Celebrity Charity & Philanthropy

Prince William and singer Lionel Richie celebrate Jewish Care special anniversary

2015-06-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, recently attended a leading Jewish charity’s special anniversary event at Alexandra Palace. Leading members of the Jewish community and singer Lionel Richie also were part of the celebrations. Jewish Care provides health and social care support to the UK’s Jewish community in London and South East England. The charity looks after more than 7,000 people every week through over 70 health and social care services.

His Royal Highness began his speech at the event by joking that the 1,400 guests would give Richie a harder time than the crowd at the Glastonbury festival, where he will perform later this month.

He quipped: “I imagine this crowd is a lot rowdier than what you will have at Glastonbury.”

The Duke told the audience of the organisation’s clients, staff, volunteers and supporters: "The results of your commitment to one another within the Jewish community are obvious – the real and loving care that thousands of elderly and vulnerable people receive, among the many works that you carry out.

“Your care for one another has another, less tangible value.

“During a year when many in the Jewish community have had cause to feel under threat, for no reason other than simply the fact of your Jewishness, your unity is all the more precious.

“Your commitment and loyalty to one another, and to society more widely, is ultimately what keeps you strong.”

He added: "Through your generosity and commitment, I am sure Jewish Care will continue to thrive and grow for the next 25 years.

“Once again, congratulations on everything you have achieved. I wish you a wonderful evening and a happy birthday. Mazel tov.”

Jewish Care has 1,500 staff and 3,000 volunteers. Its services include caring for older people, those with physical and sensory disabilities, those with mental health needs, as well as for people who have experienced a stroke or have Parkinsons. Its youth leadership scheme gives young people the opportunity to develop their leadership skills while volunteering in the community.

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Ailing girl finds experience-of-a-lifetime with U2, thanks to Edward Norton

2015-06-22T06:12:00.001-07:00

Lizzy Lawton was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2010, and was recently told she had a tumor in the brain. As a treat, Lizzy’s mother Meredith wanted to take her daughter to a U2 concert in Denver, but soon found she couldn’t afford it. One of her students heard about her wish and launched a fundraising campaign on CrowdRise.com to raise the money.

When CrowdRise founder Ed Norton heard about the campaign, he contacted Bono and Live Nation and upgraded their tickets and gave them backstage passes and a limo ride to the gig.

“When we got into the limo, there were gift bags, and one of them had an iPod in it for Lizzy,” Lizzy’s mother told People.com. "She was over the moon about the iPod – then we found out we got to go backstage!

“Bono kneeled down and kissed Lizzy’s hand. I don’t really know if you can call a rock star a sweetie pie, but that’s what he was…

“A lot of people just walk by because they don’t know what to say and they’re uncomfortable with dealing. These guys weren’t uncomfortable. In the back room, they weren’t even celebrities; they were just sweet, kind human beings being sweet and kind to other human beings.”

Lizzy also got to meet Peyton Manning backstage at the show.

Musical performance by Chris Daughtry lined up at TJ Martell Foundation New York Golf Classic

2015-06-22T06:05:00.002-07:00

Hudson National Golf Club in Croton-on-Hudson, New York would be hosting the New York Golf Classic to be held Monday, July 20, 2015 organised by the TJ Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer & AIDS Research. The event will feature a special musical performance by international recording artist and American Idol alum Chris Daughtry.

“I am thrilled to be a part of such an important event with the TJ Martell Foundation and look forward to seeing all these great golfers on the links. It is going to be a great day!” says Daughtry.

“We’re so pleased to have a beloved artist like Chris Daughtry performing at this year’s New York Golf Classic,” says CEO Laura Heatherly. “This is a fabulous opportunity for golf lovers to come out to play one of the best courses in the country, enjoy some great music and raise much-needed funds for prostate cancer.”

The TJ Martell Foundation funds innovative prostate cancer research at Columbia University Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

At this year’s event, the Foundation will be presenting Mitchell Benson, M.D., Emeritus Chair, Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center with the Scientific Achievement Award for Excellence in Prostate Cancer Research. “We’ve made significant progress in prostate cancer treatments and quality of life for patients over the past five years. My colleagues and I commend the TJ Martell Foundation for their continued support and appreciate their demonstrated commitment to funding innovative research,” says Dr. Benson.

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David Beckham travels to Cambodia as part of UNICEF’s initiative for the cause of vulnerable children

2015-06-22T01:22:00.000-07:00

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham went to Cambodia as part of UNICEF’s initiative, particularly to see how the UN organization and its partners are helping children who have suffered especially physical, sexual and emotional abuse apart from protecting vulnerable children from danger. Beckham is committed to using his powerful global voice, influence and connections for the cause of vulnerable children while encouraging world leaders to create lasting positive change for children.

David Beckham, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador said, “I am here in Cambodia to meet children who have experienced violence, hear their stories and see what UNICEF and its partners are doing to keep these children safe. It is shocking that every five minutes a child dies because of violence somewhere in the world. This has to stop.”

