Look To The Stars News: Red Cross

Stars Get Behind The American Red Cross For Christmas

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:40:00 +0000

More than a dozen celebrities are urging their fans and the public to donate to the American Red Cross this holiday season and give a gift that will help people when they need it most.

Celebrities who are actively encouraging support for the Red Cross holiday giving campaign include those on the National Celebrity Cabinet as well as other entertainment supporters. Actors Nick Cannon, Jackie Chan, Ted Danson and Alyssa Milano; television personalities Nate Berkus, Leeza Gibbons, Dr. Phil McGraw and Nancy O’Dell; and award-winning artists Amy Grant, Wynonna Judd, Maroon 5 and Darius Rucker have lent their support.

Songs For Japan Raises $10 Million For Earthquake Victims

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Songs For Japan, the unique, star-studded album collection created to help raise money for victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, continues to benefit the survivors through Japanese Red Cross Society.

Yesterday in Tokyo, senior executives from four major music companies – EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group – met with Japanese Red Cross Society Vice President, Yoshiharu Otsuka, to recognise the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan. The occasion was a reception hosted by Frances Moore, chief executive of worldwide recording industry organisation IFPI.

A music industry-wide initiative, Songs For Japan is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five #1s from more than 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.

eBay Launches Celebrity Charity Auction Site

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:15:00 +0000

Just in time for the holiday giving season, eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, today announced the launch of eBay.com/celebrity, a unique shopping destination that combines celebrity experiences, memorabilia and merchandise with philanthropic causes.

As part of eBay’s charitable platform eBay Giving Works, eBay Celebrity establishes a differentiated experience for the shopping enthusiast and cause-oriented consumer by aggregating relevant celebrity content, charity auctions, and the breadth and selection of related products that are unique to eBay.

eBay has consistently been the platform of choice for celebrities looking to raise funds for charity, and this year was a landmark year for the company’s philanthropic efforts: an auction featuring limited edition Nike Mag sneakers raised millions of dollars for The Michael J. Fox Foundation and an annual lunch with Warren Buffett auction sold for a record $2.63 million. In 2011, eBay Giving Works has raised $51 million and over $278 million to date for various charitable organizations. eBay Celebrity takes charitable fundraising to the next level, connecting consumers with their favorite celebrities through charity and commerce.

Charity To Benefit From John Lennon Celebrity Tribute Album

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Theatre Within has announced the November 15th release of a live album chronicling the sold out, star-studded 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live from the Beacon Theatre NYC.

The 15-song release will be available digitally via iTunes, Amazon and other major online music outlets. The album can be pre-ordered now at iTunes. Proceeds from the sales of the digital release will be shared with the Japanese Red Cross for its ongoing Earthquake/Tsunami Relief efforts.

“John would have loved that Theatre Within has produced a special live album of his songs to benefit the Japanese Red Cross and the people still suffering from the tsunami and earthquake,” states Yoko Ono.

Annie Lennox To Perform Charity Concert In Glasgow

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has confirmed that she will give a one off, exclusive performance for charity next month.

The singer, songwriter, campaigner and activist will make her one off performance at a charity event in Glasgow on 1st October to raise funds for Clyde 1 & Clyde 2 Cash for Kids, a charity set up in 1981 to support the most vulnerable children in the west of Scotland.

Celebrated as an innovator, an icon and a symbol of enduring excellence, Annie’s music career is peerless with over 80 million record sales to date and winning countless awards, while her tireless charity work is widely praised receiving prestigious awards and honors.

Forty Years Ago Today - George Harrison's Concert For Bangladesh

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Forty years ago today, George Harrison took to the stage with a host of his celebrity friends for what is regarded as the first large scale multi-artist benefit concert – The Concert For Bangladesh. Look To The Stars Feature Editor Tim Saunders looks back at the climatic and political events that led up to the concert, and the on-going effects the show has had on celebrity charity events.

In early November, 1970, the Beatles were just about to break up and something wasn’t right in the South China Sea.

As Paul McCartney prepared his legal suit for the dissolution of the Fab Four after months of tempestuous fighting within the band, merchant shipping reported a storm was brewing to the south east of India. Moist, hot air was rising off the warm sea, sucking up water vapor as it went. When it reached a few hundred meters in height, it began to cool, condensing and becoming saturated. The low pressure system that was forming started to react with the high pressure system around it, swirling round like some celestial being was mixing a cake.

