Look To The Stars News: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift Surprises Children In Need

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift was a surprise guest at this year’s BBC Children in Need extravaganza in London on Friday night – an event that raised a massive £20,309,747 for charity.

Hosted by Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon, the seven hour show featured actors from some of Britain’s favorite shows – including Doctor Who, The Bill and the One Show.

“Another fantastic fundraising effort – we didn’t get quite to £21m but we got pretty close,” said Wogan, referring to last year’s total. “By the time we give you the full total in a couple of months’ time, I bet it’s got to be pretty close to what we made last year.”

The highlight of the show – which featured performances by acts such as Peter André, Spandau Ballet, Westlife, JLS, Stereophonics and Annie Lennox – was the unveiling of comedian Peter Kay’s charity single for the charity. Featuring a medley of songs from The Beatles, Take That, The Jackson 5 and many more, the video consists of over 100 characters from Britain’s television past.

Taylor Swift jetted in for her performance at the show – and donated over US$20,000 to the charity, which provides practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Other highlights of the show included a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special; actors from British soap Hollyoaks performing a tribute to Queen; Terry Wogan in perion costume for Lark Rise to Candleford; and the Dragons’ Den team helping to renovate a community centre in London.

“This year we surpassed all expectations with the amount raised and I am in awe that in these tough times, the British public has shown such tremendous support and generosity,” said Wogan. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved and for the extraordinary lengths the country has gone to help raise money for disadvantaged children.”

Highlights from the show can be seen here.

TLC Reform For Justin Timberlake Charity Concert

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Justin Timberlake wrapped his annual charity golf tournament with a dazzling concert on Saturday night that featured Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Alicia Keys and a reformed TLC.

The concert – held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children – marks the second year that Timberlake has gathered his friends for a charity performance. Last year’s show featured the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, will.i.am, Maroon 5, 50 Cent, Boyz II Men, Esmee Denters, and Leona Lewis.

“There were a lot of acts this year that weren’t able to get here till today, so there weren’t as many collabs as I had in my brain,” Timberlake told MTV News during rehearsals. “But I think that’s always the case, it’s kind of like [when] you do an album and you write, like, 40 songs, and then 12 of them make it. … But still, just having everyone out and getting to see them do their set — there are a couple of things that have never been performed onstage. There’s a new song from [Timbaland] tonight, from his record that we did together. I think Snoop’s doing a new song from his new record. So it’s kinda cool for them too, because it’s like perfect test marketing.”

Taylor Swift Signs Elephant For Family Health International

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:29:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported earlier by Look To The Stars, Family Health International is one of many charities to benefit from the current auction of celebrity-signed toy elephants organized by PROJECT ZAMBI.

Among those who have signed the elephants specifically for FHI are Taylor Swift (pictured below), the Jonas Brothers, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum and Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi.

“Family Health International is deeply grateful to these celebrities for lending their names to help address one of the world’s most serious problems. Their support raises awareness of the crisis and brings real help to children orphaned by AIDS in Africa—not just help to survive but to thrive,” said Al Siemens, CEO of Family Health International.

A number of other celebrities have also chosen charities to support through the auction, including George Clooney (Global Action for Children), Alicia Keys and Brooke Shields (Keep A Child Alive), Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake (African Children’s Choir), Jessica Simpson (Operation Smile), Scarlett Johansson (The Global Fund), Leonardo DiCaprio (SOS Children’s Villages), Naomi Watts (CIDRZ Foundation), James Taylor (Hole in the Wall Gang), Susan Sarandon (UNAID), Danny DeVito, Joely Fisher and Brad Garrett (Save the Children), Jennie Garth, Peter Facinelli and Glenn Close (Children of Uganda), and Barbara Walters and Denzel Washington (Save Africa’s Children).

To take part in the auction – which runs until October 15 – click here.

Will Smith's Children Support Charity Initiative

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jaden and Willow Smith – the actor children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – have spoken about their support for PROJECT ZAMBI, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“Willow and I joined Project Zambi to represent all the kids out there who want to make the world a better place,” said Jaden. “We want to encourage kids everywhere to lend a hand and join us in spreading the word about how much children who have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa need our help.”

