Look To The Stars News: Diamond Empowerment Fund

Russell Simmons Presents First Ever Diamond Charity Gala In London

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Following successful fundraising events in New York City, the Hamptons, Dallas and Las Vegas, the Diamond Empowerment Fund will present its first event in London at Altitude 360 on Monday, November 8.

DEF London: Diamonds In The Sky is a benefit cocktail party and auction that will bring together a unique mixture of the international diamond jewelry sector, London’s corporate, social and entertainment sectors, and DEF supporters. Honorary Event Chair Russell Simmons will honor two very special advocates for empowerment in Africa: Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of DeBeers Group, and Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered Bank.

Founded by Russell Simmons along with other individuals in the diamond and jewelry industries and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa, the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Based in the United States since its establishment in 2007, D.E.F. has two named beneficiary organizations, CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, both models for access to higher education in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Rachel Bilson Selects Bags For Charity Sale

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Rachel Bilson has teamed with Coach handbags to raise money for charity.

The star has selected three bags from Coach’s Poppy Collection to benefit The Art of Elysium, a charity that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to help youngsters with serious illnesses.

The actress chose a $398 day-to-night Poppy Sequin Spotlight purse, a cross-body evening Poppy Sequins Disco Bag for $148 and the $328 Poppy Leather Bella tote. All proceeds from the sale of the bags until July 28 will go to The Art of Elysium.

Kim Kardashian Blogs About Africa

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Kim Kardashian has blogged about her recent trip to Africa for Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund.

“The Diamond Empowerment Fund has brought us to Botswana to show us how the diamond industry has changed the life of the Botswana people,” she wrote. “I used to assume after watching the movie Blood Diamonds that diamonds were not acceptable to buy from Africa. However, it is the complete opposite! When diamonds are purchased, the whole country can survive! In Botswana there used to be 10 schools but the diamond industry has now funded 300 schools!”

After visiting a school for children of the miners, Kardashian – accompanied by boyfriend Reggie Bush and sister Khloe – visited the new African Leadership Academy.

Kim Kardashian Lands In Africa For Charity

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Kim Kardashian is currently in Africa on a charity mission.

“We’re [in] Africa for Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund,” blogged the star. “DEF is a non-profit organization that aims to empower disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource, through education. Some people online have been judging me for my charity work with the DEF. No charity work should ever be judged, it’s just wrong. We can all do something to help!”

Kardashian is being accompanied by boyfriend Reggie Bush and her sister Khloe.

Simmons Commits Money To Charity

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has revealed that he would rather give his fortune to people in need than spend it on himself.

The 51-year-old made the announcement at the annual BET awards held in Atlanta on Saturday.

“I’m not going to cut down on [my charities] so I can have another ride on a private plane,” said the producer, who took home the I Am Hip Hop icon award at the ceremony. “I want to make sure everyone keeps getting fed.”

Gisele Bundchen Auctions Diamonds For Empowerment Fund

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

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.

Hip Hop Royalty Auction “Crown Jewels” for Charity

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:30:00 +0000

On October 1, an unprecedented collection of jewelry from hip hop superstars will be auctioned by Phillips de Pury & Co., with a portion of proceeds benefitting Russell Simmons’ Rush Community Affairs.

The auction features such iconic pieces as Missy Elliot’s diamond, black diamond and gold turntable ring; Sean “Diddy” Combs’ diamond and platinum bracelet; and Lil’ Jon’s Guinness World Record-holding “Crunk Ain’t Dead” pendant, which weighs almost 12 pounds.

Of the 50 pieces included in the auction, a representative from the auction house says, “The artists are very tied into these pieces emotionally. That they consigned them over is a big statement.”

Celebrities Kept Busy With Charity Initiatives

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:34:00 +0000

Philanthropic celebrities have been more than busy lately, helping charities through a series of unique and exciting initiatives and events.

Although the current Hollywood writers’ strike is keeping the 2008 Academy Awards up in the air, model Heidi Klum has announced she will press ahead with her plans to donate the red dress she intends to wear at the Oscar ceremony to charity.

The donation is part of the “Red Dress Program”, an initiative between Diet Coke and the National Institutes of Health’s The Heart Truth to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

Celebrity Auctions For Christmas

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:34:00 +0000

As the clock counts down to Christmas, celebrities have been keeping busy and warm by signing as many different items as humanly possible and donating them to a plethora of auctions. The holiday season may be at fever pitch now, but there is certainly a wide range of gift ideas to ease the stress of last minute shopping.

The VH1 Holiday Auction is currently being held at www.vh1auctions.com, and includes a long list of memorabilia from the music industry. All proceeds from the auction will go to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, an initiative dedicated to restoring music programs in schools across the US.

Items up for grabs include a harmonica signed by Alice Cooper (which has already attracted bids of $250), signed photos of Aerosmith and Chris Cornell ($300), and a guitar personally autographed by Ryan Adams ($1500). Signed clothing is also big on the agenda, with a jacket from Snoop Dogg, a vest from Iggy Pop, and sneakers from Amy Winehouse.