MrsGrapevine.com » Celebrity Charity

Viola Davis Encourages Students At Struggling Alma Mater

Ms_Toni — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:26:54 +0000

As cliché as it may sound, education is the gateway to a lifetime of opportunity. It’s important that we keep this belief in the hearts of their children, so they may pass it on. At least I think so. And it seems that I’m not alone. Oscar nominee Viola Davis addressed the senior class of her high school alma matter Central Falls High School earlier today, according to the NPR.

Central Falls, Rhode Island has been in the news these past few years after the city filed for bankruptcy and the high school’s mass firing of teachers in 2010 (they later rehired the teachers). It’s good to see someone give back to the community that they came from, and continue to support it! Viola shared a story to inspire the students, recalling a time when she challenged a classmate, who called her the “N-word”, to a race:

Davis recounted a time in third grade when a classmate kept calling her “the N-word,” prompting her to try to best him in some way. He was known as the fastest boy in Central Falls, so she challenged him to a race.

She worried as recess approached — her shoes were a size and a half too small and her socks had holes — and she wondered how she’d be able to run fast.

“I did what any self-respecting girl would have done: I took my shoes off,” she said.

The race was a tie. But she said Thursday she was telling the story as a kind of lesson to students.

“You gotta be in the race, no matter what,” she said. “Win or lose.

Great lesson!!

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Halle Berry Looking Gorgeous As Always At The Jenesse Silver Rose Awards Gala

Ella Bee — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:24:21 +0000

Academy Award winning actress, Halle Berry is looking stunning as always in her Dolce & Gabbana lace and leopard print dress at the 2012 Jenesse Silver Rose Awards Gala and Auction last night in Beverly Hills, CA.

As chairperson, she hosts the annual weekend for the Jenesse Center which is a domestic violence intervention program. Her signature event, the Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic, Auction and Awards Dinner brings in a variety of celebrities and community leaders who support the organization’s continued efforts to help families heal and re-connect.

More pics when you

TV host Terri Seymour and actress Jurnee Smollett also joined the awards gala last night.

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Cynthia Bailey SEXY Barefoot In See-Through Dress…Plus Selita Ebanks, Jessica White

MrsGrapevine 2 — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:58:16 +0000

Cynthia Bailey of RHOA, models Jessica White and Selita Ebanks attend the 9th Annual New Yorkers for Children Spring Dinner Dance, New Year’s in April: A Fool’s Fete in New York City. Thighs are definitely in this season, by “in” I mean out this season via the thigh-high split, and the women look amazing in their formal wear. Cynthia Bailey arrives barefoot, but her dress is still giving us all we need.

Cynthia Bailey looks just as young as the rest of the models…Check out Jessica White’s thigh high dress in fuchsia, and Selia Ebanks keeps in simple in silver…

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Ne-Yo Joins Jordan at the MJ Celebrity Golf Invitational Gala

Ella Bee — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:35:07 +0000

Singer Ne-Yo joined NBA’s greatest Michael Jordan for his 11th Annual Celebrity Invitational Gala at the Aria Resort & Casino Friday night in Las Vegas. Inside, he performed for guests and comedian Cedric the Entertainer provided music and laughter on stage.

The celebrity invitational is a four-day golf tournament and celebration boasts incredible parties, A-list entertainment and competitive golf, is recognized as one of the best events of its kind. Also in attendance was actress Salli Richardson, Stuart Scott, Ken Griffey Jr. and Bob Johnson.

Founded in 2001, the MJCI is one of celebrity golf’s most popular events and has raised more than $6 million for various charities. The 2012 event beneficiaries include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The James R. Jordan Foundation, Cats Care, Opportunity Village and the Nevada Cancer Institute, as well as the participating celebrities’ charities of choice.Similar Posts:

Beyoncé Looks STUNNING In First Appearance Since Giving Birth!!

Ms_Toni — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:39:42 +0000

If you felt the ground shake at any time last night, then it must have been from all the Beyonce stans who fell out over images of her first appearance since giving birth to Blue Ivy. And I have to say, I don’t blame them one bit. She looks fabulous. Beyonce made an appearance last night at Carnegie Hall as her husband Jay Z performed to benefit the United Way of New York. She posted these pics of herself on her website last night.

Even if you don’t care for you, I don’t see how you can look at this picture and NOT think she isn’t working that dress. Speaking of, her dress is designed by Alice Temperly, her clutch is Alexander McQueen, her shoes are Christian Louboutin and her jewelry is by Ofira & Lorraine Schwartz. And let us not forget those Electric Blue fingernails. WORK MAMA BEY!!! Check out more pictures, when you continue…

Strangé!!!

