Tag Archives: Donation

TGIF! Colin Kaepernick Continues Giving Tour |Obama Donates $2M to Chi-Town Jobs Program

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Happy Cinco De Mayo, Blinkers!

It couldn’t come at a better time…because it’s feel good Friday, y’all.

So grab that Corona with lime–dont forget the tacos–settle in and let’s recap some of the good things that went down this week.

Starting with our favorite quarterback Colin Kaepernick, sans a team. (Insert rant: will somebody pick this dude up already?)

Colin’s giving tour landed in front of the New York State Parole Board on Sunday, where the former 49er handed out custom suits to recently released prisoners looking for jobs.

Colin’s doing the damn thing when it comes to helping out in the community. Keep up the goodworks, CK.

Now for some Obama news that doesn’t involve “health” or “care” ’cause ain’t nothing feel good about that ish.

Anyway, Barack and Michelle Obama announced making a $2 million donation to create 800 summer jobs in Chicago on Wednesday.

“One of the things that we’ll be starting this year is Michelle and I are personally going to donate $2 million to our summer jobs programs here in the community,” he said at the South Shore Cultural Center. “[It’s] so that right away young people can get to work and we can start providing opportunities to all of them.”

So take that, all you salty Democrats (**cough Bernie Sanders cough**) who chastised Obama for filling his pockets with Wall Street dollars. A cash grab former presidents have done for decades, mind you. At least Obama is doing it to help out his adopted city. To prevent more violence from coming out of Chiraq.

One Summer Chicago will be hosting summer jobs for the teens.

Cheers to more people like Obama.

NBA Star Kyrie Irving Gives Second Chance to Sick NJ Boy | Chance the Rapper Inspires Investment in Chi-Town

Kyrie Irving has more than his NBA teammates backs. The Cleveland Cavalier also takes care of those reppin’ his junior high school alma mater—The Patrick School.

Upon learning 12-year-old Spencer Joyner was missing school due to a rare brain disorder—where spinal fluid leaks into his skull and cause excruciating headaches–Irving paid for his entire $11,000 tuition bill and medical bills.

The New Jersey native has been back in school for a month and still thriving from the boost Irving gave him.

“I would thank him for all the things that he’s done, paying for my tuition, paying for my medical bills,” Spencer said.

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Irving isn’t the only superstar to open his wallet and hope to make a difference. As you all know Chance the Rapper has been laying down a lotsa stacks to improve Chi-town public schools. This weekend he let his friends in on the act.

Like Seattle Seahawks player Michael Bennett, who vowed to donate his endorsements to the effort.

I was inspired by Chance The Rapper to ‘think bigger’ when he pledged one million dollars to Chicago kids and their school system. So, I’ll be joining him by investing in the future of our youth.

Chance even influenced the Chicago Bulls head office to write a $1 million check to the cause. Chance was even there to watch the check being presented to the schools.

The Chicago Tribune reports 12 Chi-Town schools will receive an extra $10,000 as a result.

At the announcement, Chance said “It is my job, just as who I am, to bring light and attention to public school funding, broken formulas and especially how it affects my hometown … where there’s 90 percent minority students.”

Chance the Rapper Chicago’s Mayor.

Chance The Rapper Donates $1 Million to Chicago Public Schools

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Aside from making good music, Chance The Rapper is always looking to help his city of Chicago in any way he can. In his boldest move yet, Chance announced that he is donating $1 million to Chicago Public Schools during a press conference at Westcott Elementary School earlier today (see the full video below). “This check that I donated is a call to action,” Chance says. “I’m challenging major companies and corporations in Chicago and across the country to donate and take action.”

The news arrives after his meeting with Illinois governor Bruce Rauner last week, where they talked about public education and more.

Finally, some good news for Chi Town.

Written by Joe Walker OnSmash.com

POTUS Donates Daughters’ White House Swing Set to D.C. Shelter

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As if the Obamas haven’t given us enough–like the birth of our fabulously fierce First Lady (Happy Birthday Mrs. O)–the First Family gave us something to remember them by.

And I’m not talking about healthcare or jobs. Although keeping those life-saving policies would be a good look. Thankfully it’s some thing Congress or President Dump Trump can’t overturn.

A swing set.

Not just any swing set. The playground, including swings, slide, climbing wall, binoculars, swing tire and parallel bars, was used by Malia and Sasha during their time in the White House. In 2009, Barack and Michelle surprised the girls with the swing set on White House lawn.

Now lives on the grounds of Jobs Have Priority Naylor Road Family Shelter in D.C. where the Obamas donated the swing set earlier this month.

