Category Archives: Donations and Offerings

RHOA Kenya Moore Raises $40K for Detroit Schools on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore added more coins to the Detroit Public School Systems coffers.

Winning a “Celebrity Apprentice” challenge–to create a marketing campaign for Ivanka Trump’s shoe collection sold through Nordstrom– helped her rake in $40,000 ($20K was for winning the challenge and Donald Trump matched it.)

The Twirl girl has been making it rain since last year for the struggling city’s school system, without a certain Housewife’s help.

For those counting she’s donated $60K to the motor city’s public schools.

Let’s see how much “moore” money she’ll get out of The Don as this season rolls on.

Keshia Knight Pulliam and Vivica Fox Raise Money for Charities Through “Celebrity Apprentice”

Team Infinity

Team Infinity

“Cosby’s” Rudy Huxtable aka Keshia Knight-Pulliam may’ve been the first player to get the axe on “Celebrity Apprentice” but her walking papers included a $25,000 donation–to her Kamp Kizzy Foundation–from the Donald’s own coffers.

Cha-Ching!!!

Hey, if you’re going to go out at least get some coins to show for it.

Keshia Knight Pulliam putting in work for the Pie Face challenge.

Keshia Knight Pulliam putting in work for the Pie Face challenge.

Keshia’s downfall as bosslady came when she didn’t tap into her Bill Cosby resource. These days it would all but certainly warrant an understanding head nod to not reach out to the comedian. But given that the ep taped months before the sexual assault allegations plagued the pudding king, his number should’ve been on speed dial for the fundraising challenge of selling pies.

But it wasn’t.

Find out more about Keshia’s Kamp Kizzy Foundation

Keshia thought it would look tacky to reach out to him for moola when she hadn’t talked to him in years. So, she took the high road that led to a town car outta Trump world. Bye, Rudy.

Fast forward to two episodes, “Independence Day’s” Vivica Fox takes the reins as project leader. The task? Coming up with an ad campaign for frozen food company, Luvo.

Ms. Fox illustrated her acting chops by transforming into a dictator diet coach character with a Hitler mustache during the presentation. Welp, you gotta do what you gotta do for charity.

Hey, however weird and unorthodox,the schtick worked. Ms. Fox raised $50,000 to Best Buddies International; an org that aids people with disabilities and development challenges to be independent.

According to Viv’s “Apprentice” blog she’s worked with the charity for a decade.

Kudos to both philanthropic ladies. Cue Bey’s “Girls (Run the World).”

Other Takeaways from “Celebrity Apprentice“:

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore is more lethal in the boardroom than in a housewife reunion show. She baited Trump (not with the scepter, though) to go after Keshia for not reaching out to Bill Cosby.

You would think Vivica Fox was the athlete ’cause she suuurrreee threw gymnast Shawn Johnson under the bus in the boardroom. Viv called her out for coasting because she got her monthly. Pop a pain pill and move on. Period.

Nick Jonas tried to oust egomaniac Geraldo Rivera, but got the axe himself.

Inappropriately funny Gilbert Gottfried heard two words he’s familiar with: “you’re fired” At least it’s not Boo..

Scoreboard:

Women: 2 Men: 1

Let the battle of the sexes rage on…

Kevin Hart, Kylie Jenner, RHOA Kandi Burruss and VH1 Black Ink Crew Cast Spread Holiday Cheer

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For those lacking the holiday spirit theme of spreading goodwill,you might want to follow the lead of these generous celebs.

Funnyman Kevin Hart took time off his many jobs (in my Phaedra Parks voice) to treat 150 lucky LA-based kids with Toyz ‘R Us gift cards worth $100. Hart joined Clippers player Chris Paul that urged kiddos to FIRST buy something for others and then treat themselves. The pay-it-forward lesson also applied to Paul and Hart’s kids that joined in on the giving.

Watch Hart’s Oprah moment here.

Not to be outdone in the generosity department, newbie couple Kylie Jenner and rapper Tyga handed out toys at LA’s Childrens’ Hospital.

