Good Deeds

Inside Justin Timberlake & Pals $1M Fundraiser

By Mark Gray

10/22/2008 at 09:30 AM EDT

With a little help from his friends, Justin Timberlake put some extra coin in the pockets of Shriners' Hospitals for Children, an organization that provides medical care for kids in need.

And what good friends: the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, 50 Cent, Leona Lewis, Adam Levine, Lionel Richie and Boyz II Men joined the "Sexy Back" star in Las Vegas, where Timberlake, 27, hosted a weeklong pro-celeb golf tournament, capped off by a charity concert and afterparty on Oct. 17.

How did Timberlake get such an eclectic group on the same stage? The old fashioned way, the singer tells PEOPLE.

"I actually wrote letters," he says, "I was old fashioned. I didn't have to stalk anyone." And his efforts paid off: More than $1 million was raised.

The benefit golf match featured 40 golf professionals and 13 celebrities, including Josh Duhamel, Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, George Lopez and fellow N'SYNCer Chris Kirkpatrick. Timberlake has signed a 5-year deal to host the tournament through 2012.

"I enjoy playing the game leisurely," says Timberlake. "I don't have any aspirations to take on Tiger [Woods] or anything. But I'd like to see this tournament get bigger, maybe get a few more celebrities out. Next year I might call in a few favors."

RELATED GALLERY:
• Go behind the scenes at Justin's charity concert and bowling party