Look To The Stars News: The Salvation Army

Robert Davi Releases Charity Song For Christmas

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

World-renowned actor and recording artist Robert Davi has released his re-imagined version of the Christmas classic song, “Mistletoe and Holly” today, to help The Salvation Army provide emergency assistance to the millions of families in need this Christmas season.

“This is an urgent appeal to all media to help us build a momentum of strength and unity in America as we begin our countdown to ‘Mistletoe Tuesday,’” said Davi, as he officially announced a call of action on radio stations serving Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities. “In order to better provide for these dear souls who have been knocked to their knees by a wounded economy, we ask humbly for all broadcasters and print media to join our mission in the true spirit of giving by helping us spread this good news and counting down with us.”

Available from December 13 for $0.99 purchase on both iTunes and Amazon.com, 100 percent of Davi’s proceeds from the sale of his new single will be donated to The Salvation Army’s 120th annual Red Kettle Campaign, which kicked off nationally on Thanksgiving Day.

Enrique Iglesias To Kickoff Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Enrique Iglesias has announced that he will be the featured performer for The Salvation Army’s 15th annual Red Kettle Kickoff during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Miami Dolphins on November 24, 2011 (4:15 p.m. ET; CBS).

Enrique’s live nationally televised performance will mark the start of the 120th anniversary of the Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which began in San Francisco in 1891.

The iconic kettle campaign is the largest and longest running fundraiser of its kind and raised a record $142 million in 2010, with more than $1.4 billion raised since the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day partnership began. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of this iconic musical partnership, fans will have an opportunity to win an expense-paid trip to see the Cowboy’s game and halftime show performance by signing up to be an online virtual bell ringer at www.OnlineRedKettle.org.

Jackie Chan Presents $3.3 Million To Charity In Japan

Sun, 08 May 2011 20:05:00 +0000

Jackie Chan has presented The Salvation Army in Japan with a check for US$3,356,078 raised from the massive celebrity charity concert he helped organize in Hong Kong last month.

On March 11th, a devastating magnitude 9 earthquake rocked northeastern Japan, triggering a destructive tsunami and series of strong aftershocks. Countless people have lost loved ones and their homes from this natural disaster. Since the disaster struck, members of the Salvation Army in Japan have continuously searched surrounding areas, supplying essential emergency relief materials to disaster victims, as well as coordinating with local government officials to provide immediate assistance to areas most in need.

All funds from the “Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders Candlelight Concert” in Hong Kong on April 1 – which saw Jackie and 170 artists perform – will be donated to the Salvation Army, which in turn will be used towards supplying and distributing immediate aid relief to disaster victims in seriously affected areas.

Celebrity Love Letter To New York On 9/11 Anniversary

Thu, 05 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

A highly esteemed cast of celebrities will perform Sarah Tuft’s play ‘110 Stories’ this coming 9/11 as a love letter to NY to benefit a related charity.

To commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, artists including Susan Sarandon, James Gandolfini, Matt Dillon, Edie Falco, Sam Shepard, Patricia Clarkson, Kathleen Turner, Angela Bassett, John Turturro, Andre Braugher, Josh Lucas, John Hawkes, Michael Shannon, Stelio Savante, Michael Stuhlbarg, Aasif Mandvi and Daniel Sunjata will share first hand accounts of the tragedy.

“110 Stories” has been performed annually on Sept 11th at The Public Theater (2004), The Geffen Playhouse (2010), The Vineyard Theatre (2003), as part of “Brave New World” at Town Hall (2002) and at The Grove Street Theater (2001). Proceeds have gone to The Leary Firefighters Foundation, LA Red Cross for Haiti Relief, New York Children’s Foundation and The Salvation Army.

Hugh Jackman Gives Up Coffee And Sugar For Charity

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Hugh Jackman has vowed to give up coffee and sugar for a new charity campaign that encourages people to try and live on £1 a week to raise awareness of the 1.4 billion people around the world who live below the poverty line.

The star was spotted at a special event for the Global Poverty Project’s Live Below The Line campaign in London on Monday.

“I will be going without certain things,” he said, but added he cannot take part in the full challenge of living on £1 because he will be in the middle of an acting job during Live Below The Line week. "And actually I don’t mind saying I’m not doing it, because for people who want to do the challenge I’m totally thrilled and supportive of it and I think it’s fantastic and there’s 50,000 people around the world doing it.