Meanwhile, down south, “Real Housewife of Atlanta” Kandi Burruss held a “Warm Hearts” coat and blanket drive. Through her Kandi Kares Foundation, team Burress (including Riley and step-daughter Kaela) collected donated blankets and childrens’ coats to distribute at a local shelter.

Back East, VH1’s “Black Ink Crew” plans to send 100 jail inmates holiday care packages. Given that one member of the tat squad may be facing hard time (O’Shit) it’s not surprising this would be their cause to herald.If you want Black Ink to send a care package to an inmate, here’s what you do: 1. Follow @blackinkmag on Twitter 2. Repost Black Ink Magazine, issue 2, on Facebook 3. Send IG info, inmate info to blackinklove@gmail.com

Happy Turkey Drive!! RHOA Kandi Burruss, Ludacris and Mike Epps’ Thanksgiving Giveaways

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Needy families from Atlanta and Detroit have RHOA Kandi Burruss, rapper Ludacris and funnyman Mike Epps to thank for doling out turkeys through their respected charities.

Kandi partnered with Walmart–as well as requested turkey donations from the community–to collect the turkeys and trimmings she used to offer select single-parent homes in ATL, through her Kandi Cares charity. The housewife chanteuse distributed the thanksgiving goodies yesterday alongside daughter Riley.

Not far away, rapper Ludacris kicked off his annual holiday food basket giveaway to 250 families through his Ludacris Foundation.The rapper/actor not only distributed butterballs to the ATL, but also set up a coat and toy driver. Luda set up a one stop shop of generosity to needy Atlantans at the Utopia Academy for the Arts.

eppsieturkeydriveNot to be outdone comedian Mike Epps joined Big Sean in Detroit to take part in the All Star Give back turkey drive held at River Rouge Schools. The giveaway aimed to feed over 1,000 families in the motor city.

Finally, to round out the various acts of kindness that kick off the holiday season, FLOTUS Michelle Obama and “Extra’s” Mario Lopez plan a Thanksgiving surprise to a worthy veteran. The California native army sergeant fell on hard times after his tour of duty finished; became unemployed and lost his Vietnam veteran grandfather to cancer. “Extra” and FLOTUS stepped in to get him back on his feet. Watch “Extra” to see how the surprise plays out.

Kudos to these celebs and everyone for serving up blessings to needy families. Let’s pass that love and generosity around more.

Hoorah!! Rihanna, J-Hud and Christina Milian Support Veterans

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Whether you were cheering them on at the Veterans’ Day parade or shout your gratitude to the closest man/woman in uniform.Thanking REAL heros for their bravery and sacrifice in defending us was very, very necessary for Veterans’ Day.

Actor/Rapper Ice-T was honored for his service in the Army by riding a float at NYC’s Veterans Day parade.

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Singer/actress Christina Milian showed her troop support by putting her arms to work by taking the “Pledge Ur Allegiance Challenge” from Hope for the Holidays, which requires you drop and give as many pushups as you can handle. In Christina’s case it’s 20.

Good thing she worked out ’cause how else would she be able to hoist that massive check she donated (a major part of the Challenge) to Hope for the Holidays.

CHRISTINAMILIANPLEDGE

Songbirds Jennifer Hudson and Rihanna sung their appreciation at HBO’s Concert for Valor in D.C. During live performances, RiRi sang her biggest hits, including “Diamonds in the Sky” to a huge armed forces audience. And brought out her duet partner, Eminem to share the stage.

J-Hud opened the concert with her powerful take on the “Star Spangled Banner.”

All money raised from the concert will go towards orgs that benefit veterans.

Thank you to all those who served and still do.

RHOA Kenya Moore Donates to Alma Mater

Kenya Moore holding up that phat check to DPSF image courtesy of Instagram

Kenya Moore may be many things, but a woman of her word is sho nuff one of them. If you recall seven months ago, during the temper fueled “Real Housewives of Atlanta” reunion special, the twirl queen and Nene “moneybags” Leakes hesitantly agreed to donate to their favorite charities. And to prove how deep Nene’s pocketbook is she pledged to match Kenya’s donation to her fave charity as a peace offering for acting ratchet at a Kenya Moore-endorsed charity event.

