Look To The Stars News: Bette Midler

Bid On A Role In Next X-Men Film

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0000

The creators of the action-packed X-men films are auctioning off a walk-on-role in the next installment of the highly successful film series as part the Worldwide Orphans Foundation charity auction on Charitybuzz.com.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one lucky bidder to be part of the X-men action. Although cast info has not yet been announced, the next X-men film will likely find the series previous stars returning for more action packed thrills. X-men fans can bid now through April 1st at www.charitybuzz.com/worldwideorphans.

So the question is, “What X-men power would you request?”

Other great film auction items include: Meet Daniel Craig on the set of Cowboys and Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau, and attend the premier and after party for Date Night, starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell.

The star-studded auction for Worldwide Orphans launched online at charitybuzz this week, raising funds to transform the lives of millions of orphaned children around the world.Other incredible talent participating in the WWO online auction at charitybuzz includes: Kristin Chenoweth, Daniel Craig, Katie Couric, Oprah, Rachel Weisz, Catherine Zeta Jones, Hugh Jackman, Julianna Margulies, Mariska Hargitay, Dave Grohl, Seth Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Paul McCartney, the cast of Good Morning America, Elie Tahari, and more.

Founded in 1997, WWO’s mission and vision is to transform the lives of orphaned children by taking them out of anonymity and helping them to become healthy, independent, productive members of their communities and the world.

Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference.

Celebrities Donate Items To World Wide Orphans Charity Auction

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0000

A star-studded auction for World Wide Orphans has launched online at Charitybuzz, raising funds to transform the lives of millions of orphaned children around the world.

Daniel Craig, Sting, Bette Midler, Mariska Hargitay and Katie Couric are just a few of the acclaimed artists and stars auctioning meet-and-greets, set visits and VIP tickets to benefit World Wide Orphans as part of its online charity auction at www.charitybuzz.com/worldwideorphans.

Some of the incredible items up for auction include:

Sting is auctioning two tickets to “An Evening With Sting” as he performs his most celebrated songs, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, at the Verizon Ampitheatre in Irvine, CA on June 16, 2010, with a rare meet-and-greet with the renowned artist before the show.
Daniel Craig, one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men, is auctioning a visit to the film set of Cowboys and Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau, where the highest bidder and a guest will meet Daniel Craig in Santa Fe, New Mexico this summer.
Actress Mariska Hargitay will give one lucky bidder and a guest a personal tour of the Law & Order: SVU set. Hargitay (aka “Det. Olivia Benson”) will give a tour of the stages – such as the Special Victim’s Unit Squad Room, the Courtroom, and the Interrogation Room.
Star singer Bette Midler, back from her recent Las Vegas run, is auctioning two tickets to the New York Restoration Project’s Annual Hulaween Gala at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on October 29, 2010, where the winner and a guest will meet Bette Midler herself.
Katie Couric is auctioning a behind-the-scenes tour of The CBS Evening News studio, set and control room at CBS Studios in New York City for one winner and three guests, with the chance to meet Couric after the show.

Other incredible talent participating in the WWO online auction at charitybuzz includes: Kristin Chenoweth, Julianna Margulies, Dave Grohl, Bernadette Peters, Paul McCartney, the cast of Good Morning America, Elie Tahari and more.

The auction runs until April 1 and can be accessed here.

Grateful Dead Top Charity Auction Earner For 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Top celebrity charity auction site Charity Folks has named its top celebrity earners for 2009, and the list is an eclectic mix of old and new.

The top charity earner for 2009 has surprised many people, but is a testament to longevity in the music business. Ever since the Grateful Dead began its legendary career nearly 45 years ago, the band has supported worthy causes that serve to raise awareness, lend support, and make this world a better place. Continuing this long-standing tradition of community service that has been a hallmark of the Dead and the Deadhead community, The Dead, known as one of the greatest touring bands of all time, partnered with Charity Folks to auction a limited number of tickets to their 2009 shows.

