Look To The Stars News: (RED)

Bono And Friends Rock Carnegie Hall For Charity

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000

U2’s Bono and The Edge led an assortment of stars – including Courtney Love, Lou Reed, Scarlett Johansson, Rufus Wainwright and Lady GaGa at the massive (RED)NIGHTS charity concert in New York on Sunday, October 4.

Held at Carnegie Hall, the concert will benefit Bono’s (RED) charity to eliminate AIDS in Africa, and follows the successful (RED)NIGHTS concerts that were held earlier this year, featuring Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas and many others.

The musicians reportedly took part in some massive jam sessions during the concert, playing David Bowie’s Jean Genie and The Velvet Underground’s ‘Sweet Jane’.

U2 To Turn The Night RED For Charity

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

U2 will join a host of performers including Scarlett Johansson, Courtney Love, Maria McKee, Shane MacGowan, Martha Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright plus other special guests for a special concert to benefit Bono’s (RED) on October 4.

The concert follows the successful (RED)NIGHTS concerts that were held earlier this year, featuring Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas and many others.

The concert will take place at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall and, as with all (RED)NIGHTS shows, a portion of the proceeds from the concert goes directly to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Tickets are available at CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800, www.carnegiehall.com and the box office.

John Legend Goes Red For HIV/AIDS

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Grammy-Award winning artist and long-time (PRODUCT)RED supporter John Legend is joining with Gap to create an exclusive (RED)ZONE seating section for his concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City tonight, August 13.

For the last few weeks, every purchase at select Gap stores in the New York tri-state area has included a special access code enabling shoppers to obtain one ticket in the reserved RED section for John Legend’s MSG show. Even better, with each (RED)ZONE ticket purchase, shoppers automatically received a second ticket to the show free of charge. Additionally, a select number of fans seated in the (RED)ZONE section will be randomly selected to go backstage to personally meet Legend after the evening’s performance. Proceeds from the ticket sales in the (RED)ZONE will benefit HIV/AIDS programs in Africa supported by the Global Fund.

“I love working with (PRODUCT)RED because they provide an innovative way for great brands and great artists to come together to powerfully and effectively fight AIDS in Africa,” said Legend. “I’m proud to be partnering with Gap and (RED) on my upcoming Madison Square Garden concert, because I know the money generated will go directly to help get medicine to those who need it.”

Tickets to this exclusive (RED)ZONE area are available by visiting www.johnlegend.com/red and entering the special access code as prompted – tickets are $66.00 each and are subject to limited availability. Fans can log on to www.gap.com/johnlegend to locate participating Gap stores in the New York tri-state area.

Gap is celebrating its collaboration with John Legend and the launch of the new (PRODUCT)RED Artist Edition T-shirts by turning Gap store windows (RED) nationwide from July 29 through August 12. Gap also opened a special pop-up art gallery adjacent to its Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City on Saturday, July 25th. The shop features Gap (PRODUCT)RED Artist Edition T-Shirts, as well as original works of art from some of these artists. Fifty percent of the profits all Gap (PRODUCT)RED Artist Edition T-Shirts benefit the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Eunice Shriver's Charity Legacy

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Eunice Shriver – founder of the Special Olympics – has died at the age of 88.

The fifth of nine children and sister of John F Kennedy, Shriver led a life of service to the community that she handed down to her children. Her daughter, Maria Shriver, is the First Lady of California and is married to Arnold Schwarzenegger. She runs the annual Women’s Conference in California. Her son, Bobby Shriver, is well known for co-founding the organizations DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa), the ONE Campaign and (RED) with U2 lead singer Bono. Her other sons are also leaders in philanthropy: Timothy Shriver is the Chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics; Mark Shriver is the Vice-President and Managing Director of U.S. Programs for Save the Children; and Anthony Shriver is the founder of Best Buddies International.

Awarded the US Medal of Freedom in 1984, Eunice Shriver was a founder of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community of Caring in the 1960s. But it was her work with the Special Olympics for which she will be remembered. Her work with the disabled started early – In 1962, she started a day camp, known as Camp Shriver, for children with intellectual disabilities at her home in Potomac, Maryland. From there, she promoted the concept of competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Camp Shriver became an annual event, and the Kennedy Foundation (of which Shriver was Executive Vice President) regularly gave grants to universities, recreation departments and community centers to hold similar camps. In 1968, Shriver was approached to help fund a huge Olympic-style athletic competition for over 1000 people with special needs. The Special Olympics were born, and today it involves over 2.5 million in 180 countries.

