Billionaires Giving Away Half Their Fortunes!

Years ago, billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffet committed to giving large portions of their fortunes to charity. Weeks ago they launched The Giving Pledge" campaign targeting other billionaires and encouraging them to give up to half of their fortunes to charity. They began a phone campaign, and as of yesterday we can count Ted Turner and Bernie Marcus on the list of billionaires who have made the commitment according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Bill Gates, specifically started the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia years ago that targets African American Students and located in a low income section of the city. The billionaires have to be applauded for their commitment to give back to the less fortunate.

Kanye West Returns To Chicago For A Good Cause!

Superstar producer and hip-hop artist Kanye West returned from his self imposed exile with performances at 3 Chicago schools in which he recognized the students' improvement in the areas of grades, behavior and attendance as reported by the Chicago Tribune. The 3 schools:Farragut Career Academy, John Marshall Metropolitan and Percy L. Julian High School were also treated to performances by Chicago products Common and Lupe Fiasco.

The Kanye West Foundation's third annual Stay In School Event shows that Kanye West still has his head on straight, and the fact that he celebrated his 33rd birthday with the performances shows his humility.

We Are The World 25 For Haiti!

"We Are The World 25 For Haiti" premiered tonight. Great update. I loved the Michael and Janet tie in for MJ's part.

Stars Remake "We Are The World"

Some of the biggest stars in the world gathered last night to remake "We Are The World" to benefit Haiti relief. Lionel Richie, who wrote the song with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, who produced the original version oversaw the proceedings. Entertainers as diverse as Barbra Steisand, Pink, Kanye West and Lil Wayne were on hand for the remake. The song will debut during the Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Olympics this month.

Jessica Simpson Wants To Send 50,000 Shoes To Haiti!

Singer and entrepreneur Jessica Simpson has set a goal to send 50,000 to Haiti. Simpson and 2 of her friends are teaming up with the Nashville Charity Soles4Souls according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. It's cool to see celebrities doing what they can for the less fortunate.

Wyclef Taking Corrective Measures For Foundation!

Wyclef Jean has been front and center during the Haiti tragedy, bringing renewed attention to his home country using his Yele Haiti Foundation as a means to raise donations for the country that has been devastated by the recent earthquake.

The foundation, which raised over $2 million in just 2 days almost immediately came under fire for possible irregularities. Wyclef admitted on "Oprah" last week that the foundation hadn't been run properly, but stated that corrective measures have been instituted. He's now appointed accounting firm RSM McGladrey to administer donation and pledges. Good move by Wyclef to be proactive in recognizing and correcting problems within his foundation, now he can focus on continuing to help the people of Haiti.

Big Boi Helping To Raise Money For Haiti!

Outkast member Big Boi is the latest celebrity to hold a fund-raiser for Haiti relief. Big Boi held a fund-raiser in Atlanta last night to benefit the earthquake victims. It commendable to see that celebrities are using their influence to help the less fortunate.

Tyler Perry Does A Good Deed!

Tyler Perry gave to NAACP $1 million to commemorate the civil rights organizations 100 year anniversary. The donation, which will be distributed over 4 years, is the largest donation ever by an individual.

Ludacris Gives Away 20 Cars To Those In Need!

The hip-hop community is fast to be criticized for doing the wrong thing, but rapper/actor Ludacris took time out to help 20 people in need by giving away 20 used cars at a Morrow, GA car dealership near Atlanta on Sunday. Recipients of the cars had to write an essay to Ludaris' foundation explaining their need for the car, which comes with 30 days of free gas. While recipients are responsible for taxes, registration and insurance for the cars, Ludacris did remove the burden of having a car payment to the lucky winners. Thanks to the New York Daily News for showing "Luda" some love.

Chaka Khan Doing Good Deeds!

It's hard to believe that Chaka Khan is 56 years old, but cool to see Chaka thriving and giving back to the less fortunate. The New York Daily News reports that Chaka rang the opening bell for NASDAQ Marketsite in Times Square this morning. She was in New York to promote her Chaka Khan Foundation which she started 4 years ago in Los Angeles to help inspire and empower at risked middle school students. Her goal is to expand the foundation into other cities. It's cool when celebrities use their influence to impact the less fortunate. Chaka Khan is truly doing a good deed.

Frank Ski Foundation Honors Students!

