Celebrity Charity Connection

In the past, contributions have been from very rich to the poor usually anonymously. Many of the direct recipients of charity do not even know the identity of their benefactor. Today, all these have changed.

However, there is no doubt that the approval can the various charities popular movie stars, musicians and athletes, combined with his celebrity real high-profile donations to increase significantly public awareness of some undeniable meritsCauses.

underprivileged children, homeless refugees, victims of natural disasters and diseases such as AIDS patients are among the unfortunate people who have contributed greatly to "not only by generous donations from wealthy individuals, but also thanks to donor contributions, the ordinary fund that marched through the charitable activities of public figures they admire.

Caring Stars

A well-known philanthropist, celebrity is actress AngelinaJolie, who used his fame and wealth, to increase awareness of the plight of some 20 million refugees in 120 countries worldwide. His work on behalf of refugees began in 2001 when, in Cambodia, where they decided to film to adopt a child refugee. Through the adoption of orphaned children, 'her son Maddox from Cambodia and daughter Zahara Ethiopia in 2005 "Jolie has also attracted interest from other prospective parents to help or adopt other children in need around the world.

ForresterGoodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Commission for Refugees in 2001, Jolie toured many other refugee locations, including Thailand, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, the Balkans and in Ecuador. In addition to pledging and donating millions of dollars to various good causes, but also support the ban of landmines.

Actor and producer George Clooney is another enthusiastic supporter of the most significant causes. These include the "ONE Campaign" toto eliminate AIDS, and "Make Poverty History, part of a coalition of 84-nation seeking a breakthrough on world poverty. He is also in the global campaign against poverty (GCAP), overcoming some of the gap between rich and poor targets addressing human factors such as unfair world trade system debt burden that any possibility of a country's economic recovery and ineffective aid choking in poor areas of the world.

Along with Samuel L Jackson, ClooneyCo-sponsors "Rock for Darfur", a series of benefit concerts organized by MySpace.com and Oxfam. The funds go to support Oxfam in disaster relief and refugees in Sudan and neighboring Chad for help. Finally, there is "United Way" program of self-supported Clooney, money and goods from various donors, collects and distributes the proceeds to charity.

Jackie Chan in Hong Kong is the most famous movie star. In 1988 he founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to provideScholarships and active support of young people in Hong Kong. The Foundation's motto is "helping to heal and overcome." As Jackie says, "Sometimes it is an act of kindness and care to change a person's life. A long time ago when I need a child in care was taken was a gentle person with me. My Foundation is my way of sharing that experience. The provision of scholarships, grants and loans ... I'm helping to make the world a better place. "

Chan donationscover a wide range of home care for children and young people not in danger, to help young unemployed, the self-empowerment professional advice, training camps for students and anti-suicide campaigns. Over the years, the Foundation's activities has grown significantly extend its scope to include health services and assistance to victims of natural disasters and integrate people with serious diseases.

Environmental Warrior

described by locals as "Hollywood"Heartbreaker" is a young movie star Leonardo DiCaprio, a passionate defender of the environment. To promote greater awareness of environmental problems, is cooperating actively with organizations like Global Green USA, Natural Resources Defense Council, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and National Geographic Kids.

Just Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, focusing on global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the adoption of alternatives and can be combatedrenewable energy sources. "I urge people everywhere to stand up, 'he explains," and asks if local leaders are committed, not to buy cleaner cars, build green, green energy like wind or solar energy. The our actions, we can determine whether a victim in the war of a habitable planet for future generations. "His concern for conservation appreciates drinking water worldwide (DiCaprio, extending for 1.2 billion people worldwide dono access to safe drinking water) "and is an ardent supporter of the conservation of biological diversity on earth.

Philanthropic Athletes

In 1994, the peak of his sports career, tennis star Andre Agassi Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation put (AACF), recreational and educational opportunities for children in southern Nevada, United States, particularly in the area of the Las Vegas offers. Has supported more than 20 organizations and raised more thanU.S. $ 60,000,000, since it was launched. Its special task is to help children who are abused or neglected vulnerable or deprived of basic opportunities in life. To promote character and self-esteem of these children and improve their career opportunities, promote the establishment of a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs.

Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club, opened in 1997, has a basketball court, tennis courts, computer room, library andTeen Center with a variety of activities. Through the tennis team and basketball program Agassi Agassi Stars, children learn the value of sportsmanship. Also takes part in the study meetings. By balancing athletics and education, the Club offers Agassi not only a safe place for children and young people go to school, but a positive environment for learning. In 2001, the Foundation donated an additional U.S. $ 720,000, establishing to Andre Agassi Cottage for Medically FragileChildren.