The children have joined a host of stars – including Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts – in signing toy elephants to benefit charities such as Keep A Child Alive, the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.

“Project Zambi is about kids and for kids, and it’s so important that we all learn to take care of each other,” said Willow. “Even from the other side of the world, kids in Africa will know they have friends who care about them.”

The 10-day Project Zambi Celebrity Charity Auction is being held online via eBay beginning October 5 with bidding closing on October 15. Visitors will be able to log on to www.ebay.com/projectzambi.

Family Health International To Benefit From Charity Elephant Auction

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Last week, Look To The Stars brought you news about an online auction that features one-of-a-kind collectible elephant models signed by celebrities to be auctioned for a number of charities. Family Health International, a nonprofit public health and development organization working to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people, announced today that Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum and Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi have signed the custom ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT models on behalf of the organization.

These unique and collectible models will be auctioned on eBay [Oct. 5–15, 2009] at www.ebay.com/projectzambi. Proceeds of the auction of these elephants will benefit Family Health International’s programs that provide basic needs for some of the 12 million African children orphaned by AIDS, including healthcare, food and nutrition, clean water, shelter, clothing, education, psychosocial support, and protection.

Catherine Thompson, Family Health International/Zambia country director, said “Children’s basic needs go far beyond prevention, care, and treatment of HIV and AIDS. They need access to food, shelter, basic education, and protection from abuse. With so many older orphans raising their younger siblings, income generating activities can help them break out of the poverty cycle, keep what’s left of their families together, and ensure a healthier and more secure future.” Thompson added, “This requires close collaboration with government, local communities, and people living with HIV and AIDS to establish sustainable locally owned programs of high quality.”

PROJECT ZAMBI, a program conceived by a passionate group of Hasbro employees, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the estimated 12 million children who have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and supporting the community-based organizations that care for them. To help bring PROJECT ZAMBI to life, Hasbro has introduced ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, a special edition FURREAL FRIENDS animatronic plush toy. Hasbro has committed to donate 50 percent of the net profits —a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, beginning in 2009, and hopes to expand this global campaign to include additional Hasbro products and brands in the years to come. As a leader in the global response to HIV/AIDS, and because of its integrated approach to delivering public health programs based on scientific research, Family Health International was selected as a beneficiary for the PROJECT ZAMBI initiative.

Siemens said, “The work of Hasbro, the Hasbro Children’s Fund, and other partner organizations is critical to alleviating the untold suffering of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Through our efforts, and the support of caring donors like those who participate in the PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Auction, we can offer these children hope and life-saving treatments that keep parents alive and healthy to prevent more children from being orphaned.”

Celebrities Sign Elephants For Project Zambi

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

A host of celebrities have come together to be part of an online auction that features one-of-a-kind collectible elephant models.

Jessica Biel, George Clooney, Glenn Close, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joely Fisher & Brad Garrett, Jennie Garth & Peter Facinelli, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, Kathy Najimy, Rhea Perlman & Danny DeVito, Graham Rahal, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington, and Naomi Watts are some of the stars who have signed the elephant toys for Project Zambi, a charity initiative started by a group of Hasbro employees to help raise awareness and funds for the estimated 15 million children who have lost parents and relatives to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

“It is encouraging to see that companies such as Hasbro are developing initiatives to support global health issues,” said Alicia Keys. “Through my involvement in this project, I’m proud to support [”Keep A Child Alive":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/161-keep-a-child-alive], an organization dedicated to providing care and support to children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS."

One hundred percent of the sale of each auctioned elephant will be donated to the organization of the celebrity’s choice that supports children orphaned by AIDS in Africa including the African Children’s Choir, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, the Children of Uganda, Global Action for Children, the Global Fund, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and many more.

