Close your eyes and imagine a cross between Celebrity Fame Academy and Strictly Come Dancing. Failing that, conjure up the Dance of the Hours sequence in Fantasia – you know, the one with the dancing hippos, because that’s what this year’s fundraising shows are more likely to look like. The idea is that 18 celebrity acts (both groups and individuals) compete to re-create a different iconic dance routine each week. For the next month they’ll be twirling their way through movie classics such as Saturday Night Fever and pop classics …

There’s really only been one story in the news this week.
However, there’s more than enough bad news going round, so let’s look at something good instead. Parachuting Archbishops.

Not a phrase you’re likely to ever hear again, it must be said, but – as was well documented – The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, completed his parachute jump with the Red Devils (how did he cope with that analogy?) at the end of last week.
His target – raising at least £50,000 through sponsorship for the Afghanistan Trust that supports injured …

This week is Volunteers Week.
Volunteering is massively important, both to society and to individuals. Society as a whole benefits from it because those in need can be helped without government and taxes getting involved. Individuals – both those who receive and give – benefit from the contact and experiences.
Just think what we could accomplish if everyone gave up just a few hours of their time every now and then. We could leave this world a far better place. Don’t think that money is the answer. It’s not. Most charities don’t …

Idiocy of the day:
Outspoken Labour MP Frank Field has suggested that a 10% tax increase should be introduced on those earning more than £150,000 a year – a move that could earn the Treasury £3.6bn a year.But the charges could be completely offset by charitable giving, he said. Acceptable behaviour contracts should also be imposed on the wealthy to foster a more giving culture…Field argued that his proposals would encourage the super-rich to “embrace the responsibilities of wealth”.He said historical attitudes towards charitable giving, exemplified by Edwardian philanthropists… who provided …

Well, it’s a unique way to raise money for charity…
A Chilean prostitute has become an instant celebrity in the Roman Catholic country after auctioning 27 hours of sex to raise money for a disabled children’s charity.Maria Carolina has made headlines and appeared on talk shows since she announced her donation to the televised Teleton, Chile’s largest fundraising event that will run for 27 hours this weekend…Miss Carolina, who charges $300 for a 90-minute session, estimated that she would raise more than $4000. (The Telegraph)
It’s not exactly Children In Need is …

Let’s all have a barbecue!
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has become the patron of South Africa’s Barbecue (Braai) Day, saying the pastime is a unifying force in a divided country.The Nobel Peace Prize laureate celebrated his appointment by donning an apron and tucking into a sausage outside his office. (BBC)
Well, why not? Barbecues are great social occasions!

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Recently, whenever there is a high profile “worthy cause” that wants or needs money, the first thing they think of and want to do is to hold a concert. This is making use of the inclinations of music stars willingness, desire, and need to be seen as helping out charitable organisations and events.Finally, for once, there is a concert for a cause that is actually worthwhile, and should serve to do more than just make music stars look good in the media. A concert is to be held …