Also committed to the welfare of children is seven times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer. In 2003 he started the Roger Federer Foundation in Basel, Switzerland, in order to fund projects for disadvantaged children, particularly in South Africa. Following the devastating 2004 tsunami, has promoted a series of fundraising initiatives including the ATP All-Star Rally for Relief. This has led led to a global partnership with Unicef, and April 2006, Federer was appointed a UNICEF GoodwillAmbassador. "UNICEF Executive Director Ann M Veneman expressed their confidence in his ability to make a difference if she said:" Roger Federer of extraordinary energy and talent, together with UNICEF, will improve the lives of children around the world. "

Federer believes sports can help to overcome injustice and build bridges between cultures. "As tennis players, we have a unique opportunity," he says. "We have the opportunity to visit so many different countries and culturesThe interaction with people from all walks of life. It is our responsibility ... use our fortune to make a difference to the lives of those who need it most. If I can contribute, I am more than happy to do so. "

Meeting the needs

As a child, Tiger Woods dreamed of becoming the best golfer in the world. "I worked hard," he says, "my family values and applied to everything I did. Integrity, honesty, discipline, responsibility and fun," I learned valuesat home and at school, all pushed me in the direction of my dream. "Knowing that thousands of other children dream their future as Tiger and his father set up the Tiger Woods Foundation in 1996." Through personal enrichment, scholarships, direct grants, junior golf teams finished, and the new Tiger Woods Learning Center in 2005, "said Tiger," the Foundation is helping millions of children in their dreams. "

The Tiger Woods Foundation provides direct communityInvestments through its programs of grants and scholarships. In 2005 received almost $ 2,000,000 USA in scholarships for youth programs and gave the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, $ 200,000, a Hurricane Katrina Educational Fund. The Foundation has donated $ 100,000 Give2Asia children displaced by the contribution of the 2004 tsunami. The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) Tour was wearing an amount of $ 100,000. Another well-known golfer PGA Champion Phil Mickelson was theDeveloped catalyst behind a charitable organization to be America's military and representatives of women. Called "Birdies for the Brave ', is funded by Phil and Amy Mickelson Charitable Fund. Amounts of $ 100 for each birdie and $ 500 for each" eagle "which is Phil, is still military families through the funding of' education for children of deceased soldiers, or helping handicapped accessible homes for American veterans, injured or severely disabled to help. In partnership with Exxon Mobil, theMickelson has also co-sponsoring a five day "Academy the Middle primary school teachers to motivate their children and improve the teaching skills of mathematics and sciences.

The score for families

Basketball superstar Michael Bank record results on the basketball court can be concluded with his retirement in 1999, but his work continues to benefit charitable organization that helped establish. In 1996, the peak of his sporting career, his US $ 2,000,000Contribution helped finance the opening of Chicago's R. James Jordan Boys & Girls Club and Family Life Center (the name of the father of Michael). The club offers children the opportunity for fun and learning assistance for children and a family health center.

That same year he committed $ 1 million to the University of North Carolina with the construction of the Jordan Institute for Families. At his inauguration, he said, "I feel very lucky and happy, had a familyThe structure, provided and maintained a positive influence on me and my brothers. Many young people today are overwhelmed by the pressure of life, struggling and trying to survive. I support the Jordan Institute for Families, because I believe that everything can be the elderly and should be done to preserve his life and family taken to improve the quality of all people, especially children. "Jordan remains involved with the Boys Girls Club of America,UNCF / College Fund, Special Olympics and a variety of other organizations supporting children and families. British football icon David Beckham and his pop star wife, Victoria founded their own non-profit foundation in 2002, and has recently stepped up with UNICEF to raise funds for children around the world. In January 2005, Beckham was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, with particular attention for UNICEF "Sport" program for development. Sport is seen as a positive force for improvingLives of children around the world, particularly those affected by disease, poverty or conflict.

Beckham's first work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador is a global appeal on behalf of the 1.5 million children who are victims of the tsunami of 2004 was to initiate, support the work of humanitarian organization in the region. It 'appeared in a series of films to raise children who are forgotten in the fight against AIDS. Through the UNICEF "Unite for Children,Unite against AIDS "campaign contributions go to help the millions of children. Proceeds of Party World Cup hosted Beckham in May of this year funds raised, UNICEF will make it much more global reach to children . David and Victoria are also available for children today, a charity based in London contributed to disabled children.

