Look To The Stars News: American Foundation for AIDS Research

$1.1 Million Raised At Milan Fashion Week Charity Event

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Supermodel Linda Evangelista opened the amfAR Milano Foundation’s inaugural event held recently in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week.

In a moving speech in which she recalled the losses of friends during the early epidemic, she talked about the death of her booking agent. “Those were desperate times for so many of us. I watched him die and helped bury him, not understanding any of it. The fashion industry was especially hard hit by AIDS.”

  The event raised $1.1 million (euro750,000) for HIV/AIDS research, and was attended by many of the rich, famous and fashionable, including Rachel Bilson, Kanye West, Donatella Versace and models Anja Rubik and Chanel Iman.   

Janet Jackson, longtime dedicated philanthropist and HIV/AIDS activist, chaired the event along with many other notable people including DSquared² designing twins Dean and Dan Caten and Linda Evangelista. The event was presented by DSquared², BMW Group Italia, and Lambertz, along with media partner Vanity Fair and hotel partner Westin Palace Milano. The black tie dinner and auction was followed by an after-party deejayed by Bob Sinclar.  

Alek Wek and Giuseppe Zanotti auctioned off a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti boots designed exclusively by Mr. Zanotti for Michael Jackson to be worn on the opening night of his planned come-back tour. The hand-embellished boots featured 3,000 multicolored Swarovski beads and sold for $14,634.
 
French model Noemie Lenoir made the impromptu decision to go out on a date with the highest bidder in the room and, in doing so, raised $16,097.
 
There were so many more great items auctioned off, including a private DJ lesson with Bob Sinclar. 
 
Dita Von Teese, a longtime amfAR supporter, celebrated her birthday on the evening of the event. Von Teese closed the night by treating guests to a special performance of “Le Bain Noir.”
 
 You can read more about the event here. To learn more about amfAR, click here

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

Janet Jackson Co-Chairs amfAR Event

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Emily Ray

Janet Jackson will be present at next month’s amfAR Milano event to raise money and publicity for AIDS Research.

amfAR is committed to tackling the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. Their latest event, held in Milan, Italy on Monday 28th September in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week 2009 promises not to disappoint. With cocktails followed by dinner, the event looks to be as successful as previous amfAR fundraisers, likely to attract famous names from all corners of the celebrity world.

Gay Rights advocate Janet Jackson’s battle against the AIDS epidemic stems from personal experience, as a number of her close friends have been affected by the virus. As a chair of the amfAR event, Jackson continues to campaign for research, just like other members of the Jackson family. Her sister La Toya has taken over her brother Michael’s campaign work since his tragic death in June.

The AIDS Project Los Angeles movement has received valuable support from La Toya, who revealed to E! Online that charity work is helping her cope with her bereavement. “It means a lot to me because as you all know, my brother has given to so many organizations and this is one of the organizations he’s been giving to for over 10 years.”

To find out more about the AIDS Project in Los Angeles, visit www.apla.org

Contact Cassandra Davies (cassandra.dawes@amfar.org) for ticket and table information for the amfAR event in Milan.

Robert Pattinson Puckers Up For Charity At Cannes

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Twilight star Robert Pattinson discovered his lips are worth more than he ever imagined during a charity auction at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday, May 21.

Two kisses with the actor were sold for over US$20,000 at the annual Cinema Against AIDS gala for the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

“If it goes well, maybe it will turn to something more!” joked Pattinson when auction host Harvey Weinstein introduced the opportunity.

Other items up for offer at the event included a Segway from Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger, and a saxophone donated by Bill Clinton that went for $130,000.

Attendees included supermodels Svetlana Metkina and Lily Cole, actresses Robin Wright Penn and Michelle Yeoh, as well as filmmakers Eli Roth and Lars Von Trier.

Katy Perry To Headline Life Ball

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:31:00 -0000

Singer Katy Perry is to perform at the annual Life Ball in Vienna, to raise support for the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS.

Celebrating the beauty of life and the diversity of world cultures, Life Ball reinvents the great Viennese Ball tradition with glamorous, outlandish performances and inspirational speeches. It attracts huge interest in the media and is broadcast live on Austrian National TV prime time, with delayed airing in Germany.

To date the Life Ball has raised over €10.5 million. It is the only AIDS charity event to take place in a government building. In 2008, the event raised € 1.4 million in one night.

