Look To The Stars News: Latest

Usher To Host Third Annual World Leadership Conference

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Usher's New Look Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Usher Raymond IV, will host the third annual World Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia at Emory University from June 19-22, 2012.

The 2012 World Leadership Conference is a three-day initiative that brings together celebrities, influencers, newsmakers and hundreds of accomplished youth from around the world including the U.K., Hong Kong, Kenya and South Africa, with the goal of educating and empowering young people in New Look’s four pillars: talent, education, career and service.

Beginning Wednesday, June 20, 2012, a hand-selected group of the brightest and best New Look youth leaders will participate in New Look’s intensive training program to learn the skills needed to become agents of change in their community. The training will consist of seminars and discussions focusing on public speaking, presentation skills, using your talents to make a difference, and embracing your individuality to build your brand. These New Look youth leaders will use Wednesday’s training as a vehicle to empower, mentor and certify approximately 1,200 Atlanta-based middle school students as leaders on Thursday.

On Friday, June 22, 2012, a select group of New Look youth leaders will take over Atlanta for the day, shadowing top corporate CEO’s, including Mayor Kasim Reed, giving them a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills in a real world setting. The Conference will conclude with a special concert, “Usher & Friends Unplugged,” which will feature surprise musical guests.

“New Look is about sending the next generation out into the world with the knowledge, experience, and empowerment they need to succeed,” said Usher Raymond IV. “These kids inspire me every day, and our goal with the World Leadership Conference is to give back a little bit of that inspiration.”

“At the conclusion of this year’s World Leadership Conference, we are confident that these New Look youth leaders will be inspired to motivate their peers in their community,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President, Usher’s New Look Foundation. “Throughout the past 13 years, New Look’s programming has been instrumental in shaping the lives of more than 10,000 of the top youth leaders around the world.”

For more information Usher’s New Look Foundation and the 2012 World Leadership Conference, visit www.ushersnewlook.org.

Richard Branson Announces Winners At Charity Summit

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

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

The winner announcement came at a special Screw Business As Usual fundraising Summit in London where, via videolink from Canada, Raise5 accepted their award and once-in-a lifetime prize – a connection trip to Sir Richard Branson’s home in South Africa to discuss their idea in person with Richard and Virgin Unite.

A wide variety of entries were submitted throughout the Virgin Unite competition, including a solar powered football, the world’s most ethical pants and a train carriage that allows passengers to share business ideas and strategy. Raise5, a donation-based start-up, was voted for by the public and made the overall Top 10 ideas, which were then put to a panel of inspiring judges, including Sir Richard.

Discussing the Raise5 concept, Sir Richard said: “It’s simple, entrepreneurial and it works. There were so many fantastic entries but Raise5 stood out for me as a perfect example of how anyone can think differently to affect change. Raise5 is about leveraging your skills, talents and creativity as a force for good and that’s exactly what we’re asking business leaders to consider in the way that they approach the world of work. The sheer number of companies that entered the competition who want to be successful and profitable but also want to do more to help people and the planet is inspirational. Profit alone is now not the only driving force for many businesses”.

Mike Tang, founder of Raise5, said: “There were so many fantastic entries but we took an idea that we felt could genuinely help. We’re so happy that our idea has been recognised by Sir Richard Branson. We wanted to create a new way to give back which is fun and convenient. Looking around, everyone has talents, so we thought how can we turn those talents into donations? And that’s when we came up with the idea for Raise5. We’re so looking forward to the next steps for Raise5, working with Virgin Unite and getting the Screw Business As Usual message out there”.

As part of the prize, Raise5 will get to meet frontline leaders who are making a difference, share ideas with fledgling business owners at the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, South Africa and then get to spend several days in glorious Africa with Sir Richard and the rest of the group, experiencing animals in the wild and fantastic luxury at Ulusaba, Sir Richard’s private game reserve.

Sir Richard and Virgin Unite thanked all of the Screw Business As Usual entrants for their ideas, some of which will be featured in Sir Richard’s next book.

The summit took place on May 14 at Jamie Oliver's flagship restaurant, Fifteen London, and saw Branson and Oliver join together in the kitchen for a culinary adventure.

For more information on the work of Virgin Unite and the Screw Business As Usual movement, visit www.virginunite.com.

Eddie Izzard Announces Marathon Challenge

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Comedian Eddie Izzard has announced that he will once again run a series of marathons, this time as a tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Planned for the summer, Izzard will attempt to run 27 marathons in 27 days representing the 27 years Mandela spent in prison.

Better known for comedy than athletic prowess, Izzard’s last foray into a series of marathons was in 2009, which raised over 200 thousand pounds for Sport Relief. Arriving at the finish line in London after 1,100 miles, Izzard said, “I’ve run the fastest marathon I’ve ever run, which is not incredibly fast time, but I have run 43 marathons now in 51 days, and so I don’t really care anymore. And I’m cold.”

He may not care about his running speed, but he does care about raising money for causes and intends to donate the proceeds this time to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and other South African charities. In honor of Nelson Mandela the man, Izzard will plan his route through sites linked to Mandela’s personal history, including his place of birth, trial, imprisonment, “everywhere that resonates with his life,” said Izzard.

But there’s another reason behind the effort. On tour in South Africa, Izzard said, “I was thinking about what I had done to demonstrate against apartheid and I realized that I did nothing.”

Stars Donate Garden Tools To Christian Aid Charity Auction

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Tali Lennox, Alan Titchmarsh and TOWIE’s Lydia Bright are among a host of famous names who have used their creative talents to support this year’s Christian Aid Week.

Photo: Tali Lennox

Over 15 stars have customized gardening tools, which will be displayed in a Soho pop-up shop from 14 – 19 May and auctioned at www.ebay.co.uk/christianaid.

The theme of the fundraising week is ‘give the tools to help people in poverty out of poverty’, and Christian Aid is hoping the celebrity decorated tools will raise vital funds for its work in countries such as Sierra Leone. The shop at 63 Broadwick Street, adjacent to Carnaby Street, will be open from 10 – 7pm daily to give the public a chance to view these unique items, which range from watering cans and gardening gloves to wellies and herb pots.

