Megan Sorel

While she may play tough as nails detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, this Hollywood actress is showing off her big heart, by using her spare time to give back to women in need. Hargitay and her Joyful Heart Foundation joined forces with philosophy to build “healing kits” for women in shelters throughout the LA area to draw attention to the massive budget cuts to the state’s domestic violence services. Along with her handsome hubby Peter Hermann, celeb pals Debra Messing, Sharon Lawrence and Shohreh Aghdashloo and other volunteers, the group filled the kits with philosophy’s charity shower gel, a cozy shirt from Michael Stars and other goodies. “These kits say to a survivor: you’re not alone,” Hargitay told PEOPLE. “ I want to inspire these women with a sense of joy and possibility.” Hargitay partnered with philosophy to create a shower gel and body lotion which 100% of proceeds go to her Joyful Heart Foundation. “These products are so beautiful,” gushed a proud Hargitay. “The make women feel so good, it’s about watering your soul and heart and feeling good.” Support the cause by purchasing your own Joyful Heart shower gel, $20, from philosophy.com.– Jen Garcia

Jason Kempin/WireImage

Courteney Cox and David Arquette have headed back to the design studio just in time for the holidays. The husband-and-wife design team have been working with Satya Jewelry since 2007 on a collection of butterfly-inspired jewels to benefit the EB Medical Research Foundation, a cause close to the Arquettes’ hearts. “There is a beautiful child named Brendon, the son of one of our dear friends, Andrea Pett Joseph, who was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa or EB [a rare skin disease],” David tells Vogue.com. “We were not aware of the condition until it affected us personally but, of course, once we got to know this incredible child we wanted to do whatever we could to help.” Since the launch of their EB jewelry collection, the Arquettes and Satya Jewelry have raised over $200,000 to benefit EBMRF. For this upcoming holiday season, David and Courteney have added three new pieces to their collection, including a new butterfly pendant, a new “hope” pendant and an onyx, blue topaz and turquoise bracelet with a sterling silver charm. The collection ranges from $38-$68, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the EBMRF. Click here to shop Courteney and David’s EB collection for Satya Jewelry.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images; Bryan Bedder/Getty

First Marc Jacobs, went Gaga, and now M.A.C is joining the fan club. The makeup brand has named the ultimate fashion muse, Lady Gaga, and the ultimate party gal, Cyndi Lauper, as the newest faces of the M.A.C AIDS Fund for the “From Our Lips” campaign, reports WWD. Two new lipsticks inspired by the colorful artists will be unveiled on March 18, 2010 — one called “Gaga” and the other “Cyndi.” Each tube will cost $14, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the M.A.C AIDS Fund, which has invested more than $150 million to organizations in more than 67 countries since it was founded in 1994. Tell us: Will you buy Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper’s M.A.C lipstick?-Kristin Larson

Matt Crossick/EMPICS Entertainment/Abaca

Jimmy Choo Founder and President Tamara Mellon stepped out in London last night to host the global launch party of the brand’s ‘Project PEP’. The limited edition collection with its rock ‘n’ roll, punk-inspired print will raise funds for the Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town, a project started by Mellon and the Elton John Aids Foundation in 2005.  “When you buy one of these products here tonight, it will release the PEP medication straight to the women in Africa,” Mellon told PEOPLE as she greeted guests such as Guy Ritchie and bikini designer, Melissa Odabash, who was modeling the sky high gladiator ‘PEP Loop’ heels. Jimmy Choo will donate 25% of the net sales from this capsule collection to fund the pioneering centre where rape victims exposed to HIV are given anti-retroviral drugs to stop the virus developing. “I went to South Africa earlier this year, and I’m planning another trip in 2010,” said Mellon, adding “It was emotional but it was also an uplifting experience to see that this really does make a difference, it takes the shame away from these women.” So how does the multi-tasking Mellon, who has a H&M collaboration launching next month and a perfume in the works, juggle all of this with charity work and bringing up her 7-year-old daughter Araminta: “I don’t know!” she laughs, “I do enjoy several coffees in the morning, that tends to keep me going.” The collection is available worldwide from 4th November or buy online at jimmychoo.com.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

When co-founder and Global Ambassador Alicia Keys wanted to raise money for her charity Keep-A-Child Alive, a charity that is dedicated to providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and support services to families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India, she called upon her famous friends, of course. Stars like Halle Berry, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Queen Latifah, Iman and Padma Lakshmi joined the singer for a night of glitz and glam in New York City where Halle proved to be the night’s heaviest bidder, taking home a one-of-kind, 18k gold, blue kyanite and ruby necklace for $40,000 — all of which benefited Keep-A-Child-Alive. The necklace, which was co-designed by Alicia for jewelry line The Barber’s Daughters, is inscribed with an inspirational quote from the singer that says “Always shine/ light on the/world./Alicia Keys”. And while Alicia proudly wore the necklace during the event, Halle took it home. You can find similar (and less expensive) versions of the necklace at thebarbersdaughters.com.