“The wonderful support that we’ve received from the celebrities participating in the PROJECT ZAMBI auction is a moving example of the deep concern surrounding the issue of caring for children orphaned by AIDS,” said Brian Goldner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hasbro, Inc. “We are very hopeful and optimistic that this auction will be successful in raising awareness and generating funds that will support some of the many dedicated organizations working to make a better future for these children.”

Earlier this year, Hasbro launched PROJECT ZAMBI, a global cause initiative tied to the new special edition FURREAL FRIENDS ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT toy that is dedicated to raising awareness and benefiting programs caring for children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

Hasbro has committed to donate 50 percent of the net profits from ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT — a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) — to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, beginning in 2009, and hopes to expand this global campaign to include additional Hasbro products and brands in the years to come. By purchasing ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, consumers will be supporting programs that work directly with children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

This latest initiative is a part of the work Hasbro conducts in the U.S. and around the world to help children in need through the Hasbro Children’s Fund and product donations. In 2008, Hasbro impacted approximately four million children through its charitable programs and product donations.

For more information about the PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction, PROJECT ZAMBI and ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, please visit www.projectzambi.com.

The 10-day PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction will be held online via eBay beginning October 5 with bidding closing on October 15. Visitors will be able to log on to www.ebay.com/projectzambi.

Keith Urban Gives All For The Hall

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Some of the biggest names in country music will hit the stage in October to raise money for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town are just some of the names who will appear at the All For The Hall show on October 13 at the Sommet Center in Nashville.

The Hall of Fame and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a non-profit educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The Museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of country and related vernacular music rooted in southern culture.

“It was hard to get some of the more prominent artists to step up,” said Gill, the Museum’s Board President.

“Country music has this ability to keep it relevant to today, without losing the center of its authenticity and integrity,” added Urban. “We can’t move it forward unless we know where it has come from.”

Tickets for the show are available here, and there is also a ticket auction.

TLC To Reform For Charity Gig

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

R&B group TLC is to reform for a special benefit show hosted by Justin Timberlake.

The trio disbanded following the death of Lisa Lopes in 2002. The remaining members of the group, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, later worked on a reality show called “R U the Girl?” that sought a third member of the group, but have never officially performed under the name TLC again.

Timberlake’s concert, which benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children, will take place on October 17 in Las Vegas and will also feature Alicia Keys, Ciara and Taylor Swift. The concert will take place alongside a weeklong golf tournament, the 2009 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, which will take place from October 12-18.

Following Lopes’ death in a car accident, the Lisa Lopes Foundation was established to bring her dream of creating a non-profit educational and medical center on some property she owned near the coastal cities of La Ceiba and Jutiapa to life.

The show will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Tickets are priced at $250, $200, $150 and $100, and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Mandalay Bay at (877) 632-7400 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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.

Go Back To School With Celebrity Items

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares want you to rock in the new school year by taking part in a new charity auction that features unique memorabilia and VIP experiences that benefit their high school music programs.

Decorate your room with original artwork and photos from Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, signed postcards from Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, and play on guitars signed by Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

The auction also gives you the chance to extend your wardrobe with hoodies signed by the Jonas Brothers and a T shirt signed by Iggy Pop. There are also items and experiences from Coldplay, Maroon 5, Joe Satriani, the Dave Matthews Band, Slash, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Neil Diamond, 3 Doors Down, John Legend, Jason Mraz, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Green Day and many more.

The GRAMMY Foundation cultivates the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the impact of music on American culture through music education programs, scholarships and grants, and MusiCares provides a safety net of critical financial assistance and services for music people in times of need.

The auction runs until July 31 and can be accessed here.

Taylor Swift Donates Prom Dress

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country music star Taylor Swift recently donated her prom dress to an organization that encourages girls to donate their prom and special occasion dresses to those who cannot afford their own.

The dress made over $1,200 at auction for the charity website DonateMyDress.org, a site that features a directory of local dress drive organizations across the U.S. that enables girls to easily find out where they can donate a dress or receive one.

