Look To The Stars News: Global Fund

Mary J. Blige Performs At (RED) Event

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Hollywood stars and LA’s finest attended Belvedere Vodka’s pre-Grammy party at Avalon to celebrate its partnership with (RED) to raise proceeds for the Global Fund – among the world’s leading financiers of programs to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Chelsea Handler, Forest Whitaker, Sheila E., Kelis, Heather Graham, Sam Trammell, Malin Ackerman, Sophia Birch, Natasha Bedingfield, Skrillex, Tulisa Constavalos and Paris Hilton all attended a private performance by Grammy award-winning artist Mary J. Blige who performed some of her greatest hits including ‘Family Affair,’ ‘One’, ‘No More Drama’ and ‘Just Fine’.

Mary J. Blige To Perform At (RED) Event

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Award-winning, multi-platinum singer Mary J. Blige will be performing at a private pre-Grammy event on February 9 2012 to celebrate the partnership of Belvedere, the world’s first super premium vodka, and (RED).

The exclusive performance will be followed by a private party at Bardot, Los Angeles to help raise awareness around HIV/AIDS and emphasize the need for consumers to unite in support of programs that help eliminate HIV and AIDS in Africa.

In winter 2011, BELVEDERE (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition bottle launched to raise proceeds for the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS. The (RED) inspired packaging will contain the same unadulterated and naturally smooth Belvedere vodka enthusiasts have always enjoyed. 50% of Belvedere’s profits from the global sale of (BELVEDERE) RED will contribute to the Global Fund.

The Killers Release Annual Christmas Charity Single

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Every year since 2006, The Killers have released an annual Christmas single for (RED) – featuring collaborations with Elton John, Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, and Mariachi El Bronx – with proceeds from the sale of the songs going to fight AIDS. And this year is no exception!

For a limited time, you can get one of those songs for free when you add a pledge to your panel on the (2015)QUILT. Choose from ‘A Great Big Sled,’ ’Don’t Shoot Me Santa,’ ‘Joseph, Better You Than Me,’ ‘Boots,’ ‘¡Happy Birthday Guadalupe!’ or this year’s song, ‘The Cowboy’s Christmas Ball.’ The songs are available as singles or you can buy the EP exclusively on iTunes and proceeds from the purchase benefit the Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) monies, to fight AIDS.

Every generation is known for something. Let’s be the one to deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015. In 1987, a quilt created by The Names Project Foundation covered the National Mall in Washington, D.C., memorializing those we lost to AIDS. Today, we’re at another defining milestone: by 2015, we could end the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies. That’s why (RED) is creating the QUILT to show your support for an AIDS Free Generation.

Bill And Melinda Gates Attend Malaria Forum

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Three hundred leading malaria scientists, global health leaders, policymakers, government officials and advocates gathered last week at the Malaria Forum to discuss great strides in malaria control and address challenges that are impacting the long-term goal of eradication.

“We have seen tremendous success in the control of malaria, thanks to an infusion of resources, innovation, and political will,” said Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “Worldwide, malaria deaths are down 20 percent since 2000.”

More than one million African children have been saved from malaria since 2000. New tools such as long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets and artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs)—along with prevention during pregnancy and indoor residual spraying—have made this recent progress possible.

Stars Unite In Support Of The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

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

Celebrities including Annie Lennox, Deepak Chopra and Morgan Freeman are championing international health organization the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and are appealing to the public to support its work.

The stars are backing the work of the Global Fund, which provides two-thirds of global funding for tuberculosis and malaria as well as treatment for over half of the world’s AIDS patients, and is saving over a million lives a year. They say that with continued support, the Global Fund and its partners will be able to save millions more lives.

Marilyn Manson Joins Celebrities At Charity Event

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Hollywood stars and fashionistas attended the (BELVEDERE)RED sales launch party at The Box during the weekend.

Marilyn Manson and Jon Hamm

Amy Winehouse's Charity Legacy

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 03:45:00 +0000

British singer Amy Winehouse passed away this weekend at the age of 27, leaving behind an unsurpassed musical and charity legacy.

