celebrity

CHIME FOR CHANGE, the global campaign for girls’ and women’s empowerment founded by Gucci, has announced the launch of its storytelling platform, designed to shine a light on stories celebrating and spotlighting courageous girls and women around the world.

Through a combination of short films and journalistic content, the powerful stories are centered on the individuals who live them, and aim to inspire conversation and community participation by raising awareness among a global audience.

To mark the launch of the storytelling platform, CHIME FOR CHANGE, led by a founding committee comprised of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, Salma Hayek Pinault and Beyonce Knowles-Carter, has released five original short films, told through the lens of creative filmmakers who have been inspired to share previously untold compelling stories with the world. The films first premiered earlier this month during THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE concert event on June 1, which gathered together some of the world’s most talented artists and renowned activists to raise funds and awareness for girls’ and women’s empowerment. The films are available to view and download through the CHIME FOR CHANGE homepage www.chimeforchange.org and www.youtube.com/chimeforchange.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10466-chime-for-change-launches-powerful-stories-of-women-around-the-world

The Public Theater has announced that, for the first and only time, Sting will perform songs from his new album, The Last Ship, for 10 concerts to benefit The Public Theater in their intimate, 260-seat Anspacher Theater from September 25 – October 9.

An evening of music and storytelling with one of the world’s most prolific artists, these performances will offer unique insight into the creative process of both his new album, to be released September 24, and his forthcoming play of the same name, premiering in 2014. All proceeds benefit The Public Theater and are tax deductible.

“Sting is one of the great artists of our time, a brilliant songwriter who is also a model of activist commitment,” said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “The Last Ship is shaping up to be a masterpiece, both an elegy for and a celebration of the working class life of the Newcastle shipyards. The Public is honored to call Sting a friend and thrilled to be hosting these benefit concerts.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10465-sting-to-perform-10-concerts-to-benefit-the-public-theater

Stacy London, style expert and co-host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” today announced her partnership with AbbVie on a new psoriasis campaign called Uncover Your Confidence.

Stacy London Uncover Your Confidence

The campaign features educational resources and style advice for the estimated 7.5 million American men and women living with psoriasis. Commonly mistaken as “just a skin condition,” psoriasis is actually a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10464-uncover-your-confidence-with-stacy-london

TV anchor and journalist Jane Pauley has announced that the Children's Health Fund will triple donations made to the organization until the end of August.

“I am proud to be associated with the Children’s Health Fund—an organization that does so much to bring quality health care to our nation’s most disadvantaged children,” said Jane, who is a Board member of the organization. "Health care is fundamental to life outcomes.

“Right now in our country, there are kids who are failing in school because their hearing loss or vision loss has gone undiagnosed… children who are suffering with asthma that could easily be controlled with medication… and children whose diseases become deadly because they are caught too late.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10463-jane-pauley-triple-your-donation-to-childrens-health-fund

A new PETA ad highlighting the cruelty behind every tin of foie gras sold by Fortnum & Mason will be funded entirely by Channel 4 after the broadcaster used a song by The Smiths in advertisements for Gordon Ramsay's Christmas Cookalong Live back in 2011 and without the singer’s permission.

Proud To Be Brutish

Not wanting “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” used to advertise a programme that promoted a chef who uses foie gras despite PETA’s overture to him to at least reject this bizarre, cruelly produced food, Morrissey sent his legal team into action. PETA has received £10,000, which the group will use to buy ad space for its brand-new ad campaign, slamming the store for selling what is banned from being produced in the UK and titled, “Fortnum & Mason: Proud to Be Brutish”.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10462-morrissey-launches-new-ad-against-foie-gras

The Small Steps Project may have been the smallest charity at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, but they still managed to get shoes from Rita Ora, Professor Green, Kate Nash, Kenny Rogers, B. Traits and Seasick Steve for their annual celebrity shoe auction.

There are still more shoes to come from Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts, Example, Iggy Azalea and Jake Bugg! They also have shoes in from Wimbledon players such as Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Laura Robson. Superstar celebrities Elton John and Madonna are also donating their famous footwear!

The Small Steps Project’s mission is to deliver shoes, aid and medical care to children surviving on rubbish dumps all over the world. Glastonbury are donating over 2000 pairs of shoes recycled from the festival and driving them in convey for their next distribution in Romania this summer, along with the children’s wellies that were collected in The Kidz Field.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10461-glastonbury-stars-donate-shoes-to-celebrity-charity-auction

Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) appears in a video launched today demonstrating the Standard Operating Procedure for force-feeding prisoners on hunger strike at Guantanamo Bay.

