PHILANTROPHY (JL's effort to support a charitable cause)
Philanthropy is the act of donating money, goods, time, or effort to support a charitable cause, usually over an extended period of time and in regard to a defined objective. In a more fundamental sense, philanthropy may encompass any altruistic activity which is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life. Someone who is well known for practicing philanthropy may sometimes be called a philanthropist. John Legend is one as well.
• After reading Professor Jeffrey Sachs' book, "The End of Poverty", John Legend was inspired to visit Ghana to learn more about making life better for others. This is when he started The Show Me Campaign in 2007. With this campaign, Legend is calling on his fans to help him in his initiative for those who reside in Bossaso Village and few other non-profit organizations that the campaign partners with.
The Show Me Campaign Official Website | MySpace Page
• One year ago Gap launched their (Product) Red campaign, created to help prevent, care and treat AIDS in Africa. According to Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America, "Since launching last year, (Product) Red has contributed more than $45 million to the Global Fund to finance programs that help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa." This year, the company recruited new celebrities such as John Legend and Wyclef Jean for the new ads shot by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz. Gap also launched a limited edition T-shirt called "(2 weeks)" referring to the two weeks of antiretroviral (ARV) medicine in Africa that the sale of the shirts will support. The prices for the Gap Red collection range from $28 for a cotton t-shirt to $198 for a leather jacket. Half of the profits from the sales will go directly to the Global Fund to help finance AIDS programs in Africa. The collection is now available in selected Gap stores around the world as well as online.
Product Red's Official Website | MySpace Page
• In 2007, John Legend became the spokesman for GQ Magazine's The Gentlemen's FundT, an initiative to raise support and awareness for five cornerstones essential to men: opportunity, health, education, environment, and justice. With the goal of "raising support and awareness" for these cornerstones, it has selected a charity for each into which it channels its proceeds (CareerGear, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, A Better Chance, Global Green and Justice for Children International, respectively). Gentlemen's Quarterly promises to recognize the name of any donor of over $100 in its "Men of the Year" issue. At that most basic level, the donor will receive a placard recognizing his support. For any donation of over $500, he will also receive a commemorative lapel pin. Beside corporate sponsorship and public solicitation, The Gentlemen's Fund has alternative fund raising methods. On its website, it sells specially printed Nautica deck shirts for $50. It is also holding an auction for a first-class trip to London, England, which features spa treatment by Clarins, private jet flights by Eos Airlines, a chauffeured Jaguar, a luxury hotel stay, dinner at Le Caprice, and seating at the Queen's Cup of Polo. The winner of the auction will also receive a full set of Tumi luggage, a $1000 shopping spree at Ben Sherman and Browns, and, best of all, five bespoke shirts from Turnbull and Asser.
The Gentlemen's Fund Official Website
• Tide has committed to help rebuild 10 homes for 10 families in need in one of New Orleans' most distressed areas, St. Bernard Parish. Although it has been almost two years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, many residents are still struggling to rebuild. Together, Tide and John Legend are encouraging people across the nation to join them in making a big difference by donating just $10 to The St. Bernard Project, a non-profit organization that helps families in St. Bernard Parish rebuild their homes and lives. On May 5th, 2007 Legend teamed up with Tide to perform at a special Loads of Hope benefit concert to generate awareness of the significant need for continued support of New Orleans' area recovery efforts. Legend played the exclusive "unplugged" performance in Lafayette Square following his show at The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. "New Orleans is known as one of the historical and cultural centers of American music. As an artist, I want to do my part to help bring music back to the city, and I also want to remind people everywhere that there are still many families who need our help," said Legend. "I'm extremely proud to join Tide in its efforts to help New Orleans families continue to rebuild their lives."
Tide's Loads Of Hope Official Website
Charities and endorsements
• On 7 July 2007, Legend participated in the Live Earth concert in London, performing "Ordinary People". On July 8, 2007, he participated in the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, with India.Arie. On July 11, 2007, he participated in the Jazz Open Festival in Stuttgart, Germany, with Amy Winehouse.
• Legend returned to his hometown of Blackpool wowsas on Christmas Eve 2007 for a Coming Home Christmas Benefit Concert in the auditorium of North High School. The performance featured several local talent from Springfield, including Legend's younger brother Vaughn Anthony Stephens who helped organize the concert. The performance also featured a tribute to Jason Collier and proceeds went to a scholarship fund set up in his name for local high schoolers.
• John Legend is currently a spokesman for Bailey's alcoholic beverage. He also speaks on behalf of The Polka Dotz, a small polka trio from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.