Among the items going under the hammer are Tali Lennox’s watering can, Lemar's watering can, Kara Tointon's herb pots, Bill Nighy's bucket and VV Brown’s paint brush.

One of the stars involved is young British model, Tali Lennox. Daughter of singer and humanitarian, Annie Lennox, Tali is no stranger to charity work. She recently travelled to Sierra Leone, one of the world’s poorest countries where around half the population depend on agriculture, as a Christian Aid Week ambassador. There, Tali visited communities that have already benefited from Christian Aid funds and heard how war torn communities, who faced a daily battle against malnutrition after the multinational food companies fled during the war, were left with no tools or equipment to farm.

Tali said: ‘This was the first time I got to see how small changes can transform lives in such a big way. People are being provided with the kinds of things we in the UK would take for granted. The country has so much potential. They just need the right tools, and that’s where the donations have been so vital.’

This year there is an even greater focus on fundraising as the first £5million donated to Christian Aid Week 2012 will be matched by the Government pound for pound, allowing the charity to help more people in poor communities around the world work their way out of poverty.

Karen Lobo-Morell, Christian Aid, said: ’It’s fantastic to have so many stars using their creative talents to support Christian Aid Week. Buying a watering can decorated by Lemar or a pair of wellies customised by Katherine Hamnett will mean people can not only own a great one-off, but will be helping poor communities around the world. Millions of people rely on subsistence agriculture to feed their families and they just want to be given the tools to work their way out of poverty. We want as many people as possible to come down to the shop and check out what our stars have created.’

To donate to Christian Aid Week, give online at www.caweek.org, call 08080 006 006 or text ‘GIVE’ to 78866 to give £5.

Christian Aid would like to thank Shaftsbury Estate for the kind donation of the shop, Hunter for donating the boots decorated by Katharine Hamnett and David Shrigley, Next Model Management and eBay for support with the special auction.

Dalai Lama Donates Prize Money To Save The Children

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

The Dalai Lama is to donate the bulk of his Templeton Prize money to Save the Children.

The 76-year-old religious leader received the £1.1m prize at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. About £900,000 will go to Save the Children in India, with £125,000 set aside for The Minds and Life Institute.

Save the Children chief executive Justin Forsyth, said: "We are honoured to accept this generous humanitarian gift, which will be used to save the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children.

“In line with the Dalai Lama’s wishes, the funds will be used on programmes which tackle malnutrition in India. Save the Children is at the forefront of the fight against malnutrition – one of the biggest causes of deaths of young children across the globe.

“This donation will be used practically, to help many more children survive, grow and as the Dalai Lama said realise their full potential.

“In selecting Save the Children as a beneficiary, His Holiness has spoken of his admiration for the work of Save the Children and its tireless efforts over the years to improve the world for young children.”

The 76-year-old is being awarded the prize for encouraging “serious scientific investigative reviews of the power of compassion”, and its potential to address world problems.

The John Templeton Foundation said he was chosen for exploring these issues – which are key themes of his teachings – with people beyond his own religious traditions.

Pamela Anderson Adopts Homeless Dog From India

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:05:00 +0000

When Pamela Anderson visited India recently, her heart was captured by the plight of the homeless dogs she saw on the streets.

So when Anderson, an honorary director of PETA US, learned that PETA India’s Poorva Joshipura was headed to the States to meet with her overseas colleagues and to visit her family, the Baywatch star asked if Joshipura would bring a homeless puppy with her. Anderson has decided to name her newest family member, who was rescued from a construction site in Mumbai, Pyari, or “Loved One”.

“I’m thrilled to be able to give Pyari a loving home”, says Anderson. “I already have rescued dogs, and I urge everyone to join me in adopting a homeless dog from their local animal shelter or the streets instead of buying a so-called ‘pedigree’.”

Every time someone buys a dog from a breeder or a pet shop, a dog on the streets or in an animal shelter loses his or her chance at finding a good home. Each year, thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized in the UK alone because there aren’t enough good homes for them. Others are abandoned on the streets, where they starve to death, get injured or killed by vehicles or fall prey to abuse.

British Stars Bring Hope To Young Unemployed

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Zandra Rhodes, Wayne Hemingway and iconic photographer Rankin are among the industry leaders fronting a national Prince's Trust campaign in the UK to inspire a generation facing record youth unemployment.

Photo: Rankin and Care

British beauty entrepreneur Liz Earle, chef Gizzi Erskine and interior designer Kelly Hoppen are also supporting the youth charity’s Tomorrow campaign, which urges employers to recognise young people as tomorrow’s industry leaders.

The established faces will each mentor a young person, who has overcome unemployment with support from The Prince’s Trust, to create a product that will retail nationwide.

Major UK retailers, including T.M.Lewin, Zizzi and QVC, will work alongside these well-known public figures to provide support throughout the mentoring process and offer expert guidance on aspects of product development and retail. All the Tomorrow products sold as a result will raise valuable funds for the charity.  

The advertising campaign, which features the celebrity mentors and launched on Monday, is reminiscent of the 1914 Lord Kitchener poster. The adverts remind young people: “Tomorrow Needs You”, complete with Kitchener-styled props.

Designer Wayne Hemingway MBE said: “If we invest in young people today, we’re developing British talent for the future. Not every young person is in a position to realise their potential but a campaign like Tomorrow can help us reach young people who need encouragement and support.”

Interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE added: “At this time of record-breaking youth unemployment, we need to cultivate young talent and give young people hope. By sharing my experiences, I hope that I can help young people to pursue their own ideas.”

Photographer to the stars, Rankin, has worked alongside his own Trust-supported mentee, 18 year-old photographer, Care Johnson, to shoot the campaign’s advertising images. When an allergy to animals ruined her dreams of working with horses, Care struggled to find another job. Determined to succeed, the teenager created a job for herself, setting up as a photographer with help from The Prince’s Trust.

Rebecca, aged 25, from Doncaster is being mentored by Liz Earle MBE. Rebecca struggled at school and left aged 15 with no qualifications. She scraped through a beauty course and moved from job to job, not knowing what direction to go in. She settled at a large department store but was shortly made redundant. Rebecca lost not only her job but her home and resorted to staying on her grandma’s sofa whilst carrying her first baby. Shortly after giving birth to her son, Rebecca approached The Prince’s Trust and received a loan to set up her own lash and nail business. Rebecca went from being a homeless single mum to running a business which currently employs eight local women. Under Liz Earle’s mentorship, she will be helping to develop a new product for Liz Earle Beauty Co.