  Since 1993, world famous personalities and artists have lent their voices and support to Life Ball, giving their time and effort to make the charitable event successful every year. With their appearances, personal impulses and involvement, Sharon Stone, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Catherine Deneuve, Liza Minnelli, Kim Cattrall, Linda Evangelista, Heidi Klum, Dennis Rodman, Naomi Campbell, Randy Crawford and many more have inspired courage and promoted the joyful aspects of life and given a clear sign against discrimination and ignorance.

  A sparkling show with a series of music and dance performances opens the event on the square in front of the picturesque Vienna City Hall. Each year, some 40,000 Viennese, the international media and the city’s guests from around the world gather on the square to experience this glittering spectacle at close range. Live performances by international artists such as Anastacia, Scissor Sisters, Kool & The Gang, Julian Rachlin, INXS, Cyndie Lauper, Simply Red, Grace Jones, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Boys’ Choir have raptured the crowds in years past.  

The opening ceremony features thoughtful moments with speeches by the Life Ball’s international partners, such as Sharon Stone representing amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research) and Sir Elton John in the past years. Furthermore, a world-renowned celebrity presents the “Crystal of Hope” endowed with 100,000 Euro donated by Swarovski to honor the engagement of a pioneer in the field of HIV/AIDS.  

The opening’s grand finale is a glittering fashion show – so far Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Gianfranco Ferré, Missoni, Moschino, Agent Provocateur among others have presented their creations at the Life Ball. Both top models and dazzling celebrities can be seen on the catwalk. The involvement of the artists, models and hundreds of volunteers serves as a statement of humanity, tolerance and understanding.

  After the festive opening, the opulent Life Ball night starts inside the Vienna City Hall. Open exclusively to 4,000 holders of Life Ball tickets, all halls and courtyards of the building are transformed into richly decorated ballrooms and dance floors. A versatile show and entertainment program with live performances by international stars, various music styles and many other entertainment facilities await the audience throughout the night. With their performances, participating artists make a strong statement for life and against ignorance and prejudice.  

The Life Ball is organized by Aids Life, an independent non-profit organization, created with the objective to raise money to support people in areas of the world most affected by HIV and AIDS. In 2008, a record result of 1.4 million US-Dollars was raised. In 2007 an additional 1 million US-Dollars was generated at the Dinner Gala with Bill Clinton the night before Life Ball 2007. Half of the raised funds go to national relief projects and half go to international organizations in support of HIV/AIDS treatment, research and prevention.

This year’s Life Ball is on May 16. More information can be found at the official website.

Bill Clinton To Attend AmfAR Gala

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former US President Bill Clinton is to address the annual amfAR charity gala at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21.

Hosted by Sharon Stone, the Gala is one of the hottest tickets at the Cannes film festival each year, with hundreds of guests traveling to nearby Mougins for an auction dinner held in a giant marquee. This year’s gala will be held for the first time at the Riviera palace, the Eden Roc, at Cap d’Antibes, and will also see Annie Lennox perform.

Last year’s event raised over $10 million for amfAR, an organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Madonna was guest of honor at the event, and she auctioned off a private concert for $560,000.

The organization’s annual Cinema Against AIDS gala has been an important and successful fund-raising event for the Foundation since 1993, generating more than $44 million for essential AIDS research. Past events have been hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John.

Natasha Richardson To Be Honored By AmfAR

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Bravo’s second annual A-List Awards will be taped in LA this weekend – ready for a broadcast later this month – and will include a special tribute to Natasha Richardson by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Hosted by Kathy Griffin, the awards show will feature appearances from Gwen Stefani, Neil Patrick Harris, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Procter, Chelsea Handler, Tori Spelling, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland and many more.

“The A-List Awards” will team up with amfAR, the organization dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research, to pay tribute to Natasha Richardson, who was a passionate spokesperson for the cause. Richardson most recently captured Bravo fans’ attention when she appeared on “Top Chef” to promote amfAR, a personal commitment since her father’s death of AIDS-related causes. amfAR – along with Richardson’s family – created a special fund for those who wish to donate in her honor all donations can be made at www.amfAR.org.

Also as part of the event, Housewives from all three Bravo series Orange County, New York City and Atlanta will meet up for a fashion face-off for charity. The women will join together for an interactive fashion show in which the A-List audience at home will vote to award $10,000 to the winning housewife’s charity of choice. Viewers can text which housewife they think deserves to win, or go online on www.BravoTV.com for video, photo galleries and to vote for their favorite.

The show will be broadcast on April 15 on Bravo.

Salma Hayek To Help At Auction In Dubai

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A selection of luxury items will be auctioned today, December 12, for charity in Dubai, with stars such as Salma Hayek, Goldie Hawn, and Laura Linney lending a hand.