“I chose to give away this prom dress because I wore it once and loved it!” said Swift. “To keep it around, hanging there all by itself and lonely in my closet, never to be worn again seemed a little pointless. I want another girl somewhere to feel good in it and have a great prom night because of this dress.”

DonateMyDress.org is part of the Hearst Teen Network, which includes the industry’s leading teen brands — CosmoGIRL!, Seventeen and TEEN — as well as MisQuinceMag.com, MyPromStyle.com, eCRUSH.com and eSPIN.com.

Kylie Minogue Leads The Stars In Australian Charity Concerts

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Over 120,000 people attended the Sound Relief fundraising concerts in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday, March 14, to raise money for victims of devastating fires and floods in Australia.

The concerts have raised over AUS$5 million to go towards the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Fund Appeal and Queensland flood relief efforts, with some of the world’s greatest entertainers turning on performances of a lifetime for a good cause.

Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift, Kings Of Leon, Neil Finn and Crowded House, and Kasey Chambers were just some of the artists that entertained the crowds, which included celebrities such as Toni Collette, David Wenham and Shane Warne. Kylie Minogue appeared at the Melbourne concert with a special rendition of I Still Call Australia Home, and the Sydney concert was closed by Olivia Newton-John and Barry Gibb, who performed Islands In The Stream and a wide range of Bee Gees hits. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also joined Aussie legend John Farnham on stage for a duet on You’re The Voice.

“I was ready and I think the cause is so great – it’s essential,” said Barry Gibb, who flew in from the US the day before the concert. “I think we all need to be incensed about what happened and I think we need to care and I think we need to make the statement, so [that’s why] we’re here.”

Prince William and Prince Harry also made their first ever Australian address – via video – telling the crowds that they could “only imagine” what victims were going through and asked people not to forget the “amazing efforts” of the emergency services.

“It was a day for the ages, an event like no other that will live in the hearts of many Australians for generations to come,” said concert organizers, who went on to say that it was the biggest paying audience at any Australian concert or charity event ever. Millions more heard the concert on television and radio.

Among other bands to perform on the night were reunions of Hunters And Collectors, Icehouse, Split Enz, and Midnight Oil.

Country Stars Set To Rock Charity Rodeo

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A range of bands and performers will be performing at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to raise money for charity.

Starting today, March 3, and running until March 22, artists such as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, The Jonas Brothers and ZZ Top will be appearing live at Reliant Stadium in Houston. All proceeds will go to scholarships and education of young people in Texas.

The shows kick off tonight with Rascal Flatts, and are followed by shows by Alan Jackson, Clay Walker, Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Pat Green and many others.

For more info and tickets, check out the website.

Stars Sign Hardhats For Charity Auction

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has launched an online auction at Clothes Off Our Back featuring hardhats signed by celebrity volunteers and supporters of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity.

The hardhats are signed and decorated by music, television and film stars including: Green Day, Ricky Martin, Linkin Park, U2, Justin Timberlake, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and many more. The auction will run through March 6 with 100% of the proceeds helping to build more affordable homes in Greater Los Angeles.

“Through our non-profit organization, [”Music for Relief":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/551-music-for-relief], and our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity we have had the opportunity to not only sponsor homes, but also to go and build the houses ourselves, and to meet the families that were moving into them," said Dave “Phoenix” Farrell of Linkin Park. “We hope this hardhat auction will raise awareness for Habitat’s mission and help raise funds for families in need.”

In 2007 Habitat for Humanity kicked off its “Building a Greater Los Angeles” campaign to build and renovate 250 more homes. In conjunction with the “Building a Greater Los Angeles” Gala held last fall, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity held a successful online auction with VIP experiences and signed memorabilia donated by celebrity supporters, which raised over $75,000. Following the success of the first online auction, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity began outreach to high profile supporters, as well as new supporters, who wanted to support Habitat’s mission which resulted in more than 70 signed hardhats. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver were among those who autographed hardhats to help kick off this auction.