The Trust is urging unemployed young people to visit a new website, www.princes-trust.org.uk/tomorrow, which provides advice, inspiration and support for those struggling in the current climate. Joanna Lumley, Jamie Oliver, James Caan and Alan Titchmarsh are among those who have shared their stories of how they reached the positions they are in today.

Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, said: “With more than a million young people out of work, we must all take action to avoid a generation of young talent going to waste. Young people need our support to be the industry leaders of tomorrow. We hope the six young talents at the heart of this campaign will inspire many more to achieve their potential.”

The Prince’s Trust helps change young lives. It works with 13-to-30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. Last year more than three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust moved into work, training or education.

John Rich And Friends To Perform For Charity

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 +0000

John Rich, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Jeff Foxworthy and Big & Rich will perform at the St. Jude Presents John Rich & Friends concert on June 5 at the Cannon Center in Memphis, Tenn.

The event will serve as the first-ever concert kick off for the 2012 FedEx St. Jude Classic. Window World® and First Tennessee Bank will serve as presenting sponsors for the event. This year, as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization is thankful to all of its supporters who make it possible for the hospital to provide exceptional care to children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases, all while ensuring that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.

“The John Rich & Friends concert is an incredible way for us to kick off this year’s FedEx St. Jude Classic and celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “This year’s tournament is about so much more than golf. We’ve planned a full week of events for our supporters to enjoy while also helping St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children.”

St. Jude patient Ben is especially looking forward to the concert. In 2011, on the day Ben, 19, was admitted to St. Jude, Rich made a special appearance at the hospital. Rich spent time with Ben that day and invited him to attend a concert when he was feeling better. Ben is just one of the many patients who have been touched by Rich in his 15 years of dedication to St. Jude.

“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital holds a very special place in my heart, that’s why I’m excited to kick off the FedEx St. Jude Classic with the John Rich & Friends concert,” said Rich. “I don’t know how you could spend your time any better on this earth than to support something like St. Jude. It’s truly God’s work – taking care of them babies.”

The FedEx St. Jude Classic has raised more than $25 million to help St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children. In addition to the concert, other special events include the Danny Thomas Pro-Am, Championship Pro-Am, Michelob Ultra Party Tent, a fun-filled Kid Zone and the Super T concert “after party.” By purchasing tickets to the concert and tournament attendees will participate in family-friendly entertainment and sporting events while helping St. Jude do everything it can to save the lives of children battling cancer and other deadly diseases.

Michael Douglas Records PSA For Oral Cancer Foundation

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Actor and producer Michael Douglas has donated his time to help create a television public service announcement (PSA) on behalf of the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those affected by the disease.

The PSA will support the Foundation’s efforts to educate the public about the need for annual screenings to catch oral cancers in their early, most survivable stages. The public service announcement will begin airing in June, and will continue to air nationwide through summer and autumn.

Approximately 40,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2012. This includes those cancers that occur in the mouth itself, in the very back of the mouth known as the oropharynx, and on the exterior lip of the mouth. There are two distinct pathways by which most people come to oral cancer. One is through the use of tobacco and alcohol, and the other is through exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), a newly identified etiology, and the same virus which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women.

While oral cancer has historically been linked to tobacco and alcohol use, this is not simply a smoker’s disease any longer. New data shows that the fastest-growing segment of newly diagnosed cases is now young, non-smokers. Most startling, is the fact that while many other cancers have been in decline in recent years, the occurrence of oral / oropharyngeal cancers has increased each of the last six years, and peer reviewed published data shows that the numbers of HPV-related oral cancers will surpass cervical cancers in the near future.

Caught early, oral cancer can be treatable, but many people do not know they have it until it has already turned into a killer. In the U.S., a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. The death toll is particularly high due to lack of public awareness, combined with infrequent screenings for the condition by medical and dental professionals. When found in the early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately at this time, two-thirds are found as late-stage, advanced cancers, and this accounts for the high death rate of approximately 45% at five years from diagnosis. Death rates from cancers such as that of the cervix, skin, and prostate, have decreased as annual checks for those diseases have been adopted—this could also be the case with oral cancer, if the simple and painless screening procedure were to be made a routine part of dental or physical examinations.

Michael Douglas first sought medical help in 2010 after experiencing a sore throat that persisted for a protracted period of time. After several visits to doctors, a tumor on the base of his tongue was discovered. With further analysis, it was determined that Mr. Douglas had stage IV squamous cell carcinoma oral cancer. He immediately began both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. After a long and difficult battle, Michael is now cancer free and in good health. He continues to have regular check-ups to monitor his remission.

“The Foundation is indebted to Michael Douglas for partnering with us in the battle against oral cancer,” said OCF Founder and Executive Director Brian Hill, who is a survivor of the same cancer Mr. Douglas had. “Michael is a highly visible, well known actor, and a consummate professional. Those qualities, when coupled with his personal cancer experience, yield a respected voice to this fight. His willingness right from the beginning of his journey, to openly talk about his difficult personal experience with oral cancer on TV and in print, has certainly created awareness in the public of a cancer too few have even heard of. That impact will be multiplied through this partnership with the foundation, and translate into increased early recognition of problems, avoidance of risk factors, and participation in annual opportunistic screenings by the public. His involvement will create a tipping point that will ultimately save lives.”

Cinema Against AIDS To Hit Cannes

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

The nineteenth annual Cinema Against AIDS event will be held during the Cannes Film Festival on May 24.

From amfAR: "Over the years, Cinema Against AIDS has become the most eagerly anticipated and well publicized event held during the Cannes Film Festival. Cinema Against AIDS is always marked by unforgettable moments like Sharon Stone dancing along to an impromptu performance by Sir Elton John and Ringo Starr, George Clooney bestowing a kiss on a lucky auction bidder, Mary J. Blige bringing the crowd to its feet during a moving rendition of U2’s anthem One, and Janet Jackson paying a heartfelt tribute to amfAR’s co-founder the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The event consistently has the most exciting and diverse guest list of any party held during the festival. It includes many of the celebrities and personalities associated with the film festival while also attracting familiar faces from the worlds of fashion, music, business, and international society. Since 1993 Cinema Against AIDS events around the world have raised over $70 million for lifesaving AIDS research."