Best known for her albums Frank and Back To Black, the soul singer shot to fame in 2003 with a series of amazing singles highlighting her unique talents, as well as her incomparable style.

In 2008, she appeared naked in Easy Living magazine to raise awareness of breast cancer, a cause she supported throughout her career. She performed her hits Rehab and Valerie later that year at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday concert in London.

Global Fund Cracks Down on Fraudsters, Bono 'Thrilled'

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Bono and Bobby Shriver have something to say about the media reports of fraud and corruption surrounding the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The pair have co-written a blog post at Huffington Post in response to the recent news, saying:

When we formed (RED), we wanted the Fund to administer the money because we knew the Fund was set up to find the bad guys early. Many other international organizations do not have the aggressive tools used by the Fund. Others find bad guys late in the game.

The Killers To Return With Charity Christmas Single

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Despite the fact the band is currently on a break while singer Brandon Flowers pursues a solo project, The Killers will return with their fifth Christmas charity single this year.

The new single, titled Boots, will be released on November 30 in time for World AIDS Day.

Past releases – such as Happy Birthday Guadalupe – have benefited Bono’s (RED) and the Global Fund.

Annie Lennox Wants Britain To Support AIDS Battle

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has written an article in Britain’s The Guardian on why the UK must increase its support for the Global Fund’s battle against AIDS.

“Set up in 2002, the Global Fund’s track record of delivery is the perfect anti-dote to cynicism about development aid,” she wrote. "Mobilising over $19bn, it has empowered over 140 countries to take the lead on mapping their own, inclusive solutions to the health crises caused by the three diseases. The organisation does not have expensive offices and staff stationed around the world. Instead, it works with the people who live in disease affected countries who care most about improving health. It focuses relentlessly on value for money, accountability and results.

“And what results they are. Nearly six million people are alive today thanks to the Global Fund. It has provided anti-retroviral therapy for 2.8 million people living with HIV. Over 142m cases of malaria have been treated and over 122m insecticide-treated bed nets have been distributed. The Global Fund has detected and treated 7m new cases of TB. Each year, it ensures thousands of HIV positive mothers don’t transmit the virus to their babies. In 2009 alone, 345,000 pregnant women received such treatment.

Jane Goodall Narrates Global Fund Documentary

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The United Nations Foundation will premiere today “A New Picture of Health,” a groundbreaking documentary about the work of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and its ongoing impact in saving millions of lives – particularly those of women and children – across the developing world.

“In less than a decade, close to six million lives have been saved by Global Fund programs,” said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the UN Foundation. "This documentary paints a compelling picture of why continued support will help the Global Fund save and improve the well-being of mothers and children across the globe.

Narrated by Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, the film chronicles how U.S. investments in health are empowering communities and putting an end to diseases of poverty. The film includes personal stories from community health workers, patients, and community leaders to show the impact of the Global Fund’s programs in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Indonesia, and was filmed in broadcast-quality Hi Definition by filmmaker David Evans in April and May of 2010.

Ted Turner To Join Annie Lennox At Social Good Summit

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

On September 20, as global leaders head to New York for United Nations Week – including a historic summit on global issues known as the “Millennium Development Goals” (MDGs) and the annual General Assembly – Mashable, 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation will bring together leaders from the digital industry, policy and media worlds for a groundbreaking Social Good Summit focused on how technology and social networks can play a leading role in addressing the world’s most intractable problems.

Speakers will participate in person and via Skype video calls. As a media partner, CNN.com will be live-streaming select parts of the event. Participants include:

Ted Turner, the Chairman of Turner Enterprises, Inc. and former Vice Chairman of Time Warner Inc., the world’s leading media company. He is the founder of CNN, an environmentalist and a philanthropist. Turner created the UN Foundation 1998 with his historic gift in support of the United Nations.

Groundbreaking Documentary Sheds New Light On The Global Fund‏

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:30:00 +0000

The United Nations Foundation announced a milestone documentary examining the work of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria and its ongoing impact in saving millions of lives, particularly of women and children, across the developing world.

