Look To The Stars News: Barack Obama

Robin Wright Calls For International Mineral Certification System

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

In a video clip produced by ENOUGH Project, actor and activist Robin Wright says eastern Congo is the worst place on Earth to be a woman, and that “the link between conflict minerals and sexual violence is undeniable.”

Armed groups in the Congo fight for control of mines because the proceeds from the sale of the mineral resources is lucrative. To keep control of mines and trade routes, rebel groups use intimidation, pillaging local villages, murdering, raping girls and women and kidnapping young boys to use as soldiers – perpetual violence. Congo’s minerals are necessary components in electronic products that we use everyday, but Wright cannot reconcile the human rights violations with the ability to send a text message.

When Wright traveled to the Congo with ENOUGH Project for its RAISE Hope For Congo campaign last year, she was shocked by what she heard from the women and children she met.

NFL Players Help Fight Famine In Africa

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Just in time for the holiday season, a time when charitable giving increases, NFL players have joined FWD, a national public awareness campaign designed to inform Americans of the extreme famine, war and drought in the Horn of Africa.

Developed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ad Council, the FWD campaign encourages Americans to forward the facts about the crisis and to donate to the relief efforts.

“Right now, the famine, war and drought in the Horn of Africa is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, impacting more than 13 million people,” said USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. “As lives and livelihoods are threatened, USAID and its partners are working to increase awareness of the crisis and urge people to act and support relief efforts.”

Obama Family To Light National Christmas Tree

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation have announced that President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their family will officially light the National Christmas Tree on Thursday, December 1 at the 89th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in President’s Park, one of America’s nearly 400 national parks.

The ceremony will be streamed LIVE online at www.thenationaltree.org beginning at 4:30pm ET with the exclusive National Christmas Tree Lighting pre-show.

Hosted by television and radio personality Carson Daly, this year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony features a talented lineup of performers. Multi-platinum producer will.i.am of six-time Grammy-award winning musical group The Black Eyed Peas, pop sensation Big Time Rush and singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding will join the previously announced platinum selling band OneRepublic, country music star Rodney Atkins and six-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius for this extraordinary evening of holiday fanfare. The show will also feature a special appearance by Kermit the Frog, star of The Muppets, and of course, the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus.

Uma Thurman And Geena Davis Film PSAs For USAID

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

In response to the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is joining the Ad Council to launch a national public awareness campaign featuring Uma Thurman and Geena Davis.

The campaign encourages Americans to spread awareness of the crisis, support the humanitarian organizations conducting the relief operations, and learn more about the solutions through President Obama’s Feed the Future initiative. The campaign is titled FWD, or famine, war and drought, which is an acronym for the three crises affecting the Horn.

Alfre Woodard To Attend Desmond Tutu Book Event

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Alfre Woodard, Deborah Santana, Sharon Gelman, Kitsaun King, Marlene Saritzky and noted guests will attend an afternoon of food, drink, enjoyment and a special program on October 30, where Artists for a New South Africa pays tribute from afar to Desmond Tutu.

The event will celebrate the publication of Tutu: Authorized, an extraordinary new book, celebrating eighty years of Archbishop Tutu’s life,

The book features interviews with President Barack Obama, Kofi Annan, Aung San Suu Kyi and ANSA supporters Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Masekela, Deborah Santana, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard and many more.

Obama Appoints Shakira To Education Advisory Commission

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Barack Obama has announced that Shakira has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

“This is a tremendous honor for me,” the Colombian pop star told The Huffington Post. "I am humbled that my philanthropic experience could be helpful or that my voice can be used to amplify the message and work of the President and this Commission. Latino youth are the fastest-growing group in America, yet more Latino children are living in poverty—— 6.1 million in 2010 -- than children of any other racial or ethnic group.

“As I have seen in my own Foundation work, the only road out of poverty is education. For a host of reasons, Latino young people in this country disproportionately drop out of school and far too few finish college. Closing this gap will not only determine the economic future and competitiveness of this nation, but can serve as a model for the world. I am grateful to have an opportunity to support such important work.”