Subsequently, in his 10th year as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham in collaboration with UNICEF launched a fund called 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund to help protect children in danger. This fund will help UNICEF deliver life-changing programmes for children across the world.

A heady mix of the Rich, Celebrities and Charity, a hazard yet a necessity

2015-06-20T02:36:00.001-07:00

It perhaps all boils down to the desire to "be seen" with the famous. However, some say that there is just so much that goes into raising money for charity – known conceptually by different names such as ‘selling a cause’, ‘raising funds’, ‘finding kindred souls that care about the same things you do and helping them match their money with their passion’, etc. – like filling out mountains of paperwork required to get a government grant, writing probably hundreds of proposals to foundations, securing corporate partnerships, and asking millionaires for money.

Behind the scenes, it is said that the processes of raising money for charity are in stark contrast to the purpose for which the money is actually raised. Going through what one seasoned fund raiser has to say in this regard should shed some light and make things somewhat clear – “While you sit in a private club eating four-course lunches, sipping expensive wine, and making small talk with women wearing diamonds – you keep your mind focused on that small child that held your hand. You remember the look in her eyes, the skin rash on her face, the dust on her fingers, the torn shirt on her frail body and the lack of shoes on her feet. You remember her mother who stood nearby watching. And then you turn to your dining companion to discuss how lovely her designer dress is or how fresh the Branzino tastes.”

The fact is, sometimes, in overdoing things the very spirit of charity or raising funds for charity can be lost. Further still, in a world that is driven by celebrity, even the wealthy are not immune to the desire to be among the famous. Charitable organizations have sometimes become a vehicle to rub elbows, gain status and feed the celebrity addiction of even the rich and the powerful. Some fundraising events are a mere excuse while the real purpose is to show that they have celebs in their inner circle. Donating, or even the promise to donate, to the celebrity's organization gives the wealthy direct access and influence.

On the other hand, as someone has put it: “Celebrities, particularly the b-rated celebrities need the attention, the connections and the money. As much as wealthy businessmen like to show their clients that they know beautiful, young, famous women, some celebrities need to know that they can get the smart, successful, and powerful to pay attention to them. These people become gateways for career opportunities and cheerleaders for their egos.”

Undeniably, in essence, charity should be such that it helps people who need help. They are not and should not be the branding and marketing machine behind an upcoming celebrity. They should neither be the playground on which the wealthy can hang out with the popular, and they should not be the event committee that uses public donations to put on a big party “where this elite group simply pats one another on the back while flashing on screen occasional pictures of poor children.”

Yet, a study done in 2013 by professors at Rutgers School of Business – Camden suggests that having an association with a celebrity helps organizations increase funds raised via the public. It means that association of a celebrity with a charity is more an asset than a liability – questions of ethics apart.

However, the fact that when selecting a charity to whom to donate, it is important to get it right, cannot be overlooked. To sum up, charity is an essential part of the global fabric and many organizations do amazing work and they deserve to be supported.

Kate Moss donates £50,000 painting, auctioned for charity

2015-06-18T02:17:00.003-07:00

The Foundation for AIDS Research, amfAR, auctioned a painting donated by Kate Moss said to be worth an estimated £50,000 at the organisation's sixth annual Inspiration Gala in New York on June 16, 2015. The piece, titled Juxtapose by Mr. Brainwash, was from the star’s personal collection. Other items which were up for grabs included artwork by Miley Cyrus; singer Mary J. Blige performed for guests at the event, which boasted an all-star host committee including Liam Neeson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jerry Seinfeld.

T&R Theakston Ltd to back a North Yorkshire village annual charity cricket match

2015-06-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

It’s been 15 years now since the inception of the a North Yorkshire village’s annual charity cricket match; in which Crakehall Cricket Club plays against an Emmerdale Celebrity XI, and the money raised from the game is presented to local good causes. One of the region’s best known breweries T&R Theakston Ltd pledged its continued support for the yearly game pleasing the organizers no end. The Masham brewer also sponsors the Nidderdale Cricket League, which often becomes the centre of attraction for soap fans from far and wide.

The yearly game would be played on Sunday, August 9, and the organisers are hopeful the Emmerdale stars will be joined by a number of familiar faces from Coronation Street, thereby swelling spectator numbers.

Scottish Cancer Charity Set to Get its First Celebrity-Backed Fundraising Auction Boost

2011-11-29T00:22:00.001-08:00

As is obvious, we are hardly new to numerous celebrity-backed once-in-a-while charity auctions. But, all of these definitely serve as welcome news especially when you know that some deserving cause is being helped to grab some much-needed attention. Likewise, Scottish cancer charity Cahonas Scotland is all but set to set up its own charity auction virtual shop on eBay. The anticipated to-be-raised funds are primarily aimed at spending on educating people about male cancers thereby doing their bit in kicking out the stigmatized notion that usually accompanies this very-real deathly disease.