“I have had the chance to personally give the keys to several families moving into homes sponsored by the Ricky Martin Foundation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an organization I’ve been involved with for many years. I’ve been fortunate enough to see with my own eyes the difference a home makes in the life of a child,” said Ricky Martin. “Now, by simply bidding on an item in an auction, you have the chance to change lives and build hope.”

“Los Angeles continues to rank last in housing affordability and this kind of support helps us raise awareness, as well as much needed funding, to help low income families live in safe, decent homes,” said Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. “These hardhats are very special as most were signed the day of an actual build and we are thrilled to receive these fun and generous donations.”

Other stars to sign the hard hats include: Chris Pine, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Gavin Rossdale, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Josh Groban, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ne-Yo, the Pussycat Dolls, Taylor Swift, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. A complete list of celebrity supporters of this auction can be found at the auction site.

Grammy Charity Auction Set To Rock

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With the Grammy Awards only days away, now is the time to bid on exclusive celebrity items in the annual Grammy Awards Charity Auction and help a good cause.

Going under the hammer this year are VIP experiences with Katy Perry and Kathy Griffin, guitars signed by AC/DC, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Fall Out Boy and the Jonas Brothers, books signed by Mariah Carey, Slash, and Céline Dion, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the set of a Rihanna music video or photo shoot.

Also on offer are DVDs signed by Flight of the Conchords, drums signed by the Foo Fighters, and memorabilia signed by Sheryl Crow, Katherine McPhee, Jesse McCartney, Tom Jones, Christina Aguilera, Robert Plant, and Sarah McLachlan.

And for the person who thinks they have everything, the auction also offers the opportunity to receive a personal phone call from Aretha Franklin, who will share her favorite recipes with you!

The auction will benefit MusiCares – which 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. It runs until February 19 and can be accessed here.

Feed America With George Clooney's Bowl

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

Get A Kiss For Country Today

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:03:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The second annual Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation A Kiss For Country charity auction is now open and ready for action.

Spearheaded by Jewel, the auction – which launches today – features signed celebrity lip prints from country artists such as Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Kellie Pickler, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Jennifer Hanson, Emerson Drive, and 50 others.

Bidding is now open at Ubid.com, and runs until December 12. Proceeds from the auction will aid domestic-violence centers across America.

To see our earlier stories about the lead-up to the auction, click here and here.

Stars To Be BRAVE For Veterans

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop stars 50 Cent and Ludacris will perform at a concert to raise awareness of veterans causes next month.

“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” is part of MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, an initiative designed to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. The concert hopes to draw attention to a new petition launched by MTV called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (or BRAVE) which calls on politicians to support vets’ issues and enact positive legislative changes.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war — we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said MTV President Van Toffler. “By raising awareness through ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,’ and by launching the BRAVE petition, we aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

The concert – which will be taped on October 23 and aired on MTV on October 24 – will also feature performances by Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Juanes, Nelly and Taylor Swift, with appearances from Beyoncé Knowles, Will Ferrell, Common, Fat Joe, Seth Green, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Wyclef Jean.

Taylor Swift Teams With Def Leppard For TV Gig

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

On October 6, a very special fusion of musical styles will take place in Nashville when teen country sensation Taylor Swift joins with classic British rockers Def Leppard for a one-off gig for TV. And although the event is invitation-only and closed to the public, they really want you to be there.

Swift and the Leppards have organized a charity auction that will let two couples attend the taping of Crossroads, with proceeds going to Country Music Television’s (CMT) One Country charity, Hands On Nashville.

“Every time I’ve seen ‘Crossroads’ on CMT I’ve always thought, ‘If I ever get to do one of those, it HAS to be with Def Leppard!,’ so this is really a dream come true for me,” said Swift. “I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years so it’s amazing that I’m going to get to share a stage with them this year!”

Led by Advisory Board members former President Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and Gen. Colin Powell, CMT One Country offers tools that enable virtually anyone to start making a difference immediately. They also celebrate the accomplishments of everyday heroes and showcase other nonprofit partners – including Second Harvest, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, the USO, and Habitat For Humanity – working to keep America great.

