stay at the Ritz, Bruce Springsteen memorabilia and concert tickets, tickets to a Police concert, a meeting with Tiger Woods, a visit to the set of Law & Order, and more.

Tickets to the concert range from $150 to $600, and can be purchased through Carnegie Hall

Happy Military Mothers' Day From The Stars

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:43:57 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A group of celebrities are marking Mothers’ Day with a new initiative from Hallmark Greeting Cards for military moms deployed overseas.

Stars such as Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Billy Joel, Ben Harper, and Christy Turlington were amongst a group of celebrities who have recorded messages for mothers in the US military currently away on active duty.

“It is an absolute honor and privilege to be able to support the mothers who serve both overseas and on the home front,” said Andre du Broc, editorial director at Hallmark. “At the heart of Hallmark’s brand is a legacy of connecting people. Our cards have been sent with messages of love and support to troops serving around the world for decades, and we treasure our role in helping keep these families connected.”

The messages were recorded using Hallmark’s new Recordable Cards With Music, which allow the sender to record a personal voice message into a card, followed by a pre-recorded song. Hallmark, who are partners with Bono’s (RED) campaign, are also sending the cards with personalized voice messages from the children of the military moms, many of whom have been away from their families for over 15 months.

“With service members away for second, third, and even fourth deployments, it is incredibly important for companies such as Hallmark to continue to send the message to our troops that America Supports You,” said Allison Barber, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. “I can’t think of a more wonderful gift for a deployed mother than hearing her child’s voice on Mother’s Day.”

More information about the cards can be found at Hallmark’s website.

Elton's Oscar Party Raises $5.1m

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:50:42 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Sunday night saw the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 16th annual Academy Awards viewing party, which this year raised $5.1 million thanks to its spectacular guest list.

The Pacific Design Center venue saw even more of Hollywood’s glitterati than anticipated, boasting the attendance of “Best Actress” award winner Marion Cotillard and “Best Supporting Actor” nominee Tom Wilkinson. Further top names present included Amy Adams, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, Sean Penn, Patricia Clarkson, Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford, Josh Groban, Faye Dunaway, Sean Combs, Seal and Heidi Klum, Prince, Kate Beckinsale, Billy Joel, Courtney Love, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Petra Nemcova, Jeremy Piven, Roberto Cavalli, Minnie Driver, Simon Cowell and Herbie Hancock.

The gala was co-hosted by Elton’s partner David Furnish, and included dinner, a musical performance by Elton himself and a live auction.

Sharon Stone acted as auctioneer, and Elton offered to remove his trousers if it would raise more money. Stone added that she wouldn’t follow suit.

Yet more stars seen at the event included Natasha Henstridge, Larry King, Eric McCormack, Jason Lewis, Jonny Lee Miller, Brett Ratner, Jason Reitman, Rupert Murdoch, Jennifer Coolidge, Russell Simmons, Cheryl Tiegs, John Waters and Ziyi Zhang.

Since its inception in 1992, Elton’s foundation has raised more than $125 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries.

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.”

Don Henley Gets To The Heart Of The Matter

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:28:52 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The music of the Eagles is many things to many people, reminding some of their youth, and others of the canyons and deserts that make up the wild, untouched areas of America. And now fans have the chance to own a piece of music history, with the proceeds going to save the wide open areas the band’s songs represent.

Until December 31, the Eagles are offering hand-signed Takamine guitars to benefit the Walden Woods Project, an organization that is leading the fight to preserve a historic area of forest, generally regarded as being the birthplace of the American conservation movement.

The project was founded by Eagles drummer and six time Grammy winner, Don Henley, in 1990 to protect the Walden Woods area in Massachusetts from development. He spent much of his own money on buying tracts of land and making the area into a nature reserve. The area served as the inspiration for the writings of 19th Century philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, and also guided the creation of the US National Parks system. The project seeks to preserve the area, and also offers a variety of environmental programs for students and teachers. The organization recently launched an international initiative in which students from the US and abroad can take part in environmental discussions, and also mentors them in undertaking stewardship projects in their own communities.