Landov

What’s better than one hot store opening in a new location in West Hollywood? Two hot stores opening at once, of course! When Diavolina and Madison launched with a single party benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation Thursday night hosted by Current/Eliott designers Meritt Elliot and Emily Current, Lucy Hale, Tichina Arnold, and Mandy Moore came out to celebrate. Moore, who works with Current and Elliot (they are also stylists) regularly, had something else her mind: her husband of seven months, Ryan Adams. “I’m learning every day,” she said of being married. “I’m lucky because I get to spend every day with my best friend and he’s a great influence.” And their pals second the emotion, with Elliot saying of the couple, “Being around both of them is a joy. They’re super fun.” Mandy also praises Emily and Merritt in turn, enthusing, “I’m always happy to support them, I couldn’t be more excited for their success. You know when hope for people and they deserve it and then it happens to the good people — there is justice in the world. I adore them and I am always happy to come out. Anything to show my love.” The other stars were focused on love of a different kind — retail love! “I’ve never been to Diavolina before but, of course, I’ve been to Madison,” said Hale. “I saw a really cute studded bag in there so I’m going to check that out.” Arnold was thinking bigger. “There are a red pair of Yves Saint Laurent shoes over there. I must have those. It’s perfect for the holidays.”

Flynet

The Oscar-winning star might be a high-fashion muse to the house of Dior, but for her next stylish collaboration, Charlize Theron is taking a more casual approach. The actress has teamed up with Give and Take Tees to create exclusive apparel to benefit the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, a foundation that helps provide funding for a mobile health and computer clinic to visit high schools in South Africa’s rural communities, which are among the poorest and most severely affected by HIV and AIDS. “Give and Take is a socially responsible company and I’m thrilled to have their support,” Theron says in a statement. “The kids that are being helped through my African Outreach Project are so incredible and vibrant. These T-shirts capture the spirit of South Africa and give everyone a way to help.” Charlize has already been spotted rocking of the brightly colored, vintage-inspired T-shirts herself. T-shirts start at $42 with fifty percent of the proceeds directly benefiting the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. Buy yours exclusively at giveandtaketees.com.

Charley Gallay/Getty

Felicity Huffman takes cancer — and beauty — seriously. The actress has joined Philosophy and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to raise awareness for the fight against women’s cancers. The Desperate Housewives’s star will appear in a public service announcement that encourages people to submit an original line of poetry to Philosophy’s “Unforgettable” poem — featured on the brand’s Shower for the Cure bath gel — and make a donation to the EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. Other celebs who have signed on to support the campaign and submitted their own lines of poetry include Rita Wilson, Lisa Kudrow, Lori Laughlin, Angie Harmon and James Caan. All entries will be considered for a special edition of the Shower for the Cure bath gel bottle available for sale in October 2010. To enter, visit showerforacure.com.— Jen Garcia

Jen Lowery/Startraks

Doing good sure did look appealing this weekend at the Neutrogena Fresh Faces of Music event to benefit VH1’s Save the Music Foundation. Two of Neutrogena’s superstar spokespeople, Hayden Panettiere and Vanessa Hudgens, turned out to show their support for keeping music in schools. And the duo did a lot more than just show off their flawless skin — they lent a hand by presenting a $30,000 check to a South Los Angeles middle school to jump-start their music program. “It’s such an important thing, music and creativity,” Hayden tells PEOPLE. “I’ve heard vineyards will play Mozart while the grapes are growing and it really does make a massive, massive difference.” But no beauty-supported event is complete without a little shop talk, and Hudgens was quick to share her favorite beauty must-have. “Things are always on the go for me so I love The Wave,” Vanessa tells PEOPLE of Neutrogena’s deep-cleansing power gadget. “I just throw it in my purse and go on my merry way.” Tell us: What’s your go-to budget beauty tool? — reporting by Nina Tyler

