15 Celebrities Who Started a Charity That Helps Children (PHOTOS)
When they're not starring in major motion pictures, breaking sports records, or releasing chart-topping albums, some celebrities like to donate a little of their time, energy, and efforts to great causes—some even going so far as to create their own charities or foundations. With their focus on children, these stars have used their power for good to improve the lives of kids everywhere.
Children are the future—and these 15 celebrities are trying their best to help them.
Image © Childrens Miracle Network/Corbis/Splash News/Corbis
Pharrell Williams
Music producer Pharrell Williams founded his charity, From One Hand to AnOTHER,in 2008 to provide underprivileged children with music education—especially in his native Virginia Beach.
Oprah Winfrey
It's not surprising that this generous celebrity has started Oprah's Angel Network, a charity that has built over 55 schools in 12 countries, in addition to providing school supplies and uniforms for all children.
Jennifer Lopez
This mega-star also has a big heart. She launched the Lopez Family Foundation to improve the health and general well-being of women and children, helping to provide healthcare in underprivileged areas. The experience obviously inspired more altruism: She recently began working with the Children's Miracle Network, too (pictured).
Mark Wahlberg
This Ted actor is much more than a funny man. The Mark Wahlberg Foundation was established in 2001 with the goal of raising funds to benefit inner city children through enrichment programs.
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Ryan Seacrest
Through the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, sick children are visited by their favorite celebrities, using entertainment as a way of improving their lives.
Shakira
Founded in her native Colombia, Shakira's Barefoot Foundation works to expand universal, quality public education so that every child has the opportunity to learn.
Charlize Theron
This South African actress launched the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Program in 2007 to provide support to local organizations in sub-Saharan Africa that help to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDs in youth.
Michael Jordan
Basketball legend Michael Jordan opened the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club in honor of his father. The center offers programs like homework help, big brother and big sister mentoring, and physical education.
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Paul Newman
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1988 by actor Paul Newman to allow seriously ill children to experience the joy of summer camp.
Kathie Lee Gifford
Working with the Association to Benefit Children, Kathie Lee Gifford opened Cody's House and Cassidy's Place, a haven for children and babies in poverty and a preschool for children in need. Both programs are named after her own children.
Steven Spielberg
This famed director harnessed the power of the entertainment industry in 1991 when he founded the Starlight Foundation, an organization that aims to improve the lives of children and teens living with terminal illness.
Madonna
Pop superstar Madonna, who has two adopted children from Malawi, founded Raising Malawi in 2006—a charity that attempts to provide the country's one million orphans with clothing, food, shelter, education, and medical care.
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Olivia Newton John
This Grease actress helped launch Healthy Child Healthy World in 1992, after having been its spokesperson for more than 10 years. The charity works to impact policy and empower parents to provide children with the best possible healthcare.
Paul Simon
After touring a homeless shelter in 1987, Paul Simon and Irwin Redlener, M.D., founded Children's Health Fund to support the health care of underprivileged children, and to benefit the well-being of children everywhere.