Celebrity Stars Shine For Charity Auction

MEDIA RELEASE
7 December 2005

Celebrity Stars Shine For Charity Auction

A constellation of Kiwi stars including Trelise Cooper, Keisha Castle-Hughes, P Money, Nathan King, Jon Bridges, the Bro’Town boys and clothing label Huffer have given their time and talent to take part in an initiative entitled ‘Mercury Stars for Youthline’ – a charity auction organised by Mercury Energy to help raise funds for New Zealand’s leading youth charity, Youthline.

Mercury Energy is a long time supporter of the annual Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park event, where they light the giant 25 metre Christmas tree each year. This year Mercury Energy has enlisted the seven celebrities to produce a collection of beautiful giant Christmas Stars which will feature at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park this Saturday 10 December.

The online ‘Mercury Stars for Youthline’ auction launched today and will close at midday on Friday 16 December. To access the auction pages interested bidders should visit the Mercury Energy website - www.mercury.co.nz/stars. All profits raised will go straight to Youthline to help them provide development opportunities and confidential support for young New Zealanders.

Mark Carter, Mercury Energy’s General Manager Consumer Markets, says “it’s great to be able to help raise funds for Youthline in a fun and creative way that really reflects the youth of New Zealand.”

Stephen Bell, Youthline’s CEO, says the charity is over the moon with the project. “We’re really grateful for the time and effort that has been put into creating the stars. They look great and we look forward to a bidding frenzy commencing soon!”

Each celebrity designer has based their star on their vision for this Christmas, and the youth they are supporting. Huffer label designer Steven Dunstan has dressed his star in the world’s smallest Huffer T-shirt- suitable to fit a baby in the future. Dunstan hopes the t-shirt’s final recipient “looks as radiant in it as its current stellar occupant”.

The Christmas Stars measure 30cm in diameter and are sure to make a great addition to any festive home. Details of each of the designers and their works of festive art follows:

Trelise Cooper
With another successful New Zealand Fashion Week under her belt, designer Trelise Cooper has turned her hand to designing a star for Youthline. Covered in glittering diamante sequins, this star will certainly shine the brightest on any Christmas tree.

Huffer
The Huffer star has been fitted with a one-of-a-kind mini Huffer tee. As the smallest Huffer t-shirt ever made, this star is a fabulous collector’s item. Once Christmas is over, the gorgeous T-shirt can fit a young baby. The Huffer design has been made out of UV reactive ink- it amazingly changes colour when subjected to sunlight.

Nathan King - ZED
Nathan King believes that Christmas is all about new beginnings, and has decorated his star to reflect his ‘new beginning’. Known for being the lead singer in the smash hit Kiwi band Zed, Nathan is releasing his first ever solo album in 2006. Having been inspired by this new beginning of his own, Nathan has adorned his star with shots from his upcoming album, along with signatures of all the band members.

Keisha Castle-Hughes
Keisha Castle-Hughes has gone for traditional inspiration this year- using the customary colours of red, green and gold associated with the festive season. With different textures, paint effects and the use of glitter, Keisha’s star will add to the celebratory feel of Christmas this year.

P-Money
P-Money, as New Zealand’s finest hip-hop producer, pays a tribute to fellow New Zealand Hip-Hop artists this Christmas with his “Go tell your boys” covered Star. The “Go tell your boys” image has recently seen T-shirts sell out due to hot demand.

Jon Bridges
Jon Bridges, has tried his hand at singing like a superstar and has now used his creative talents to create this Souper Star for Youthline. As the official ambassador for Youthline Jon appreciates the important work the charity does. Jon’s Andy Warhol inspired Souper Star is sure to provide nourishment this Christmas.

Bro’town Boys
The boys from Bro’town were let loose with a star in Morningside, and came back with a self styled effort ensuring there is no mistake over the designers. Their unique star is covered with images of Auckland’s most famous five - Vale, Valea, Sione, Mack and Jeff da Maori. This star shouts Bro’town from the Morningside Christmas roof tops and will have even Santa chuckling at the memory of some of the boys funniest escapades.

ENDS

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