Artists for Peace and Justice

Artists for Peace and Justice Takes TIFF by Storm!

Toronto, ON – On Friday, September 9th, Artists for Peace and Justice held its third annual event at the Toronto International Film Festival. The cocktail event, called PAINT THE NIGHT RED, was generously hosted by our founder Paul Haggis, advisory board member Gerard Butler and our friend Jason Reitman. The event was held at AME restaurant, and guests sipped on SKYY Vodka cocktails and listened to Paul, Gerry, and APJ board member David Belle speak about our programs in Haiti and how far we have come in the past few years. In October, the Academy for Peace and Justice will re-open to accommodate 750 new students, a number that we are immensely proud of.

Continuing on the success of Friday’s cocktail event, on Saturday, September 10th our friend Michael Cooper hosted a garden lunch at his home in the Annex neighborhood of Toronto. Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt stopped by to show their support, and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire treated guests to truly moving performances.

Tiff Apj

Toronto International Film Festival Events

Toronto International Film Festival 2011 is fast approaching and APJ will be there! We are hosting two very special events this year.

One is and intimate cocktail event hosted by Paul Haggis, Gerard Butler and George Stroumboulopoulos. Previous guests have included: Gerard Butler, Russel Crowe, Salman Rushdie, Susan Sarandon, Edward Norton, Courtney Love, Jane Fonda, Milla Jovovich, Ryan Kavanaugh, Karolina Kurkova, Martin Sheen, James Frano, AnnaLynne McCord, Josh Brolin and more!

The other is an Academy Lunch hosted by Paul Haggis and Michael Cooper. With Special performances by Eddie Vedder and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire.

Join us at the Toronto International Film Festival! For more information, please download the PDF invitations below or email info@apjnow.org with the subject 'TIFF'.

Event Painting The Night 2011 Event Academy Lunch 2011

A Ring To Educate A Child In Haiti Campaign

Artists for Peace and Justice has teamed up with Vhernier Jewelers to create the “A Ring to Educate a Child" campaign supporting Artists for Peace and Justice and the Francesca Rava Foundation. 

On June 15, 2011, the limited edition Pirouette ring was unveiled at a chic event at the Vhernier store in Beverly Hills hosted by Artists for Peace and Justice founder Paul Haggis and Vhernier President Carlo Traglio.  One hundred guests were in attendance, including celebrity supporters and Advisory Board Members Gerard Butler and AnnaLynne McCord, and friends Elizabeth Banks, Eva Amurri, Kate Maberly, and Kristanna Loken.

Each ring sold will enable an entire year of high-quality education for a child at the St. Luke Street Schools and the Academy for Peace and Justice in Haiti. Thank you to those who supported the event and purchased a ring to advance a child’s education in Haiti! To learn more or purchase a ring, please visit Vhernier Jewelers.

See the full gallery of photos from the event here

Vhernier Jewelers

Artists for Peace and Justice Holds Benefit and Live Auction at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival

May 18, 2011 – Artists for Peace and Justice teamed up with Chopard to hold an elegant benefit and live auction at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

The event was organized by APJ supporters Oscar Generale and Moran Atias, and co-hosted by APJ founder Paul Haggis, Advisory Board members Jane Fonda, Milla Jovovich and Ryan Kavanaugh, and the lovely Karolina Kurkova. Celebrity supporters Patrick Dempsey, Angela Lindvall and Gillian Zinser were also in attendance.

Paul acted as auctioneer, and co-hosts and supporters alike bid on items such as a trip to Haiti with APJ and Mark Evans' iconic piece "RED - Furious Affection." In total, the benefit raised over $400,000 for Artists for Peace and Justice—100% of which will go directly to our programs in Haiti.

Thanks to all who generously bid on auction items and made the event a success! See the full gallery of photos from the benefit.

APJ Cannes Benefit

Mark Evans Teams Up with APJ

British artist Mark Evans has teamed up with Paul Haggis and Artists for Peace and Justice to produce a work of art that will be sold at auction during the APJ event at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

The piece entitled "RED - Furious Affection" was hand-etched by knife in deep red leather to encapsulate both the work of APJ and the iconic, glamorous red carpet image of Cannes.