Stars Line Up For 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

To commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, a highly distinguished cast of film, TV & stage actors will gather for a benefit reading of Sarah Tuft’s “110 Stories” on September 8th & 9th at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan.

The illustrious cast – including, subject to availability, Lauren Ambrose, Andre Braugher, Billy Crudup, Edie Falco, Melissa Leo, Aasif Mandvi, Chris Noth, Vincent Piazza, Andre Royo, Susan Sarandon, Stelio Savante, Pablo Schreiber, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Michael Stuhlbarg, Kathleen Turner, Merrit Wever & others TBA – will share first person accounts of the tragedy.

Lady Gaga Hits Japan For Charity

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

World-wide superstar Lady Gaga has recently spoken out for Japan.

The performer has been raising funds to help the victims of the March 11th disasters, but is also encouraging her fans to start visiting Japan again. Since the disasters, tourism in the country has dropped by almost 30% and the country’s economy is taking the hit.

Gaga told press at a news conference in Tokyo, “I would like to use my position here today and all week long to run around Tokyo and enjoy the beautiful city, and kiss all the beautiful little monsters and scream at the top of my lungs that everyone should visit this beautiful place.”

Josh Duhamel Raises Hometown Flood Awareness From Russia

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Josh Duhamel – in Russia for the premiere of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon – is doing his best to support victims of devastating floods in the town where he grew up.

Thousands of people in Minot, North Dakota, have been evacuated as flood waters create havoc.

“There are major evacuations… My sister’s gonna lose her house,” the actor told Entertainment tonight from Russia. “The town sits on two hills and in between those two hills is a big valley and everything inside that valley is gonna be gone and so I just want people to be aware that this is going on and if there’s anything they can do to help to donate money to the MinotRedCross.org.”

Niki Taylor Encourages Blood Donors

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Supermodel Niki Taylor marked World Blood Donor Day on Tuesday by appealing to people to give blood and use social networking sites to raise awareness.

The cause is one that is close to her heart – she was involved in a serious car accident in 2001, and needed 100 units of blood to save her life. She has since become a ambassador for the American Red Cross.

“I can tell you first-hand that when you donate blood, you are literally giving the gift of live to some in need,” she told Marie Claire. "I feel especially connected to World Blood Donor Day as a celebration of those who donate and help save lives.

Trace Adkins Urges Fans To Give To Charity Following Fire

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

In the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed his own home, country star Trace Adkins is urging fans to donate to the Red Cross to help those who he says are in more need – the survivors of floods and tornadoes that caused hundreds of deaths and millions of dollars worth of damage in the US over recent months.

“I have been blessed,” he says. "My kids are OK, my wife is OK. I have my guitar and my songs. Everything else can be replaced.

“Unfortunately, there are families out there who need help if they’re to rebuild after these recent storms. The American Red Cross was one of the first on the scene to help my family and, through their work, others will receive the assistance they need to get back on their feet.”

Photos: Stars Visit Red Cross Trend Lounge At MTV Movie Awards

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Celebrities were out in full force to lend a hand and raise awareness and money for the Red Cross at Melanie Segal’s “Prepare LA” Red Cross Trend Lounge in celebration of the MTV Movie Awards, on Friday June 3rd & Saturday June 4th in Beverly Hills.

Celebrities learned from the Red Cross how to prepare themselves for any disaster that may hit their own neighborhoods and spread the word to their fans. As a thank you, the celebs walked away with thousands of dollars in premium gifts from various companies.

Celebrities Design T-Shirts To Save Japan!

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

UNIQLO Stores, Save Japan! Project, Vogue Japan and GQ Japan have teamed up with international celebrities Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham, Cyndi Lauper, Orlando Bloom, Karl Lagerfeld, Charlize Theron, Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow and Alber Elbaz to create a line of Save Japan! T-shirts emblazoned with messages of support for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11.

Approximately 100 million yen raised through the sale of the Save Japan! T-shirts will be donated by UNIQLO to the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is helping with recovery efforts in affected areas in north-eastern Japan.

