Salma Hayek to Receive Giving Tree Award at the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala

Salma Hayek is being celebrated for her commitment to children in need…

The 57-year-old Mexican American actress/producer will receive this year’s Giving Tree Award at the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala taking place on November 11 in Los Angeles.

Salma HayekThe Giving Tree Award is awarded annually to a public figure who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of children in need around the world.

Past honorees include Amy Adams, Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Vanessa Bryant, Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissy Teigen and Kerry Washington.

“I am so honored to be receiving the Giving Tree Award from Baby2Baby. My 39 years of involvement in supporting the wellbeing of women and children give me a deep appreciation and admiration for their heartfelt commitment and efficiency to get the job done. I am very am proud to share their mission and am eager to keep learning from these remarkable women,” said Hayek in a statement.

After lobbying Congress to extend the Violence Against Women Act, she co-founded The Kering Foundation, which leads initiatives aimed at liberating women around the world from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Hayek later partnered with Gucci to create Chime For Change, a program advancing education, health, and justice of girls. In 2015, she visited Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon alongside UNICEF and mounted the “Chime for Education” campaign to raise money to educate refugee children.

In 2017, Hayek spearheaded fundraising efforts for earthquake victims in Mexico and helped raise nearly a million dollars for UNICEF. During the disaster relief effort, she also partnered with the PepsiCo. Foundation and Habitat for Humanity to deliver 180 houses for displaced victims of the earthquake. Hayek remains actively engaged in a range of pressing social justice issues and is a longtime supporter of multiple leading nonprofit organizations including Girl Effect, The Cameron Boyce Foundation and Fondo Semilla.

“It’s our honor to pay tribute to Salma Hayek Pinault with this year’s Giving Tree Award for her extensive work on behalf of vulnerable children and families,” shared Baby2Baby co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. “From her commitment to combating social injustices and disaster relief efforts to her work supporting refugee children, Salma exemplifies everything that this award represents. We applaud how she has used her platform to increase resources and opportunities for women and girls, and we are thrilled to highlight her extraordinary commitment to these causes.”

Alex de Minaur to Participate in ‘Tennis Plays for Peace’ Charity Spectacular

Alex de Minaur is playing for a special cause…

The 23-year-old Uruguayan & Spanish Australian professional tennis player will take part in the Tennis Plays for Peace charity spectacular at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, January 11.

Alex de Minaur,de Minaur will be joined by Rafael NadalCoco GauffMaria SakkariAlex Zverev and Frances Tiafoe at the event.

All funds raised from the star-studded night of tennis and entertainment will support the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine by UNICEF Australia and Global Giving, which are providing help on the ground.

Tennis Plays for Peace will include a couple of fun exhibition matches with a star-studded line-up.

With events still taking place in Adelaide and Hobart, further player participation will be announced closer to the event.

“Tennis is a truly global sport with an international playing community that has a history of stepping up and helping out. Through Tennis Plays for Peace the tennis community can offer practical assistance through fundraising, as well as show our heartfelt support for the victims of the war,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley explained. “We look forward to a spectacular night of tennis and entertainment and a wonderful opportunity to come together and raise much-needed funds.”

In addition, 98-year-old Leonid Stanislavskyi from Ukraine’s Kharkiv region will arrive in Australia early next week as an honored guest. He has laid down a challenge to fellow nonagenarian, 98-year-old Henry Young from Adelaide, and the two will take to Rod Laver Arena for the Battle of the Centurions.

Both men are life-long tennis players who take to the court every week and last year Stanislavskyi was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest tennis player.

Vika & Linda will get the crowd rocking with their distinctive vocal sound and the Melbourne-based Volya: Ukrainian Combined Choir (Volya means freedom in Ukrainian), will give a moving performance.

Tennis Plays for Peace is a global initiative to bring the tennis community and fans together to support the humanitarian relief efforts for the war in Ukraine. It is supported by all the Grand Slams, the ATP, WTA and ITF.

Tickets for the Tennis Plays for Peace charity event are on sale now.

Jennifer Lopez to Perform at Charity Gala for Ukraine Children & Families

Jennifer Lopez is helping to raise funds for the children of the Ukraine…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to perform on the Italian island of Capri at a Ukraine-focused charity gala for UNICEF.

Jennifer LopezExpected guests at the exclusive event, which is called LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF, include Leonardo DiCaprio; Jamie Foxx; Elon Musk’s mother, the supermodel Maye Musk; Naomi Campbell, Jared Leto, and Vanessa Hudgens.