According to CMT executive vice president and general manager Brian Philips, “CMT will enlighten our fans and inspire them to take action in the places where they live. With the help of our biggest stars, we’ll reinforce the messages that resonate in so much of CMT’s music. We know our viewers care deeply about the needs of their neighbors. One Country will make it easy for them to help.”

The auction, which runs until October 2, can be accessed via the CMT Auctions website.

Taylor Swift Gives Back To Cedar Rapids

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

18-year-old country music star Taylor Swift performed a sold-out show in Cedar Rapids on Friday. But this was no ordinary tour stop. During her concert, Swift announced that she will donate $100,000 to the local Red Cross to assist with flood relief efforts.

Cedar Rapids was submerged by the swollen Cedar River two months ago in an event now dubbed “Iowa’s Katrina.” Thousands have lost their jobs in the midst of millions of dollars’ worth of damage.

“The people in this town have been through so much loss this year, and my heart goes out to them,” Swift told People Magazine. “They’ve stood by me, they gave me a sold-out show. You’ve got to pay it forward in life – that’s all I did in Cedar Rapids.”

Swift – whose self-titled debut album was released in 2006 to critical acclaim – has already made a charitable mark, having donated merchandise sales from the CMA Music Festival to the Nashville Red Cross earlier this summer. Prior to that, Swift donated her pink pick-up truck to a camp for children with serious medical conditions. In 2007, the country star launched a campaign to protect children from online predators.

For more information and to donate to the Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund, click here.

Attention Country Music Fans: The Grammy Charities Auction Is For You

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of country music might want to head over to eBay to see their current “Grammy Charities Auction”.

Items up for offer include guitars signed by Miley Ray Cyrus, Dwight Yoakam, John Foggerty, and Jerry Lee Lewis, CDs signed by Taylor Swift and George Strait, and clothing donated by Rascal Flatts and Trace Adkins.

And if you’re not into country music, there’s a selection of items up for offer that might interest you too, including lots from John Legend, Alice Cooper, Billy Bob Thornton, Joss Stone, and Dave Matthews.

Money from the auction will go to MusiCares, which 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.

Taylor Swift Gives Her Vote To Charity

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country music sensation Taylor Swift is donating all of the proceeds from her merchandise sales at this weekend’s Country Music Festival in Nashville to charity.

The 18-year-old singer will be gifting her profits to the Red Cross, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Nashville Area Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in Middle Tennessee and a portion to benefit the National American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The singer is also trying to encourage more young people to vote and exercise their rights.

“I’ve been trying to do my research more,” she told The Tennessean. “Before you have the ability to vote, you just kind of support who your parents support. I’ve had more interest in figuring out who believes in what, because every vote counts. I’m not going to talk about politics, because it’s not my specialty. I know as much as your average 18-year-old who wants to know the general issues… but I’m not going to go out there and try to influence thousands of people because I have a music career and a platform to say things publicly. I don’t think because you do have the platform to say things publicly that you necessarily should.”

Swift is certainly no stranger to charitable acts. Last year she launched a campaign to protect children from online predators, and earlier this year she donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang.

Miranda Lambert Gives Cause For The Paws

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:58:14 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

In the last four years, Miranda Lambert has gone from a reality show star to a Grammy-nominated country superstar, but she hasn’t let the success go to her head – in fact, its gone straight to the animals!

On April 20, Lambert hosted her first ever charity event, the ‘Cause for the Paws’ Wine Tasting Festival to benefit the struggling East Texas Humane Society. For years, Lambert has been a huge supporter of the shelter, often encouraging her fans to make donations rather than give gifts to her.

According to Humane Society officials, the organization will actually lose revenue in 2008. Helping to offset the loss, Lambert – joined by country stars Blake Shelton and Kacey Musgraves – appealed to the public to help raise funds during the event, which included silent/live auctions, food and wine tasting, a Meet and Mingle VIP cocktail party, and a concert featuring all three entertainers.

