Look To The Stars News: Habitat For Humanity

Ricky Martin Leads All-Star Cast To Raise Charity Cash For Haiti

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:30:00 -0000

It has been a busy few weeks for Ricky Martin – last Monday he presented government officials in Puerto Rico a study on human trafficking, and now he is fronting a campaign to help victims of the Haitian earthquake.

The She Bangs singer returned to his native country of Puerto Rico last week to urge the government to act on the human trafficking problem. He presented officials with a study carried out by his Ricky Martin Foundation that pinpoints the country as having a major role in the illegal sex and kidnapping trade.

“This is happening on our island,” he said. “We cannot turn our back on the victims.”

This week, the singer is fronting a campaign with Habitat For Humanity to help victims of the Haitian earthquake. He teamed up with a host of famous names – including Alicia Keys, Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria, Ryan Seacrest, Adam Lambert, Jimmy Fallon, Switchfoot, Linkin Park, Janet Jackson, Carrie Underwood and Dave Matthews – to produce a video to encourage people to give big to the Recovery Fund.

“Every aspect of people’s lives in Haiti has been disrupted, and in many cases, almost completely destroyed,” said Martin, who travelled to Haiti on January 19 to see the disaster firsthand. "Although hearts and homes are shattered, spirits aren’t broken. Meeting the families in Port Au Prince affected my soul and I knew I had to do all I could to protect the children.   

“So, just like we did after the tsunami in Thailand, the Ricky Martin Foundation partnered with Habitat for Humanity and created a long-term plan. We then reached out to the artistic community and asked people to join us in our call to action. The response was overwhelming―over twenty top musicians, artists and TV personalities helped us create the RMFHaiti video.

  "Please join us as we rebuild hope, rebuild homes and rebuild Haiti."

There are a number of ways you can help the campaign – through texting, donating and Twitter – and a number of celebrities involved in the video – including the Black Eyed Peas, Jada Pinkett Smith, Justin Bieber, Will Smith and many more – have autographed hardhats to be auctioned by Charity Buzz until March 9. Click here to access the auction.

Ricky Martin is also giving away VIP meet-and-greet passes to his concerts to people who make donations.

To find out more about Ricky’s initiative and how you can help, click here. To watch the all-star video, click here.

“Children and families impacted by this disaster will need long-term help restoring their lives—in every sense of the word. Every family is a family in need,” says Martin. “I’m asking each of you to think about the future of the children. What they will need to survive after they are properly fed and have received appropriate medical care is a safe and decent home.”

Download Music To Bring Relief To Haiti

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

In partnership with the United Nations Foundation, Habitat For Humanity and the Dave Matthews Band's Bama Works Fund Haitian relief effort, Music for Relief is working to provide immediate aid with food, water, and emergency medical supplies, and long-term sustainable housing solutions for the people affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th at 4:53pm.

To help, people can download a mixtape of nine original songs by Linkin Park, Slash, Alanis Morissette, Peter Gabriel, Hoobastank, The All-American Rejects, and Enrique Iglesias. There is no set price for the album. However, donate what you can and donate generously as this catastrophic natural disaster requires that the world step up to help.

Music for Relief is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception in 2005, Music for Relief has raised over $3 million for victims of multiple disasters across four continents and planted over 810,000 trees to help reduce global warming. Music for Relief was found by the band Linkin Park.

To find out more, go to MusicForRelief.org.

David Archuleta Tickets For Charity

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

David Archuleta is going on the road from November 27 to December 20 for his Christmas from the Heart Tour.

This 12-city tour is in support of his newly released Christmas album. He will be performing his hits, as well as some of his holiday favorites and an original piece, Melodies of Christmas.

Archuleta has teamed up with Tickets-for-Charity to offer a Charitable Sale program of great seats. Depending on the venue, with each ticket purchased there is a donation of between $20-$30 added to the price. Donations help support some of the world’s most respected charities, including Habitat For Humanity International and its work to eliminate poverty housing by providing simple, decent and affordable shelter.

Go to www.ticketsforcharity.com to purchase tickets.

Trisha Yearwood Builds Homes On Mother's Day

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

For the fourth time, Trisha Yearwood has signed on to Habitat For Humanity and set out to build homes for the homeless.

Encouraged and motivated from her previous Habitat experiences building walls in New Orleans, protective structures in Mississippi and putting up siding in California, she gathered her mother, sister and niece together to spend Mother’s Day building in Georgia for National Women Build Week, the 10-year-old project of Habitat For Humanity.

The week of May 2 to 10 saw 200 crews of women building in Oklahoma and Atlanta. Habitat For Humanity has built over 300,000 homes in America over the past 30 years, and women have provided the muscle for about 1,400 of them.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that is hands-on,” said Yearwood, answering questions in USA TODAY. “Habitat was always one of those things. It’s a physical labor project, yes – you’re very tired at the end of the day. But you feel like you’ve really done something.”

She also likes the personal aspect of working alongside the person whose house you’re building: “You almost feel guilty because you feel like you get more out of it than the people getting the house. I love that they say that they give a hand up, not a handout.”

90210 Stars Come Out For Habitat For Humanity

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It was a case of life imitating art for cast members of 90210 last Saturday, March 14, when they banded together for a Habitat For Humanity building project.

