Look to the Stars - celebrity charity information

“Peace is justice, equality, freedom for all. Peace is when my belly is full.” Those are the words of rapper and peace activist Emmanuel Jal, who says he has been using his own childhood stories to teach social lessons.

Born in what is now South Sudan, at age seven Jal was taken to a military camp by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and trained to be a child soldier. A few years later he was able to escape to Kenya, and decades later he is aiming to inspire a new generation towards peace activism. Throughout the US and Canada Jal visits schools telling his frightening stories through musical performances.

“There is the technical aspect of [teaching] and there’s the emotional aspect of it,” said Jal in a UNICEF interview. "The emotional aspect of things is by telling stories, it is by people learning from one another. Some of [the kids in the schools] want to see, ‘How can I make a world better?’ I tell them, ‘The biggest battle you have to fight now is educate yourself, because one day you’re going to be in the office, you could be the biggest entrepreneur, you’re going to work as a president, or whatever. Educate yourself so at that point you can help manage the conflicts that are happening around the world and contribute to being a global citizen’.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10072-emmanuel-jal-says-education-leads-to-peace

Every year, 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. But groups across the country are working with their local shelters to get more people involved to help these homeless animals. Their stories are told in the inspiring film, SHELTER ME, which premieres at Redbox kiosks this week.

All proceeds from SHELTER ME rentals between April 23rd through April 29th will benefit Ellen DeGeneres' Halo Pet Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the well-being of pets and the people who love them. This unprecedented partnership will help to raise funds to help shelter pets and educate people about rescue.

SHELTER ME can be found at Redbox here.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10071-shelter-me-film-proceeds-to-go-to-charity

Justin Bieber has donated a pair of his underwear for charity – and they could be yours! The underwear benefit Give2Live, a charity set up by Ellen DeGeneres's friend Hélène Campbell.

Bid On Justin Bieber's Underwear

When Hélène Campbell met Ellen, she was in desperate need of a lung transplant. Now that she’s received her lungs, Hélène is doing incredible work to help more people survive just like she did. Hélène and her family have partnered with Toronto General Hospital to establish the Give 2 Live Campaign. Through this fundraising initiative, Hélène hopes to inspire people to help patients and their families across North America.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10077-bid-on-justin-biebers-underwear-for-charity

The Climate Reality Project, the leading international organization dedicated to mobilizing action on climate change, and Charitybuzz, the global leader in online charity auctions, today announced the launch of the two-week Climate Reality auction.

This auction will run from April 22 – May 6 at www.Charitybuzz.com/ClimateRealityProject.

The auction, which begins on Earth Day, will raise funds for the Climate Reality Leadership Corps educational and grassroots-organizing program, with 2013 trainings in Istanbul, Turkey; Chicago, Illinois, and Rio de Janerio, Brazil. The Climate Reality Leadership Corps is currently made up of 4000 Climate Leaders from 58 countries who educate their communities about climate change impacts and solutions.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10069-go-behind-the-scenes-with-ben-affleck-for-earth-day

As reported by LookToTheStars.org last week, to celebrate their fifth Limited Edition Label Art Series for Earth Day, Kiehl’s Since 1851 partnered with Zachary Quinto and Alanis Morissette with a Limited Edition Ultra Facial Cream to benefit Recycle Across America. They celebrated this collaboration last week at the Kiehl’s store in Santa Monica with their partners, as well as guests such as Gilles Marini, AnnaSophia Robb, Amy Smart, Anthony Mackie and Wilmer Valderrama.

Alanis Morissette and Zachary Quinto at Kiehl's store in Santa Monica
Credit/Copyright: John Shearer/Invision

Kiehl’s partners have each designed a Limited Edition label, depicting their vision of social responsibility for our 4.2 oz. Ultra Facial Cream, which is now available in Kiehl’s stores and on Kiehls.com. 100% of the net proceeds of this series will benefit Recycle Across America (RAA), and through this program, Kiehl’s will be donating $50,000 to the organization. RAA is not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering society-wide solutions that eliminate public confusion, stimulate the environmental economy and expedite progress, and the funds raised from these labels will be used to create 65,000 standardized recycling labels, which will be donated to K-12 schools nationwide.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10068-zachary-quinto-and-alanis-morissette-attend-kiehls-earth-day-event

Today sees the worldwide release of The Lonely Dodo, a four-minute Aardman short created for international conservation charity, Durrell, to highlight the worldwide plight of endangered species.

