Look To The Stars News: Virgin Unite

Richard Branson And Bill Clinton Help Launch Haiti Forest Initiative

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, founder of Yunus Social Business, Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Unite, and U.S. President Bill Clinton, founder of the Clinton Foundation, announced last Sunday the launch of a new social initiative called Haiti Forest.

The partnership aims to solve social and environmental problems in Haiti by bringing sustainable, productive and socially responsible forests to the country.

Ten thousand hectares of land are being promised by the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment to develop the new, bold Haiti Forest Initiative in the Artibonite and northern part of the country. Haiti Forest has full support of the Government of Haiti and is in line with the priorities of the Government to support long-term reconstruction efforts, especially those that create jobs and promoting economic opportunities. The multi-year project will provide affordable food, timber, and employment in Haiti, and will be organized as a Social Business – a company set-up for maximizing social benefit rather than private profit.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9879-richard-branson-and-bill-clinton-help-launch-haiti-forest-initiative

Keep A Child Alive Black Ball REDUX Raises $2.9 Million

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Keep A Child Alive CEO Peter Twyman has announced that the Black Ball REDUX, held last week at “Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater,” raised over $2.9 million – funds that will go to providing lifesaving HIV treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

The event honored the incomparable Oprah Winfrey and Grammy Award-winning Beninoise singer-songwriter and activist Angelique Kidjo for their philanthropic contributions in Africa and worldwide and was emceed by Whoopi Goldberg.

With performances by Alicia Keys, Angelique Kidjo, Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Hudson and Brittany Howard of the band Alabama Shakes, the event evoked the dynamism of Modern Africa, paying tribute to the empowerment of women and the promise of an AIDS-free Africa.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9408-keep-a-child-alive-black-ball-redux-raises-29-million

Tennis Stars To Play At Pro-Am On Richard Branson's Necker Island

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:45:00 +0000

UNICEF ambassador for Serbia, five-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia has entered the 2012 Necker Cup, the world’s most exclusive Pro-Am, to be held on Sir Richard Branson ’s private island Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands Dec. 9-13 .

Amateurs can book a space in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800.376.0975 or visiting www.neckercup.com. You can also win a place directly into the Necker Cup by winning the Life Time Necker Cup Challenge, to be run in eight markets across the US. In addition, you can register to play in the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Legends Tennis Camp at www.neckercup.com/legends, which will take place at the same time nearby at the world-renowned resort at Virgin Gorda and will be hosted by Grand Slam doubles winners, Bob and Mike Bryan.

Each evening will end with a unique cocktail and dinner experience concluding with an “End of the World” awards dinner, party and auction on Dec. 12 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay where the Legends Tennis Camp participants will have a chance to meet with Sir Richard and mingle with the past and current tennis stars. One hundred percent of all donations from the auction will directly benefit the local BVI community, Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation and other ATP and WTA player charities.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9162-tennis-stars-to-play-at-pro-am-on-richard-bransons-necker-island

Richard Branson Announces Winners At Charity Summit

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000

From more than 500 inspirational entries, Sir Richard Branson and his non profit foundation Virgin Unite have announced that the global winner of the 2012 ‘Screw Business As Usual’ competition is Raise5, a new fundraising platform that creatively uses free time and talents to raise money for charity.

Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver
Credit/Copyright: Alex Warren (alex@lineupmedia.co.uk)

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8375-richard-branson-announces-winners-at-charity-summit

Richard Branson To Screw Business As Usual With Jamie Oliver

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson will soon be helping Jamie Oliver in the kitchen (well, just lending a hand with the starters!) when they team up for the Screw Business As Usual Summit on May 14th at Jamie’s Flagship restaurant, Fifteen London.

Sir Richard and Jamie are inviting guests to attend the special event to raise awareness for their foundations, Virgin Unite and the Jamie Oliver Foundation. All the money raised from ticket sales will go directly back into the continued support of the two charities, which are both helping to create jobs and opportunities around the world and are also challenging social and environmental problems in an entrepreneurial way.

