July 2008

Alexis Bledel might be a part of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but the actress is perfectly happy about where her traveling pants are going. The marketing campaign for her newest movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, is working with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans.

So what do pants have to do with Habitat for Humanity? More than you might think! Alexis said, “They are recycling jeans and making these tubes … that will help insulate the houses they are building down there.”

And it’s not just the folks working on the movie who are getting involved — Cotton Inc., GUESS, and Warner Bros. Pictures are spreading the word among people purchasing GUESS products, who will receive a discount for each pair of old denim jeans they turn in. The old jeans are reclaimed into cotton and turned into energy efficient insulation.

What makes this so cool is that, not only do you get to clean out your closet (seriously — how many pairs of jeans do you still have that you never wear?), but you get rewarded for it, and it helps out a good cause! Alexis made a good choice in her favorite cause!

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

It’s well known that Rachael Ray is an absolute whiz in the kitchen, but did you know that she has quite a few recipes for dogs as well as people? In fact, the celebrity chef is coming out with a brand of dog food called Nutrish for Pets, which is based on recipes she came up with for her pet pit bull, Isaboo.

Proceeds from sales of Nutrish will benefit Rachael’s charity, Rachael’s Rescue, which she created to help shelter animals. She knows that many of the animals brought to shelters don’t find homes, especially if they’re older or have behavioral problems. Pit bulls, the breed to which she’s partial, are often overlooked because they have such a bad reputation, and she hopes that, by bringing more money and attention to the cause, more people will learn about shelter animals and do what they can to help out. She has a link to Bad Rap, an organization devoted to teaching people pit bull responsibility.

In addition to the link to Bad Rap, Rachael also has a link to the North Shore Animal League and a Pet Lovers blog that serves up loads of great posts, such as “Are you ready for a dog?” and “Can aspirin be toxic to dogs?” If you’re a pet lover, it’s a cool place to hang out. And, if you’re interested in whipping up some tasty treats for your furry friend, you can find recipes there as well!

Photo courtesy of rachaelray.com

Colin Firth has long been a humanitarian — he’s been a Make Trade Fair campaigner since 2002, and he’s now helping out Oxfam with their latest food drive for the people of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. The people in these areas are having a hard time feeding themselves due to the rising food prices along with drought, conflict, and poverty.

“A dangerous storm of factors … have stacked on top of each other and are pushing people over the edge. Malnutrition rates have spiked and children grow ever hungrier each day,” said Colin, who added, “Oxfam desperately needs the support of the British public to help avert catastrophe and keep people alive.”

This latest food drive comes on the heels of a disappointing G8 Summit in Japan, in which, according to Oxfam International Executive Director Jeremy Hobbs, “Several governments championed steps to tackle the crucial issues sitting on the G8 agenda, but in the end this summit did not deliver the breakthroughs that are so urgently needed.”

Colin is joined by other celebrities, including John Hanna and Daniela Nardina. Together with Oxfam, they hope to encourage Britons to answer the call to help. You can help, too, by visiting Oxfam’s website.

John Hannah, and Daniela Nardini a

Photo courtesy of celebritywonder.com

Regardless of your personal feelings about the war in Iraq, I think everyone understands that the men and women coming home deserve our respect. Kanye West agrees, and he has teamed up with MTV to tell the stories of returning vets in a documentary titled Choose or Lose and Kanye West Present: Homecoming.

The documentary will air for one hour tonight at 10pm ET/PT. Kanye pays a surprise visit to some soldiers who have returned home to show the challenges these young men and women face. The rappers said, “There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacrifices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about … I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories.”

Not only with the documentary show the difficulties vets have upon returning home, but it will show young people some resources they can go to in order to help out, such as chooseorlose.com or the Dr. Donda West Foundation.

MTV’s research (yes, I know — I snickered at the thought of MTV doing research, too, but I’m assuming they went beyond the walls of the Real World house and the case of The Hills to get their information) shows that 70% of people ages 18 to 29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq, so this documentary is sure to hit home to many viewers.