The auctions raised over $400,000 for a number of charities, including the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Coming in second on the list by raising $300,000 through charity auctions were the Jonas Brothers. The trio of siblings raised money by auctioning meet-and-greets and other experiences to benefit their Change for the Children Foundation.

Other stars to make the list this year included Taylor Swift, Dave Matthews, Bette Midler, Larry David, Alec Baldwin and Bruce Springsteen.

Bette Midler Pushes For A Greener New York City

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Catrina K. Sally

Long time Adopt-A-Highway supporter Bette Midler hopes to persuade the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees to clean up her hometown. Fresh off their 27th World Series win, the team is looking into working with Midler via the New York Restoration Project.

Founded by Midler in 1995, the New York Restoration Project is dedicated to making New York City cleaner and greener. Since 2004, Midler has provided funds to pay for cleanup crews along the Major Deegan Expressway and anticipates the Yankees following suit. Midler expects the project to set a “green” example for the Yankee’s legions of fans.

Bette Midler Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bette Midler has launched a new online charity auction, and she wants YOU to be part of it.

“It’s just brimming with fabulous experiences donated by dear friends who share my deep concern about the environment!” she said. "With a tennis lesson with John McEnroe, a walk-on role with Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, lunch with Jann Wenner, a getaway to Richard Branson's Necker Island, the chance to meet Cher, John Mayer, Tim McGraw – not to mention yours truly – we’ve got something for everyone!

“Proceeds benefit New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a nonprofit I founded to clean & green New York City. We’ve turned 55 vacant lots into beautiful community gardens and planted more than 250,000 trees, and we’re just getting started, so I hope you’ll join in the merriment by placing a bid today!"

There are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities featuring Daniel Craig, John Stamos, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Jackson Browne, Jay Leno and many more.

The auction runs until November 13 and can be accessed here.

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.

Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project Announces Garden Opening

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing parks, community gardens and public space in New York City, has announced the upcoming opening of the Target Bronx Community Garden on October 6, 2009.

Underwritten by Target, the garden was designed by nationally acclaimed designer and television host Sean Conway. Conway’s plan joins two existing community gardens with very different histories, creating a gathering space for neighborhood activity as well as a refuge for quiet contemplation.

The Target Bronx Community Garden will connect the Anderson Community Garden with the adjoining Woodycrest Community Garden to create a unique multi-use space. The large Anderson Community Garden is a joyful gathering space, welcoming neighbors and children from the elementary school across the street for more than 25 years. The Woodycrest Community Garden is a small parcel of land that has become an unofficial memorial in tribute to those lost in a fire in 2007.

“Once again we are thrilled with the work that Target and Sean Conway have done to make this garden a vital part of the neighborhood,” said Bette Midler, Founder of NYRP. “We applaud the ongoing commitment that Target has to underserved communities. Like NYRP, they recognize that each time they help create a beautiful oasis in a neighborhood, they invest in the future of the whole city.”

The Target Bronx Community Garden is the third New York Restoration Project garden revitalization initiative that Target has supported. NYRP celebrated the opening of the Target Community Garden in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in October 2007 and the opening of the Target East Harlem Community Garden in October 2008, both of which were also designed by Sean Conway.

“Target is proud to join with New York Restoration Project on the opening of the third Target Community Garden,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We hope that the garden will become a welcoming green space for the neighborhood and the entire Bronx community to enjoy.”

Sean Conway was inspired by the local community to design the Target Bronx Community Garden as a place for family, friends, and neighbors to gather, garden, and relax outdoors in their own neighborhood. Combining two adjacent properties provided the unique opportunity to create one large multi-functional open space not often found in urban neighborhoods. From the entrance at Woodycrest Avenue, garden visitors will pass through a small grove of trees which commemorate the lives of those lost in a tragic neighborhood fire in 2007. Next visitors will enter into a large open area which contains a large grass space for celebrations and gatherings, an outdoor kitchen where visitors can prepare meals al fresco, an elevated wooden sundeck, newly planted fruit trees and a berry patch, as well as raised open plots for community vegetable gardening. A third feature of the garden is the renovated rock outcropping which highlights the rugged natural beauty of this Bronx neighborhood. The elevated slope faces the community’s public elementary school on Anderson Avenue and will provide a welcoming invitation for neighborhood children to explore the outdoors in their own back yard.