The auction is part of the Dubai International Film Festival, with all proceeds going to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Some of the rare and exclusive lots include a Cartier ‘Salma Hayek’ Love Handcuff – customized especially for Cinema Against Aids Dubai – as well as a limited edition hand-painted dress from Balenciaga’s Paris runway show, and a Suzuki DRZ 400 SM prototype motorcycle used in the film Terminator Salvation.

AmfAR is dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Their annual Cinema Against AIDS gala has generated more than $22 million for essential AIDS research since 1993.

“AmfAR is an event where the world’s most famous faces come together to make a difference,” said Shivani Pandya, Dubai International Film Festival’s Managing Director. “Dubai’s philanthropic connoisseurs will be in the centre of a world-renowned event that has a tangible, positive impact on the world.”

The auction will be held at Atlantis The Palm Hotel in Dubai.

Madonna Gets Into The Groove At Cannes

Mon, 26 May 2008 10:52:57 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Madonna auctioned off a private concert during the 61st annual Cannes International Film Festival late last week at the annual Cinema Against AIDS fundraiser to raise money for amfAR.

Hosted by Sharon Stone, the Gala is one of the hottest tickets at the Cannes film festival each year, with hundreds of guests traveling to nearby Mougins for an auction dinner held in a giant marquee. This year’s event attracted a plethora of celebrity guests intent on raising money for the cause, including P. Diddy, Natalie Portman, Dennis Hopper, and Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein, all of whom were keen to get their hands on some of the items up for auction on the night.

“I hope we all leave a little poorer,” said amfAR chairman Kenneth Cole prior to the festivities, although he needn’t have worried – a total of $10 million was raised for the American Foundation for AIDS Research on the night.

As well as Madonna’s private concert – which sold for $560,000 – other popular items up for grabs included a restored 1976 Porsche 911, which went for $790,000 after rap mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs stopped bidding at $710,000. A diamond-encrusted Christian Dior mobile phone also fetched $189,000. Tickets for the event started at $4,000 and rose to $15,000 nearer the stage.

Combs auctioned 24 hours in his company, promising: “I will fulfill your wildest dreams for amfAR and the children,” and “I will wake up with you.” The winning bid was $315,000.

Celebrities Land On Planet Life Ball

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:11:11 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Elton John, actresses Sharon Stone, Kim Cattrall, Rose McGowan, model Linda Evangelista and about 45,000 aliens attended the 16th annual Life Ball last weekend in Vienna, Austria. Many dressed in space costumes to promote this year’s theme of ‘embracing the alien’ in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Organised by Aids Life, the annual benefit gala raises funds for HIV/AIDS charities offering relief projects and, through the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), to international organizations that support the world’s worst affected areas.

After speeches and a fashion show, the party of 4000 ticket-holders headed inside to Vienna City Hall’s ballrooms and dance floors for a modern version of the traditional Viennese Ball and a full night of festivities. The fashion show this year focused on male-female relationships as opposed to last year’s sensual gay clichés.

Life Ball organizer Gery Keszler’s message is that heterosexuals need to be more aware of the dangers regarding HIV/AIDS.

Kim Cattrall supported this notion with: “Do it like Samantha, always have a condom with you,” referring to her Sex and the City character.

Last year’s Ball, celebrating open-mindedness and diversity in the world, raised €1.2 million. This year’s event, fostering humanity, tolerance and understanding and against ignorance and prejudice, was hoping to beat that record.

Madonna To Attend AIDS Charity Cannes Event

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:52:37 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, will join Sharon Stone and Michelle Yeoh at this year’s annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS fundraiser on May 22, during the 61st annual Cannes International Film Festival.

The event, which will benefit the American Foundation for AIDS Research, will take place at Le Moulin de Mougins and will include a formal dinner and a live auction. In addition, this year’s event will feature a short clip of I Am Because We Are , the Madonna-produced and -narrated documentary about children orphaned by AIDS in Malawi.

The organization’s annual Cinema Against AIDS galas have generated more than $33 million for essential AIDS research since 1993, and have been hosted by Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John. Last year’s live auction raised $4 million, making a total of $7 million for the night, and featured a surprise performance by Kylie Minogue.

A full screening of I Am Because We Are is scheduled to take place in Cannes the evening before the gala, and will tie in with amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS event.

Tables for this year’s Cinema Against AIDS will range in price from $40,000 to $150,000. For event reservations and details, visit www.amfar.org.

