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Dec 15, 2016 12:30 pm
More celebrities than ever are speaking out against cruelty to animals — and peta2, PETA’s youth division, is recognizing the most fearless crusaders for animal rights in its 11th Annual Libby Awards.
“Libby” is short for “liberation” — as in animal liberation.
This year’s winners include Miley Cyrus, who nabbed the title of Best Voice for Animals, thanks to her constant promotion of vegan eating and animal issues on social media. She’s joined by fellow musicians Davey Havok, the vegan AFI lead vocalist who earned the Hero of the Year for Animals award by baring it all for peta2’s anti-leather campaign, and Blink-182, the Grammy-nominated all-veg group that was named this year’s Most Animal-Friendly Band.
“Today’s hottest stars don’t hesitate to take time out from judging a hit television show or dropping a highly anticipated album in order to speak up for animals,” says peta2 Senior Director Marta Holmberg. “peta2 is recognizing Miley Cyrus, Davey Havok, blink-182, and other celebrities who are encouraging fans to eat vegan, shop cruelty-free, and more.”
peta2 — whose motto is “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way” — also awarded Libbys to social media influencers Kalel and Hayes Grier. The full list of winners is available here.
Dec 15, 2016 11:30 am
Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins held its annual carol service this week, and played host to a number of celebrity guests.
To accompany their mince pies and mulled wine, guests were treated to carols by candlelight, with festive readings from supporters Dame Eileen Atkins, Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Jeremy Clarkson, Sir Michael Gambon, Anneka Rice and Gillian Anderson, who stepped in to read on behalf of AA Gill, who sadly passed away last weekend.
There was also an exclusive set from ’Britain’s first country stars’ Ward Thomas, otherwise known as Hampshire-born sisters Catherine and Lizzy. The duo are about to embark on a tour which will introduce their fans to their brand new songs. Joining them was platinum selling hit-maker Tom Odell, whose second studio album was released in June of this year, with a 40-date world tour ahead of him.
Nordoff Robbins thanks their supporters Apple Music and Tatler, and everyone who joined them and showed so much support for their life-changing work.
Dec 15, 2016 10:15 am
The Youth & College division of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is hosting a gathering of youth activists next month to organize and plan how to respond to new civil rights threats expected under a new administration and congress in 2017.
Leaders of the youth wing of the civil right organization, along with partners in Justice League New York and the Empowerment Movement will join together at the “People’s Inauguration” rally at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. Grammy-nominated artist Chance the Rapper is scheduled to appear as a guest speaker.
The rally will re-unite allies and partners who helped register thousands of new and young voters during the 2016 election with the goal to launch a new era of activism and protest against potential threats from the presidency of Donald J. Trump. During the meeting, attendees will begin collaborating to unite together and stand for a progressive policy agenda in the coming months and years.
“We are faced with a moral and ethical crisis during this critical time in our nation’s history after the election of Donald J. Trump,’ said Stephen Green, director of the NAACP Youth & College Division. “This moment calls for young leaders to gather together and develop a strategy to protect the human and civil rights of all Americans through nonviolent resistance.”
The new initiative, called #StayWokeAndFight, will involve direct actions, protests and other activism to oppose threats to civil rights, education investment, criminal justice reform and other areas of concern posed by the incoming administration that takes office the day before the rally.
Organizers also plan to host a “People’s Inaugural Ball” on Jan. 20. Registration is currently open online for individuals and groups to join and attend at www.staywokeandfight.com.
Dec 15, 2016 09:00 am
Verizon last week announced a $50,000 grant to support the wildfire relief efforts in Sevier County, Tenn. In partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, the donation will offer financial assistance to those displaced by the recent wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains area.
“I’m honored by Verizon’s support of our My People Fund,” Dolly Parton said. “The outpouring of support to help families in my hometown is truly humbling for me.”
The Dollywood Foundation recently announced plans to donate $1,000 a month for six months to the Tennessee families affected through the My People Fund. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Companies ― including the Dollywood theme park, DreamMore Resort, Dixie Stampede, Lumberjack Adventure, and the Dollywood Foundation ― established the My People Fund to provide financial assistance to any homeowner or renter whose primary residence was either completely lost or is uninhabitable due to the wildfires in Sevier County.
So far, over 700 families have pre-applied online for support from the My People Fund, and the telethon aims to build the fund to meet this challenge.
