Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Beyoncé announced today that she is joining her minister and friend Pastor Rudy Rasmus, the Global FoodBanking Network and Aidmatrix to launch an international virtual food drive initiative. Beyonce says, ‘Reaching out and touching lives is incredibly empowering, that’s why I want my fans to experience more than my music. I want them to experience the joy of making a difference by helping someone else.’

Pastor Rudy says: ‘This unique partnership gives everyone the opportunity to make a difference, regardless of location or resources. In Ethiopia, Turkey and India even a small contribution can help feed many people.’
Hunger is a problem that exists in all countries. Statistics show that it affects families where both parents are working but struggle to make ends meet; it affects seniors who find themselves with limited access to transportation and food; and it affects millions of children around the world who may not know where they will find their next meal. In countries like Ethiopia, Turkey and India, hunger is often the most significant cause of disease and death.

Beyonce asks her fans to help. ‘I want to encourage people to get involved in the fight against world hunger, in Pastor Rudy’s ongoing mission to help the least among us, and in the work of The Global FoodBanking Network. Any help - by donating even a small amount - can make an enormous difference.’

After attending a congregation held at the Trinity Cathedral here on Sunday, Beyonce told the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Patriarch, Abune-Paulos that she would pay a visit to Ethiopia, as she considers Ethiopia as her second home. She made the decision to visit Ethiopia again at the request of Abune-Paulos.

‘I feel like as a second home. I traveled many places before but I have never been to a place with a spirit like Ethiopia. I am very honored to have been in this beautiful place and I can’t wait to come back here again. I enjoyed myself…how wonderful Ethiopia is and I definitely can’t wait to come back,’ said Beyonce, who was attired with Ethiopian tradional dress while attending the congregation. An Amharic book that depicts the early history of Axum and that of Ethiopia since the last 2.000 years was presented to Beyonce on the occasion.

In an exclusive interview with ENA on Saturday, Beyonce said about the new Ethiopian millennium ‘The millennium is exciting it is very different. I don’t know I understand how we have two different millenniums. But I know now how it is in the year 2.000, it is very exciting. And I am happy to be a part of it. This is a beautiful country. This is an overwhelming day, it just makes me feel blessed that I am able to bless other people,’ she said.

Beyonce Knowles is going back to the prom. The singing superstar, who is the face of House Of Dereon, her mother Tina’s clothing line, will be modeling dresses fit for a teen. House Of Dereon has finally settled on releasing high-end contemporary dresses, with designs similar to Beyonce’s stage costumes from her performances as a solo singer and with Destiny’s Child.

Tina Knowles has been Beyonce’s stylist for her entire career. The designer told WWD, ‘I’ve lent designer dresses that the girls used to wear in Destiny’s Child to some of the girls in my youth center at my church. And I’ve also made dresses for some of them, so I’m so happy to have this line now, where many girls can buy my dresses.’ Tina continued, ‘I’ve always seen House of Deréon as a dress collection. But what happened was that we couldn’t find the right partner for dresses. Every time someone would come up with a line for us to look at, I would send it back. It just was never right.’

Beyonce is equally as proud of the new collection, which will retail between $120 and $300. She said, ‘I am so proud of these dresses and I enjoyed every moment I spent with my mother creating them. This collection, being incredibly elegant, sexy and wearable, embodies the spirit and style we’ve always embraced.’

The biggest splash in the music department is the Samsung limited edition B’Phone, a Beyonce-branded version of the UpStage music phone originally introduced earlier this year. It was unveiled yesterday at the Samsung store in New York’s Time Warner Building. The handset features gold-and-burgundy colors designed by Beyonce, a Beyonce-themed startup screen and the ability to download exclusive Beyonce photos, videos and a song she recorded as a child.

‘When I was 10, I recorded a song called ‘632-5792′ - a phone number. It’s a little embarrassing but it’s cute. There’s a recording of that song on the phone exclusively for my fans,’ Beyonce told journalists. ‘I wanted to make sure people got a feel for who I really am. It’s only through this phone that you can get this close to my life. ‘Beyonce is a global superstar,’ music mogul Steve Stoute, who brokered the deal via his Translation Company. ‘Her fans love music, they love pictures and they love talking. A phone is a natural extension for Beyonce. It’s about working products that her fans like to indulge in.’

In addition, the B’Phone showcases a dual-sided design, with an MP3 player on one side and a phone on the other. It also provides easy access to Sprint’s multimedia content, including Sprint TV and the Sprint Music Store.

Some pictures of Beyonce unveilling the Samsung “B Phone” at the Time Warner Center in New York City.

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Some pictures of Beyonce as she was seen leaving the Spotted Pig restaurant in New York City, after a romantic dinner with Jay-Z.

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