“After learning about the tragedy in this community several years ago that claimed so many innocent lives, I wanted to design a place that commemorated those who died, while creating a place where the neighborhood could gather, spend time together and get to know one another,” said Sean Conway.

NYRP and Sean Conway have outfitted the garden with numerous sustainable and energy-saving features. In the past, community gardeners have found creative ways to meet their needs, such as building an outdoor kitchen from recycled scrap material. The new kitchen area of the Target Bronx Community Garden will feature a grill, gas burners, granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets for storage space. The new garden will also employ a rainwater harvesting system, enhancing the community gardeners’ own innovative water tank and tap system. Additional features of the garden are a compost area to recycle organic household and yard waste and a special composting toilet.

Since 2007, when NYRP partnered with community members to improve the existing garden, NYRP environmental educators welcome students from neighboring P.S. 73 into the garden in the fall for science activities that explore the senses, food chains and plant and animal habitats. The re-designed green space will feature expanded activities, including cooking demonstrations, gardener workshops, youth environmental education, summer concerts and community movie nights.

The Target Bronx Community Garden will also become home to NYRP’s annual Harvest Festival. On Saturday, October 10, this community-based event will engage local families and students in celebrating the season and urban agriculture through the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. This year’s Harvest Festival will feature cooking demonstrations—including homemade salsa and corn tortilla making—led by culinary students, garden tours, a youth-sponsored produce market, arts and crafts, and a live concert by the renowned Puerto Rican band Yerba Buena.

50 Cent Takes Kids to 6 Flags

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:27:00 -0000

Rapper 50 Cent spent the weekend bringing joy to kids from his native Queens neighborhood, despite New York authorities refusing him permission to play a secret show.

Though his secret concert plans fell through due to safety concerns, the rap artist continued with his plans for Family Day, arranging for hundreds of local kids to be bussed the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey on Saturday, and held a picnic event back in the borough of Queens on Sunday.

“I am constantly searching for ways to give back to the community that helped create me and contributed to my success,” said 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson. “I can think of no better way to do this than to help improve the lives of the young people that reside there through programs created by my foundation.”

Family Day was sponsored by Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project, which is a non-profit agency that focuses on support for low-income families, and 50’s own G-Unity Foundation. He established the foundation as a way of supporting the academic enrichment of students in low-income or underserved communities. Since its inception, the foundation has created the G-Unity Scholarship Fund at Queensborough Community College in New York and issued thousands of dollars in grant money to various nonprofit organizations.

Cyndie Lauper Launches Charity Auction

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Cyndi Lauper has launched the True Colors Fund online auction which aims to raise money to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied community by growing the number of volunteers and donors to the non-profit organizations working on their behalf.

Items up for grabs include lunch and Tarot card reading with Lauper, tickets to the Entourage season premiere in LA, a meet-and-greet with Bette Midler in Las Vegas, a set visit to 30 Rock, meet-and-greets with Lady Gaga and Rosie O'Donnell, autographed items from Dolly Parton, one-of-a-kind handwritten lyrics from Jason Mraz, Peter Gabriel, Michael Stipe and many more, and items from Mark Wahlberg, Yoko Ono and others.

“I am excited to launch the True Colors Fund’s Summer Online Auction,” said Cyndi Lauper, who created the True Colors Tour, an annual music tour that tour benefits the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations that provide support to the LGBT community and to the straight friends and family who love them, including PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, as well as local organizations in cities where the concerts were held. “There is literally something for everyone. All of the proceeds will go directly to support the True Color Fund’s work to get everyone – especially my fellow straight allies – to do what they can to help make equality a reality for the GLBT community.”