Mark says: "It seems to be successful in our western world you need to be determined, ruthless & un-yielding. The razor-sharp jaw of a great white shark perfectly symbolizes this aggressive attitude. The perfect predator... and yet this self-serving way of life may well bring personal success, but it won't change the world. It can't. A few months back I was playing with the shark jaw in my studio, studying it, sketching it. The epiphany came only when I turned the jaw upside down and that aggressive image became a perfect heart-shape. I realized then this piece was a symbol of what needs to happen to help communities like Haiti. Turn all our determined, un-yielding passion and aggression on it's head. Give it away to empower those who cannot fight for themselves. I hope my contribution can raise further funds to help the organization achieve its objectives."

With just a knife in his hand Mark Evans removes less than a tenth of a millimeter from the leather surface, just enough until he exposes the varying tones of tanned suede (or nap) beneath. The process takes incredible patience and immense attention to detail as each piece can take several weeks or months to complete.

Paul Haggis added, "I am thrilled that Mark Evans has donated "Red - Furious Affection" for our auction in Cannes. As Mark said, the piece represents our intense desire to empower the people of Haiti to build a better future. Artists for Peace and Justice is committed to giving a voice to the voiceless, and we are incredibly grateful to Mark for his support of our work and our programs in Haiti."

ABOUT MARK EVANS:

Mark Evans is a unique British artist who only uses knives and large leather hides to create his epic works of art. With surgical precision, incredible patience and immense attention to detail as he removes less than a tenth of a millimeter of the leather surface, just enough until he exposes the varying tones of tanned suede (or nap) beneath. The result: a multi-tone, multi-layered, 3-dimensional work of art.

For a sneak peak of Mark Evans’ piece, “RED – Furious Affection”, click here.

Mark Evans with his work in progress

Advisory Board Brunch

March 27, 2011 - On the final Sunday in March, Artists for Peace and Justice founder Paul Haggis and his wife Deborah hosted an Advisory Board Brunch to give an update on our progress in Haiti over the past year. Supporters of APJ from all over the US and Canada made the trip to celebrate accomplishments and hear about our goals for 2011.

Having just returned from a trip to Haiti, Paul gave a presentation on the Academy for Peace and Justice Welcome Ceremony, and Country Director Bryn Mooser presented a slide show and videos of Academy students and his newly formed Little League team. Board Member David Belle explained the importance of supporting grassroots organizations in Haiti and why Artists for Peace and Justice succeeds where so many other organizations fail—our dedicated staff members on the ground are committed to building strong relationships based on community empowerment. Attendees also got a chance to hear from Advisory Board Member Dr. Henri Ford, who explained the impact of our medical programs in Haiti and how as a native Haitian, Dr. Ford is proud to be a part of APJ’s development model.

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Artists for Peace and Justice, Brioni and Vanity Fair Team Up To Say Thanks During Oscar Week

February 22, 2011 – Artists for Peace and Justice, Brioni and Vanity Fair came together with celebrity supporters in Hollywood for a thank you party at Eveleigh in February. The event was a celebration of the work accomplished by Artists for Peace and Justice in 2010, and a call to action for all the work left to do in the coming years.

Co-hosted by Pierce Brosnan and APJ founder Paul Haggis, guests nibbled on hors d’oeurves and discussed the progress of construction at APJ’s Academy for Peace and Justice, the first free middle and secondary school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Guests mingled with celebrity supporters such as Jeremy Piven, Seth Green and Armie Hammer. Hammer said of APJ, “I believe in APJ… APJ is the children’s future.”

At the end of the evening, Paul gave a rousing toast of thanks to all who have supported APJ thus far, and highlighted the support given by the Hollywood community to APJ. “Up until now if you were born in the slums [of Haiti] and were lucky enough to go to school, you could only go to grade six,” said Haggis of APJ’s mission. “We opened grade 7 in October and we are rolling out grades 8 through 13 very shortly.”