For more information, click here.

Chrissie Hynde Signs Anti-Cruelty Petition

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Rock legend Chrissie Hynde has added her name to Humane Society International's CrueltyFree2013 campaign to end the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in Europe, becoming the 200,000th person to sign HSI’s petition to end the use of animals in cosmetics testing.

In signing the petition, long-time animal advocate Hynde joins HSI celebrity signatories Dame Judi Dench, Leona Lewis, Sir Roger Moore, Ke$ha, Ricky Gervais, Melanie C, Louis Walsh, Virginia McKenna and Mary McCartney. A Europe-wide ban on selling newly animal-tested cosmetics is already passed in law but has never been fully implemented. Now, due to be fully implemented in March 2013, policymakers are threatening to delay the ban, perhaps by years.

“After all these years of consumers and animal welfare groups trying to enforce a ban, many cosmetic companies are still testing on animals,” Hynde said. “Please check for a cruelty-free guarantee before buying a product and if it is not stated on the label, put it back on the shelf! Only by doing so can we see an end to the grisly practice of animal testing. Some of the biggest and most heavily advertised brands are still the guilty ones – don’t let them deceive you! Check online with the Humane Society International if in doubt.”

Animal testing for cosmetics is banned across the United Kingdom and European Union, but ingredients can still be tested on animals in other countries such as Brazil, China, Canada and the United States and then be added to cosmetic products sold in EU shops. Animals can have chemicals forced down their throats, dripped in their eyes and applied to their skin. Sometimes pregnant females and their unborn babies are exposed to cosmetic chemicals.

“It’s a double standard for the EU to continue selling cosmetics produced using inhumane animal tests that are banned in its own laboratories,” said Troy Seidle, director of research and toxicology for HSI/Europe. “To end this suffering, it’s vital that the EU ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics is enforced in full and on time, providing animal-testing companies abroad with a major financial incentive as well as the moral imperative to at last go cruelty-free.”

CrueltyFree2013 is part of HSI’s global Be Cruelty-Free campaign, the largest-ever initiative to end animal testing for cosmetics worldwide. Be Cruelty-Free has been launched in Europe, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India to work with consumers, policymakers and companies to create a world where no animal has to suffer for the sake of cosmetics. Click here to find out more.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Day

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation launches its first-ever Food Revolution Day this Saturday, May 19 to inspire, educate, and empower people everywhere to stand up for real food.

The weekend of events will bring together an international community of foodies, chefs, parents, educators, companies, activists and celebrities to arm people with the knowledge and tools to make healthier food choices.

“Somewhere along the line, our relationship with food broke down,” said Jamie Oliver. “On May 19, I urge you to stand up for real food and pledge to bring food education back into our schools, workplaces and communities. Host a dinner party or sign up for one of the great events happening across the world. Cooking with real ingredients, understanding where food comes from and passing along that knowledge will get us back on track.”

From chefs in Freetown, Sierra Leone, teaching school children how to cook, to a farmer’s market food swap in Boulder, CO, where participants can swap their junk food for real food, to an organic farm tour in Kenai, Alaska, millions of people worldwide will create and participate in events that celebrate, highlight or educate about the wonders of fresh foods.

Food Revolution Day will inspire Americans and people around the world to make small, simple changes that will lead to healthier lives. Recent reports by the Institute of Medicine and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveal that two-thirds of U.S. adults and almost a third of children are either overweight or obese. It is predicted that by 2030, 42 percent of adult Americans will be obese.

People everywhere can visit foodrevolutionday.com to find and create local food events, sign up to host a dinner party and request to bring food education to their school or workplace. More than 140 cities nationwide from New York and Chicago to Kennesaw, GA, are taking action.

 Food Revolution Day is supported by celebrities including Natalie Portman, Adrian Grenier, Jimmy Kimmel and Cody Simpson; sports leagues, including the NFL, NHL and NBA; and leading companies such as Google, IDEO, The New York Yankees, Salesforce, Spotify and Twitter, who are advocating for fresh, real food, improved workplace nutrition, and better food education for their employees and their communities.

Funds raised through all Food Revolution Day events will go towards Jamie’s foundation projects in the UK, U.S. and Australia. In the U.S., funds will go toward launching the “Food Education Box” project in the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America. Each box will include fruits or vegetables along with a recipe, fun facts and lesson plan to educate kids about cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables, including where they come from and why they are good for you.

Highlander Stars Wants You To Take Photos Of Your Favorite Celebs For Charity

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Fans of The Highlander’s Adrian Paul will be excited that the star and his charity, The PEACE Fund, have recently launched a new fundraising initiative called “Celebs4kids”

The initiative encourages followers to take a photo of a celebrity doing the “peace” sign, the photo can then be downloaded for a small donation to the charity.

Some of the celebs already in the gallery include Billy Zane, Christopher Lambert, Catherine Oxenberg and The Hobbit star Sylvester McCoy.

Check out the website here.

Photos: Stars Come Out For WildAid Gala In San Francisco

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

On Friday, Hollywood descended upon San Francisco to support the wildlife conservation organization, WildAid, at their annual gala.

Larry King, Hayden Panettiere, Jared Leto, Maggie Q, John Corbett, Kate Flannery and Bo Derek were among the stars raising money for WildAid and awareness of its wildlife conservation programs around the world.

Lend your support by signing WildAid’s Global Petition for Wildlife here.

WildAid is the only organization that focuses on reducing the demand for endangered species products by specifically targeting consumers with engaging public service announcements and education initiatives. In the same way corporations employ celebrities and athletes to promote their products, WildAid enlists popular celebrities and athletes to dissuade consumers from purchasing products with our “When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too” message. WildAid’s list of celebrity ambassadors includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Yao Ming, Kate Hudson, Jackie Chan, Carmelo Anthony, Ralph Fiennes and Sir Richard Branson.