Celebrities Take Part In Seventh Annual Clinton Global Initiative

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Last week, during the seventh annual Clinton Global Initiative event, President Bill Clinton welcomed Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Prize laureate, peacebuilder, and general secretary of the National League for Democracy via satellite and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of The Elders in a first-time conversation between the two visionary leaders.

Suu Kyi spoke about her own struggles for human rights, democratic governance, and ethic reconciliation, while Archbishop Tutu discussed his recent work to end child marriage. The highlight of the conversation was the overwhelming admiration Tutu and Suu Kyi expressed for each other’s efforts to promote world peace and democracy.

“The lives and accomplishments of Aung San Suu Kyi and Archibishop Desmond Tutu are an inspiring testament to the tremendous good than can be achieved by a boundless reserve of courage, humility, and conviction,” said President Clinton. “Suu Kyi and Archibishop Tutu exemplify the positive work of CGI members – who have made 194 new commitments this year, valued at $6.2 billion that will positively impact more than 100 million people.”

Ian Somerhalder Calls On Obama And Clinton To Stop Pipeline

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) has joined the ever growing international chorus opposing the Keystone XL pipeline.

The pipeline project, which would transport extremely toxic tar sands oil nearly 2,000 miles from Alberta, Canada through the middle of the U.S. heartland to the Texas Gulf coast for refining, has drawn criticism from environmental communities in both the US and Canada.

“The proposed Keystone XL pipeline puts fish and wildlife at risk, threatens the health and livelihood of countless American farmers, and perpetuates the United States’ unhealthy dependence on oil,” says ISF founder Ian Somerhalder. “On behalf of myself, the IS Foundation, and the 22,000 people who have already signed our Stop the Tar Sands Oil Keystone XL Pipeline Petition, we strongly urge the Obama Administration to follow through on its promise to ‘end the age of oil in our time.’”

Celebrities Commemorate 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

This weekend marks ten years since the 9/11 terror attacks, and celebrities are joining the rest of the world in commemorating the anniversary.

Flight 93 National Memorial
Bill Clinton will join George W. Bush, Laura Bush and Sarah McLachlan at the September 10 dedication ceremony of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. The memorial service will take place at the newly-opened memorial plaza surrounding the site where Flight 93 crashed at 10:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001. President Obama is expected to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial later that day.

Sting To Be Honored At Clinton Global Initiative

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Bill Clinton has announced the program and featured attendees for the seventh Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to be held September 20-22 in New York City.

This year’s gathering will bring together an estimated 1,200 diverse stakeholders, including current and former heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, national and local government officials, and leaders from the nonprofit sector to devise and implement workable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Since we began in 2005, CGI members have made great progress in addressing critical global issues by making more than 2,000 commitments through CGI that have and will improve the lives of more than 300 million people in more than 180 countries,” President Clinton said. “As many of these commitments come to fruition, I am proud that we will be showcasing the tangible impact they have made.”

Jeff Bridges And Stevie Nicks At Bob Woodruff's Charity Concert

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The inaugural American Thunder Music Festival, a benefit concert for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, made history in front of an audience of 50,000 fans this past weekend (August 13) when Jeff Bridges hosted and performed along with Stevie Nicks and John Fogerty.

Bob Woodruff, Stevie Nicks, and Jeff Bridges

True Blood Star Latest Celebrity To Join Charity Campaign

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgård is the latest star to record a PSA for the It Gets Better campaign.

“I believe it gets better when parents start to lead by example,” says the vampire star in the new video. "We have to teach our children that, not only through our words but also through our actions, that every single human being has equal value.

“And to bully someone or for society to discriminate against someone because they have a different sexual orientation, it’s unacceptable.

Natalie Portman Joins Celebrities In Supporting Freedom To Marry

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are the latest stars to sign a letter urging Barack Obama to consider the marriage rights of same-sex couples.

The I Do letter has gained the support of 100,000 people, including Lance Bass, Dustin Lance Black, Ellen and Portia DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, David Geffen, Anne Hathaway, Cyndi Lauper, Jane Lynch, Eric McCormack, LeAnn Rimes, Martin Sheen, Lily Tomlin and Rufus Wainwright.