Combating poverty and malaria

Irish pop star Bono (born Paul Hewson) has been heavily involved in social andpolitical causes since 1980. The engagement with U2 star Bob Geldof's Band Aid and Live Aid charity projects secured his place as a legend worldwide. In 1999 he devoted himself increasingly to the Third World Relief and awareness of the plight in Africa.

Since the end of his tour "Elevation 2001, Bono has visited an active campaign to reduce debt in Africa and in many African countries. In 2002 he founded an organization called" data "onAwareness of debt, AIDS and trade issues in Africa. Currently, it is largely on the question of eradicating malaria, which affects the most common cause of death in Africa. Bono has to say like the idea of defeat malaria in Africa would be as exciting as the first witnesses in Neil Armstrong walk on the moon, have been cited. In 2003, 2005, 2006, Bono was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace.

In 1984, Bob Geldof organized to die to benefit Band Aid ChildrenHunger in Africa. He assembled the leading group of UK singers and musicians on the album single "Do They Know It's Christmas," the fastest selling single in music history records of the United Kingdom, while the world was about £ 8,000,000 to aid in Ethiopia. In 1985, Geldof went to two concerts of Live Aid, one made in London and one in Philadelphia, with over 60 major music stars rock organize, 'live'. About 100 million pounds was raised for famine in AfricaRelief.

In January 2004, Geldof visited friends in Ethiopia, where he discovered that more people were threatened with starvation during the famine which then inspired the 1980s, the "Live Aid". Geldof announced his concerns aloud to Prime Minister Tony Blair. The result was the establishment of a Commission for Africa, from 16 African politicians and others. Motion for relief, a doubling of aid, debt cancellation and reform of trade rules included.Once the Commission has decided to exercise Gelfdof 2005 report to eight simultaneous concerts around the world of the stage to put pressure on so-called club of rich nations': the G8. The event was entitled "Live 8".

Combating AIDS

British vocalist, composer and pianist, Sir Elton John is known for his support for AIDS charities known. In 1986 he became contribute profits from its recordings, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the promotion of his fans to dothe same thing. Since then he has worked diligently to promote greater awareness of the disease among the population.

In 1992 he founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) as charity, to fund specific programs to prevent HIV / AIDS and supporting AIDS victims. This non-profit foundation is dedicated to the elimination of discrimination and prejudice against people with HIV / AIDS affected, but also provides specialized services for victims of AIDS, and preventive education programs forPeople become ill in peril. From its foundation EJAF has raised over U.S. $ 100,000,000 to support Aids programs in 55 countries worldwide.

The work of the Foundation support not only through our own contributions to John, but fundraising events sports, numerous art exhibitions, festivals and Oscar gala held or co-sponsored by John, sometimes with the auction of its and other stars' personal items. Last year EJAFintroduced new initiatives for HIV prevention among the residents of the southern United States and the Caribbean, young people and drug addicts and people will be recently released from prison.

In tune with children

In 1980, pop singer Madonna called a supporter of charity amfAR, the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Since then he has turned his attention to children in need is "a charity that provides practical and lasting support to thousands ofYoung people 18 years or younger, experienced neglect, abuse, poverty or homelessness, and can range from serious illness, disability, suffering from mental illness or addiction. The Make A Wish Foundation, the wishes of children with life-threatening diseases is granted, a further preferred causes Madonna.

Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world suffer from hunger, drought, poverty and diseases such as HIV / AIDS, malaria,Tuberculosis and hepatitis. Recently Madonna has generously Raising Malawi, a charity whose Orphan Care Initiative provides food, medical care, clothing, clean water and education to 32,000 orphans in the impoverished African nation helped. Madonna has recently demonstrated the extent of their dedication to this charity, adopting a child from Malawi.

In 1999, the American singer Mariah Carey has received an award congressional committee for their contribution to youngCharities and nonprofit organizations. She was recognized for his work with the Administration for early childhood services in New York, and takes her in Programs for Children Services' to ensure that children are raised in a stable family environment. A review of Carey about $ 1,000,000 went to the fresh air fund children to enjoy the city for the summer camp children in nature allows.

Camp Mariah has made a career awareness camp for youth in New Yorkunder the auspices of the Fresh Air Fund, which expand their awareness of educational and career options. It offers a unique opportunity for nearly 300 boys and girls aged 12-14 engage in an educational program, and enjoy the adventure field. Intensive three-and-a-half-week summer sessions and weekend camping trips are complemented by activities throughout the year in New York City. Camp Mariah is named Mariah Carey for their generous support and dedication of fresh airChildren.