Photo courtesy of mtv.com

At my house, real dessert means anything chocolate. Choco-chini Cake is as rich, moist and decadent as any chocolate cake I have ever tasted, but with a healthier twist. The secret ingredient? Zucchini, of course!

This is an unbelievable, over-the-top chocolate cake that packs 2 full cups of shredded zucchini to keep the cake more moist with less fat.

This cake is so good I like to skip the frosting and serve with just a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream frozen yogurt!

Choco-chini Cake

2 ¼ cups flour
½ cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup sugar
½ cup canola oil and ½ cup applesauce
2 large eggs and 1 egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup low fat buttermilk
2 cups shredded zucchini*, dried well
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a Bundt pan (or a 9 x 13 inch pan) with Pam for Baking. Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt in a bowl and set aside. Beat sugar, oil and applesauce together in a large bowl until well mixed. Add the eggs and egg white individually, beating well after each is added. Add vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients by alternating with the buttermilk until all is well blended. Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 325 degrees for approximately 55 minutes, or 40 minutes convection. (Tester should be moist; do not overbake.) Serves 16.

*The prep of the zucchini is important. Slice a medium zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds. Then shred the zucchini and dry very well on paper towels. (If the zucchini is wet, the batter will be watery and the cake will come out dry. Trust me on this!)

What will the kids say, you ask? Don’t tell…and once they taste this luscious cake they won’t care that they are eating zucchini! But if they are really, really picky, then peel the zucchini before shredding or they will be quizzing you about the little green specks!

Read more by Dr. Pat…or email comments, questions and requests…

As a mother, supermodel Christy Turlington is fully aware of just how important it is for mothers to receive quality health care, and she’s campaigning to get better health care for women around the world.

Every minute, a woman dies in labor, so Christy, along with Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, went to Washington, D.C. to convince leaders to create legislation designed to help women who have difficult experiences with pregnancy and/or childbirth.

Christy is no stranger to humanitarian causes. She’s been working in Washington to bring more attention to the issue of maternal health, and she’s also an ambassador for CARE, an organization working on the global food crisis. The goal of CARE is two-fold — first, to get families the food they need in order to survive right now, and secondly, to help communities create solutions for the future.

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Long before eating locally was “cool,” John (at the time, Cougar) Mellencamp was singing about how he lived in a small town, and how he could breathe in a small down. Now, with Farm Aid, he’s encouraging everyone to see how “small” their town can be by eating foods produced locally.

For the first time, Farm Aid will take place in New England –at Boston’s Copely Square Farmer’s Market on September 20, to be exact. Mellencamp, along with Willie Nelson and Neil Young first established Farm Aid in 1985 to raise awareness of family farms and help raise funds for farmers in need. They have raised over $30 million for their cause.

Dave Matthews first performed at Farm Aid in 1994 and, in 2001, was invited to join the board of directors and, along with the original three, takes part in the yearly concert. What’s cool about these concerts is that, while they might have corporate sponsors (this year it’s Whole Foods and Horizon Organics), the concession stands will serve 100% locally grown organic goodies from family farms.

Willie Nelson said it best, saying, “The only way to solve this is to do it locally. Let your neighbors grow your food so you don’t have to import it. That addresses not only the big expense, but the environmental problem. And at the same time you’re getting better food.” Right on, Willie — it’s a win-win!

If you’re interested in attending Farm Aid, tickets will be available at ticketmaster.com starting July 28.

Photo courtesy of starpulse.com

It’s always cool when you’re able to take part in something you enjoy and support a good cause at the same time, and Eva Longoria Parker, along with her husband Tony Parker, have an event coming up that allows just that.

The Tony and Eva Parker Celebrity Casino Night is slotted to take place on August 9th in San Antonio. A poker tournament will take place, for which players will have a $300 buy-in and receive $10,000 worth of starting chips. There will be other casino games available as well, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, slots, and a money wheel.

The money Tony and Eva raise will go to Eva’s Heroes, a charity the Desperate Housewives actress founded to help those with developmental disabilities succeed. She was inspired to set up Eva’s Heroes after seeing her sister grow up with an intellectual disability, and said, “She has given me so much inspiration and hope to face everyday with the strength and courage she has had her whole life. She has never seen herself with a disability and only sees the good in everyone and everything.”