Well, hunni, Kenya has officially signed, sealed annnddd delivered the $20K to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. The org confirmed the donation last week.

No word on when Nene is dropping her check in the mail…

Former NFL Player Terrell Owen Sells Memorabilia for Charity

TOclosetsforcauses

Terrell Owens cleaned out his closets recently for a good cause. The former wide receiver hooked up with Closets for Causes–which match celebs with philanthropic opportunities related to style– to raise money for Good Sports, a non-profit promoting active lifestyles for kids.

The former Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles player donated his gear (signed and unsigned) to go kids that are starved of sports gear for sports teams around the country.

“I’m really blessed to be able to partner with Closets for Causes and give back to the youth in the community. It feels good to know that by giving the public the opportunity to own memorabilia from by football career and other personal items, children are receiving the sports equipment they need to pursue their own dreams and go to the next level.”

The Good Sports org wants to bridge the gap between impoverished youth programs unable to provide sports-related gear and kids that have a regular activity to keep them focused.

It’s good to know TO’s gear won’t go unused. But, I wonder what’s to become of his autographed figurines? hmmm check out all his memorabilia by clicking here.

Adding to his generosity, TO has also donated a one hour bowling session with him in Los Angeles. To bid on this fan experience, click here. Hmmm bowling, I was thinking more along the lines of him throwing the pigskin…oh well.

THINK PINK!!! Meagan Good, Kim Coles on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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I’ve never been a fan of the color, but I salute the cause. It’s officially breast cancer awareness month; unleash your pink…anything. This year holds special meaning for me with my aunt and mom battling it and fiercely (*knock on wood*) defeating it. Unfortunately my Nana wasn’t able to survive the big C over a decade ago. The harrowing reality that cancer cut her 60-year-old life short is disheartening, at times. But, it’s a reality in which millions of families experience each year. According to Susan G. Komen, 40,000 people are estimated to die this year from breast cancer.

And despite the  rumor that breast cancer is strictly a white women’s disease, it’s only partially true. Yes, we are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, buuutttt, this is a big but, so pay attention, Black women are more likely to DIE from breast cancer compared to white women. Sorry I’m being so morbid in this post, but I think it’s necessary to shatter any myths circulating around breast cancer. It gives us the chance to actually talk about it and band together to cure it. With that said, I highlight (using my Pink Sharpie) three celebs that are cleverly raising awareness for breast cancer.

Meagan’s Goodies Commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness

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Meagan Good took to Instagram to accept the Harley Davidson Pink Challenge by wearing the firm’s signature tee. The famous hog dealers have a clothing collection–Pink Label– to honor breast cancer survivors. Any pink label gear you purchase a portion will be donated to the National Cancer Foundation and Young Survival Coalition. The Think Like a Man star urged others to accept the pink challenge: “Le’t express our support for the one in eight women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year…let’s take the Pink Challenge and spread awareness!!!”

Kym Coles WooWooWoo’s Survivors of Breast Cancer

woowoowooSpeaking of tees, comedienne Kim Coles has reignited her famous catchphrase–appearing on sisterhood sitcom “Living Single”–to plaster on some tanks. The WooWooWoo (written in pink letters) tanks  are being sold online to raise money for breast cancer awareness cause. Kim is relaunching the tank in honor of her friend and her sister, who is a survivor. Purchase one while supplies last…it’s only for a limited time.

Team Cancer Free

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One half of the original 106 & Park show host, Free, an advocate for breast cancer awareness, made her annual ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ 5K walk in Boston last weekend. The walk is to raise awareness and money  for a cure for breast cancer. Free’s team dubbed ‘Team Cancer Free’ has raised over $4,000 so far. Their goal is to reach $5,000 that’ll go towards American Cancer Society’s research in treating breast cancer. There is still time to donate to the cause. If you wish to give click here.

Let’s think pink, y’all.

