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May 7th 2008

Sting’s Rainforest Charity Rated One Of New York’s City’s Worst

Filed under: campaigns, donations — michael @ 10:03 am

Could Sting’s evil Captain Planet character be coming to life?

On the Eve of the Rainforest Foundation’s Annual Benefit (something for which the Empire State Building will be lit green for), new information regarding the “giving” side of Sting’s organization has us less than stoked.

According to the New York Post, the Rainforest Foundation has been rated one of the worst charities in New York City. The slap comes from Charity Navigator, a watchdog that rates 5,000 charities nationally based on management and fund-raising-to-giving ratios. Sting’s org has been given a “0″ the last four years because they’ve doled out less than half — 41% — of their donations to tree initiatives. From the article,

“The 2006 concert - which drew Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow and Will Ferrell to the landmark stage - raised $2,156,989, according to the latest available IRS tax filing. Yet only $887,374 of the money raised, 41 percent, was divided among the charity’s eight programs that support native-land claims and forest preservation in Latin America and Africa - a paltry percentage, according to agencies that monitor nonprofits.

A well-run charity, they said, typically spends 75 percent of revenues on programs. ‘This one would fall to the bottom of the bucket,’ said Sandra Miniutti, a spokeswoman for Charity Navigator.”

For reasons not explained, the charity is also hoarding their money — with $10 million in assets (including $5 million in cash) reported to the IRS.

As stated on the foundation’s website, over 93,000 acres of rainforest are lost each day. Money is desperately needed to secure vast tracts of undisturbed, ancient trees and habitat. So, we just have one, small question for the organization:

“WHAT THE F**K ARE YOU WAITING FOR?”

via Newsbusters

[UPDATE] Trudi Styler has responded to the criticism saying, “The Rainforest Foundation is celebrating its 20th year. We wouldn’t still be in business or have given out millions of dollars over the years if we’d spent everything we made immediately after it came in.” However, Bennett Weiner, the director of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, still thinks the hoarding is excessive. “What are they doing with the money?,” he said. “They have more than five times what they would normally spend in a year in reserves.”

May 5th 2008

Jennifer Aniston, Will Ferrell, Fight For Freedom In Burma

Filed under: campaigns — michael @ 4:38 pm

Celebrities like Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, Jason Biggs, and Sarah Silverman are teaming up and delivering a different PSA for 30-days to help build support for democracy in Burma. This campaign comes at a particularly devastating time for the country, as a recent cyclone may have killed more than 10,000 people.

The 30-Days campaign is being sponsored by Fanista — which is kind of a social networking site for entertainment buffs. In addition to the films, Fanista is also giving 10% to the cause if you select “Burma” at cehck-out.

Will Ferrell’s video is below — and features the same quirky humor we’ve come to expect from him. After hitting MORE, you can also see videos featuring Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, and others. Since the campaign started about five days ago, we’re a bit behind. From now until its conclusion at the end of May look for the Raz to post a daily vid from the effort. For more information — and to add your voice — jump over to the official site here.

Read the rest of this entry »

May 5th 2008

PETA Asks Will Ferrell To Give Up His Animal Wrestling Ways

Filed under: animals, campaigns, film-tv, movies, not green — parrish @ 11:04 am

Last week Ecorazzi told you that PETA was investigating the death of Stephan Miller, the 39-year-old animal trainer who was fatally attached by Rocky – the grizzly bear featured in Will Ferrell’s film, Semi-Pro. Now it looks like PETA’s going right to the source and asking Ferrell to stop using animals in all of his movies. 

In February, PETA sent a letter to Ferrell’s agents warning of both the dangers of working with wild animals and how many of these animals are cruelty treated, but the warning went ignored and now PETA is giving it a second go. PETA recently sent another letter to Ferrell and his camp stating, “We know you to be a compassionate person, and we are hoping that this deadly incident will make you have a change of heart about acting with animals in the future.”

Many celebrities are adamant about not working with animals, including Pamela Anderson who recently refused to shoot a scene with a trained Labrador.  Is Ferrell going to give up his animal wrestling ways? Only time will tell. Stay close Ecorazzi readers — we’ll keep you posted as the story unfolds. 