Cast members Shenae Grimes, Adam Gregory, Tristan Wilds, Dustin Milligan and Jessica Stroup helped the charity build its 100th house in Pacoima, California, and met with families from the community and their fans.

“Most people that live in America today are very blessed with a roof over their heads and a place to call home,” said cast member Rob Estes. “However, there are some families that for various circumstances need some help. Habitat for Humanity is a great organization that works with those families in need to help them get into a home, and teaches them skills to succeed economically. The Habitat build on March 14th [was] a great opportunity to get involved as a community, and teach young people the importance of caring for others and giving back.”

The build will be followed by an episode of 90210 to air on April 14, in which characters of the show spend their Spring Break volunteering for the organization.

Habitat for Humanity is especially pleased with reaching the 100th house milestone: “This achievement belongs to the commitment of thousands of volunteers, and countless supporters and donors over the last several years,” said Jack Shine, Habitat board chairman. “This includes many young people from our communities. We’ve made great progress, but there’s so much more to do.”

Jimmy Johnson To Host Night Of Champions

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra Johnson, will be hosting the ‘Night of Champions’ to benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation at (PIR) Phoenix International Raceway’s luxury lounge, Octane, on Thursday, April 16, to help children and families in Arizona and beyond.

‘Night of Champions’ gives fans the chance to mingle with Jimmy as well as participate in an exclusive charity auction during the event.

This is the second year in a row that that the track and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation have partnered for the April 16 NASCAR Camping World Series West race at PIR, which will be named the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 Presented by Shamrock Farms.

“I really give the track a lot of credit for this partnership idea,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way that we can raise awareness and funds for our foundation. At the same time, Chani and I are thrilled to be making a contribution to a very important local charity. We hope the children who benefit from the services of West Valley Child Crisis Center will have a chance to join us for a night of fun and racing at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.”

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation is dedicated to assisting children, families, and communities in need. The foundation aims to help everyone, especially children, pursue their dreams. The partner programs for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation include San Diego Habitat For Humanity, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Victory Junction Gang, and Phoenix-based Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

Tickets for the “Night of Champions” are currently available and include fine food and drink, an amazing view of the NASCAR Camping World Series West racing action at PIR, and a chance to meet one of NASCAR’s top stars, all while contributing to the health and wellness of children and families in need.

Stars Sign Hardhats For Charity Auction

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Habitat For Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has launched an online auction at Clothes Off Our Back featuring hardhats signed by celebrity volunteers and supporters of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity.

The hardhats are signed and decorated by music, television and film stars including: Green Day, Ricky Martin, Linkin Park, U2, Justin Timberlake, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and many more. The auction will run through March 6 with 100% of the proceeds helping to build more affordable homes in Greater Los Angeles.

“Through our non-profit organization, Music for Relief, and our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity we have had the opportunity to not only sponsor homes, but also to go and build the houses ourselves, and to meet the families that were moving into them," said Dave “Phoenix” Farrell of Linkin Park. “We hope this hardhat auction will raise awareness for Habitat’s mission and help raise funds for families in need.”

In 2007 Habitat for Humanity kicked off its “Building a Greater Los Angeles” campaign to build and renovate 250 more homes. In conjunction with the “Building a Greater Los Angeles” Gala held last fall, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity held a successful online auction with VIP experiences and signed memorabilia donated by celebrity supporters, which raised over $75,000. Following the success of the first online auction, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity began outreach to high profile supporters, as well as new supporters, who wanted to support Habitat’s mission which resulted in more than 70 signed hardhats. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver were among those who autographed hardhats to help kick off this auction.

“I have had the chance to personally give the keys to several families moving into homes sponsored by the Ricky Martin Foundation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an organization I’ve been involved with for many years. I’ve been fortunate enough to see with my own eyes the difference a home makes in the life of a child,” said Ricky Martin. “Now, by simply bidding on an item in an auction, you have the chance to change lives and build hope.”

“Los Angeles continues to rank last in housing affordability and this kind of support helps us raise awareness, as well as much needed funding, to help low income families live in safe, decent homes,” said Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. “These hardhats are very special as most were signed the day of an actual build and we are thrilled to receive these fun and generous donations.”

Other stars to sign the hard hats include: Chris Pine, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Gavin Rossdale, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Josh Groban, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ne-Yo, the Pussycat Dolls, Taylor Swift, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. A complete list of celebrity supporters of this auction can be found at the auction site.

Bob Hope Classic Attracts Celebrity Players

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Thirteen-time Pro Bowler and all-time leading NFL scorer Jerry Rice, legendary guitarist and Rock And Roll Hall of Fame member Stephen Stills, and actors Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Nash Bridges), Kyle Maclachlan (Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives), William Devane (24, The West Wing) and Bruce McGill (Animal House, The Legend of Bagger Vance) have joined the list of athletes and celebrities committed to playing in the 50th Bob Hope Classic Hosted by Arnold Palmer, Jan. 19-25, 2009.

