Look To The Stars News: Latest

Julian Lennon Starts A Revolution

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:04:00 -0000

Using the span of the Internet and a power-shifting business model, musician Julian Lennon and digital pioneers Michael Birch and Todd Meagher recently announced the launch of theRevolution LLC, a full-service, artist-focused, music services company, with a portion of the proceeds from their first LP going to fight lupus.

“A couple of years ago, I started writing again, and an album came together slowly but surely, and I was looking around over the past couple of years to try and find a new way forward,” Lennon said, “A few of us, who are now the founders of theRevolution, were literally sitting around the table discussing all of these issues. And we just felt that maybe we could come up with a newer model that would work for all of us — that would allow the artist more control over what’s happening to him on a creative level and on every other level, too, whether it was looking after their brand or looking after their management or protecting and developing them, looking after the recording and publishing with them, licensing, touring, you name it.”

The company’s first release is a four-track EP titled Lucy which is available at theRevolution’s Web site, as well as iTunes, with a portion of the EP’s proceeds going to St. Thomas’ Lupus Trust and the Lupus Foundation of America.

The title track was written and performed by Lennon and James Scott Cook and is Lennon’s first single in 10 years. The inspiration for the EP came from the two Lucys in their lives, who were both affected by Lupus. Lennon’s childhood friend Lucy Vodden, who inspired the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, recently died of the disease, and Cook’s grandmother, also named Lucy, is battling Lupus.  

“There was no effort about it, about putting the song together, about putting the idea together, about the history of it or where it all came from. It just felt a very, very natural thing to do and almost to a certain degree, felt like I was closing a circle in many respects,” Lennon said. “Show me a person who’s not affected by music or lyrics one way or another. But from my perspective, obviously, I try to use that for positive use. It’s always trying to either make people aware or enlighten them or tell them a story so that they can make decisions for themselves about trying to drive forward in a positive way.”

Sean Kingston Breaks the Chain

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Musician Sean Kingston is enjoying a climb up the music charts with his hits “Beautiful Girls,” “Fire Burning,” and “Face Drop,” and now the music maker is appearing in an ad for PETA with his furry friend Stella, asking us to “Chill With Your Dogs. Never Chain Them.”

As a dog lover, Kingston encourages his fans to think of them as a member of your family. Dogs are social pack animals that crave and deserve companionship, making the practice of chaining dogs one of the cruelest things that you can do to an animal. Most ‘chained’ dogs become victim to attacks from other animals or inhumane people, they can also injure themselves by getting tangled in their chain, and often suffer from a number of illnesses as a result of exposure to extreme weather and constant confinement.

It’s simple: Kingston and PETA are just asking that you care for your dog properly, give him or her plenty of love and affection, including walks and belly rubs. You can check out behind-the-scenes footage from Sean’s photo shoot and hear him speak about his own dogs and why being a good animal guardian is so important to him.

If you want to follow Sean’s lead and make a positive difference in dogs’ lives, check out PETA’s tips and work with local legislators to ban chaining in your community once and for all.

Visit Sean’s MySpace page to see when he’ll be coming to a city near you, and enter to win a special prize. Fill out the short form below by January 18, 2010, for a chance to win 1 of 2 copies of Sean’s CD Tomorrow or 1 of 5 photographs signed by Sean himself! Seven winners will be chosen at random and notified by February 1, 2010.

Daryl Hannah’s Message at Copenhagen Climate Conference

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:42:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

At this month’s Climate Conference in Copenhagen, actress Daryl Hannah discussed her concern for the climate but her interest in saving the planet is more than talk – she has made going green a lifestyle.

Besides that her car runs on waste vegetable matter and her house’s solar panels allow her to be independent from the main power grid, she has incorporated environmentally friendly systems and practices into her every day, as she explained to The Sun:

“One of the most basic things is about getting toxic chemicals out of your home,” said Hannah. “The best chemicals to replace them are vinegar and baking soda. You can make a change in every facet of your life. I use cosmetics that are non-carcinogenic and biodegradable. That’s important, especially since I’m on a grey water system – that means I reuse the water in the house to water the garden.”

Hannah, who said she grows most of her own food, has found that the rewards of her efforts reach beyond the obvious advantages: “Have you ever had a wild strawberry? They pack a watermelon-sized punch of flavour into that little thing. An industrial strawberry has no flavour. The difference with all this stuff is it tastes better, it smells better, it is better for every other living thing. Almost everybody could grow seeds in their garden or on their window.”

Admittedly, eating out can happen, but she had a solution for that as well: “Am I going to get some food in a styrofoam container, or am I going to bring my own cup and my own cutlery set and say I won’t participate in a disposable society? All that stuff that poisons the air, the soil and the water – it should be against the law.”

Bono, Rice, Hansard and Mundy Busk on Grafton Street

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:07:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Known as one of the two principal shopping streets in Dublin Ireland’s city centre, Grafton Street is home to artists, poets and busker’s, but this Christmas Eve, Grafton Street served up an extra special busking session from celebrities who gathered to raise money for the Simon Community.