May 1st 2008

Widespread Panic Agrees To Sponsor One Of Pitt’s Green Homes

Filed under: buildings and construction, cars-houses, donations — michael @ 3:05 pm

The members of the band Widespread Panic have come together to donate $150,000 and sponsor a home for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation. The rock group is the closing for tonight’s conclusion of the 2008 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. From the article,

“‘This is a place where I believe hope is not lost,’ said Bell, who visited the Lower 9th Ward back in November with his family before revisiting it Wednesday. ‘It’s a real place in New Orleans with real people, people who have lost some or all of their family and their homes but are sticking it out.’ Widespread Panic began helping Make It Right back in January by offering downloads of its new single, ‘Walk on the Flood,” in exchange for a donation to the rebuilding effort. The band raised about $4,000, which was given to Make It Right along with the $150,000.”

So far, 81 of the 150 homes the foundation is aiming for have been sponsored. Celebrities like George Clooney, Will Ferrell, Ellen Degeneres, and many, many others have all given generously. Of course, you don’t have to have deep pockets to make a difference. Jump on over to the official website and see how even a little can help out many.

April 25th 2008

PETA Investigates The Death Of Celebrity Animal Trainer

Filed under: animals — parrish @ 11:19 am

Tragic news hit last week when Rocky — the five-year-old grizzly bear featured in Will Ferrell’s Semi-Pro – fatally bit Stephan Miller, his 39-year-old trainer, at the Predators in Action facility in Big Bear, California.

Now, Rocky’s owner, Randy Miller, is being investigated by the People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals over his actions and whether they helped contribute to the attack. This isn’t the first time PETA has taken an interest in Miller. In fact, last year PETA released inspection reports and other documents proving Miller’s sanctuary and training facility was a poor home for the big cats and other wild animals the acclaimed trainer took in.

Following Tuesday’s tragedy, PETA bosses have re-released those inspection reports, including a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, obtained by PETA, suggesting Miller’s animals were kept in small enclosures with no roofs and cages were damaged and broken. Furthermore, PETA found print ads Miller paid for in 2005’s Animal Finders’ Guide publication, in which he attempted to sell an assortment of big cats and a black bear. 

Officials still have yet to decide whether they will euthanize Rocky, but the folks at the American Humane Association feel confident the bear will never work in the business again…um you think?

This horrible tragedy brings up a fairly controversial point: should animals be ”exploited” for the sake of entertainment? As a person who strongly believes in the rights of all animals, I say no — but that’s just me. What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Should animals continue to be used in film, television and other entertainment mediums or should this practice be banned? Speak up and tell us what you think!

via: starpulse.com

March 11th 2008

Jon Stewart To Host Autistic Benefit for Comedy Central

Filed under: campaigns, events, events: nyc, film-tv, television — parrish @ 9:07 am

This year it seems that Jon Stewart is the host with the most. Ok, well maybe not the MOST viewers…or the MOST jokes…or the MOST ratings…I’ll rephrase. This year it seems that Jon Stewart is…the host.

After an only mildly successful stint as the host of the Oscars, Stewart is putting on his master of ceremonies hat (it’s blue with feathers) once again for the second Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education.

The celebrity infused fundraiser will help raise money for schools and educational programs for autistic children and adults. The last benefit was held in October of 2006 and raised more than $2.6 billion. THAT IS NOT A TYPO PEOPLE!!! 2.6 BILLION!!!!! [Ed note: Actually, that is a typo. $2.6 billion? The sourced article was a bit too generous, though we’d love to believe it true. Actual amount was $2.5 million.]

This year the Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education will take place on April 13th at the Beacon Theater in New York and will also air live on Comedy Central at 8 pm EST. You can expect performances by Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Sarah Silverman and Amy Poehler. And appearances by Jonah Hill, Matthew Broderick, Kevin James, Rosie O’Donnell and Susie Essman.

Can’t afford to attend the event live (like me)? Don’t have cable (like me)? No worries! This year you can download the show on iTunes and xBox Live Marketplace for $1.99…with all of the proceeds going to charity, of course.

To find out more about Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education visit ComedyCentral.com. Break a leg, Jon!