“It has protected nearly 140 acres of land surrounding Walden Pond,” said Henley, referring to the project in Philanthropy Magazine. “About 65 percent of Walden Woods’ 2,680 acres is now permanently in conservation, but other historically significant and environmentally sensitive tracts are in urgent need of protection.”

The founding of the Walden Woods project led Henley to establish the Caddo Lake Institute in 1993, to underwrite ecological education and research around Caddo Lake, an area in north-east Texas, close to the Louisiana border. Caddo Lake, well known for its exceptional wildlife, fishing, and bird diversity, is one of the best examples in the southern US of a mature Bald Cypress forest, and the Institute aims to protect the area for all time from developers.

“Caddo Lake, like so many other ecosystems around the world, is in trouble. The health of Caddo’s intricate system of wetlands is in jeopardy. We, as humans, need to reformulate our definition of ‘community’ to include all of the natural world rather than just humankind. We need to focus on the small details in order to gain perspective on the bigger picture. Our natural resources, besides having enormous recreational and spiritual value, form the basis of our entire economy. The exploitation of those resources is key to our standard of living, but we’re not doing it wisely. We are using up our natural capital, especially water, faster than nature can replace it. This is why we emphasize the concept of sustainability at the Caddo Lake Institute.”

Henley says he first became an environmental activist in the 1970s, “That was part and parcel of being in a band back then. The activism of some of my peers, including Neil Young, Jackson Browne, and Bonnie Raitt, was a big influence on me.”

His first benefit concert was for the Chumash Indians, a tribe native to Southern California. Gradually, he became more involved in the environmental issues the tribe represented, and soon started to concentrate on other areas of concern. His first real effort at doing something active came in 1982 with the establishment of Mulholland Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Santa Monica Mountains and foothills near Los Angeles. Since then he has been involved with a myriad of benefit concerts for the environment, often joining Sting and Billy Joel on stage.

“It’s about passion,” explained the singer. “Passion for building communities – at both the local and global levels. Nature is a part of my spiritual life. When I see nature, I see a divinity that sustains my heart and soul. Nature is a divine force in the universe.”

In 2000, Henley co-founded the Recording Artists Coalition with Sheryl Crow, to protect musicians’ rights against common music industry practices, and in this role testified before the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary in 2001, and the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in 2003. In 2005, his wife, Sharon Summerall, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the couple is now actively involved with organizations that assist with treatment for the disease.

In 2007, Henley was made MusiCares Person of the Year for his commitment to conservation, and raised over $85,000 for the charity by auctioning hand written lyrics to his songs, as well as other memorabilia from his career.

But the singer still wishes he could do more to save the natural heart of the country he loves.

“I have an abiding sense of awe and curiosity about the world – and I care deeply about the future of it,” he said. “I don’t put a lot of thought into whether or not I am a role model for other people’s actions. My parents taught me that if something needed doing, you get up and do it. I’ve had a great deal of help with the Walden Woods Project, not only from friends and colleagues, but from people I hardly know. I do not like to ask for help and I really have an aversion to asking for money. I wish I had the resources to do all that I want to do – to do everything that needs doing.”

The signed Eagles guitars are only available from www.samsclub.com for $2,500 each.

Billy Joel - A Philanthropic Man

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:26:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Billy Joel is back with his first new song since 1994 – sort of. The 58-year-old singer has made a triumphant return with “Christmas in Fallujah”, a protest song about the war in Iraq, with proceeds going to charity.

“I guess [it’s] just a cumulative effect of this war,” said the Grammy winning singer about how he came to write the song. “We’ve been there longer than World War II. I’ve been getting mail from service people over there, and there seemed to be a similar theme running through the letters, which was a sense of alienation from the home front. I think a lot of people are starting to feel like they’re forgotten.”

However, don’t expect to hear Joel’s trademark piano on the recording – in fact, don’t expect to hear much of Joel himself. The semi-retired entertainer decided to let a young musician from Long Island, 21-year-old Cass Dillon, take the lead vocals.