It's always good to see celebrities giving back within our community. Atlanta radio personality Frank Ski is using his foundation to constantly help those in need. Franks' wife, Tanya, hosted an awards ceremony at their home over the weekend to honor six Clayton County, Georgia high school students, recognizing them for leadership and academics. The students were given goodie-bags that included a $1,000 college scholarship, and R&B singer Monica attended the ceremony giving the recipients word of wisdom. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the article.

Did Nile Rodgers Stiff A Charity?

Musician Nile Rodgers, who founded the music group Chic is being accused of backing out of an inaugural ball after being paid $22,000 in production costs by Citizens Helping Heroes (CHH). Rodgers claims that CHH hadn't even booked hotel rooms 4 days before the event, a charge that is being denied. Despite Rodgers backing out, performers such as Ben Vereen, Sly Stone, George Clinton, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey performed for free. I guess charity is not what it used to be. Thanks to Page 6 of the New York Post for the article.

Charities Struggling With Increased Poverty

The tough economic times have touched every aspect of our society. Local charities throughout our country have not been immune to the increased pressure to keep up with individuals and families who are in need of their services. The Los Angeles Times reports on the Catholic Charities of Orange County assembling dinners for 500 families, but attracting 920, with many leaving empty handed. With unemployment continuing to rise in all sectors, the white collar workforce is being heavily impacted and contributing to the increased pressures on charities.

Will's Nice Gesture

Will Smith, who is a native of Philadelphia, has agreed to donate $62,000 to a fund set up for the family of Police Officer Isabel Nazario, who was killed last month when a teenager rammed a stolen SUV into the patrol car in which she was riding. Smith grew up with Sgt. Mike Young, who worked with Nazzario, and also used to tour with Smith and his rap producing partner DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Daily News for the heartwarming story.

T. Boone Pickens To Donate $5 Million To Renovate Dalls YMCA

The Dallas Morning News reports that billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens will donate $5 million from his foundation to renovate a Dallas, TX YMCA. I never want to tell rich people how to spend their money, but this is a noble gesture by Mr. Pickens, and perhaps Oprah, and Bob Johnson are taking note.

Obama and McCain Appear Together At Alfred E. Smith Charity Dinner

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain appeared together last night at the Alfred E. Smith Charity Dinner in New York. The two candidates each spoke for about 15 minutes, and both displayed a keen sense of humor as they entertained the crowd of New York's power elite for the 63rd annual fund raiser that raised $4 million for Catholic charities.

The New York Post provides additional details on the very entertaining gathering of presidential foes, who took a break from the campaign trail for one night. Obama is shown in the above clip speaking at the fundraiser.

Derrick Brown Deserves A Chance To Fulfill His Promise

The New York Daily News profiles young Derrick Brown, who has overcome family tragedy to land a basketball scholarship to a prestigious Connecticut prep school. The only problem is that the scholarship is worth $30,000, and doesn't cover the full $40,000 annual tuition for the school.

Derrick, who is 13 and an A student is in jeopardy of returning back to his crime plagued Brooklyn neighborhood unless financial assistance can be obtained to cover the remaining $10,000. The Daily News profile will hopefully spur the generosity of readers to give Derrick the assistance that he needs to continue working towards fulfilling his vast potential.

Tyler Perry Contributes To Local Atlanta Charity

The Atlanta Journal Constitution also reports that Tyler Perry contributed enough food to the Hosea Feed The Hungry charity to feed more than 1,000 families for 2 weeks. Tyler Perry is the epitome of the American Dream, and he continues to show that fame and fortune have not allowed him to forget his roots.

Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation 3rd Annual Memorial Planting

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, located in Stone Mountain, GA held it's 3rd Annual Memorial Planting this past Saturday to Celebrate the life and legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur, and other loved ones who have passed away.

Tupac died 12 years ago on September 13th, but his legacy lives on through the foundation that his mother Afeni Shakur-Davis founded in 1997. The foundation encompasses the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, PAC's Kid's Troop, and PAC's Kids Leadership and Arts Camps. Mrs. Shakur-Davis has to be commended for keeping her son's legacy alive through the foundation. Please click the above link to visit the foundation's site.

"Just Stand Up"

The once prolific musical production team of L.A. Reid and Babyface have reunited to produce the star studded charity single "Just Stand Up" (click the link for a listen). The single, which will support the Sept. 5th "Stand Up For Cancer" telethon includes the following singers: Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Leona Lewis, Beyonce, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Carrie Underwood, Melissa Etheridge, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara and LeeAnn Rimes.

L.A. and Face went their separate ways as a production team in the the mid nineties, and individually carved out their own indomitable niches in the music industry. Good to see them back together for a good cause.