January 18th 2008

Will Ferrell Sponsors Solar Panels For Skid Row Housing

Comedian hooks up with Solar Neighbors program

Filed under: buildings and construction — michael @ 7:45 pm

The Solar Neighbors program started by actor Edward Norton and BP is once again spreading some good clean energy. The idea behind the program is simple: Every time an invited celebrity purchases a BP solar system for their home, BP donates a similar system to be installed on a low-income family’s home in South Central Los Angeles. This time, it’s Will Ferrell stepping up to the plate — and his sponsorship will for the first time benefit a multi-unit building, the beautifully restored historic St. George Hotel.

Granted, this isn’t your average hotel. The St. George provides permanent supportive housing for people who have been chronically homeless. Most residents earn no more than 10% of the area median income, according to officials. They pay 30% of their income in rent under the Shelter Plus Care program. Having solar energy installed will go a long way to easing the burden of energy costs.

The official unveiling of the program will happen February 11th — with Edward Norton, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and potentially Will Ferrell in attendance. I suppose we can also tick off Will as the latest celeb to get some solar at home. Go Green Team!

For more on the BP Solar Neighbors Program, click here.

January 3rd 2008

James Franco’s New Year’s Resolution? To Walk More.

Filed under: web — michael @ 9:44 am

A new year, a new video from comedian Will Ferrell. This time, we’re treated to some pretty funny celebrity New Year’s resolutions. Everything from Mila Kunis “I’m going to start dating more, because my kids need a new dad.” to Ed Helms “My New Year’s resolution is to kick. your. ass.” James Franco even kicks it green by giving away his car in favor of walking more. Have a laugh below:

December 22nd 2007

Brad Pitt Updates Media On Make It Right Donations

Will Ferrell, David Spade, Lawrence Fishburne chip in support...

Filed under: buildings and construction, campaigns — michael @ 10:50 am

I caught Brad Pitt chatting with Larry King on CNN last night and was encouraged to a.) see him continuing to plug his “Make It Right” campaign for the rebuilding of New Orleans’ devastated Ninth Ward and b.) moved by the donations received since the project was announced a few weeks back.

These families are certainly going to have much to celebrate in the New Year.

According to Pitt, over 12,000 people across America have donated various amounts to the campaign. They even received an anonymous $1 million donation this past Thursday. Actors like Will Ferrell, David Spade, and Lawrence Fishburne have all contributed; with Ferrell sponsoring an entire home. “Our initial goal was 150 houses,” said Pitt. “And we’ve got 52 houses that have been adopted, which means 52 families.” From an interview yesterday on the TODAY show,

“It’s working. It’s really working,” Pitt said. “It’s that thing we talked about of people coming together and people helping people, and that’s where America’s great.”

The fundraising campaign will end next month. “We got two more weeks to go,” Pitt said. “I need people out there to come in and adopt the other 100 homes. And hopefully by that time we’ll see this whole neighborhood symbolically put back together.”

Pitt also revealed that his family will be spending Christmas in New Orleans; though he was reluctant to confirm that for one reason. “I really hope the paparazzi don’t show up,” he joked.

If you would like to contribute an amount this holiday season to the families of the 9th Ward, please hit the Make It Right NOLA site here. Even $5 will make a difference.

December 6th 2007

Charity Beat: Will Ferrell, Natalie Portman Sign Kites For Afghans

Filed under: campaigns, donations — michael @ 4:48 pm

Celebrities such as Will Ferrell, Natalie Portman, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Madonna, and Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal have given their signatures to 25 authentic Afghan kites that will go up for auction. The money raised will benefit the the Afghanistan Relief Organization; which directly supports the training of teachers and the building of libraries and education facilities in the newly developing country. [via DVDfeed]

Chef Jaime Oliver raised more than $456,000 at a dinner last night for his Fifteen Foundation. The organization helps train unemployed young people to become chefs and work in the restaurant business. Oliver will use the money to build a training kitchen above Fifteen to help the local community, and increase the number of apprentices each year to 45. [via Bloomberg]

U2 frontman Bono is joining artist Damien Hirst in organizing a charity art auction at Sotheby’s for Valentine’s Day ‘08. Expected to go under the hammer are pieces by Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns, Matthew Barney, Georg Baselitz, Cecily Brown and Douglas Gordon. All of the art presented will revolve around the RED theme and benefit HIV/AIDS relief programs in Africa. Sotheby’s expects the auction to raise more than $40 million dollars. [via International Herald Tribune]