Artists for Peace and Justice Kicks off 2011 with Bulgari and Save the Children

Artists for Peace and Justice Kicks of 2011 with Bulgari and Save the Children

January 13, 2011 – Artists for Peace and Justice kicked off fundraising in 2011 with an exclusive benefit at a private home in Los Angeles. The event, sponsored by Bulgari and co-hosted by Save the Children, honored Artists for Peace and Justice founder Paul Haggis and award-winning producer Simon Fuller for their personal commitments to helping the world’s most vulnerable children through their respective work with APJ and Save the Children.

The evening began with a star-studded red carpet entrance, followed by dinner and a live auction. Many friends of APJ attended the event, including Maria Bello, Josh Brolin, Adrien Brody, Gerard Butler, Milla Jovovich, Moby, Sharon Osbourne, and Olivia Wilde.

The evening raised $250,000 for Artists for Peace and Justice, and 100% of every dollar will go towards our programs that support education, health and dignity for the poorest children of Haiti.

Artists for Peace and Justice Kicks off 2011 with Bulgari and Save the Children

Friends of APJ raised over $700K for the first-ever free high school in Port-au-Prince!

New York City, NY. November 8, 2010 – On November 5, stars including Paul Haggis, Gerard Butler, Russell Crowe, Salman Rushdie, Susan Sarandon, Edward Norton, Courtney Love, Jesus Luz, Moran Atias, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Trudie Styler came out to support Artists for Peace and Justice's (APJ) brand new school campus in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: the Academy for Peace and Justice. The school, the first-ever free middle and high school in the earthquake-devastated city, welcomed its first 250 grade seven students during the week of October 18, 2010. Fully dependent on private donations made to APJ, the Academy will grow to roughly 2,000 students over the coming years.

Held at Millesime in New York City, the “Let's Build a School for Haiti” fundraising dinner welcomed almost 200 guests who mingled with the stars and enjoyed an exclusive performance by Grammy Award-winning Haitian-American rapper Pras Michel. The evening, sponsored by Deep Sea Cosmetics, featured a live auction with luxury goods, five-star getaways, walk-on roles and celebrity experiences available for purchase. Paul Haggis acted as an energetic auctioneer, getting guests to open up their hearts and wallets, particularly in the wake of the recent cholera outbreak and Hurricane Tomas.

Raising close to $800,000, guests were keen to give back. Highlights of the evening included Courtney Love winning a walk-on role in Paul Haggis's next film and dresses from the stunning Marchesa line. Though Gerald Butler protested the bid, Adrien Brody was thrilled to win a “tea time” with the P.S. I Love You star. Wanting to join in the fun and giving, Brody offered himself up as an impromptu auction item and was snapped up by one lucky dinner guest for a champagne date. All proceeds raised at the event will directly support APJ and the Academy for Peace and Justice.

A fundraising effort founded by Oscar-winning writer/director Paul Haggis and friends in 2008, Artists for Peace and Justice has been developing and building the Academy for Peace and Justice for more than two years. While education is the priority at the school, food, drinking water and medical care are also being provided to every student—making the campus a much-needed source of comfort and security.

“Up until this point, if you were a child born in the slums of Port-au-Prince and you were lucky enough to go to school at all, you could only go as far as grade six—and that was before the earthquake that destroyed most of those schools,” says Haggis. “We are very proud to have opened the first classrooms in the first free high school to serve the poorest of the poor. The incredible support we received at the fundraiser makes it possible to continue to expand the school, so soon thousands of children will get the education they deserve.”

Annual Fundraiser in Toronto

APJ's Second Annual Fundraiser in Toronto Raised Nearly $100,000!

Hollywood's biggest stars came out to help raise nearly $100,000 at the September 11 fundraiser for APJ in Toronto. The evening, which kicked off with an unforgettable live-art red carpet, featured an energetic auction and a musical performance by Sophie Milman. APJ's founder Paul Haggis and board members James Franco, AnnaLynne McCord and Maria Bello spoke on behalf of the organization and other stars, including Martin Sheen, Peter Tunney, Josh Brolin, Michael Sheen, K'naan and Richard Schiff attended to show their support for the people of Haiti. Special thanks to PEARS on the Avenue for hosting and TOROmagazine.com for sponsoring the event.