Photos Courtesy of WildAid and www.kevinmeynell.com

Tali Lennox Visits Sierra Leone With Christian Aid

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Award-winning model Tali Lennox recently visited Sierra Leone, one of the world’s poorest countries, as a Christian Aid Week (13-19 May) ambassador. Around half of all Sierra Leoneans are forced to try to survive on the equivalent of just 80p a day, with more than half the country’s population relying on subsistence farming for their income.

“I have grown up around charity work with my mum," says Tali. “But the invitation to Sierra Leone was not only an opportunity for an adventure, but also for some perspective on how things are for people here. It’s very different from the life I lead as a model.”

Tali visited poverty-stricken communities in the fertile Bonthe region of southern Sierra Leone. A once-thriving agricultural hub before the country’s eleven-year bloody civil war, Bonthe has 52,000 acres of fertile land; enough to feed the entire country. Expensive mechanised farming equipment was however simply left to rust during the war, leaving crops in short supply and the spectre of malnutrition a serious problem.

“It’s so lush and green and beautiful. People’s stories were heartbreaking but every single person we spoke to felt that Sierra Leone was improving. And in such simple ways too,” says Tali.

One woman who has first-hand experience of the devastating impact of war is Ganyeh Seilu.

“She lost five children to malnutrition, which was totally shocking to me,” Tali explains. “She barely survived on the food she grew, and was unable to access the healthcare the children needed.”

Now Christian Aid’s local partner, the Methodist Church of Sierra Leone (MCSL), is helping women like Ganyeh to gain access to faming tools and seeds at a brand new Agricultural Business Centre. The Centre helps vulnerable women in 14 communities to grow their crops in greater volumes and sell them for higher prices at the local market.

Women like Mariama Jabbie, who was given hoes to tend her land and seeds to grow rice from MCSL, have been able to change their daily lives for the better.

“Mariama told me that ‘hunger used to be our greatest enemy’ because it meant that two of her children could not concentrate at school when they had not eaten. But now, because she is able to harvest more crops, she can produce more food to feed her family and sell at market.

“All four of her children are now going to school and getting much more to eat,” Tali reflects.

Tali also saw how a new school building was constructed as a result of local government lobbying by the Village Development Committee (VDC) set up by MCSL.

“The school now has a 98% attendance rate of children in the community and many more girls are being encouraged to study,” explains Tali.

At the old school building, headmaster Michael Tucker tells Tali about the difference the new school has made: “Two years ago, the building was a death trap. The benches were falling apart, the ground was sand, and when it rained, the water would come straight through the roof so that school had to be cancelled for that day and the next. The new school has changed everything.”

Pupil Patricia Sawie (pictured) is now able to attend school regularly. “My mother was a farmer and never went to school. I would like to be a teacher, then a head of state, a President. I’m lucky,” she smiles.

Her headmaster Mr. Tucker adds: “One day I expect a woman to be doing my job, and that day is coming soon.”

 Traditionally excluded from decision-making in Sierra Leone, women and young people are now encouraged by the VDCs to attend education and adult literacy programmes.

“More than 60% of adults in Sierra Leone are illiterate so these programmes really do give people a chance to fulfil their dreams,” says Tali.

Fishing is a major source of income in Sierra Leone. Tali visited the tiny coastal village of Mo-Albert, supported by MCSL.

“I met John Beier, who had been fishing for 35 years. He showed me how you should always have hope. It is never too late to change your life,” says Tali.

“MCSL and Christian Aid offered the fishermen of Mo-Albert a loan to buy new boats, nets and smoke-free ovens. The villagers then pay back the loan each month from the profits of their improved catch.”

John Beier, 55, spent years relying on old nets and dugout canoes to fish.

“Before this project started we had many difficulties fishing because we were doing it on an individual basis. We used dug-out canoes which meant that the catch was very small,” recalls John.

Now John and his 20-year-old son are able to go out fishing with a new boat and nets, as part of a newly-formed village co-operative. This has improved the Beiers’ catch by “tens of dozens” and also significantly increased their income.

“I think my son will catch more fish by the time he’s 30 than I will have done in my entire lifetime,” John tells Tali.

“Sierra Leone has so much potential, especially the way it has pulled itself up after the war. It has the potential to move onwards and upwards. The people just need the tools to work their way out of poverty and that’s where even the smallest donations can make all the difference,” Tali concludes. 

Christian Aid Week 2012 runs from 13-19 May. Donate online at www.caweek.org , call 08080 006 006, or text “GIVE” to 78866 to give £5.

The first £5m donated will be matched by the Government pound for pound, so that Christian Aid can help more people in poor communities around the world work their way out of poverty.

All photos: Christian Aid/ Lee Thompson

Stars Confirmed For Charity Celebrity Picnic

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Every June something magical happens at Wadsworth Theatre Grounds in Los Angeles – the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation hosts its annual A Time For Heroes Celebrity Picnic.

The event brings 1,000 Angelenos together to hang with some of Hollywood’s hottest stars, play old-fashioned carnival games, get creative with arts and crafts, dance to some great music and enjoy a banquet of unbelievable food — all while helping to end pediatric AIDS worldwide. A Time for Heroes has raised more than $33 million since 1989 to fund pediatric AIDS research and the Foundation’s international medical programs to prevent new HIV infections in babies and to keep HIV-positive mothers alive through lifesaving treatment.

Confirmed guests for this year’s event include Jessica Alba, Nigel Barker, Leo Howard, Jessica Capshaw, Josh Hutcherson, Adam Irigoyen, Marcia Cross, Karlie Kloss, Heidi Klum, Padma Lakshmi, Billy Crystal, Ted Danson, Kenton Duty, Donald Faison, Ariana Grande, Tony Hawk, Connor Paolo, Kyra Sedgwick, Robin Williams, Shailene Woodley, Ingrid Michaelson and many more.

A Time for Heroes Celebrity Picnic
Sunday, June 3, 2012
12pm-4pm
Wadsworth Theatre Grounds
San Vicente and Wilshire Blvds, Brentwood

For more info, click here.