High-profile celebrities chipping in with donations include Ricky Gervais, Scarlett Johansson, Usher and Bruno Mars, who all have donated ties to be auctioned. As well, Scottish celebrities Kevin McKidd, Amy MacDonald, Ian Rankin and Kenny Logan are also committed to donating to the nonprofit’s cause. www.loosenupauction.com is the place in cyberspace to land up for more information about participating celebrity ties and other donated items.

Apparently, major attractions of the charity auction have to be bidder-shots at celeb-donated items including a signed tie worn by comedian Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes 2011 and a tie worn by Bruno Mars on Saturday Night Live. In addition, signed ties have also been donated by James Gandolfini and Scarlett Johansson.

According to what Cahonas Scotland founder Ritchie Marshall has been quoted as saying:

"The auction marks the first public fundraising venture event for Cahonas Scotland and we are both thrilled and humbled at the support we've received from our celebrity donors.

"Male cancer awareness in Scotland desperately needs a boost and with the generosity of the people of Scotland we will be able to help get the message out wider than before."

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Robyn Malcolm: The New Zealand Actress who is used to Mixing Adventure with Charity

2011-11-18T09:08:00.001-08:00

The Great Wall of China fascinates everybody; would the Great Wall of China Challenge as much? Getting to the point, this particular challenge is slated to take place from June 17 to 29, 2012, and that’s a two-week trek laden with bare adventure, with New Zealand actress Robyn Malcolm being the central figure and host.

Travelers who would buy tickets to participate in the adventure trip would be presented with the opportunity to get acquainted with “real-life China” – exploring rural villages of inner Mongolia to meeting locals, often while living out of tent, and walking an average 12 km a day.

The underlying driver of this effort is charity; would help raise money for Variety – The Children's Charity. Apparently, participants will need to start preparing well in advance from endurance and fitness standpoint. As Malcolm says, her getting-ready has already started which would gain further momentum only after Christmas though.

According to the Outrageous Fortune star who is proud to be chipping in for a deserving cause, Variety have been one of those over the years that have done great work with kids in a very positive and inspirational way. And at the same time, she is looking forward to experiencing on her first trip to China - the landscape, the people and the food.

As well, people looking to help out a good cause can either take up the Great Wall of China Challenge thereby contributing an automatic $500 donation to Variety – The Children’s Charity as part of the ticket price, or they can also sponsor travelers for a cent every meter they walk. Most of all, Malcolm promised to be at her entertaining best right the way through, and keep everybody happy because she happens to be the host while acknowledging that it’s not going to be easy at all.

But, the actress is not a stranger to exceptional traveling as she was also involved in the TV One show Intrepid Journeys in 2003 that sent her to Vietnam among other adventure outings.

Barnet High Street Welcome Noah’s Ark’s First Charity Shop

2011-11-17T03:22:00.001-08:00

Notably, the recent opening of children’s charity Noah’s Ark’s first charity shop across Barnet High Street witnessed much fanfare. Numerous fans turning out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony must have been testimony to the huge support that the nonprofit organization enjoys for the good work they engage in. As well, local celebrities in Demetri Demetriou and Outnumbered star Daniel Roche were also there to grace the all-important affair.

Child star Daniel had obliged to officially mark the opening by cutting the ribbon. And then, the Britain’s Got Talent dancer took to his trademark shirtless look to the cheering of the shoppers and staff while revealing that he had that afternoon off, and he was more than happy to take his shirt off for the photo-ops when asked.

Young celebrity Daniel apparently was pleased as he watched the huge crowd thronging the shop in support when he said that it was a brilliant turnout for such a fantastic charity. On the other hand, Retail manager Nick Nicolaou expressed awe of the warm welcome they had received from local shoppers and businesses.

Other celebrities who had also come calling at the event include Elaine Paige OBE, Andy Day, Stephen Merchant, Matt Lucas, Flawless and Barbara Windsor MBE. All of them had donated a “money can’t buy” item to the charity; all set to be sold to the highest bidder on auction website ebay. Incidentally, bidding will be closed on Saturday; www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk does provide detailed information while directing to the Noah’s Ark ebay shop.

The nonprofit organization of Noah’s Ark is dedicated to providing hospice care for children across north London and south Hertfordshire. While as, the charity is looking at improved fundraising with the opening of its first retail shop in anticipation of the Christmas season.

Justin Bieber Finds a Reason Yet Again, to Feature in Charity News

2011-11-16T06:52:00.001-08:00

Article first published as Justin Bieber Finds a Reason Yet Again, to Feature in Charity News on Technorati.

It is true that teenage pop-music sensation Justin Bieber is hardly off the newswires? Too bad, the media only finds one reason or the other to continually put the spotlight on a wunderkind who boasts of 16 million female fans. But, that apparently is the cost of celebrityhood because media attention is not always favorable publicity.

And then, it’s simply one of those harsh realities; news of celebrity notoriety sell better than pancakes. Concerning Bieber, a 20-year-old woman’s recent claim that the popular singer has fathered her baby has visibly created for burning news. Apparently, the 17-year-old celebrity is forced to respond. Last heard, the Canadian singer has agreed to take the paternity test in a bid to clear his name.