The True Colors Fund is currently developing an in-depth public awareness and education campaign to inspire, engage and challenge every GLBT and allied person to do what they can to personally effect change within and for the GLBT community by volunteering and supporting the organizations working on their behalf each and every day.

Planned to launch in late 2009, the campaign will include public service announcements (PSAs) that tell the personal stories of people who have been benefited from the work of GLBT organizations. The PSAs will also direct viewers to an extensive online volunteer village where they will find all the tools and information they will need to become and stay personally involved.

Also the True Colors Fund continues to work with the True Colors Tour to raise money and awareness for GLBT issues. Over the past 2 years, True Colors is proud to have raised over $200,000 for GLBT organizations like HRC, CenterLink & PFLAG.

The auction runs until June 25 and can be accessed here.

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.

Stars To Come Out For An Evening Of Women

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities will attend tonight’s (April 24) “An Evening Of Women: Celebrating Art, Music and Equality” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Presented by the LA Gay and Lesbian Center, the annual event is widely regarded as one of the premier events for women in California and the nation. According to the Center, “It continues to fulfill the purpose of its founder by inspiring women to participate in civil rights and social service causes, by showcasing the accomplishments of women leaders.”

The evening will feature performances by Christina Aguilera and Linda Perry, and a live auction hosted by Sharon Stone that includes items donated by Bette Midler, Pink, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys. Cybill Shepherd, Sarah Silverman, DJ Samantha Ronson, Eliza Dushku, Rosario Dawson, Leisha Hailey, Clementine Ford, Perez Hilton and many others are also expected to attend. The host committee includes Cher, Kristen Bell Eric Dane, Jared Leto, Alicia Silverstone, Ben Silverman, Slash and many more. Past presenters have included Kathy Bates, Ellen DeGeneres, Gillian Anderson, Stockard Channing, Lily Tomlin, Melissa Etheridge.

Previously known as Women’s Night, the event raises much-needed funds for the women-specific services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Gay & Lesbian Center programs and services supported by An Evening with Women include women’s health, legal assistance, domestic violence prevention & education, cultural programs, self-enrichment courses, social events and discussion groups.

General tickets to the event cost $300. To purchase tickets or find out more about the event, click here.

Have Lunch With Hugh Jackman And Restore New York

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Well, this is probably not it… unless you are really secure in your relationship! Heartthrob Hugh Jackman has donated the opportunity to join him for lunch to a new charity auction.

The Australian hunk – currently starring in the epic masterpiece Australia and soon to be seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine – wants to have a meal with you (yes, YOU) to benefit the New York Restoration Project, an organization founded in 1995 by Bette Midler.

The New York Restoration Project 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. And now Hugh Jackman is lending his support to the cause as well.

The lunch will take place on the set of Jackman’s next film, and is valid for two people. The auction is open until February 12, and bids started at $5,000. The auction can be accessed here.

Comedy Celebration To Raise Money For Myeloma Research

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ray Romano is set to host the International Myeloma Foundation’s second annual Comedy Celebration tomorrow night, November 15.

The event will kick off at 6pm at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre and Club on South Lucerne Boulevard with a cocktail reception and silent auction, with the comedy show starting at 8pm. The evening promises to deliver hilarious performances from Patricia Heaton, Jeff Garlin, Kevin James, Robert Klein, Doris Roberts, and Fred Willard, and will also feature the original one-and-only Blues Brothers – AKA Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi.

Proceeds from the evening will go to the Peter Boyle Memorial Fund at the International Myeloma Foundation, dedicated to fighting the deadly cancer of the bone marrow for which there is currently no known cure.

Honorary chairs of the event include Alec and William Baldwin, Halle Berry, Candice Bergen, Kim Cattrall, Ted Danson, Mariska Hargitay, Ethan Hawke, Michael Keaton, Robin Leach, Bette Midler, and many others.