As well as enjoying dinner, guests will also get to meet a host of top business leaders who will be speaking about how businesses can really ‘Screw Business As Usual’. Guest speakers will include Jochen Zeitz, CEO Sport & Lifestyle division and CSO of PPR and Chairman of the Board of PUMA and John Bird, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Big Issue, and many others.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8291-richard-branson-to-screw-business-as-usual-with-jamie-oliver

Jewel Supports Give A Drop Campaign

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Sending aid to Africa only takes a quick text message. Simply text DROP to 85944 on any U.S mobile phone and you can automatically donate $5 to the Give A Drop campaign.

Give A Drop is a partnership between Jewel's Project Clean Water charity, VOSS Artesian Water from Norway and Richard Branson's Virgin Unite that was created to address the worldwide water problem and bring solutions to areas with no access to clean water. The campaign benefits the Voss Foundation with donations going to support building wells and clean water access points in Sub-Saharan Africa.

There are more than 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to clean water, and the water crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa is especially devastating to women and young girls.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8251-jewel-supports-give-a-drop-campaign

Your Last Chance To Help Richard Branson Screw Business As Usual

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

An inspiring line-up of judges has been announced for Virgin Unite and Sir Richard Branson's Screw Business As Usual competition.

The panel of judges, including Sir Richard, consists of Jane Tewson (Igniting Change), Creel Price (Founder Accelerate Global), Peter Boyd (COO, Carbon War Room), Tony Banks (CEO, Balhousie Care Group), Mark Thompson (serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist) and Joe Polish (Founder and President of Piranha Marketing Inc).

Richard Branson Screw Business As Usual

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8211-your-last-chance-to-help-richard-branson-screw-business-as-usual

Help Richard Branson Screw Business As Usual

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Richard Branson is on the hunt for an ethical entrepreneur to help him Screw Business as Usual!

Richard Branson Screw Business As Usual

Branson has just launched a competition with his charity Virgin Unite looking for the next big ethical/socially aware ideas or companies.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7915-help-richard-branson-screw-business-as-usual

Download To Do Good With Virgin Unite

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Richard Branson's Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, has joined other leading charities to partner with Fairsharemusic.com, the music download store where the music you buy really does make a difference.

With over 16 million tracks, the hottest new releases and prices starting at 79p per track, Fairsharemusic is not dissimilar from other popular music sites – except that for every download you purchase, it donates half the profit to your chosen charity. The more you download, the more money goes to charity of your choice.

Lee Cannon, Co-founder of Fairsharemusic.com said “We’re delighted to partner with Virgin Unite. At Fairsharemusic.com we’ve make it simple for people to give directly to a cause through something they’re passionate about – you download, we donate. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, so why not use it to improve the lives of others.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7639-download-to-do-good-with-virgin-unite

Richard Branson Helps Bring Hearing Aids To Africa

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Starkey Hearing Foundation, which strives to change the social consciousness of hearing and hearing health care, wrapped up its first-ever hearing mission in Bushridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa last week with the help of Sir Richard Branson and his not-for-profit organization, Virgin Unite.

Richard Branson and Bill Austin
Credit/Copyright: Starkey Hearing Foundation

Sir Richard Branson observes as Bill Austin, Founder, Starkey Hearing Foundation, and his team of audiologists fit patients with hearing devices during the Foundation’s first-ever hearing mission in Bushridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7574-richard-branson-helps-bring-hearing-aids-to-africa

Richard Branson's Charity To Distribute 100,000 Condoms In South Africa

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Richard Branson's Virgin Unite will help people in the fight against the spread of HIV AIDS this week by distributing 100,000 free condoms to the Bhubezi and Ndlovu Clinics in the Bushbuckridge area in the Mpumalanga province in South Africa, one of the most impoverished rural areas of South African, where an estimated 20% of the 500,000 people in the community are HIV positive.