Stephen Fry Recording The Lonely Dodo

Headquartered in Jersey, Channel Islands, Durrell is committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Since its formation over fifty years ago by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell, Durrell has developed a worldwide reputation for its pioneering conservation techniques.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10066-stephen-fry-presents-the-lonely-dodo-for-conservation-charity

UNICEF, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Glasgow 2014 Commonweath Games have announced a partnership for children that seeks to touch the lives of children in Scotland and in Commonwealth countries across the world.

The partnership aims to raise funds for UNICEF work in Commonwealth countries across the world, and hopes to make next summer’s sporting event a big moment for children, aiming to inspire and enable children to be the best they can be.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10065-ewan-mcgregor-and-david-beckham-support-unicef-partnership-with-commonwealth-games

LookToTheStars.org first interviewed Blurred Vision in 2010 after the release of their first video, a remake of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall” which was dubbed “Hey Ayatollah Leave Those Kids Alone.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10064-exclusive-interview-blurred-vision-talks-john-lennon-peace-and-bill-maher

Race to Erase MS has announced that multi Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Elton John will perform at the 20th Annual Race to Erase MS event, hosted by Nancy Davis, taking place on May 3rd, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

Also performing that evening will be multi-platinum singer-songwriter Taio Cruz.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10063-elton-john-to-perform-at-race-to-erase-ms-event

Edward Norton and Woody Harrelson celebrated Earth Day by paying a visit to the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group bottling plant in Houston to check in on the operation of the BioViper, a recently installed wastewater pretreatment system developed by Baswood Corp., which Harrelson co-founded and Norton chairs.

Edward Norton, left, and Woody Harrelson are not only acclaimed actors, but they're also putting their passion for environmental sustainability into action.
Credit/Copyright: Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images for Dr Pepper Snapple Group

The two proactive environmentalists are helping DPSG jump on the green train and make one of the largest drink manufacturers a leader in modern environmental practices.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10062-edward-norton-and-woody-harrelson-visit-dpsg-wastewater-plant

The Bryan Adams Foundation was set up in 2006 by the musician and photographer Bryan Adams, in order to improve the quality of people’s lives around the world. The Foundation aims to achieve this by providing financial help and support to those people who are committed to bettering the lives of other people, by providing grants to finance specific projects.

The Foundation seeks to protect the most vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals in society. It aims particularly to advance education and learning opportunities for children and young people worldwide, believing that an education is the best gift that a child can be given. The Foundation’s area of support is broad and far-reaching, enabling grants to be given for projects supporting the elderly, victims of war and natural disasters, and those suffering from mental or physical illness.

Read more about Bryan Adams Foundation's work and celebrity supporters.

GLAAD honored former President Bill Clinton, entertainment attorney Steve Warren, and the best in film and television on Sunday night at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.

Actress Drew Barrymore hosted the event.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10061-bill-clinton-honored-at-glaad-media-awards

On April 17, Jumpstart – a national early education organization – brought New York Times best-­selling author, acclaimed actress and producer Tina Fey (Bossypants) and Cindi Leive, editor-­in-­chief, Glamour magazine to its 8th annual Scribbles to Novels event at Cipriani Wall Street.

Tina Fey and Cindi Leive
Credit/Copyright: Via Duffy & Shanley

The event spotlighted the work of these luminaries while bringing attention to Jumpstart’s mission of working towards the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10060-tina-fey-participates-in-jumpstarts-annual-scribbles-to-novels-event

Actor Jude Law has appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on PETA's behalf urging it to uphold the EU-wide ban on seal fur.

The WTO’s final hearing on the issue will be held in Geneva on 29 April. Law’s letter comes just days after the start of Canada’s annual baby-seal slaughter. Because of the worldwide outcry, all major markets have banned seal-fur imports, including the EU, Mexico, Taiwan, the US and even Russia, which had been importing 95 per cent of Canada’s seal fur. The Canadian government is challenging the EU ban as a last-ditch effort to revive the trade, even though local sentiment is turning and lack of markets has led Canadian officials to examine seriously whether the slaughter should end.

