Charity

The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament: Celebrity, Philanthropy, and the Allure of Shadow Creek

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 at 9:01AM

The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by Aria Resort And Casino, was recently held at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas. Luxist attended the event this past weekend and experienced first-hand the unique blend of celebrity and philanthropy. However, this year the event took place at one of the most alluring, mythic, elite golf courses in the U.S., Tom Fazio's Shadow Creek. And for the first time, the course opened to the general public.

A little more on this golf course: unlike many famous courses, this one is hard to imagine, out in the middle of the Nevada desert, and even harder to find. From the Las Vegas strip, it's about a half hour away -- north on I-15 to Craig Road, then go west, then north again, and finally, through some imposing guard gates. And then, there it is, beyond the gates -- the 350-acre, $60 million plus, exceptionally private, painfully green, Tom Fazio course looking more like courses at Pinehurst, or Kiawah, or Augusta. Anywhere, almost, but Nevada.

Shadow Creek boasts quiet streams, rushing brooks, weeping willows, waterfalls, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, and stone bridges that look eerily like the old Swilken bridge at St. Andrews. Indeed, Shadow Creek, has an untouched, impossibly perfect, movie-set look, as if few mortals would ever dare to actually play the course.

For many years, adding to this ineffable allure, is fact: for years, and even now, ONLY MGM Resort guests are permitted to play Shadow Creek. Green fees are listed at $500.00 -- with limo service to and from the course. And the players must schedule tee times at least an hour apart, giving the impression that golfers are on the course by themselves. All of this plays into an image of ultimate elitism combined with escapism, creating a course intrigue that involves rarity, mystery, and sanctuary.

The course's route runs mostly north and south so the sun's glare would miss the golfer's eyes, and Fazio with his builders, dug 50 feet into the low desert to provide for elevation changes and enough dirt to build hills around the entire property to provide another dimension of privacy. One of the stories heard, perhaps apocryphal, was that many who live close to the golf course don't know of its existence.

Tags: celebrity philanthropy, charity, golf, Las Vegas, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, Nevada Cancer Center, Shadow Creek Golf Course, sports

Continue reading “The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament: Celebrity, Philanthropy, and the Allure of Shadow Creek”

Ralph Lauren's Cars, Private Parrot Cay Villa & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part 2

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 29th 2011 at 10:01AM

Parrot Cay Villa for auction in Bid to Save the Earth

Last week we reported on the host of international celebrities, creative icons, industry leaders and conservationists joining together with famed auction house Christie's to support the 2011 Green Auction, a momentous live event and companion online auction raising funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet.

Christie's has partnered with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com to put more than 200 coveted auction packages online from now through April 7 to raise funds for Oceana, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and the Central Park Conservancy. Supporters can make a Bid to Save the Earth at www.charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.

A companion invite-only event and live fantasy auction hosted by Seth Meyers will be held at Christie's New York on March 29 in partnership with Vogue's Runway to Green. The event will feature a fashion show sponsored by Tiffany & Co. on the night of the live auction, with designer collection selections available online through Net-A-Porter.com.

In part one of our report on the incredible experiences on offer, we focused on the big ticket items estimated at over $100,000 apiece, including a ride with Harrison Ford on his private plane. Now we're selecting some of our favorite lots across a range of expected prices (N.B.: Lagerfeld and Ducasse are being auctioned off live tonight):

Tags: Alain Ducasse, auctions, bid to save the earth, celebrity auctions, Chanel, charity, Charity Buzz, Christies, christies+bid+to+save+the+earth, christiesbidtosavetheearth, environment, Ferrari, Girard-Perregaux, green+auction, greenauction, Karl Lagerfeld, luxury travel, Paris, Parrot Cay, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren car collection, Robert F. Kennedy, Turks and Caicos

Continue reading “Ralph Lauren's Cars, Private Parrot Cay Villa & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part 2”

Playing Well, Doing Good: The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Shadow Creek, Las Vegas

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) — Mar 24th 2011 at 12:01PM

"I'm truly excited about bringing my tournament to Las Vegas. Shadow Creek is one of my favorite courses and ARIA is a spectacular resort. I love seeing old friends, playing golf and having fun, but the most gratifying aspect of hosting the event is what we've been able to give back." said Michael Jordan in a recent interview.

Significant wealth and great philanthropy are often interconnected, as philanthropic giving among the uber-wealthy is a common occurrence. Bill Gates, Steve Case, Warren Buffett and others have donated billions to help others and have started their own foundations to do it. Certainly, to whom much is given, much is required, is an oft-quoted line from the New Testament in the Bible. This sense of a returning a cosmic favor also lives among significant celebrities, with Michael Jordan as a prime example.

