“EB is very personal to me so I’m happy to be part of this $1 million challenge,” says Dirt star Courteney. “Now is such an important time to put a spotlight on EB and ensure that research can continue at a fast pace.”

Additional celebs signing up to help include Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Rashida Jones, James Marsden, and Eva Longoria Parker.

Cox and Arquette are heading up the effort as members of the honorary advisory board of the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation. Aniston, Pitt, Rossdale and Stefani are also members. Those affected by the condition break out in painful blisters after even minor trauma to the skin. Wounds may cover up to 75 percent of the body and never go away.

We wish them the best of luck! To find out how you can help contribute, please visit the foundation’s website.

Actress Kate Walsh spent her Thursday afternoon helping the folks at Pedigree kick off the Pedigree Dogstore in Times Square! I know, I know-all the animal rights people just totally flipped out when I said, “Dogstore.”  You’re probably thinking: abused pets, dirty cages, lazy employees…no, no no!! Trust me, this is not your typical pet store!

The Pedigree Dogstore will act as a short-term adoption center where visitors can learn about dog adoption, meet adoptable dogs and make donations to support various shelters across the country.  This is all part of the Pedigree Adoption Drive, Pedigree’s non-profit organization that helps provide funding to select animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide.  And with over 4 million dogs in shelters across the country, Pedigree’s Adoption Drive couldn’t come at a better time!

Other stars like Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Molly Sims, and Kelly Ripa have stepped up to the plate by signing memorabilia which will be auctioned on eBAY to also benefit Pedigree.  So head on over to Dogsrule.com and learn how you can get involved and help make a difference. Because like singer/activist Nellie Mckay says in The Dog Song, “If you want a companion, well just go right to the pound, and find yourself a hound, and make that doggie proud. Cause that’s what it’s all about.”

photo credit: justjared.com

Ah, the financially warped value system of Hollywood. Bear with me on this one.

So recently, Jennifer Aniston mentioned to her friend Courteney Cox that, you know, she was interested in hitting the Los Angeles bike lanes for exercise and all that. Cox, excited by the idea decided to send Jennifer a $12,000 one-of-a-kind Chanel bicycle — complete with eight speeds and a quilted leather seat and saddlebag emblazoned with the famous Chanel logo. Seriously? It also has jeweled pant clips to keep your pants from getting caught in the chain. All this, and it weighs 36lbs!

Look, we love it when stars break out the scooters, motorcycles, bikes, and other random pieces of equipment to get around with. But there’s got to be something wrong with actually purchasing a Chanel bike for $12,000 ($12,600 list) decked out in leather styling. Am I off on this one? How much is the matching helmet?