“As an actor who will always consider Britain home, I was proud to learn that the European Union has banned seal-fur imports,” wrote Jude. "In light of next week’s seal-products dispute hearing, I’m writing to urge the panel to uphold this ban, which is in line with the wishes of compassionate people all around the world, including the majority of European citizens. The US, Taiwan, Mexico and even Russia (which had been importing 95 per cent of Canadian seal pelts) have also banned seal-fur imports. Even local sentiment is turning and a lack of markets has led Canadian officials to seriously examine whether the slaughter should end.



More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10059-jude-law-calls-on-wto-to-uphold-eu-seal-fur-ban

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington with special guests, Tony Alva and his band Chicken Noodle Project, Early Morning Rebel, Ida Maria Band, and Slash have been announced as performers for the ninth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on May 30.

Bennington will be presented with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award by Linkin Park vocalist/producer Mike Shinoda for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping others with the addiction recovery process. Alva will be presented with the MusiCares From the Heart Award by Anthony Kiedis, lead vocalist of multi-GRAMMY-winning band Red Hot Chili Peppers, for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization. All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Hosted by comedian Bobby Lee, the evening will feature performances by Bennington with special guests; Alva and his band Chicken Noodle Project featuring Ray Barbee and Matt Rainwater; Early Morning Rebel featuring vocalist Nathan James, guitarist Dustin Bath and drummer Joshua Mervin; musician/songwriter Ida Maria with drummer Dave Krusen, bassist Jenni Tarma and guitarist Stefan Tornby; and GRAMMY-winning musician/songwriter Slash. Mix Master Mike will DJ and comedian Andy Dick will make a special appearance.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10058-slash-to-perform-at-musicares-map-fund-benefit

Prince Harry will take part in a race to the South Pole with a team of wounded British servicemen and women.

The 28-year-old will take on teams from the United States and the Commonwealth in the 208-mile (335km) Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge in November and December this year.

He said at a press conference in London during which the teams were announced: “So, it just remains for me to say to Soldier On Canada, Soldiers To Summits from the US and Soldier On Australia – welcome to the party.”As a member of the British team, I will have a brew ready for you when you join us at the Pole."

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10057-prince-harry-to-race-to-south-pole-for-charity

The Duchess of Cambridge has announced that she has become patron for several more charities.

Place2Be is proud to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has become Royal Patron of Place2Be.

The Duchess’ decision to support Place2Be is a reflection of her personal interest in and commitment to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children in the UK.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10056-duchess-of-cambridge-announced-as-charity-patron

History Channel series “Top Gear USA” and Fox Sports/SPEED racing commentator Rutledge Wood won the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, triumphing over a field of film, television, music and sports stars in the annual charity racing event.

The roaring crowd witnessed the stunning performance by Wood who started the race from the pole position in his Scion FR-S race car. Last year’s race winner and comedian Adam Carolla finished first in the Pro category.

Wood, who took the top starting spot for the race in Saturday’s qualifying, gave up the lead early on to Hallmark channel host of “Home & Family” Mark Steines before the four-time participant finished fifth in the 10-lap event. MTV’s “Awkward” star Brett Davern made a late run for the trophy as he closed in on the lead but ran out of track time before the checkered flag waved.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10055-top-gear-usas-rutledge-wood-win-toyota-pro-celebrity-race

Driving Force Giving Circle (DFGC), a nonprofit organization founded by Serena Williams, Common and Chicago Bears’ linebacker James Anderson, will celebrate its launch with a karaoke kickoff fundraising event in New York tonight.

Driving Force Giving Circle strives to get the community involved and aid philanthropic organizations that are effective and efficient. Proceeds from this event will benefit The Serena Williams Fund, Huddle Up! and other Driving Force Giving Circle initiatives.

“I am very proud to be a founder of Driving Force Giving Circle and feel fortunate to have the support of great friends and the community to help me kick it off with our inaugural event. I plan to use this platform to lend a megaphone to the causes that are most important to me and look forward to making a real difference,” said Serena Williams.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10054-serena-williams-to-kick-off-new-charity-with-karaoke-event