Charities

United Nations

A committed human rights advocate, the United States actor George Clooney was designated as a United Nations Messenger of Peace in January 2008. Using his global appeal and wide ranging talents as an actor, producer, screen writer and director, Mr. Clooney has focused public attention on crucial international political and social issues while diligently working to mobilize political action against the violence in Darfur.

LINKS: George’s UN Page , www.un.org

NOOW

Our mission is to focus global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities around the world. Drawing on the powerful voices of artists, activists and cultural leaders, Not On Our Watch generates lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for the vulnerable, marginalized and displaced. Where governments remain complacent, Not On Our Watch is committed to stopping mass atrocities and giving a voice to their victims.

LINK: http://www.notonourwatchproject.org/

Save Darfur

Around the country and across the globe, the Save Darfur Coalition is inspiring action, raising awareness and speaking truth to power on behalf of the people of Darfur. Working with world leaders, we are demanding an end to the genocide, and our efforts are getting results.

The key to our success is the millions of everyday citizens who have joined our movement. With you and other committed activists by our side, we will end the genocide.

LINK: http://www.savedarfur.org/

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

We are the International Rescue Committee – a critical global network of first responders, humanitarian relief workers, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders, activists, and volunteers. Working together, we provide access to safety, sanctuary, and sustainable change for millions of people whose lives have been shattered by violence and oppression.

LINk: http://www.theirc.org/

United Way

United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement. Local United Ways create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems.

LINK: http://www.liveunited.org/index.cfm

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. Our supporters are outraged by human rights abuses but inspired by hope for a better world - so we work to improve human rights through campaigning and international solidarity. We have more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries and regions and we coordinate this support to act for justice on a wide range of issues.

LINK: http://www.amnesty.org/

ONE Campaign

ONE is Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life - united as ONE - to help make poverty history. We are a campaign of over 2.4 million people and growing from all 50 states and over 100 of America’s most well-known and respected non-profit, advocacy and humanitarian organizations. As ONE, we are raising public awareness about the issues of global poverty, hunger, disease and efforts to fight such problems in the world’s poorest countries. As ONE, we are asking our leaders to do more to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE believes that allocating more of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world’s poorest countries.

LINK: http://www.one.org/

CineVegas Film Festival Opening Night Festivities

OCEAN’S THIRTEEN Floods 2007 CineVegas for Charity
Jerry Weintraub to Receive the Vanguard Producer Award at Ninth Annual Festival; Opening Night Festivities to Benefit Humanitarian Organization Not On Our Watch

Since 1998, the CineVegas Film Festival has sought to prove that there’s an ocean of difference between other celluloid events and “The World’s Most Dangerous Film Festival.” Appropriately enough, this year’s festival will open with the Las Vegas-set summer 2007 blockbuster Ocean’s Thirteen, it was announced today by Artistic Director Trevor Groth. The film’s producer Jerry Weintraub will be honored with the Vanguard Producer Award during opening night festivities—Lights, Camera, Take Action—on Wednesday, June 6 at 7:00pm at the Palms Casino, which will benefit the aid group, International Rescue Committee for Not On Our Watch, an organization whose initial campaign is to support existing Darfur humanitarian relief efforts and to ensure the protection of civilians in that region. Weintraub will be joined by his all-star cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Ellen Barkin and Andy Garcia in Las Vegas, where the festival President Robin Greenspun will present Weintraub and Not On Our Watch with a check representative of the proceeds of the festival’s fundraising efforts. The ninth annual CineVegas Film Festival returns to the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres from June 6-16.

In the third installment of the franchise, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and the gang look to pull off their most ambitious and riskiest heist after ruthless casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses Ocean’s friend and mentor Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould). Ocean’s plan is elaborate, dangerous and damn near impossible – but there are no limits when it comes to one of their own. Directed by Steven Soderbergh from a screenplay by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, Ocean’s Thirteen (Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures) stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino.

“CineVegas has truly hit the jackpot with Ocean’s Thirteen,” said festival Artistic Director Trevor Groth. “From the original – starring the iconic Vegas legends the “Rat-Pack” – through the first two installments of the new Ocean’s franchise, the films have emanated an unsurpassed coolness fueled by the essence of Las Vegas. CineVegas is honored to open the festival with a film based on our turf that will launch us into the stratosphere of global recognition.”