Her family released the following thoughts reflecting on her life:

“Inspired by her love of God, her devotion to her family, and her relentless belief in the dignity and worth of every human life, she worked without ceasing — searching, pushing, demanding, hoping for change. She was a living prayer, a living advocate, a living center of power. She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more.

“She founded the movement that became Special Olympics, the largest movement for acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in the history of the world. Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe, and they in turn are her living legacy. We have always been honored to share our mother with people of good will the world over who believe, as she did, that there is no limit to the human spirit. At this time of loss, we feel overwhelmed by the gifts of prayer and support poured out to us from so many who loved her.

“We are together in our belief that she is now in heaven, rejoicing with her family, enjoying the fruits of her faith, and still urging us onward to the challenges ahead. Her love will inspire us to faith and service always.“

Katy Perry Rocks For Bono's AIDS Concerts

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Katy Perry rocked the Hammersmith Ballroom in New York on Tuesday, July 28, as part of the (RED)Nights concert series.

(RED)NIGHTS consists of 26 incredible shows featuring Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas, O.A.R., Katy Perry, Gomez and many more in venues across the US. The shows benefit Bono’s AIDS initiative Product RED, and kicked off in June.

Katy Perry’s show attracted a host of famous faces in the audience, including Rihanna and Donald Trump.

To find out when the next shows are or to watch footage from Tuesday’s concert, click here#.

(RED)NIGHTS To Rock For AIDS In Africa

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bono’s AIDS initiative Product RED has announced an amazing new concert series to raise money and awareness for the deadly disease in Africa.

(RED)NIGHTS consists of 26 incredible shows featuring Fall Out Boy, The Veronicas, O.A.R., Katy Perry, Gomez and many more in venues across the US.

“If bringing awareness to what (RED) is doing helps one person receive antiretroviral treatment and live a healthy life we have accomplished our goal,” said Marc Roberge of O.A.R.

The concerts kick off in June. For more information and tickets, visit the (RED)NIGHTS official website.

U2 Concerts To Raise Cash For Charity

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

If you’re one of the many anticipating the U2 summer tour- U2360 – then pay attention, because the best seats in the house are being auctioned for charity.

Up to 600 stage-front tickets per concert are being sold via the charity-style partnership with the Global Fund, which helps fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

“All of U2’s income raised from the auction of Red Zone tickets will be donated to charity,” says a U2 spokeswoman.

The “RED Zone” VIP tickets include: A special VIP entrance and greeting by (RED) Zone Hosts; high profile general admission areas on the field adjacent to the stage runway; built-in seating for pre-show comfort; access to special concession and merchandise stand; and as a special bonus, the top 10 highest winning ticket bids for each show will also receive a pre-show backstage tour.

 (RED) Zone Packages are only available by Auction on ticketservice.nl. All proceeds will be donated to support (RED) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. The auction starting bid is: US$130.

It is estimated that the boys from Dublin will garner an estimated donation of US$12 million from their summer tour for charity.

Damien Hirst Artworks Sold For Charity

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Twenty-eight paintings and artworks, including items donated by British artist Damien Hirst, went under the hammer for charity last week.

The auction in Paris made over US$6 million for AVEC – or Association pour la Vie et l’Espoir contre le Cancer (Association for Life and Hope Against Cancer) – a French cancer research organization.

Seventy-six percent of buyers were European; the rest were from the United States. No reserves were set on the artworks, which meant the final profits were over $1 million higher than expected.

“The market is not so high,” said Florence de Botton, Christie’s head of contemporary art in Paris. “This was a beautiful gift from everyone.”

Other artists to have work featured in the auction included Richard Serra and Jeff Koons.

Damien Hirst is well known for donating works to charity. In January he donated a painting to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and in 2008 he helped raise over $40 million for Bono’s (RED) in a Valentine’s Day art auction.

Starbucks Partners With Bono's (Product) RED

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Next time you grab your Starbucks coffee, you could be helping the millions of AIDS sufferers in Africa.