Bringing the holiday shopping crowd to a halt, Bono, Glen Hansard (The Frames), Damien Rice and Mundy.

“That was incredible,” one stunned onlooker told Hot Press. “I was out innocently doing my shopping when I saw a crowd gathered. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I had a closer look – you might expect to see someone like Mundy doing something like this for charity, but there were three huge stars there, giving it loads. It really added to the Christmas eve atmosphere. The only problem is I had one more present to get but the shop is closed now!”

Among the songs the superstar buskers played: U2’s ‘One’, Bob Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’ and ‘You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,’ Ben King’s ‘Stand By Me’ and a version of Mic Christopher’s ‘Heyday’, all of which had hundreds singing along, with Glen Hansard – Mic’s best friend – leading the line.

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Reese Witherspoon Tackles Domestic Violence

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:35:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Reese Witherspoon, as honorary chairwoman of Avon Foundation, spoke to British politicians earlier this month in conjunction with charity Refuge's campaign launch, Four Ways To Speak Out, about domestic violence against women.

According to Avon, two women are killed each week in England and Wales by current or former partners, and one in four women will be victims of domestic violence at some point. However, Avon research shows that most people don’t know of anyone who is suffering from such abuse, due mostly to the shame felt by surviving victims, which keeps them from talking about it. It is a well-kept secret that shouldn’t be.

Witherspoon has called upon the UK government to improve services for victims. “There remains what can seem like an impenetrable wall of silence around violence,” she said, “and we must all play a role in breaking this silence.”

Refuge’s campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse is their latest attempt to keep domestic violence on the political agenda. You can add your name to the petition here.

Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman Raise $1.5 Million for AIDS

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:44:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

At the New York Palace Theatre’s closing ceremony of the 21st annual Gypsy of the Year Competition, a six-week fundraising event that finished earlier this month, Bernadette Peters announced that a record-breaking $4.6 million had been raised.

The money was raised by 60 Broadway, Off-Broadway and National Tour companies – including original song and dance performances created by the casts of more than a dozen shows – to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), a charity that provides grants to Actors Fund social services and American family services and AIDS organizations.

A second record was broken during the competition by A Steady Rain. This Broadway play, staring Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman, raised over $1.5 million for BC/EFA alone, more than double the record last set in 2003 by The Boy from Oz in which Jackman had also performed.

Prince Williams Sleeps on London Street

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

Prince William spent a night on the streets of London to better understand what it’s like to be homeless. Temperatures dropped to 25 degrees Fahrenheit while William slept on cardboard boxes in an alley close to the River Thames.

As hard as he may have tried, William stated, “I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London’s streets night after night.”

The chief executive of Centrepoint, Seyi Obakin, accompanied him.

Obakin said, “There was no shielding from the bitter cold or the hard concrete floor or the fear of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a good kicking. One of the hairiest moments occurred when we were almost run over by a road sweeper which simply didn’t see our small group huddled together, which just goes to show how vulnerable rough sleepers are.”

Centrepoint celebrated their 40th anniversary this year, where Prince William delivered a speech, challenging the organization to redouble its efforts to end youth homelessness. In turn, Obakin challenged him to spend a night on the streets, not expecting William to actually do it.

More than 4,500 people live on the streets of London. His mother, Princess Diana, also supported the charity.

David Suzuki’s Legacy Lecture To Become A Feature Documentary

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:38:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Environmentalist, activist, scientist, David Suzuki gave his highly anticipated Legacy Lecture this month to a sold-out audience. The 73-year-old’s presentation was based on the premise, “If I had one last lecture to give, what would I say?”

His Legacy took the audience to places that have shaped Suzuki’s life, both dark and light, such as the WWII Japanese camp in British Columbia where his family was interned, to Hiroshima where his grandparents, who took the Canadian government’s one-way-ticket offer after the war, moved and died within a year, and to Haida Gwaii where Suzuki was adopted into the eagle clan.

But the talk also went into Suzuki’s long-time frustration at the political obsession for economic growth at the sacrifice of nature.

“My Prime Minister regards the economy as our highest priority,” Suzuki said, "and forgets that economics and ecology are derived from the same Greek word, oikos, meaning household or domain. Ecology is the study of home, while economics is its management. Ecologists try to define the conditions and principles that enable a species to survive and flourish. Yet in elevating the economy above those principles, we seem to think we are immune to the laws of nature. We have to put the “eco” back into economics."

Observing the effectiveness of movies to get messages to the masses, like with Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary The 11th Hour and Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, Suzuki, plans to take his lecture from the podium to the big screen as well, but in a more optimistic way.

“To me, at the end of [those] films you want to go out and slash your throat,” Suzuki said in a Globe and Mail report. “So I thought there had to be a way to lift people up and inspire them rather than point out how hopeless it is.”

The Legacy Lecture feature documentary should be released next autumn.

