Louis Mariette Climbing Kilimanjaro for Charity

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , , ,

Now here’s a story for the record books. Some people talk about charity work – some celebrities fork over the cash. But few are willing to sweat and work in such an intense way to help to benefit others.

Louis Mariette, a celebrity fashion designer, has set his sights on Mount Kilimanjaro, pledging to conquer the 5,896 mile mountain for The Children’s Trust. He is vice-president of the organization and has taken on the challenge with eight other trekkers. While not climbing one of the highest mountains in the world, Louis makes headpieces for the likes of Rihanna, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga.

As he said, “I know this will be a challenge, but nothing like the brave children, family, friends and team at the Trust experience every day, so I hope I can do them justice. I know that each step I take on this adventurous mountain will be towards a great cause, especially the more challenging higher segments with steeper parts, snow and altitude.”

The Children’s Trust is a British charity that provides care for severely disabled children. They also have rehabilitation facilities for children with acquired brain injury.

Louis explained a bit more about his goals. As he said,

“Trekking the magnificent mountain will be a dream come true. I am even more excited as I want the flora and fauna of nature to inspire me and on my return to the UK I will specially customize a hat and donate to the Trust to be auctioned. Being born in Malawi, living in Swaziland, Botswana throughout my childhood and going back to Africa to Tanzania will touch my soul and will be an emotional uplifting experience.”

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation Is Born

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By JohnPosted In: EducationTagged: , , , , ,
Born This Way Foundation

picture from advocate.com

Lady Gaga just unveiled her latest venture – and it had nothing to do with a wacky outfit or outlandish head dress.  She is rolling out a new youth foundation with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. Called the Born This Way Foundation, she launched her plan on February 29th, 2012 at the Harvard University Sanders Theatre.  The Harvard University Berkman Center for Internet and Society and the Graduate School of Education are teaming with Lady Gaga in this new venture.

The Born This Way Foundation is a nonprofit charity that plans to “foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated.’’ It has three pillars which include Safety, Skills and Opportunity.

The charity roll-out at Harvard was no small affair. Gaga was joined by Oprah Winfrey, spiritual leader Deepak Chopra and the US Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the launch.

She explained that

“The goal of the Born This Way Foundation is to challenge meanness and cruelty by inspiring young people to create a support system in their respective communities,’’ she said. “This is about changing . . . the school environment, and not putting the power in the hands of the teachers or the government.’’

She emphasized that it is not, exclusively, an anti-bullying charity, but much of the talk at the launch did focus on cyber bullying and other issues.

Oprah Winfrey explained her excitement about the new foundation. As she said,

“What is exciting to me is that thought leaders have gathered together as one force to ask why does bullying and violence and hatred against young people continue in our society and what we can do about it.’’

Time will tell how the foundation fulfills its mission. At the moment, it’s certainly a breath of fresh air and a venture that has promise, from one of America’s most popular and powerful superstars.