Last weekend we learned that the young Princes of Wales, William and Harry, embarked on a 1,000-mile motorbike trek across the South African wilderness (with other riders) to help raise funds for various charities that benefit the area. At about the midway point last Wednesday, we learned that the Princes paused to play a friendly soccer match with a local team and ended up getting trounced on the fields of play. Undaunted, tho, the Royals pressed on and I am happy to report that they successfully completed their week-long journey yesterday:

Princes William and Harry yesterday drove into the port city bearing their grandmother’s name after an arduous eight-day motorcycle trek across some of South Africa’s most inhospitable landscapes. Looking well-tanned if not a little saddle sore, the duo reportedly said the 1,000-mile journey from near Durban had been a ‘blast’. They pulled into the windy Bluewater Bay on the edge of Port Elizabeth dressed in red motor cycle jumpsuits which their 10-strong team had donned. They rode with six Metropolitan Police protection officers, Shaun Davy – brother of Harry’s girlfriend Chelsy – and the younger prince’s friend Tom Inskip. After reaching the waterfront venue, all the teams rode through Port Elizabeth resplendent in different coloured jumpsuits. They then reached a hotel where local people and a local Xhosa band danced and sang a welcome. The pair stood and talked to fellow riders, but declined to speak to the media or local onlookers before entering the hotel for an informal dinner last night. Trip organiser Simon Smith from Global Euro said the royal duo were “outstanding” riders. “They were both fantastic riders and didn’t run from anything. They asked us to treat them as one of the group and that’s what we did. They mucked in chores and shared a beer and food round the BBQ. They were outstanding companions.” He said keeping their involvement had been hard. “Only a few of us on this side knew about it. We’ve kept it secret for 12 months – not even telling our nearest and dearest.” He said the princes both paid the £5,000 fee … During the trip they rode through mountains, gorges, scrubland, dry river beds and coastline in a journey across the Eastern Cape, South Africa’s poorest province. The trip raised money for three charities, Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund, UNICEF and Harry’s Sentebale charity in Lesotho which helps orphaned children. Around £1,500 of the fee was divided between the charities which organiser hoped would amount to £310,000. Mr Smith said the duo had been ‘great sports’. At the end of each day, the organisers handed out a ‘dick of the day’ award and a ‘spirit of the day’ award. Mr Smith added: “Harry did get the spirit of the day award on day three after pulling one of the riders out of a river after he fell in and became waste deep in the river. He didn’t think twice and just yanked him out. “The ‘dick of the day’ award went to someone who was a right wally,” laughed Mr Smith who said the princes did not get voted for that gong Along the route, riders helped local charity Touch Africa, in Morgan Bay, near East London, to decorate a creche on their day off last Wednesday. They also played a game of football against a local team. Harry, 24, and William, 26, both played and refereed a half but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 6-2 defeat. Spokeswoman Elise Fish said: “Both of them were really generous with their time, playing football with local kids in the rain. They didn’t ask to be omitted from anything … The princes suffered from “Transkei tummy” during the trip, but their team leader on the trip, Mike Glover, said there few serious accidents. “I’d welcome them back next year, or any other royals. They’re tough guys and you can tell they’ve been in the military,” he added.

OK, LOL at the “dick of the day” award! While I’m sure the awarding of such an award is not meant to be cheeky by any stretch of the imagination … I can’t help but let my mind go the way of the cheek. Hahahaha. I had no doubt that the Princes would successfully complete the journey and it sounds like they had a really fun time along the way. I imagine it was quite a treat for the other riders to get to know the Princes in such an intimate way (no cheekiness implied). Kudos to the young Royals for taking part in such an arduous trek. While some may scoff that the riders were not forced to ride thru “rough terrain” I contend that a week-long motorbike trek thru even the most civil, paved areas is very trying. Well done and much congrats again!!