Celebrities Support The Los Angeles Mission On Christmas Eve

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Christmas Eve is a time for presents and Holiday cheer, and Skid Row was no different than any other neighborhood Thursday as the Los Angeles Mission served food and gifts to thousands of guests.

Thanks to donations from JAKKS Pacific and Disney as well as from other companies and individuals, children walked or toddled away with toys, games and other Christmas gifts. Everyone was given a new jacket thanks to One Warm Coat and Aéropostale.

Stars that helped at the Los Angeles Mission on Thursday included Kate Linder, Bonnie Hunt, Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Roxy Olin (Brothers and Sisters), Carolyn Hennesy (Cougartown), Stephanie Pratt (The Hills), Boo Boo Stewart (Twilight Eclipse), Donal Logue (The Patriot), Gilles Marini (Sex and the City), Victor Webster (Melrose Place), Rick Yune (Ninja Assassin), and Jeremy London (Rain from Stars).

“We love Christmas at the Los Angeles Mission,” said Herb Smith, President of the Los Angeles Mission. “Just to see the joy in the eyes of the children is enough, but the appreciation of parents is gratifying as well. With high unemployment and economic distress, children’s desires are often overlooked as stretched dollars go to food and essentials. This event helps those families a lot.”

The holidays are a time of blessings, and with the blessings of many supporters the Mission was able to provide about 3,000 thousand Christmas dinners to the homeless, hand out thousands of toys to hundreds of children, and provide Christmas cheer to both guests and volunteers.

“JAKKS Pacific is proud to again support the efforts of the LA Mission this holiday season by providing our JAKKS Cares Crew of volunteers and a donation of toys for their Christmas Eve event,” said Genna Rosenberg, SVP of Corporate Communications, Investor Relations & Philanthropy. “There are so many people in need, more than ever before, and the work of the LA Mission is vital to our community. Through our partnership with LA Mission, we hope to bring the gift of a smile to many children’s faces on Christmas Eve.”

In addition to the gifts, Santa greeted the children, and there was snow flurries flying on the main street of Skid Row. New Leash on Life “Lend a Paw” dogs were on hand to visit with the Mission’s guests. The therapy dogs were at one time “homeless” themselves – having been rescued and trained to provide services to people in need.

The Los Angeles Mission highlighted a new way to donate to the organization. Text2Give allows cell phone users to text the word gift to 40579, and make a one-time donation of $5.00 to the Mission. Users can make up to 5 donations a month.

Thursday’s menu included roast chicken, tasty glazed ham and asparagus roll, 3-cheese macaroni, mixed vegetables, dinner rolls, butter and jelly. Dessert was pie.

Christmas Eve morning started early for the staff and volunteers and the Mission. There were last minute gift donations to wrap, and the big dinner to prepare. Starting at about 6:00 AM Fifth Street from Wall Street to San Pedro was closed to vehicular traffic and the street set up started.

“Many service providers to the homeless in Los Angeles are seeing increases in the number of people coming for help,” said Smith. “We track a number of indicators, and one of those is the number of meals we serve. We are providing about 8-10 percent more meals now than we were a year ago – nearly 600,000 meals in all. More people are coming for food boxes as well – people who may have a place to live, but their income isn’t enough to pay rent and utilities and provide sufficient food. We provide more than a meal – food is obviously important, but we want to assist in those on the street by helping them restore their lives to something better. The Los Angeles Mission is doing everything it can to help – but our resources are reduced as well.”

“Our donors make it possible to help this community,” Smith continued. “But we know a difficult economy makes it hard to make the decision to give money to a charity. We thank those who have continued to support the work here on Skid Row.”

Many who came to Wednesday’s event live in temporary housing in the Skid Row area, others in shelters, and many came from the streets. All are greeted by staff and volunteers with love and served a hearty meal and given holiday treats. As they waited to be seated and served, the guests enjoyed holiday music from a number of local musical groups.

Celebrities Pose With Pets For Charity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

The annual Animal Rescue Foundation Celebrity Pet Calendar is out now, featuring some of your favorite stars and their best friends.

ARF was created in 1991 by Tony and Elaine La Russa to address the needs of companion animals. ARF saves dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and brings people and animals together to enrich each others lives. ARF strives to create a world where every loving dog and cat has a home, where every lonely person has a companion animal, and where children learn to care.

This year’s calendar features famous faces such as Jenna Fischer, Celebrity Dog Trainer Victoria Stilwell, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, Holly Madison, Warren Buffett, Chairman of Starbucks Coffee Howard Schultz and FOX News Anchor Greta Van Susteren, country singer Dierks Bentley, comedian Paul Rodriguez and many more.

To view the calendar and make a purchase, visit the ARF website.

Shawn Marion To Play Santa For Charity On Christmas Day

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion will deliver Christmas presents to seven single mother families in the Dallas area in order to make their Christmas dreams come true on Christmas morning.

“I am doing this for single parent families on Christmas Day because I know what it feels like to grow up and have sneakers so old and worn that I had to avoid puddles so that the socks protruding through the soles of my shoes would not get soaked because my mother could not afford new sneakers,” said Marion. “I know what it feels like to have nothing. My mom is a wonderful and strong woman who worked two jobs for a long time to put food on the table to feed us. To come from nothing to something is a blessing and I want to be a blessing to others.”