Now, all that, which precede, is quite deviant from the primary focus of this space. But, as if in a balancing act, Bieber takes to auctioning his pet snake for charity thereby giving a boost to his celebrity philanthropist image. Nonetheless, Mr. Bieber does deserve credit for all that he had done in the form of charitable efforts in the past. Those include seeking donations for charity: water in lieu of birthday gifts, and then raising funds over $40,000 from a lock of his donated hair given to Ellen Degeneres among other things.

This time, Bieber is looking to help Pencils of Promise – a nonprofit which works with communities to build schools. Besides the proceeds from the auction of Bieber’s snake going to this charity, a ticket worth of $1,500 for a meet and greet with the teenage singer himself will also be put on offer. These proceedings will be part of plausibly the first gala event put on by the organization.

Celebrity Hairdresser Impressed with BASIC’s Work, Donates £20,000

2011-11-15T09:26:00.001-08:00

Celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford was recently shown around the gym which makes use of specially adapted equipment to support and stabilize people with physical impairments at the center of UK based Brain and Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC), and he was so impressed with the nonprofit’s work that Lee had donated £20,000 of his money. The other recent notable source of funds for the charity happens to be in the region of £300,000 funding from the Big Lottery Fund to support stroke survivors.

In fact, BASIC’s founder Derek Gaskell has been raving about the charity’s next big project which aims at bringing a futuristic virtual reality machine believed to speed up the rehabilitation process of wheel-chair bound patients, to the UK. The virtual reality headsets are said to be a groundbreaking technology which help patients recover from brain injury. These headsets are placed on patients, and they are then transported into a virtual world where they complete everyday tasks.

This virtual reality tech is currently being put through the paces in the United States. In all, there are five of these; four are housed in the US, and one in Israel. One of the highlights of these headsets is said to be improved mobility by the use of virtual technology which make people start trying to walk and try moving limbs.

According to Gaskell who had set up BASIC – affiliated to Hope Hospital – 15 years ago, this technology is the next big development in brain therapy; a big step forward in rehabilitation which they want to be the first in the country to get it, and for which they need to raise £400,000.

Celebrities, JAKKS Pacific and Cabbage Patch Kids Join Forces for Charity

2011-11-14T09:20:00.001-08:00

Apparently, a host of celebrities – Steven Tyler, Al Roker, Katherine Heigl, Kristin Chenoweth and Raven-Symone – from the world of acting, music and TV deserve credit for observing the National Adoption Month of November the way it should be done in their respective capacities, as they have teamed up with JAKKS Pacific – a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular brands and children's toy licenses in the world – and Cabbage Patch Kids to raise money for Children’s Action Network (CAN).

The celebrity participants of this charitable effort are recreated as unique Cabbage Patch Kids that are auctioned on eBay’s Giving Works through November 17, with the proceeds going to CAN which is a nonprofit dedicated to finding homes for children in the U.S. who are in foster care. While as, JAKKS Pacific is committed to carrying out the auctioning responsibilities of the exclusive Celebrity ‘Kids at cpkauctionforcharity.com helped by Auction Cause – an online cause marketing agency – and in the process, raising awareness and much needed funds for a deserving cause.

As a matter of fact, Steven Tyler’s characteristic features which include his rocker inspired outfit and mic stand are duly rendered; so are Al Roker's signature glasses and tailored suit; Katherine Heigl's favorite red carpet couture; Kristin Chenoweth's royal blue ball gown, and Raven-Symone's trendy romper and blinged out platform heels. As well, individually autographed birth certificates accompany each of the Celebrity ‘Kids.

All the proceeds from Steven Tyler, Al Roker, and Raven-Symone Celebrity 'Kids will go to CAN, while CAN will receive 50 percent from the proceeds coming from Kristin Chenoweth and Katherine Heigl, and the rest 50 percent will go to Maddie's Corner and the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.

Celebrities Run for Charity Program at the ING New York City Marathon

2011-11-10T06:42:00.001-08:00

Fifteen celebrities from the world of sports to films to music and food; the targeted funds to be raised to the tune of $26.2 million for 200 odd charities, and a record 47,438 participant runners through the five boroughs; could the ING New York City Marathon’s charity program get any bigger?

Fresh from running for two charities – Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund and Answer the Call; the latter supports the surviving family tree members of 9/11 first responders – around the 10th anniversary of September 11, the six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier finished the race in 4 hours, 14 minutes, 21 seconds. The Hall of Famer, who did not use a trainer as he prepared for seven months for the all-important marathon; called it an “incredible form of meditation,” bettered Graves’ 2006 time by 13 minutes but somewhat falling short of Graves’ 2006 time by 13 minutes.

Jack Waitz, the husband of record nine-time winner but late Grete Waitz who along with late Fred Lebow – the NYC Marathon organizer – was the first inductees into the New York Road Runners Hall of Fame, recorded 3 hours, 50 minutes, 41 seconds as he crossed the finishing line despite a strained calf.

