Stars Turn Out for Charity Bash

By C. Young

12/14/2001 at 10:40 AM EST

No one was taking any chances at Madison Square Garden for the annual Z100 Jingle Ball last night: The bomb-sniffing dogs got almost as much attention as the long list of celebrities attending the benefit for the Clear Channel Relief Fund (for victims of Sept. 11) and Ronald McDonald House. Mariah Carey arrived with an entourage of four, didn't sing and left after 20 minutes. Jewel sang two ballads and shunned the backstage scene. Other celebrities were eager to talk of their New Year's resolutions. "I'm going home to Virginia to spend time with my mother and my family," said Missy Elliot. "I want to rest up so I can get my freak on again in 2002." Rapper Jay Z will spend Christmas day giving gifts to children at the Brooklyn housing project where he was raised. "I'm hoping to stay positive in 2002," he said. Singer Michelle Branch, who had a hit this year with the song "Everywhere," vowed to drink more water in 2002. "I'm a caffeine addict and I'm surprised I don't have a Coke in my hand right now," she said. Her more immediate problem? She can't figure out a Christmas present for the head of her label, Maverick. "What do you get Madonna?" she said.