Marion purchased toys; bikes, HD TVs and other wish-list items, along with clothes, furniture, gift cards and other needed items and will personally deliver them to the families.

Shawn Marion established The Shawn Marion Foundation at The Giving Back Fund to provide life-changing opportunities and experiences to single parent families. The Foundation provides college-scholarships to single parent mothers to help break the cycle of low paying jobs and limited opportunities. The Shawn Marion Foundation also distributes grants to charities in the Dallas, Las Vegas, and Chicago areas who are providing needed services to single parent families. For more information, log onto www.shawnmarionfoundation.org

LTTS Exclusive - Clive Anderson Hosts Charity Carol Concert

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent recently attended a very special charity event in London, and filed this report.

I was invited to join ‘Three Kings’ of the modern era in The Prostate Cancer Charity carol concert. TV presenter, Clive Anderson, hosted the service, and Public Relations guru Max Clifford and BBC One’s Eastenders star Rudolph Walker both give holiday readings.

The famous faces joined forces at St. Johns, Smith Square, to sing along with a range of renowned acts, including the runners up of BBC One’s ‘Last Choir Standing’ – the Bath Male Choir and acclaimed international group, Metro Voices.

The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Major Events Manager, Carol Endericks, said: "We are all very excited about our first Christmas carol concert, ‘Sing for Noel (and all other men).’ It promises to be a fun filled evening and will really get everyone geared up for Christmas. We are delighted to be joined by such well respected and loved personalities, who will each add their own personal flair to the concert. We have an amazing set of performers who will sing their hearts out, guaranteeing that the concert will be anything but a ‘silent night.’

“Prostate cancer affects 35,000 men and their families each year in the UK and this Christmas we are asking people to spare them a thought but to also join us in spreading the festive cheer. Christmas in London is a magical time and we are hoping that our concert will make it all the more special. We would love a big crowd of carol singers to come along and join us and so we are asking people to get their tickets now to avoid disappointment.”

Rudolph Walker read ‘Advent 1955’ by John Betjeman. Rudolph said: “I am delighted to be a part of The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Christmas celebrations. The festive season is a special time of year and has the power to bring people together. My reading emphasises what Christmas is really about – spending time with your family and loved ones. It is not about how many cards and presents you receive, it is about the warmth that you share with those around you. I am looking forward to the carol concert and I hope to see as many people there as possible.”

Rudolph was joined by fellow long term supporters of the Charity, Max Clifford and Clive Anderson, who have both campaigned strongly over the years to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Every year in the UK 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.

African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.

The Prostate Cancer Charity is striving for a world where lives are no longer limited by prostate cancer. The Charity is fighting prostate cancer on every front – through research, support, information and campaigning.

If you have any queries about prostate cancer, call The Prostate Cancer Charity’s confidential Helpline 0800 074 8383 which is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7 – 9pm or visit www.prostate-cancer.org.uk.

State Radio Is Calling All Crows For Charity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0000

State Radio frontman and former Dispatch member Chad Stokes took to the stage with “Some Good Friends” this past weekend at Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA for the second annual Calling All Crows benefit shows.

These shows wove together music with a message, celebrating the accomplishments of Calling All Crows’ first year in action, including 600 fans volunteering over 3,000 hours at local service projects across the country and a year long effort from State Radio and their fans to raise $100,000 for Oxfam America’s Darfur Stoves project. The Calling All Crows team (pictured above) presented the check on Saturday night, December 12, to Bog Ferguson of Oxfam America.

“Oxfam America’s partnership with State Radio and Calling All Crows on our Darfur Stoves project has been meaningful from day one,” Ferguson remarked. “Like Oxfam, the band and their organization are all about creating partners and activists to help make our globe a better place. Their work on this project will impact 5000 families in Darfur for the better, and proves the motto of Oxfam America’s concert outreach program that ‘music can change the world.’”

The donation will provide 5,000 fuel-efficient stoves that will decrease the number of trips Sudanese women need to make away from their refugee camps to collect firewood and, in turn, decrease their risk of becoming victims of rape and assault.

Stokes, co-founded Calling All Crows last year with his long-time partner and tour manager Sybil Gallagher. A service organization dedicated to mobilizing musicians and their fans to promote human rights, Calling All Crows has developed a unique engagement model, empowering musicians, fans, and service partners to serve side-by-side to create change. Globally, the organization seeks to end violence against women through humanitarian relief. Locally, they aim to inspire public service through hands-on volunteerism.

The 2nd Annual Calling All Crows Benefit Weekend consisted of unique performances, community service and special announcements. Friday evening (Dec 11) featured performances from Stokes, fellow Dispatch bandmate Pete Francis, with Jay Driscoll of Barefoot Truth on weissenborn slide guitar, Matt Embree of Rx Bandits, and State Radio’s Michael “Maddog” Najarian, who traded his usual drum kit for acoustic guitar. The artists came together at the end of the night for a cover of The Band’s “Ophelia.”