Other celebrity participants for the Classic, a desert tradition since 1960, include former Major League Baseball and National Football League standout Bo Jackson, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman and 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria, famed musicians Huey Lewis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles), Josh Kelley and country singer Clay Walker, actors Kurt Russell, Chris O’Donnell, Thomas Gibson, Oliver Hudson and Jeffrey Donovan; actor/comedian Kevin Nealon, actor/game show host John O’Hurley, timeless New York Yankees baseball legend Yogi Berra, comedian Tom Dreesen, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and sportscaster Dan Fouts, Hall of Fame sportscaster Keith Jackson, television financial host Joe Kernen, Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and NFL analyst Sterling Sharpe, and former Vice President Dan Quayle. The celebrity field’s schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 21, SilverRock Resort; Thursday, Jan. 22, Bermuda Dunes Country Club; Friday, Jan. 23, Nicklaus Private at PGA West; Saturday, Jan. 24, Arnold Palmer Private at PGA WEST.

PGA TOUR professional D.J. Trahan will return to defend his 2008 Bob Hope Classic title, which he won by three strokes after firing a final-round, 7-under-par 65 to finish at 26-under 334 over 90 holes. All five days of The Classic will be televised on Golf Channel. At stake is a purse of $5.1 million, $918,000 to the winner.

Palmer, a sporting and Coachella Valley icon, played in the tournament 42 of its 50 years and is the only five-time champion, winning the inaugural tournament in 1960 and again in 1962, ’68, ’71 and ’73. He won a total of 62 PGA TOUR titles. The five-day Classic features 128 top PGA TOUR professionals and 384 amateur contestants, including a stellar list of 30 celebrities.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary tournament, the Bob Hope Classic’s host course will be the Palmer Private at PGA West. Other courses in the 2009 rotation include Bermuda Dunes Country Club, an original tournament course, La Quinta’s SilverRock Resort, which debuted in 2008, and the Nicklaus Private Course at PGA West, in the rotation for the first time.

In 49 years, the tournament has donated more than $45 million to charities throughout the Coachella Valley, including the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, Habitat For Humanity and many more. Tickets are only $25 per day, with several packages offering additional savings. For more information, go to www.bhcc.com

Ashton Kutcher Praises Demi Moore's Compassion

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ashton Kutcher has spoken to Tyra Banks about what he finds beautiful about his wife, Demi Moore.

“I think the most beautiful quality that she has is just her capacity to give to others,” said the 30-year-old star. “She’s always thinking about somebody else… The first moment I recognized her beauty was just listening to her talk to her daughters, my stepdaughters over the phone. The compassion she shares. To me was breathtaking. It was the first time I realized how special she was in that moment.”

Both Kutcher and Moore are well known for their charity work, and spent a week together in Central America last year building homes for the disadvantaged. In 2006, Kutcher announced he would donate one dollar to Habitat For Humanity for each of the first 50,000 MySpace users who add him as a friend. The pair also attended Madonna's gala event at UN Headquarters for Raising Malawi last year.

Brooks And Dunn Carry On Despite Cancellation

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The charity golf tournament organized by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn has been cancelled – but that won’t stop the sports stars from carrying out their charity work.

The event was to take place later in January, but the failing economy has taken its toll.

“We had been fortunate in securing just over $100,000 in sponsorships; however, we were still short of our goal of $200,000,”said Natalie Boe, executive director for the Warrick Dunn Foundation. “Their concern was that with only six weeks to go before the event — and two of those weeks being holiday weeks, with a lot of people not having their budgets re-evaluated for January — we were afraid we wouldn’t get that commitment for the event.”

However, both Brooks and Dunn will be raising money for the Warrick Dunn Foundation and the Derrick Brooks Charities in different ways – Dunn will be part of SuperBuild, an NFL-endorsed initiative to erect six Habitat For Humanity homes in the days leading up to Super Bowl, and Brooks will be part of the Ebony Fashion Fair, a fashion show at the Tampa Theatre. Tickets to the event are $35 at www.derrickbrookscharities.org, and info about SuperBuild can be found at www.habitatsuperbuild.com.

Steve Earle To Play Charity Concerts

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Steve Earle is to feature at the annual Christmas Jam to raise money for Habitat For Humanity.

The Grammy award-winning singer will join stars such as Travis Tritt and Joan Osborne over two nights at the Asheville Civic Center Arena, December 12 & 13.

“Christmas Jam started 20 years ago as an opportunity for local musicians to jam at the one time of year they were all in town at the same time,” said concert organizer, Warren Haynes. “Back then, we gave the money to whatever charity we felt like. As the event grew and we became aware of Habitat For Humanity, we settled on them because we believe in the organization and know the money goes where its supposed to.”

Earle – a regular performer at the Farm Aid concerts over the years – will also play a charity gig for Rock For Reading in Chicago this Saturday, November 22.

Rock For Reading is an organization that uses concerts to raise money to motivate and empower people to learn to read.

Tickets to the Christmas Jam are available through their website, and more information about the Rock For Reading concert can be found here.

Taylor Swift Teams With Def Leppard For TV Gig

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

On October 6, a very special fusion of musical styles will take place in Nashville when teen country sensation Taylor Swift joins with classic British rockers Def Leppard for a one-off gig for TV. And although the event is invitation-only and closed to the public, they really want you to be there.