The intimate Capri charity event will take place in the island’s Certosa di San Giacomo, a 14th-century monastery with a large grassy cloister area and a stunning view of the Mediterranean.

Lopez will be the main musical act at the exclusive gala, where the hit-making DJ Diplo and singer/actress Sofia Carson, as well as Switzerland’s DJ Cruz, are among other artists that are expected to take the stage, Italy’s La Repubblica reported.

Past editions of the charity concert have been complemented with performances by the likes of John Legend, Katy Perry and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as well as Rita Ora, Ricky Martin and Ellie Goulding, according to Variety sister publication Women’s Wear Daily, which broke the news in May that Lopez would headline the Capri gala.

After kicking off with musical entertainment, the event will be followed by a lavish dinner and charity auction.

The guest list also includes Dutch supermodel and actor Lara Stone; U.S. producer and director Tonya Lewis Lee; Saudi producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki; and, from Italy, singer and songwriter Sangiovanni and actor Matilde Gioli, according to La Repubblica.

During the charity gala, UNICEF representatives based in Ukraine will join the soirée remotely. A documentary will also screen, detailing the work being done by UNICEF at the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps in Jordan that welcome Syrian children and their families.

It’s Lopez’s first stage performance since marrying actor Ben Affleck earlier this month.

Nacho González Nappa Composes & Produces New Song “Mi Escuela, Mi Hogar” in Partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund

Nacho González Nappa is celebrating school and home in a special way…

The Uruguayan award-winning film and video game composer has joined forces with the United Nations Children’s Fund for the release of a new song called “Mi Escuela, Mi Hogar” as part of Exile Content Studio’s edutainment show Club Mundo Kids.

Nacho González NappaComposed and produced by González Nappa, the optimistic and hopeful track was created at a time when many classrooms in Latin America and the Caribbean remain closed.

The less-than-two-minute song, with a rhythmic folk melody, has lyrics about missing your teacher and wanting to play with your friends at recess, but also about patience, remaining positive and enjoying virtual education.

“Music helps us heal and get through difficult times,” Nacho said in a statement. “Latin America and the Caribbean is a resilient region, and we hope that this song will shed some light to overcome this dramatic situation.”

According to UNICEF statistics, 71 million children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean are still affected by school closures due to the global pandemic. In at least five countries where only a small number of schools have reopened, less than 25 percent of students have resumed face-to-face learning.

“Imagining schools once again as a magical and safe haven for children to learn and explore was where we drew our inspiration for the song ‘Mi Escuela, Mi Hogar,’” Alejandro Uribe, CEO of Exile Content Studio, added. “With the help and support of UNICEF, we hope that Club Mundo Kids will inspire all children with its optimistic message that there will be better days ahead in the near future.”

Released for World Children’s Day, Club Mundo Kids and UNICEF also teamed up with YouTube Kids to showcase the song and other musical content until December 2

UNICEF continues working with education authorities to ensure all children return to schools while also supporting their psychosocial well-being.

“In many countries across the region, the school year ends in December. Children are now facing almost two years of lost time with teachers and classmates, jeopardizing their right to learn. While schools stay closed, the future of the region’s children, especially the most vulnerable, is at stake,” said Italo Dutra, UNICEF’s Regional Education Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chrissie Fit & Her “Pitch Perfect” Cast Mates Reunite for Charity A Capella Cover of Beyonce’s “Love On Top”

Chrissie Fit’s back on top

The 36-year-old Cuban American actress/singer has reunited with her Pitch Perfect cast mates for an a cappella rendition of Beyoncé‘s 2011 hit, “Love On Top.”

Chrissie Fit

The Barden Bellas reunion comes nearly years since the last installment of the franchise, Pitch Perfect 3, hit theaters, and they joined voices once again for a reason.

“We are here, again, making music with our mouths for two very important reasons: Beyoncé and a great cause,” Brittany Snow captioned the performance, featuring Fit, who portrayed Florencia “Flo” Fuentes, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Kendrick, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson and more delivering the song safely from home.

“There’s nothing perfect about the world we’re living in,” the video description reads. “Families around the globe are suffering from the impact of the #COVID19 pandemic, especially those in Lebanon who are facing crisis after crisis. But we can all pitch in and help.”

“The proceeds raised from the downloads & streams of our rendition of ‘Love on Top’ will go to UNICEF to help children in Lebanon and around the world who need our support right now,” the description continues.

The Bellas’ charitable “Love On Top” performance also includes a fun introduction from Pitch Perfect announcers, John Smith (John Michael Higgins) and Gail Abernathy-McKadden (Elizabeth Banks).