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Diamonds & Caviar: Wendy Raquel Robinson, Lance Gross, Danny Glover

MrsGrapevine 2 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:27:21 +0000

The Game’s Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’s Lance Gross, reality star and legal analyst Star Jones, actress and dancer Vanessa Bell Calloway, singer Aaron Fresh, Grammy Nominated singer and songwriter Melky Jean (Wyclef’s sister), and Danny Glover all attended the Syncairly Yours first annual Diamonds & Caviar Fundraising Gala in Bermuda. The celebrities gathered on the luxurious island of Bermuda to help raise money and awareness to battle the influx of premature births and the impact of premature births on families. The celebrities were brought together by International Entertainment Mogul Qadree El-Amin at the beautiful Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa.

[Publicist Love Logan & Wendy Raquel Robinson aka Tasha Mack]

[Lance Gross]

[Special Thanks to Love Logan Productions]

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Raven Symone, Vanessa Williams, Elise Neal, Lance Gross & Diahann Carroll Step Out At St. Jude 50th Anniversary Gala

Ella Bee — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:47:58 +0000

Last night, Hollywood’s brightest stars were out in support of St. Jude’s Research Hospital’s 50th Anniversary Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

We had the privilege of attending this star-studded event that drew out Hollywood’s elite for a special cause, finding cures and saving children through cancer research. Some of your favorite stars that glammed it up on the red carpet include the legendary actress Diahann Carroll, actress Vanessa Williams, actor Lance Gross, Hollywood’s new it-girl Mila Kunis, Elise Neal, our favorite Raven Symoné, and even William Shatner, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger and Buzz Aldrin.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. Click here to find out more ways you can give back to support St. Jude.

Check out more photos when you

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50 Cent Wants To Give You $10,000

Ms_Toni — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:45:42 +0000

50 Cent is offering folks a chance to win $10,000 in a new promotion for his energy drink, StreetKing. This contest also has a charity element to it. The winner of the contest will receive 10K, a trip to NYC to meet 50 Cent and 10,000 meals donated to charity, in their name. That’s pretty awesome.

50 is looking for the most creative YouTube video and entries are due before January 47, 2012. You can go check out more information on the Facebook page of Street King. Check out the video after the jump, where 50 shares exactly what he’s looking for…

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Kim Kardashian Accused Of Hiring Sweat-Shop Slaves

MrsGrapevine 2 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:50:06 +0000

Kim Kardashian is in trouble again. After her fake marriage to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian is no longer a media darling. In fact, Kim and the whole Kardashian family have been accused of hiring sweatshop labor to create their fabulous line of clothes and shoes. While the Kardashian family brought in $65 million last year from their product lines, some of the people reportedly working on those product lines may only bring home $180 a year. NY Post reports:

…workers toil in un-airconditioned factories, even as temperatures swell over 100 degrees. Workers live in squalid dormitories and, after they pay for room and board, often pocket as little as $15 a month. Some workers clocked as many as 84 hours a week under conditions that investigators describe as akin to “minimum security prisons.

You can’t talk during working hours, you can’t listen to music; you can’t stand up and stretch. You can’t even put your head up and look around, or you will be screamed at. If you get permission to use the toilet, you get four minutes. If you’re highly specialized, you cannot even go to the bathroom.

Just before the news broke of the sweatshop, Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, headed to Haiti for some “charity” work. By charity, I mean a distraction from the negative press of hiring companies that run sweatshops in China. One thing I have learned from blogging, there are generally no coincidences when your life is run by a publicist. Now we all know, you can’t get nice shoes from ShoeDazzle for $39.95, without someone hiring slave labor to mass produce them. To be fair, the Kardashian family may not have been aware of these conditions, until the news broke. Many of their other companies are not linked to sweatshops. Hopefully this will be investigated more closely and corrected soon.

The Kardashians are in bed with some pretty bad people,” alleges Kernaghan. “Not only are celebrities like the Kardashians taking advantage of these workers, they are holding hands with a government that spits on democracy and women’s rights.

Kim has been very fortunate, but it’s time for her and her family to treat these workers with respect,” he says. “If she took a stand and said, ‘I want to manufacture my products in Chicago or Los Angeles, where I can ensure people humane conditions,’ she would be taking the right stand. {Kim Kardashian Company Uses Sweatshop Workers}

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PHOTOS: Diggy Simmons Has The Christmas Spirit!

MrsGrapevine 2 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:25:59 +0000

Diggy Simmons has been spreading Christmas love all over New York City, while doing several holiday charity events. Diggy made an appearance at New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, visiting the bedside of kids who will be spending Christmas in the hospital this year. The young Simmons took time out to past out gift bags, and take pictures with his young fans. After leaving the children’s hospital, Diggy Simmons stopped by the St. Jude Holiday party at Brooks Brothers, where he decorated cookies, ornaments, and Christmas cards with the young patients of St. Jude. Nice to see young kids giving back.

