Look To The Stars News: Great Ormond Street Hospital

Former Presidents Join With Royalty For Celebrity Charity Day

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

BGC Partners Inc, a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial markets, has announced that, together with Cantor Fitzgerald, it raised approximately $12 million globally at their Annual Charity Day on Monday, September 12, 2011.

Every year, BGC and Cantor Fitzgerald donate 100% of their global revenues on the day to more than 75 charities around the world by hosting charities and celebrity ambassadors at their offices in commemoration of the 658 employees we lost in the World Trade Center attacks. The guests joined licensed brokers to conduct transactions with BGC and Cantor Fitzgerald clients. Including today, Charity Day has raised approximately $77 million globally.

BGC Partners was honored to be joined by many distinguished guests including President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton in New York and His Royal Highness Prince Harry in London. Prince Harry broke the world record set by his brother HRH Prince William for the largest foreign currency trade when he closed a foreign exchange deal worth euro 18 billion. Prince Harry, who attended on behalf of Sentebale, the charity he founded to support vulnerable children and orphans in Lesotho, completed the deal between Barclays London and a European counter-party based on projected currency values between the 13th and 14th September.

Celebrities Remember Disney For Charity

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Great Ormond Street Hospital in London is asking people to share their first Disney memory – and when they reach a million memories, Disney will donate £1 million to the charity.

A number of celebrities – including Michael Caine, Melanie C, Thandie Newton and Julie Walters – have already added their first Disney memories to the campaign.

Whether it’s singing along to Mowgli and Baloo’s Bare Necessities at the cinema, to hiding behind the sofa from Snow White’s evil Queen Maleficent to meeting Mickey Mouse at Disneyland in Florida, you’re sure to have a first Disney memory. And by simply sharing yours on Facebook and helping spread the word about the campaign you can be instrumental in raising £1 million for an incredible cause.

Emma Watson Is Painted For Charity

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Harry Potter star Emma Watson recently collaborated with artist Mark Demsteader to create beautiful paintings for charity.

Crafted from a series of photographs, the “Emma” exhibition was displayed at London’s Panter and Hall. All of the paintings feature Watson and will benefit the African charity CAMFED.

Since 1993, CAMFED has educated and empowered the women of sub-Saharan. The community based charity takes children from the impoverished areas of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana and Malawi and provides them with long-term developmental support. CAMFED prepares its students to become community leaders by combating AIDS, poverty and poor money management.

Harry Potter Stars Climb For Charity

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Harry Potter stars James and Oliver Phelps swapped their broomsticks for climbing boots as they took on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for their favourite charities The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Stars Donate Cupcake Recipes To Little Girl's Charity Cookbook

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A host of stars have helped a 12-year-old British girl create a charity cookbook for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Nigella Lawson, Antony Worrall Thompson, Pixie Lott, Fearne Cotton, Melanie C, Sophie Dahl, Patsy Kensit, Amanda Holden and Richard E. Grant are some of the stars who replied to Georgie Sussman’s plea for cupcake recipes for the new book. Georgie aims to raise £20,000 for the hospital, inspired by a young friend who was treated there.

Jenson Button Raises Charity Cash In London Triathlon

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Formula 1 champion Jenson Button completed his second London Triathlon for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Sunday.

Despite suffering tonsillitis, the racer finished fourth out of 570 competitors in his group and raised more than £18,000 through his JustGiving page. The race comprised a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

“Great day at the London Triathlon,” he wrote on Twitter. “Suffered quite a bit on the run due to just being physically drained I guess from the antibiotics. Still reasonably happy with the result though.”

Formula 1 Drivers Sign StarCards For Charity

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The drivers and teams of the Formula One world have again supported the annual StarCards F1 charity auction, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

These world famous auctions have been supported by Sutton Images since 2004 and continue to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.

Mark Sutton of Sutton Images supported the fundraising event by supplying images and obtaining the signatures of all the 2010 F1 drivers – including Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Mark Webber – on Great Ormond Street Hospital playing cards, a GOSH tee shirt and grid photographs.

James Corden And Dizzee Rascal Release Charity Single

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Rapper Dizzee Rascal has joined with comedian James Corden to record a version of Tears For Fears’ 1980s classic Shout for charity.

The track – renamed Shout For England is the official England FIFA World Cup song, and the pair will donate all of their royalties to the Great Ormond Street Hospital. Originally to be released next week, the song has been rushed out and is available for download now.

Joining the pair are thousands of England supporters, who called a special freephone line to join the chorus.

Imogen Heap Announces Charity Initiative For Upcoming Tour

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Musician Imogen Heap has decided to try and raise $54,000 for local charities on her North American tour by each night performing a completely improvised piece of music.

The audience will be asked to suggest things such as the key, the tempo and the time signature. Each of these new songs will be made available as a digital download shortly after the show – the proceeds from sales will go to the chosen local charity, all of which have been suggested by Imogen’s fans.