The coffee giant has partnered with Bono’s Product (RED) to offer customers the opportunity to make their purchase at Starbucks stores with the new (STARBUCKS) RED Card, a stored value Card that can be given as a gift or purchased for personal use at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada. And the really great thing is, every time a customer uses this Card to make a purchase at Starbucks, five cents will go directly to the Global Fund to help save lives in Africa.

The initiative builds on the partnership reported by Look To The Stars last October that saw Starbucks create three exclusive new drinks to raise money for (RED).

Starbucks partnership with (RED) extends it commitment to Africa, a key coffee growing region. Starbucks currently buys coffee from 10 African countries including Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

“The collective effort in just over two weeks time reflects the spirit of Starbucks customers, even during difficult times, to create change and do something good every day,” said Michelle Gass, executive vice president, Marketing and Category. “We’re excited to create even more opportunities for our customers to do good everyday with the introduction of the (STARBUCKS) RED Card in January. Our partnership with (RED) not only helps reinforce Starbucks connection to Africa, it provides an opportunity to raise awareness with Starbucks customers of a critical issue facing the coffee growing region.”

Customers who register their (STARBUCKS) RED Card on Starbucks.com/card will become a member and also receive money-saving benefits and exclusive offers through the Starbucks Card Rewards program such as free refills on brewed coffee; free select syrups and milk options like soy milk or whip cream; and up to two consecutive hours of complimentary Wi-Fi daily at participating Starbucks in the U.S.

“RED is coming to a corner near you thanks to Starbucks,“ said Bono. “I’m very excited to be able to say that. It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that millions of people can buy RED going about their daily lives and in doing so raise millions of dollars to fight AIDS in Africa. That’s not a bad hit from your caffeine.”

Bono Faces The Real Deal In Elle Magazine

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

As a rock and roll star, Bono has written some of the most important music of our time, and now, the U2 front man has been asked by ELLE Magazine to turn a page (RED) and address “the greatest health crisis in 600 years: HIV/AIDS.”

In his one page letter, which appears in this month’s edition, Bono shares startling statistics on HIV/AIDS, including the fact that 90% of new cases occur in females aged 15-24. “I can’t get my head around that fact, let alone get it out of my head” he writes. Bono also shares details of his journey to Africa six years ago, where he witnessed the devastating effect the disease has had on the communities, including “orphans raising orphans.”

Bono also writes about the importance of (RED), its products and the pure power of consumer activism. “They have power in their pockets,” he writes, “(RED) raises money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS—$120 million so far. That is enough to buy drugs for more than 750,000 people for a year. (RED) funds prevention and counseling programs as well as treatment, and is now the thirteenth biggest contributor to the Global Fund; it’s giving more than many countries.”

“There are the millions of men and women whose names we don’t know, but whose (RED) purchases are doing nothing less than keeping people alive,” he continues, “(RED) is not asking you to flock to the stores for the sake of it, but if you find yourselves browsing, we are asking you to choose (RED) where you can—for the sake of those who can’t ask you themselves.”

Other celebrities involved with (RED) include: Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bundchen, Christy Turlington, Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Garner, Kanye West, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Rock and Steven Spielberg among others

Bono’s complete (RED) letter can be read here.

ELLE Magazine Goes RED For Bono

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

ELLE Magazine has teamed up with Bono, Scarlett Johansson and Gisele Bundchen in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

From mid-January to the end of February, ELLE will simultaneously feature (RED) in more than thirty editions around the world, speaking to more than 20 million readers. Each magazine will feature content provided by the celebrities in relation to the charity, including cover photos of Bundchen, a letter from Bono, and info on Johansson’s trip to Rwanda. (PRODUCT)RED consumers have already helped purchase lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for nearly 80,000 people, and the effort continues.

The issue will appear on January 17, 2009 in ELLE France and in the February issues of 30 other international editions that go on sale in mid-January (except for the UK, Japan and Quebec editions which will be dated March 2009 and go on sale at the end of January).

A special video featuring Bundchen’s cover shoot for the magazine can be found here.

Bono Becomes A Man Of Peace

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Aime Pingi

Nobel peace laureates gathered in summit in Paris on Friday 12th December to award Irish rocker-turned-activist Bono the annual “Man of Peace” prize for his struggle against poverty, disease and debt in Africa.

