Most celebrities are affiliated with charities in some way, shape or form, but it’s the stars that take the extra time to reach out to the little guys that really tug at the heart strings. Here are some of Hollywood’s finest, and what they’ve done to help their fans or other every-day people.
1. Paulie Perrette
We told you all about Paulie P’s charitable efforts a few weeks ago, and while she is involved with a ton of non-profits, there are two things in particular that she has done to help out every-day people. Her video dedication to the young suicidal boy was something she didn’t have to do. But, because she felt moved enough to directly reach out to him, she was able to provide him with reassurance that millions of people are rooting for him.
She also makes efforts to aid the homeless, and by efforts I don't mean donations. She befriended Brandon Lambert, a homeless man in L.A., inviting him to holiday meals and spending time with him. Recently, Brandon was killed, and instead of forgetting about him, she stepped up and planned his funeral. There was no way she was letting this man die without a proper goodbye. Kudos Paulie P! You are an amazing role model!
2. Ryan Gosling
Aside from being incredibly handsome and gracing the world with his gorgeousness, Gosling actually made his debut as a vigilante in New York City a few months ago. A fight broke out in the middle of the road and rather than walking by, he stepped in! Gosling broke the fight up, and was embarrassed by the publicity it brought him. He’s an all-around modest hero.
3. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt and his partner Angelina Jolie donate oodles of money to charity efforts each year, but in 2011 he proved to the world that his desire to help people runs deeper than his checkbook! During a post-screening Q&A for his film Moneyball, a man stood up and shared his story. He told the startled audience that he was a struggling actor who had been contemplating suicide. Instead of keeping quiet and allowing someone else to tackle the awkward situation, Pitt stepped up to the plate.
"Look, man, life is up and down, it's a vicious cycle, but you have to go through it and deal with that," he told the downtrodden fan. "You can be down, but then you come back up again, and every failure can lead to success.”
This wasn’t the end of his efforts either. Pitt apparently stopped and talked to the man for a little longer, sharing more words of encouragement.
4. Justin Timberlake
Justin is linked to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Habitat for Humanity and even has his own foundation to promote music education to children, but recently he did something special for the troops! After being asked by Cpl. Kelsey De Santis to the Marine Corps Ball, he quickly accepted the offer. He even encouraged his Friends with Benefits co-star Mila Kunis to accept a similar offer.
After the big day, he posted this on his blog: "I have to tell you, it's not every day that I meet a 23 year old girl and she's more worried about if I'm having fun or if I'm comfortable! It hit me all of a sudden that these were the type of people that look after us and our freedom... Humble, concerned for others before themselves..." he wrote on his blog. "This was the type of person our Marine Corps was building. I was really blown away."
5. Kid Cudi
Just this week Kid Cudi took the time to offer some sincere words to a fan of his who passed away on Christmas. Ben Breedlove suffered from a heart condition that had already led him to cheat death three times in his 18 years of life. Unfortunately, his fourth attempt wasn’t victorious.
This is just a piece of the message Kid Cudi composed in Ben’s memory: “We love you Ben. Forever. Thank you for loving me. To Ben's family, you raised a real hero, he's definitely mine. You have my love."
Sources: iVillage
Photo Source: SXC