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Demi Moore and her husband, Ashton Kutcher, aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. The photogenic duo went to Guatemala to build houses for indigenous organic farmers on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.

A source says that “Demi and Ashton were actually building houses with tin roofs and schlepping breeze blocks in the midday sun. Ashton’s father is a carpenter so he has some experience.”

They weren’t the first of their family to get involved with this project — Demi’s 16-year-old daughter (with Bruce Willis), Scout, has already taken her turn. Earlier this year she spent her spring break building homes in Guatemala. It certainly seems like the Willis/Moore/Kutcher family has a lot of good to give, and it’s great to see so many members of the family getting actively involved!

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

When I think of all the emotions I associate with motherhood, most are really wonderful…love, empathy, pride, hope. But another biggie creeps in… guilt.

Over and over I see wonderful mothers who can’t help but blame themselves for all of their child’s woes. When my son was only 15 months old, he sliced his hand on a can I had just thrown in the trash. I saw him go for it, but didn’t get there in time to stop him. He needed six stitches. I was fairly calm under the circumstances, but I knew it was my fault. Just like all the other mothers I see with injured children, I was blaming myself. I was guilty.

We know who we are. Did we feed them enough or too much? Are they warm or cool enough? Is the house clean enough? Too clean, too scheduled, too much?

I don’t really know where all that negative stuff comes from (maybe our mothers?), but I do know we don’t have to keep up the tradition. I spend the better part of my day reassuring parents that they are doing the right thing. And usually, they really are. It also turns out that our children will thrive in spite of us, in spite of themselves. Work for a balance as best you can, but try to leave guilt out of it.

Guilt ranks right up there with other stress hormones and they all take a big toll on our well being. Just say NO to guilt, and mean it. No, I won’t feel guilty or take responsibility for every failing, every problem my family encounters. Keep your sense of humor and life’s little crises won’t seem so bad.

Check out a few good books on the subject, like Motherhood without Guilt, by Debra Rosenberg or Mommy Guilt, by Julie Bort, Aviva Pflock and Devra Renner. If you don’t feel guilty anymore, your family won’t have to feel guilty for making you feel guilty. Then everyone feels better. Hooray!

More articles by Dr. Pat in Healthy Lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of Sourcebooks, Inc.

The Hills star Lauren Conrad recently attended Animal Fair‘s 2008 “Paws for Style” event to benefit the Humane Society. The event consisted of an animal designer fashion show with celebrity dog walkers.

Loads of celebrities and designers were slated to attend, and the show was a huge success with one exception — according to Animal Fair, Lauren (who has two rescue dogs of her own) refused to walk a rescue dog down the catwalk. Wendy Diamond, the magazine’s editor, went straight to the press with the information, while Lauren has notified the public through her MySpace page that she fulfilled her agreement and was happy to take part in the event, and nothing had been mentioned beforehand about walking the catwalk.

The controversy is unfortunate — it sounds like it was a misunderstanding, and now both sides are getting some negative press from it. However, the good news is that attention is being paid to an event and organization that raises money and awareness for shelter animals and rescue organizations.

Lauren, for her part, said that, “I was trying to do a good thing and help out a charity by doing everything I agreed to do. I continue to support the Humane Society, as it is a wonderful organization.”

Photo courtesy of justjared.com

I don’t think any of us harbored a doubt that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban‘s baby girl wouldn’t want for a thing, and they’ve proved that to be true beginning with the nursery. They began with a crib from Q Collection Junior.

Fortunately for Baby Sunday, money isn’t really an issue for her mom and dad — the cribs in this line run around $1200. However, if peace of mind is priceless, that’s probably a good deal — Nicole can feel confident that her baby is sleeping in a crib made from only proven non-toxic materials and that it was made in a sustainable manner to keep the planet healthy and safe. As a matter of fact, Q Collection Junior’s motto is People Safe. Planet Safe.