Paul Hewson (born 10 May 1960 in Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland), more commonly known by his stage name Bono, is the main vocalist of the Irish rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his future wife, Ali Hewson, and the future members of U2. Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social and religious themes. During their early years, Bono’s lyrics contributed to U2’s rebellious tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences with members of U2.

Among his non-U2 endeavors, he has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists, sits on the board of Elevation Partners, and owns a hotel with fellow band member, The Edge. Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa, for which he co-founded DATA. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with influential politicians. He is the co-founder of EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product (RED). Bono has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time, among many other awards and nominations.

In the presence of five Nobel Prize winners, Bono received his latest accolade from the hand of Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, the host of this annual summit in recognition of two decades of global anti-poverty activism.

“This is a very big award for me because, let’s be honest, this is as close as I am going to get – as close as a rock star is ever going to get – to the Nobel Peace Prize,” the 48-year-old Bono quipped to the audience. “I am an over-awarded, over-rewarded rock star. You are the people who do the real work,” he said to Nobel winners present, who included F.W. de Klerk of South Africa, Lech Walesa of Poland and Northern Ireland’s John Hume.

“So I am very, very pleased to be in such esteemed company.”

Organizers said Bono was chosen for his global campaigning to persuade rich nations to lighten Africa’s debt burden, combat poverty, promote fair trade and raise funds for the treatment of HIV-AIDS and malaria.

“We decided to nominate a man who has given a lot and will continue to give a great deal to the struggle for human rights, to the fight against poverty, with his music and with his words,” said Italian left-wing leader Walter Veltroni, co-host of the event. “He has put pressure on the world’s governments to reach the UN’s Millennium Goals. To give him the prize, is to say that fight will carry on.”

Last year’s recipients of the peace award were US actors George Clooney and Don Cheadle, who have spoken out against the violence in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur.

Nobel winners were meeting in Paris for a three-day summit, coinciding with celebrations marking 60 years since the UN declaration of human rights was adopted in Paris.

U2 Believe In Father Christmas For Africa

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

December 1st was World AIDS Day, and it also marked the launch of (RED)WIRE, an innovative new music service from (RED) that’s been set up to raise funds for HIV/AIDS charities in Africa.

Many artists have already lined up to premiere exclusive songs to help mark the event. Of course, Bono and his boys in U2 were one of the first to record an exclusive track for the new digital music magazine. Their cover of Greg Lake’s ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ is only available on (RED)WIRE.

Those who purchase (RED)WIRE memberships- which are only $5 a month- will receive a weekly digital music offering including an exclusive song from a major artist, a song from an up-and-coming artist, and bonus content such as a digital short film or a reading from an artist or actor, as well information about the impact (RED) dollars have in Africa. Half of the $5 monthly fee goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

Members who join before Wednesday, December 10, will become “Founding Members” of (RED)WIRE and receive the premier issue on December 10 as well as a special bonus song from Jay-Z.

Also, throughout the week, visit red.msn.com to see performances from U2, Jay-Z, Coldplay, John Legend, Dixie Chicks, The Killers & Elton John, The Police & Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie and Sheryl Crow.

Bono's RED(Wire) To Launch Next Week

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new digital music service offered by Bono’s (RED) campaign is set to launch on Monday, December 1 – the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

The singer announced the new system in July, saying: “We are working on [a way that] will help change the way music is received, as well as change the lives of Africans who will die without the AIDS drug that (RED) can provide.”

RED (Wire) will be a subscription-based service that will deliver weekly magazine style installments. For $5/month, subscribers will receive an exclusive song from one of the world’s top artists, a song by an emerging artist, a piece of non-music content called a “Crackerjack surprise,” and stories of how (RED) funds are being used to combat the deadly disease.

MSN will host Monday’s launch, with new songs and videos from U2, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend and Sheryl Crow to be available at red.msn.com. Bob Dylan, REM, and The Police will also have videos available exclusively on RED (Wire), and there will also be a special Christmas duet between The Killers and Elton John.

“I like that it stands alone as a creative and fun thing to both receive and participate in,” said Michael Stipe. “And it would be that with or without the charity aspect.”

Starbucks Teams With Bono For AIDS

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Starbucks is to join U2 singer Bono’s PRODUCT RED charity label to raise money for the global fight against AIDS over the Christmas season.