“Natalie Portman and her fiance, Benjamin Millepied, are in love, and believe all loving couples should be able to share in the freedom to marry without discrimination,” says Evan Wolfson, president of campaign group Freedom to Marry, "That is why they are joining the more than 100,000 people on Freedom to Marry’s Say, “I Do” Open Letter calling on the president to do the right think and become part of America’s majority for marriage."

Joan Jett Delivers Seal Hunt Letter To Norway

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Following the World Trade Organization’s decision to formally hear Norway’s and Canada’s case against the European Union’s ban on seal product imports, rock icon Joan Jett has personally delivered an urgent letter on PETA’s behalf to Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre calling on Norway to make the hearing and submissions open to the public.

Just one company in Norway purchases close to 80 percent of Canadian seal pelts, and this company has received funding for years from the Norwegian government. Jett joins Canadians Pamela Anderson and Sarah McLachlan in requesting that the hearing and submissions be made public.

“In the wake of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) decision to formally hear Norway and Canada’s case against the E.U.’s ban on seal imports, I urge you to please open up hearings to the public and make all submissions publicly available when they are filed,” writes Joan Jett. "Norway buys most seal pelts from Canada, then ships them for sale in countries that aren’t aware of the cruelty. Just one Norwegian company purchases close to 80 percent of the pelts. Norwegian citizens deserve to know that their government has provided significant financial assistance to this company for years, which indirectly helps prop up Canada’s cruel baby-seal slaughter. For a country so compassionate that it would ban fur from fashion shows, supporting Canada’s seal massacre just seems ridiculous.

Country Music Stars Raise Cash For Storm Victims

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Last Thrusday, May 12, CMT premiered MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute concert special designed to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the special featured an urgent call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Media outlets including American Forces Network, CNN.com, multiple local TV affiliates and radio stations also simulcast MUSIC BUILDS, reaching tens of millions of viewers around the world.

Country Music Stars To Unite For Tornado Victims Tonight

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

CMT and its pro-social initiative CMT One Country will tonight air Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute celebrity charity concert special featuring a special call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins and more to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the fundraising special will air live from Nashville on Thursday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on CMT and will be simulcast on CMT.com. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert will highlight a number of regions affected by recent storm, tornado and flooding damage including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; Vidalia, La.; Memphis, Dyersburg and Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Raleigh, N.C. to name a few. In addition to performances, the special will include additional calls to action from Big Kenny, Carrie Underwood, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, Nicole Kidman, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and others. HLN will re-air the telecast Sunday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m., ET.

Corbin Bleu To Help Kids Write To President Obama For Charity

Mon, 02 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Adam Hicks (Zeke and Luther), Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Katerina Graham (Vampire Diaries), Penny Marshall and many others will attend Children Mending Hearts’ 4th annual Please Mr President Workshop in Los Angeles on May 7.

Children Mending Hearts, a national non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, will host its 4th Annual Please Mr. President Workshop, a campaign designed to empower at-risk kids across the nation through creative expression. During this day-long event, children will write letters to President Barack Obama imploring him to pay attention to the realities of America’s homeless youth. Attendees will also dance, have the chance to participate in photography workshops and create artwork that will be sent to children living in Haiti and Japan in an effort to give each child a voice and sense of global community. Additionally, jewelry-making workshops will be available to at-risk mothers who attend the event.

Elizabeth Taylor's Charity Legacy

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor – who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 – will be remembered off-camera for her philanthropy, her spirit and her unceasing generosity.

The Oscar-winning actress was an activist for those with AIDS since the virus first appeared in the early 1980s, courting controversy by her support in the face of the stigma attached to AIDS at the time. She was one of the first celebrities to publicly stand up against the disease, fundraising for the first major AIDS benefit ever held – a dinner organized by AIDS Project Los Angeles.

She founded the National AIDS Research Foundation in the early 1980s, and in 1985 she helped found the American Foundation for AIDS Research – better known as amfAR. In February 2011, amfAR honored Taylor at its 25th Anniversary Gala. Although her health prevented her from attending, she sent a message via her good friend and fellow AIDS activist Elton John: “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.”

Farm Sanctuary Celebrates 25 Years Of Animal Protection

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

This year, Farm Sanctuary, the organization responsible for bringing farm animal issues into the mainstream consciousness celebrates its 25th anniversary.

