PHILANTROPHY (MJB'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.
FFAWN Official Website
• On May 9, 2008, the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN) was announced at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers. According to the foundation's website, "FFAWN is an organization founded by Mary J. Blige to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their individual potential. Through scholarships, grants, and programs that foster strong self-esteem, career development, and personal growth, FFAWN is intended to help women gain the confidence and skills they need to achieve success. FFAWN will initially focus its efforts in Yonkers and surrounding communities in Westchester and then expand its scope to include the Greater New York area and, eventually, the entire country."
MAC AIDS Fund Official Website
• Mary J. Blige was a spokesperson for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. She did two ads, one with Lil' Kim in 2000 and the other with Elton John and Shirley Manson in 2002. With this campaign, Mary supported men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Introducing MAC Cosmetics' first Viva Glam lipstick in 1994, MAC decided that every cent of the selling price of the Viva Glam lipsticks would go to the MAC AIDS Fund. With a total od six shades of Viva Glam lipstick and two shades of Viva Glam lipglass now sold worldwide, and through the annual Kids Helping Kids Card Program, MAC Cosmetics has provided over $128 million (US) to date for the MAC AIDS Fund.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America Official Website
• The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization that unites parents, renowned scientists and communications professionals to help families raise healthy children. Best known for its research-based national public education programs, the Partnership motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol, and to find help and treatment for family and friends in trouble. The centerpiece of this effort is an online resource center at drugfree.org, featuring interactive tools that translate the latest science and research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into easy to understand tips and tools. Research conducted by AP and MTV recently showed that kids see their parents as heroes— at drugfree.org, parents can connect with each other, tap into expert advice for children of all ages, and find the support they want and need in their role as hero to their kids. The Partnership depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other contributors. The "Mary J. Blige" spot was part of the PDFA's ongoing collaboration with Musicians' Assistance Program (MAP), a California-based organization devoted to helping music industry professionals recover from drug and alcohol problems. The campaign had also included PSAs from the Dixie Chicks, Lauryn Hill, Everclear, Troy Nowell (the widow of the lead singer of Sublime), Chuck D, Meredith Brooks, the late Scatman John, Lorrie Morgan, KISS, and Chuck Negron.
Special Olympics Official Website
• Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization* dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.
Charities and endorsements
• In October 1999, Mary took part in NetAid.
• Mary took part in South Africa's Freedom Week celebration in April 2000.
• Mary could be heard on the All-Star Tribute benefit single "What's Going On" (with proceeds going to AIDS and 9/11 charities) released in September 2001.
• Mary performed as part of the benefit show Tsunami Aid: A Concert Of Hope on NBC in January 2005.
• In September 2005, Mary performed on Shelter From The Storm: A Concert For The Gulf Coast - a benefit program shown on all the major networks simultaneously to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
• Mary hit the Top 40 as part of Artists Stand Up For Cancer with the charity single "Just Stand Up!" in September 2008.
• Mary received the Nicholas Scoppetta Child Welfare Award for her philanthropy efforts at the 10th Annual New Yorkers For Children Fall Gala on September 22, 2009.
• In September 2009, Mary and fashion giant Gucci launched a limitted edition of the brands iconic Twirl watches. A percentage of the sales were spread between Mary’s Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. and various other charities.
• In October 2009, FFAWN teamed up with Gucci creative director Frida Giannini and several other New York-based organizations to fund The Mary J. Blige Center for Women in Yonkers, New York.
• In February 2010, Mary has collaborated with Catherine Malandrino on a new range of charity t-shirts. The tees advocated for the empowerment of women and raised funds for FFAWN.
• In February 2010, Mary has collaborated with Catherine Malandrino on a new range of charity t-shirts. The tees advocated for the empowerment of women and raised funds for FFAWN.
• Mary took part in the re-recording of the iconic “We Are The World” to help ease suffering in Haiti. She also perform during Hope For Haiti Now Telethon to benefit earthquake relief in Haiti in February 2010.
• In April 2010, Mary partnered with Carol’s Daughter to 'Be Beautiful & Give Back'. Carol's Daughter donated 30% of all online sales to FFAWN to send women to college.
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