The event also featured a few special VIP guests – adoptable shelter dogs looking for a home, and Delilah, a dog Lambert adopted in 2007.

“Cause for the Paws” was also supported online by Lambert, who kicked off an eBay auction on April 7. More than 40 items were auctioned off to raise money for the Humane Society of East Texas, including items from Lambert, Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, George Strait, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Ray Cyrus, and Merle Haggard among others.

All proceeds from Lambert’s eBay auction and the “Cause for the Paws” event will help care for abused, abandoned and unwanted animals, and for that we thank you Miranda Lambert.

Musicians Start The Year With Generosity

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:45:39 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2008 has only just begun, but already celebrities are straining at the leash to spread generosity among those who need it. And a host of musicians have kicked off the year with donations and events to raise money and awareness for a number of good causes.

Pop group OK Go are set to release a charity EP on iTunes on February 5, with all proceeds going to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 5-song release, “You’re Not Alone”, will coincide with Mardi Gras 2008, and will benefit New Orleans-based musicians displaced by the 2005 disaster.

“New Orleans is one of the last places in America where music is truly a fundamental part of everyday life,” said OK Go singer Damian Kulash, whose hits include “A Million Ways” and “Here It Goes Again”. “People get together on the weekends and parade through the streets just playing songs; 12-year-old-kids learn funk on the tuba; everyone dances. Life elsewhere in the world simply isn’t as celebratory. If we allow the culture of New Orleans to die by leaving its musicians marooned around the country, America will have lost one of its great treasures.”

iTunes has agreed to waive all proceeds from EP sales, and digital distribution powerhouse IODA will promote it free of charge. In addition, free freight shipping is to be provided by EFM Worldwide/Horizon Cargo, and Music Travel Management has contributed free airfare for the band to play two benefit shows – January 11 at Tipianas, New Orleans, and February 2 at The 9:30 Club in Washington DC.

Rockers Switchfoot have also been on the charity trail recently, and have raised over $100,000 for Habitat For Humanity. The band donated $1 from every ticket sold during their Appetite For Construction tour to the organization, and also spent time working alongside volunteers for the charity during some of their stopovers.

Country singer and Grammy nominee Taylor Swift is another celebrity to show her generous side recently, when she donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang.

“[The organization] has camps all over the country for children who are sick,” said the 18-year-old singer. “For one week they can forget they’re sick and just have a blast and hang out with other people they can relate to. They look forward to it, and I love that cause.”

The Victory Junction Gang will use the truck to pick up children from the airport and give them a fun ride to the camp.

Swift will also perform at Nashville’s Sound and Speed event, the NASCAR and country music celebration to be held on January 11 and 12 to benefit the Victory Junction Gang. She will officially hand the keys of the truck over to NASCAR driver and organization founder Kyle Petty during the event. More information can be found at www.victoryjunction.org.

Singer and founder of the Show Me Campaign, John Legend, will join Earth Institute director Jeffrey Sachs for an evening of information, discussion, and music at Columbia University on January 28, as part of the Show Me Poverty Action Tour. The evening hopes to stimulate people to actively work to overcome global poverty, and more information can be found at the University website.

Pop group the Barenaked Ladies are to play at the North American Auto Show’s annual black-tie charity gala at Cobo Arena, Detroit, on January 18. The $400 ticket price will benefit a host of local children’s charities, including Barat Child and Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children’s Center, and the Detroit Institute for Children. Proceeds will go towards goods, clothing, and health and support services for needy children. Tickets and information can be found at www.naias.com.

And finally, February 25 will see a charity concert commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in US history.

The concert will be held at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and will feature Twisted Sister, Tesla, Stryper, as well as members of Staind, Boston, and Chicago.

The show has been organized by the Wake Up To Love Foundation, founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta, and proceeds will go to the Station Family Fund, an organization set up by the community to assist victims of the fire. 100 people were killed in the blaze, with another 200 seriously injured, and 65 children lost either one or both parents. Survivors still struggle for compensation and support, and many are unable to meet their monthly needs.

Tickets for the show are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

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