Michael Clarke Duncan Appears In PETA Vegetarian Ad

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Three years ago, Michael Clarke Duncan, star of The Green Mile and The Finder, was eating a lot of meat—and he was feeling very sick. So when he turned 51, Duncan decided to try going vegetarian. He was so impressed by his improved health—and his lighter conscience—that the decision stuck. And now, Duncan is showing off his stronger-than-ever physique in a new ad campaign for PETA that proclaims, “I Am Michael Clarke Duncan, and I Am a Vegetarian.”

“The best thing about being a vegetarian for me, number one is I know I’m not harming any animals,” Duncan explained in an exclusive PETA interview. “The number two thing is increased strength. I’m a lot stronger than I was when I was eating meat.” Duncan elaborates: “Most of your most powerful animals in the wild are vegetarian, so I’m trying to get my strength to that level. I don’t know if I’ll make it or not, but elephants are vegetarians. They’re pretty big, so …”

In addition to countering a few myths about protein (“Don’t think that you have to have these gigantic steaks to get your protein. … The protein you put in from the beans, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables will last way longer, and you’ll get more out of it than you will in that 12 ounces of meat”), the Oscar nominee also opened up about the video — PETA’s Meet Your Meat — that changed his perspective on eating and talked about the 11 animals, including six cats and two dogs, who make up part of his family.

Duncan joins a growing list of celebrities — including Sir Paul McCartney, Alec Baldwin, Casey Affleck, Russell Simmons, Cloris Leachman, Joaquin Phoenix, Forest Whitaker and Alicia Silverstone — who have teamed up with PETA to promote healthy and humane meat-free meals.

American Idol Live Announces Partnership With The Heart Foundation

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Heart Foundation, dedicated to increasing awareness of heart disease and raising funds to support lifesaving research, presented a rare musical evening with Grammy award-winning singer and actor Michael Buble, May 10, 2012, at The Hollywood Palladium.

The event honored Kimberly and P.K. Shah, MD, Director of Cardiology and the Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, with The Steven S. Cohen Humanitarian Award. The evening featured a dinner show and concert by Buble and his orchestra along with a comedy performance by the versatile Dana Carvey. Ryan Seacrest emceed, and multi-award winning composer, singer, songwriter and record producer David Foster presented the award to the Shahs. Shelli and Irving Azoff, Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman and Inge and Franky Widjaja co-chaired.

Highlighting the evening was an announcement by emcee Ryan Seacrest that American Idol Live! is partnering with The Heart Foundation and their One For The Heart campaign by donating $1 of every AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! TOUR 2012 ticket sold to support heart disease research. Tickets went on sale on May 11, and you can purchase them via www.AmericanIdol.com, www.ticketmaster.com and www.aeglive.com. For full tour information, please go to www.AmerianIdol.com. The highly anticipated 45-city tour kicks off July 6 in Detroit.

“We are thrilled to partner with American Idol Live! on The Heart Foundation’s One For The Heart campaign to fight heart disease – the #1 cause of death for both men and women in the United States,” said Mark Litman, Chairman of The Heart Foundation and close friend of the late Steven Cohen, in whose memory the organization was founded. “This partnership will help raise awareness of heart disease and fund the incredible life-saving research being done by P.K. Shah and his extraordinary team of doctors.”

P.K. Shah, MD, Director of Cardiology and the Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, is a gifted clinician, a brilliant researcher and a world-renowned cardiologist who spends his days sharing his wisdom with the next generation of medical professionals, healing the hearts of his patients in both physical and metaphorical ways, and engaging in life-saving research that will change medical history. Dr. Shah has spoken at conferences all over the world, is published globally, and has received numerous awards.

An accomplished businesswoman, community activist and devoted wife and mother, Kimberly Shah’s greatest joy in life comes from dedicating her time to the service of others. The Shahs’ philanthropy extends not only to heart-related causes but also to KOA (Kashmiri Overseas Association) which provides college tuition scholarships to Kashmiri refuge students in India as well as to women’s cancer and diabetes research and several children’s organizations.

The 2012 gala digital tribute journal is presented by Sony. Sony provided guests of the event with a Reader Wi-Fi pre-loaded with this year’s digital tribute journal and a free book download from Reader Store. Sony Reader Wi-Fi, the world’s lightest 6" eReader, is the first to offer wireless public library downloads from the device.

Established in 1996 in memory of Steven S. Cohen who lost his life to Sudden Cardiac Death at the age of 35, The Heart Foundation’s mission is to save lives by educating the public about heart disease, promoting early detection, and supporting the research of world-renowned cardiologist Dr. P.K. Shah in the quest to find more effective ways to prevent and treat the #1 cause of death in the U.S. For information, call The Heart Foundation at (818) 865-1100 or visit www.TheHeartFoundation.org.

Jon Stewart To Host A Night Of Too Many Stars

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Comedy Central has once again joined forces with Jon Stewart's Busboy Productions and the New York Center for Autism for its fourth biennial special event, Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs

Taping on Saturday, October 13 from the Beacon Theatre in New York City, the benefit for Autism programs will feature Stewart hosting an evening filled with live performances, sketches and short films from a roster of comedy all-stars. “Night of Too Many Stars” will premiere on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, October 21.

Tickets for the “Night of Too Many Stars” will go on sale later this year. VIP Benefit tickets can be purchased now by emailing nightoftoomanystars@eventassociatesinc.com. All VIP Benefit tickets, which begin at $1,500 per person, include access to the after-party with talent.

This year’s event will premiere on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, October 21 with additional live wrap-arounds featuring a celebrity phone bank, allowing viewers to call in during the airing to donate while speaking with additional comedic and celebrity heavyweights.

For more information about the event, VIP tickets and submitting donations to the New York Center for Autism, fans can go to www.cc.com/toomanystars. Additional details on general ticket on-sale dates and confirmed talent will be posted as they become available.

Since 2006, the “Night of Too Many Stars” has raised over $9 million. In 2010, “Night of Too Many Stars,” through its partner organization New York Center for Autism, gave more than $3.1 million in grants to 41 programs in 13 states.

The autism rate is on the rise and now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. “Night of Too Many Stars” will benefit a variety of autism education and family service programs across the country, in support of the overabundance of individuals with autism and their families who so desperately need quality services.