The activity sees Virgin Unite, the not for profit foundation of the Virgin Group, take further direct action to tackle the spread of HIV where it matters most and is thanks to their partnership with The One Brand who donated the condoms to the Virgin Unite who will now distribute them.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7461-richard-bransons-charity-to-distribute-100000-condoms-in-south-africa

Mary J. Blige To Headline Richard Branson's Rock The Kasbah

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Richard Branson will join his mother, Eve Branson, as host of the fifth annual Rock The Kasbah charity event to benefit Virgin Unite and The Eve Branson Foundation on November 16.

This incredible evening of music, food, auction items and more features The Pussycat Dolls, O.A.R. and DJ Chris Holmes, as well as Mary J. Blige performing selections from her new album!

The focus is on building opportunity for youth: In the USA, Virgin Unite is providing opportunities for youth facing unprecedented unemployment, while The Eve Branson Foundation is empowering young women in Moroccan villages. Business, once again, is a force for good at Rock the Kasbah 2011.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7357-mary-j-blige-to-headline-richard-bransons-rock-the-kasbah

Bid On The Chance To Live Like Richard Branson For Charity

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Take the winter getaway of a lifetime with a South African adventure developed by Sir Richard Branson.

  You are invited on a one-of-a-kind journey, first to take in the wildlife at a private game reserve with Sir Richard himself, then to connect with young entrepreneurs who are transforming their country from within, thanks to his help. The four-night trip includes round-trip transportation, two nights at Ulusaba, Branson’s private reserve, and two nights in dynamic Johannesburg, plus all meals and social activities. 

 To kick off the adventure, you’ll head to the city for the chance to assume a mentorship role with the young entrepreneurs at The Branson Centre. This hub of creativity is where these future leaders are learning business skills and gaining access to professionals in various fields in an effort to benefit their community. In Johannesburg you will also connect with South Africa’s rich political and cultural history and spend time with local leaders. After your urban excursion you’ll head to the bush, taking in the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos) at Sir Richard’s private game reserve.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7339-bid-on-the-chance-to-live-like-richard-branson-for-charity

Join Richard Branson In India And Help Save Tigers

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

WildAid has partnered with Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Sir Richard Branson on a Connection Trip to India.

With like-minded entrepreneurs you’ll experience India’s first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix and get face to face with the issues surrounding our last remaining tigers on the brink of extinction, with only 3200 remaining in the wild. Alongside Richard and the Government of India, guests will also become Founding Patrons of Virgin Unite’s new tiger conservation initiative and will visit the community supported by this trip.

You and a guest will arrive in New Delhi on October 28th, kick off your F1 Grand Prix weekend at a welcome event with the Marussia Virgin Racing team, followed by an exciting few days hosted in the Paddock Club VIP hospitality area as you cheer on the team. Then it’s off to Corbett National Park for two days of exhilarating game drives hosted by WildAid India with a special visit with some of the world’s last remaining wild tigers. Over 50 species of mammals call this land home including tigers, leopards, elephants, antelopes, bears, pangolins, langurs, gorals, wild boar, mongoose, buffalo, monkeys, and fox. More than 60 species of birds can also be seen here including heron, eagles, parakeets, junglefowl, turtle doves, vultures, and hawks.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7106-join-richard-branson-in-india-and-help-save-tigers

Yao Ming And Richard Branson Say No To Shark Fin Soup

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

International conservation organization WildAid, Chinese basketball star and WildAid Ambassador, Yao Ming, and leading Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yue have joined forces with British entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson and his non-profit foundation Virgin Unite, in a global campaign to save sharks.

Branson and Yao have filmed public service announcements in support of WildAid’s shark campaign drawing attention to the increasing demand for shark fin soup and the devastating effect this demand is having on global shark populations. The messages will broadcast across national and international media via WildAid’s pro-bono media network, beginning today and are available at wildaid.org/sharks.