LTTS Exclusive: Anna Wilding Writes In The Wake Of The Christchurch Earthquake

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

New Zealand-born actor, director and producer Anna Wilding is currently visiting her hometown of Christchurch from her base in Los Angeles following the devastating earthquake that shook the city on February 22, killing over 180 people. Anna – the founder of the Wilding Foundation – is filming a documentary about the disaster with local production crews and has written this exclusive report exploring a city brought to its knees by a disaster that has destroyed the businesses and livelihoods of thousands.

I cried properly for the first time today. Slow tears that welled up from deep inside, tears that had to be kept in check in case an unstoppable and somewhat embarrassing torrent flowed out. I was at a special interfaith prayer service for victims of the Christchurch Earthquake in the beautiful building of the International Buddhist Light Association to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday. It was attended by several MP’s, City Councillors and Heads of all the churches. It is also a time at which Christchurch remembers Japan.

The Wiggles To Present Young Christchurch Earthquake Victims With New Shoes

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Wilding Foundation and its founder, actress/director/producer Anna Wilding, have announced a special treat for two Christchurch families affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the New Zealand city on February 22.

This coming weekend, The Wiggles – the wildly successful Australian musical group catering to children under 5 years old – will be making a special presentation of children’s designer boots on behalf of New Zealand-born supermodel Kylie Bax and her Original NZ Boot Company, and Anna Wilding and the Wilding Foundation.

The Wiggles will be in Christchurch next weekend. The two families, identified by the Wilding Foundation with help in one instance from The Salvation Army, are “thrilled”. The presentation will take place at one of the group’s weekend concerts.

Jackie Chan Announces Celebrity Charity Concert For Japan

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Jackie Chan has announced that he will be holding a special fundraising concert for victims of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake in Hong Kong next month.

Love Without Borders 3/11 Candlelight Gala will take place at Victoria Park in Hong Kong on April 1, and will feature up to 100 performers.

Jackie hit the recording studio on Thursday with several Hong Kong singers and actors to record the theme song – Succumb Not to Sorrow – for the event.

Supermodel Kylie Bax Donates Boots To Young Earthquake Victims In New Zealand

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Two American-based New Zealand women – supermodel and CEO of The Original NZ Boot Company Kylie Bax and director, actress, producer and founder of the Wilding Foundation Anna Wilding – have joined forces to donate and distribute a dozen pairs of designer sheepskin boots to children deeply affected by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch last week.

Bax and Wilding both hope that this will at least keep the children’s toes warm during the oncoming winter months, in spite of all that has happened. Ms Wilding stated that “it is a kind and generous donation for which we are thankful.”

Several children have been identified on a most needed basis and will receive the free pairs of The Original NZ Boots in the coming weeks. The Orignal NZ Boots are made in Christchurch and manufactured by Canterbury Leather. Ms Bax set up the Original NZ Boot Company in the USA in 2010.

New Zealand-Born Actress Launches Christchurch Earthquake Charity Appeal

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Wilding Foundation, a registered New Zealand charity set up by Christchurch-born and internationally award winning Hollywood and New York-based actress, director, producer Anna Wilding has moved swiftly to launch an international appeal for the victims of the Christchurch City earthquake.

The charity intends to start identifying children who have lost their parents to apply funding and hopefully longer term assistance.

The charity is in some instances working in with agencies such as the Red Cross and The Salvation Army to see where the most needed cases are located. Wilding launched the appeal within 7 hours of the quake and has been working hard to build awareness in the USA – including appearing on Fox 11 News.

Christchurch Earthquake - A Personal Plea For Help

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

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

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

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

Music Superstars Create CD for Flood Victims

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Dozens of artists, including Sting, Bon Jovi, Pink, Bob Dylan and Kings Of Leon have donated tracks to a CD benefitting the Queensland flood victims.

Flood Relief – Artists For The Flood Appeal will also feature songs from Australian bands Powderfinger, Crowded House and Midnight Oil.

59 previously-released tracks have been donated by the bands for the three-disc compilation, including songs by Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters and Keith Urban.

Vondie Curtis Hall Supports Dickies Charity Campaign

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Dickies, the leading global work wear brand, just announced the launch of the ‘Detroit 874’, a limited-edition, U.S. made work pant benefiting unemployed workers in Detroit.

Dickies unveiled the special edition garment recently in Detroit, where actor, director and Detroit native Vondie Curtis Hall was on site to show support for the program and the positive impact it will have in the city of Detroit. Dickies also made an initial donation of 5,000 pairs of Original 874s to The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit, as a call to action to consumers to help double that quantity through the sale of the Detroit 874.