The event is almost sold out, but more information and tickets can be found at the Comedy Celebration website.

Ashanti Gets Wicked For New York Restoration

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Ashanti headed up an all-star cast for a special performance of Wicked – the Broadway musical – on Monday night.

The R&B star joined Mario Cantone, Joy Behar, George Wendt and Matthew Settle for the show – which was subtitled The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken – to raise money for the New York Restoration Project.

The production featured never-before-seen scenes and songs from a rough draft of the first act of the hit musical, which has broken box office records around the world and tells the story of Elphaba – the future Wicked Witch of the West – and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

The New York Restoration Project was founded by Bette Midler in 1995 in 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.

Stars Stomp Out Bullying With New Auction

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Love Our Children USA STOMP Out Bullying auction reported by Look To The Stars last week has now started.

In November, the organization will celebrate its 10th year as the national nonprofit leader that honors, respects and protects children. Its mission is to break the cycle of violence against children. Love Our Children USA has become ‘the go-to’ prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the US, and their new Celebrity Auction will raise funds to go towards bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools.

Among the celebrities and those in the entertainment and sports industries who have joined Love Our Children USA in its STOMP Out Bullying Auction are: Elton John, Bette Midler, Ellen DeGeneres, Sugarland, John Cusack, Donny and Marie Osmond, Ashleigh Banfield, Dancing With The Stars, Live With Regis and Kelly, The View, truTV, “In The Heights”, the NJ Nets and more.

The auction can be accessed through the Charity Folks website and runs until October 20.

Bette Midler Opens New Community Garden

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0000

Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing parks, community gardens and public space in New York City, today announced the opening of the Target East Harlem Community Garden.

Underwritten by Target, the garden was designed by nationally acclaimed designer and television host Sean Conway. Using cutting-edge sustainable technology to eliminate dependence on outside energy, Conway’s design provides the East Harlem community a truly green space in which to relax, garden and enjoy time outdoors.

“From the very moment we began working with Target, it became clear to us that we share the same ideas and ideals,” said Midler, Founder of NYRP. “Target as a company prides itself on excellence, both in service, products and design. We also both care deeply about families and the places where they live. The transformation of urban blight into welcoming green space is a vital step in reclaiming what rightfully belongs to the community. On behalf of all of us at NYRP and the Target East Harlem Community Garden, a heartfelt thank you to Target for your generous support.”

The newly renovated garden will allow members of the East Harlem community to access an optimal growing environment as well as a neighborhood green for hosting events. The garden will open with a special weekend of events and activities, including garden games, educational activities, seminars and meet-and-greet opportunities with NYRP’s talented horticulture teams. With the ongoing help of NYRP’s garden coordinator, community members will be able to host movie nights, garden workshops, family days and more in the space.

The Target East Harlem Community Garden is the second New York Restoration Project garden revitalization initiative that Target has supported. In October 2007, NYRP celebrated the opening of the Target Community Garden in Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn, which also was designed by Sean Conway.

“Target is proud to join with New York Restoration Project on the opening of the second Target Community Garden,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We hope that the garden will become a welcoming green space for the neighborhood and the entire East Harlem community to enjoy.”

Conway took an artist’s approach in creating the space’s aesthetic with a two-level layout ideal for socializing and relaxing, as well as gardening that is both visually interesting and distinct. Iron gates lead the way to a stone pathway as you enter the open air garden, which then transitions to a lush, green lawn. This new green is bordered by a stone seating wall offering those basking in the garden’s light a place to rest. The raised perennial and vegetable garden beds will spotlight the hard work of the community, making it a focal point of this new neighborhood gathering place.

“Gardens and open space are important to the quality of life in every community,” said Sean Conway. “The creation of this garden will give the residents of the East Harlem community a place to garden, enjoy community activities and appreciate the beauty of their own neighborhood. I am honored that Target asked me to be part of this exciting project.”