And then, two-time softball gold medalist Jennie Finch ran for Timex earning $1 for every runner she voted for. Eventually, she finished in 4 hours, 5 minutes, 26 seconds which meant unofficially raising funds to the tune of $30,000 for the New York Road Runners youth programs.

Other celebrity finishers included model Christy Turlington Burns (Every Mother Counts) in 4:20:47; restaurateur Joe Bastianich (Grana Padano) in 3:47:03; Shonda Schilling (Autism Speaks) in 4:58:50, actor Mario Lopez (4:23:30) and former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Vander Sar (4:19:16).

Celebrity Chef Michael White Cooks to Help Raise Money for Charity

2011-11-10T06:22:00.001-08:00

Article first published as Celebrity Chef Michael White Cooks to Help Raise Money for Charity on Technorati.

The chef who believes that one has got to spend time in the birthplace of Italian food – Italy – to truly get acquainted with the fundamentals of Italian cooking, and the founding executive chef of New York’s Marea and Ai Fiori who had helped Spiaggia earn a four-star review from the Chicago Tribune while as making his mark as executive chef of New York’s Fiamma Osteria, and then at L’Impero, Alto and Convivio was one of an odd 40 other chefs at the New York Taste - an event hosted by New York magazine and co-sponsored by HSBC Premier that sought to raise money for City Harvest – a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing food to the poor. And the culinary expert is none other than Michael White.

While as White gets a good feeling from charity work, he also likes how it keeps him in touch with his peers. This was his take on this kind of an opportunity: “It’s the camaraderie,” White said. “We’re always working, so we don’t get to see each other at our restaurants. We get to hang out and do something good and then we go out for libations.”

White’s specialty at the charity event at Manhattan’s Skylight SoHo was small plates of fluke. Besides, Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef: America, North End Grill’s Floyd Cardoz, Lincoln restaurant’s Jonathan Benno, George Mendes – chef of the one-Michelin-starred Aldea – and Spanish tapas specialist Seamus Mullen of Tertulia among others were the ones who had shared the spotlight.

As a matter of fact, White hardly is a stranger to charity work who has already helped a number of nonprofits. Specifically for City Harvest, two guests bid $35,000 each for dinners cooked by the celebrity chef. And, White responded by saying that this $70,000 will pay for the fuel for the 14 City Harvest trucks for one whole year. As well, a hospital in Toronto was helped by the chef only last month while he went to Colombia in 2010 to put his gifted knack of cooking and star power to use, and raise money for a hospital in Bogota that treats children with heart defects.

A Remarkable Celebrity Ride for Charity Dedicated to the Memory of Marco Simoncelli

2011-11-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

The number was 58, which was Marco Simoncelli’s, and a 58 second round of applause at the Ace Café on October 30 before setting off on their 4-day motorbike ride was how actor Danny John-Jules, BBC MotoGP presenter Matt Roberts and sponsor, manager and motorcycle dealer Steve Keys have marked their dedication. In addition to putting in an effort to raise money for Riders for Health, the group’s aim was to arrive at the Valencia Circuit on time for the beneficiary’s charity day at the Cheste circuit.

British 125cc riders Danny Webb and Harry Stafford among numerous bike and motorsport fans have turned out in support of the charitable motorbike journey. During the celebrities’ charity journey, Steve Keys and Danny John-Jules rode bright pink Yamaha R1's while Matt Roberts Jorge Lorenzo's R1 of last year’s Isle of Man TT event fame. As well, the trio wore fetching, curly pink wigs in tribute to Simoncelli while as keeping with the theme of the event.

The charity ride was taken via France with stops in the Champagne region and Barcelona, in addition to a meet-up with former grand prix star and charity co-founder Randy Mamola. Once the final destination was arrived at by the trio, local Riders for Health representatives had led them into the Valencia circuit as part of their own Day of Champions and charity auction.

Roberts was quoted as saying that the point of the whole trip was to show people that motorcycles save lives; he was trying to highlight what motorcycling can achieve and how the charity’ schemes of providing reliable transport for health workers in Africa has had a positive effect.

Celebrity Section Now on EBay Where Buyers can Bid for Celebrity Items for Charity

2011-11-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

As if eBay to have derived something out of the lock of Justin Bieber’s hair auction experience that had raised $40,668 for an animal rescue organization, the online auction site announces the launch of its in-house celebrity charity destination “eBay.com/Celebrity” – the bidding hub for celebrity items aimed at fundraising for charities of choice by the allied celebrities. For starters, Brad Pitt, Katy Perry, Sienna Miller, Cher, Jeff Bridges and Hayden Panettiere will be auctioning off items and opportunities to meet them to raise money for their individually chosen nonprofits.

Brad Pitt debuts at the celebrity section of the online auctioning giant with an auctioned-off chance to meet him, with the proceeds going to Make it Right – the Hurricane Katrina relief nonprofit. While as, Robert Duvall offers a shot at a private acting workshop with him; Robert Duvall Children's Fund will be the beneficiary. And then, a red sequined dress worn by Katy Perry will also be auctioned off to raise money for the American Red Cross.