Slam Dunk or Foul? Dwayne Wade Partners with SANDALS for Youth Charity Program

Dwayne Wade in Turks & Caicos with kids from Sandal Foundation. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Dwayne Wade in Turks & Caicos with kids from Sandal Foundation. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Newlywed Miami Heat baller Dwayne Wade is taking his charity Wade’s World Foundation overseas. The NBA champion will take his philanthropic talents to the Caribbean (and, of course Miami) where he’ll enlighten at-risk teens about the benefits of a good education. And provide sports and rec centers for them to stay fit.

Not unlike what he does in the states, except this go ’round he’s teaming up with Sandals Resorts Foundation, an org that matches Wade’s World Foundation mission to create education and environmental projects for teens. In Sandals case, they cater to Caribbean communities–Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados– they have their resorts in.

The “game changer” program (yes, that’s the official name) aims to upgrade 11 multipurpose sports courts in the Caribbean and South Florida for kids to have a place to play and stay fit.

So why did the M.I.A baller decide to venture into foreign territory with his charity?

The opportunity to partner with the Sandals Foundation was a natural progression to the work we do and affords us the chance to continue to expand our reach internationally providing today’s youth with safe and fun places to learn explore and develop their potential.

Those willing to water those seeds of promise can make a donation to the game changer program here, or if you wanna give your fingertips a workout text GAME to 41444 to donate.

Honestly, I wasn’t too excited to hear that Mr. Gabrielle Union was partnering with the resort, given their homophobic past. Learning years ago that they banned same-sex couples from their resorts cast a shadow over their sandy white beaches, for me.

Yet, nothing is forever, including same sex bans, but I can’t lie and say I don’t feel some type of way about it. On one hand it’s a fitting way to synchronize two charities with one specific goal: enriching kids lives. Buuttt they’ve banned a whole group of people based on their sexual orientation for 23 years. Two decades!?. I know it’s time to let it go. The ban has been lifted. It’s a new day. Maybe so, but does it give anyone else pause over what kind of teens (is it straight AND gay or “Or”?) their willing to help?

Let me know what you guys think below.

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tinacharlesIn other sports related news, WNBA player Tina Charles slashed her salary in half to jump start her charity Hopey’s Heart Foundation, which purchases and distributes defibrillators to local schools around Michigan. The New York Liberty center launched the org in her aunt’s honor, who died of organ failure last year, and spent over $14K (she makes $100,000, according to Black Enterprise) purchasing 10 defibrillators for donation before she passed.

She’s raised $48K for the foundation so far and wrote a $50,000 check to go towards the charity’s goal of getting 100 defibrillators.

No qualms about this one. You go girl.

Tyler Perry Donates $45K to Atlanta Teen Homeless Shelter

perryphilanthropyMega producer (and to Spike Lee’s chagrin, creator of the wise cracking, law breaking grandmom Madea) Tyler Perry shows he loves the children by donating $45,000 to an Atlanta teen shelter at risk of closing.

The “If Loving You is Wrong” producer spent his 45th b-day making teens and their families dreams come true by keeping the Young People Matter shelter’s doors open to the 6,000 they service, until the end of the year.

The shelter’s $580,000 grant that lasted three years will expire at the end of this month.

Perry stopped by the shelter last week to talk with the kids at the facility that boasts of being the only “24-hour bed space to both males and females under 18” in Atlanta. And the shelter only has five beds!?!

Watch the news coverage of Young People Matter shelter

According to Access Atlanta, Perry’s PR reps confirmed the $45,000 donation was meant to coincide with his 45th year on Earth. You gotta love the symmetry of his philanthropy.

The president of the board on Young People Matter, Andrew Bostic, hopes others will follow in the famous filmmaker’s footsteps in supporting their shelter’s mission.

To make a donation to Young People Matter shelter, click here

Considering how open Perry is in discussing his past life of homelessness (he once quipped to Essence, “Can you imagine a 6-foot-five man sleeping in a Geo Metro?) it’s inspiring he reached back to help others in the same dilemma.