The coffee giant has agreed to donate 5 cents from each sale of three special RED drinks – Peppermint Mocha Twist, Gingersnap Latte and Espresso Truffle – to the global fund to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.

The new drinks will be available at Starbucks stores in the US and Canada between November 27 and January 2.

Gisele Bundchen Goes Au Naturel For Rainforests

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is to appear naked in a new ad campaign for a Brazilian eco-charity.

Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the richest supermodel on the planet, the 28-year-old is well known for her support of charities that protect the Amazon rainforest – such as Nascentes do Brasil, ISA, Y Ikatu Xingu, and De Olho nos Mananciais – as well as her work with breast cancer charities, Bono’s (PRODUCT) RED campaign, and the Zero Hunger campaign in her native Brazil.

Now Bundchen has posed – clad only in leaves – on the cover of US magazine American Photo to promote her Forests of the Future project for the reforestation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The initiative, which was set up with SOS Mata Atlantica in 2004, has planted over 1 million new trees in Bundchen’s name to start reforestation of the Brazilian rainforests.

Damien Hirst Doodles For MRI Scanner

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

Written by Tim Saunders

British artist Damien Hirst has donated three sketches to a charity auction to raise money for the New Manchester Children’s Hospital.

The drawings – which are expected to raise US$3,500 each – feature a shark, a skull, and a butterfly. They will be auctioned at the Buy Art Fair, to be held at Manchester’s Urbis centre from Thursday to Sunday, and will raise money for the Five Stars Scanner Appeal – a campaign aiming to raise US$1.7 million for an MRI scanner for the hospital.

Boxer Ricky Hatton and Rocky Horror Picture Show creator Richard O’Brien have also donated drawings and doodles to be auctioned.

In February, the 42-year-old artist organized a Valentine’s Day auction of more than 60 works of art to raise funds for Bono’s (RED) charity that made over $42.6 million. He regularly donates artworks to help charities such as ARK, War Child, the Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Great Ormond Street Hospital and many others.

Gisele Bundchen Auctions Diamonds For Empowerment Fund

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is selling off some of her best jewelry for charity.

The 28-year-old Brazilian model – listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s richest supermodel – has announced she will be selling a personal collection of dazzling bling in a special auction at Christie’s New York next month.

The collection features a 6-carat diamond ring worth $120,000 – $150,000, and a 3.35-carat Sabbadini diamond ring worth $15,000 – $20,000. A percentage of the proceeds from the auction will go to Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund, whose mission is to raise money to support education initiatives in countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

Bundchen is no stranger to philanthropic acts – she donates regularly to Brazilian charities that protect the Amazon rainforest, such as Nascentes do Brasil, ISA, Y Ikatu Xingu, and De Olho nos Mananciais. She is also the face of Bono’s American Express (RED) card – which raises money for Africa’s HIV/AIDS victims – and is the spokesperson for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

The auction takes place on October 15, and the lots can be viewed on Christie’s website.

Julia Roberts and Armani Fight AIDS Together

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Julia Roberts has designed a T-shirt to be sold under the Giorgio Armani’s (RED) label.

This is the second time Oscar winning actress has worked with Giorgio Armani to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Fund is the brainchild of Bono and Bobby Shriver, and has received over $110 million in proceeds from (RED)-branded apparel and related events since the its inception in 2006.

The new shirt features the words “revolution.evolution.devotion” making up the acronym (RED) arched over a tree of life of Roberts’ design. Roberts’ signature is also included inside. Available for men and women, the T-shirt will be sold online and in Empirio Armani stores worldwide.

Roberts previously worked with Armani in designing a leather bracelet, also featuring the tree of life, for Armani’s (RED) label. Armani sells a variety of additional (RED) items including accessories, eyeware, watches, and fragrances. 40 percent of gross proceeds go to the Fund.

Bono Sings The Praises Of Music For Charity

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bono’s (RED) charity has announced a new music delivery system as their latest way to raise money for AIDS sufferers in Africa.

Internet users can pay $5/month to use the service, and will receive a weekly installment containing an exclusive song from one of the world’s top artists, a song by an emerging artist, a piece of non-music content called a “Crackerjack surprise,” and stories of how (RED) funds are being used to combat the deadly disease.