Yao Ming committed to stop eating shark fin soup in 2006 after learning of the cruel and wasteful practice of "’finning"’ and the threat of extinction facing many shark populations as a result of demand for their fins. He has been an Ambassador for WildAid’s shark campaign ever since. Yao says, “I urge China to lead by banning shark fin soup, and I urge business leaders to end the consumption of shark fin soup at business events. Unless we act now, we will lose many shark populations, impacting our oceans worldwide.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6998-yao-ming-and-richard-branson-say-no-to-shark-fin-soup

Glee Star Supports Homeless Young People In London

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Glee star and Virgin Unite ambassador Cory Monteith, has visited Foyer Centre in London to meet with young people being supported by the charity, which provides affordable and safe accommodation linked to employment, training opportunities and a range of other services.

Cory Monteith spent time touring the centre, which provides safe accommodation for young people, to see the facilities that range from a training room with computers to allow for job searches to literacy and numeracy lessons to a canteen that offers meals and cooking lessons. Joined by a small group of residents who shared their stories and hopes for the future, Cory said, “It was great to meet such an inspiring group of young people. I’m impressed at how positive the group is despite facing so many challenges. They’re keen to move forward and gain the necessary skills needed to get their lives back on track.”

Kereice, who has been living at the Foyer centre for 18 months, said “I knew I wanted to get involved with event management and volunteered to get the skills needed and now feel more confident and now have a part time post with the Haze Young people’s centre. Cory’s words of encouragement have given us all a massive boost. It’s been a dream come true.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6537-glee-star-supports-homeless-young-people-in-london

Glee Star Helps Virgin Unite Find Special Youth Ambassadors

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, and Glee star Cory Monteith have announced their search for six ‘special youth ambassadors’, who for three months will help promote the work of three youth charities that all support at-risk and homeless young people in the UK: Foyer Federation, The Albert Kennedy Trust and Depaul UK.

The six ambassadors chosen will also get the opportunity to meet Cory Monteith and join him for lunch at The Roof Gardens’ Babylon Restaurant in Kensington, London in June, 2011.

Virgin Unite ambassador Cory Monteith has supported the RE*Generation Movement in the US and Canada; a partnership with Virgin Unite and Virgin Mobile working with fantastic frontline organisations that support at-risk and homeless young people to build a brighter future.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6359-glee-star-helps-virgin-unite-find-special-youth-ambassadors

Help Free The Children With Richard Branson

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

CharityBuzz.com is currently running a celebrity charity auction that will see two lucky people join Richard Branson at a special cocktail party in Miami on June 25.

According to the charity auction website: "Richard Branson is possibly the most-fascinating man of our time: entrepreneur, explorer, multi-billionaire. And every man on the street we asked in our informal public opinion poll of Branson’s image agrees — he seems a great guy, someone you’d love to have a beer with and hangout. Maybe it’s his disarming charm, likability and devilish smile. Being a committed environmentalist and philanthropist doesn’t hurt either.

“It would seem that with literally hundreds of business irons in the fire, charity and change for good might take a back seat. Not so. The list of well-organized and well-funded efforts for social good is substantial, and it’s no surprise that Branson’s entrepreneurial approach to social change means more bang for the buck, or pound as it were:

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6353-help-free-the-children-with-richard-branson

Join Richard Branson And Mario Batali For Celebrity Charity Dinner

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for foodies is on the celebrity charity auction block – an ultimate evening of glorious food, vintage wine and witty banter.

Sir Richard Branson and Mario Batali are auctioning the opportunity to join them for an intimate evening and sit down dinner for twenty at Mario’s new Italian born artisanal food and wine marketplace – Eataly – in New York City. The winner of the auction and a guest will experience dining at Eataly in one evening with Mario and Richard at their table.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5356-join-richard-branson-and-mario-batali-for-celebrity-charity-dinner

Join Charlize Theron, The Dalai Lama And Richard Branson For Living Peace Talks

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Charlize Theron, Richard Branson and the Dalai Lama will take part in a special lecture series aimed at making the world healthy, sustainable and compassionate place.