Stars Keep On Giving

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:28:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The giving just keeps on going this holiday season, with a whole bunch of celebrities donating items to charity auctions, and others taking the time to attend events and fork out massive amounts of money for good causes.

Such was the case on December 11, when the husband and wife team of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith paid $50,000 for a pair of artworks by Joan Miro and Salvador Dali at an auction in Chile.

“They bought the two works for a price much higher than their commercial value, because the proceeds of the auction went to [”UNICEF":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-unicef]," said Denise Ratinoff, head of the auction house that ran the event. “It was virtually a donation to UNICEF, and it helped a lot. Their presence in the auction made many other people also pay steeply for what they purchased.”

The previous day, on the other side of the world, another auction also saw generous donations for a good cause. A classic car belonging to actress Sharon Stone was sold for $400,000 at a charity auction during Dubai’s fourth international film festival, with the money going to the American Foundation for AIDS Research, of which Stone is the Global Fundraising Chairperson.

The 1961 Lincoln Continental was valued at only a fraction of the price it attracted, and went to a mystery bidder. It was the biggest item to be sold at the event, which drew other celebrity guests such as Michelle Yeoh and Hayden Christenson, and raised a total of $3 million for the charity.

Rockers Linkin Park launched their third charity auction through their non-profit organization, Music for Relief, last week, and raised thousands of dollars for survivors of the November 15 cyclone in Bangladesh.

The band donated items such as VIP concert tickets and a customized Xbox to the eBay auction, and were joined by donations from Avril Lavigne, the Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna, Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, and the Deftones, with all proceeds going to the humanitarian organization, CARE.

Over 3,500 people were killed during the cyclone, and many more were left homeless, with the government seeking $2.2 billion in foreign aid to assist with helping survivors. The auction followed Linkin Park’s auction in November to raise money for victims of the California wildfires.

That auction may have finished, but one still running right now offers bidders a vehicle with a difference – a BugE. If you don’t know what a BugE is (or even how to pronounce it – the advertising information says it is pronounced “Bugeeeeeeeee”), then you are not the only one. However, to enlighten you a little bit, a BugE is a clean, green cross between a motorcycle and a three-wheeled car that draws its power from electricity stored in batteries, instead of from harmful liquid fuels. And this particular BugE up for sale has been signed by nearly 100 different celebrities, such as John Legend, Rodney Peete, Ne-Yo, and Chris Daughtry.

The eBay auction runs until December 20, and 30% of the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks to help people who struggle with this debilitating condition.

Another celebrity stepping into the world of internet auctions this month is Brad Pitt, who is going to part with his favorite gray hat. Pitt and his gray cap have seemed inseparable since he moved to New Orleans, and he has worn it for photos, at the Beowulf movie premier, and even during his recent Larry King Live interview. But now he is going to throw his hat into the ring, so to speak, for charity, with all proceeds going to his Make It Right organization. There will be more information when the auction dates are finalized.

And finally today, Paris Hilton is set to make a splash with her new champagne in a can, Rich Prosecco.

The hotel heiress was in Berlin, Germany, last week to launch her new “bubbly blonde” drink – which comes in original, passion fruit, and strawberry flavors – and to announce that 20% of all sales will go to a charity that provides fresh drinking water to those in need.

“It is the perfect ‘starter drink’ for your night out,” said the 26-year-old. “Or a special pleasure as a reward for the end of your day.”

The drink will be released in the US early next year.

Charity Gift Ideas For Christmas

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:02:36 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about giving, and there is certainly a huge selection of celebrity designed and inspired merchandise on offer this season. A gift that benefits others may be the best gift of all.

Heading up the list of products being released in time for Christmas is a series of bracelets designed by Julia Roberts for fashion giant Emporio Armani. The bohemian style leather bracelets feature an etching of the tree of life, with the words “Revolution, Evolution, Devotion” – to signify the (RED) campaign – weaved in and out of the branches.

(RED) is a global initiative founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage the private sector in the fight against AIDS in Africa. They do this by channeling funds from the sale of (RED) products directly into the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Giorgio Armani was a launch partner in the initiative, and has designed a line of clothing, accessories, eye wear, watches, fragrances, and jewellery to benefit the campaign.

40% of the proceeds from the Julia Roberts designed bracelets will go directly to (RED), and the bracelets will be available in both a men’s ($195) and a women’s design ($175) from www.emporioarmani.com on December 1, World AIDS Day.