Swift and the Leppards have organized a charity auction that will let two couples attend the taping of Crossroads, with proceeds going to Country Music Television’s (CMT) One Country charity, Hands On Nashville.

“Every time I’ve seen ‘Crossroads’ on CMT I’ve always thought, ‘If I ever get to do one of those, it HAS to be with Def Leppard!,’ so this is really a dream come true for me,” said Swift. “I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years so it’s amazing that I’m going to get to share a stage with them this year!”

Led by Advisory Board members former President Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and Gen. Colin Powell, CMT One Country offers tools that enable virtually anyone to start making a difference immediately. They also celebrate the accomplishments of everyday heroes and showcase other nonprofit partners – including Second Harvest, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, the USO, and Habitat For Humanity – working to keep America great.

According to CMT executive vice president and general manager Brian Philips, “CMT will enlighten our fans and inspire them to take action in the places where they live. With the help of our biggest stars, we’ll reinforce the messages that resonate in so much of CMT’s music. We know our viewers care deeply about the needs of their neighbors. One Country will make it easy for them to help.”

The auction, which runs until October 2, can be accessed via the CMT Auctions website.

Demi And Ashton Lend A Hand For Homes

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Demi Moore and husband Ashton Kutcher have just returned from a week building homes for the disadvantaged in Central America, following in the footsteps of Moore’s teenage daughter.

According to Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper, the 45-year-old star of Indecent Proposal spent a week in Guatemala’s slums digging foundations and shifting bricks.

“They were working… for a charity that helps indigenous organic farmers,’ said a source from the newspaper. "Demi’s daughter, Scout Willis, went out to do the project a while ago. Demi and Ashton were actually building houses with tin roofs and shlepping breeze blocks in the midday sun. Ashton’s father is a carpenter so he has experience."

16-year-old Scout Willis is actively involved in a number of charities, including Habitat For Humanity, the ONE Campaign, Save the Children, and her father's Bruce Willis Foundation.

Andy Roddick To Hold Charity Weekend

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tennis champ Andy Roddick is to hold the 8th annual Andy Roddick Foundation Weekend in December.

To be held over two days – December 6 and 7 – at the Boca Pointe Country Club, the event will kick off with a special gala and cocktail reception, featuring a dinner and live auction. But it is Sunday’s events that will stir up the most interest with tennis fans: the day will begin with nine lucky people having the chance to play Pro-Am Doubles with some of the world’s top ranked tennis players. For younger fans, a special Andy Roddick Kid’s Zone will be set up, which will include sumo-wrestling, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall, tennis activities, music and more. At 1 pm will be the highlight of the day: a Pro-Celebrity Tennis Exhibition, featuring Roddick, and Men’s Doubles champs Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan.

Roddick established the Andy Roddick Foundation to raise funds for institutions that care for children who are neglected, abused, at risk or with catastrophic illnesses – and with both Elton John and Lance Armstrong on its Board of Directors, the foundation is well-known for its fundraising ability.

This year’s Andy Roddick Foundation Weekend will benefit a number of charities close to the tennis star’s heart, including Habitat For Humanity, Kids in Distress, Here’s Help, Deliver the Dream, and many more.

Courtside tickets to December 7’s exhibition match are $100 each; VIP Canopy tickets are $75 each; Reserved tickets are $50 each; and General Admission tickets are $25 each. Children, under age 12, are complimentary in the Reserved and General Admission sections only and receive a free gift when accompanied by a paid adult. To book tickets – which go on sale on August 4 – visit www.andyroddick.com.

Switchfoot Kicks Off Habitat For Humanity Auction

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

An exciting new charity auction featuring Switchfoot, Third Day, Jars Of Clay, and Robert Randolf and the Family Band has kicked off on eBay.

Through a program run by Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity, proceeds from the auction will benefit Habitat For Humanity local affiliates in cities where the Music Builds Tour will play this summer and fall. Launched in 2000 with a 20 house “blitz build”, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity (HFHFH) is an entertainment industry partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Actors, screenwriters, musicians, agents, directors, producers, studio executives and label executives are among the thousands of volunteers who have helped build homes for people in need, in the United States and around the world.

The winner in each city will receive two premium tickets to the show, a private meet and greet with the bands, tour merchandise, and an autographed copy of the new Third Day album “Revelation” (on-sale July 29).

HFHFH was founded by Screenwriter/Director Randall Wallace (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers) to support Habitat for Humanity’s goal of eliminating substandard housing by making decent, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action. Participants support the work through donations, volunteer hours and advocacy. HFHFH works in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles to help HFHFH volunteers connect donors and supporters to Habitat for Humanity’s work around the globe.

“We dreamed up The Music Builds Tour along with a few friends of ours whose main commonality is a dream to see this world change for the better,” said Chad from Switchfoot. “Different bands, different backgrounds, one goal: A traveling festival to raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. We think very highly of the people who listen to our music. We are grateful for the open minded audience who have embraced our songs and allowed us to push the boundaries of where the music can go. We invite you to put differences in musical taste aside and focus on our commonalities: we all want to see this world change for the better. We hope that you’ll come with us on this next part of the journey and get involved in something much bigger than ourselves.”