Amanda Schwab/Startraks

There’s nothing like shopping and Champagne, and this weekend celebrity fashionistas indulged in both for a good cause. At a DSW Step Up and Step Out brunch hosted by Vanessa Minnillo, who served as the program’s honorary chair, guests were treated to a Champagne brunch at the W New York before getting the opportunity to shop in a private lounge featuring the best of DSW with shoes by Sergio Rossi, Manolo Blahnik, Valentino, Stella McCartney, and the more wallet-friendly Chinese Laundry, among others — all in support of the Step Up Woman’s Network’s charitable programming for women and girls.  “It’s a perfect combination of philanthropy and designer shoe shopping – two things that I love close to my heart!” said Minnillo.  “I think it just hit so close to home for me because I didn’t have my real mother growing up. My dad was always there, but there’s something about a woman’s touch, so to speak, so I’ve literally drawn from so many women in my life.”  And Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford had her own women of inspiration — including her younger costar.  “I’m inspired by so many people — from Barbara Walters to Blake Lively,” said Rutherford.  “I think [Blake] makes really good choices and that’s inspiring.”  And for her own shoe choice of the day, the actress teetered in stiletto peep-toe pumps from Jessica Simpson’s line. “I’m an ad for a cab because these are the highest shoes I’ve ever worn!” she joked.  “This is why Jessica looks so hot, I’ve figured it out.” -– Shruti Dhalwala

Harper’s Bazaar, inset: Karwai Tang/Landov

The fashion world is about to be dazzled by a new Versace It-bag — but this time it’s all in the name of a good cause. In the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Donatella Versace shares her newest charity venture: a bag created by children, to benefit children. “When you are successful in your life,” she explains of the impetus behind the new project, “you want to give back.” And when you’re Donatella, you do it with style. This past summer, the designer teamed up with the Art Unites program at the Whitney Museum of American Art in N.Y.C., where she met with dozens of youngsters who created pictures with a friendship theme on squares of canvas. Each of the resulting works of art (along with other submissions around the world) will be made into one-of-a-kind Versace totes and sold for $250 each, with proceeds benefitting Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Jet Li One Foundation. And of the over-1000 canvases that were submitted, two budding artists will have their works featured on the Versace runway this month! Click through for a sneak preview of the October cover, starring Janet Jackson, and enter to win $5,000 in Harper’s Bazaar’s Fabulous at Every Age contest by clicking here.

CLICK THROUGH TO SEE THE OCTOBER COVER!

Courtesy Harper’s Bazaar

Courtesy EIFoundation

Christina Applegate is getting some help from her famous friends to raise awareness about breast cancer and Lee National Denim Day, one of the largest single day fundraisers for breast cancer in the country. Stars like Fergie, the cast of ABC’s Desperate Housewives, Ashley Tisdale and more have joined forces with the breast cancer survivor to autograph one-of-a-kind “I Love…” T-shirts to be auctioned off to benefit Christina’s foundation Right Action for Women. “I’m overwhelmed by so many familiar faces who have designed a T-shirt to help Right Action for Women, which is all about getting high-risk women screened appropriately for breast cancer.” Christina says in a statement. The actress is also serving as this year’s Lee National Denim Day ambassador, which benefits the Women’s Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). The campaign encourages people to wear their jeans on Friday, October 2, in exchange for a $5 donation to support crucial breast cancer research. In anticipation of Denim Day, you can bid on the star-signed T-shirts from now until October 2 only at charityfolks.com to benefit Right Action for Women, or purchase Christina’s “I Love Life” T-shirt, $20, at denimday.com.

Courtesy Roger Vivier, inset: Roger Wong/INF

What better way to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz than with a high-fashion reinterpretation of Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers? Some of the world’s hottest shoe designers — including Christian Louboutin, Roger Vivier, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Stuart Weitzman — have taken on the style challenge, and it’s all for a good cause. Singer Ashanti has also joined in the celebration, parlaying her experience playing Dorothy in the Broadway production of The Wiz into a new role as official spokesperson for the film’s birthday. “[Dorothy] definitely needs some stones and diamonds and maybe some Swarovski crystals going up and down the heels,” she tells PEOPLE. And while Ashanti might be somewhat of a modern-day Dorothy herself, she admits that she doesn’t own a pair of ruby slippers–yet. “Giuseppe [Zanotti] made me a custom pair when I did The Wiz, but they were green for the Emerald City,” she explains. “But, I think every woman should own a pair [of shoes] that makes them feel confident and fearless.” And if dazzling red shoes are your idea of fierce, you can bid on any of the 20 designers’ creations — including our favorite Roger Vivier pair (above) — until September 29. All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Visit charityfolks.com to view all the designs and place your bid. Tell us: Which pair of ruby slippers is your favorite?