“The world’s best brands created (RED) products that have generated over US$110 million,” said Don MacKinnon, (RED) President of Content. “What we are doing now is applying the (RED) model to music. Every week you will receive great music from amazing artists and people living with AIDS in Africa will receive lifesaving antiretroviral medicine.”

Half of each month’s membership fee will go directly to the Global Fund, and just five subscribers will generate enough money annually to provide a person living with HIV with antiretroviral treatment for one year.

“Don MacKinnon just might be the penicillin the ailing music business needs,” said Bono. “He is an innovator by nature and I have no doubt that some of the music software we are working on at (RED) will help change the way music is received, as well as changing the lives of Africans who will die without the AIDS drug that (RED) can provide.”

Although the new system doesn’t come online until Autumn, you can pre-register at www.joinred.com.

Celebrities Bring Attention To UN Efforts

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:11:03 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

With the press watching their every move, more and more stars are making their moves count by sharing the spotlight with United Nations missions.

In the past months alone, actress Drew Barrymore pledged $1 million to the United Nations’ World Food Program to bring attention to rising food prices; actress and Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon began raising money for the United Nations Development Fund For Women for education, job training and better laws for underprivileged women; Bono raised an impressive $42 million at his (RED) charity auction for the United Nations Foundation AIDs programs; and actress and UNICEF spokeswoman Salma Hayek promoted her anti-tetanus campaign on Oprah.

Outspoken actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow uses her celebrity in ways that politicians might not, relentlessly reminding us of the tragic details of Dafur. Farrow says, “I’m completely free to say anything I want. I have no trade agreements with anyone.”

George Clooney, the latest to be named Messenger of Peace by the United Nations for his efforts in Chad, Congo and Dafur, told ABC News, “I think what they’re looking to gain from [awarding me] is cameras following me to places that they’re trying to get attention to and that’s fine. That’s a good use of celebrity if you ask me.”

Celebrity faces fronting causes may help attract broader attention or raise bigger money more quickly, but it may also do something for the celebrity.

Actress and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie, who is pushing governments to plan an Iraq refugee relief effort, told ABC News, “[Activism] gives celebrity some reason. Celebrity is very weird… So when you’re doing something good and you can bring attention to that or discuss that, then it feels like you have some sense in your life.”

Happy Military Mothers' Day From The Stars

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bono's Charity Auction Raises $42.6m for (RED)

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:11:22 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Sotheby’s was seeing red last week as Bono and artist Damien Hirst organized a Valentine’s Day auction of more than 60 works of art to raise funds for Bono’s (RED) charity. And by by the end of the night, the U2 frontman had rallied deep-pocketed bidders to make the AIDS charity auction a raging success to the tune of $42.6 million.

“It is a historic night for artists” said Bono, “An extraordinary night in New York City. I am very moved.”

The U2 frontman was flanked by celebrity pals as he led the guests in a sing-along of the Beatles’ ‘All You Need Is Love’. “I see myself as a servant for Africa,” Bono said, “Tonight is about the awareness of AIDS and the medical treatment that can strongly aid in the demise of this disease.”

Throngs of celebrity bidders were on hand to snatch up items such as a steel and glass cabinet by Hirst called ‘Where There’s a Will There’s a Way,’ which fetched $7.15M. The cabinet was filled with drugs to treat HIV.

“I have watched people dying for lack of these pills,” Bono said after the sale. “I actually can’t quantify how many people that will keep alive. It’s not just the money we made tonight, it’s the excitement around the issue.”

Model Christy Turlington bought Francesco Clemente’s ‘Red Flower on Scorched Earth’ for $155,000, even though it was valued at $70,000.

“When I first saw the catalog, I loved this piece the most,‘’ Turlington said after the sale. “It was completely impulsive.’’

Bono seems to inspire the best of people, so it’s no surprise that most auction items were sold for well above their estimated value.

“Tonight we got serious about love, and not just the love of art, but the love of our brothers and sisters suffering from Aids in the poorest places on the planet," he said.

A work by London street artist Banksy sold for $1.7M, though it had been valued at no more than $350,000; Murakami’s ‘Red Flower Ball’ was estimated at $700,000, but sold for $1.5M; Richard Prince’s ‘Untitled’ sold for $1.6 million even though the top estimate was $900,000; and Andreas Gursky’s ‘Pyongyang IV’ was valued at $300,000, but adding Bono into the mix led to a final bid of $1.4M.