“There’s a tap in my head that mostly rests in the closed position when I tour,” explains the singer on her website. "The tap of ever flowing musical ideas. They’re there all the time. Just waiting for opportunities to flood out but touring is so not conducive to sitting down and writing/ recording music and I miss not making stuff.  

Comedy Gala’s Success Helps London Hospital

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Comedians Alan Carr, Jack Fee, Michael McIntyre, Kevin Bishop, Lee Evans and Shappi Khorsandi all had the honor of presenting staff members and medical personnel of London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital with a generous cheque donation of £869,492 this week.

A host of comedic faces took center stage at the O2 Arena in London on April 5 to entertain some 15,000 guests and raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital. The successful participation of more than 35 comedians and TV personalities during the Channel 4 Comedy Gala raised an unprecedented sum through charitable donation and sales.

“Wow! What a night! And what an amazing amount of money for Great Ormond Street – bring on next year!” said Alan Carr who opened up the show. Rob Brydon, Jonathan Ross, Katie Price and Alex Reid – to name a few – also took part in the comedic event.

Johnny Depp Sends Video To British Comedy's Charity Night Out

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

A huge number of British stars turned out at the O2 Arena in London last night for the Channel 4 Comedy Gala to benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Hosted by Jonathan Ross – who led with a controversial performance – the night featured a special video message from longtime GOSH supporter Johnny Depp, and appearances by Jo Brand, Alan Carr, Rob Brydon, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Katie Price, Michael McIntyre, Sean Lock, Christine Bleakley and many more.

The event raised funds for two new anesthetic rooms that will allow parents to stay with their children right up until they enter the operating theaters.

Arsenal Players Get Cute And Fluffy For Charity

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Top Arsenal players Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Andrey Arshavin and Bacary Sagna dressed up in furry animal costumes to raise money for sick children this week.

They dressed up as a lion, rabbit, shark and an owl to walk the streets and fundraise for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH).

Club manager Arsene Wenger said, “The team and I have met some patients from Great Ormond Street Hospital on several occasions…and we’re all struck by the strength and courage they show in fighting their illnesses. We understand the importance of helping to improve the facilities at the hospital and we’re encouraging all Arsenal fans to help in whatever way we can.”

Guitarists Sign Cards For Charity Auction

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Some of the greatest guitarists in the world have taken the time to sign cards for a new charity auction starting this week.

StarCards.org will auction a collection of signed Great Ormond Street Hospital playing cards by legendary & renowned guitar players from the 5th November 2009, including Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, Steve Vai, Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Phil Hilborne, Neil Murray, Paul Carrack, Joe Brown, Scott Mckeon, and Ramon Diaz.

The highlight of the auction is a Fender Stratocaster Mark Knopfler signature model guitar donated by Fender UK and Bonnersmusic.co.uk of Eastbourne with a hard case as well as a unique display cabinet donated by Wallsoffame.co.uk. The Fender will be signed and personalised by Mark for the winning bidder and will be on display at Bonners until the 15th November.

LTTS Exclusive - Dannii Minogue Lights Up Harrods For Charity

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Richard Barker was lucky enough to be invited to a very special celebrity charity event in London last week and filed this report.

I have a confession… I love Christmas! It is my favourite time of year. One magical part of this celebration are the lights. I was fortunate enough to be invited to Harrods this year to watch ‘The Emerald Lights Switch On’. Dannii Minogue and the Harrods Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed transformed the World’s Most Famous Department Store into the Emerald City for Christmas.

Dannii Minogue To Turn On Harrods Lights For Charity

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

X Factor judge Dannii Minogue is set to switch on the Harrods Christmas lights for charity this year.

The world-famous department store will be transformed into the Emerald City to celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz, and is hoping to raise £300,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital to fund three bedrooms in the new kidney unit.

“The Wizard Of Oz is one of my favorite movies, so I will click my heels together three times and see you there,” said Minogue. “It’s always a treat to be able to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity – this year will be magical with the transformation of Harrods into the Emerald City.”

Michael Jackson's This Is It Film To Be Released

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

It has been reported that a film is to be released of the final footage from Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his This Is It concerts, with some of the proceeds to go to charity.

Sony Pictures is in final negotiations to acquire the film – at a price of $60 million – with 90% of the profits to go to the Jackson Estate, which will include a charity to be set up in the King of Pop’s name.

Jackson was a huge supporter of charities in his lifetime, and his family hopes to keep his memory alive with the new charity. The singer often visited underprivileged children and children affected by disasters and in hospitals, and worked with organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the TJ Martell Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children, the Prince’s Trust, the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Childhelp USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation and many more.

Emma Thompson Makes Dream Come True

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

British actress Emma Thompson made a young girl’s dream come true last week.