Verizon’s $50,000 contribution will provide financial assistance to more than eight local families over the next six months.
“During this difficult time, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this natural disaster,” said Roger Tang, President – South East Market, Verizon Wireless. “As East Tennessee begins to heal, we hope Verizon’s contributions will make a difference, and we urge others to make a gift to the My People Fund to help victims get back on their feet.”
Verizon recently announced it would take care of any charges from talk, text and data over regular plans for impacted customers in qualified areas in Tennessee from 11/28-12/3. The company has supported the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge communities by deploying mobile cellular equipment to supplement service in this area and has deployed charging stations for use by first responders as well as residents and visitors displaced in shelters.
For more information on The Dollywood Foundation, including how to donate, click here.
Dec 15, 2016 07:45 am
Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), a nonprofit organization committed to championing hope for a brighter future for Native Americans, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.
Newman’s Own Foundation made the award to PWNA as part of a broader commitment to support programs that increase access to fresh food and nutrition education in underserved communities. This funding will help PWNA promote healthier diets for Native Americans living on remote and often impoverished reservations through its Project Grow service.
Project Grow utilizes a Native American chef/nutritionist to teach healthy cooking and food preservation skills to people across Arizona and New Mexico. Once trained, the students will be able to instruct their own tribal communities about critical daily needs such as healthy eating habits, food preparation, etc.
“Many people may not realize that nearly one in four Native American households experiences food insecurity,” said PWNA President and CEO Robbi Rice Dietrich. “Through the generous support of Newman’s Own Foundation, Partnership With Native Americans can continue our mission of supporting long-term solutions for strong, self-sufficient Native American communities, and help tribal residents maintain sustainable nutrition programs in their own communities. We are incredibly grateful for their support.”
Native Americans living in remote areas face many food security issues, including scarce access to grocery stores, inflated prices and limited selection of quality food in geographically-isolated communities. PWNA’s Project Grow will equip local trainers and build local capacity that is critical to helping Native communities make healthier lifestyle choices and combat nutrition-related diseases.
“We are proud to fund Partnership With Native Americans as they work to make a difference in our communities,” said Bob Forrester, President and CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation. “They are one of the many organizations helping to identify needs and fill the gaps for children and families who lack access to healthy foods.”
Newman’s Own Foundation has been supporting food and nutrition programs for more than 30 years and has given more than $11.5 million to nutrition-focused organizations since 2014. The Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to give all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products to charity. Since 1982, more than $475 million has been donated to thousands of charities around the world.
Dec 15, 2016 06:30 am
The editors of AARP The Magazine today announced the nominees for the 16th Annual Movies for Grownups Awards, with La La Land, Lion, Loving, Manchester By the Sea, Silence and Sully contending in the “Best Picture” category.
The Awards celebrate 2016’s standout films with unique appeal to movie lovers with a grownup state of mind — and recognizes the inspiring artists who make them. Three-time Emmy award-winning film and stage actress Margo Martindale will host the star-studded evening to be held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. on the evening of Monday, February 6th. Event proceeds benefit AARP Foundation, which helps struggling people age 50-plus in Los Angeles and around the country transform their lives through programs, services and legal assistance.
In the “Best Actress” category, nominations go to Annette Bening (20th Century Women), Sally Field (Hello, My Name is Doris), Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins), and Tilda Swinton (A Bigger Splash). In the “Best Actor” category, Warren Beatty (Rules Don’t Apply) is nominated alongside Tom Hanks (Sully), Michael Keaton (The Founder), Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic), and Denzel Washington (Fences).
The nominees for “Best Supporting Actress” are Viola Davis (Fences), Nicole Kidman (Lion), Helen Mirren (Eye in the Sky), Molly Shannon (Other People), and Sigourney Weaver (A Monster Calls). In the “Best Supporting Actor” category, Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water), Kevin Costner (Hidden Figures), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Fences), Issey Ogata (Silence), and Timothy Spall (Denial) are nominated. The 2016 Movies for Grownups nominees for “Best Director” are Clint Eastwood (Sully), Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea), David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), Martin Scorsese (Silence), and Denzel Washington (Fences).
Additionally, Morgan Freeman will be presented with the esteemed Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award.
“We are really excited to announce the 2016 nominees for the 16th annual Movies for Grownups Awards,” says Myrna Blyth, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director for AARP Media. “It’s been a powerful year of smart and compelling filmmaking and brilliant performances that speak directly to an audience with a grownup state of mind.”