The tour will visit the following cities:

8/21 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy
8/22 – Indianapolis, IN – Verizon
8/23 – Chicago, IL – Charter One Pav
9/07 – W Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amp
9/11 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music
9/12 – VA Beach, VA – Verizon Wireless
9/13 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC
9/14 – Washington, DC – Nissan Pavilion
9/18 – Birmingham, AL – Verizon Wireless
9/19 – Raleigh, NC – Walnut Creek
9/20 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amp
9/21 – Nashville, TN – Sommet Center
9/25 – Phoenix, AZ – Cricket Pav
9/26 – Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless
9/27 – San Diego, CA – Coors Amp
9/28 – Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train
10/02 – Dallas, TX – Superpages.com
10/03 – Houston, TX – CWM Pavilion
10/04 – San Antonio, TX – Verizon Wireless
10/05 – Oklahoma City, OK – Ford Center
10/10 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
10/11 – Kansas City, KS – Starlight Amp
10/12 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green

The auction, which runs until July 18, can be accessed via eBay.

Bon Jovi Gives Hope To Those Living On A Prayer

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi was in Detroit’s East Side on Monday to announce the building of five new homes as part of a partnership between his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Habitat For Humanity, and local retailers Saturn.

The homes – which are only a few of the 100 planned by Habitat for Humanity in the next few years – will be built by November, and Bon Jovi is extremely excited about the prospect of helping people in the area.

“We really want to revitalize the neighborhood…so that the kids can play in these streets,” he said. “That’s what America is all about.”

The 46-year-old singer began working with Habitat for Humanity in 2005 and has made it his mission to draw attention to the need for affordable housing nationwide through his Soul Foundation – named after the arena football team he co-owns, the Philadelphia Soul.

“The Soul Foundation has really differentiated itself from other sports teams both in Philadelphia and around the nation by making community a huge part of its mission statement,” he said.

Bon Jovi was in Detroit to play a concert at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Monday night as part of the band’s “Lost Highway” tour.

“I wanted to give something back to you,” the singer told the crowd that gathered at the site of the new homes just before he left. “But I have to go to my day job now.”

John McEnroe To Sell Andy Warhol Painting For Charity

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former tennis star John McEnroe is selling an Andy Warhol portrait of himself and ex-wife Tatum O’Neal for charity next week.

The portrait – painted in 1986 when McEnroe paid over $30,000 at a charity auction to have his image captured by the artist – is expected to raise at least $687,000 at Sotheby’s in London on July 1, with proceeds going to Habitat For Humanity.

The acrylic on silkscreen portrait was painted from a photo Warhol took of the pair at their house – an event McEnroe wrote about in his 2002 autobiography: ``Was I overly impressed? A bit star-struck? Maybe. Maybe Tatum was too. It’s a funny thing when two well-known people meet: There’s an immediate magnetism, because you seem to have so many things in common — not least of which is that you both instantly feel liberated from what the rest of the world usually demands.’’

The sale will be part of Sotheby’s contemporary art auction that will be held during the second week of the Wimbledon tennis championships. The painting can be viewed at Sotheby’s website.

Scout Willis In Action

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:16:25 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Scout Willis, 16-year-old daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, is spending her spring break building houses for the needy in Guatemala.

No stranger to charitable causes, Scout has been involved in fund raising activities for Habitat For Humanity, Save the Children and ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History. She is also an advocate and active participant in her dad’s Bruce Willis Foundation, an organization aimed at helping kids to express themselves creatively to reach their full potential.

At one fundraising event, Bruce said, “My daughters and I have been moved by the recent tragedies that have impacted our nation, and they have shown us that now is a time to react and support those in need. … the Bruce Willis Foundation will reach into the community and educate young people on how they too can make a difference.”

Part of that is raising awareness of charities dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. For Scout, another part of that is heading to Guatemala to build communities.

Michael Jordan And Friends Help Damaged Boys' And Girls' Club

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:41:22 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Jordan Brand, a division of Nike, has tipped off the NBA All Star festivities in New Orleans with class by donating $500,000 to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana's Slidell Unit. Basketball legend Michael Jordan and All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul were joined by more than 250 community leaders and New Orleans-area youth for the official dedication and check presentation ceremony.

“The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America has been a visible contributor to the families and children of New Orleans, during and post Hurricane Katrina,” said Jordan. “Slidell is a community that has been somewhat overlooked in recovery efforts, and we are proud to aid with its rebuilding and leave a lasting legacy for the community.”

The Slidell Boys & Girls Club was one of 16 Gulf region Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs damaged in Hurricane Katrina. The location was completely gutted, and the facilities were in ruins. But the Jordan Brand donation is about to change that, as the hefty donation is earmarked towards the construction of a new state-of-the-art gymnasium named after Jordan Brand. The facility will be complete with a professional basketball court, scoreboard, and bleachers to be used by the children of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club and other related community groups.

“On behalf of the people of Slidell and the parish of St. Tammany Parish, we’d like to thank the Jordan Brand for their generous contribution,” said Johnny
DiBartolo, president of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club of Southeast Louisiana. “With significant donations from partners like Jordan Brand, we are confident that the Slidell Boys and Girls Club will help our children continue to grow, learn, develop, and improve their lives and surroundings.”