For every pair of Detroit 874s sold, Dickies will match that sale with another pair of Original 874s donated to The Salvation Army. If all 5,000 pairs of Detroit 874s are sold, Dickies will have contributed 10,000 pairs of Original 874s to help Detroit workers. Dickies also presented The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit with $25,000 to support their work in Detroit.  

Meet Chris Rock And Malaak Compton-Rock For Charity

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Actor, comedian & author Chris Rock and wife Malaak have teamed up with premiere auction website Charity Folks to raise money for their charity, Journey For Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service.

Some of the incredible and unique charity packages available to bidders include a “double date” with Chris & Malaak Rock courtside at a New York Knicks game; two VIP tickets to “The Tonight Show” in Los Angeles and a meet-and-greet with host Jay Leno; a day at NBC’s “The Today Show” and a meet-and-greet with Al Roker for four fans; a two person VIP tour of CNN and meet-and-greet with Anchor & Special Correspondent Soledad O’Brien; a one-of-a-kind Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards Bicycle autographed by “Grown Ups” stars Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Kevin James and David Spade and a special personalized special video gift produced by Chris Rock! They are all available at Charity Folks.

Daytime Soap Stars Give Back To Charity

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

American soap stars will gather in Los Angeles today to gather and help hand out food to Americans in need in an initiative dubbed Daytime Gives Back.

Expected to attend are stars from Days of Our Lives: Eric Martsolf, Shelley Hennig, Wally Kurth, Lindsay Hartley, Galen Gering and Lauren Koslow; from The Bold & the Beautiful: Heather Tom, Don Diamont, Kyle Lowder; from The Young & The Restless: Michael Muhney, Kate Linder, Daniel Goddard, Eden Riegel, Stacy Haiduk, Michelle Stafford; from General Hospital: Brianna Brown, Lexi Ainsworth; and from All My Children: Denise Vasi, Crishell Stause and Melissa Egan.

The event will benefit Feed the Children, and will be filmed for the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in June.

Jackie Chan Urges For Drought And Earthquake Charity Help

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Jackie Chan made a plea for charity while attending the Beijing Auto Show during the weekend.

The star – who recently visited areas affected by earthquake and drought in China – was at the show to launch his new JCAuto.com.cn book, but took the opportunity to raise awareness of victims of the earthquake that killed over 2000 people, and the drought that is devastating people in Kunming.

Jackie appealed to auto manufacturers to be more aware of the drought situation and asked them to help deliver aid supplies to those in need. The CEO of the Jackie Chan Auto website also announced that all proceeds from the sales of the new book will be donated to disaster relief.

Malaak Compton-Rock Releases Book on Volunteering

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

With years of charity experience under her belt, Malaak Compton-Rock’s new book containing tips for creating a better world is now available.

If It Takes a Village, Build One: How I Found Meaning Through a Life of Service and 100+ Ways You Can Too offers advice on how to find the right volunteer opportunity and how to get kids involved in a life of service, as well as offering tips on how to research charities and how to start a nonprofit.

Malaak, wife of Chris Rock, is well-versed in the field of philanthropy. She spent 3 years working for UNICEF as head of the newly created Special Events and Celebrity Relations Department before founding her own charity, styleWORKS, an organization that provided comprehensive grooming services, such as hair styling, make-up application, skincare services, clothing, accessories, and image consulting to women moving from welfare to work.

Jerry Lewis Passes Charity Torch To Son

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Comedian Jerry Lewis has passed the philanthropic flame to his son Gary, who wants to tour the Philippines with his band to raise money for people hit by storms last year.

Gary Lewis and the Playboys are a major drawcard in the country, and the devastating storms ripped through Manila just after the band’s last tour.

“Gary likes to get out there once every few years, but we’d really like to get back to the Philippines in 2010,” Lewis’ manager told WENN. "Gary Lewis and The Playboys are like The Beatles over there because they had a lot of local hits with Beatles tunes – because the Beatles were banned from the Philippines.

Neil Finn To Headline Charity Concert For Samoan Relief

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A concert featuring Crowded House’s Tim and Neil Finn – and a host of other New Zealand-based musicians – will take place in Auckland later this month to raise money for victims of last week’s Tsunami in Samoa.

The Finn Brothers will be joined by Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Elemeno P, Nesian Mystik, Che-Fu, King Kapisi and many more at Auckland’s Vector Arena on October 19. Also performing will be New Zealand Hip Hop stars Savage and Scribe, who both lost family in the disaster.