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Princes William and Harry have set off on a 1,000-mile motorbike trek into the South African wilderness this weekend to raise money for various charities including Sentebale (Harry‘s organization to provide help to AIDS orphans in Lesotho), UNICEF and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. You may recall that earlier this week, it was reported that a new poll showed that gay men preferred lusting after Prince Harry than they did Prince William (and Pink readers who professed their preferences seemed to agree) but I think in light of the brothers’ joint venture to help raise money for these very needy charities, I think it’s safe to say that each Prince is deserving of our lurve and affection:

With warpaint streaked down their faces, Princes William and Harry sped off into the South African wilderness today on an epic 1,000-mile motorbike trek for charity. The gruelling endurance rally takes in some of the most inhospitable terrain known to man and, William told the Mail, will challenge the brothers like never before. The 26-year-old prince has had his own motocross bike since the age of eight while Harry, 24, took his test over the summer in order to compete in the Enduro Africa “Ride for Life”. “It is fair to say that we are bricking it,” he joked. It is also the first time that the two brothers – who aren’t even allowed to travel on the same plane for security reasons – have undertaken a challenge of this magnitude together before. “We never really spend any time together as we have both got separate jobs going on at the moment. So it is going to be great fun,” added Harry. “I don’t know how we are going to get on yet, we will have to tell you later. We might argue, we might have a bit of fun – we will have to see how it goes – but we are really looking forward it.” Yesterday the pair laughed and joked with their 86 fellow riders as they made last-minute checks on their Honda CRF 230s, super-light 200cc trail bikes which will prove easier to manoeuvre over the goat tracks that the group will be forced to traverse. Both wore biking boots and waterproof suits with thick-set body protectors underneath as well as their crash helmets and goggles. “Unfortunately it’s the padding, not my physique,” William teased. The princes will travel in a small group of 10 riders – which includes their bodyguards and a couple of close friends – including Shaun Davy, the brother of Harry’s girlfriend Chelsy, and schoolmate Tom Inskip – meeting up with their fellow competitors to compare bruises and exchange stories each night. The pair – who are second and third in line to the throne – will often sleep rough as they raise money for charities including Sentebale, the organisation to help aids orphans in Lesotho set up by Harry in their mother’s memory, Unicef and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The rally has already raised an impressive £300,000. Speaking just moments before the start of the trip at the holiday resort of Port Edward, on Kwazulu Natal’s southern coast, William said: “We are both quite good but I know we will both fall off a lot of times. Although we both have motorbikes at the moment, off road biking is completely different. It is all is up hill, down slopes, across rovers and is incredibly rocky and hilly. It’s going to be a real challenge.” Harry added: “We’ve got a secret bet with everybody else about who is going to fall off the most. Obviously it is going to be great fun but the most important thing for us all is that we are doing it for some wonderful charities.”

Seriously, it’s, like, impossible to not love these guys. Brits have every right to be very proud of these young Royals. They each do so much good charity work that it’s second-nature to see them taking on a new philanthropic endeavor. They make it look so easy. If you consider that the Princes always look like they enjoy the charitable work that they do, that they seem to be having fun, it’s easy to see how raising money for charity can be such a worthwhile practice. Much props and kudos go out to the young Princes for this latest charitable act on their part. Regarding the earlier post about the poll which said that gay men prefer Harry over Wills … I, along with a great number of Pink readers, content that they both are worthy of our lurve. In light of this new endeavor of theirs, there is simply no question. They both rule!

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Sheryl Crow was the musical performer at Yoplait‘s 10th Annual Save Lids To Save Lives event at the Wiltern Theater here in LA last night and was joined by various celebs, including David Arquette and the Sex and the City ladies Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. Here are a few pics from the event’s red carpet last night:

For the past decade, Yoplait has urged its customers to save the pink lids found on their yogurt bottles and send them back into the company who, in turn, converts those lids into a financial donation to breast cancer research. For each lid that they receive between September 1 and December 1, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure through their Save Lids to Save Lives program. This is an amazing campaign that really shows that the company puts forth a great effort to encourage people to donate to breast cancer research. Last night’s event was a celebration of this campaign and hopefully inspires more people to save those lids and to send them in. You can click HERE for more information on the program.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have teamed up with Taco Bell for the Reality Check Challenge 2008 in an effort to raise funds to alleviate world hunger … apparently by signing autographs and posing for semi-goofy photos. Hey, whatever works, right? Here are a few pics and some info on this year’s Reality Check Challenge:

