EDITORIAL – Celebrities give money, hugs and time

We laugh at them on the big screen and wait in anticipation for what designer they’ll praise… We laugh at them on the big screen and wait in anticipation for what designer they’ll praise on the red carpet. They are the most glorified people on the planet.

They are celebrities, and recently, it seems that their lives of prominence and privilege have enabled them to do more than break the law, get caught on a sex tape or go shopping. Celebrities have been steadily working to share their wealth and time with causes greater than themselves.

In a trip Denzel Washington recently took to Texas, his family stopped at the Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The army had built Fisher Houses or shelter for the wounded that returned from Iraq and other sites. Washington then queried about the cost of these Fisher Houses for the wounded.

Upon hearing the significant figure Washington took out his checkbook and wrote the center a check for the construction of another one. If you Google this occurrence, practically nothing will appear. Only one local newspaper was lucky enough to witness this altruistic gesture.

The Live Aid concerts thrown in Philadelphia, London and other cities in the summertime to promote AIDS awareness is another big example of the commitment celebrities have devoted to their fans and for the well-being of our society.

Music industry greats such as Jay-Z, U2, Alicia Keyes, Madonna and Kanye West took time off their tours and traveled from faraway countries to contribute to a good cause. And it doesn’t stop there.

In the wake of one of the most devastating national disasters in U.S. history, Hurricane Katrina, some celebrities have not wavered in their acts of kindness and they have given more than just money.

Sean Penn borrowed a boat from a friend and paddled around New Orleans to rescue victims of the flood. John Travolta flew his private jet down to Baton Rouge to deliver food and supplies. Jamie Foxx also gave hugs, food and other supplies to aid in this relief effort.

Other celebrities have contributed on a much larger scale by starting their own foundations to aid victims. Oprah Winfrey has been extremely generous by giving money, shelter and coverage to victims in an effort to encourage all Americans to contribute through America’s Second Harvest and Oprah’s Angel Network.

Rosie O’Donnell has worked to centralize her efforts in Rosie’s All Kids Foundation, focusing on the health care of the children that the hurricane affected. Rapper and producer Master P contributed by giving 100 families apartments for at least three months. He focused specifically on those who were mentally or medically afflicted to give them a sense of hope to go on despite the disaster.

Other standout contributions included celebrities who capitalized on their must-have clothing. While David Banner emptied his entire closet, sending clothes to relief camps and shelters, other celebrities have made tons of money selling their clothes online. Even Terrell Owens is auctioning off his NFC Championship ring.

In the midst of all these needed contributions to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, one can never forget the world is not a vacuum. Poverty is still alive in the world and America is still at war with Iraq.

Perhaps the biggest donation is given behind closed doors, away from the media, simply for the benefit of a good cause. Other celebrities, such as those who use charity giving as a PR stunt, could learn from these good examples. It’s so encouraging to see people we love stepping up to help Katrina victims.