Annual Fundraiser in Toronto

(From the red carpet at the September 11, 2010, APJ Fundraiser (L to R): James Franco giving an interview; Josh Brolin and Paul Haggis catching up; AnnaLynne McCord showing her support; Martin Sheen accepting a dare and earning $1000 for APJ; Maria Bello writing a message of love to the children of Haiti.)

Cannes V.I.P. Party was a great success!

It was an incredibly successful event in Cannes last week for Artists for Peace and Justice. The fundraiser, co-organized by Italian producer Oscar Generale and Israeli actress Moran Atias and co-hosted by Russell Crowe, Danielle Spencer, Gerard Butler and Paul Haggis raised significant funds for the initiatives of APJ in Haiti. We are so grateful for the support from both Oscar and Moran and for the ongoing commitment of the APJ Advisory Board to make a real difference for the children of Haiti.

Cannes V.I.P. Party

(From L-R: Danielle Spencer, Russell Crowe, Moran Atias, Oscar Generale, Paul Haggis)

APJ Board Member Ben Stiller's Auction

APJ Board member Ben Stiller is offering two amazing auction items to the public including a custom voicemail recorded by Ben and two tickets to the premiere of Little Fockers where the winning bidder will have an opportunity to meet the cast! Proceeds will be directed back to APJ. Bid Now!

Ben Harper - Eddie Vedder

Buy awesome music, support Haiti

Support Artists for Peace and Justice by downloading two amazing Bruce Springsteen covers by Eddie Vedder and Ben Harper, originally performed during the December, 2009 Kennedy Center Honors. Proceeds from the downloads will be directed to APJ to support our relief and education efforts in the country of Haiti.

Get it on iTunes

Ben Harper - Eddie Vedder

A Night of 140 Tweets: Celebrity Tweet-A-Thon for Haiti

140 Performers. One Tweet Each. One Stage. Available now on iTunes and Amazon

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 23, 2010 – Night of 140 Tweets is available for purchase and download starting today on the iTunes Store (iTunes.com/140tweets), distributed by New Video. A DVD with exclusive extra content is also available on Amazon.com/140tweets, and manufactured using CreateSpace DVD on Demand technology. History was recently made on March 12th when Red Hour and Funny or Die partnered with Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel (MTV's Human Giant) to welcome 140 Twitterers from the worlds of comedy, acting, music, and entertainment to participate in the world's first-ever live tweet stream. All sale proceeds will benefit Artists for Peace and Justice's initiative to build schools in Haiti.

Find out more... On iTunes / On Amazon

140 Tweets

Celebrity designed goods for Crafts For A Cause

Celebrity designed goods for Crafts For A Cause to be auctioned in support of Haiti and the efforts of APJ

Channeling her creative energy towards a philanthropic cause, Little Joy's Binki Shapiro has rounded up a troop of like-minded artist friends and founded Crafts For A Cause. Custom-made t-shirts, tote bags, musical instruments and other personal wares will be auctioned online beginning March 15th with 100% of funds raised directed to Artists for Peace and Justice. Bid for a one-of-a-kind handbag designed by No Doubt, a handmade t-shirt by the Red Hot Chili Peppers or a Fender Stratocaster customized by American singer-songwriter, Conor Oberst. Other artists said to be lending their support are Daft Punk, Shirley Manson, Tegan and Sara, Mark Ronson, M. Ward and The Black Keys.

To view the details and place your bid please visit http://craftsforacause.tumblr.com/

T-Shirts to support Haiti

OBEY - Awareness

Drawing on the popularity of the recently released poster that was created to support APJ, ObeyGiant has created a T-Shirt to continue their support. 100% of proceeds from the sale of this print will be directed to the efforts of Artists for Peace and Justice on the ground in Haiti.