The chief marketing officer of eBay North America Richelle Parham has been quoted as saying that eBay Giving Works, which is the auction site’s charity arm, has raised over $51 million for various charities this year while the overall figure stands at $278.

EBay says that they will not obtain commissions form these charity auctions. They stand to benefit from duly massive traffic which will be generated though, as a result of this exercise. In the wake of the Bieber’s hair auction, eBay had seen doubled Bieber related searches while the sale of Bieber merchandize surged by 36 percent.

Apparently, individual celebrity pages, which will highlight their charity of choice as well as a "shop like a star" feature that will lead to handpicked products for sale on eBay, sound like enhanced shopping for charity.

Perez Hilton’s Designed-for-Charity Shoes Soon to be Up for Grabs at ShoeDazzle

2011-11-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

For a change, gossip columnist Perez Hilton brings his sense of shoe styling to the fore for charity. He works upon to produce designer shoes aimed at shoring up a deserving cause. So as to properly channelize his benign effort, Hilton joins forces with shoe retailer ShoeDazzle as part of the latter’s "Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity." Specifically, the celebrity columnist will be designing two shoes.

As well, the date of availability of the designer shoes for charity has been slated for November 11 exclusively in ShoeDazzle showrooms. One of the shoes has been named “Sparkle,” and its defining characteristics would be black faux suede pump with silver stud detailing on the heel, platform and dual ankle straps. While as, the other one would be called “Shine”; a casual unisex silver metallic sneaker with stud embellishments and zipper detailing.

The nonprofit organization of Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, or GLSEN dedicated to addressing LGBT issues in K-12 schools will be receiving 100% of the profits from both shoes.

According to what a statement by Perez Hilton says:

"This holiday season will be extra merry because I have partnered with ShoeDazzle to release two fabulous shoes for my female fans AND their boyfriends too! I designed one amazing shoe that Carrie Bradshaw would drool over. But I also wanted to make a unisex and sophisticated sneaker that I could wear too! We did just that, and I'm especially thrilled that we are going to be able to raise money for my charity of choice this year, GLSEN - the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Their vital work is helping youth all over America! Buying some fierce shoes can do a lot of good too, and that's gonna make this holiday season truly faboosh!"

Alicia Keys Elated to Raise $3 Million through Her Black Ball Charity Event

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Article first published as Alicia Keys Elated to Raise $3 Million through Her Black Ball Charity Event on Technorati.

In line with major events, Alicia Keys self-hosted annual charity Black Ball which was scheduled for November 3 in New York was announced well in advance. Now that the event, having successfully concluded is reported to have raised a staggering $3 million; all the proceeds going to benefit the singer’s own non-profit Keep a Child Alive Foundation which is dedicated to helping HIV/AIDS victims in the African continent.

As proclaimed, Keys had made it a point to honor the late Beatles guitarist George Harrison as part of the proceedings while saying that Harrison was instrumental in helping people change their view of how to act as humanitarians. And then, Harrison’s widow Olivia obliging to accept the honor on the former Beatles behalf.

With regard to the funds raised, the charity auction alone had raised $401,500; tickets to a dinner party with actors Edward Norton and Naomi Watts as part of the auction going for $25,000 while Lifetime membership to Donald Trump’s golf properties raised to the tune of $180,000.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the song written by George Harrison was jointly performed by Keys and Gary Clark Jr. while Nora Jones was also there to share the stage with the host for a special performance. Other celebrities who had come calling to grace the occasion included Queen Latifah, Richie Sambora and Usher among others, in addition to Will.i.am who performed “I Gotta Feeling.”

The charity concert’s success does reflect in Keys personal tweet as well which said: “Forever grateful to everyone who cares about @keepachildalive !!! And every 1 @keepachildalive For EVERY DAY!!Sending love and ligh!"

A Trio of Celebrities to Lead Charity Ride

2011-11-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

Apparently, charity bike rides are good bets for celebrities who look to have an adventurous outdoor experience but, would rather contribute to a deserving cause at the same time. That’s what former Blues and Wales rugby stars Tom Shanklin and Robin Sowden Taylor who would be joined by television presenter Gethin Jones have decided to do. The celebrity trio is bracing up for a 240-mile charity bike ride from Cardiff to Paris as part of the Tom Shanklin Testimonial Year while as raising funds for Tom’s two nominated charities – the Wooden Spoon Society and Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust.

All in all, it will be a 14-member team led by the celebrity trio who would be covering the trip in four days; starting in Cardiff on Tuesday with the team aiming to finish on Friday November 11 at the historic Stade Colombes ahead of the Heineken Cup clash between Racing Metro and the Blues. As well, the team has been practising hard at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport, in anticipation of the adventurous charitable outing.

As the regards the beneficiary nonprofit organizations, Wooden Spoon is dedicated to improving the quality and prospect of life for children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially. The foundation has spent received donations across projects that entail medical treatment and recovery centres, sports and activity areas, sensory rooms and gardens, playgrounds and hydrotherapy pools to include outreach programmes for kids in their communities.