Each limited edition Save Japan! t-shirt is specially designed by a celebrity and features a personal message of support.

Country Music Stars Raise Cash For Storm Victims

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Last Thrusday, May 12, CMT premiered MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute concert special designed to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the special featured an urgent call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Media outlets including American Forces Network, CNN.com, multiple local TV affiliates and radio stations also simulcast MUSIC BUILDS, reaching tens of millions of viewers around the world.

Stars Unite For Japan With Charity Videos

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two months ago, Japan experienced a massive 9.0 earthquake and the devastating tsunami that followed. In response to this tragedy, actor Ken Watanabe launched www.uniteforjapan.org to rally people to donate funds for Japan’s relief effort through key organizations like the American Red Cross, Japan Society & Global Giving.

The impact of this natural disaster continues to be felt today by the people of Japan. Unite for Japan has launched two PSA videos featuring a special group of celebrities that came together to convey a very simple message: Unite for Japan.

Some of the stars who are featured in the PSAs are Paula Abdul, Ben Affleck, Zac Brown, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Damon, Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ayako Fujutani, Mikael Hafstrom, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Muramasa Kudo, Sharon Lawrence, John Legend, Richard Lewis, Rob Marshall, Hideki Matsui, Julian McMahon, Jennifer Morrison, Cillian Murphy, Amaury Nolasco, Apolo Ohno, Masi Oka, Robert Patrick, Katy Perry, Maggie Q, Zoe Saldana, William Shatner, Jake Shimabukuro, Cobie Smulders, Steph Song, Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Aisha Tyler and Mark Wahlberg.

Country Music Stars To Unite For Tornado Victims Tonight

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

CMT and its pro-social initiative CMT One Country will tonight air Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute celebrity charity concert special featuring a special call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins and more to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the fundraising special will air live from Nashville on Thursday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on CMT and will be simulcast on CMT.com. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert will highlight a number of regions affected by recent storm, tornado and flooding damage including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; Vidalia, La.; Memphis, Dyersburg and Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Raleigh, N.C. to name a few. In addition to performances, the special will include additional calls to action from Big Kenny, Carrie Underwood, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, Nicole Kidman, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and others. HLN will re-air the telecast Sunday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m., ET.

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.

David Spade And Charlie Sheen Help Tornado Victims

Wed, 04 May 2011 19:45:00 +0000

David Spade has made a charity donation of $200,000 to the American Red Cross to help those affected by the devastating spring storms in the US.

The American Red Cross issued the followed statement on the donation: “The American Red Cross is extremely grateful for this generous support from David Spade who, over the years, has selflessly donated his time, talent, and money to assist those in need. This contribution is vitally important as the Red Cross works around the clock to provide food, shelter, mental health counseling and other assistance to those in need in 11 states to help people devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes and floods.”

Alicia Silverstone Says No To Dog Wars App

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Alicia Silverstone has joined PETA’s campaign calling on all decent people to speak out against Dog Wars, Kage Games’ new app for Android in which players participate in a digital version of dogfighting.

Silverstone—along with thousands of other PETA members and supporters—is calling on Google and Kage Games to pull the violent game from the Android Marketplace on the grounds that it promotes an illegal activity in which dogs are starved, beaten, shot, and forced to rip each other to shreds. Dogfighting is a felony offense in all 50 states.

“When I read about the new game Dog Wars, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said in a letter. “As a mom-to-be and someone who has adopted and loved rescued pit bulls, I join PETA’s millions of members in imploring you to cancel this game immediately. If one dog dies as a result of this game, you will not forgive yourself.”

Celebrate Mother's Day With Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz, the leading destination for luxury online charity auctions, presents its 3rd Annual Charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction, featuring over 200 once-in-a-lifetime experiences and gifts with mom in mind, from the chance to meet Oprah Winfrey backstage at one the final tapings of The Oprah Winfrey Show to an afternoon with Barbra Streisand on the set of her newest film.

Proceeds directly benefit more than 75 nonprofit organizations around the world, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, The Art of Elysium, The FEED Foundation, After-School All-Stars, Red Cross, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Children Mending Hearts, Generation Rescue, Habitat For Humanity, Malaria No More and many more. Bidding is open now through May 6th at charitybuzz at www.charitybuzz.com/MothersDay2011.

