Celebrity’s Causes

With all the money and fame that comes along with stardom, some celebrities are reaching out and giving back to those who are less fortunate.
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, whose personal fortune is estimated at more than half a billion dollars, uses her fortune to promote Oprah’s Angel Network. Thanks to donations made by viewers, the network has built 200 homes for Habitat for Humanity and sent 150 students to college.
For Christmas Winfrey went on a mission to give hope to children in South Africa. She purchased Christmas gifts for 50,000 children.
Each week Winfrey recognizes a local hero who improves the lives of others through her “Use Your Life” Award.
“I think its good because most black people with money keep it to themselves or in their inner circles,” said Nicole Tate, a freshman majoring in psychology from Baton Rouge.
Professional golfer Eldrick (Tiger) Woods, founded the Tiger Woods Foundation, which works to help children accomplish life goals. It actively promotes parental responsibility and involvement in the lives of children.
Earvin (Magic) Johnson, ex-Los Angeles Lakers basketball player used his medical condition to create the Magic Johnson Foundation. It functions as a vehicle to help those who suffer from HIV/AIDS. It awards scholarships and grants to inner city students and communities.
Renowned basketball player Michael Jordan has the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club and Family Life Center– created in honor of his late father. It is a 41,000 square foot facility where more than 1,000 children and their families visit each week.
Rap and hip hop mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs recently ran the 2003 New York City Marathon to raise money for New York City Schools.
“I feel that it’s very sincere and giving of them to use their popularity to aid in helping good causes,” said Bethany James, a sophomore majoring in mass communications from Baker.