NYRP and Sean Conway have outfitted the newly designed garden with wind turbines and solar panels which will power the 5,000 square foot garden’s LED (Light-Emitting Diode) energy efficient lighting and a built-in irrigation system. A rainwater harvesting system will collect rainwater for gardeners to nourish healthy vegetable and flower beds throughout the growing season, reducing the garden’s dependence on local water supply and therefore reducing expenses.

In addition to its numerous energy-saving features, the garden will also offer community gardeners and area residents access to compost bins, to recycle organic household and yard waste. Adding compost to the soil ultimately returns needed organic matter and nutrients into the earth, yielding better results for gardeners and reducing the amount of “green” waste going into landfills.

“The opening of NYRP’s Target East Harlem Community Garden is an important step in helping achieve many of the environmental and community goals set out by the Go Green East Harlem initiative,” said Drew Becher.

Introduced by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer in 2007, Go Green East Harlem is a community driven initiative to revive, create and improve open space in the neighborhood of East Harlem. The garden opening is also serving as the official kick-off of NYRP’s Keepin’ It Green Month which is being celebrated throughout the month of October and includes community garden openings, tree giveaways and planting clinics, community volunteer planting days, a MillionTreesNYC anniversary celebration, Open House New York, and culminates with NYRP’s annual Hulaween gala on October 31.

Stars Want To Stomp Out Bullying

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Love Our Children USA has announced the launch of its national campaign STOMP Out Bullying with its First Annual Celebrity Auction.

The star-studded auction will take place at www.charityfolks.com from October 6 – 20. Proceeds from the auction will go towards bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools.

“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.

Bullying has reached epidemic proportions. While childhood should be a time filled with learning and joy, the reality for many kids and teens is often much different. They’re the victims of bullying at school or on neighborhood playgrounds. Bullying can be so painful and has played a role in school shootings across the country. While boys are more physical, girls use weapons, exclusion, slander, rumors and gossip.

And cyberbullying is on the rise. This social online cruelty is used in the forms of e-mail, cell phone/pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites. While most kids use the Internet for friendly interactions, more and more kids are using these communication tools to antagonize, terrorize and intimidate others.

In addition to the auction, teen celebrities Demi Lovato and JoJo are participating in the public service campaign, which includes TV spots, videos, posters, brochures and wristbands.

More information can be found at the STOMP Out Bullying website.

John Mayer Explores Arts With Tony Bennett

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

John Mayer joined Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, and Terrence Howard at a special art’s education benefit on Tuesday night.

The 30-year-old singer/songwriter performed 3 songs – “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Daughters,” and “Find Another You” – at Tony Bennett's Exploring The Arts gala held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Hosted by Goldberg, the evening raised over $1.2 million for Bennett’s charity that supports arts education in public schools. Honored at the event were Reed Hastings, Chairman, President and CEO of Netflix; Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman of Viacom and CBS Corporation; and Steve Wynn, Chairman of Wynn Resorts. Also in attendance were Katie Couric, Quincy Jones, and Rachael Ray. Tony Bennett closed the evening with trademark renditions of “Watch What Happens,” “For Once In My Life,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Who Cares,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”

As part of Bennett’s charity drive for the Exploring The Arts organization, an online auction is also currently running. Items up for grabs include meet-and-greets with Elton John, Katie Holmes, Andre Agassi, Bette Midler, Stephen Colbert, Kevin Spacey, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, as well as a dress owned by Christina Aguilera, signed prints and sunglasses from Bono, guitars signed by KD Lang and Sting, and many more items from Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Bruce Springsteen and others.

The auction – which ends on October 1 – can be accessed through the Charity Buzz website.

Grammy Auction Has Something For Everybody

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Another incredible Grammy auction benefiting MusiCares is currently running on eBay, giving bidders the opportunity to pick up some very special memorabilia for a good cause.