Throughout the year, charitybuzz raises funds for causes ranging from natural disaster relief to global poverty prevention to access to the arts by auctioning one-of-a-kind experiences donated by socially conscious celebrities, athletes, artists, political leaders and pop culture icons. The charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction brings together the most coveted experiences in a customized collection of gifts that give back. Moms can mingle backstage with their favorite music artists, pose for a photo with their Hollywood heart-throbs, sneak onto the sets of their favorite TV shows, and everything in between.

25% Discount For Celebrity Charity Festival For Humanity Tickets

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The brand new 4-day music and art festival at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, New Jersey called the Festival for Humanity has announced headliners Good Charlotte, John Popper and the Duskray Troubadours, Third Eye Blind, From Good Homes, The New Pornographers, The Misfits, Sister Hazel, Cracker, Soul Asylum and many more!

The festival has been created and aims to benefit charities of suicide prevention, health and nutrition. Non-Profit organizations and companies participating are: 1-800 Suicide, Mad To Live, PostSecret, To Write Love on Her Arms, Keep-a-Breast, PETA, Invisible Children, American Red Cross, Oxfam, Vet2Vet, Feeding America, Abundant Farm Life, Celebrate The Children, and more. Purchase your tickets for 25% off with special discount code: “HOPE”. For tickets and more information, please go to www.festivalforhumanity.com.

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.

Lady Gaga To Perform At MTV Celebrity Charity Event In Japan

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

MTV Japan has announced that global superstar Lady Gaga will perform live at a special celebrity charity MTV event in Japan on Saturday, June 25.

Lady Gaga is the first performer to be announced for the MTV VIDEO MUSIC AID JAPAN, the tenth annual MTV Video Music Awards Japan (VMAJ) which is being staged as a live international music television event to benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

Hosted by Japanese pop sensation AKB48 and featuring live performances from international, regional and Japanese artists, the staging of MTV VIDEO MUSIC AID JAPAN will be the culmination of MTV Japan’s MUSIC OF HOPE campaign, the channel’s multiplatform response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Designed to inspire and rally young people to contribute time or funds to recovery and rebuilding efforts, MUSIC OF HOPE will feature inspirational music videos, live performances, artist interviews, exclusive news and stories about artists and young people who have been impacted by the disaster.

Red Cross Announces New Stars For National Celebrity Cabinet

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Five celebrities join the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need – down the street, across the country and around the world.

New members include talk show host and designer Nate Berkus, Emmy and Tony award winning performer Kristin Chenoweth, Latin star and multiple award winner Rogelio Martinez, award-winning country artist Darius Rucker, and Christian/Pop recording artist, Michael W. Smith.

With the addition of the five new members, the Red Cross now has 40 members on its National Celebrity Cabinet. This group of newcomers joins the National Celebrity Cabinet that also includes Josh Duhamel, Alyssa Milano, Greg Biffle, Pierce Brosnan, Jim Cantore, Jackie Chan, Chayanne, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Sara Evans, George Foreman, Leeza Gibbons, Amy Grant, Pat Green, Marcia Gay Harden, Patricia Heaton, Julianne Hough, Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Demi Lovato, Eli and Peyton Manning, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Phil McGraw, Nancy O’Dell, Masi Oka, Rascal Flatts, Amanda Peet, Sally Pressman, Elisabeth Rohm, Anika Noni Rose, Jane Seymour, Jimmy Smits, Raven Symone and Daddy Yankee.

Jack Johnson Headlines Celebrity Charity Concert For Japan

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Jack Johnson was joined on stage in Hawaii on Sunday, April 10, by a host of stars at a special celebrity charity concert for Japan.

The singer hit the stage with Willie Nelson, Michael McDonald and Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood for the Kokua For Japan gig, which raised $1.6 million for victims of the Japanese tsunami disaster.

“Kokua for Japan was truly a labour of love to show our care and concern for the people of Japan,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi of the Hawaiian branch of the American Red Cross. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that Hawaii’s people have shown today. Their compassion will give strength to humanitarian efforts in Japan as we help them recover from this terrible tragedy. We want to thank everyone involved in this event for their wonderful contribution to the cause of humanity.”