As the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, Farm Sanctuary urged passage of the first U.S. laws to protect animals on farms, initiated the first cruelty convictions at stockyards and slaughterhouses, and established the first and largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America. Along the way, the organization has encouraged the public to embrace compassionate living through public campaigns, like getting the first veggie burger on Burger King menus and welcoming visitors to its sanctuaries, where thousands of people have had transformational experiences — including Twitter Co-Founder Biz Stone, who became a vegan after a visit to the New York Shelter.

Celebrities Pen Letter To President Obama For Gay Rights

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

A number of stars have added their names to a letter to Barack Obama urging him to end discrimination of same-sex marriages.

Anne Hathaway, Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch, David Geffen, Eric McCormack, Martin Sheen, Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and many others have signed the letter.

“In law, in love, in life, marriage says ‘we are family’ in a way that nothing else does,” reads the letter. “Marriage is the coming together of two lives, marked by a public promise of love and responsibility in front of friends and family. And marriage brings not only public respect and personal significance, but also a safety net of legal protections, rights, and responsibilities for which there is no substitute.”

Christchurch Earthquake - A Personal Plea For Help

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Feature Editor, Tim Saunders, writes from New Zealand.

The first 24 hours were the worst, as we waited anxiously for news of family and friends. There was no communication, no way of knowing what was going on. Just scenes of rubble and dust and smoke… people bleeding, crying… we felt powerless, impotent, just waiting, waiting, waiting….

The sun has just risen over Christchurch for the second morning following Tuesday’s earthquake. For the third day we sit here and watch and wait while emergency workers frantically move from building to building, looking and listening for survivors. We just wait and hope.

Barack Obama Sends Support To Earthquake Victims In New Zealand

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:50:00 +0000

As the death toll rises to 75, US President Barack Obama has sent his support to the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, following yesterday’s devastating earthquake.

Obama has offered “our deepest condolences” to the people of New Zealand and the families and friends of earthquake victims.

“To assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, we have agreed to deploy a U.S. Agency for International Development Disaster Assistance Response Team, including an Urban Search and Rescue Team, and we stand ready to provide more assistance as needed,” he said. “As our New Zealand friends move forward, may they find some comfort and strength in knowing that they will have the enduring friendship and support of many partners around the world, including the United States.”

Charity Doodle Day USA Needs Celebrity Help

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Neurofibromatosis, Inc.’s fifth annual Doodle Day USA celebrity charity auction will begin on eBay Thursday, May 12.

If you are not familiar with Doodle Day, here’s how it works. The Doodle Day Committee mails out hundreds of packets to celebrities, movie stars, television personalities, sports figures, renowned authors and musicians. Each packet contains a letter asking the recipient to draw a doodle on the card that is enclosed, autograph it, and submit it to the committee. The doodles range from scant scribbles to detailed drawings, and each one is vital to the success of Doodle Day.

The doodles will be posted soon on the Doodle Day website at www.doodledayusa.org, so check often! You can also view past years doodles which include Barack Obama, Gillian Anderson, Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Martin, Tim Allen, Jason Alexander, Paul Michael Glaser and Howie Mandel, just to name a few. The eBay auction is publicized and the bidding begins! The highest bidder of each doodle will win the auction and receive the original card. The auction itself raises awareness of NF, and auction proceeds further our efforts to support NF patients and their families.

Jackie Chan Finds Inspiration In White House Visit

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Jackie Chan has blogged about how a recent dinner with Barack Obama at the White House has made him feel good about the future of the world.

“I had dinner at the White House in Washington D.C.!” writes the action star. "President Obama invited me to attend a State Dinner in honor of China’s president Hu Jintao’s visit to America. I was so honored to be invited that I dropped everything I was doing and flew to the States to attend the dinner.

Maria Shriver Remembers Father as "Legendary Public Servant"

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Sargent Shriver was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends, and dignitaries including Vice President Biden, former President Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama and Shriver’s son-in-law, former CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It was 8 years ago that the brother-in-law of former President John Kennedy and the late Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease. He died on January 18, at the age of 95.

Attending the funeral were Clint Eastwood, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Muhammad Ali. Bono, Vanessa Williams and Wyclef Jean sang at the funeral.