The 51st annual Grammy Awards will take place in February next year, and to celebrate there are all sorts of exciting items on offer. Maybe you fancy books signed by Ringo Starr, John Legend, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Nelly Furtado, Little Richard, or Carole King, or postcards signed by Rihanna. Or perhaps you would be more interested in grabbing a guitar signed by Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, or the Eagles' Joe Walsh. Or, if strumming chords seems too hard and you want to hear real musicians play, you might want to make a bid on tickets to see Bette Midler, America, or 3 Doors Down. Whatever your taste, the auction has something for you.

So head over to the eBay Grammys Auction now to find yourself a once-in-a-lifetime bargain to raise money for MusiCares, an organization that works to help those in need in the music industry, and the Grammy Foundation, which works with industries, cultural communities and the public to raise awareness of music and arts education.

The auction runs until July 31.

Sigourney Weaver Awards Outstanding Women In Conservation

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress and environmentalist Sigourney Weaver played Master of Ceremonies last month at the Audubon Society’s annual Women In Conservation award luncheon in New York.

Among the recipients of Audubon’s Rachel Carson Award was Bette Midler for her extraordinary contribution to conservation and the environment.

Specifically, Midler was being recognized for her New York Restoration Project (NYRP), which she founded in 1995 as a response to her initial disappointment to the visual pollution when she first moved to New York City.

In an interview with Good Housekeeping Magazine, Midler said, “I was so upset, I didn’t sleep for weeks… I’m not used to the kind of carelessness and waste that I was seeing. People were throwing their garbage out the window, leaving their lunches on the ground. Finally, I realized I needed to actually do something, even if I had to pick up the stuff with my own hands.”

In 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,” NYRP accomplishments over the past decade include: the establishment of dozens of gardens and saving others from development; the creation of a park out of a dumping ground and raising millions of dollars to restore and develop under-resourced parks; the removal of nearly 1000 tons of garbage and debris from project sites and cleaning up over 400 acres; funding economic redevelopment of waterfront; and, last Fall, the planting of the first of a million more trees in the city.

The Audubon Society, founded over a century ago, recognizes women who show such leadership, energy and endurance with the Rachel Carson Award. Carson was an environmental maverick in her own right, who contributed to the movement in the early 60s when she proved that toxic chemicals used in agriculture were lethal to wildlife and humans alike.

Celebrities Hair the Call of Charity

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:44:09 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

When most people think of Ken Paves, they think of big hair. The “hairstylist of the stars”, dubbed by the world’s media as the “hottest hairdresser in Hollywood”, is the man responsible for taming the locks of celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, and many more of the most beautiful people on the planet.

But now the stylist with the golden scissors has moved from big hair to big give with a new online auction he has organized through the Kompolt Online Auction Agency.

Inspired by the good deeds being achieved by the hit series “Oprah’s Big Give”, Paves has teamed up with a host of his celebrity friends to launch what could be the hottest auction this year, with all proceeds going to the EB Medical Research Foundation. So if it is once-in-a-lifetime celebrity items and experiences you want, hold on to your toupées and read on.

The auction, which can be accessed through eBay, runs until April 7, and features items from stars such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Sharon Stone, Marcia Cross, Bette Midler, and the Eagles. There are signed posters from Jessica Simpson, Eva Longoria, Carmen Electra, and John Travolta, and enough autographed photographs to cover the inside of even the biggest make-up trailer, including snaps from Courteney Cox, Jewel, and Christina Aguilera. And if it is clothes you are after, why not bid on a T-shirt signed by David Arquette, Ashlee Simpson, or Pete Wentz, a soccer jersey autographed by David Beckham, or slip into Victoria Beckham's jeans.

If that is not enough to send shivers of anticipation through any star-hungry bidder, there is also the opportunity to snap up concert tickets – including meet-and-greets – to shows by Duran Duran and Céline Dion, as well as the chance to hang out with Ashlee Simpson and to visit the set of Scrubs with Donald Faison. There is even the opportunity to take a trip to Ken Paves’ salon with Eva Longoria.

