Celebrities have the advantage of the public eye watching them at all times. While many don’t use this for good, some capitalize on their authority for the good. The following are some charities founded by celebrities.
Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation – Mark Wahlberg
The famous actor created this charity because he too was once a troubled teen. Having been born in a rough neighborhood as the youngest of nine children, he was arrested several times throughout his youth. This foundation was created with the goal to “assist youth to ensure that no child is limited or prevented from attaining their lifetime dream because of financial circumstances.”
Mariska Hargitay, The Joyful Heart Foundation
Mariska Hargitay plays Olivia Benson on Law and Order: SVU. In her role as a detective on the popular show, she encounters sexual assault survivors daily. Through playing this role and receiving many fan letters about recovering from their own situation, Hargitay was moved to create The Joyful Heart Foundation. This nonprofit offers education, advocacy support and more to sexual assault survivors. Not only that, the foundation also partners with local law enforcement to narrow the nation’s backlog of rape kits.
Michelle Obama – Let Girls Learn Foundation
The former first lady established Let Girls Learn while she was still in the White House. It’s goal is the unite different institutions within the government, like the Peace Corps and the Department of State, in order to target obstacles that keep girls from learning. Girls all around the world have obstacles holding them back from receiving education, and Let Girls Learn helps not only pinpoint those obstacles but it offers resources as well such as public education programs.
Lady Gaga – The Born This Way Foundation
Lady’s Gaga’s song “Born This Way” has a matching foundation to go with it! The Born This Way Foundation helps to provide support for young adults struggling with a myriad of issues. This issues range from bullying to mental health problems. The foundation states that it promotes kindness and tolerance.
Celebrities are putting their status to good use all the time but often their efforts get overlooked. Mark Wahlberg, Mariska Hargitay, Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga are leading the charge in the philanthropy world!