Artists and fans joined AmeriCorps members with City Year Boston early on Saturday (Dec 12) morning for a transformative day of service at Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a home for runaway and homeless youth. That evening at the Armory included the return of Embree, who opened his soulful “Overcome” with a tip of the hat to Stokes with a tease of State Radio’s “Camilo.” Saturday’s bill also featured sets by The White Buffalo and Stephen Kellogg, culminating in an encore featuring the entire lineup on Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown” and The Band’s “Up On Cripple Creek.”

Saturday evening, Calling All Crows also announced its plans for 2010, including a goal of 10,000 service hours, pre-show service projects on State Radio’s European Tour in March, and a unique service trip for a select group of fans. Calling All Crows’ inaugural Alternative Spring Break Tour will host 10 fans on a week-long bus tour through Texas and Louisiana with service projects during the day and shows every night. Next year’s humanitarian fundraising commitment will be announced when State Radio kicks off their Winter Tour on January 14th in Tucson, AZ.

Stars Attend Charity Party For A Special Cause

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of Hollywood A-Listers were out and about in New York earlier this week for a very special charity party.

God’s Love We Deliver provides meals and nutritional counseling to people living with life-altering illnesses. On December 22, stars such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Hartnett, Matt Dillon, Justin Theroux, Mark Ronson, Scott Campbell, Mary Louise-Parker and many others gathered at the Smyth Tribeca Hotel to raise money for the cause.

The charity has also announced that Joan Rivers will perform a series of shows in January to raise money for the organization. The star will perform at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York on Jan 5/6/12/20 and February 3 and 24. Proceeds will also go to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

To find out more, visit the God’s Love We Deliver website.

Annie Lennox And David Gray Duet For Charity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of Annie Lennox and David Gray will be excited to learn that the two British music icons will release a charity single after Christmas.

Full Steam will be released on December 28, with all proceeds going to the Children in Need charity.

Children in Need is a BBC charity that provides practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

The new single will join the charity’s other fundraising singles out now – Peter Kay's Animated All-Star Band, Terry Wogan's Silver Bells and All You Need Is Love – which also features Brian May and Hayley Westenra – and Sharon Corr’s Me And My Teddy Bear.

Barack Obama Shares Christmas Wishes With Children

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Barack Obama spread a little Christmas cheer earlier this week when he visited a Boys' and Girls' Club of America in northeast Washington.

The US president was greeted by children who were only too happy to share their Christmas wishes. Obama spent time reading The Polar Express to the 25 youngsters at the facility, and handed out Christmas cookies.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America aim to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Stars Design Charity T-Shirts For Starlight Children's Foundation

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Forever 21, Inc. has launched a charitable line of T-shirts personally designed by notable celebrities with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Starlight Children's Foundation – helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

The celebrity designers – Starlight Spokesperson Corbin Bleu, Paris, Nicky and Kathy Hilton, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, and Audrina Patridge – were given art materials, which included paints, markers, and sketch pads, to create a unique painting on canvas using the themes of “star” and “light.” Forever 21 designers incorporated each celebrity’s design onto a cotton T-shirt or tank top.

“I am excited to be designing a t-shirt on behalf of Starlight and Forever 21,” said Corbin. “As a Starlight ambassador I have been inspired by the children and families I have had the privilege of meeting along the way, and by the strength they’ve shown in the hardest of times. I encourage everyone to get involved with Starlight and help lift the spirits of these brave children.”

To see pictures, quotes and to learn more about Corbin Bleu, Paris, Nicky and Kathy Hilton, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, and Audrina Patridge’s involvement, click here.

“This campaign is something very special for us,” said Forever 21’s Senior Marketing Manager Linda Chang. “We are so thrilled to use fashion towards a good cause, helping hundreds, if not thousands of Starlight’s seriously ill children and their families.”

The special line of T-shirts will be available for purchase in select Forever 21 stores and online at Forever21.com. The T-shirts will retail for $12.80. Additionally, each celebrity’s original artwork will be up for auction at Starlight’s eBay store, starting Dec. 21.

Comedians To Perform For Struggling Families On Christmas Day

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The Laugh Factory in Hollywood will hold a very special celebrity charity event on Christmas Day.

The 30th annual Laugh Factory Toy Giveaway and Free Christmas Dinner will offer free meals and toys to struggling families and anyone who is alone for the holiday.

Seatings are available at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Each meal service will feature performances by comedians Paul Rodriguez, Dane Cook, Tom Arnold, Paul Mooney, Larry Miller among others.

Club owner Jamie Masada will greet guests at the door and give away toys to children. The event takes place at the Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. More info can be found here.

Eminem Becomes Santa For Charity

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Here’s a last minute Christmas gift for those stuck for ideas.

Have you been naughty or nice this year? If you’ve been nice, maybe Santa will let you sit on his knee and let you tell him what you want under the tree. But if you’ve been naughty, one of hip hop’s major stars has got the perfect idea.

