Big Stars Make Little Caps to Help Newborn Babies Survive

WESTPORT, Conn. (Oct. 15, 2008) – Hollywood's leading ladies are picking up their favorite knitting needles and crochet hooks to spread some warmth to newborns in developing nations.  Save the Children Artist Ambassador Gwyneth Paltrow, and actresses Rebecca Romijn, Debra Messing, Lisa Edelstein, Vera Farmiga, Mischa Barton and Patricia Arquette joined Save the Children and the Warm Up America Foundation's Knit One, Save One campaign to help improve newborn survival globally.   

The Knit One, Save One campaign is bringing U.S. knitters and crocheters of all ages together to draw attention in Washington, D.C. to the nearly 4 million newborn deaths that occur each year in developing countries.  Participants are asked to create one baby cap to keep a newborn warm during the first critical hours and days after birth, and to write a personal note to the President-elect asking him to lead the way in reducing newborn deaths globally.

Early next year, Save the Children will take the personal notes to the new President to Washington, D.C.  The caps will be distributed to mothers and newborns through Save the Children's programs in Africa and Asia.

Hollywood's biggest stars contributed little caps in all colors and wrote personal messages to the mom and baby on a tag attached to the cap.  Gwyneth Paltrow, Artist Ambassador for Save the Children, sent in a raspberry-colored baby cap gathered at the top and finished with charcoal trim. Paltrow's cap tag says: "As a mother of two little children who mean everything to me, I share your joy!!  All my love, Gwyneth." 

Interactive Web Game Lets Fans Match Caps to Favorite Stars

All of the leading ladies' baby caps and cap tag messages can be viewed at www.savethechildren.org/celebritycaps where an interactive web game lets fans match the caps to their favorite stars and read messages penned by each of the acctresses. 

To download a Knit One, Save One Action Kit, go to www.savethechildren.org/knitonesaveone or call 1-800-728-3843.

To view a special video message from Lisa Edelstein, visit Save the Children’s nonprofit channel on YouTube at www.savethechildren.org/youtube.

Hats Off to Hollywood Capmakers

Here is what Hollywood's leading ladies had to say about their involvement with Knit One, Save One and the messages they wrote on their cap tags:

"Ugly Betty" actress Rebecca Romijn crocheted a fuzzy vanilla-colored baby cap for the Knit One, Save One campaign.

Rebecca Romijn:

"I'm thrilled to be a part of this effort to help the world's babies survive," said Rebecca Romijn, star of ABC Television's "Ugly Betty" series. "I believe all moms should get to experience the joy of seeing their beautiful babies grow up and do great things in life."

Romijn made a hat in fuzzy vanilla-colored yarn accented with a tassel on top. On the tag attached to her cap, she wrote:  "I'm expecting the arrival of my own twin babies very soon.  Love from one new mom to another.  Rebecca Romijn."

Debra Messing:

"Being a mother, I know how vulnerable a child is during their first few hours and days of life.  So when I was told that something as simple as a knit cap can help save a baby's life by keeping him dry and warm, I was moved to act," said Debra Messing, star of the USA Network series "The Starter Wife."

Messing made a Sherpa-style cap in shades of pastel blue and yellow, with ear flaps to keep the baby's ears warm.  On the tag attached to her cap, she wrote:  "Welcome to the world sweet, little one!"

Lisa Edelstein:

"It's a simple and easy way to help, and sends a message of love and support to moms and babies around the world," said avid knitter Lisa Edelstein, star of Fox Television's "House" series. 

Edelstein made a "pumpkin" cap - orange with a green stem on top. On the tag attached to her cap, she wrote:  "A little hat can make a big difference.  Thinking of you…..lots of love….Lisa"

"As I was knitting, I thought of the mother, pregnant like me, who will receive my cap.  Both of us are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new baby.  Although we'll give birth under different settings, we're not so different in our hopes and dreams for our child," said Vera Farmiga, who who starred in the Oscar-winning film "The Departed" and will soon be seen starring in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "Nothing But the Truth."

Farmiga made a cap in periwinkle blue and white.  Her cap tag reads: "This bonnet is so soft and warm I knitted for your baby.  So brand new, so delicate, so tiny and fragile, so beautiful this child God has given you.  Wishing your new baby blessings, health, happiness and love." 

Patricia Arquette, star of "Medium," contributed an ochre-colored baby cap for the Knit One, Save One campaign.

Patricia Arquette:

"I was astonished when I learned how many newborns in Africa and Asia are dying for lack of simple things.  I got involved in Knit One, Save One so that I could give these babies a healthy start in life," said Patricia Arquette, star of NBC television series "Medium."

Arquette's ochre-colored cap is accented by pastel-colored textured yarn.  On her cap tag she wrote:  "I am sending you prayers for love and protection.  Lots of love and blessings to you!  Love, Patricia Arquette"

Mischa Barton:

The project has inspired some Hollywood artists like Mischa Barton to pick up knitting for the first time. "It's great that you can help change a baby's life in just an hour  -- or more like a few hours if you're just beginning to knit like me," said Mischa Barton.

Barton's simple square cap, bright orange with two multicolored tassels on top, is adorned with a cap tag that says:  "Even though we are far apart, I hold you close to my heart." 

Background on Newborn Survival

Research shows that 60 percent of the 4 million newborn deaths that occur each year could be prevented if mothers and children in poor countries had access to a simple package of health measures. 

This low-cost, effective package includes antibiotics to fight infections, immunizations against tetanus, training for birth attendants, education on breastfeeding and basic care for newborns such as keeping a baby – even those born in hot climates - warm with a knit cap. 

America's leaders could save millions of newborn lives by increasing international assistance for programs that offer these affordable, life-saving tools.

Learn more about Knit One, Save One.