Purchase one today at OBEY Clothing

Temp Event Obey

DEVOLVE - APJ

California t-shirt designer and actor Joshua Lee has invested his time and effort in the design of an exclusive t-shirt to support of the efforts of Artists for Peace and Justice. As the founder of the popular DEVOLVE Clothing line, he was inspired by the work of APJ in Haiti and will donate all funds raised from sales of this t-shirt to the charitable organization.

Purchase this unique t-shirt at DEVOLVE Clothing and support APJ!

Temp Event Devolve

Artists for Peace and Justice and Charitybuzz Launch Celebrity Auction

A number of Hollywood's biggest stars have donated their designer gowns and tuxes for an online charity auction in support of Artists for Peace and Justice with 100% of the funds raised being directed to the organization. The auction will feature the glamorous red carpet apparel worn by internationally renowned celebrities at the 2010 Golden Globes including Meryl Streep, Olivia Wilde, Gerard Butler and Josh Brolin; tickets to an exclusive pre-Oscar gala in Beverly Hills and a one-of-a-kind Gibson guitar signed backstage at the Grammy awards by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Kings of Leon among others. Let the bidding begin!

Who:
Artists for Peace and Justice
What:
An exclusive awards-themed charity auction featuring celebrity worn red carpet apparel from the 2010 Golden Globes, a one of a kind Gibson guitar signed by a number of Grammy winners and nominees and many more unique auction items
When:
Starting February 24, 2010 at 9am. Ending March 17th, 2010.
Where:
www.charitybuzz.com
Why:
To support the initiatives of Artists for Peace and Justice and its long term commitment to the impoverished nation of Haiti

Charity Auction For Haiti

3rd Annual Hollywood Domino Pre-Oscar Gala

Hollywood Domino

One of the most exclusive pre-Oscar private events in Beverly Hills, this invitation-only event brings some of Hollywood's biggest stars together for this gaming sensation sweeping Hollywood! This elegant gala event expects attendance from by APJ Founder Paul Haggis as well as APJ celebrity supporters Penélope Cruz, James Franco, and Charlize Theron.

This event is being held on Thursday, March 4th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, California

Brioni and Vanity Fair Pre-Oscar Cocktail

Renowned Italian fashion house Brioni with Vanity Fair will be hosting an exclusive pre-Oscar party, benefiting Artists for Peace and Justice. APJ founder Paul Haggis and supporter Gerard Butler will be joined by Lee Daniels for this important event that continues to bring the Hollywood community together in support of Haiti.

Happening on Wednesday March 3rd, 2010, this even will be held at Bar Nineteen 12 in Beverly Hills, California.

ObeyGiant Releases Haiti Print in Support of the Efforts of APJ

Diversifying the ways in which we can support the dire situation in Haiti, ObeyGiant unveils the fused talent of photographer Tao Ruspoli and artist Shepard Fairey, the creative force behind Obama's HOPE poster. 100% of proceeds from the sale of this print will be directed to the efforts of Artists for Peace and Justice on the ground in Haiti. This expressive 18 x 24” screen print was made exclusively for APJ and comes signed and numbered. Get your copy here.

Shepherd Fairy, Obey Giant, Tao Ruspoli

NAPPYTABS Fundraiser

As an effort to give back and assist those in need during the catastrophic crisis in Haiti, NAPPYTABS will donate $5 for EVERY ORDER placed on our website beginning January 23rd through Sunday, January 31. All proceeds are going directly in the hands of Father Rick and his team, to help dig people out of their collapsed hospital and schools, to buy emergency medicine, to supply badly needed water and food, to help fly in doctors for the wounded children, and so much more.

Project We.the.Children Award Season Celebration

Temp Event Fleetwood

In efforts to raise funds for the natural disaster in HAITI and the need for a humanitarian movement , Project We.The.Children. Award Season celebration on January 28, 2010 at the House of Blues has decided to benefit HAITI earthquake victims in support of Artists for Peace and Justice. Grammy Nominated: MICK FLEETWOOD BLUES BAND featuring RICK VITO will headline the event with a special appearance by, ANDY and SHANI.