“Julia has helped to create a beautiful accessory for both women and men,” said Armani. “These will also be a visible reminder of the part that we can all play in fighting AIDS in Africa.”

Also benefiting the (RED) campaign this Christmas is a new festive single by Grammy nominees The Killers. The multi-platinum selling group is set to release their second Christmas single, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa”, at the end of November, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Global Fund.

The single is a follow-up to last year’s popular release, “A Great Big Sled”, and will be released to radio stations on November 26, with digital downloads available on November 27. The video will debut as part of (RED)’s World AIDS Day celebrations on December 1.

More gift ideas to benefit sufferers of AIDS can be found in the 7th On Sale auction being held on eBay. Over $9 million worth of goods are up for sale in the auction, which runs until December 6, including the dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker to Ralph Lauren’s 40th Anniversary fashion show earlier this year.

Over 30,000 individual items are available in the auction, being organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), with proceeds going to charities that provide care, services, and housing to those who suffer from HIV/AIDS. And in addition to money raised directly by the auction, the MAC AIDS Fund will match every dollar raised online up to $500,000.

The 7th On Sale began in 1990 as a partnership between the CFDA and Vogue magazine. This is the fifth time the auction has been run, and in the past the events have raised over $12 million for charities such as the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the AIDS Community Initiative of America, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Greenhope Services for Women, the Harlem United Community AIDS Center, and the HIV Law Project.

Other celebrities to donate clothing and items to the auction include Fergie, Oprah, and Demi Moore. More information can be found at www.7thonsale.ebay.com.

And if you still can’t find the perfect gift, why not visit actor Colin Firth’s new eco-friendly store in London?

Called “Eco”, the shop is set to open on December 1 in Chiswick, West London, and will follow the two eco-cafés Firth has already established in Notting Hill and Covent Garden. Described as an “ecological destination store”, the shop will stock a selection of fair-trade and ethical goods, as well as offering customers the services of environmental experts who can assist in “greening” their homes.

“I’m no eco hero,” said the star of Bridget Jones Diary and Pride And Prejudice. “I’m doing the shop because I think it’s a good idea. When you think about global warming, over-consumption, our energy wastage, it makes you want to improve the negative effects of your complicity in it. The thing is, if you have been given the privileges we have, if you have this many perks, surely you can help out. Rather than be a luvvie with a lofty opinion preaching to people, I prefer to do things, to get involved, put my money where my mouth is and learn something along the way.”

Happy shopping!

Gere Awarded Humanitarian Honor

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:29:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Richard Gere has received a prestigious humanitarian award in his home city of Philadelphia.

The Golden Globe winner accepted the Marion Anderson Award, named after the famous African-American opera singer who fought racial segregation in the 1930s, at a ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on November 12.

“I’m not worthy of this award in any way whatsoever,” said the 58-year-old star of films such as “Chicago” and “Pretty Woman”. “I can’t tell you how this makes me feel. My heart is so wide open.”

Gere received the award for his charity and humanitarian work over the last three decades. A devoted Buddhist, Gere has advocated Tibetan independence since 1978, and is a friend and student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has made numerous trips through India, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and China, and has released a book featuring his own photographs of these regions, with a foreword written by the Dalai Lama.

In 1987, Gere co-founded Tibet House, and is now Board Chairman for the International Campaign for Tibet. He has testified on Tibet’s behalf before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the European Parliament, and the House International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee in an attempt to free the nation from China’s grip. His own charitable organization, the Gere Foundation, was set up to award grants to humanitarian foundations, especially in relation to Tibet.

Gere also established Healing the Divide, an organization dedicated to improving care for HIV/AIDS patients, and in 2004 instigated the Heroes Project, which addresses the spread of AIDS in India. He is a spokesman for Meals On Wheels, and earlier in 2007 appeared in the charity’s first ever advertising campaign, along with his father who has been a volunteer for 17 years. He is also a longtime supporter of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

“We are proud to honor Richard Gere with the Marion Anderson Award,” said Philadelphia Mayor, John F. Street. “His accomplishments as an actor are only surpassed by his accomplishments as a humanitarian and as a advocate for human rights issues around the world. We are particularly pleased to honor Mr Gere this year as it will mark the first time that the award will be conferred upon a native Philadelphian.”

Gere attended the award ceremony with his friend and co-star of three films, Diane Lane, and made special mention of the woman the award is named after. He told the audience that Marion Anderson paved the way for artists to use their celebrity status for humanitarian work, and urged people to adopt her traits.

“I think that is what we are here for,” he said during the ceremony. “To make the road easier for those who follow us.”