Paves, who is also a spokesperson for Operation Smile, has chosen the EB Medical Research Foundation to recieve 100% of the proceeds from the auction.

The EBMRF is dedicated to increasing awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa, a condition that affects the skin and can cause painful wounds, similar to burns, to form over up to 75% of a child’s body. Courteney Cox and David Arquette recently pledged to raise $1 million for the foundation.
More information about the disease, as well as the opportunity to purchase a special necklace designed by Cox and Arquette, can be found at www.ebkids.org.

2007 - The Year The Stars Gave Back

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:11:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2007 was a year of giving, both on grand and not-so-grand scales. Celebrities from all fields, be it movies, music, sport or general entertainment, showed compassion beyond the call of duty, and in most cases had a lot of fun doing it.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest events of the year was Live Earth in July, where stars new and old shone in all of the corners of the Earth to raise awareness of the plight of the planet. The shows were generally well-received, and led to organizer Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But celebrities also participated in smaller, more personal acts of kindness in 2007. Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, and Michael Douglas all donated their time to feed the hungry at the Los Angeles Mission, Fran Drescher launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, and Ewan McGregor visited UNICEF projects during his epic motorcycle trip across Africa.

In January, Kevin Bacon launched www.sixdegrees.org, a website designed to marry the concepts of social internet networks and charities. The site aims to help people fundraise for their chosen causes, and features celebrities such as Kyra Sedgwick and Ashley Judd.

Bette Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project, launched the Million Trees NYC initiative with Mayor Michael Bloomberg in October, to get city dwellers to plant more trees. The project plans to increase New York’s urban forest by 20% in the next ten years.

“To walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted connects you to the roots of our past and the aspirations of our future,” said the 62-year-old singer and actress.

Another singer with a sense of community in 2007 was Jon Bon Jovi who, as well as participating in various benefit concerts, also worked with Project HOME to revitalize a deteriorated lot in Philadelphia and transform it into homes for fifteen families.

And then there was Shakira, co-founder of the Latin America for Solidarity Fund and Pies Descalzos, who donated $40 million to victims of natural disasters in Peru and Nicaragua, and another $5 million to benefit education programs for children across Latin America.

The California wildfires that ravaged much of the state in November also spawned a spate of celebrity donations, with Linkin Park, the Eagles, and Gwen Stefani all making substantial contributions to both victims and firefighters.

American Idol gave back in April, with two shows that raised over $60 million to benefit organizations funding relief programs in America and Africa, featuring performances by Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, and others. Organized by Simon Cowell, American Idol Gives Back also led to a $100,000 donation by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Another talk show host to shine this year was Oprah Winfrey, who opened a state-of-the-art school in South Africa for disadvantaged girls.

“I am creating everything in this school that I would have wanted for myself—so the girls will have the absolute best that my imagination can offer,” said the 53-year-old, who poured $40 million of her own money into the project.

Brad Pitt took on the mission of rebuilding New Orleans by donating $5 million towards new houses, and also set up the Make It Right Foundation to assist in his work. Meanwhile, his wife Angelina Jolie set out to do what her character Lara Croft does best – save the world. As well as donating $100,000 to build the Duk Lost Boys Medical Clinic in the Sudan in March, Jolie also traveled to Iraq and Syria to raise support for those displaced by war.

Although literally tonnes of articles were written about Jolie’s efforts during 2007, even more was reported on Don Cheadle's and George Clooney's work to publicize the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The stars of Ocean’s Thirteen established a charity for the Sudanese region called Not On Our Watch, and personally raised over $9 million to help those affected by conflict in the region. The pair were awarded a special peace prize by Nobel laureates for their efforts.

And no round up of the year’s events can be complete without mention of Bono, who continued being Bono by doing what Bono does best – raising awareness for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the needy, and the disadvantaged.

We at Look To The Stars would like to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to continuing to bring you celebrity charity news in 2008.

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