Tags: ARIA Resort and Casino, Cats Care, Celebrity Golf Tournaments, Golf, James R. Jordan Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, Nevada Cancer Institute, Shadow Creek Golf Course, Tom Fazio Shadow Creek Golf Course

Continue reading “Playing Well, Doing Good: The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Shadow Creek, Las Vegas”

Win a Ride With Harrison Ford in His Private Plane & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part I

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 23rd 2011 at 3:30PM

A host of international celebrities, creative icons, industry leaders and conservationists are joining together with famed auction house Christie's to support the 2011 Green Auction -- a momentous live event and companion online auction raising funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet.

Tags: auctions, Beverly Hills Hotel, Cannes Film Festival, celebrities, celebrity auctions, charity, charitybuzz.com, green+auction+2011, greenauction2011, Harrison Ford, Oscars, Ritz-Carlton, superyacht, Tiffany Co., Vanity Fair

Continue reading “Win a Ride With Harrison Ford in His Private Plane & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part I”

International Cosmetics & Perfumes Donates Sales, Totes to Japanese Relief

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) — Mar 18th 2011 at 7:00AM

International Cosmetics & Perfumes Hanae Mori Tote Bag

In response to the devastation in earthquake, tsunami and now nuclear-ravaged Japan, New York-based International Cosmetics & Perfumes -- home to such brands as Creed and the Japanese inspired Hanae Mori -- has announced an expanding charitable campaign.

Earlier this week, ICP CEO Emmanuel Saujet announced that a portion of proceeds from both the sale of items at Creed's New York boutique and Hanae Mori web sales would go to benefit the American Red Cross' Japanese relief efforts. In addition, a part of future sales of the new Hanae Mori No. 3, available in June from retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Sephora, will also be donated for the same purpose.

The next day, ICP announced that 50 Hanae Mori reusable tote bags, originally intended as an in-store customer appreciation gift, would also be donated to the American Red Cross to assist Japanese displaced from their homes and belongings. And finally today, Creed declared that any winnings from the 2011 season of their official polo team would find their way to the American Red Cross as well.

Japan is a market that has long and enthusiastically embraced luxury goods, so let's hope that more brands follow ICP's lead and give back.

Tags: charity, creed, earthquake, hanae mori, ICP, international cosmetics perfumes, japan, tote bag, tsunami

Bill Gates Gives Up "World's Richest Man" Status for Philanthropy

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Mar 8th 2011 at 7:01PM

On Wednesday, Forbes magazine will publish its annual list of the richest billionaires in the world. It's almost certain to include Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Carlos Slim in the top three, but while Gates has topped the list nearly every year since 1995 (losing out only once to Buffett by a margin of half a billion), this year we're not expecting to see the Microsoft co-founder in the top spot.

The reason for Gates' displacement? His overwhelming philanthropic activity. Although his personal fortune today is estimated around $49 billion, he and his wife Melinda have funneled some $28 billion into their non-profit foundation. As a result, Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim – who contributes far less than Gates or Buffett to charity - is expected to top the list.

[Source: Reuters]

Tags: bill gates, billionaire, billionaires, carlos slim, philanthropy, warren buffett, worlds richest man

Napa Valley School Benefit Offers Wine Lots For A Good Cause

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 27th 2011 at 7:01AM

We like the way they raise money in wine country. The 12th annual fundraiser for The Young School in Napa Valley's St. Helena includes silent and live auctions with a wine focus. This year's event takes place on Saturday, March 12 at Failla Winery.

The winery's elaborate caves make a dramatic setting for the evening, which is called Casbah in the Cave. The evening features a Moroccan feast by Alex's Catering as well as a classical Middle Eastern dance performance. There will be a wide selection of auction lots featuring splendid adventures and truly fine wines from a variety of local wineries including Abreu, Blackbird, Colgin, Robert Foley, Harlan, Ovid, Joseph Phelps, Shafer and Silver Oak. Many wineries such as Far Niente and Smith-Madrone are offering event lots and travel lots offer getaways to Portugal, Nantucket and more.

The Young School is a private non-profit non-denominational Montessori-derived program for children ages 6 through 12 years old/first-sixth grades. The name of the school is taken from two sisters named 'Young' who were well-known Sonoma teachers several decades ago. The first Young School was founded in their home in downtown Sonoma. In 1997 the school moved from its Sonoma location to St. Helena in the Napa Valley. It operates as a 'one-room schoolhouse' in quarters rented from a church in a residential neighborhood of St. Helena and has an enviable 12-1 student-teacher ratio.

Tickets are $100 per person in advance and available at the benefit website.

Tags: napa valley, st helena, the young school, wine events

The Ultimate Las Vegas Philanthropic Gala: Diamonds, Exotic Travel, Classic Cars, And Curated Experiences

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) — Feb 25th 2011 at 9:02AM

According to the Organization For Economic Co-operation and Development, The United States led the world last year in charitable donations, a whopping $28.67 billion dollars worth. So it is no wonder that one of the largest, wealthiest and most respected charity galas, the Power Of Love, in Las Vegas also netted quite an amount last year, for a one-night celebration: $28M, with $8M from a single donor. This year, actually, this Saturday, they are expecting to do even better, due to the dazzling, over-the-top auction prizes, even for Las Vegas.

