Good Question: Do Celebrities Help Charities?
 

Good Question: Do Celebrities Help Charities?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO), Nov 9, 2010 11:25 pm US/Central
http://wcco.com/local/celebrities.he...2.2003235.html

Michael J. Fox has a foundation that fights Parkinson's disease. Lance Armstrong fights cancer. Celebrities and charities have been working together for more than eighty years in the United States. But do celebrities cause us to donate more to charity?

A must see is the video along with this article: http://video.minneapolis.cbslocal.co...lipId1=5278268

And I would answer the question as to whether or not celebrities help charities . . . a big nod in the affirmative in my opinion. And why? I am of the opinion tha most give big to celebrity-backed charities because they hope for a little acknowledgement from that person (celebrity). It doesn't have to be a public acknowledgement - just for the donor to "think" that the celebrity noticed. A second reason (IMHO) is because we identify with the celebrity. People think, "OK; here's Bruce Springstein singing for PD research causes, and if he thinks that is important, then it must be."

On the other hand, if I ran a full-page ad in every circulated newspaper in the world saying John Doe (not a celebrity) endorses the Melanoma Society, you can bet your britches it won't make nearly as big an impact as would a star's face in that ad. And if the star suffers or has suffered or even has a family member with the disease being endorsoed, that doubles or triples the giving power.

I have some unique fund-raising ideas but I am saving them for a special project. lol

Peggy

beyond fundraising
 

Not only has Michael J Fox generated millions of dollars for research, it is hoped that his association will accelerate recruitment for PPMI, the biomarkers study. An outreach campaign is based on his request to be part of the solution.

question...
 

Do people become celebrities because they get our attention? or Do people who get our attention become celebrities?

Just want to remind people that celebrities are people and they don't necessarily label themselves celebrities, others do.

Debi

When a "celebrity" agrees to come on your project it usually comes with at least a 4zero cost. My sister has worked for various charities for years and years and had only to cancel one time and that was because she could not front the $10,000 fee the lady wanted to support her professed love of animals. She had a layoff for a few years and took on charity raising for her living. Now she is hot again and who knows what she charges for her caring and concern.


If the celebrity just happens to have a disease that she or he needs help with then usually they are doubted as to having anything but a personal motive.If those sharing their disease don't help then it doesn't hurt to appeal on the strength of their work to raise monies.

To be called a celebrity is the name of the game and the reasoning to hire a manager and PR personage. The only trouble is when after becoming a celebrity they begin to desire a more private life.

You cannot have it both ways particularly when you need your audience, as they are your work product and you need them personally to sustain your very life.

So lets loosen up and get on with the job of Parkinson's. No matter what it takes.

Just give that extra penny you have in your pocket and don't worry about who deserves it for if you are for Parkinson's you are for us all as well.

MJF, Ali, Andy Grove, the Pope, Hitler (???) ...
 

well perhaps not Hitler, if indeed he had PD, but all of the previous celebrities have helped the PD cause immeasurably imho.

Who can forget Ali, fighting PD to light the olympic flame at Atlanta. This was recently in a UK ballot, voted the most memorable olympic moment. What better way of slamming the effects of PD into the faces of a global audience and as a result furthering the cause to lead to a cure.

I cannot think of a "celebrity" PWP who hasn't acted with dignity and helped to move us on.

Neil.

More, for the list. . .
 

Janet Reno - former U.S. Attorney General
Salvador Dali - Artist
Rev. Billy Graham - American evangelist
Yasser Arafat - Palestinian politician
Michael Kinsley -American journalist and commentator
Vincent Price - American actor
Elizabeth Taylor? - actress (rumor has it that she has PD with dementia)
Bill Clinton? - the jury is still out
http://wizbangpop.com/2009/09/12/doe...ns-disease.php
and many more (see list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...sease_patients


And what about all of the celebrities/famous people who have a relative or mate with PD - if we could but only get them all together fighting for PD . . .

And don't forget "Neurotalk forum members!" - we're famous! (or soon will be when we show that we have been an integral part of the cure ;)

Peg

:Sigh::Sigh:
Davis Phinney - cyclist, Olympic bronze winner and multiple Tour de France stage winner
....and..... and....me:Wave-Hello:

TG