LONDON (AP) – England captain and Real Madrid star David Beckham has filmed a 30-second public service announcement for UNICEF to help raise funds for tsunami victims.

Beckham, who was appointed Wednesday as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, filmed the message in Copenhagen, Denmark, during a visit to UNICEF’s supply division, which is key to the organization’s emergency response division.

His recording will be sent to UNICEF centers, which will negotiate with national broadcasters about when the appeal will be aired.

“I, like any other person, was deeply moved by the effects of the tsunami disaster,” Beckham said in a statement. “So many people have lost loved ones and particularly children have suffered greatly with over a million who are vulnerable and at risk of disease.

“People have been so generous to date and it is important that they continue to donate money to organizations such as UNICEF to help in aid relief and reconstruction.”

UNICEF said Beckham’s message would be a valuable fund-raising tool as the organization seeks to raise $143 million to help the 1.5 million children affected by the disaster in southern Asia and parts of Africa.

“The global TV appeal he has recorded will be enormously useful to help UNICEF meet the immediate survival needs of children affected by the tsunami in the short term and in the weeks and months ahead as they rebuild their lives,” said executive director Carol Bellamy.

Meanwhile, Paul McCartney and his wife, Heather, announced a $1.9 million donation to the International Rescue Committee U.K. – an aid group that works with the New York-based IRC network – to help victims of the tsunami.

The charity was “overwhelmed by this generous gesture,” according to a statement from McCartney’s press office.

Bush girls get gowns

NEW YORK (AP) – It’s their dad’s day, but look for President Bush’s twin daughters to make a statement of their own at the Jan. 20 inaugural ball in sexy, stylish Badgley Mischka gowns.

Jenna Bush plans to wear an emerald silk crepe column gown with metallic green banding and jeweled insets at the hip. “It looks gorgeous on her,” said Mark Badgley, who, with partner, James Mischka, designed the dress.

“Jenna’s dress is sophisticated, sleek and sexy on her. She was into various shades of green, and this particular one looks good with her skin and hair,” Badgley told The Associated Press Tuesday.

Barbara’s dress is a little more dramatic and romantic. Badgley described it as a pale aquamarine silk chiffon gown with a plunging neckline, a ruffle seam skirt and jeweled straps.

“I get the feeling they are interested in fashion. They are always dressed beautifully,” Badgley said, noting that they are among the few 23-year-olds who need several gowns in their closets. “They have places to go,” he added with a laugh.

The twins contacted Badgley Mischka several weeks ago and the final gown choices were made just before Christmas. The design team worked directly with Jenna and Barbara, combing through the company’s archives and drafting new sketches together. “We sort of saw what colors and details they responded to,” Badgley said.

Hollywood stars regularly wear Badgley Mischka on the red carpet, but being asked to participate in the inaugural ball was still a thrill for Badgley.

“We were honored enough to get a phone call from the White House,” he said. “It was like, “Oh my God, it’s the White House on the phone!”‘

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