On Saturday, February 26, Keep Memory Alive (KMA) will host its 15th annual Power of Love Gala at Bellagio in Las Vegas. Along with an evening of live entertainment, Power of Love guests will enjoy a significant auction bidding experience with impressive, one-of-a-kind items to benefit Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health provides state-of-the-art care for cognitive disorders and for the family members of those who suffer from them. It is a substantial treatment center in Las Vegas, opened in July of 2009, where many substantial donations have helped the center thrive. A recent Luxist piece was written on Steve Wynn's commission of a James Rosenquist painting for the Clinic.

The live auction on Saturday evening will have items (see images next page) and experiences that are both pricey and priceless -- a private lunch with Lee Iacocca, and the opportunity to win the I-Legacy, one of 45 limited edition Mustangs. Luxist wrote about this unusual opportunity recently. Then, there's an eight night wine tour of Italy for four people, curated by Michael Mondavi, another wine trip to Australia, ownership of a new Fisker Karma, time in the Los Angeles recording studio with Kenny 'Babyface" Edmonds, and more. The silent auction will have ownership experiences like winning the Mercedes 2012 SLS AMG Roadster, and original Blue Dog art by George Rodrigues and others. There are many more entertainment, travel, and cultural adventures, jewelry giveways from Tiffany's and Harry Winston, to high end shopping sprees.

Some auction items are listed on the next page. A complete listing is on the Keep Memory Alive website.

Tags: Bellagio Las Vegas, Clevelanc Clinic Lou Ruvo Center For Brain Health, Keep Memry Alive Power of Love Gala, Las Vegas Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas Philanthropic Gala, Philanthropic auctions, philanthropic giving in the US, philanthropy, Power Of Love gala

Continue reading “The Ultimate Las Vegas Philanthropic Gala: Diamonds, Exotic Travel, Classic Cars, And Curated Experiences”

Luxist Phototour: A Look At Eric Clapton's Legendary Guitars Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 17th 2011 at 7:01PM

In the last 50 years guitars have made the transition from serviceable musical instruments to works of art. Collectible guitars have become hot items at auction and some have been enshrined at museums around the country. Guitars that have been touched by guitar gods are particularly valued. In the guitar world they don't get much godlier than Eric Clapton. Clapton is a rock icon whose work has stretched decades. Not only is he one of the best, he's played with the best and is forever enshrined as part of the history of rock and roll.

Clapton has auctioned off guitars twice before in service of his other passion, recovery. The upcoming auction at Bonhams, New York on March 9 will benefit The Crossroads Centre, Antigua, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center he founded in 1998. The sale will feature more than 70 guitars and 70 amps, which have helped create Clapton's legendary sound. Although he has donated guitars before this is the first time that he has brought his historic amplifier collection to auction and even for a non-musician, it's pretty compelling stuff. After all, you can't have Clapton's arena-filling sound without an amp.

Tags: Bonhams, Crossroads, Eric Clapton, Guitars

Continue reading “Luxist Phototour: A Look At Eric Clapton's Legendary Guitars Up For Auction”

Queen Juliana's Precious Possessions Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 15th 2011 at 10:01AM

The estate of a queen goes up for auction next month. On March 14-17, Sotheby's Amsterdam will offer 1540 lots from the property from the Estate of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands with all proceeds going to charity. The total amount will be divided into two parts. One part will be donated to The Red Cross because of Queen Juliana's involvement in its work. The other section will be divided into four equal parts chosen by her heirs: The Princess Beatrix Fund chosen by Queen Beatrix, the Natuurcollege chosen by Princess Irene, the Red Cross chosen by Princess Margriet and the Princess Christina Concours was chosen by Princess Christina.

Tags: netherlands, queen beatrix, queen juliana, red cross, sothebys

Continue reading “Queen Juliana's Precious Possessions Up For Auction”

Natalie Portman Signs Star Wars Collectible For Charity Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 11th 2011 at 9:01PM

The charity Clothes Off Our Backs generally features clothing and accessories signed by stars but one of their most interesting recent auctions just happens to be a Star Wars playset signed by Oscar-nominated actress Natalie Portman. Before her Black Swan days, Portman played Padmé Amidala, Queen of Naboo in three Stars Wars movies including Star Wars: Episode I.

The collectible is from that movie and the Electronic Naboo Royal Starship Blockade/Cruiser Playset is still in its original box (a boon for serious collectors). Portman scrawled "Have Fun, Be Good" over the top. There are a couple days left in the auction which benefit Clothes Off Our Back's charities including Feeding America, Malaria No More, Hope North, AbilityFirst, Villa Esperanza and Alex's Lemonade Stand. So far the $200 reserve hasn't been met.

