It was Tupac that once said: “We must be the change we want to see in the world”,
And these musicians, entertainers, and sports players have devoted their time, energy and some of their hard-earned money for a cause far greater than their own.
The philanthropist in 50 Cent has been doing good for charity in his personal capacity and as one of the Board of Directors of the G-Unity Foundation when he’s not in studio making hits.
The foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations, and serves the mission to improve the quality of life in under-served communities.
In 2011, 50 Cent joined John Legend in raising funds for a New York Restoration Project and Happy Hearts Fund, as well as working with the World Food Programme to provide one meal for the hungry in Africa for each shot sold of his Street King energy drink.
To date, 2,500,000 meals have been funded. His goal is to feed one billion children in the Motherland. Russell Simmons is probably the first name that comes to mind when linking Hip Hop and charity, and his contribution has spanned over a decade.
From founding the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in 1996 he has helped launch careers of emerging artists, and established two exhibit and education facilities namely the Rush Arts Gallery and Resource Centre and Corridor Gallery.
In 2007 he founded The Diamond Empowerment Fund, whose mission is to raise money in support of education initiatives for disadvantaged people in African nations. He continues to empower and raise funds in support of those less fortunate on the daily.
Nick Cannon may draw inspiration to be a philanthropist from mentors such as Russell Simmons and Quincy Jones, but he is making his mark count on his own.
He does work for an organization called DoSomething.org which allows the youth to make their own decisions with regards to the role they wish to play in this charity, whether it’s as a volunteer or allowing them to lead by example.
Branding some of his own organizations, his mission remains to empower the youth in all spheres and allow them to be their own advocate. HomeWalk In LA got its stamp of support from NBA player Kobe Bryant, in the plight to end homelessness over the past few years.
Bryant, also the event’s honorary Chair, lead over 51,000 Los Angeles homeless men and women, of which almost one-quarter are chronically homeless, in a 5k run and walk marathon. Already in its 5th year, the past four years have raised $1.7 million and provided 9,000 people into permanent housing.
Raising money for cancer research, LL Cool J and wife Simone Smith hosted a special charity event called “Why Fashion Matters” that benefited the American Cancer Society and Long Island Cares.
Celebrating the launch of Smith as a jewellery designer, in conjunction with speciality store Hirshleifers, the couple raised over $100,000 and donated all proceeds to charity. Simone is a survivor of a rare form of stage III chondorosarcoma, so this cause hits close to home.
Mary J. Blige and Virgin mogul Richard Branson hosted the 5th annual Rock The Kasbah charity in support of Branson’s mom Eve, and her Eve Branson Foundation, as well as Virgin Unite recently.
A mixture of music, food and an auction, including features by The Pussycat Dolls, gave this benefit purpose as its focus was on building opportunities for unemployed youth in the USA, while the Eve Branson Foundation is empowering young women in Moroccan villages.
Other musicians who lent showed their support to this initiative included Estelle, Kelly Rowland and Colbie Caillat, amongst others, who all performed on the night. Not only is Common a handsome guy, but he’s a good guy too.
Having appeared in PETA campaigns, and supporting the “Knowing Is Beautiful” movement in support of HIV/AIDS awareness, he has also established the Common Ground Foundation as a source of inspiration for equality and hope to youth in underserved communities, providing them with life skills to achieve their dreams.
Over the years he’s supported a host of charities including Hear The World and Keep A Child Alive. One half of The Throne rapper Jay Z, founder of The Shawn Carter Foundation, is taking care of his own backyard.
In an attempt to make sure the people in his community have a chance at higher education, he hands out scholarships to those who can’t afford it. He recently hosted a carnival in New York benefitting this foundation.
Some of his past philanthropic activities include a documentary titled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for life, supported by MTV, in an attempt to create awareness and focus on the global water shortage. With her heart in the right place, Alicia Keys is the Co-Founder and Global Ambassador for the Keep A Child Alive foundation, in a desperate fight against HIV/AIDS.
As an activist and philanthropist, this movement provides life-saving antiretroviral medication to those who have contracted the disease. It also offers support and care to children and families in Africa and India.
Past initiatives include the “Spirit of a Child” campaign, the “Drug Dealer” campaign, and the “I am African”. Even Justin Bieber knows the value of giving back as he offered a portion of proceeds from his latest Christmas album for charity.
Proceeds of “Under The Mistletoe” will go to two of his favorite causes, Pencils Of Promise and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In the past he’s been involved in fundraising projects for Pencils of Promise, where $1 from every ticket on his My World tour was donated to the cause.
In total, the money raised was enough to build 20 schools for underprivileged kids. And in true Bieber fashion, he recently raised thousands of dollars when a lock of his hair was auctioned. Justin Timberlake hosted an annual concert in Vegas last month in benefit of the Shriners Hospital for Children.
With his theme being “Old School Jam”, the concert line-up included Earth, Wind & Fire, Vanilla Ice, The Commodores, Sister Sledge, comedian Wayne Brady and a host of others.
The Hospital is a pediatric health care facility that specializes in burns, spinal cord injuries and provides care for its patients whether they’re able to foot the bill or not.
eBay is more than just a one-stop online shop, it now also hosts a celebrity auction site. Adding to their already established charitable platform of eBay Giving Works, eBay Celebrity as its called is in aim of raising funds for charity.
Over the past year their auctions have included limited edition Nike Mag sneakers that raised millions for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and a lunch date with Warren Buffet that sold for $2.63 million under the hammer. In 2011 alone, eBay Giving Works’ philanthropic efforts raised $51 million.
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation has roped in an impressive class of ambassadors dedicated to restore instrumental music education programs in public schools across the United States.
Katy Perry is the most recent name to join the already heavy-weight alumni which include Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Jordan Sparks, Ne-Yo, Venus Williams, Lupe Fiasco and many more. Since 1997, this program has provided more than 1.8 million children with the gift of music.
In October Diddy made an undisclosed donation to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Harlem, saving the organization from being shut down. This donation has provided educational, recreational and social enrichment programs for the youth who are a part of this club.
Providing the kids with hope, they now have a safe environment to channel their energy. Another do-gooder for DoSomething.org, NFL standout Stevie Johnson paid a visit to the Boys And Girls Club in Buffalo and donated football equipment.
As part of the organizations Sports Drive, teens were asked to collect gear in their schools and communities, and Johnson was the bearer of gifts for the future athletes in need. If your voice can’t be heard, you take a Vow Of Silence.
This proved a powerful campaign for Shaquille O’Neal, will.i.am, Joe Jonas and many others as they partook in 24 hours of silence as an annual fundraiser and awareness campaign for those around the world who have been silenced by poverty, disease and exploitation.
Donations to this initiative fund health care, education, clean water and sanitation systems in rural communities worldwide. You too can be a part of the next initiative come 30 November. If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving today, be thankful for all the blessings you have received this part year.
Reading this already makes you a privileged one to have internet access. Spare a thought for those less fortunate and give back if you can, no matter how small or big a contribution you can afford.
And even if you’re not celebrating Thanksgiving today, surely that doesn’t mean you can’t just be thankful. Blessings!
Source: TheSource.com
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