 

POTUS and FLOTUS paid a visit to the shelter, which assists African-American female-headed families with one or more family member with a mental or physical disability, on MLK day.

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They taught the lucky kiddos how to pump.

And even stayed to take part in a Martin Luther King Jr. mural.

*sigh*

Four more years.

Four more years.

For the love of God, four more years.

MCM | ‘Saints & Sinners’ Star Gives to Homeless

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Now we know who the saint is–Christian Keyes.

The Let’s Stay Together star turned his lazy Sunday into day of service. By cleaning out his closets, filling up 10 garbage bags worth of Fall gear for donation to homeless org–My Friend’s House Foundation.

 

Also known as We Feed the Homeless. The LA-based org provides clothes, food and other basics for the homeless.

My Friend’s House founder Tiffany A. Rose is expanding the charity’s operation. She started a Go Fund Me page seeking $25K, so far she’s earned $17,204.

To earn your halo (Christian has one!) donate your coins here.

The ab-tastic model/actor may also have angel wings because he loves to give back. Especially to his hometown of Flint, Michigan.

 

Last weekend, he hit the hardwood of MSU with Rev Run’s son Diggy Simmons and Cory Hardrict for the 3rd Annual Hoop for Hope celebrity basketball game.

All the proceeds went to helping 1000 families in need and donating two semi trucks of water to the people of Flint, who have had to live with poisoned water since 2014.

Salute to Christian for doing his part to be more of a saint to his community.

MCM | Sean “Diddy” Combs Donates $1 Million to Alma Mater

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Diddy dug into his deep pockets over the weekend, and pulled out lots and lots of Benjamins (I’m talking 10,000 bundles) to donate to Howard University.

The $1 million donation went toward the HBCU’s business school where a scholarship will be set up in the mogul’s name.

The Sean Combs Scholarship Fund ” will help provide life-altering opportunities for our students, particularly at a time when many come to Howard struggling to meet ever-increasing financial needs,” says Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick.

Diddy presented the check to Dr. Frederick during the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour at Verizon Center in D.C. Friday.

“I was blessed to receive a great education from Howard University – one of the best schools in the world – and it helped to fuel my success in business and life. This scholarship will make it possible for the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs. “When I delivered the commencement address at Howard, I asked the students ‘Do you know how powerful you are?’ I know that Howard students are intelligent, talented, passionate, and their hard work will shape the future.”

According to Look to the Stars, Howard will start awarding scholarships Fall 2017 to undergrad business students with a 3.0 GPA with a financial need. The lucky recipients will also get a summer internship at Bad Boy Entertainment or Revolt Media.

 

Boy Grows Out Hair for Nearly Three Years to Donate to Cancer Patient

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Long hair…this kid does care!

When (then) 8-year-old Thomas Moore from Maryland found out how brutal cancer is to the body–as explained by his mom Angie Polus after watching  a video of 5-year-old cancer patient Kyssi Andrews, he decided to donate his not quite long enough locks.

“Once I explained that she had cancer, and what cancer was, and how chemo affected the body he immediately decided he wanted to grow his hair long again and give it to Kyssi,” Polus says.

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It took Thomas two years to grow out his love locs. Sadly, Kyssi passed away June 2015. Yet, it made Thomas even more determined to grow out his hair to help others.

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Thomas’ hair journey from a Luda-style afro, Solange-esque curls circa Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams and over the shoulder was all worth it.

This month, at 10, he was finally able to cut his hair. His aunt tweeted the news, which was retweeted over 61,000 times and liked 121,000 times.

Thomas’ beautiful mane was made into three wigs for sick children, reports Scary Mommy.

As if that’s not a reward in and of its self, NBA player Derek Anderson will present Thomas with his Act of Kindness Award through his foundation Stamina in October.

Thomas told Scary Mommy he’s just happy his hair doesn’t get caught in the bushes when he plays outside.

Fair enough.

 

MCM | T.I. Donates $35K to Six Education Initiatives

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Tip is a man of his word.

When the ATL-based rapper signed on to promote  TIDAL’s Money Talk and Education challenge–that encourages charities to fundraise for education programs in different communities–in May, he put his checkbook on the line.

 

The “Whatever You Like” lyricist and father of seven (the newest addition is babygirl Heiress) agreed to match all funds raised.

The Undefeated reports eighty-six orgs took on the challenge from May 4 to June 15. Only six became finalists, which brought in $46,000 combined. In turn T.I. donated $36,000. For a grand total of…

Drum roll please…

…$81,000.