Video: Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) force fed under standard Guantánamo Bay procedure

Made by human rights charity Reprieve and Bafta-award winning director Asif Kapadia, the film shows US actor and rapper formerly known as Mos Def experiencing the procedure. The video launches a campaign to rally support for Guantanamo prisoners who are on hunger-strike in protest against their detention without charge or trial. The campaign asks members of the public to undertake their own short-term hunger-strikes in solidarity with the prisoners, and donate the time to support them, while also raising the issue with their political representatives. The website consolidates the total number of hours of hunger-striking undertaken in this way.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10460-yasiin-bey-demonstrates-force-feeding-of-prisoners-at-guantanamo-bay

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has announced that Malala Yousarzai – courageous young education rights campaigner from Pakistan who was targeted and shot by extremists on her way to school – will mark her 16th birthday by visiting the United Nations.

“Malala Yousafzai may be one of the best-known students in the world, but she is also a teacher,” he blogged at HuffingtonPost.com. "On 12 July, Malala will be joined by hundreds of students from more than 80 countries in a unique Youth Assembly, where diplomats will take a back seat as young people take over the UN. They will gather to issue a global call for quality education for all.

“In today’s knowledge-based society, education is a foundation for the future we want: a world without poverty, violence, discrimination or disease. Building this future will require a new, concerted push. That is why I launched the Global Education First Initiative, with three priorities: to put every child in school; improve the quality of learning; and prepare children to grow up to be global citizens.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10459-malala-yousarzai-to-visit-united-nations-on-her-16th-birthday

Starting today, IndyCar drivers Alex Tagliani and Scott Dixon, will take their rivalry beyond the track and go online to see who can raise the most money for charity. It’s the Power of 2 – Indy Edition.

Canadian Tagliani, is supporting Anaphylaxis Canada, while Dixon, a New Zealand native, is supporting two groups that focus on young people living with cancer, CanTeen (NZ) and Teens Living with Cancer (US).

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10458-indy-car-stars-scott-dixon-and-alex-tagliani-launch-charity-challenge

Television host and actress Debbie Matenopoulos is scheduled to appear on the ABC morning show “The View” on Wednesday, July 10, to co-host and will raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that took the life of her father Niko Matenopoulos in 2012.

ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease robs people of the ability to walk, to talk and even blink an eye. It traps them inside a body they no longer can control and ultimately prevents them from breathing as it takes their life. There is no known cause of the disease, although military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population.

“The ALS Association is excited that Debbie Matenopoulos will appear on ‘The View’ to discuss her support of The ALS Association," said Jane H. Gilbert, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We hope the show’s viewers will gain an understanding of how this devastating disease impacts the 30,000 families living with ALS in our country.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10457-debbie-matenopoulos-to-talk-lou-gehrigs-disease-on-the-view

Legendary lyricist, pioneer, and Hip Hop Sisters Foundation (HHSF) Founder / CEO MC Lyte and HHSF President Lynn Richardson kicked off the BET Experience weekend with a star-studded social to benefit MC Lyte’s non-profit charity, Hip Hop Sisters Foundation.

With this being her first soiree of the most highly anticipated weekend in Los Angeles, MC Lyte and Hip Hop Sisters Foundation superseded expectations. Celebrities and VIPs in attendance included Advisory Board Members Kelly Price, Kenny Lattimore, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, along with Kym Whitley, MC Smooth, D-Nice, and Sheila E., to name a few.

Approximately 300 tastemakers attended, including entertainment industry insiders, business executives, and community leaders, among others. In addition, the Ten-Ten Wilshire rooftop was tastefully transformed by event planners, Y.E.S. Productions.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10456-mc-lyte-hosts-star-studded-charity-event

P!nk began a petition asking KFC to make sure that the birds killed for its buckets each year aren’t abused.

Pink agreed to become the face of Australia’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) campaign to encourage teenagers to be kinder to animals.

Read more about Pink's charity work and events.

Entertainers, community leaders and more than 2,500 consumers flocked to the New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the weekend to salute this year’s recipients of the McDonald’s 365Black Awards.

Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson hosted the 10th annual McDonald's(R) 365Black Awards, held at the New Orleans Theater, on July 6.
Credit/Copyright: PRNewsFoto

The awards are given annually to salute outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. The 10th annual awards honored legendary recording artist and “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight; supermodel Beverly Johnson; education leader Dr. Steve Perry; executive vice president of the Chicago White Sox Kenny Williams; McDonald’s owner/operator Roland Parrish; teen entrepreneur Leanna Archer; and youth environmentalist Charles Orgbon.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10455-taraji-p-henson-hosts-mcdonalds-365black-awards

Want to take part in a live chat with Los Angeles Galaxy star Robbie Rogers? The Trevor Project is giving you the chance.