Charlize Theron to speak at Living Peace event

Sponsored by UC Irvine and Center for Living Peace Orange County, the Living Peace Series will kick off on December 4 at the UCI Student Center with Charlize Theron, who will discuss the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, which promotes safety and health among impoverished children and communities in South Africa – with a focus on those suffering from HIV/AIDS. There will also be a VIP event benefiting the outreach project.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5349-join-charlize-theron-the-dalai-lama-and-richard-branson-for-living-peace-talks

Miranda Kerr Raises Awareness Of Birth Complications

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr is fronting a new campaign to raise awareness of a common birth complication.

The Virgin Unite Fight For Fistula campaign – launched at a Halloween event on Richard Branson's Necker Island – aims to raise awareness of fistula, a condition caused by a hole in the birth canal.

“Fistula is caused when a woman endures a complicated, prolonged delivery without sufficient access to proper medical care,” says Miranda. “For the 3.5 million women suffering from Fistula the injuries leave them incontinent and in most cases their baby dies.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5342-miranda-kerr-raises-awareness-of-birth-complications

Richard Branson To Rock The Kasbah With Celebrity Charity Event

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson will host his 4th annual Rock The Kasbah celebrity charity fundraising event in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 11.

With celebrity performers and guests such as Common, Colbie Caillat and Robin Thicke, the event will raise money for Virgin Unite and the Eve Branson Foundation, an organization set up by Sir Richard’s mother to help women in Morocco generate their own incomes to support their families.

As part of the event, CharityBuzz.com is currently hosting an auction with lots such as 7 nights accommodation on Sir Richard’s Necker Island, and the chance to name a Virgin America plane. Access the auction here.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5343-richard-branson-to-rock-the-kasbah-with-celebrity-charity-event

Kate Winslet Launches Autism Charity

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:00:00 +0000

Actress Kate Winslet has established a charity for those affected by autism.

The Oscar-winning star founded the Golden Hat Foundation – named after a poem by Keli Thorsteinsson – following her work on the documentary A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back To Autism.

“After watching the film A Mother’s Courage with my daughter one day, she turned to me and asked, ‘What if I wasn’t able to talk to you mummy?’,” says Winslet. “As I thought about what that meant, for a mother not to be able to talk with her own child, I realized that I had to lend my voice to raise awareness of this rapidly increasing disorder.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5099-kate-winslet-launches-autism-charity

Imogen Heap And Richard Branson Take Part In Charity Telethon For Pakistan

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:50:00 +0000

Join Imogen Heap, Sir Richard Branson and friends online, in a very spontaneous ‘get together’ with live music and open discussion, as they raise funds to benefit the victims of the recent devastating floods in Pakistan.

Hosted by Ze Frank, the online event will feature intimate musical performances by Imogen Heap, Ben Folds, Amanda Palmer, Kate Havnevik, KT Tunstall, Josh Groban, Kaki King, Zoe Keating and Mark Isham.

There will also be revealing conversations with Sir Richard Branson, Mary Robinson, Cameron Sinclair, Mark Pearson (live from Karachi), Gary Slutkin and Anders Wilhemlson. May well be more as the word spreads!

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/4988-imogen-heap-and-richard-branson-take-part-in-charity-telethon-for-pakistan

Richard Branson And Friends Complete London Marathon For Charity

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Richard Branson led his team in yesterday’s London Marathon to an outstanding result, raising huge amounts of money for charity.

The entrepreneur finished just behind Natalie Imbruglia in the race, which saw a total of 18 new world records – including the number of runners tied together. The human chain – which featured 34 people tied together by a bungee cord – included Princess Beatrice, the first member of the royal family to compete in the event.

The Princess – who completed the 26.2 mile course in 5 hours, 15 minutes and 57 seconds – was running to raise money for Children In Crisis, and joined other celebrities in Branson’s team including Jenni Falconer (CLIC Sargent and Virgin Unite), Lee Evans (Save the Children), Natalie Imbruglia (Virgin Unite), Lorraine Kelly (CLIC Sargent), Gordon Ramsay (Scottish Spina Bifida Association). Ramsay, however, did not complete the race – despite being a veteran of marathons in the UK and US.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/4285-richard-branson-and-friends-complete-london-marathon-for-charity