Jordan Brand believes that physical activity plays a vital role in building character in youth, and donations back up their beliefs. In 2006, Jordan Brand donated $450,000 to Habitat For Humanity to aid in the rebuilding efforts in Louisiana. By auctioning off 21 pairs of Michael Jordan autographed AIR JORDAN shoes to raise the funds, the money helped rebuild homes in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans.

Musicians Start The Year With Generosity

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:45:39 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2008 has only just begun, but already celebrities are straining at the leash to spread generosity among those who need it. And a host of musicians have kicked off the year with donations and events to raise money and awareness for a number of good causes.

Pop group OK Go are set to release a charity EP on iTunes on February 5, with all proceeds going to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 5-song release, “You’re Not Alone”, will coincide with Mardi Gras 2008, and will benefit New Orleans-based musicians displaced by the 2005 disaster.

“New Orleans is one of the last places in America where music is truly a fundamental part of everyday life,” said OK Go singer Damian Kulash, whose hits include “A Million Ways” and “Here It Goes Again”. “People get together on the weekends and parade through the streets just playing songs; 12-year-old-kids learn funk on the tuba; everyone dances. Life elsewhere in the world simply isn’t as celebratory. If we allow the culture of New Orleans to die by leaving its musicians marooned around the country, America will have lost one of its great treasures.”

iTunes has agreed to waive all proceeds from EP sales, and digital distribution powerhouse IODA will promote it free of charge. In addition, free freight shipping is to be provided by EFM Worldwide/Horizon Cargo, and Music Travel Management has contributed free airfare for the band to play two benefit shows – January 11 at Tipianas, New Orleans, and February 2 at The 9:30 Club in Washington DC.

Rockers Switchfoot have also been on the charity trail recently, and have raised over $100,000 for Habitat For Humanity. The band donated $1 from every ticket sold during their Appetite For Construction tour to the organization, and also spent time working alongside volunteers for the charity during some of their stopovers.

Country singer and Grammy nominee Taylor Swift is another celebrity to show her generous side recently, when she donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang.

“[The organization] has camps all over the country for children who are sick,” said the 18-year-old singer. “For one week they can forget they’re sick and just have a blast and hang out with other people they can relate to. They look forward to it, and I love that cause.”

The Victory Junction Gang will use the truck to pick up children from the airport and give them a fun ride to the camp.

Swift will also perform at Nashville’s Sound and Speed event, the NASCAR and country music celebration to be held on January 11 and 12 to benefit the Victory Junction Gang. She will officially hand the keys of the truck over to NASCAR driver and organization founder Kyle Petty during the event. More information can be found at www.victoryjunction.org.

Singer and founder of the Show Me Campaign, John Legend, will join Earth Institute director Jeffrey Sachs for an evening of information, discussion, and music at Columbia University on January 28, as part of the Show Me Poverty Action Tour. The evening hopes to stimulate people to actively work to overcome global poverty, and more information can be found at the University website.

Pop group the Barenaked Ladies are to play at the North American Auto Show’s annual black-tie charity gala at Cobo Arena, Detroit, on January 18. The $400 ticket price will benefit a host of local children’s charities, including Barat Child and Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children's Center, and the Detroit Institute for Children. Proceeds will go towards goods, clothing, and health and support services for needy children. Tickets and information can be found at www.naias.com.

And finally, February 25 will see a charity concert commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in US history.

The concert will be held at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and will feature Twisted Sister, Tesla, Stryper, as well as members of Staind, Boston, and Chicago.

The show has been organized by the Wake Up To Love Foundation, founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta, and proceeds will go to the Station Family Fund, an organization set up by the community to assist victims of the fire. 100 people were killed in the blaze, with another 200 seriously injured, and 65 children lost either one or both parents. Survivors still struggle for compensation and support, and many are unable to meet their monthly needs.

Tickets for the show are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Jerry Lewis Tops Charity Survey

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:48:18 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A survey has named comedy actor Jerry Lewis as the most effective celebrity for charity causes, with 43% of those surveyed saying he is the best at raising funds and driving change for the issues he supports.

The survey, carried out by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, put the 81 year old veteran of movies including “The Nutty Professor” at the top of a list of ten philanthropic celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, and Rosie O'Donnell.
Jerry Lewis helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I’m always honored and humbled by the response of the American people to my efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Lewis, who will host the 42nd Labor Day Telethon on September 2 and 3. “Their generosity has allowed us to provide important services and conduct vital research for 57 years.”

The survey also investigated the issues that Americans find most important. The results showed that causes to help children and animals are the most popular, followed by education and literacy, services for the elderly, religion, health and medicine, the environment, and aid for disabled people.

Respondents of the survey aged between 18 and 42 were more interested in international causes, and were more likely to be influenced by celebrities such as Oprah and Bono, who work with developing countries to ease poverty. Respondents over the age of 43 were influenced more by older celebrities, such as Bill Gates, who supports health and education issues, and Jimmy Carter, who works with Habitat For Humanity.
42% of those surveyed said they want to donate more time to charity, but cannot find the opportunity.