Taco Bell joined Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt for the second consecutive year in an effort to raise awareness of global hunger. “Reality Check Challenge” 2008, which was held at a Los Angeles-area Taco Bell restaurant, in conjunction with World Hunger Relief Movement, is part of a larger global hunger-relief campaign by Taco Bell’s parent company, Yum! Brands Inc., to raise funds for The World Food Programme. For the event, Heidi and Spencer served up Taco Bell fare to customers visiting the Taco Bell restaurant, took pictures with and signed autographs for fans in attendance, and invited customers to join in the effort to alleviate world hunger by donating at all participating domestic Taco Bell locations. Donations for the World Hunger Giving Cards begin at $1 and all proceeds raised in the U.S. go directly to The Friends of World Food Programme to help combat global hunger. At the conclusion of the event, a $10,000 donation was made by Taco Bell to the World Food Programme in Heidi and Spencer’s name. “The reality is that hunger is a staggering problem and is responsible for more deaths each year than war, malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS combined, “ said Greg Creed, president, Taco Bell Corp. “Even though this is an epidemic of global proportions, people can do something about it. I encourage everyone to get involved in the ‘Reality Check Challenge’ and donate to this year’s World Hunger Relief Movement. A dollar donation will help feed four people stricken by hunger. You can make that difference.” Prior to “Reality Check Challenge” 2008 and as part of World Hunger Relief Movement, Heidi and Spencer joined Taco Bell last week at Los Angeles’s Union Rescue Mission to serve food to the hungry and homeless in the “Skid Row” area of downtown. During this visit, the couple spent three hours helping feed hundreds of men, women and children stricken by the effects of hunger. At the conclusion of the visit, a $15,000 donation was made by Taco Bell to the mission in Heidi and Spencer’s name. “Heidi and I know the importance of bringing awareness to this global problem, and are extremely grateful to partner with Taco Bell and the World Food Programme for the second straight year,” said Spencer Pratt. “Last year, Taco Bell and Yum restaurants raised more than $16 million globally, and our goal is to help surpass that number for 2008.”

While some might argue that the mere sight of Speidi at their friendly neighborhood Taco Bell might actually inspire an immediate loss of appetite, you kinda gotta admit that it was really dope of them to come out and use their notoriety for a good cause. Whether you love to hate them or hate to love them, they deffo deserve some measure of credit for their philanthropy when it comes to issues of World Hunger. I salute them for their efforts and encourage all y’all to support the cause. That being said, they really are a bit RIDICULOUS with these photo ops … I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary to kick up one’s heels while munching on a taco but … so be it. I think it’s actually a good idea that Speidi remain in Taco Bell’s good graces … after all, if their reality TV thing ever falls thru they will prolly need a Plan B ;)

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Just a friendly reminder that today is a Big Day at Chili’s restaurants around the country … all proceeds from food sales today will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which researches and treats pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases — and ALL patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family’s ability to pay. In order for St. Jude to be able to continue to treat patients who may not be able to afford their services, they need to raise much needed funds … which is where dining at Chili’s today comes in:

This is such an easy way for folks to help raise money for such a needy cause. What better way to give back then by enjoying a fun meal at Chili’s? I, personally, am a fan of their Chicken Crispers and I tend to pair that with a frozen margarita … MMMM :)

If, instead, you’d like to take a pass on enjoying a wonderfully delicious dining experience at Chili’s today, you can click HERE to make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital directly.

So … if you’ve yet to make your dining plans for today, may I suggest you consider dining at Chili’s? I know that I’d be much obliged and I’m sure the kids at St. Jude’s would appreciate it as well ;)

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Nicole Richie has updated the Richie-Madden Foundation website with a new video explaining the new initiative to help raise money for the Beyond Shelter organization. This from the organization’s website:

Founded in 1988, the mission of Beyond Shelter is to develop systemic approaches to combat poverty and homelessness among families with children and enhance family economic security and well-being. Beyond Shelter accomplishes its goals through responsive service delivery, people-centered community development, and the creation of knowledge for social change.