“Jerry has always been a producer of movies for the people and his body of work – from Ocean’s to such films as Diner, Cruising and Nashville – also proves that he cares deeply about taking chances and breaking cinematic new ground,” remarked festival President Robin Greenspun. “Besides being a major force in the film industry, Jerry is one of the most philanthropic individuals I know. It is our pleasure and honor to help him in his humanitarian efforts with Not On Our Watch.”

For complete program details and to purchase passes to CineVegas 2007, please call 1-888-8VEGAS8. To purchase tickets and sponsorship packages to the Opening Night festivities benefiting the Not On Our Watch please call (702) 952-5530.

About Jerry Weintraub
Jerry Weintraub is one of the most influential and successful people in the entertainment industry. Now heading up Jerry Weintraub Productions, he recently produced Ocean’s Thirteen, opening June 8, 2007. He previously produced the hit Ocean’s Eleven and its sequel, Ocean’s Twelve, as well as the upcoming family film Nancy Drew. Weintraub made his film producing debut with Robert Altman’s Nashville, going on to produce such films as Carl Reiner’s Oh, God!, Barry Levinson’s directorial debut Diner and the inspiring drama The Karate Kid, which spawned three sequels.

Weintraub is also known for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of a wide variety of worthwhile causes. He most recently joined forces with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle in Not On Our Watch, a humanitarian campaign that will advocate for, and provide assistance to, victims of mass atrocities including the Darfur conflict. He has been the recipient of myriad professional honors, most recently being named “Producer of the Year” at ShoWest. This June, he will become the first producer ever to be “cemented” in the courtyard of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood when he joins Clooney, Pitt and Damon in a ceremony celebrating the opening of Ocean’s Thirteen.

About Not On Our Watch’s Darfur Initiative
Founded by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle and Jerry Weintraub, the aim of Not On Our Watch’s Darfur initiative is to support existing humanitarian relief efforts and to ensure the protection of civilians in that region by: advocating for action and mobilizing lifesaving resources to provide medical care, shelter families, build community, help children cope with conflict, empower women, and promote human rights.

About the International Rescue Committee
Among first to respond and the last to leave, the International Rescue Committee has been a global leader in humanitarian relief for refugees and victims of conflict for 75 years. During crises, IRC teams provide health care, shelter, clean water, sanitation, learning and healing programs for children, and special aid for women. As conflicts subside, the IRC stays to revive livelihoods and help shattered communities rebuild. The organization also provides a fresh start for refugees arriving in the United States. A tireless advocate for the world’s most vulnerable people, the IRC is committed to restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity. For more information, visit www.theIRC.org.

Source

Mag Correction: People 05/07/07 100 Most Beautiful Issue

14 May 2007
People Magazine
Volume 67; Issue 19;

Correction In our May 7 issue, we said George Clooney is an advocate for the International Crisis Group. He works on behalf of Darfur with the International Rescue Committee ( www.theirc.org ).

O13 Premiere to benefit International Rescue Committee

‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ gala here

None of “Ocean’s Thirteen” was filmed in Chicago, but several of the movie’s stars — including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Don Cheadle and Matt Damon — are expected here June 7 for the film’s premiere, the Sun-Times has learned.  Vanity Fair magazine and its high-profile editor Graydon Carter are hosting the event, hoping to raise money for the International Rescue Committee, which aids victims of global crises.

It’s a favorite cause of Clooney, who has traveled to Darfur to raise awareness of the crisis in war-torn Sudan. The money raised at the Chicago premiere is to go to a new International Rescue Committee arm focused on aid to Darfur — the Not On Your Watch Foundation, established by “Ocean’s” producer Jerry Weintraub.

The “Ocean’s Thirteen” evening will include a premiere of the movie, shown at the AMC River East 21 multiplex, followed by a star-studded after-party at the new Room 21 restaurant and nightclub, set to open at 2100 S. Wabash. Tickets for the post-party alone will start at $500 a person. (Chicago Sun-Times)