“I’m never going to be cynical ever again for a while,” Bono said. “We’ve helped change the world a little bit.”

Among those on hand to support the cause were NBC news anchor Brian Williams, R.E.M. front man Michael Stipe, Queen Noor of Jordan, actor Dennis Hopper, tennis star John McEnroe, supermodel Helena Christensen, actor Ed Burns and hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons.

Proceeds from the sale, which was organized at no cost by Bono’s charity organization (RED), will go directly to the United Nations Foundation to support HIV/AIDS relief programs run by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Julia Roberts - More Than Just A Pretty Woman

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:17:32 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Julia Roberts may be one of the most instantly recognizable actresses in Hollywood, but as a child she suffered from an affliction shared by over 3 million other Americans. Along with her brother, Heroes star Eric Roberts, the actress was a chronic stutterer. But it was a disorder she fought to overcome, and now she is helping others overcome the frustrating complaint.

Born in Smyrna, Georgia, Roberts wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian when she grew up. Her father, a professional vacuum cleaner salesman, was a keen amateur actor who met his wife, a real estate agent, through a local theater group. Acting and performing was a big part of family life in the Roberts’ household, and thespian pursuits soon rubbed off on the young Roberts children. The two older offspring soon headed to New York to pursue acting careers, but Julia stayed at home to attend university. However, the acting bug could not be suppressed, and upon graduation, Julia headed to the Big Apple to join her sister, actress Lisa Roberts Gillan.

But before she could break into show business, Roberts had to beat her stuttering problem. She did this through the support of her family and friends, and last week, along with her brother, was asked by the Stuttering Foundation of America to be a spokesperson for the group.

“It would be marvelous to have them participate,” said foundation representative Jane Fraser. “They have no doubt inspired young people with the problem.”

The late 80’s were a struggle for the young actress, although she began to build up a profile by appearing in shows such as Miami Vice and Sesame Street. But it was a role as a diabetic in Steel Magnolias that launched Roberts into the public eye and gave her the first of many Oscar nominations.

1990 saw the release of Pretty Woman, alongside Richard Gere, and another Oscar nomination. Her star rose to prominence throughout the next decade with roles in seven high-grossing films, such as Hook, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Notting Hill. But it was her leading role in 2001’s Erin Brockovich that finally won her a Best Actress Oscar.

In 1995, Roberts expressed a desire to make her celebrity status mean something, and approached UNICEF to ask how she could make a difference in the world. The organization sent her to Port-au-Prince, the largest city in Haiti. It was a life-changing experience for the actress, and she found the poverty in the slums overwhelming. She later commented that her “heart was just bursting” at the sight of the children, many off whom were undernourished and homeless. Since then, she has visited many of the world’s poorest countries promoting peace, goodwill, and help for those in need.

In 2000, Roberts narrated a documentary film about Rett Syndrome, a rare disorder that can be fatal in young girls, and also represented the International Rett Syndrome Association in front of Congress in 2002.

“Congress has within its power the ability to provide the accelerated funding needed to increase our understanding of Rett syndrome,” she told a subcommittee of the House of Appropriations. "There is an urgent need now… to redouble the efforts of researchers and capitalize on their important and steadfast work.”

Roberts also sits alongside Paul Newman on the Board of Directors for the Hole in the Wall Gang, the world’s largest network of camps for ill children, and in 2007 she designed bracelets that were sold as part of Bono’s Product (RED) Campaign.

In 2006, Roberts became the Advisory Board Chairperson for Earth Biofuels, a company set up in Mississippi in 2004 to implement clean-burning fuels on a nationwide scale. Her passion for the environment led her to join Board members Morgan Freeman and Willie Nelson in a crusade to encourage the use of biofuels in over 500,000 school buses.

“It’s very important that we expand our use of clean energy and make a long-term commitment to it,” she said. “Biodiesel and ethanol are better for the environment and for the air we breathe.The use of biodiesel is a positive step toward minimizing pollutive emissions and greenhouse gases. By focusing on school buses, we can affect the health and wellbeing of the people most susceptible to that pollution – our children – today.”

Roberts is currently starring in Charlie Wilson’s War alongside Tom Hanks, but perhaps it is a line from Erin Brockovich that best sums up her attitude towards the causes she supports:

“For the first time in my life, I got people respecting me – please don’t ask me to give it up.”