Amanda Schwab/Startraks

Last month we brought you word of Gucci’s limited-edition Twirl watch for Mary J. Blige’s charity Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now. And today the R&B star and the luxury brand made sure all of New York City knew about their mutual admiration by lighting up one of Manhattan’s most famous icons: the Empire State Building. Standing alongside Gucci America’s President, Daniella Vitale, Blige ceremoniously flipped the switch to flood the landmark in white, yellow, and purple light. “I’m so proud of the colors that we’ve chosen,” Blige told reporters, “because they represent the colors of a mythical bird called the phoenix, which never, ever dies — it just keeps regenerating itself out of beautiful things.” This is exactly the spirit that Blige hopes to inspire in women through FFAWN. But why pick Gucci for this memorable partnership? “Gucci is the woman’s store,” a Gucci-clad Blige told PEOPLE. “You can dress it up, dress it down, it’s perfect.” And today, September 16 only, shoppers can shop for a cause at Gucci’s 5th Avenue New York City Flagship store, with a percentage of their purchase going towards FFAWN. If you’re not in the Big Apple and happen have a spare $1895 lying around, you can get the limited-edition watch online and at Gucci stores starting tomorrow.– Shruti Dhalwala

Courtesy Gucci, inset: Jemal Countess/WireImage

She’s been blessed with one of R&B’s most successful careers — but Mary J. Blige has always been all about giving back. And she’s partnering with Gucci for a philanthropic venture that’s as appropriately stylish as it is charitable. Launching September 16 exclusively at Gucci’s 5th Avenue flagship store will be a black, limited-edition update on the label’s iconic Twirl watch, designed by the label’s creative director, Frida Giannini. A portion of sales of the timepiece, which is engraved with the charity’s acronym, will benefit Blige’s charity Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. In addition, Gucci plans to donate a percentage of sales at the 5th Avenue store on Sept 16th to the charity. “I am so grateful to Frida and Gucci for their extraordinary kindness,” Blige says. “By opening their doors to support FFAWN, they will make a real difference in the lives of many young women seeking hope and help,” she continues. “Gucci sets a great example in the luxury world in recognizing its responsibility to give back.” Even if you don’t live in the Big Apple, you can still get one of the watches for yourself — if you have a spare $1895, that is — at other select Gucci and department stores around the country starting September 17th.

K.C. Bailey

With her reality show and new fragrance on the way, Jessica Simpson is gearing up for a fabulous fall — and she’s already celebrating with Macy’s! For the past two weeks, the store’s Herald Square flagship has dedicated their windows to Jessica Simpson Collection’s fall line, and Jessica tells PEOPLE exclusively that it’s “a total thrill for me. I feel privileged just to be in business with such an iconic store.” She continues, “And it is an honor to know that Macy’s respects and believes in my brand so much that they chose to feature the Fall collection in the windows at one of their flagship stores! WOW…I feel blessed.”

But that’s not the only way that Jessica teaming up with Macy’s this fall — she’s also a part of their Come Together campaign, which is working with Feeding America to help families in need. And while Jessica may be goofing around in the star-filled commercial for the campaign — “I get to throw a baguette at Tommy Hilfiger, which is fun,” she jokes — she is deeply committed to the cause. “Hopefully this commercial will help raise money for Feeding America. It’s such an incredible charity. It’s amazing the numbers of how many people are hungry in America,” Jessica says. And Simpson is also helping the cause by throwing her own Coming Together dinner party to raise money. “I’ll definitely throw a dinner party. It might not be as tidy as a Martha Stewart dinner party, but I will cook up some good food – Southern style!” Jessica even has a guest-of-honor in mind. “The one person I would love to have at my dinner party is Dolly Parton. She’s always good with the laughter and the one liners.” Can we come too? Go behind the scenes with Jessica, Mariah Carey, Usher, Queen Latifah and more at youtube.com/macys and read more about the Coming Together campaign here. –additional reporting by K.C. Baker

CLICK THROUGH TO SEE JESSICA’S MACY’S WINDOWS!

Theo Wargo/WireImage(2)

Theo Wargo/WireImage(2)

K.C. Bailey/Courtesy of Macy’s

Who doesn’t love coming together at the dinner table with friends and family? Macy’s is working to help ensure the less fortunate have enough to eat this fall with their “Come Together” campaign, partnering with Feeding America to inspire charitable dinner parties around the nation. Come Together will invite the public to host special dinners in their homes and ask their guests to pledge a donation to Feeding America in lieu of the traditional hostess gift — and Macy’s will match those donations dollar-for-dollar until 10 million meals are served! And who better to show us how to throw a successful dinner party than Macy’s own star designers like Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, Emeril Lagasse, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger and more? We’ve got an exclusive look at the new commercial directed by the legendary Barry Sonnenfeld, which features the stars sharing an uncoventional meal of their own at Macy’s. Learn how you can host, give and shop to support the cause at macys.com/cometogether, and stay tuned for this space for more on how the stars are getting involved and giving back.