Eminem has got into the Christmas spirit by dressing up as Santa and offering fans the chance to superimpose their face on a photo to make it look like you are sitting on his lap. The photos – which cost US$24.95 – will come signed by the controversial rapper, and will benefit the Marshall Mathers Foundation for disadvantaged youth in Michigan.

To order your print, click here.

Kim Kardashian Launches Charity Shoe Initiative

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Kim Kardashian has teamed up with 50Kshoes.com’s “Celebrity Charity Challenge” to benefit Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing free footwear to those in desperate need.

“It is an amazing cause. You give money and they help needy people and people in poverty to get shoes,” said Kim Kardashian. “For the price of a latte, you can give two pairs of shoes to people in need.”

Donating is easy at www.50Kshoes.com. It requires no shipping and no trips to the post office. The suggested donation is very affordable, with $5.00 buying two pairs of new shoes. Kim’s challenge ends on January 31, 2010 and all donations are tax-deductible.

Money raised will go toward the purchase of 1,000 pairs of new shoes which will be distributed in Kim’s honor for her support. The distribution will take place on January 8, 2010 in New Orleans. Soles4Souls has sent over 1 million pairs of new shoes to the area since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in 2005.
In addition, Kim’s shoe endeavor ShoeDazzle.com will donate $5 to Soles4Souls for every person who registers with ShoeDazzle.com from now until December 23rd.

Through the new world of blogging, emailing, twittering, and through many other forms of social media, Kim’s support will help spread the charity’s mission to “Change the World, One Pair at a Time.” Kim’s fans can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KIMKARDASHIAN and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KimKardashian .

Rage Against The Machine Donates Proceeds To Charity

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rockers Rage Against The Machine have won the coveted Christmas Number 1 spot in the UK with a re-release of their 1992 song Killing In The Name Of, and they have agreed to give the proceeds to charity.

Over the last few weeks, the band has been involved in a close battle with X-Factor’s Joe McElderry for the highly prized Number 1 spot, and won the top ranking by over 50,000 copies.

Proceeds from the single are set to go to Youth Music – the UK’s largest children’s music charity, set up in 1999 to promote and support music making opportunities and to provide advice to children from birth–18 with the least access, including some of the UK’s most disadvantaged young people – and Shelter, a charity for the homeless.

“We are delighted that people backing this campaign are choosing to support Shelter. The money raised will go towards helping hundreds of homeless families at Christmas this year,” said Gordon MacRae, Head of External Relations at Shelter Scotland.

“Rage Against The Machine was built for moments like this,” added Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello. “That historic chart upset the other night is one we’re very proud to have been a part of, but more proud that it showed that people uniting in solidarity can do anything. That’s the lasting message from this. It went from being ’let’s kick The X Factor off the top of the charts’ to a real people’s movement and, in the future, the energy behind it can be used for other social justice causes and not just chart-topping.”

Hank Marvin Donates Guitar To Charity

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A guitar signed by Cliff Richard's guitarist Hank Marvin – of The Shadows – is to be auctioned for charity.

The red Fender Strat has been donated to Kirsty’s Charity, a charity set up by UK man Tom McDonald, whose 16-year-old daughter died of a heart attack in 2002. The charity aims to raise awareness of the need for organ donations and sends gifts to children in hospital.

‘The guitar is priceless and will only appreciate in value over the years," said McDonald. "I’m good at making contacts and Fender were kind enough to send me the Stratocaster which is the best of the best. Hank signed it while he was at a gig at the Hammersmith Apollo London, which makes it even more collectable."

Anyone interested in the guitar, which comes with a Fender gig bag and strap, should contact Tom on 0115 963 0813 or 07812160561 or email him on tom@re-charged.co.uk by Christmas Eve.

Stars To Feed The Homeless On Christmas Eve

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

A host of stars will be at the Los Angeles Mission on Christmas Eve to help spread good will for the holiday season.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will join Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Roxy Olin (Brothers and Sisters), Carolyn Hennesy (Cougartown), Stephanie Pratt (The Hills), Boo Boo Stewart (Twilight Eclipse), Donal Logue (The Patriot), Gilles Marini (Sex and the City), Victor Webster (Melrose Place), Rick Yune (Ninja Assassin), Jeremy London (Rain from Stars), and of course Santa at the Mission to feed the homeless.

Tough economic times hit the poor and homeless in countless ways – and at Christmas time the impact can be heartbreaking. Not enough money for necessities means not enough for toys for the children either.

The Los Angeles Mission Christmas Eve Event will provide some relief for families and children with generous donations of thousands of toys and other gifts that will be distributed that day – including thousands of coats for men, women and children. Hundreds of volunteers from the entertainment industry, political leaders and others will bring the joy of the season to Skid Row.

The event starts at 11am on December 24 on the corner of Fifth and Wall Street in LA.

Ricky Martin's Thoughts Of World Harmony

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Ricky Martin has talked about his thoughts of peace over the holiday season, his positive outlook on life, and his hope that humanity will one day prevail.