Brad Pitt Joins Bono's (RED) Campaign

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:51:18 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

When Brad Pitt does commercials, it is mostly for markets other than the US. But now he is featuring in a homegrown commercial for DELL, in order to join other stars in contributing to Bono’s (RED) campaign.

The highly anticipated DELL computer commercial will be aired during the 2008 Super Bowl in February, and Pitt will donate his entire earnings from it to (RED).

Already in the line up to support (RED) is Joss Stone, who contributed the profits from iTune sales of her video, “Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now”, to the initiative. Just ahead of Christmas, Julia Roberts added red leather bracelets she designed with her husband to (RED)’s product line. Also last month, The Killers donated all proceeds from their Christmas song, Don’t Shoot Me Santa, to the campaign.

(RED) was founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver as a product brand to be used by the private sector to generate steady and sustainable corporate funding for charitable initiatives. Consumers simply choose from lines of (PRODUCT) RED clothing, accessories, watches, jewellery, eye wear, and fragrances, and a portion of the profits go toward Global Fund grants to benefit the health of women and children in Africa. Purchases of (RED) products have generated over $50 million for the Global Fund in only 20 months.

In Rwanda, Swaziland, and Ghana, (RED) money has financed the setting up of health centers, training for doctors and nurses in antiretroviral therapy, programs to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, and education on HIV/AIDS prevention.

“Philanthropy is like hippy music, holding hands,” Bono told Forbes Magazine. “(RED) is more like punk rock, hip hop, this should feel like hard commerce.”

Celebrities Listen For Disadvantaged Children

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:33:55 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge and exciting new global media campaign has kicked off to raise awareness and funds for some of the world’s most disadvantaged children.

The Listen Campaign is the result of seven years work and research, and is being supported by a host of celebrities who want the public to listen to the rights and needs of children affected by poverty, disease, natural disaster, exploitation, war, and AIDS in places such as Africa, America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

“Listen is an annual global media campaign bringing together some of the finest creative artists in film, music, and the arts to raise awareness and funds for 200 children’s charity projects around the world, and to develop a worldwide community of supporters,” said Tony Hollingsworth, Executive Producer of the campaign.

The campaign’s website was launched in November, and contains short films made by some of the world’s biggest stars, who have spent time visiting and listening to children in need. Brooke Shields, Jessica Lange, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Natalie Portman, and Ashley Judd have all pledged their support for the campaign and are featured on the site, and Samuel L. Jackson has recorded a film about children in New Orleans.

”I had to come here for this… to listen to remarkable stories," said Jackson, who was drawn to the project from the outset. “I don’t know how [the children] get through it. These kids shouldn’t be hungry and homeless, going to school hearing gunshots, without good schooling, getting ill from the formaldehyde leaching out of the trailer walls. That these kids are still suffering, two years after Hurricane Katrina, is a national scandal. Their voice should be a call to action.”

The campaign has set a fundraising target of $100 million for its first year, and hopes to raise over $10 billion within 10 years. Magazines, newspapers, internet, and television – in fact, every type of media available – are all going to play their part in attaining the campaign’s goal of making 500 million people a year aware of the plight of desperate children. Broadcasts will be made in over 60 countries, with two television specials set for worldwide release in June. One of these, Listen Live, will be a spectacular concert event in Los Angeles, in which major music stars will collaborate to perform one-off versions of their most famous songs, with musical direction from the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and legendary music producer Don Was.

Over seventy of the world’s most respected charities, such as Save the Children, CARE, Christian Aid, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, (RED), and WaterAid have nominated 200 children’s projects for the campaign to benefit. All of the beneficiary projects have been pre-declared, and can be seen on the website so the public knows exactly how their donations are to be used. As a unique addition, all donors will also receive five update reports to show exactly how their money is changing the lives of children.

“Pre-declaring the projects that will be funded and then reporting back on the effect of the donor’s money is a key difference of the Listen Campaign to other major international fundraising campaigns,” said Hollingsworth. “This pre-declaration and impact reporting will build public trust, and the creative artists’ contributions will generate interest leading to a sustained community of supporters.”

To take part in the campaign, to read exclusive short stories by some of the world’s best novelists, and to donate and enter competitions, the public can register their support at www.listencharity.org.

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