K.C. Bailey/Courtesy of Macy’s

Axelle Woussen/Bauer-Griffin

You might not be a rock star, but Miley Cyrus is about to give you the chance to tour like one — at least for a day — and raid her closet while you’re at it. The teen star is partnering up with eBay in an online auction that gives one fan and three of her friends the chance to hit the road with the teen star, and be her “roadie for a day,” going behind-the-scenes at one of her upcoming concerts and hanging out backstage. Miley is also cleaning out her closet and auctioning off some of her favorite outfits — including this Theory dress that she wore to the Bolt premiere last November. All proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Pappy Cyrus Family Foundation, the Cyrus family’s personal charity that was founded last year in honor of her granddad to help kids in need. Bidding starts tomorrow Thursday August 6th and ends August 13th at 7 PM PT. Click here to learn more and get bidding!

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Who says that stars don’t love a bargain? Celebrities and bargain-hunters alike enjoyed frenetic, elbows-out shopping at the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s 12th annual Super Saturday, which took place at Nova’s Ark Project in Water Mill. Power shopper Barbara Walters was one of the first to peruse merchandise as the gates opened at noon. By 3:20 pm, a booth stocked with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row was “sold out,” according to an announcer on a loudspeaker. “I took the last three shirts,” mentioned Kelly Ripa. She had on a flowing patterned dress by Etro that she said she had fallen in love with when Nicole Richie was on her show in a similar design. “I’m proud of [The Row],” said Ripa. “They have a vision. I got whatever was left over in my size.” Hosted by Blake Lively and Ripa, rows of booths covered by colorful straw umbrellas offered up high fashion — Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch — at rock bottom prices to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Nearby, Gayle King assessed the deals. “The shopping is good,” she told PEOPLE. “I don’t need one thing, but I’m a girl who loves a bargain, so I wore comfortable shoes. You’re shopping for a good cause, but it’s the thrill of the hunt. I just got a Carolina Herrera dress that was $1790 for $350. I have no idea where I’m going to wear it, but it doesn’t matter!” With beau Jason Hoppy and dog Cookie at her side, Bethenny Frankel of The Real Housewives of New York City was looking to cover up at the beach. “I bought a Michael Kors bathing suit called a “swimming dress,” she mentioned. Find out more about the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund by clicking here. –Jeffrey Slonim

Soul Brother/FilmMagic

Move over, O magazine and Martha Stewart Living. GOOP, Gwyneth Paltrow’s weekly newsletter packed with clean and green advice on loving, living and cooking is a “big success,” according to Paltrow.  “It’s crazy.  . . . crazy!” Paltrow chatted exclusively with PEOPLE about the site at the Children of the City‘s Champions of Hope Benefit Gala at the Tribeca Rooftop last night in N.Y.C.  “I just love it. Corporate America is knocking at my door. . . . ‘Will you hawk my product’?” The answer is clearly no for the star’s very personal project, which even derives its name from her initials G.P. “It started in such an organic way.  People ask me, ‘What is it?  What are you doing?’ And I don’t know.  I did it, am doing it  . . . and I love doing it. It is really just a place to disseminate good information,” said the Preen-clad Paltrow. “People are so grateful that it’s free.  It’s just nice to share what you have.  And I have all this great information. It’s just a gift.  People want me to do all this other stuff. But right now, I just really love doing the site.  I love thinking about the letters, what I’m going to write about, what kind of information we can put in there.”

So will Paltrow follow in Paul Newman’s footsteps with his Newman’s Own empire, which raised $250 million dollars in his lifetime for charity? “We’ll do something and give it all back,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively.  But for now, the site, which she creates along with two hands-on staffers, has only two cardinal rules. “No bribes.  Also, I won’t say anything negative.  If I eat somewhere or stay somewhere and it’s horrible, I won’t talk about it,” she said. While she has addressed everything from cleansing to frenemies on the site, she’s not about to take on rumors about her personal life on GOOP. “I never address that side of me there,” she insisted. “It is really a place to disseminate good information.” And it’s not the only way that Paltrow is doing good — she is also a board member of Robin Hood, an organization in part founded by the late John F. Kennedy Jr., which raises money from successful New Yorkers and donates to causes such as Children of the City, the beneficiary of last night’s gala .  “They’re really changing lives for kids in New York City at the poverty level or below. They do amazing work. I’m from New York, so any time I get approached to help in a great organization, I can never say no.” Click here to check out GOOP.com for yourself! – Jeffrey Slonim