Belvedere Vodka Joins PRODUCT(RED), Taps Usher As New Ambassador

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 10th 2011 at 8:01PM

Last month Penfolds became the first wine brand to partner with (PRODUCT)RED, the commerce-driven initiative to raise money to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Now Belvedere has joined the fight, announcing a partnership with (RED) and the launch of a special edition bottle to raise proceeds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. 50% of profits from the global sale of the special edition will be donated. The bottle will be available in late summer 2011 but it is being unveiled at a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles on February 10, 2011 with a live performance announcing musician Usher as the brand's new celebrity ambassador. Usher joins a host of celebrity liquor salespeople, a group that includes everyone from Bruce Willis to P. Diddy and Dan Aykroyd.

Gallery: Celebrity Liquor

Tags: belvedere, celebrity ads, celebrity liquor, usher, usher raymond

Dog Advocacy Group Raising Funds To Buy Michael Vick's Former Real Estate

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 9th 2011 at 11:01PM

Once again, a dog-advocacy group is interested in buying up Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick's former real estate. A few years ago the infamous property in Norfolk, Virginia where Vick had his Bad Newsz dog kennels was sold by Vick to an investor for $450,000. In 2008 it was put up for auction but real estate developer Wilbur Ray Todd Jr. rejected a final bid of $747,000 (the appraised value at that time). He later sold the property. Vick served 21 months in prison for his role in the dog fighting ring before returning to the NFL.

Now a new group, Dogs Deserve Better has stepped forward looking to purchase the house and 15 acres of land. The home is currently listed for $595,000, dramatically lower than the $1.1 million it was at in 2008. The property has been cleared of the kennels and fences. The main house has two master suites, a media room and a two-car garage. Vick paid $34,000 for the 15 acres of land in 2002 and built the house.

So far Dogs Deserve Better has raised more than $50,000. The organization has pledged that all donations of $1000 or more will receive special recognition on a wall mounted plaque inside the facility. A Facebook campaign seeks to raise $999,999 in 45 days to buy the property and convert it into a dog sanctuary to train rescued dogs to live indoors with people and families.

Tags: dogs deserve better, Michael Vick

Kwiat's Silver Teardrop For Charity

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 9th 2011 at 3:01AM

The latest charity initiative from Kwiat is a partnership with charity:water, a non-profit organization that focuses on bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. The Kwiat Waterdrop bracelet features a silver water drop set with a tiny .02 carat diamond on a woven leather bracelet. It is available in two lengths and is unisex. It sells for $100. Order by today Wednesday, February 9 in order to get it in time for Valentine's Day. All profits from this Kwiat diamond waterdrop bracelet will go to fund the charity: water organization and allow them to give one hundred percent of public donations to fund water projects.

This isn't Kwiat's first foray into charity jewelry. Last year they partnered with golfer Cristie Kerr to bring attention to her Birdies for Breast Cancer foundation selling a pink sapphire version of Kwiat's Signature Platinum Star Collection.

Tags: cause jewelry, charity jewelry, charity:water, kwiat

Naples Winter Wine Festival Proves Big Giving Is Back

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 30th 2011 at 3:00PM

Big giving is back at one of the year's grandest wine events. The Naples Winter Wine Festival in Naples, Florida was held over the weekend. It raised $12 million for Collier County's underprivileged and at-risk children during the live auction of 70 one-of-a-kind auction lots. The total was healthily above last year's $8.1 million and over double the $5.1 million raised in economically gloomy 2009. The total nearly grazed the $12.2 million record set in 2006. The festival has brought in over $94.5 million since it began in 2001.

Approximately 580 festival guests were seated under a giant tent set on the grand lawn of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples bidding on lots that ranged from $30,000 to $1 million. The million-dollar lot was an 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture, Reina Mariana, by artist Manolo Valdés. The 2,000-pound sculpture had traveled to the festival grounds from New York City's Columbus Circle, where it had been on display. The top wine lot, modestly called Perfection, was a total of 100 bottles of 100-point wine in a custom cabinet. It equaled the highest bid of a wine-only lot in the festival's history at $400,000. A 39-bottle collection of Sine Qua Non, many in large format and including 100-point wines, captured a winning bid of $160,000; a 25-year complete vertical of Shafer's Hillside Select and 24 bottles of the vintner's Silver Anniversary Sensation, when released in 2013, resulted in a high bid of $150,000; and four magnums of Colgin Cellars IX Estate Napa Valley Red Wine went for $130,000.

Tags: naples wine festival, naples winter wine festival, wine festival

Continue reading “Naples Winter Wine Festival Proves Big Giving Is Back”

Charity

Featured Galleries

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular

Also on AOL