Celebrities Play Bingo For Charity

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:29:17 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British pop star Robbie Williams is one of a host of celebrities involved with Legendary Bingo, a weekly fundraising event held in Los Angeles. The singer was part of a charity evening earlier in August, held at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grill, with proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

The evening was a colorful and fun affair, with Williams winning the grand prize – a Diane Merrick leopard-print handbag. The following week, it was Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines' turn to play the game.

“She asked if we would consider doing a wild bingo night for one of her favorite charities,” said Jeffery Bowman, producer of the Legendary Bingo events. “She was one of the most normal, nicest people I’ve ever met.”

Proceeds from that evening went to the Voice For The Animals Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, advocacy, and legislation. Maines had so much fun that she is already in negotiations to be involved in another Legendary Bingo event for charity.

Legendary Bingo was started by Bowman in 1998, as a fundraising event for AIDS projects in Los Angeles. It proved so popular that within a few months it was benefiting a different charity every week, including Habitat For Humanity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Caring For Babies With Aids, and the American Cancer Society. Before long, celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Courteney Cox, Daryl Hannah, and Tori Spelling also started to get involved, both as players and ball-callers.

Legendary Bingo has raised over $1.5 million for local and national charities and the arts since its inception.

Oprah Tops Celebrity Philanthropy A-List

Sat, 12 May 2007 08:24:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A list of the 30 largest public donations made by celebrities in the past year puts Oprah in the top spot.

The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and advises on celebrity philanthropy, compiles its list each year. President Marc Pollick said, “Encouragement-by-example is the main reason for the Giving Back 30 list.”

Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah's Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy.

Of the other celebrities high on the list, Barbra Streisand was in fourth spot, having given $11.75 million through her Streisand Foundation.

Tiger Woods took fifth place, giving $9.5 million to organisations including the Tiger Woods Learning Center funded by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Giving Back’s Marc Pollick praised an increasing trend in celebrity donations, saying, “Ten years ago when Slate magazine first published the Slate 60 reporting on the most generous American philanthropists, the last donor on their list gave $5 million. This year the last donor donated $30 million to charity. This is the type of growth we are hoping to inspire within the sports and entertainment community. One cannot help but be influenced by the generosity of his or her peers.”

The full list and information about how it was compiled can be found at givingback.org. This site has previously reported on many of the list’s featured celebrities and their donations; a comprehensively linked version of the list appears below:

Position	Celebrity	Donation	Cause(s)
1	Oprah Winfrey	$58,300,000	Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, Oprah's Angel Network, and other groups
2	Geoffrey Beene	$44,000,000 (bequest)	Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
3	Jack and Marie Lord	$40,000,000 (bequest)	Hawaii Community Foundation
4	Barbra Streisand	$11,750,000	Streisand Foundation, numerous civil liberties, environmental, and civil rights organizations “dedicated to democratic values”
5	Tiger Woods	$9,500,000	Tiger Woods Learning Center, Earl D. Woods Sr. Scholarship Fund, and other Tiger Woods Foundation programs
6	Rosie O'Donnell	$5,700,000	Katrina Relief efforts including Renaissance Village (a temporary shelter for Katrina victims), day care centers, a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, and a Habitat For Humanity sub division in Baton Rouge
7	Martha Stewart	$5,000,000	New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital for a center on healthy aging
8	Carmelo Anthony	$4,282,000	CAF Youth Center in Baltimore, AAU Basketball, Syracuse University Recreational Center, and other charities
9	Pat Boone & Shirley Boone	$3,000,000	Pepperdine University for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology Center for the Family
9	LeRoy Neiman	$3,000,000	The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to support a Master’s class in figure drawing
11	Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt	$2,415,000	School and Community Center in Swakopmund in Namibia, Daniel Pearl Foundation, Namibian hospitals, Doctors Without Borders, Global Action for Children and others
12	Nicolas Cage	$2,000,000	Amnesty International for a fund to help child soldiers
12	Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”) and Dany Garcia Johnson	$2,000,000	University of Miami to name new Alumni Center living room
12	Paul McCartney	$2,000,000	Adopt-A-Minefield
12	Arnold Palmer	$2,000,000	Pledged to the Arnold Palmer Foundation ultimately to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
16	David Geffen	$1,600,000	David Geffen Foundation
17	Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol	$1,300,000	The Gunnery to help pay for a new dormitory in memory of their son Teddy killed in a plane crash
18	Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg	$1,250,000	Boston University to renovate facilities
19	Andre Agassi	$1,070,000	Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
20	Tiki and Ronde Barber and family	$1,000,000	University of Virginia to support the McIntire School of Commerce, the Virginia Athletics Foundation, Childrens Hospital, a scholarship fund for African-American students, the Young Alumni Council, and to challenge young alumni to participate in the capital campaign
20	Bob Barker	$1,000,000	Georgetown University to endow a fund at its law school that will focus on the study of animal rights
20	Gloria Estefan	$1,000,000	The Miami Project
20	Dr. Phil McGraw & Robin McGraw	$1,000,000	Dr. Phil Foundation
20	George Steinbrenner & family	$1,000,000	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Boshamer Stadium for baseball
20	Tony Stewart	$1,000,000	Victory Junction Gang Camp
20	Denzel Washington	$1,000,000	Save Africa's Children
27	Mike Sexton	$560,000	Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Children, Inc., Wounded Warrior Project, Ohio State University, and other charities
28	Lance Armstrong	$500,000	Lance Armstrong Foundation
28	Dolly Parton	$500,000	Fort Sanders Medical Center
28	Elizabeth Taylor	$500,000	New Orleans AIDS Task Force to purchase mobile medical unit for AIDS sufferers in New Orleans