Nicole and Keith aren’t the only celebrities digging Q Collection Junior — Gwyneth Paltrow is actually on the front page of the company’s website with a quote about how much she loves their products.

I imagine we can expect more green practices to surround Sunday — Nicole ordered organic linens, clothing, and toys earlier this year, and has spoken about how much she loves nature and organic gardening. You know, I can think of a line skincare products they might want to check out …

Alicia Keys threw a charity ball in London and many of her famous friends joined her to raise money for Keep a Child Alive, Alicia‘s charity which helps children and families living with HIV/AIDS in Africa by providing them anti-retroviral treatment.

One of those guests was Jennifer Hudson, who said, “I feel like your celebrity is not about the fortune or the fame. Butif you can’t help anyone then it’s in vain, it’s pointless.”

Other celebs who ponied up $2000 to attend were Kelly Rowland, Mischa Barton, and Annie Lennox. Annie got involved in the evening’s festivities by performing a duet of the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams and REM’s Everybody Hurts with Alicia.

Alicia said that it’s important we remember that AIDS is a global problem. Though the gala raised nearly $700,000, she knows that it’s not enough — stopping AIDS comes down to each person. She said, “It scares me … It really does… We have a lot to really be careful about and it’s such a major thing that we have to be cautious. But we can totally avoid it by practicing safe sex and, if you can, just abstinence. And definitely being aware of what’s going on so that you know that you want to protect yourself every time, all the time.”

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Yes, I said tree planting — not tree throwing, or tree kicking. It looks like supermodel Naomi Campbell is making an effort to clean up her cell phone-hurling image by taking part in The Abuja Green Society’s tree planting campaign.

The goal of the campaign, based in Abuja, Nigeria, is to plant a tree for each baby born in the region’s hospital. Not only do they hope to give these children a better future by doing so, but also to promote awareness of environmental issues the region faces, specifically the need to find sustainable energy solutions.

The supermodel not only managed to keep her temper in check — she also managed to stay completely clean, and that’s not easy for someone who comes to a tree-planting dressed in white!

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

I love good potato salad, but who has enough time (or calories) to splurge on homemade?

This recipe can’t be beat for simplicity and creamy good taste. I served it recently at a dinner for friends and even the folks who don’t cook were asking how I made it. It’s that good!

Start with a great potato (like Sierra Rose Red Skin Golden Gourmet Potatoes) to get the best taste and texture. Then take 30 minutes or more off the prep time by steaming the potatoes in a paper bag! Just put the washed potatoes in a brown grocery sack, fold the top over, and microwave. (My friend Mariel uses a plastic bag…either one works.)  Slide the skins off after cooking if you prefer, but I leave some on for color and nutrition.

Simply Delicious Potato Salad

2 lbs. (about 5 medium) red potatoes
2 or 3 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup mayonnaise*
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper (optional)

Cool and coarsely chop the potatoes into 1 inch pieces. Place them in a bowl with the onion, mayonnaise, and salt. Mix gently and refrigerate before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

*Make this with Best Foods or Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise for a special dinner that is sure to impress. Otherwise, use light or cholesterol-free mayonnaise to cut cholesterol and fat. (You will notice the taste difference in a side by side comparison, but at least you can indulge guilt-free!)

Take things from simple to elaborate with one or more “add-ins” like Dijon mustard, chopped celery, chopped dill pickle or sweet relish, hard boiled egg, capers, etc.

Homemade just doesn’t get any better than…simple and delicious!

More recipes by Dr. Pat…

Jon Bon Jovi spent a little time in Detroit’s East Side earlier this week to lend a hand to a charity with which he’s been involved for three years, Habitat for Humanity. A partnership between Habitat for Humanity, Bon Jovi‘s Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, and Saturn’s Hands on Homes will enable the building of many new energy efficient, green homes in the area, beginning with the five that Bon Jovi was there to announce.

These first five homes will be completed by November, and Habitat for Humanity has a total of 100 planned over the next few years. Bon Jovi was excited to be involved with the project, saying, “We really want to revitalize the neighborhood … so that the kids can play in these streets. That’s what America is all about.”