The complete list of the 16th Annual Movies for Grownups® Award Nominees:
• Best Picture: La La Land; Lion; Loving; Manchester By the Sea; Silence; Sully
• Best Actress: Annette Bening (20th Century Woman); Sally Field (Hello, My Name is Doris); Isabelle Huppert (Elle); Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins); and Tilda Swinton (A Bigger Splash)
• Best Actor: Warren Beatty (Rules Don’t Apply); Tom Hanks (Sully); Michael Keaton (The Founder); Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic); Denzel Washington (Fences)
• Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis (Fences); Nicole Kidman (Lion); Helen Mirren (Eye in the Sky); Molly Shannon (Other People); Sigourney Weaver (A Monster Calls)
• Best Supporting Actor: Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water); Kevin Costner (Hidden Figures); Stephen McKinley Henderson (Fences); Issey Ogata (Silence); Timothy Spall (Denial)
• Best Director: Clint Eastwood (Sully); Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea); David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water); Martin Scorsese (Silence); Denzel Washington (Fences)
• Best Screenwriter: Pedro Almodóvar (Julieta); Jay Cocks and Martin Scorsese (Silence); Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea); J.K. Rowling (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them); August Wilson (Fences)
• Best Comedy: Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie; Florence Foster Jenkins; Hello, My Name is Doris; La La Land; My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
• Best Grownup Love Story: Denzel Washington and Viola Davis (Fences); Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant (Florence Foster Jenkins); Michael Constantine and Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2); Margo Martindale and Richard Jenkins (The Hollars); Susan Sarandon and J.K. Simmons (The Meddler)
• Best Documentary: Big Sonia; Everything Is Copy; Maya Angelou; The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years; Still I Rise; Tower
• Best Intergenerational Film: A Monster Calls; 20th Century Women; Fences; Lion; The Hollars
• Best Buddy Picture: Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie); Stephen McKinley Henderson and Denzel Washington (Fences); Jude Law and Colin Firth (Genius); John Carroll Lynch and Nick Offerman (The Founder); Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling (The Nice Guys)
• Best Time Capsule: Hidden Figures; Jackie; Loving; Rules Don’t Apply; The Founder
• Best Movie for Grownups Who Refuse to Grow Up: Kubo and the Two Strings; Moana; Sing; The Jungle Book; Zootopia
• Best Foreign Language Film: A Man Called Ove (Sweden); Aquarius (Brazil); Elle (France); Our Last Tango (Argentina); The People vs. Fritz Bauer (Germany)
With weekly news and reviews, nationwide screenings, and an annual awards event, the Movies for Grownups initiative champions movies for grownups, by grownups.
For more information about AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards, go to www.aarp.org/moviesforgrownups. The entire list of award winners will also be featured in the February/March Issue of AARP The Magazine, available in homes February 1st.
The annual Movies for Grownups Awards raises funds for AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity, which helps struggling people 50-plus in Los Angeles and around the country transform their lives through programs, services and vigorous legal advocacy. The foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, functional and affordable housing, steady income, and strong and sustaining social bonds.
AARP Foundation is active in Los Angeles. It is working with the Motion Picture &Television Fund (MPTF) to develop programs to reduce social isolation among older people, by keeping them connected with their friends, families and neighborhoods. AARP Foundation also is the founding sponsor of L.A. Kitchen, where California produce considered “waste” is used to make healthy meals for those in need.
Dec 15, 2016 06:00 am
Celebrity patron of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since 1993, though she began raising public awareness of cystic fibrosis in 1982 after to the tragic death of her 16 year old cousin from the disease.
“Céline generates significant revenues for cystic fibrosis research and treatment from Canadian and international sources, and has generously donated to the Foundation her appearance fees from several concerts and guest appearances. In 1996, Céline helped the Foundation to secure an important new sponsorship with Royal Airlines. ” – Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website
She is on the board of Fondation Achille-Tanguay, an organization which helps poor Québec families toward self-sufficiency.
Charities & foundations supported
Céline Dion has supported the following charities:
Read more about Céline Dion’s charity work and events.
Dec 15, 2016 05:00 am
Parents Against Cancer- Improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer
Celebrity supporters
Padres Contra el Cancer has 27 known supporters, including Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, and George Lopez
Areas of work
Read more about Padres Contra el Cancer’s work and celebrity supporters.
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