At present, 4.9 million lives –3,600 a day – have been saved by Global Fund programs. The film takes an in‐depth look at initiatives supported by the Global Fund and presents a timely perspective on its work to empower local communities, strengthen health systems, and create healthier, more productive societies.

Amy Winehouse Provides Music For Charity Film

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The YouTube channel dedicated to The Global Fund’s Born HIV Free campaign, which was launched seven weeks ago, has already been seen by more than 11 million viewers. The channel features an exceptional animation film called “Baby in the Sky”, created by the design team Les Bonzoms and with music of Amy Winehouse.

“The purpose of the Born HIV Free campaign is to encourage millions of people to support The Global Fund so we can finally put an end to the tragedy of 430,000 babies being born HIV-positive every year, when we have the means and the expertise to prevent this.” says Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Global Ambassador for the protection of mothers and children against AIDS. “Hopefully this beautiful film will reach a wide audience because of its creative ingenuity, and inspire millions of people to support The Global Fund so we can finally put an end to this terrible injustice.”

“Baby in the Sky” is a highly creative and imaginative animated film that conveys the beauty of life ahead for an unborn child. The film artistically portrays an imaginary journey in a world full of adventurous landscapes and fantastic creatures. It ends with a call from Carla Bruni-Sarkozy for an HIV-free generation in which she says “Life is a beautiful journey. Don’t let AIDS kill it.”

Paul McCartney Scores A Hit With YouTube Charity Show

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0000

During the weekend of 26-27 June 2010, the Born HIV Free campaign featured in a number of headline awareness raising events, in particular a performance by Paul McCartney in London’s Hyde Park exclusively broadcast on the Born HIV Free Youtube site, as well as an exhibition tent at the Solidays festival in France, and the opening of a dedicated online boutique selling specially designed items in support of the campaign.

This past Sunday, 27 June, witnessed the first ever streaming of a European concert by YouTube. More than 1.2 million viewers logged on to the dedicated Born HIV Free channel on Sunday, which featured Paul McCartney performing live as part of the “Hard Rock Calling” music event in Hyde Park, attended by 40,000 fans.

During the concert, online viewers were invited to sign their names on the campaign website, to show their support during the streaming. The YouTube broadcast will continue to be available for viewing on the channel for one month.

Paul McCartney To Stream Concert Online For Charity

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are proud to announce that singer/songwriter Paul McCartney is throwing his support behind the BORN HIV FREE campaign.

His performance this weekend at Hard Rock Calling 2010 will be exclusively available through the BORN HIV FREE YouTube channel around 8:30pm GMT (2:30pm E.T) on Sunday, June 27.

McCartney’s concert from London’s Hyde Park will be the first musical performance streamed globally from Europe on YouTube. It will remain in the BORN HIV FREE YouTube channel for a month after the show, giving people who want to watch it again or view it for the first time a chance to do so. Visitors to the channel will also be able to learn more about Born HIV FREE and sign up to show their support for the campaign.

Annie Lennox And Ashley Judd To Attend AIDS Conference

Mon, 17 May 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox and Ashley Judd will attend the Global Health Action Awards for Excellence in Business on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria in Washington on June 8.

The Awards Dinner is part of a major conference that will see the private sector come together with leaders of government, non-profits and multilaterals – all focused on health and development.

The dinner will feature presentations by Dr Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, and Dr Helene Gayle, CEO of Care USA. Special guests will include Yvonne Chaka Chaka and players from the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA will receive the 2010 Richard C. Holbrooke Award for Business Leadership.

Bono Leads Celebrity PSA For (RED) Charity

Sun, 02 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

(RED) has announced the launch of The Lazarus Effect Campaign, a multi-platform campaign across TV, online and print, including an HBO documentary airing on May 24, that will help raise awareness of the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine for those living with HIV in Africa.