Nicole and Joel Madden have decided to use the power of their foundation to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for this very needy organization by launching a Text-to-Donate program (Text “CHILD” to “90999″ to donate $5) whereby folks can easily donate money to Beyond Shelter. Here is a new video which features one of Nicole‘s visits to Beyond Shelter and a personal letter explaining her desire to help raise money for this organization. I urge you to watch the video in its entirety to get a good feel for what is being asked of you:

This past year, philanthropy has opened my eyes to so much need and so much beauty. I have also realized how easy it is to help, and how rewarding it feels to be able to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Last week, my friend Carlos and I brought a video camera to Beyond Shelter. Just the two of us. There are 175 children with families here, most of whom have been homeless at some point.

Today, they play in a concrete courtyard. Because of the neighborhood they live in, they have nowhere else to play. I met a woman who has ten children living in a three-bedroom apartment. The Beyond Shelter rec room only allows ten kids at a time. I wish you could all go there with me and see.

I’d like to share with you a glimpse of these beautiful children through my eyes.

Please watch this video, Text “CHILD” to “90999″ up to 5 times, share this with as many people as you can — and ask them, from your heart, to join you in bringing more light and laughter to these beautiful faces.

It’s just you and me making this happen. There is so much we can do together to help. A playground is just the beginning. We can change the world — you and I.

I’m asking from my heart, and I cannot do it without your help. Please, you guys. Thank you for watching, texting and passing it on.

Peace & love,

Nicole

It it’s first week, the Text-to-Donate program raised an average of $1,400 every day from individual $5 donations by texting “CHILD” to “90999″. Additionally, the RMF is asking folks to not just donate once but to take the Ask5 Pledge and ask five friends to text “CHILD” to “90999″. I have already texted my donation because I absolutely believe in what the Richie Madden Foundation is trying to accomplish. These kids have nothing, let’s help them get a playground to help brighten their lives just a little. It doesn’t take much from each of us individually to help a group of needy kids gain so much. I think this campaign is very worthwhile and I urge each of you to help out if you can.

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Lance Bass has confessed to People magazine that he has taken to wearing high heeled shoes to prepare his feet for the pain that will come from his participation in the new season of Dancing with the Stars. As if that confession wasn’t a bit embarrassing enough, homie was snapped wearing butterfly wings at a cocktail event hosted by the Lollipop Theater Guild Network (which is an organization that brings current movies to hospitalized children) in Beverly Hills, CA Tuesday night:

It’s a far cry from his sneaker wearing, hip-hop dancing days with ‘N Sync. “I’m wearing heels!” Dancing with the Stars contestant Lance Bass told PEOPLE Tuesday at the Lollipop Theatre Networks cocktail party. “It’s not that fun. My feet are swollen sausages every day!” And the pain doesn’t end there: At 29, Bass is also feeling his age after four weeks of countless hours spent preparing for Monday night’s highly anticipated Dancing with the Stars season 7 premiere (8 p.m. ET on ABC). “It doesn’t feel the same at all,” Bass said, who is partnered with a new ballroom pro, So You Think You Can Dance alum Lacey Schwimmer. “The first thing you notice is your knees, then your lower back goes out, your arms start hurting–and the feet!” While Bass is already considered an early favorite, he’s got his eyes focused on his competition. “Maurice Green and even Warren Sapp and Misty May– those athletes can do anything,” he said. But so can he, according to former ‘N Sync member and Dancing alum Joey Fatone. “He said I got it,” recalled Bass. “I was used to the hard work with ‘N Sync.” And despite being “excited, scared, and nervous,” he’s ready for Monday night’s two-dance premiere: “I have the cha cha and my quick step ready to go!”