“I wanted to help somebody else’s career,” said Joel. “I’ve had plenty of hits. I’ve had plenty of airplay. I’ve had my time in the sun. I think it’s time for somebody else, maybe, to benefit from my own experience.”

Proceeds from the song, available on iTunes, will go to Home For Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely disabled veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a cause close to the singer’s heart, and earlier this year he contributed to Five For Fighting frontman John Ondrasik’s CD produced exclusively for troops stationed overseas. The compilation also featured songs donated by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban.

“I don’t get up on a soapbox and do political messages,” said Joel in Rolling Stone Magazine. “I believe in talking about the human being, and the conditions humans find themselves in. I never liked it when a rock star got up on stage and told people how to vote. I find it insulting. But I believe if an artist feels strongly about something, it should be reflected in their art. Ultimately, everything’s political. Even love is political.”

Billy Joel is certainly no stranger to philanthropy, a fact that was recognized when he was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in 2002 for his accomplishments as a humanitarian. Joel is well known as being a supporter of several causes, and contributes regularly to organizations around his hometown of Long Island. Over the years he has played benefit concerts for Charity Begins At Home, Farm Aid, USA For Africa, several AIDS groups, the United Service Organization, as well as many concerts to raise money for environmental causes, such as Sting’s Rainforest Benefit Concerts in the late 1990s, and Don Henley’s Concert For Walden Woods. While on tour in Japan in 1994, Joel experienced the disastrous Kobe earthquake, and donated the proceeds from several shows to relief efforts.

Joel’s record for benefit concerts looks set to continue into 2008, with the singer being booked to headline the Soles4Souls Opening Night at WSA concert on February 21 at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit organization with a simple aim – to change the world, one pair of shoes at a time. The foundation was established by Wayne Elsey during the Asian Tsunami in December, 2004, with the idea to donate shoes to people devastated by the disaster. A quarter of a million shoes were donated by shoe companies and individuals, and another three quarters of a million were donated after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“I’m happy to be able to help people with such a simple mission,” said Elsey. “The growth of this organization has been rapid and I am excited to get involved on a daily basis so that I can devote more time to a cause that makes a difference in people’s lives.”

The benefit concert will be hosted by Miss Massachusetts 2005, Cristina Nardozzi, who appeared in the movie “Ocean’s Thirteen” and also hosts “The Good Show”, a celebrity-driven television program that features stars and their favorite celebrities.

Tickets are available at www.openingnightatwsa.com.

Look To The Stars News: Billy Joel

Bar Refaeli Joins Angels At Charity Ball

Related past articles

Love Our Children USA Launches Blue Shirt Day To Stomp Out Bullying

Related past articles

Celebrities And TV News Heavyweights Donate To Diversity In Journalism

Related past articles

Kellie Pickler Launches Charity Shoe Initiative

Related past articles

Early Tickets To Farm Aid Go On Sale Today

Related past articles

Celebrities Give Their Soles To Foster Care Centre

Related past articles

Bette Midler And 50 Cent Together For Charity

Related past articles

Billy Joel Signs Piano For Charity Auction

Related past articles

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

Related past articles

Drummers And Wrestlers To Meet For Charity Drum Fight

Related past articles

Jonas Brothers Top List Of Favorite Celebrity Charity Auctions

Related past articles

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Related past articles

An Intimate Evening With Billy Joel

Related past articles

Singers Combine Talents To Support America’s Farmers

Related past articles

Jonas Brothers Raise Scholarship Money

Related past articles

Farm Aid 2008 To Rock New England

Related past articles

Sting’s 20th Year Saving Rainforests

Related past articles

Happy Military Mothers' Day From The Stars

Related past articles

Elton's Oscar Party Raises $5.1m

Related past articles

Madonna And Friends Shine A Light On Malawi

Related past articles

Don Henley Gets To The Heart Of The Matter

Related past articles

Billy Joel - A Philanthropic Man

Related past articles