Celebrity Gives Back: Taylor Swift Supporting UNICEF Tap Project

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

The UNICEF Tap Project was created in 2007 based on a rather simple concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate one dollar or more for the tap water they usually get for free, and all funds would support UNICEF's efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children globally. 

Since then, the project has raised almost $2.5 million in the United States and has helped provide clean water for millions of children around the world. 

Taylor Swift has recently expressed her support for the UNICEF Tap Project, bottling up water from her own house to help. Other celebrities, such as Selena Gomez, Adrian Grenier, Dwight Howard and Rihanna have also joined in to support this importance cause. 

The celebrity water collected will be packaged, and anyone who donates five dollars to UNICEF can enter to win the Celebrity Tap Pack sweepstakes.

It is so easy to conserve water in your everyday life. For some water conservation tips, visit http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/ways-conserve-water.

To donate to UNICEF or to enter for the Celebrity Tap Pack sweepstakes, visit http://www.tapproject.org/.

Kids for a Cause: Barstow Kids Give Back

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

Children at Crestline Elementary School in Barstow, CA were extremely eager to raise money to help feed other Barstow kids who may be hungry otherwise. A few weeks ago, elementary students participated in a dance-a-thon in return for pledges and donations totaling $780. 

The school is raising money for United Way, an organization that strives to help children and youth achieve their potential, promote financial stability and independence, and improve peoples' health.

This is the fifth year that Crestline's students have raised money for United Way. According to kindergarten teacher, Kristen Miller, "We were trying to think of a way for our kids to give back to the community. We were looking for something that would mean something to our kids at our school."

The school's fundraiser was inspired after two students and their family lost their home to a fire and received help through United Way.

For more information about United Way, or to make a donation, visit http://liveunited.org/

To support other causes by shopping, visit Uptown Liz. 

Lotto Winners Give Back: Donating to Kids in Their Hometown

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

Jacki and Gilbert Cisneros purchased a winning lotto ticket last year in their hometown, Pico Riviera, CA. The winning lottery ticket was worth $266 million, making national headlines. Although the couple has moved away and spent millions on themselves, they wanted to give back to their hometown that had given them so much. 

The wealthy couple announced on TODAY Tuesday that they are going to provide substantial scholarship money to benefit students from Pico Riviera. The Cisneros' are giving the Hispanic Scholarship Fund money that will run into seven figures over the next five years to give students the financial assistance to achieve their dreams of attending college. 

“Kind of reflecting back on my own life and when I went to college, my parents, I knew, would support me in whatever decision I would do, but there was no push towards college,’’ Cisneros told TODAY’s Ann Curry. “There was no college fund. I kind of knew that I was pretty much going to have to do it on my own. Luckily for me I was able to receive a scholarship that enabled me to go on to college. Now that we have the means to do some good, we kind of want to give other students that same opportunity.’’

They hope the money will assist hundreds and possibly thousands of students of the years. The town and only high school, El Rancho High School, is very grateful.

Celebrity Gives Back: Prince William Working with Centrepoint

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

It is easy to get distracted in all the recent Royal Wedding hype, but don't forget that the United Kingdom's Prince does his fair share of charitable acts.

Prince William has been working with the UK homeless charity, Centrepoint, since 2005. He even hit the streets of London to spend a frigid night outside in order to really understand what it's like to be homeless in his homeland. After the experience, the prince explained that "I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night. Poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependancy and family breakdown cause people to become and then stay homeless."

Anyone can help with poverty. Helping food pantries stock up with food is a very easy place to start! For more information providing ways to help with homelessness, visit http://www.dosomething.org/whatsyourthing/Poverty/Homelessness

To help end poverty by shopping, visit Uptown Liz. 

Hair Stylist for a Cause: Stylist Working With a Local Women's Resource Program

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

Anyone can give back in their community. All you have to do is be creative and think of your own talents that can be used to do some good. This is exactly what local hair stylist, Michael Ferrell, has been doing in his hometown, Seaside, Oregon.

Ferrell is working with a women's resource program to provide free haircuts to local women preparing to reenter the workforce. 

In this economy, entering the workforce can be very intimidating. "If nothing else, I have given her a higher level of self esteem. She can hold her head up," said Ferrell of his generous contribution. "A new look may just be what she needs to make a difference and start over." 

What skills can you use to make a difference in your community?

For more information, visit Beach Blonde Salon. 

Celebrity Gives Back: Kate Bosworth Models Earrings for DoSomething.org

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people volunteer for causes they are passionate about. According to their website, "DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action."

DoSomething.org makes our youth view community service as cool, popular and a part of everyday life. By the end of 2011, this organization will have helped to get two million young people volunteering for various causes.

Popular actress, Kate Bosworth, has recently shown her support for DoSomething.org. She has been wearing a line of jewelry that gives half of the sales to the non-profit. Visit JewelMint designs to purchase these trendy earrings. But hurry! The sale ends on June 15, so get these earrings while benefiting DoSomething.org before it's too late! 

For more ways to shop for a cause, visit Uptown Liz.

Celebrities Gives Back: Beyonce and Michelle Obama Want You to Work That Body

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

First Lady, Michelle Obama, has created the Let's Move campaign, which strives to move America to raise a healthier generation of kids.

According to letsmove.gov, "Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If we don't solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma."

Talented singer, Beyonce Knowles, has recently expressed her support for this organization. She even created a video for the campaign:

According to the singer, "It's all about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise and what we want to do is make it fun by doing something we all like to do and that's dance."

To learn more about the Let's Move campaign or to get involved, visit http://www.letsmove.gov/

Community for a Cause: For the Love of Angie

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

I grew up in a small community of about 7,000 people in Northern California. Although I have grown up and moved away, Corning will always hold a special place in my heart. Corning is small town where everyone knows everyone, but most importantly, they all support one another.

