Fame & fortune can corrupt or transform lives. Celebrity status + publicity = step 1 in solving overwhelming issues.
Thankful Thursday recognizes the power of celebrity and how it is being used worldwide to bring attention to media-starved issues, gather people together and jump start communities and even nations into working together to make a difference.
Sometimes celebs are criticized for speaking out about political issues. But just because you’ve found fame doesn’t mean you aren’t an intelligent, assertive citizen. During an interview with Larry King, Brad Pitt shared that Angelina Jolie taught him how to take his celebrity status and use it as a powerful tool to help others beyond just writing a check. She taught him how to beat the paparazzi to the punch by selling pictures Brad took of their newborn children and donating the entire proceeds to worthy causes around the globe. The inevitable turned good.
George Clooney isn’t just a heartthrob – he is personally involved in helping the war-torn citizens of Sudan. Not a “trendy” cause but a critical one for the Sudanese who have been struggling just to survive while millions have been killed since 2005. Clooney and John Prendergast wrote an Op-Ed piece for U.S. Today recently to explain their concern.
Star Sharon Stone supports the Homeless Not Toothless program started by Dr. Jay Grossman in 1992. This low-key charity 
provides much needed dental care to the homeless population in the greater Los Angeles area . Working with volunteer dentists, they have provided over $2 million in dental care.
Kevin Bacon has taken the 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon game and spun it into his 6Degrees Organization. Working in partnership with Network for Good, he has helped raise $2.8 million. A great way to capture fame and help others.
Star/Scoundrel Sean Penn has repeatedly put his resources to bear when there is a need. He showed up in ravaged New Orleans before the flood waters receded with a boat and friends and personally waded through the muck to rescue people. Did he have to? No. 
Does he snarl at the media? Sure but he knows it’s actions that count most.
After the Haiti earthquake, he made helping the people of Haiti a family affair bringing his son and daughter to work along side him. Penn snared entrepreneur Diana Jenkins into helping and they co-founded J/P Haitian Relief Organization.
Penn’s urgent plea is worth your review and donation. His testimony before Congress is quite moving. Their success in cutting through red tape and government bureaucracy has been outstanding and has been widely lauded.
You don’t have to be a celebrity to make a difference today! Remember it is the power of one that will transform the world. I know you’re busy but why not take the afternoon to find a place where your talents, skills or interests can benefit others. If you make time for others, you’ll find that the time will miraculously appear.
So thanks to the people who stand on soap boxes and shine a light in the darkest corners of our world.