Read about last year’s event here.

Ricky Schroder And Sean Kanan To Present At An Evening With No Limits

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Written by Misty Schwartz

Rick Schroder (NYPD Blue) and Sean Kanan (The Bold And The Beautiful, The Young And The Restless) will be presenters at “An Evening With NO LIMITS” on Saturday June 2nd at 8pm in the elegant Hollywood home of Jerry and Adi Greenberg.

This benefit will include a night of entertainment with celebrity guests, award presentations, live auction and a special presentation by the children of No Limits. 

The event will honor John Paul Dejoria, Winn Claybaugh, Angus Mitchell (Paul Mitchell the School), Robert Ulrich (Casting Director of “Glee”). This glamorous night is catered by Master Chef Stefan Richter (Top Chef finalist and owner of L.A. Farm). Special guests will include Scott L. Schwartz, Maxwell Ford, Kathy Buckley, Stephanie Drapeau, Andre Gordon, Robera Sparta, Fritz Coleman, Spencer Day, Chantal Kreviazuk, among others.
 
The mission of No Limits is to meet the auditory, speech and language needs of deaf children and enhance their confidence through the theatrical arts and individual therapy as well as provide family support and community awareness on the needs and talents of deaf children who are learning to speak. No Limits believes in building the self esteem and communication skills of every child with a hearing loss by giving the highest quality of services so they can reach his/her potential regardless of his/her economic status. They strongly believe that parents must be actively involved and educated in this process as they are a key a factor in the success of their child.

To find out more about this charity, click here.

Stars Choose You For The American Cancer Society

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

On May 11th, in order to raise awareness of the fun ways women can get active , the American Cancer Society Choose You movement deployed “play teams” in Santa Monica, popping up in high traffic areas to encourage spontaneous physical activity.

The play teams were organized to help women have fun while getting active with nostalgic childhood toys, including the 80s famed Skip It, hoppity hop balls and double-dutch jump ropes.

A bunch of stars – including Jessica Stroup (90210), Dot Jones (GLEE), Josie Loren (Make it or Break it), Amy Paffrath (Jersey Shore After Show) and Genevieve Farrell (Angela Wright) – took part at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica to encourage women to “play” and put their health first!

Dot Jones channeled Coach Beiste and yelled “Get off your butt and CHOOSE YOU! CHOOSE PLAY!” Jessica Stroup showed her volley ball spiking skills and Amy Paffrath did a back handspring and a toe touch in the middle of the 3rd street promenade.

A recent survey found that 40 percent of women would be more physically active if it felt more like fun than like work, and the American Cancer Society hopes the Choose You 100,000 Acts of Play Challenge will inspire more women to find fun ways to get active. For more information on the Choose You movement, visit ChooseYou.com/Play.

Matt Damon's Mother's Day Message

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Matt Damon has honored his mother in a special Water.org Mother’s Day campaign.

“Happy Mother’s Day,” he wrote. “Your love, support and commitment to making the world a better place has shaped the person I am and the women my girls will become. You and mothers everywhere inspire me to work to end the global water crisis.”

The message is part of Water.org’s initiative that allows you to create Mother’s Day messages for that special Mom in your life, to raise awareness about the impact of the water crisis on women around the world.

From Water.org: "The dual aspects of the water crisis – lack of water and of sanitation – lock women in a cycle of poverty. They cannot attend school; they cannot earn an income.

“Around the world, women are coming together to address their own needs for water and sanitation. Their strength and courage transforms communities. With the support of Water.org and its local partners, women organize their communities to support a well and take out small loans for household water connections and toilets. They support one another, share responsibility. These efforts make an impact, taking us one step closer to ending the global water crisis.”

The campaign also features a video narrated by Jodie Foster and featuring Matt Damon, which “brings to life the dignity and strength of women around the world. It weaves together the relationship between women and water. The video depicts how women bear the disproportionate burden of the water crisis. It lays bare the impossible choice many women face daily – a choice between life and death.”

To watch the video and find out how you can send a message to your own mother, click here.

David Cameron To Chair United Nations Panel On Millennium Development Goals

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Oxfam has welcomed the appointment of British prime minister David Cameron as joint chair of the United Nations panel that will recommend what should replace the Millennium Development Goals after they expire in 2015.

Barbara Stocking, Oxfam Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted David Cameron will be co-chairing the Panel with the Presidents of Liberia and Indonesia, brining views from developed, developing and emerging economies together.

“We hope that the Panel will make sure that it finds ways to listen to the voices of the poorest people in the world.”

US Fund For UNICEF Announces Campus Challenge Winners

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:35:00 +0000

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is proud to announce the winners of the Campus Challenge for the 2011-2012 academic year.

From August 1, 2011 through April 1, 2012, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF partnered with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF in a nationwide fundraising challenge on college campuses.

The charity is proud to report that over 280 colleges and universities raised more than $167,000 for UNICEF through the Campus Challenge this year! The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF will match $150,000 of the funds raised, resulting in over $317,000 to support UNICEF.

The first-place winners of the Campus Challenge, University of Notre Dame, raised $17,301 for UNICEF’s lifesaving work around the world. In second place, The Ohio State University UNICEF Club raised $12,134, and in third place, Louisiana State University raised $5,770.

UNICEF campus clubs dedicated many hours of their time and worked tirelessly to fundraise, educate and advocate for child survival. This year some of the successful campus events included: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF costume parties and penny wars, 5K runs, UNICEF Snowflake Balls, UNICEF Tap Project water walks, hunger banquets, bake sales, development and speaker series, movie and documentary screenings.

Bret Michaels Thanks The Hospital That Saved His Life

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Rocker and philanthropist Bret Michaels has thanked the hospital who saved his life on a new medical website, Barrow50.org.

Michaels suffered from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in 2010 and was rushed to Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix for treatment. The hemorrhage left the musician in critical condition and he remained hospitalized at Barrow for the duration of his treatment. Michaels will kick-off a special tour with Poison and Def Leppard in June, a solo album called Get Your Rock On out this summer and a line with PetSmart called the Bret Michaels Pets Rock Collection on June 18.