You know, it takes a brave man to publicly admit that he not only wears high heeled shoes but also has no problem donning butterfly wings for a worthy, charitable cause. OK, so mebbe Lance‘s desire to wear butterfly wings isn’t wholly a charitable endeavor (mebbe, he just likes them) but his support of the Lollipop Guild Network whatever is a good thing and that’s all that matters. Kudos to Lance for continuing to support these sorts of charitable organizations. It’s the least he can do for his part in unleashing the boy band craze upon our unsuspecting heads back in the late 90′s ;)

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Saturday night saw the 3rd Annual Hot In Hollywood event take place in, you guessed it, Hollywood, CA. Hot In Hollywood is a celebration benefiting charities dedicated to the education, prevention, testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Here are a few pics of some of the celebs who came out in support of this year’s event and some deets on what went down Saturday night:

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi didn’t make it to Saturday’s Hot in Hollywood charity event in Los Angeles; they were busy getting married. But there were plenty of other stars singing and dancing to a ’60s-themed evening of song benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation … Host America Ferrera started off the show with a version of the James Bond theme song Diamonds Are Forever and was later joined by co-star Ana Ortiz on Goldfinger. Ferrera’s TV nephew, Mark Indelicato, threw on a fringed jacket to channel a young Michael Jackson on I Want You Back … How I Met Your Mother‘s Neil Patrick Harris, via prompts from the audience, turned Puff the Magic Dragon into the X-rated Ruby the Magic Unicorn … Candis Cayne of Dirty Sexy Money wowed the crowd with a Vegas-ready performance of Thirteen Men, first sung by Ann-Margret. The transsexual actress said she’s still surprised by fans who want her autograph … With nuptial news in the air, talk turned to Grey’s Anatomy‘s T.R. Knight and his steady of eight months, Mark Cornelson. When asked if they were planning a ceremony, Knight simply smiled and said, “I’m very happy that you can ask that question. Very, very happy. And I hope it gets asked a lot.”

Awww … this sounds like it was such a great event. Hot In Hollywood keeps getting bigger and better with each passing year and I am thrilled that so many folks in Hollywood are happily embracing an event like this that is absolutely committed to raising money for HIV/AIDS education, prevention, treatment and research. Kudos to all the stars who make it a priority in their lives to give of their time and money to such important causes.

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]

Lance Bass hosted a kickoff event for the 4th Annual GLSEN Respect Awards which was held at Blu in Beverly Hills, CA this past Friday and he called on a bunch of his friends, including new boyfriend Sebastian Leal, to come out in support. Here are a few pics from the event:

First off, much props and love goes out to Lance for his continued involvement with the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. They provide such an important service for schools across the country. I worked with them extensively when I was a teacher back in Michigan and they were integral in helping us get our Gay, Straight Alliance club off the ground in a very conservative community. Props also go out to Lance‘s friends for coming out in support of this event. I love that Lance brought along Sebastian to attend the soiree as well … things must be pretty serious if he’s bringing the guy along as his date to public events (tho, I could do without the macho posturing in the first pic of the LaBastian). I absolutely and fully support Lance in all of his GLSEN endeavors and it is my pleasure to help spread the word.

[Photo credit: Wireimage]

Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey played host at an event here in LA last night for Generation Rescue, a non-profit organization that was formed by parents of children who have been diagnosed with childhood neurological disorders (Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, ADD, PDD-NOS and other learning disabilities). Jenny became involved with the organization after she discovered that her son Evan suffers from autism. Some of Jenny Mac‘s friends — including Britney Spears, the newly single Sarah Silverman and Rose McGowan — came out to lend their support for the organization. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals:

First off, what a great organization to lend your support to. So much is not known about these sorts of neurological disorders … I think it’s amazing that like-minded mothers got together to take an active step in creating awareness. I believe this is the first “non-party” event that Britney Spears has attended in many months. As you may recall, she agreed to let her ex-husband Kevin Federline have permanent physical custody of her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James earlier this week … and here she is, lending her support to charity (and lookin’ pretty hawt, I might add). I’m going to assume she had no ulterior motives for coming out to this event. In fact, I really do believe that all the celebs who came out last night did so for the right reasons. Kudos to Jenny and Jim for using their high profile celebrity to aid this cause. Color me impressed.

[Photo credit: Wireimage]