Aid agencies such as the Red Cross, World Vision, The Salvation Army and UNICEF are still seeking donations for the massive clean-up required after last week’s devastating disaster that killed over 180 people.

Aid Agencies Seek Donations For Samoan Tsunami Vistims

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

New Zealand-born comedy actress Pamela Stephenson has given a harrowing first-hand account of the devastating Tsunami that hit Samoa last week.

The wife of Scottish comedian Billy Connolly was staying in Samoa and is urging the world to come to the aid of the island nation after the massive wave killed over 180 people – including villagers and tourists – and left many more homeless.

“Huge piles of debris lay everywhere; it was clear the wave had whacked every structure with incredible might,” she told the Guardian newspaper in the UK. “Cars teetered where they had been thrown, on top of rubble from collapsed dwellings. Fridges and air conditioners floated in the sea. I looked along the bay and saw that a well-known jetty was missing. So were villages that once lined the shore. I saw a thatched fale [house] surrounded by three policemen and some villagers. A woman was lying inside and someone was trying to revive her.”

Noble Awards Set To Honor Celebrity Humanitarians

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

As the film industry has the Oscars, television the Emmys and the music industry the Grammy Awards, the charity community and its most dedicated Hollywood supporters will gain global recognition with the staging of the inaugural Noble Humanitarian Awards, to take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, October 18. And Look To The Stars is proud to support it.

The two-hour event, produced on behalf of the non-profit Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, seeks to annually honor up to a dozen charities and celebrities who actively support them, elevating awareness of these organizations and the impact of their work.

The organizations to be honored at this first-annual ceremony include The Art of Elysium, Best Buddies International, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, DoSomething.org, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Keep A Child Alive, The Salvation Army, Stand Up To Cancer and Women’s Sports Foundation.

Terry Wogan To Return To The Lost City For Children In Need

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

For the third year running, Sir Terry Wogan is to return to Leicester, the place he once famously dubbed the ‘lost city’, for the annual TOGs’ (Terry’s Old Geezers/Gals) convention.

The convention will be the fifth time the TOGs have returned to Leicester, and the slogan for this year’s meeting is TOGs 2009 AUSTRALIA (‘All Up Standing TOGs Rally AT Leicester In August’).

Sir Terry will attend a champagne reception and lunch at the University of Leicester on Friday 21st August 2009, joining more than 90 TOGs at their three-day convention, held at the University’s Stamford Hall. He will be welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Robert Burgess.

Noble Awards Aim To Honor Philanthropic Celebrities

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

An awards show that aims to be the Golden Globes of non-profits will hit Los Angeles in October.

The Noble Awards will honor the work of 10 philanthropic organizations – such as Keep A Child Alive, The Salvation Army, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, DoSomething.org and The Art of Elysium – and allow each to award the NOBLE (designed by Antonio Banderas) to a celebrity supporter who has used their evevated platform to bring awareness to the cause.

This unprecedented event will be a star-studded evening stimulating greater charity involvement around the world. The celebrities to be involved will be announced later, but Look To The Stars can confirm the involvement of Alicia Keys and Heroes’ Greg Grunberg.

Bob Saget To Host Salvation Army Comedy Night

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 +0000

The 5th annual Night Of Comedy benefiting The Salvation Army will take place on May 5.

Hosted by Bob Saget, the event will feature comedians such as Paul Rodriguez, Fritz Coleman & many more. Funds raised will benefit the Salvation Army’s Westwood Transitional Village & the Bessie Pregerson Child Development Center’s facilities, programs that provide residential housing and support services for homeless families.

Tickets for the event – which will be held at the Laugh Factory on Hollywood Blvd and will also include a live auction & raffle – are $100, and include dinner from Greenblats Deli & Cheesecake Factory desserts. However, if you use the promo code BESSIE, it’s only $75/person or 2 tickets for $100. So book your place now by calling 818-994-4661.

LeAnn Rimes Wins Humanitarian Award

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Country singer LeAnn Rimes was awarded a special Humanitarian Award at the American Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 4.

The 26-year-old singer joined stars such as Carrie Underwood, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and many more famous faces from the country music world at the awards, and picked up her accolade for her ongoing community service, especially in regard to children’s charities.

“I’ve been doing humanitarian work for many years, and you do it out of the goodness of your heart,” she said. “I mean, the Humanitarian Award at the ACM’s never really crossed my mind. But it’s a huge honor.”