Recently, I have been touched by a story about one local resident and the outpour of help and hope that my small hometown has provided. 

Angie Salado, 32, was was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor on December 20, 2010. For the Love of Angie is a fundraising team that strives to help raise money to assist Salado and family with medical and travel expenses.

There is a benefit for Salado on May 21, 2011 at the Paskenta Hall in Paskenta, located just outside of Corning. Tickets in advance are $20 and $25 at the door (children are $8 and $10). There will be a dinner, dance, raffle and auction. Every item has been generously donated by local individuals and companies who want to help Salado with her fight against this tumor. What I find phenomenal, is that nearly 100 percent of businesses in Corning have donated.

Salado's mother, Jani Franer, recently told Channel 12 News Reporter, Derek Demo, that the long road ahead is going to be a difficult one, but the community has given her hope even when she feels there is none left. "People care, in a world that seems like sometimes they don't, they still do," said Franer.

A Facebook page has been created for Salado, and the number of people offering kind words and support for Angie and her family is heartwarming. Her story was even featured on local Channel 12 News.

For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/For-the-Love-of-Angie/119188018156515?sk=wall

Until then, may the entire Salado family be in your thoughts.

Celebrity Gives Back: Nicole Kidman Supporting Women's Rights

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

Oscar-winning actress, Nicole Kidman, does more than just entertain her fans with her profound talent and elegant presence. The Australian native is very involved with the fight for women's rights. She works with UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

UN Women focuses on bettering peace and security, leadership and participation, violence against women, economic empowerment, national planning and budgeting, human rights, and millenium developmental goals.

Kidman has been involved in helping women all around the world. Kidman recently told dosomething.org about her trip to Haiti last July. "I visited the only shelter for survivors of violence. It is a temporary camp with plywood cabins, since the earthquake destroyed the building in which it was housed. Even so, it is a safe haven for underage girls who have been subjected to abuse. Some of them became pregnant as a result, and their little ones are living with them. One of the girls was abducted and abused by strangers a year ago and has since lived in the shelter. Despite her traumatic experience, she has found the strength to continue her education. She goes to school and hopes to become a pediatrician one day. Stories like hers will stay with me forever. To me, they are incredible testimonies of resilience, strength, dignity, and ultimately of hope," explained Kidman.

Kidman advises everyone to make a difference and offers advice about how to get started. According to the well-known actress, "Young people can start by learning about what violence against women is and what we all need to do to stop it. Go on the Internet and become part of Say NO–UNiTE to End Violence against Women, a global call for action on ending violence against women and girls for which I am the spokesperson." 

At saynotoviolence.org, over five million people, including Kidman, have signed on to urge governments to make ending violence against women a top priority. You can go there to simply learn more or to become inspired to take action. Every action counts, whether big or small.

For more information, visit saynotoviolence.org. To support women's rights by shopping, visit Uptown Liz.

Kids for a Cause: Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor's Children Raise Money for Project A.L.S.

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

Ben Stiller and wife, Christine Taylor, have always encouraged their children to give back, which recently inspired their eight year old daughter, Ella, to start her own lemonade stand in order to raise money for Project A.L.S. Five year old younger brother, Quinlin, helped with the lemonade stand as well.

The two ended up raising $120 for Project A.L.S., an organization that attempts to recruit the world's finest scientists and clinicians to work together to find the first effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

According to Project A.L.S., "ASL is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects adults of all ages. It is closely related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. It targets large brain cells residing in the brain and along the spinal cord called motor neurons. In ALS, as motor neurons get sick and die, a person progressively loses the ability to move: to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. ALS is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis."

Project A.L.S. has already raised $53 million, directing over 82% to research programs. But there is still no cure for this disease, and project A.L.S. could always use more support. 

If these young children were able to help, so can you. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.projectals.org/support-us/contribute-now.html.

Celebrities Give Back: Rihanna, Eva Mendes and Leighton Meester Support DKMS

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

There are numerous people all around the world that support the fight against leukemia every day. Last Thursday, well-known celebrities Rihanna, Eva Mendes and Leighton Meester attended the annual gala for DKMS, an organization that connects bone marrow and stem cell donors with patients in need.

During the gala, Rihanna received an award for her recent involvement in the fight against leukemia. "It is the number one disease children in the U.S. die of and we can change that," the talented singer said. "If we have more donors, we can save more lives."

DKMS is the largest bone marrow donor center in the world, and their hope is to save lives by recruiting bone marrow donors for leukemia patients. 

The gala helped raise money to add nearly 40,000 bone marrow donors, but that only does so much. DKMS is always looking to add more people to the registry. It only takes a swab from inside of your mouth to be added, so host a bone marrow drive and help save the lives of those battling leukemia.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.dkmsamericas.org/

Celebrity Gives Back: Lady Gaga's Relief Efforts in Japan

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

When Lady Gaga isn't seen entertaining a crowd with her unique style and impeccable talent, she is partnering with charities and giving back in a variety of ways. 

Most recently, the celeb raised $1.5 million for relief efforts in Japan through the sale of her Japan prayer bracelets. Along with gaming site Zynga, Gaga is donating the proceeds to Save the Children and the American Red Cross to help those in Japan struggling from the recent earthquakes and tsunamis.  

Gaga was recently named as one of the Top 20 Celebs Gone Good on Dosomething.org for her efforts.

To help with Japan relief by purchasing one of these bracelets, visit http://www.ladygaga.com/news/default.aspx?nid=34654. For more ways to shop for a cause, visit Uptown Liz.