Robbie will be answering your questions during a Google+ Hangout on July 14 at 2pm, and you can leave questions for him via the Trevor Project’s Facebook page or you can tweet questions using #TalktoRobbie.

Robbie is the first and only openly gay player in Major League Soccer – this is your chance to connect with this brave and inspirational hero.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10454-live-chat-with-robbie-rogers

Here’s your chance to meet the biggest rock star of all time!

An online auction is giving you the exclusive opportunity includes 2 VIP seating tickets (from Paul McCartney’s personal allotment!) to Paul McCartney's Friday July 12 concert at Nationals Park in Washington DC for the Out There Tour, access to the pre-show party, AND a meet and greet with Sir Paul McCartney!

Paul McCartney is the former front man of the most successful rock band of all time, The Beatles, and his solo career has been going strong since April of 1970. The first 12 years of his solo career produced nine number one singles and seven number one albums. With The Beatles, Paul and guitarist, John Lennon, penned more than 200 songs and created some of the music industry’s most famous rock ballads like ‘Hey Jude,’ ‘Let It Be,’ and ‘Hide Your Love Away.’

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10453-meet-paul-mccartney-and-help-the-liverpool-institute-for-performing-arts

Independent Label Market is delighted to announce that for this year’s London market it will be partnering up with The Vinyl Factory to produce 10 super exclusive vinyl releases. This auction, in conjunction with Oxfam, is a chance to win a complete set of all 10 exclusive records. All proceeds will go to Oxfam’s Syria Crisis Appeal.

A host of very exciting names from the forefront of the UK’s independent music scene have each donated a track to this one-off collection. From the shimmering melodies and disjointed loops of J£zus Million and Charli XCX, to the sounds of an excursion to Ethiopia with Fresh Touch featuring Damon Albarn, Flea, Alex Kapranos and Nick Zinner, this limited series will be among the most sought after items at this summer’s event.

Also featuring in this unique catalogue is a rare vinyl outing for Swamp 81 founder Loefah, along with ultra rare and exclusive remixes from the likes of Liquid Liquid, Four Tet and Factory Floor.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10452-damon-albarn-and-flea-donate-track-to-oxfams-syria-crisis-appeal

Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins is delighted to announce that Lancashire born England cricketer and music fan James Anderson is joining Emeli Sandé, Alfie Boe and Laura Wright as an official Ambassador for Nordoff Robbins.

James supported Nordoff Robbins in 2012 during his Benefit Year, choosing the music therapy charity as one of his beneficiary charities. As part of his support, he visited the Nordoff Robbins London Centre in July 2012 and sat in on a music therapy session with two young autistic children who find it difficult to communicate, interact and engage with those around them.

“Nordoff Robbins’ music therapy work struck a real chord with me,” said James Anderson. “I’m a really big music fan so to see a charity using music to transform lives is really special to me. During a visit to their centre, I got to see first-hand the difference music therapy can make to all kinds of people. Their work is really unique and I’m proud to support them.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10451-cricketer-named-as-new-nordoff-robbins-ambassador

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales officially opened The Prince's Trust's new Cardiff centre as part of his week-long visit to Wales last week.

During the visit, The Prince of Wales met staff, volunteers and young people taking part in a variety of initiatives, including the Enterprise programme, which supports disadvantaged young people into entrepreneurship.

The Prince of Wales addressed young people, staff, volunteers and supporters of The Prince’s Trust, stating: “I hope some of you here today are beginning to benefit in a small way and I am also incredibly proud of the difference the Trust can make to so many lives.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10450-prince-charles-opens-princes-trust-centre-in-wales

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has released remarks by internationally renowned, multi-platinum recording artist Armando Christian Perez, also known as Pitbull, before an audience Monday morning of 4,000 public charter school leaders and advocates from across the country.

Pitbull Kicks off the 2013 National Charter School Conference
Credit/Copyright: http://www.panayiotou.com/ via Facebook

The remarks kicked-off the 2013 National Charter Schools Conference, held this week in the D.C. Convention Center.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10449-pitbull-kicks-off-national-charter-school-conference

Sports fans and South African sporting legends graced the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory auditorium yesterday at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Sport & Culture Day 2013.

The launch is another milestone initiative in celebration of Mandela Day.

The event saw the Ministries of Sport and Arts and Culture, and the rugby and soccer communities, working together for a national day to grow and support Nelson Mandela's legacy.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10448-nelson-mandela-sport-and-culture-day-2013