BTW, Diggy is growing up fast; he’s tall and skinny now. More pics when you continue…

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2011 CNN Heroes: Rachel Crow, Ice Cube, Chaka Khan, 50 Cent, Holly Robinson Peete, J R Martiniez…

MrsGrapevine 2 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:21:08 +0000

CNN Heroes, is one of my favorite awards shows; everyday people doing extraordinary deeds for others. This year’s recipients stand up for human rights, fight crimes against children, advocate for those in poverty, raise awareness and seek aid for the inflicted. These people prove that a single person with one big idea, can in fact change the world as we know it.

Legendary singer, Chaka Khan, hit the red carpet to show her support, along with many other celebrities including, Ice Cube and his fro, Veteran J R Martinez (winner of Dancing With the Stars), Holly Robinson-Peete, 50 Cent, and Rachel Crow. Wow, didn’t take Rachel Crow long to bounce back and hit the red carpet with her famous smile.

[Rachel Crow]

[J R Martinez & GF Diana Jones]

More pics when you continue of Ice Cube and his daughter Kareema, and more…

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Angela Simmons, Kimora Lee, Djimon Hounsou, Russell Simmons At ‘Change Begins Within’

MrsGrapevine 2 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:50:52 +0000

Angela Simmons, Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee, and Djimon Hounsou attend the 3rd Annual “Change Begins Within” Benefit in Los Angeles hosted by the David Lynch Foundation. The Change Begins Within campaign teaches at risk kids stress reducing meditation techniques to reduce incidents of violence and increase focus in the classroom. O_0 The meditation reportedly works well!

Since then, nearly 150,000 inner-city students have begun utilizing these techniques to eliminate traumatic stress that undermines academic achievement and short-circuits lives. These students have dramatically better test scores, grades, and graduation rates while drop out rates, suspensions, and expulsions have greatly decreased. {Source}

More pics when you continue…Angela Simmons is all grown up, now!

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Jurnee Smollett Beautiful & Classy At Beat The Odds!!!

MrsGrapevine 2 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:20:20 +0000

Jurnee Smollett is all grown up, and she is one of my favorite people in Hollywood, and has been since she was three. I just love the way that young women like Raven Symone, Tia & Tamera Mowry, Kyla Pratt, and Jurnee Smollett have transitioned from childhood actresses into beautiful adult women. Along the way they have managed to maintain their dignity, and work in such a manner that is classy, respectful, and inspirational to so many young girls. Obviously growing up in the spotlight isn’t easy, but these young women have managed to do so in a positive manner.

Whenever any of the women mentioned above are working on projects, MrsGrapevine.com is happy to promote their projects. So, check out Jurnee Smollett at the 21st Annual Beat The Odds Awards in Beverly Hills, hosted by the Children’s Defense Fund-California:

Founded in 1990, Beat the Odds honors outstanding high schools students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. The program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood.

More pics when you continue…Plus pics of Zoe Saldana, who also attended the awards ceremony.

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NFL’s Stevan Ridley Helps Make-a-Wish Foundation

Ella Bee — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:35:12 +0000

NFL rookie, Stevan Ridley, partnered with Major League Gaming and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make one young boy’s dream come true when they invited 9-year old Austin and his family to the National Championships in Providence, RI to play a few rounds of Call of Duty: Black Ops with the New England Patriots running back. WATCH: Stevan Ridley and the Make-a-Wish Foundation Similar Posts:

Kobe Bryant Leads United Way Charity Walk

Ella Bee — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:14:10 +0000

This weekend, 5x NBA Champion Kobe Bryant, joined the United Way of Greater Los Angeles for the 5th Annual HomeWalk to end homelessness, a 5k run and walk commencing in Exposition Park, in downtown Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers super star was the event’s Honorary Chair and kicked off the event that featured approximately 10,000 participants.

Kobe is using his time during the NBA lockout wisely to bring awareness that there are more than 51,000 homeless men and women in Los Angeles County and nearly one-quarter of them are chronically homeless. Kobe has supported the United Way by helping them to reach more residents concerned about fighting homelessness, and his charity has done great work with homeless children.
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Alicia Keys Shines At Keep Child Alive Ball; Swizz Beatz, LaLa Anthony, Kerry Washington

MrsGrapevine 2 — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:23:38 +0000

Alicia Keys hosted her 8th Annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC, and it was indeed a star studded event. Celebs in attendance included, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, Carmela & LaLa Anthony, Serena Williams, Clive Davis, Chanel Iman, will.i.am, and Tyra Banks. Swizz Beatz was also in attendance; he escorted his wife on red carpet. Swizzy and Alicia Keys pulled off another successful gala all in the name of charity. Congrats!