Featuring:
A Special Performance By Slash
Celebrity participants, host committee, judging committee attendees: Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Mark Isham, Oscar Nominee & Emmy Winner Shohreh Aghdashloo, Colbie Caillat, Nick Cannon, Scarlett Johansson, LeAnn Rimes, Sean Patrick Thomas, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Marla Maples, Senator Patricia Higgins, Morena Baccarin, Lisa Bloom, Recording Artist Shani Rigsbee (Crash, House of Sand and Fog), Persian Super Star ANDY and more to be confirmed.
When:
Thusday, January 28th.
Where:
House of Blues
8430 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tickets:
$40 - General
$65 - Preferred
$125 - VIP
Contact:
818-914-7310
info@wethechildren2010.com
www.wethechildren2010.com

Exclusive Package for $1000.00 limited quantity

(First come first serve due to The Foundation Room capacity):

An EXCLUSIVE Private Dinner with Mick Fleetwood will be held at the Foundation room prior to the program for all celebrity participants including celebrity endorsers, host committee, judging panel and sponsors, featuring Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar Wine with a special toast by Mr. Fleetwood. As well as a bottle of wine give away from Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar autographed by Mick. This event is by Invitation Only and it would be a night to remember.

Includes:
2 Dinner tickets to the exclusive dinner with Mick Fleetwood (by invitation only under the normal circumstance)
1 Bottle of Wine from Mick Fleetwood's Private Cellar Autographed by Mick.
2 VIP Tickets which will provide them access to the Celebrity Lounge, Back Stage and red Carpet Arrivals.
2 Copies of Mick Fleetwood Blues Band DVD “Blue Again”
Contact:
Asal Masomi
818-914-7328
asal@wethechildren2010.com

Artists for Haiti

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Olivia Wilde & Artists for Peace and Justice along with James Franco, Brandon Boyd, Rashida Jones, Taraji P. Henson, AnnaLynne McCord, Zachary Quinto, Will McCormack, Michael Stahl-David, Barbara Burchfield, Tao Ruspoli & Bryn Mooser Invite you to join Artists for Haiti. A minimum donation of $100 is requested of all guests. 100% of all donations will be given directly to Father Rick Frechette of St. Damien's Hospital and the ground-level doctors and rescue workers.
... download the flyer

Featuring
Music by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros & KCRW DJ Mathieu Schreyer.
Photographs of Haiti by Tao Ruspoli
Short Films from the Jacmel Film School.
Silent Auction featuring artwork by Ed Moses, Ed Ruscha, Corinne Chaix, Raymond Pettibon, Huguette Caland, Larry Bell, Chuck Arnoldi, Robert Graham. & more...
When:
Thusday, January 28th. 8pm - 11pm
Where:
Track 16 Gallery - Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave. Bldg C-1
Santa Monica, CA 90404
RSVP:
Monica Lambert at Monica@thealist.us | 310.659.7783

Susan Sarandon SPiNs Support for Haiti

Temp Event Sarandon

Susan Sarandon will host a fundraiser as SPiN New York — a social ping pong club in the Gramercy section of NYC — on Wednesday evening. To support Who We Are of helping Haiti, all donations and a portion of the proceeds from the bar and silent auction will go to the Artists for Peace and Justice. There is a $20 suggested donation at the front door, and the event will include ping-pong along with fashion items and sports memorabilia at the auction.

Susan is co-hosting the event along with SPiN NYC founder Franck Raharinosy, Veronica Webb, Wyclef Jean, Josue Sejour, Selita Ebanks, Dylan Lauren, Franckie Diago, Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, fashion designer Rachel Roy, and 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander.

Modelinia is co-sponsoring the event with the ping pong club and has invited the top faces of fashion to battle it out in ping pong.

When:
Wednesday, January 20th.
Where:
SPiN New York
48 East 23rd Street
New York NY 10010
212.982.8802

... even the smallest amount helps.