Detroit is a city that’s been hit remarkably hard by recent economic troubles, and since Saturn’s headquarters are there, and Bon Jovi was playing a concert in the city, the joining of forces for this occasion was ideal.

The rocker’s Philadelphia Soul Foundation is named after the arena football team he co-owns, and it’s something he’s extremely proud of, saying, “The Soul Foundation has really differentiated itself from other sports teams … by making community a huge part of its mission statement.”

This isn’t the first time these folks have teamed up. Last year, a similar project was completed in North Philly.

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters originally started Broadway Barks as a way to promote the adoption of shelter animals in the New York City area. It has now grown into something more, facilitating communication between shelters and rescue groups so each can benefit from the marketing and promotion of all. And, on July 12th of this year, the 10th annual Broadway Barks event will be held and is sure to attract thousands — last year’s event drew over 6000 attendees.

This year will include an afternoon of fun, an auction of memorabilia signed by celebrities, the finding of forever homes for numerous shelter animals, as well as a book signing. Bernadette will sign copies of her children’s book, aptly titled Broadway Barks. Proceeds of the auction and the book go toward the Broadway Barks organization and toward the plight of homeless animals.

Not only are Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters involved, but celebrities such as Glenn Close and Mario Lopez, plus many other Broadway performers will be there.

If you’re interested in helping but unable to adopt an adorable critter of your own or attend the event, you can still make a donation here.

Photo courtesy of bernadettepeters.com

Cindy Crawford is more familiar with pediatric cancer than you might realize. The supermodel’s younger brother, Jeff, was a leukemia patient at the University of Wisconsin Children’s hospital in 1975. He died just before he turned four years old.

This past weekend, Cindy made some appearances in Madison, Wisconsin, to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. She’s the honorary chair of Kids with Courage, a group that reunites childhood cancer survivors and their families. This year marked the fourth reunion. Cindy took part in the three previous reunions in 1993, 1998, and 2003.

According to the University of Wisconsin, Cindy has been contributing her time and her money to its Pediatric Oncology program for almost two decades. She said, “When I was able to start raising money and awareness, I was able to choose where do I want to give back in my life and this just was the first place that popped into my head.”

The Kids with Courage reunions not only allow patients who survived childhood cancer to see each other again, but also allows the families of children who did not survive to see the children and families they spent time with in the hospital when their child was sick. And, former patients get to see their old doctors, which is great for both of them.

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Alternative rockers Pearl Jam raised $3 million for the Robin Hood Foundation by playing a concert in NYC last week. They played a 26-song set at New York’s Beacon Theater, which holds 2,800 people, all to support poverty fighting initiatives in the city.

Some fans paid as much as $2,250 for a ticket, and since the concert was benefiting the Robin Hood Foundation, every cent went toward the cause. The Foundation believes in giving every penny directly to programs to fight poverty, along with identifying and going after poverty at its roots, helping existing programs become more effective, and evaluating programs to ensure everyone is realizing their potential to help.

Pearl Jam announced recently that would be supporting patients fighting health insurance companies for payouts. In fact, Jennifer Jaff (Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness leader) put together a fundraising party for that cause was held the day before the concert.

The band’s guitarist, Mike McCready, brought their attention to the cause because of his battle with Crohn’s disease, which affects the bowel. He says of Jennifer, “It’s super-important for her to fight against the insurance companies that will deny people any kind of coverage for their pre-existing conditions. The work she does is justified, and I love it. We live in the greatest country in the world … but we need to invest our money back into things that look at a broader scope … If people are going to die because some legislation didn’t go through, that, to me, is abhorrent. That’s not what America means to me.”

Well said, Mike – now let’s get those thoughts put to music and bring some more attention to the cause!

Photo courtesy of myrocksite.com

Try these hearty blueberry muffins this holiday weekend. No dainty little tea muffins for us…these blueberry muffins have less sugar and pack more flavor, texture and crunch because of cornmeal. We love ‘em!