Launching April 29 on HBO, the awareness campaign will roll out across various TV and online networks in the coming weeks. The campaign equates the relative value of 40 cents by comparing trivial items worth 40 cents e.g. a stick of gum, a smear of lipstick — to the value of one day’s worth of life transforming antiretroviral medication.

The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, features Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Claire Danes, Alek Wek, Iman, John Turturro, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Liu, Gabourey Sidibe, Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, LeAnn Rimes, Jane Lynch, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwen Stefani, Hayden Christensen, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Don Cheadle, Ludacris, Common, Benicio del Toro, Dakota Fanning, Christy Turlington and the Jonas Brothers.

Starbucks Teams With Bono's (RED) For Charity

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Beginning Feb. 8, 2010, Starbucks will serve hot beverages to customers in a limited-time cup – departing from its iconic white design – at participating U.S. stores to celebrate a major milestone through its partnership with Bono’s (RED): Starbucks has generated funding for the Global Fund equivalent to more than 14 million days of medicine to help those living with HIV in Africa.

These limited-time cups encourage Starbucks customers to revisit www.StarbucksLoveProject.com, a global site that launched over the holidays bringing people together from around the world for one purpose, love. Now customers can return to the site and create their own Valentine’s Day-inspired LOVE drawing and for every drawing submitted, Starbucks will make a five cent contribution, up to one million submissions, to the Global Fund. The contributions will build on the achievements through Starbucks partnership with (RED) by using the inspiration of love to help make a difference in the world.

Lady Gaga Helps Bono Fight AIDS In Africa

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Lady Gaga is set to launch a new line of headphones, and proceeds will help in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

On Thursday, January 7, she joined Dr. Dre at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Lady Gaga is working with Product RED, and the idea was thought of after a conversation she had with Bono at the Vevo launch party back in December.

She said, “All the money that RED will make off these headphones will go directly to helping people who are affected by the AIDS epidemic in Africa.”

Bono And Didier Drogba Lace Up To Save Lives

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

On the eve of World AIDS Day, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba turned RED as he teamed up with U2 front man Bono and Nike to launch the ’Lace Up. Save Lives" initiative to fight HIV and AIDS.

With Drogba on board, Nike announced it’s partnership with (RED) and is selling special red laces under the banner “Lace Up. Save Lives,” with the proceeds to be split equally between the Global Fund and soccer-based community programs aimed at educating people about AIDS.

“It was important to me to be involved in the Red campaign because I’m from Africa,” Ivory Coast international Drogba told a news conference in London. “It’s a big honor and pleasure for me to be linked with Bono and try to help him save some lives. AIDS and HIV is something that really destroyed Africa, and people don’t really realize how easy it is to save lives — only two pills a day, which is 40 cents.”

The Killers Release Fourth Charity Christmas Single

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

American band The Killers released a new single yesterday, December 1, to mark World AIDS Day.

Happy Birthday Guadalupe is the fourth Christmas single the band has released for Bono’s (RED) charity, and all proceeds from the song will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

“We’re thrilled to be releasing our fourth Christmas song with (RED),” The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers said of the track. “(RED), through the Global Fund programs it supports, has made great strides in providing care to those affected by AIDS throughout Africa, and it’s our honor to continue to contribute to that cause.”

All You Need Is Love At Starbucks For Charity

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The holidays are all about giving, and Starbucks is passionate about supporting communities in which they do business. As part of the ongoing partnership between Starbucks and Bono’s (RED), this holiday season customers will have the opportunity to turn all of their purchases (RED)!

Beginning November 17, 2009 through December 1, 2009, when customers spend $15 on any purchase in participating Starbucks U.S. and Canada stores, Starbucks will automatically turn their purchase (RED) with a $1 U.S. donation to the Global Fund on their behalf. And as a thank you, customers will receive a copy of the exclusive “All You Need Is Love” Holiday CD for free with the qualifying (STARBUCKS)RED purchase. The CD features tracks from Playing for Change, John Legend, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band.

Taylor Swift Signs Elephant For Family Health International

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

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

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

Will Smith's Children Support Charity Initiative

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

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

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

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