And then, the primary aim of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust is to support those players and their families who have been severely injured whilst playing rugby football in Wales.

Charity Auction Puts Charlie Sheen's NASCAR 1966 Mustang under the Hammer

2011-11-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

Once owned by Charlie Sheen, the modified NASCAR 1966 Mustang stands to raise a good amount of cash for charity; all the proceeds going to C5LA, the nonprofit organization dedicated to taking a youth leadership program forward so as to guide eighth-graders through high school while helping them make the right decisions for success in life. And the bidding amount at the charity auction currently sits at $100,000.

Currently up for the Charity Auction by Charitybuzz through November 17, the replication cost to the current configuration that the NASCAR 1966 Mustang boasts of is put at a staggering $300,000. According to Motor Authority, here's a peek into the details of the modification list.

Features:

Currently approved for street use in California

Only 155 miles on the vehicle since restoration

Can be driven in competition racing sanctioned venues such as Club Events or possible VARA, NASA and HSR events

2 master shut-offs

Alarm system

Drivetrain & brakes:

Nascar 358 Cubic Inch Winston Cup Engine

750 CFM Holley Vacum Secondary Carburetor

Approximately 650 Horsepower

Custom stainless steel headers and 3 inch exhaust system

Complete Weaver Brothers custom dry sump oiling system

Custom braided steel lines for fuel and oil throughout the vehicle

Custom radiator

Custom heavy duty oil cooler

Richmond 6-speed transmission with scattershield

Tilton style Nascar type hydraulic clutch

Custom Moroso dual breather tanks

Alternator mounted next to the driveshaft and driven by the driveshaft

Battery mounted in the trunk

MSD ignition system

Electric fan thermostatically controlled

4-Wheel Wilwood 4-piston caliper disc brakes

Dual Wilwood 4-piston master cylinders

Suspension:

Custom Nascar type rollcage from engine compartment to trunk of the vehicle

Nascar type adjustable coil-cover shocks

Tubular front suspension

Shortened Speedway 9-inch Ford Detroit locker rear-end

Nascar Speedway wheel hubs

225/50R15 Front tires and 275/50R15 Rear tires

Interior:

Custom black racing style interior

Nascar type breakaway steering wheel

Black butler racing driver and front passenger seats

Black 5-point racing seatbelts

Custom black leather rear speedster cover

Black carpet with red borders

Custom black leather door panels with red stitching

Power windows

Custom electrical dash panel

Custom dash with 6-gauge dash instrument cluster

Exterior:

Red exterior

Black Lemans style center stripes and Boss 429 type hood scoop

All exterior chrome trim pieces/emblems/bumpers and stainless trim pieces were powdercoated black

Christmas Date Set for Celebrity-backed Charity Single; Promotion Kicks Off with Peckforton Castle Road Show

2011-11-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

Project Underdog is the initiative undertaken in a bid to attest to the fact that community spirit and respect among young people is very much alive, and the riots that stunned UK during the summers underlies this very act of open community charity by the people, and for the people. And the launch of a cover of the Linkin Park song “Iridescent” due for release during Christmas, by a group of unsung creative artists and bands is central to the plot of this purposeful endeavor.

As part of the promotional activities related to the charity single as well as to create awareness with regard to the Project Underdog, a UK wide Road Show is underway; Peckforton Castle have witnessed the kick-off proceedings already. In order to take the campaign to publicize the charity effort forward, the team behind Project Underdog will be traversing across all the major cities in the UK over the coming weeks while as raising funds on the way for community charities and those affected directly by the riots.

The idea behind the fundraising efforts is to try and help people get their lives back on track and support communities while as keeping children off the streets and away from drugs, violence and abuse. And it has been ardently welcomed by a host of high-profile celebrities including David Beckham, Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, in addition to one of the biggest record companies Universal Music; all pledging their support for the cause.

As a background, 21-year-old Jo Lloyd who happens to be the daughter of Cheshire businessman Rob Lloyd is the brainchild of Project Underdog. As well, a behind-the-scenes documentary – still in the works – on the making of the single is set for TV debut later this year.

Lady Gaga’s Idea to Engage in Charity in India

2011-11-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

One of the best-selling music artists worldwide; a best-selling digital artist in the United States Lady Gaga’s recent visit to New Delhi, India was more than just for a private gig. Lady Gaga is reportedly looking to set up a children's foundation in India, and the popular artist had been taking time out of her busy schedule to pay visits to youth-centric charities with the aim to use her celebrity status in realizing her hopes of setting up her own nonprofit organization in the near future.

It is understood that the “You and I” hitmaker has it on her mind to one day set up a foundation in her name to help children; now that Gaga has been going great guns with her career which has in truth taken off, this could prove to be the opportune time to take to doing something benevolent.

Although the “Born This Way” singer knows that charity spells a huge amount of work, she would still like to get started immediately by way of engaging with some of the already established orphanages while giving some of her precious time as well as help in the form of aids. However, Gaga is known to be somebody who likes to get into the details before doing something as just throwing cash, eventually to make the effort worth it. Therefore, it remains to be seen how things pan out.

