Stars From Music, Television And Film Donate Autographed Hardhats To Support Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Los Angeles

    GARDENA, CA, February 23, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (http://www.habitatla.org) launched an online auction today at http://www.clothesoffourback.org/habitat featuring hardhats signed by celebrity volunteers and supporters of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity (http://www.hollywoodforhabitat.com), a partnership between HFHGLA and the entertainment industry. The hardhats are signed and decorated by music, television and film stars including: Green Day, Ricky Martin, Linkin Park, U2, Justin Timberlake, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, 30 Seconds to Mars and more. The auction will run through March 6th at 5:00 pm PST with 100% of the proceeds helping to build more affordable homes in Greater Los Angeles.

"Through our non-profit organization, Music for Relief, and our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity we have had the opportunity to not only sponsor homes, but also to go and build the houses ourselves, and to meet the families that were moving into them," said Dave "Phoenix" Farrell of Linkin Park. "We hope this hardhat auction will raise awareness for Habitat's mission and help raise funds for families in need."

In 2007 Habitat for Humanity kicked off its "Building a Greater Los Angeles" campaign to build and renovate 250 more homes. In conjunction with the "Building a Greater Los Angeles" Gala held last fall, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity held a successful online auction with VIP experiences and signed memorabilia donated by celebrity supporters, which raised over $75,000. Following the success of the first online auction, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity began outreach to high profile supporters, as well as new supporters, who wanted to support Habitat's mission which resulted in more than 70 signed hardhats. California Governor Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver were among those who autographed hardhats to help kick off this auction.

"I have had the chance to personally give the keys to several families moving into homes sponsored by the Ricky Martin Foundation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an organization I've been involved with for many years. I've been fortunate enough to see with my own eyes the difference a home makes in the life of a child," said Ricky Martin. "Now, by simply bidding on an item in an auction, you have the chance to change lives and build hope."

"Los Angeles continues to rank last in housing affordability and this kind of support helps us raise awareness, as well as much needed funding, to help low income families live in safe, decent homes," said Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. "These hardhats are very special as most were signed the day of an actual build and we are thrilled to receive these fun and generous donations."

The following is a partial list of celebrities who have autographed hardhats for the auction: 30 Seconds to Mars, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, Chris Pine, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Gavin Rossdale, Governor Schwarzenegger, Green Day, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Kellan Lutz, The Jonas Brothers, Josh Groban, Justin Timberlake, Kyle Howard, Linkin Park, First Lady Maria Shriver, Michael Johns, Miley Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ne-Yo, the Pussycat Dolls, Ricky Martin, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Third Day, U2, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. A complete list of celebrity supporters of this auction can be found at the auction site: http://www.clothesoffourback.org/habitat. The auction begins today and runs through March 6th at 5:00 pm PST.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated nearly 500 homes, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. For more information, visit www.habitatla.org.

About Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity:
Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity (HFHFH) is an entertainment industry partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles that launched in 2000 with a 20 house "blitz build." HFHFH was founded by Screenwriter/Director Randall Wallace (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers) to encourage the entertainment industry to support Habitat for Humanity's goal of eliminating substandard housing worldwide. HFHFH works with talent and industry leaders who support the organization through donations, volunteer hours and advocacy. Thousands of volunteers from the entertainment industry have helped build homes in the United States and around the world. www.hollywoodforhabitat.com

About Clothes Off Our Back
The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today's hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle," "Raising the Bar") and Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe. For more information and to bid, log onto www.clothesoffourback.org.

For more information regarding Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity & Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles please call 310-323-4663 or visit www.habitatla.org. For all other media inquiries please contact Angela Moore at 310-429-8868 or [email protected].

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