On a *side note* I wonder if Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are planning on having anymore kids. I know it’s off topic, just popped in my head. Continue reading for more pics…

Serena Williams seemed uncomfortable in all of the pics or distracted. Maybe she had a lot on her mind…

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Stevie Wonder Still Has ‘Dem’ Braids; Chaka Khan Still Got Body

MrsGrapevine 2 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:37:46 +0000

Artist for Peace “Never Again” Concert took place Monday Night in Universal City, CA to honor Stevie Wonder and peace efforts against genocide. It was the Lost & Found event of the year. Bobby Brown made an appearance, along with Eric Benet, Pras, Wayne Brady, and Tommy Davidson. Seriously where have all of these people been? Chaka Khan serenaded her good friend Stevie Wonder. Many of you may not know this, I really didn’t either (I’m not that old), but before their was a Beyonce, Chaka Khan held the title of the voice with the body. As you can see below in her leopard boots and bodysuit, Ms Chaka Khan is holding on to that title.

Actually in her younger years, Chaka Khan and Nicki Minaj resemblance is quite striking. It’s almost eerie. I would like to see Nicki Minja remake this photo in Ebony Icons.

Anyway, back to the topic. Stevie Wonder is holding on to his braids, but I don’t know how much longer the braids can hold on, his iconic look is fading fast. Eric Benet, steps out on the red carpet with his wife pregnant Manuela, who is also the ex-wife of Prince. Plus pics of Bobby Brown, Tommy Davidson, and Wayne Brady when you continue…

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Gabrielle Union & Dwayne Wade Honors Iman At Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Awards

Ella Bee — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:15:40 +0000

The Rodeo Drive Committee and the City of Beverly Hills honored international supermodel, actress and entrepreneur Iman, along with acclaimed Italian fashion house, Missoni at the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award^® last night. Iman is amazingly beautiful! You would not know that she is 56 years young. Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union hit red carpet together to honor Iman, looking adorable like some wedding cake toppers.

Check out pics of Iman looking fabulous…

The awards ceremony took place on Rodeo Drive with a special silent auction to benefit Save the Children in their efforts to respond to the needs of children and their families affected by the East Africa Food Crisis brought on by the worst drought in six decades.

The on-going award, inaugurated in 2003, honors style legends for their contributions to the worlds of fashion and entertainment. Both recipients will also receive plaques on Rodeo Drive, featuring their signature and quote, which will be embedded permanently in the sidewalk of the celebrated street.

Iman and Missoni were both inducted into the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style^®, following previous honorees Fred Hayman, Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco and Cartier, Valentino Garavani, Manolo Blahnik, James Galanos, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Edith Head, James Acheson and Milena Canonero, Herb Ritts and Mario Testino and Tom Ford. Giorgio Armani was the first recipient in 2003.

Other celebrity guests that were in attendance included: Sofia Vergara, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, and Nicky Hilton.

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Rapper Eve Looks Gorgeous At Angel Ball; Plus LaLa Anthony, Kim Kardashian, Solange Knowles

MrsGrapevine 2 — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:19:51 +0000

Celebs hit up the 2011 Angel Ball (Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research) in New York City, and of course everyone looks amazing, but there is something about Eve, that just stands out to me. Not really feeling the pants suit at a gala, but the color and the hair just really makes her features pop. Look at those cheek bones poppin’.

More pictures from the Angel Ball, including LaLa Anthony, Kim Kardashian, Solange & Tina Knowles…

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Diddy Saves The Day…

MrsGrapevine 2 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:54:08 +0000

Diddy just recently coming off some bad press after being checked by Rapper T.I. over some vodka issues, is making news for doing something great. I know everyone likes the drama and what not, but when a celebrity does a good, it shouldn’t go unnoticed. Diddy helps save the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem by donating a significant amount money.

So significant, that the amount has not been revealed, but will save the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem from having to cut their programming and operating budget. More details when you continue…*claps hands for Diddy*

October 11, 2011 (New York, N.Y.) The Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, an organization dedicated to youth development by providing access and opportunities for young people in their community regardless of economic, social and family circumstances, today announced a remarkable contribution from business magnate Sean Combs, founder of the entertainment conglomerate Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide.

The donation will significantly impact the organization’s operations budget, which has been under tremendous pressure due to enormous shifts in federal, state and private funding.

“Mr. Combs’ contribution comes at a time when we were faced with the possibility of eliminating existing programs and/or club sites. 100% of Mr. Combs’ contribution will go directly to the young people, and provide educational, recreational and social enrichment programs allowing us to move forward as a club, uninterrupted.” Willie C. Bentley, Jr. Board Member and Resource Development Chair.

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