Get What You Give: The Biggest Celebrity Charity Contributors - Page 5

While many people scope the internet for the latest scandals and gossip, many have overlooked the positive things that celebrities have contributed to the less fortunate.

Whether it is giving a hefty donation or even holding events to help raise money, many celebrities have not forgotten that you can only receive what you give and continue to help others.

While the Oprah’s of the list are no surprise, many people will surprise you with the amount of giving back they have done and may just even inspire you!

Peep the page #’s below to see which celebrities are doing their part and sharing the wealth to those who need it.

Although Bill Cosby has done his part in many generous offerings, one of Cosby’s most generous offerings was the donation of $20 million to Spelman in 1988 for the construction of the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center, the center for the study of humanities at Spelman.

The Cosby gift also provided funds for endowed professorship in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.

Since his 1991 announcement of contracting the HIV virus, he and his wife Cookie have served as advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

The Magic Johnson Foundation was founded in an effort to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health, and social needs of ethnically diverse communities.

As president, Magic has revitalized urban neighborhoods by spreading awareness and creating new jobs

Denzel has been apart of a variety of charities and volunteering efforts, which include spending time to visit wounded soldiers at Fisher Houses, being the spokesperson for the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, and being a lifetime Founder Member of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Washington also donated $1 million to Wiley College to re-establish its debate team, after filming “The Great Debaters.” Inspiration hit Washington during the true story filming of the 1930’s African American debate team, and Denzel didn’t mind using his wallet to help a a good cause.

Although Tyler Perry may have made headlines when he donated $1 million to the NAACP, Tyler Perry knew that he would automatically help fund a charity that has helped many like himself lead successful careers.

“Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am today.”

Today, his films have grossed over $400 million worldwide, and he has opened the first movie studio owned by an African American.

Russel Simmons

“I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it!”

Simmons may be Hip-Hop’s biggest Philanthropist and has supported way too many charities and causes to list.

He is Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and co-founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with his brothers, Danny, and Joseph Simmons.

Russel donated his time to support The Doe Fund, and led a Transcendental Meditation workshop for participants of their Ready, Willing & Able program in August, 2009. Simmons called The Doe Fund “probably the most successful program in the nation to help homeless men re-enter society.”

Jackie Robinson has left a legacy of philanthropy through the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The organization was founded by his widow, Rachel Robinson, in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his achievements.

In 2003, the organization reached a milestone of $10 million in scholarship aid for minority students, and last year alone $4 million was provided in scholarship assistance and program support.

Since 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to provide financial assistance to students attending HBCUs.

The foundation also supports a variety of initiatives such as HIV/AIDS peer educator programs and increasing the number of certified instructors at the schools.

Although he may be known for his radio personality, many people are unaware of the community help that Joyner does.

Although many people aren’t even aware of Rawls contributions, they should be. Rawls helped the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) raise more than $200 million to benefit over 65,000 college students.

Michael Lomax, the president and CEO of UNCF shared in a 2006 interview,

“Lou did not receive the kind of recognition that he deserved. He was someone who [came along] before entertainers recognized that celebrity could be used for humanitarian purposes and that’s been lionized by people like Bono (of the rock band U2) [Lou] was already doing that.”

Michael Jackson has not only broken records in the recording industry, but the King of Pop has also broken Guinness World records with his charity actions.

Recorded of helping over 39 different charities, Michael even got his fellow musicians together to help the African Famine Relief by recording “We Are The World.”

It is estimated that he has donated over $300 million to various foundations.

Through her charitable foundations, Oprah’s Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, it is estimated that her giving exceeds $300 million.

Although she experienced hardships during her childhood, she excelled in school and has made it a priority to ensure that children all over the world get a quality education.

“I believe that education is freedom. I believe that education saved my life.”

In 2007, she opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a free residential school for girls in South Africa, and in December 2009, gave the students at the Ron Clark Academy, a private middle school in inner-city Atlanta a 1.5 million dollar contribution.