“As a human rights activist for many years, I’ve been able to witness countless miracles,” he said. "I’ve seen the amazing capacity that human beings have to heal; I’ve seen governments and private citizens try to change public policies and fight battles of love that have resulted in a positive impact on our society. I’ve seen boys and girls from different parts of the world free themselves from the bondage of human trafficking (the slavery of the new era) and amazing people renounce their “lives of luxury” to help those who need it most. Witnessing miracles of all kinds has strengthened the faith in humanity that my parents instilled in me, which is the same faith that I try to pass on to my children every day. When I watch them discovering the world, I think kindness is one of the greatest virtues that I can teach them.

“On the other hand, I’ve also seen insufferable things that have made it impossible for me to hold on to the naiveté that I had as a child and have always tried to maintain it. Traveling the world from an early age and witnessing unimaginable crimes against humanity has stolen part of the innocence that I had as a young boy. There were many moments when I forgot about the child that lives inside of me. You know, that child that we all have within and who constantly reminds us to focus on the beauty of “simplicity”. But that moment of disconnection was many years ago, and thanks to the work that I do with my foundation as a part of my daily life, I’m fortunate enough to say that I have reconnected with that inner child and continue to learn from him. One of the most important things I have learned is to SHOUT to the world when I encounter injustice, and that is why I am writing today.

“I try to walk through life with a positive outlook. I do all I can to keep a grateful and optimistic attitude. Call me a romantic, an idealist, or maybe someone who’s just not realistic. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism or maybe it’s just that I’m someone who wants to change the chain of negative thoughts that have been fed to us in many ways and which can easily poison the soul. We are all human and sometimes it’s easier to ignore the pain and go on with our day. “That has nothing to do with us,” we may say; “Why should we care?” But today, I feel that’s impossible. It does have to do with us. I do care.

“SO I SHOUT: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE WORLD TODAY?

“I’m sure you all have different answers. But at the end of the day, it seems that the collective response usually comes back to one thing: “WE WANT PEACE”

“Accepting diversity is the first and most important step we can take towards eliminating hate crimes and uniting humanity.

“If we ACCEPT, humanity unites. If humanity unites, equal human rights will become a reality. And if equal human rights become a reality, peace will be within our reach.”

The full statement can be read here.

Judi Dench Supports Children Of Peace

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Actress Dame Judi Dench is calling on support for the Children of Peace winter appeal.

The 2009-10 Children of Peace Winter Appeal – Schools Aid – aims to raise funds for ten affiliate schools in Israel and Palestine who struggle to find the funding for teachers, care workers, health provision and basic resources like pens, books and software.

Dame Judi Dench is championing the Appeal and says:

“Children of Peace is dear to my heart because it puts education at the centre of its work for peace between children and their communities in Israel and Palestine. Children are the future. Yet, many of their school’s lack basic resources that we take for granted. Some do not even have pens, or paper or even crayons. Other schools lack classroom heating, visual aids, play equipment or even the funds to pay for teachers.

“Thanks to the pioneering work of Children of Peace in the region there are signs of hope for the children they seek to protect. That is why I urge you to dig deep and donate to the Schools Aid Winter Appeal. Your generous support will make a difference to the lives of children shaken by conflict, health issues and deprivation. By doing so, you can play a part in peace building between the children of Israel and Palestine.”

Children of Peace aims to build friendship, trust and reconciliation between Israeli and Palestinian children through arts, education, health and sports projects, in order to help a future generation live together in peace. The multi-faith, non partisan UK charity works with over 70 affiliate organisations in a unique “coalition of peace” in the Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank and they support programmes that centre upon peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

For more information on the work of Children of Peace visit www.childrenofpeace.org.uk

Spotlight: DoSomething.org's Celebrity Supporters

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:42:00 -0000

Aiming to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.

Celebrity supporters

DoSomething.org has 12 known supporters, including Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna

Read more about DoSomething.org's work and celebrity supporters.

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Spotlight: Russell Simmons's Charity Work

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:40:00 -0000

“I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it,” Simmons says.

Simmons supported a PETA protest against the treatment of chickens at KFC.

He is Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

Read more about Russell Simmons's charity work and events.

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Video Spotlight: Bono singing Knocking on Heavens Door, Grafton Street, Christmas Eve 2009

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:08:00 -0000

Grafton Street Christmas Eve 2009, Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, Mundy, Liam O Maonlai and Bono busking in aid of Simon Community.

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Spotlight: Youth Service America's Celebrity Supporters

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:07:00 -0000

Youth Service America is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people, ages 5-25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally.

Celebrity supporters

Youth Service America has 1 known supporters, including Miley Ray Cyrus

Areas of work

Read more about Youth Service America's work and celebrity supporters.

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Spotlight: Angelina Jolie's Charity Work

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:49:00 -0000

Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR.