If you love blueberries too, buy plenty to freeze when they are in season. Just wash and place in a single layer on a cookie sheet (lined with wax paper) to freeze. Transfer the frozen berries to small containers and they will be ready to use all year long. Toss them straight from the freezer into your favorite pancake batter, or use them in recipes, like this fabulous blueberry muffin recipe!

Dr. Pat’s Blueberry Crunch Muffins

1 ½ cup flour
¾ cup yellow cornmeal
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
¼ cup canola oil
1 cup low fat buttermilk
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (but not thawed)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees (375 degrees convection) and prepare a muffin pan with Pam for Baking (not paper muffin liners; they will stick).

Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside. In another large bowl whisk the egg, oil and buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the blueberries. Spoon batter into the muffin cups.

Bake until lightly browned, about 16 minutes in a regular oven or 12 minutes convection. Cool for 2 minutes in the pan, then transfer promptly to a cooling rack. Serve warm.
Makes 12 muffins.

Did I mention healthy? These muffins have the nutrition of blueberries (with their vitamins and antioxidants) in a low fat, low calorie package, only about 100 calories per muffin! Yum!

Still hungry? Browse more by Dr. Pat…

Bono‘s (RED) Charity has come up with a new way to raise funds — with a new music delivery system. People will have the option to pay $5 monthly for the service, and each week they’ll receive an exclusive (RED) song from a popular artist, a song from an artist new to the music scene, a “Crackerjack surprise” which will be something fun and non-musical, like a video, text, or image, as well as stories of how the money donated is making a difference.

Some of the top brands in the world have created (RED) products, which altogether have generated over $110 million. With the new music download system, half of each month’s membership fee will go directly to the Global Fund, which means that just five subscribers will provide enough money each year to provide antiretroviral treatment for a year to someone living with HIV.

In case you’re not yet familiar with Bono‘s (RED) charity and (PRODUCT) RED, let me fill you in. The primary objective is “to engage the private sector in raising awareness and money for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.” The companies that take part in (PRODUCT) RED give a substantial portion of sales or profits from a particular product to the Global Fund.

The new music delivery system isn’t actually available until next month, but you can pre-register (and get more information about the (RED) charity) at joinred.com.

Photo courtesy of askmen.com

Sean “P. Diddy/Puff Daddy/Puffy” Combs has teamed up with E! Entertainment for the Play-A-Part initiative which promotes the responsible consumption of alcohol and encourages those who drink to find a ride home. As a partner in Ciroc Vodka, P. Diddy aims to make this initiative a multi-platform action campaign.

E!’s Drive Safe campaign will feature on-air spots with popular celebrities as well as simple online and wireless access to taxi services all across the U.S.

P. Diddy said, “I believe that it is important to promote responsible drinking and generate public awareness on the necessity of designating a driver.” The on-air spots will feature celebrities like Tommy Lee, Eva Longoria Parker, Wilmer Valderrama, Gabrielle Union, and others, along with the crew from E!’s Daily 10. The celebrities and personalities will surprise club goers who are about to leave and offer them a ride home, the point being more than just “drinking and driving is bad,: — they want people to realize that “any designated driver is a star.”

It’s a good message, and I’m glad they’re taking real action to get people to realize how that they can have a social life and still be smart and safe with just a little planning.

Photo courtesy of thebestgossip.com

Each year, Elton John and David Furnish hold a fabulous White Tie and Tiara Party to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and this year was no exception. The party brought out a plethora of famous faces, including Bill Clinton, Liz Hurley, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, and Simon Cowell. About 630 guests coughed up the $4700 ticket price in all.

Guests were treated to dinner and a concert, and an auction was held with prizes like a trip to Africa with Elton John. The auction alone raised $20 million!

The Elton John AIDS Foundation’s strives to fund education programs regarding HIV/AIDS prevention as well as eliminating discrimination against those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally, it funds programs and services for people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. The Foundation recently received its third consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and considering on 16% of evaluated charities earn more than two consecutive 4-star ratings, this is quite a feather in Elton’s already fabulous cap.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend (you know, because you forgot your tiara), you still have the opportunity to help out this worthy charity by going to the website and making a donation.

Photo courtesy of dailymail.co.uk