On the other hand, Lady Gaga is not a stranger to charitable work. Back in March, she was massively instrumental in raising funds to the tune of $250,000 for earthquake victims in Japan by designing a wristband. Apparently, she had preferred to reach to fans through the microbloging site Twitter where the well-liked recording artist boasts of millions of followers.

On Twitter, Gaga had urged fans to buy the $5 red and white accessory which read 'We pray for Japan' in both English and Japanese. And then, when the targeted funds were raised, she tweeted: “Monsters: in just 48 hrs you've raised a quarter of a million dollars for Japan Relief. It's important we help. X (sic).” Interestingly, her fans were referred to as “Monsters”.

Gemma Atkinson Among Other Celebrities to Boost Mega Sport Relief Charity Challenge

2011-10-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Article first published as Gemma Atkinson Among Other Celebrities to Boost Mega Sport Relief Charity Challenge on Technorati.

For next year, the UK braces up for a mega charity sports challenge over a seven day period from 10th-17th March 2012. The recently announced DHL First Nation Home challenge will see a host of well-known celebrities, top sportsmen and women, and 4000 sport-loving members of the public representing four nations as the spirit of competition holds promise to hog the limelight for charity. The four nations to be pitted against each other comprise of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales while the participants as part of their respective countries’ team will run, row, cycle as well as sail their way around the UK and Ireland.

Four teams representative of the four nations respectively, will star celebrities and sports stars representing their “home” country even as they will race over 1000 miles. And on Sunday 25th March, one thousand members of the public from each country who would have secured the limited places to represent their country will run the final six miles to the finish, alongside the many famous faces in their individual teams; in the process, establishing the winner nation of the inaugural First Nation Home challenge. The prospective participants in the charity event can book their berths from 26th October 2011 at www.firstnationhome.com; the entry fee has been fixed at £60, in addition to a commitment to raise a minimum sponsorship of £450 each between now and the final run on March 25th 2012.

Each of the four national teams will be comprised of 10 members featuring international rugby players and an Olympic hero from one of the sports: sailing, running and cycling; the Olympic heroes joining their home national team as ‘ringer’ for their particular discipline. Team England’s 72 foot challenger yacht will be led by Dame Ellen MacArthur from Northern Ireland to Scotland, and World Champion cycling time trialist Graeme “The Flying Scotsman” Obree will be the flag bearer for Team Scotland against Team England’s Chris Boardman OBE who is the World Champion and Olympic Gold medal-winning cyclist.

The national teams will start the race simultaneously from their home cities of Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh and London, and will head off clockwise around the UK and Ireland via the other four capital cities as they fight it out for their countries to be the First Nation Home.

Gethin Jones, Diarmuid Gavin, Andrea MacLean, Craig Doyle, Gemma Atkinson, Sonia O’Sullivan, Iwan Thomas, Chris Boardman, Thom Evans, Josh Lewsey and Gareth Thomas are the participating stars announced till now while more are to be done so. The sponsors of the event are DHL and Adidas, with support from Heineken and Halfords, and the proceeds from the event will go to Sport Relief.

Canine Charity Loses Celebrity Auction Items to Theft; Seeks Fresh Donations for Fundraiser’s Advance

2011-10-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dogs Deserve Better suffers a setback with regard to holding their annual holiday fundraising auction, in the wake of a box containing celebrity items having been lost to theft. Apparently, this particular box would have been central to the proceedings at the charity fundraiser for dogs. The nonprofit organization that had purchased and turned Michael Vick’s one-time dog-fighting property into a canine rehabilitation center for formerly chained and penned dogs are now forced to seek fresh donations of both celebrity-related and general merchandise from the collector public so as to be able to carry on with the auction as planned.

Specifically, the canine charity group is made to sweat over the special Celebrity Collars for Dollars section of the auction; they have been soliciting donations of new or very gently used items valued at $10 or more while celebrity-related items apparently, will add zing to the dealings.

According to Dogs Deserve Better founder Tamara Thayne, they had gathered many celebrity items for the Celebrity Collars for Dollars Auction that they intended to run in conjunction with their annual Holiday Auction this year; items from Candice Bergen and John Travolta among many others included only to be stolen. Thayne had expressed disappointment by saying that they knew 99 percent of the people who wanted to come visit them and help the dogs, would have never thought of stealing from a nonprofit. And on the other hand, they really needed the money these items would have brought them to keep the center going.

However, Auction Central News for a starter will be providing a silver lining amidst this gloom by initiating the renewed celebrity section with a donation of an 8 x 10 inch photograph of Brigitte Bardot with then-child actor Bill Mumy; autographed in bold blue marker by both Bardot and Mumy. As well, the photograph will be accompanied by a letter of provenance.

The auction bidding is scheduled to begin on November 15. Therefore, the charity asks that donations be sent by November 10 to: Dogs Deserve Better, 1915 Moonlight Rd., Smithfield, VA 23430.