Jolie is on the board of advisors for the Yéle Haiti Foundation, and with Brad Pitt took time to help Wyclef Jean with his Clean Streets project. Jolie also arranged a deal with People Magazine allowing them to print the first picture showing her visibly pregnant in exchange for a $500,000 donation to the charity.

Angelina has been travelling to refugee camps around the world since filming Tomb Raider. During her missions she has visited places including Sudan’s war-torn Darfur, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Tanzania. She also visited Afghan refugees in Pakistan and donated $1 million to help.

Read more about Angelina Jolie's charity work and events.

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Spotlight: Free The Children's Celebrity Supporters

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:37:00 -0000

Free The Children is a children’s charity organization founded in 1995 by children’s rights advocate Craig Kielburger, who was only 12-years-old at the time. The organization builds schools in developing countries. It also provides alternative income projects as well as school and health kits to people in developing rural areas. Free The Children was inspired by the death of Iqbal Masih, a twelve year old carpet factory laborer who spoke out against his working conditions and received help from the Bonded Labour Liberation Front of Pakistan. The organization has partnered with the United Nations, Me to We Style, National Bank Financial, and Oprah's Angel Network.

Celebrity supporters

Free The Children has 6 known supporters, including Oprah, Desmond Tutu, and Richard Gere

Areas of work

Children

Read more about Free The Children's work and celebrity supporters.

Michael Douglas Accepts Donation In Dubai

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Spotlight: Bono's Charity Work

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:34:00 -0000

There are few people in the music industry who have the presence of Bono. The Irish frontman of U2 knows no limitations when it comes to fighting poverty and hunger, and is constantly in direct contact with world leaders and policy makers in his quest to make the world a better place.

Bono was inspired to get involved in charity work after seeing The Secret Policeman’s Ball in 1979. In 1986 he helped organize Amnesty International's Conspiracy Of Hope tour alongside Sting, who was one of the Secret Policeman’s Ball performers seen by Bono, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, and Bryan Adams. He also got involved in the Band Aid and Live Aid projects which were organized by Bob Geldof – another Secret Policeman’s Ball performer, and later helped Geldof organize the 2005 Live 8 project.

His first contact with charitable causes was in 1986, prior to the Conspiracy of Hope tour, when World Vision invited him to Ethiopia. While there, Bono developed an education program with his wife, Ali, that used one-act plays and songs to spread information on health, hygiene, and other issues. He released a book of photos he took during the trip called “String Of Pearls”.

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Video Spotlight: Neil Fox Selfridges Interview

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:41:00 -0000

Ben Shires dons his hunting cap and let’s slip his slobbering pack of interview hounds, all in an effort to pin down the wily Neil Fox. What is the karaoke event at Selfridges all about? Why does Neil Fox want to get involved in the McMillan’s charity? And will Ben succeed in his mission before the RSPCA arrives?

(Click here to view the video if it doesn't appear above.)

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Spotlight: Stockings With Care's Celebrity Supporters

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:28:00 -0000

Stockings with Care is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making sure that families in need have everything they need to create the magic of Christmas morning for their kids.

Stockings with Care works with coalitions that assist families either living in homeless shelters or who are in jeopardy of becoming homeless and can not afford to celebrate their holiday. Social workers at each of these coalitions work with the parents to make their wish lists. These lists are passed on to Stockings with Care. Through the generosity of our individual Santas, private and corporate donors and a small army of volunteers, we make sure that every child gets at least two things on their list and that each child has at least three gifts to open on Christmas morning. Thousands of gifts are wrapped and delivered to the parents, empowering them to create magic for their kids.

Celebrity supporters

Stockings With Care has 2 known supporters, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

Areas of work

Children

Read more about Stockings With Care's work and celebrity supporters.

Tom Cruise Shops For Needy Children

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Spotlight: Bryan Adams's Charity Work

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:19:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Bryan Adams has participated in concerts and other activities to help raise money and/or awareness for a variety of different causes for nearly 30 years. Some include Live Aid, Amnesty International's “A Conspiracy of Hope” tour, Rock For Amnesty, the Prince's Trust Rock Gala, the Nelson Mandela birthday party concert, Roger Waters' “The Wall” in Berlin, the CBC benefit concert in Toronto for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, and Canada’s Live 8 show. In Qatar he raised £1.5M ($2,617,000) from a performance and the auction of a guitar signed by many of the world’s most prominent guitarists for Qatar’s “Reach Out to Asia” campaign. He also performed in Karachi, Pakistan, to raise money for underprivileged children to go to school and for victims of the 2005 Pakistan earthquake.

Some of his own projects include rebuilding a school in Thailand and a new sports center in Sri Lanka after the Indian Ocean tsunami, a benefit record for Ethiopia called Tears Are Not Enough, a benefit record for Greenpeace called Rainbow Warriors, and a benefit album called On a Day Like Today in support of an elephant sanctuary.

In 2006 he set up the Bryan Adams Foundation with the aim of improving the quality of lives across the world. It hopes to advance the lives of children through education and to support those in need in a variety of ways via the distribution of grants.

Read more about Bryan Adams's charity work and events.

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