The Marion Anderson Award, which includes a $100,000 honorarium, is bestowed annually upon individuals whose support for a cause upholds humanitarian principles and benefits society, and previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Harry Belafonte. Marion Anderson gained international fame in the music world in the 1930s, although she faced racial segregation at home in the United States. She bravely fought racism with her music, and became the first African-American person to perform at the White House in 1939. She was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Johnson in 1963, and died in 1993 at the age of 96.

“In honoring Richard Gere, we celebrate the achievements of an outstanding artist and humanitarian,” said Pamela A. Crawley, Chair of the Marion Anderson Award. “He has used his remarkable career as an actor to support his unparalleled advocacy for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. He has traveled the globe supporting efforts that allow people to live in health, in the integrity of their cultures, and with the fundamental human rights that all citizens of the world must possess. These are the qualities of a leader, and we are deeply honored by his acceptance.”

“Richard is a man whose heart dictates his choices,” added award winning actress, Diane Lane. “He has cultivated this tenacious advocacy for those who are in danger of being railroaded, shut out, and trampled under the big machine of ‘Business As Usual’.”

Gere intends to share the prize money between selected charities.

Stone Hosts AIDS Charity Auction

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:03:35 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Sharon Stone has brought new meaning to “giving the clothes off your back” at a charity auction in Italy.

The 49 year old star of Basic Instinct hosted the auction in Rome on October 26, to raise money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), a non-profit organization that supports AIDS research and prevention programs. During the evening, which was attended by guests such as model Eva Herzigova, film director Sophia Coppola, and actress Mira Sorvino, Stone responded to a request from the audience to auction the necklace she was wearing.

“I want you to know I love that necklace,” she said as she unhooked the clasp and put it up for sale. “I feel practically naked now.”

The necklace, crafted by British Crown jeweler Garrard, and featuring a wing-shaped pendant, sold for $50,000.

“$50,000 will fund an independent grant for a scientist working on a new AIDS initiative,” said Stone.

The night’s event, which raised a colossal $1.35 million for the charity, was a black tie and formal occasion, but this did not dampen Stone’s playful sense of humour.

“Romans, countrymen, lend me your wallets,” she said while greeting the guests. “Don’t flirt with me and not mean it.”

The Friday night auction also included a portrait of Italian actress Alida Valli by artist Francesco Vezzoli, which sold for $140,000, and a Fendi baguette purse signed by Stone that sold for $60,000.

Stone has been hosting AIDS fundraisers since 1995, and in October 2007 became the Global Fundraising Chairwoman for amfAR. The first charity auction held by the foundation in 1993 raised $200,000, but the auction held in Cannes in May 2007 raised $7 million. Stone joked that she never knows how successful the events will be.

“Every time I come here I think nobody will come and it will be a disaster and I will cry at the end,” said the Oscar nominee and mother of three. “But somewhere between $200,000 and $7 million will be a win.”

According to AmfAR, the organization has raised a total of $28 million from its charity auctions since 1993, and has invested more than $260 million to AIDS programs and research since its inception in 1985.

The next celebrity fundraising event for amfAR featuring Sharon Stone will be held in Dubai on December 10, and more information can be found at www.amfar.org.

Kylie, Clooney, Stone Boost AIDS Charity At Cannes Event

Thu, 24 May 2007 14:40:49 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A dinner and auction event in Cannes drew film festival attendees and raised more than $7 million for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Tables for the Cinema Against AIDS gala ranged from $30,000 to $100,000, including Burlesque entertainment from Dita Von Teese and a suprise performance by Kylie Minogue of her songs “Locomotion” and “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”.

Guest auctioneer Sharon Stone sold lots which included a kiss from George Clooney, for which one woman happily paid $350,000.

AmfAR supports AIDS research, prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Its Cinema Against AIDS gala has taken place annually since 1993, and has raised more than $22 million for essential AIDS research. Past events have been hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John.

Hollywood's Humanitarians At Cinema For Peace

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 12:42:23 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Celebrities are offering support for a variety of humanitarian causes at Cinema For Peace in Berlin this week.

UNICEF supporter Christopher Lee has spoken out about the duty of celebrities to bring attention to and support causes to improve the world, especially for children.

“The world today is such a terrible mess, and the children are suffering so much that anyone who can help by talking about it should do so,” he says.

UNICEF is one of the main beneficiaries of the Cinema for Peace charity gala. This year is also set to benefit the American Foundation for AIDS Research and Healing the Divide.

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