“I’m afraid I have some bad news. The Barden Bellas have gotten back together again,” Higgins says. “It seems like not even a quarantine can prevent them from harassing us with another musical performance.”

Click here to donate to the cause.

Lin Manuel Miranda Named to DoSomething.org’s Annual Celebs Gone Good List

Lin Manuel Miranda has gone good

DoSomething.org has released its annual Celebs Gone Good list for 2017, with the 37-year-old Puerto Rican Tony Award-winning Broadway star and Hamilton musical creator making the grade.

Lin Manuel Miranda

The list recognizes celebrities who used their impact to affect social change in the world, as these celebs helped raise awareness for causes such as mental health, education, gun violence, LGBTQ, sexual assault, hurricane/disaster relief and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Miranda, who comes in at No. 12, partnered with a nonprofit, and in November, announced a $2.5 million hurricane recovery fund to help the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

But Miranda isn’t the only Latino/a celebrity to make the list.

Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui comes in at No. 13.

The 21-year-old Cuban American singer has been vocal about women’s rights, and has donated to charitable groups including Chime for Change, ACLU, UNICEF, Planned Parenthood and more.

Jennifer Lopez, who appears on Miranda’s Puerto Rico hurricane relief single, comes in at No. 14.

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar had been vocal about helping the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and in September, she put her money where her mouth is. The singer and actress announced at a press conference with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that she would donate $1 million to help Puerto Rico rebuild.

Demi Lovato comes in at No. 16.

The 25-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress continued her mental health advocacy work this year, which has also earned her the Artistic Award of courage. She also celebrated five years of sobriety by donating thousands to charity, including $5,000 to Ace of Hearts, an animal rescue group.

Bruno Mars ranks No. 20.

The 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer donated $1 million from his sold-out Michigan concert in August to help those who have been impacted by the city of Flint’s water crisis. “Ongoing challenges remain years later for Flint residents, and it’s important that we don’t forget our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster,” he said in a statement. “As people, especially as Americans, we need to stand together to make sure something like this never happens in any community ever again.”

The organization also selected eight Celebs to Watch in 2018, featuring young talent who give back, including Riverdale star Camila Mendes.

View the 2017 Celebs Gone Good rankings below:

  1. Chance the Rapper
  2. Colin Kaepernick
  3. Ariana Grande
  4. Rihanna
  5. Beyoncé
  6. JJ Watt
  7. Kesha
  8. Yara Shahidi
  9. Zendaya
  10. Bethenny Frankel
  11. Nicki Minaj
  12. Lin Manuel Miranda
  13. Lauren Jauregui
  14. Jennifer Lopez
  15. Shawn Mendes
  16. Demi Lovato
  17. Ava DuVernay
  18. John Legend & Chrissy Teigen
  19. Miley Cyrus
  20. Bruno Mars

Celebs to Watch in 2018

  1. Jacob Sartorius
  2. Skai Jackson
  3. Halima Aden
  4. Camila Mendes
  5. Chloe and Halle
  6. Cameron Boyce
  7. Rowan Blanchard
  8. Kiersey Clemons

Selena Gomez Named Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year

Selena Gomez is the belle of the Billboard ball…

The 25-year-old Mexican American singer has been named Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year.

Selena Gomez

Gomez, a two-time Billboard 200 chart-leader will be presented with the award on November 30 at the annual Women in Music dinner and awards gala, held at Los Angeles’ Ray Dolby Ballroom.

Gomez, an award-winning singer, producer and actress, will join an all-star cast of previous Woman of the Year honorees including Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Pink, Katy Perry, Fergie, Beyoncé and last year’s winner, Madonna, who delivered a moving speech that touched on feminism, sexism and much more.

“Not only is Selena soaring on the charts, but she continuously inspires young women everywhere to be authentic, give back and to not be afraid to use their voice,” said John Amato, president of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group. “She is never afraid to speak her mind and has used her platform to advocate for the needs of others. We are thrilled to be able to honor her as our Woman of the Year.”

Gomez’ career has never been in better shape. In 2015 and 2016, she enjoyed top 10 Billboard Hot 100 smashes with “Same Old Love” and “Hands to Myself” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” The trend continues, with hits “Bad Liar,” “Fetish” (featuring Gucci Mane) and “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo) in the past year.

Five of her albums have cracked the top 10 of the Billboard 200, with the studio albums Revival (2015) and Stars Dance (2013) leading the chart.