 

So which charities put a dent in the VH1 (“T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle”) reality star’s wallet?

ESSENCE gave us a breakdown on the six orgs.

Fate Loves The Fearless — Education and mentorship program to help Detroit youths excel in school; funds raised will go toward the renovation of a new facility.

Shaw Inspires “Teen-Preneurs” — In-school, after-school, weekend and summer mentoring and leadership program for youth ages 11-25; funds raised will help the program expand to Baltimore and Charleston, South Carolina.

The Musicianship’s 2016 Summer Camp — Summer camp that provides music lessons for young people; funds will be used to buy instruments, supplies, support music instructors and provide a college scholarship.

Generation You Employed — Program that helps unemployed youths with skills and job readiness in five countries (Kenya, India, Spain, Mexico and the United States); it plans to train 1 million unemployed young people and place them in jobs by 2020; funds raised will go toward expanding into Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.

Educate Me College Tour — Annual tour of historically black colleges and universities provides cultural and educational experiences that inspire students to examine concerns and personal interests during their college selection process.

Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) 25th Anniversary — The dropout prevention agency partners trained community volunteers with children in the Atlanta and Fulton County public school systems who are chronically absent from school and, as a result, either become involved in the juvenile court or referred for early intervention at the school level.

Good job, Tip. <<salute>>

MCM | Michael Jordan Donates $2 Million to Highlight Racial Divide

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Michael Jordan heeded Carmelo Anthony’s call to step up and speak out against police brutality against unarmed Black men and women. Albeit it doesn’t have the unified flair as exihibited by Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James at the Espys, but given Big Mike’s vow of silence (rivaling that of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas) on Black matters, this is a giant step for the iconic Chicago Bull.

Michael Jordan released a statement to The Undefeated, check it out below.

As a proud American, a father, who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.

 
“I was raised by parents who taught me to love and respect people regardless of their race or background, so I am saddened and frustrated by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting worse as of late. I know this country is better than that, and I can no longer stay silent. We need to find solutions that ensure people of color receive fair and equal treatment AND that police officers – who put their lives on the line every day to protect us all – are respected and supported.

Over the past three decades I have seen up close the dedication of the law enforcement officers who protect me and my family. I have the greatest respect for their sacrifice and service. I also recognize that for many people of color their experiences with law enforcement have been different than mine. I have decided to speak out in the hope that we can come together as Americans, and through peaceful dialogue and education, achieve constructive change.

 
“To support that effort, I am making contributions of $1 million each to two organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The Institute for Community-Police Relations’ policy and oversight work is focused on building trust and promoting best practices in community policing. My donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization, will support its ongoing work in support of reforms that will build trust and respect between communities and law enforcement.

Although I know these contributions alone are not enough to solve the problem, I hope the resources will help both organizations make a positive difference.
“We are privileged to live in the world’s greatest country – a country that has provided my family and me the greatest of opportunities. The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities.”

Well said.

Man Candy Monday | Sole Food for Flint

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Andre McDonnell is our Man Candy Monday for simply caring about the homeless.

Well, not just caring, going above and beyond the call of duty (fyi, he’s not a cop, firefighter or EMT, but a salesman) to lift the homeless off the ground. The same people we can barely make eye contact with (no judgment. I’m just as guilty) Andre, from New York, is holding shoe drives and fundraisers for all across the country through his It’s From The Sole non-profit.

As I write this, Andre is hosting a shoe drive, in partnership with fitness orgs Harlem Run and Spring Moves, in Harlem to collect 3,000 sneakers for Flint, Michigan’s homeless.

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On May 17, It’s From the Sole will distribute the shoes collected–from shoe drives throughout the month–to needy families in Flint during a planned event.

Andre McDonald started It’s From the Sole in 2013 after taking off his own shoes to give to a homeless man walking barefoot. Ever since, McDonald has vowed to turn his little non-profit that could into an global body of sole and good works. With 10,000 sneakers donated since It’s From the Sole’s debut he’s nearly there.

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Especially with friends like Meredith Veira, Power 105.1’s Charlamagne Tha God, Jadakiss and Knicks player Carmelo Anthony helping him along the way. Check out Andre’s goals for It’s From the Sole in an interview with Meredith Veira below.

Don’t you love a man with a plan? *swoon* What’s even better is a get-it-done dude. So far this year Andre has donated thousands of sneakers to shelters in Alabama, Pennsylvania and even Haiti.

Thanks for the kicks and kindness, Dre. Wish there was more like ya.