The Hollywood Cookbook Launch Party

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:32:59 -0000

Written by Charles Harder

Stars and food converged at Kitchen Academy in Hollywood last night for a party launching The Hollywood Cookbook — a beautiful 271-page hardcover collection of sumptuous recipes, each accompanied by a large photo, from the personal kitchens of 20 celebrities and 6 world-class chefs. Five dollars from each purchase benefits 20 important charities dear to the hearts of the celebrity contributors.

The cookbook covers the spectrum of food and beverage, from appetizers, soups and salads, to main courses, desserts, and even cocktails. Michael J. Fox's Barn Dance Chicken, and Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford's Savory Fall Stew are just two of the 107 creative and simple dishes that can be duplicated in any kitchen regardless of culinary skill level. Chefs Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Joachim Splichal, Nick Stellino, Michael Cimarusti and Rocco DiSpirito also contributed recipes to the book.

At the event, the students of Kitchen Academy prepared and served 20 recipes featured in the cookbook, each one tastier than the last. This reporter’s favorite: Door Knob Sweet Potato Balls (an appetizer) from designer Paige Hemmis of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Yum!

Chef Jamie Gwen’s movie-star looks and talk-show host’s presence kept attendees laughing and entertained as the event’s emcee. The evening included a cooking demonstration by actor Greg Grunberg, and an informal awards ceremony. Eric Close of TV’s Without a Trace gave a heartfelt tribute to his charity, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, which pairs abused children with rescued horses and adult leaders at 24 wilderness ranches around the U.S. and Canada, to help restore the heart, soul, mind and strength of the kids.

Written by screenwriter Jackie Zabel and actress Morgan Most, and published by Silverback Books, The Hollywood Cookbook is a perfect holiday gift (retails for $35, but presently is featured at Amazon.com for only $23). The event was co-sponsored by Maurice Le Croix Swiss Watches and The Kitchen Academy.

Celebrities & Charities: Thora Birch (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Michael Chiklis (The Children's Lifesaving Foundation), Eric Close (Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch), Mark Dacascos (Reel Angels), James Denton (Cure Autism Now), Michael J. Fox & Tracy Pollan (The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research), Afton Fraser & Brendan Fraser (P.S. ARTS), Greg Grunberg (Pediatric Epilepsy Project), Anne Hathaway (Lollipop Theater Network), Paige Hemmis (Habitat For Humanity), Ron Howard (Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America), Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford (Clothes Off Our Back), Esai Morales (TreePeople), Don Most (City of Hope), Bob Saget (Scleroderma Research Foundation), Marlo Thomas (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital), Kerry Washington (Step Up), Treat Williams (Save the Children), Alicia Witt (The Art of Elysium), and Kelly Wolf & Scott Wolf (Camp Heartland).

Bon Jovi Works to Provide Affordable Housing in Philadelphia

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 02:16:00 -0000

Written by Robert Powers

Earlier this month rocker Jon Bon Jovi, standing alongside former President Bill Clinton, announced the proposed renovation and rebuilding of fifteen abandoned row houses in North Central Philadelphia.

The newly refurbished homes are to be part of the charitable initiative “Phase V Homeownership Project”, which will work to provide affordable and environmentally-friendly quality housing to first-time homeowners that might otherwise go homeless.

The project represents the flagship initiative of the newly formed Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and involves the efforts of Saturn, Habitat For Humanity, and Project HOME as cooperating partners.

The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation will finance the project with Saturn who is also ensuring that the homes are eco-friendly, Habitat for Humanity will oversee construction of the homes, and Project HOME will assist prospective homeowners with the training of skills required of homeownership.

Bon Jovi, who was also recently made Habitat for Humanity’s first ever Habitat Ambassador, has himself pledged $450,000 to the project.

“It is my sincere and heartfelt desire not to let neighborhoods deteriorate any further,” he said during a press conference to mark the start of the project.

In May of this year Bon Jovi was given the HELP Heroes Award by HELP USA, a charitable organization that works to assist the country’s homeless, during a tribute dinner that also honored director Martin Scorsese. More recently, he was presented with the City of Brotherly Love Award by Philadelphia mayor John F. Street.

“It gives me great joy,” Bon Jovi has said of doing work for charity, “There’s just too many haves and have-nots in the country.”

Kutcher and 50,000 Friends Help Habitat For Humanity

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 22:43:41 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Ashton Kutcher announced today that he will donate one dollar to Habitat For Humanity for each of the first 50,000 MySpace users who add him as a friend. His official MySpace page launched earlier today, and Kutcher has chosen this opportunity to make a difference for those in need.

Habitat For Humanity International helps build houses for people around the world, and invites volunteers to join them through their Global Village Program.

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