Isabelle Brown is a 13-year-old cystic fibrosis sufferer who got to spend a day on the set of the upcoming sequel to Nanny McPhee with the Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter.

The teenager was nominated for the treat by the Great Ormond Street Hospital – where she receives treatment – and the trip was organized by Rays of Sunshine, a charity that makes wishes come true for terminally and seriously ill children between the ages of 3-18 in the United Kingdom. Rays of Sunshine also buys vitally needed equipment for those children, and supports the hospitals, hospices and specialist schools that care for them by purchasing equipment and funding capital projects.

Johnny Depp Visits Children's Hospital

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Johnny Depp made a special visit to a children’s hospital in London on Wednesday, July 1, and surprised patients by dressing as one of his most well-loved characters.

The actor had been in London to attend the premiere of Public Enemies, and visited several wards at the Great Ormond Street Hospital dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

“Johnny was so friendly with all the children on the ward and they absolutely loved his pirate outfit,” a source told contactmusic.com. “He spoke to lots of the youngsters and staff – and made their day by posing for pictures with them all.”

Michael Jackson's Charity Legacy

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Michael Jackson, who passed away last week, featured significantly on the pages of Look To The Stars. He was a passionate supporter of charity, and was honored by many different organizations for the work that he did and the compassion that he showed.

As well as writing We Are The World with Lionel Richie and helping to organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert in the wake of September 11, Jackson also donated the proceeds from a song to victims of Hurricane Katrina, often donated items to charity auctions, and was to donate some of the proceeds from his upcoming shows in London to charity. He set up a burns unit for children and also established the Heal The World Foundation, whose work has included airlifting 6 tons of supplies to Sarajevo, instituting drug and alcohol abuse education and donating millions of dollars to less fortunate children.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg. A comprehensive timeline of the late singer’s charitable work has been published by Jackson Action. The list includes his work with underprivileged children and children affected by disasters, visits to hospitals, and work with organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the TJ Martell Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children, the Prince’s Trust, the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Childhelp USA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation and many more. It also details Jackson’s efforts to airlift 60,000 doses of children’s vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia, and his donations to hundreds of charities. To view the timeline, click here.

GOSH, What Auctions!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:26:00 +0000

The Great Ormond Street Hospital is set to benefit from many current and recent celebrity charity auctions, including a date with Orlando Bloom, which brought in £9,000 ($14,600) just last week.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star was on hand at the Victoria and Albert museum with Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, British TV presenter Vernon Kay and Jade Jagger to help raise over £450,000 ($730,000) for the children’s charity.

Hamilton and other F1 stars, such as Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastian Vettel, Jarno Trulli and Kimi Raikkonen have all signed unique displays for an auction benefitting the children’s hospital. The auction will run at Starcards.org until June 30th.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Stars Redesign Mickey Mouse Ears For Charity

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A host of British celebrities have redesigned the famous ears of Mickey Mouse for an auction to benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK.

Phil Collins, Geri Halliwell, Estelle, Daisy Lowe, John Terry, Amir Khan, Luella Bartley and Giles Deacon are just some of the names that have taken up the challenge of redesigning the iconic ears, with the auction being launched on May 5.

According to Sky News, Collins revealed he drew inspiration from his musical skills for his creation, which are in the shape of a golden drum kit with “some bald bloke playing the drums” in the middle.

Orlando Bloom Sings For The Great Ormond Street Hospital

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A host of special guests from the worlds of music and fashion came together in London to celebrate the role of mothers and to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity on Wednesday, March 18.

Kate Moss, Orlando Bloom, Sadie Frost, Tamara Beckwith-Veroni, Jenny Frost, Trinny Woodall, Jamie Hince, Amber Aitken, Melissa Odabash, Charlotte Tilbury, Serena Rees and The Clash’s Mick Jones were just some of the stars that attended the event, with proceeds going to the facility that treats more than 100,000 patients each year – children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions.

The evening raised over £50,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and included an incredible celebrity auction that featured an exclusive Stephen Webster 18ct White gold, White Diamond and Ruby ‘Mummy Rocks’ locket, lunch with Stephen Fry, a meet and greet with Simon Cowell with tickets to Britain’s Got Talent, and a kiss from Kate Moss – which sold for a massive £5000.

Whatever It Takes For Christmas

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Whatever It Takes – the charity that offers artworks and clothing designed by celebrities – have some great gift ideas for the coming holiday season.

The charity – which raises money for all sorts of charities, such as Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace and many more – is offering T-shirts designed by the Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party; rings designed by Robbie Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and Snoop Dogg; mouse pads from George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, and Coldplay; bed linen from Joss Stone; and a huge selection of plates and mugs designed by Bob Geldof, Paul McCartney, Ewan McGregor and many others.

To get your hands on one of these unique items – which would make the perfect gift – or to see the entire range, visit the Whatever It Takes website.

Damien Hirst Doodles For MRI Scanner

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

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.