Not confined to music, Gomez also executive-produced the Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, launched partnerships with Coach and Puma, and worked tirelessly across various philanthropic endeavors, from the Step Up Foundation to coaching for World Kindness Day, and raising more than $500,000 for the Lupus Research Alliance. Also, Gomez has been an active ambassador for UNICEF since 2009.

The event, held in conjunction with the publication of Billboard’s Women in Music issue, also recognizes the most powerful female executives in the industry. Additional Women in Music honorees will be revealed at a later date.

For the first time, the Women in Music event and a red-carpet pre-show will be broadcast live for on Twitter from 9:00 pm-midnight EST on November 30.

Jennifer Lopez Partners with UNICEF for Special Halloween Fundraiser for Hurricane Maria Relief

Jennifer Lopez is helping to collect treats this Halloween for the victims of Hurricane Maria…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is enlisting kids in collecting donations through “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.”

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez teamed up with UNICEF for the annual fundraiser, which this year asks kids to use the entire month of October, along with Halloween night, to help gather aid for the devastation left by Hurricane Maria.

Donations will go directly to Puerto Rico, J.Lo‘s family’s home island, which still is without electricity more than a month after the storm.

Michelle Centeno, senior officer of humanitarian emergencies and executive communications for UNICEF U.S.A.explained, “While conditions in Puerto Rico remain challenging, UNICEF U.S.A. is there, working to support children and families as they rebuild. The scale of need demands that we all play a role in this ongoing effort, and work closely with partners to put children first.”

Lopez appeared in a UNICEF ad calling for children to help them make a difference, holding up the little box any American can remember receiving when they were younger in public school during the weeks prior to Halloween.

“When you trick-or-treat UNICEF U.S.A, you get to be a hero no matter what your costume is. You get to help save other kids around the world,” Lopez pleaded.

Salma Hayek Partners with UNICEF to Raise Money for the Victims of Mexico’s Recent Earthquakes

Salma Hayek is doing he part to help her native country…

The 51-year-old Mexican actress and producer’s fundraising efforts for the victims of Mexico’s recent disasters were approaching the $300,000 mark today, a day after she launched the Crowdrise project for UNICEF.

Salma Hayek

“After the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City,” Hayek says in a video on the Crowdrise page, “I was evacuated from my building. A lot of friends died, including an uncle that was very, very close to me. I have lived through the aftermath of a disaster of this magnitude and it’s horrific.”

Hayek launched the fundraiser with her own $100,000 match contribution.

Media reports today put the death toll at more than 250 following Tuesday’s 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Mexico City. That disaster was preceded by an 8.1-magnitude earthquake on September 8.

Tuesday’s quake is one of the deadliest since the 1985 earthquake survived by Hayek, which killed more than 5,000 people.

By mid-day today, Hayek’s day-old campaign had raised $288,662.

Both Shawn Mendes and Ricky Martin canceled Mexico City concerts this week, with promises to reschedule.

Other celebrities tweeted their support for Mexico and fundraising pleas, including Guillermo de Toro, pledging that anyone in Mexico who needs to post urgent messages can do so via his account.

Olga Tañon to Receive Legacy Award at the Premios Tu Mundo Awards

Olga Tañon’s legacy is being celebrated…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer will be honored with the Jenni Rivera Legacy Award at the sixth edition of the Premios Tu Mundo, according to Telemundo.

Olga Tañon

Tañon, a multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, is being recognized for her more than 25 years in music, as well as her philanthropic achievements.

Tañon has used her voice to seek change, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and lending her talent for charitable causes including benefit songs, “Somos El Mundo,” “El Ultimo Ádios” and “Nuestro Himno.”

On the Billboard charts, Tañon holds the record for most top 10 hits (27 to be exact) for a female artist on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart.

But Tañon won’t be the night’s only honoree…

The legendary Panamanian-born Spanish singer Miguel Bosé will receive the El Poder en Ti award to honor his “unlimited fame power” that helps thousands of people through different non profit organizations worldwide, such as Fundacion Patrimonio Indigena MX (of which he is president), his Gala SIDA fundraising event in Spain and the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation to fund a full $200,000 scholarship to a Berklee College of Music student pursuing a career in Latin music.

Telemundo will honor TV host Maria Celeste Arraras with the Estrella de Tu Mundo Award in celebration of her 15 years hosting the news show Al Rojo Vivo.

This year, boy band CNCO leads the nominations for the Premios Tu Mundo awards, that will be broadcast live on August 24, 2017 at 8:00 pm.ET from the American Airlines Arena in Miami.