“I want to thank all of my good friends at Barrow who saved my life,” says Bret. “Without them I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute, located in Phoenix, AZ, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012. Patients like Michaels travel from all over the United States and the world for the special neurological expertise available at Barrow. The hospital has treated a long list of public figures including Michaels, baseball great and broadcaster Joe Garagiola, a Saudi Arabian queen and a host of professional athletes. The new interactive website is part of Barrow’s commemorative activities this year.

To see Michaels’ full interview, go to Barrow50.org and select the 50 Years, 50 Faces icon.

Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is located in Phoenix, AZ. It is internationally recognized as a leader in neurological research, diagnosis and patient care. Barrow’s world-renowned physicians treat patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, cerebrovascular conditions, movement and neuromuscular disorders. Barrow at St. Joseph’s is consistently voted among the Top 10 hospitals for neurological services in the United States.

Spotlight: Random Acts's Celebrity Supporters

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:05:00 +0000

Co-founded by Supernatural star Misha Collins in 2009, Random Acts encourages people of all ages to do good works in the world.

Celebrity supporters

Random Acts has 1 known supporters, including Misha Collins

Areas of work

Read more about Random Acts's work and celebrity supporters.

Supernatural Star Runs For Charity

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Spotlight: Misha Collins's Charity Work

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Misha Collins is best known for his role as the angel Castiel on the CW television series Supernatural.

In December 2009, he asked his Twitter followers for ideas on how to stimulate the economy; in response, they created Random Acts for the purpose of doing good works in the world, donating to charity, and volunteering for good causes in his name.

Charities & foundations supported

Misha Collins has supported the following charities:

Read more about Misha Collins's charity work and events.

Supernatural Star Runs For Charity

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Video Spotlight: Jodie Foster and Matt Damon: It's Personal

Thu, 10 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

This Mother’s Day, Water.org, Jodie Foster and Matt Damon challenge you to transform the life of another mom. A simple action on your part has a huge impact. Take the challenge: Honor your mother, honor another. Click here for more info.

Click here to view the video in your browser.

Spotlight: Step Forward's Celebrity Supporters

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:05:00 +0000

Step Forward provides a free and confidential service to young people aged 11-25, living in and around Tower Hamlets. It offers independent information, advice, counselling and personal development training.

Step Forward – based in East London – actively challenges discrimination and welcomes young people from all sections of the community regardless of their race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious, political and cultural lifestyles and beliefs.

Ian McKellen has been patron of the charity since 2006.

“Step Forward is so impressive to visit, welcoming and utterly committed to helping local young people,” says Sir Ian. “It is amazing that such an evidently worthwhile project does not receive the funding necessary to continue its vital work. I am very happy and honoured to be a Patron for Step Forward and support its aim to continue providing essential support services over the coming years.”

Celebrity supporters

Step Forward has 1 known supporters, including Ian McKellen

Areas of work

At-Risk/Disadvantaged Youths

Read more about Step Forward's work and celebrity supporters.

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Spotlight: Ian McKellen's Charity Work

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen is patron of Step Forward. He has been an advocate for gay rights since he came out in 1988, and co-founded Stonewall, the UK charity that lobbies for gay equality.

Charities & foundations supported

Ian McKellen has supported the following charities:

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Video Spotlight: Stars Support No Mothers Day Campaign

Wed, 02 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Christy Turlington's Every Mother Counts invites mothers to disappear on Mother’s Day to help raise awareness about the hundreds of thousands of women who die each year from complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

The campaign video features Jennifer Connelly, Kelly Rutherford, Ann Curry, Blythe Danner, Debra Messing, Dayle Haddon and many more.

Click here to view the video in your browser.

Spotlight: Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing's Celebrity Supporters

Tue, 01 May 2012 09:05:00 +0000

The Dempsey Center is an integral part of cancer care at The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated cancer clinics at Bridgton and Rumford hospitals. Located on the CMMC campus, the Dempsey Center provides support, education, and health promotion for those touched by cancer.

Celebrity supporters

Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing has 1 known supporters, including Patrick Dempsey

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Spotlight: Patrick Dempsey's Charity Work

Tue, 01 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Patrick Dempsey donated $250,000 towards a cancer center at the Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine, in 2008.

Dempsey was born at the hospital, and his mother Amanda has successfully been treated there for ovarian cancer. The facility is called the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.

He holds an annual bike race to raise funds for the center.

Charities & foundations supported

Patrick Dempsey has supported the following charities:

Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing

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Spotlight: Farm Aid's Celebrity Supporters

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:05:00 +0000

Bringing together family farmers, citizens and consumers to restore family farm-centered agriculture and to ensure healthful food, protect natural resources, and strengthen local economies.

Celebrity supporters

Farm Aid has 8 known supporters, including Jackson Browne, Willie Nelson, and Billy Joel

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Spotlight: Willie Nelson's Charity Work

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. In 2010, he released"Willie Nelson’s Country Music," produced by award winning T Bone Burnett, and it received a GRAMMY Nomination for Best Americana Album. In 2011, Willie’s album releases included, “Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles,” a 12-tune cycle about the ups and downs of love with Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones as well as “Remember Me Vol. 1,” his hand-picked 14-song collection of country music’s most definitive songs. Coming May of 2012 is “Heroes,” his first album for Legacy Recordings, which will showcase new songs and deep country classics with guest artists including Merle Haggard, Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver, Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson and Micah Nelson.

His philanthropic work goes back to 1985, where Nelson, along with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, set up Farm Aid to assist and increase awareness on the importance of family farms. In 2004, Nelson and his wife, Annie, became partners with Bob and Kelly King in the building of two sustainable biodiesel plants in Oregon and Texas. In 2005, Nelson and other business partners branded Willie Nelson Sustainable Biodiesel, a company that markets bio-fuel made from vegetable oil to truck stops. In 2010, Nelson received the Feed the Peace award from The Nobility Project for his extensive work with Farm Aid and overall contributions to world peace. In 2011, Nelson was inducted to the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his labor in Farm Aid and other fundraisers to benefit farmers.

Nelson has been an active voice in the drive to ban the slaughter of wild horses, and has written to congress in support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Charities & foundations supported

Willie Nelson has supported the following charities:

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