See Kat Run

A compilation of things that inspire, from me to you.

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The Queen Bey of Charity

“When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets. Leave something to remember, so they won’t forget.”

Words sung by the daringly fabulous and talented Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter AKA, Beyoncé, AKA Bey. It feels like every other day Beyoncé is in the news for doing something BIG – releasing a secret album, coming up with funky fresh dance moves, sharing a spankin’ new photo of her dreamy vacations and yet what’s even more fascinating is her endlessly giving selflessness.

For every ticket sold on her On the Road Tour, $1 is donated to the Shawn Carter Foundation to support individuals financing their educational dreams. After the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, Beyoncé collaborated with the building of Temenos Place Aparements in Houston and has secretly donated over $7M throughout the years to eliminate homelessness in the area.

And if that wasn’t enough, Beyoncé, named the World’s Most Powerful Celebrity in 2014 by Forbes, continues to boldly grow her philanthropic footprint through #BeyGood. The platform serves as her golden road of positive change in the world with a variety of philanthropic opportunities ANYONE can get involved in. Just this last summer #BeyGOOD and the STATE GIVEBACKPACK Program gave away thousands of new backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in underprivileged communities.

There’s a long list of altruistic examples of what this mega superstar has done both in the spotlight and out. Let your giving star shine beside Beyonce's by getting involved, doing some good (no matter how big or small) through #BeyGOOD. Hey, you never know if she’ll make a special appearance for something charitable in your neighborhood. She’s kinda amazing like that.

Do good with #BeyGOOD

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Philanthropic Bonita, Eva Longoria

Executive producer, Latina activist and star Eva Longoria makes a memorable splash wherever she goes. My favorite ‘Desperate’ housewife is always on the run with her infectious smile and warm heart while supporting friends like Serena Williams at the US Open, snapping photos of time spent with her adoring family, and gracing the late night shows as she promotes her television comedy-drama series, Devious Maids.

And somehow in the midst of her ‘on-the-go’ schedule she still has time to show her commitment to her favorite group of people – children. There’s the Eva Longoria Fund (ELF) that she established in 2002 to assist charities related to children and the Latino community. Eva’s Heroes, a San Antonio-based charity she co-founded to foster the lives of teens and young adults who are developmentally challenged. And then there’s her latest involvement with the #30ForHope campaign with a goal to raise $30,000 in 30 days to benefit kids with cancer and their families.

Not even political audiences can hide from this persistent advocator who has a Masters in Political Science and Chicano Studies. Eva most recently proclaimed her support for Bobby Shriver for LA County Supervisor stating, “He will fight for children and low-income communities and will improve the lives of Latinos throughout the county.”

Whether you ever doubted the talent of this Young and the Restless star, there’s one thing you can’t ignore – Eva’s bleeding heart and passion that fuels her philanthropic nature. She’s a recipient of several awards granted for her charitable giving, including but most definitely not limited to awards from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the National Hispania Leadership Institute, The National Civil Rights Museum, Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, and the Mayor of Los Angeles.

Be inspired, get involved, and do something charitable because Eva believes you don’t have to be famous to make a difference and I couldn’t agree more!  

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ALS - Ice Buckets, Jimmy Fallon and Walk-a-thons

If I ever meet Jimmy Fallon I’d expect to meet a man who’s genuine, kind and always willing to lend a helping hand. How could I not? Jimmy has more philanthropic experience than most and what’s so amazing is how he adds an entertaining twist to his charitable work. He took a plunge in freezing, icy Lake Michigan to raise funds for Special Olympics Chicago and last year, he donated $10K to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation after Detroit Lions, Joseph Fauria performed his ‘NSYNC touchdown.

Recently Jimmy accepted Justin Timberlake’s Ice Bucket Challenge, one of the latest charitable Hollywood trends where one celebrity challenges another to soak themselves with a bucket of ice cold water OR make a donation to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) within 24 hours. Jimmy did both. See the video as a suited-up Jimmy accompanied by The Roots, Rob Riggie and Horatio Sanz take on the challenge.

ALS, also known as the Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Ultimately the disease affects speech and mobility, leading to crippling death. My cousin Stacey Pilgrim Novak bravely faces the effects and future outcome of ALS daily. She, and people like Jimmy Fallon, are doing what they can to shine light on funding the much-needed cure.

Let’s take the plunge, pour some ice cold water on ourselves, dance it off and do whatever we can to make sure that people like Stacey don’t face ALS alone. Please donate BEFORE Sept. 28 to her Portland ALS walk by clicking here

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Fast & Furious Beloved Giver, Paul Walker

"When you put good will out there it's amazing what can be accomplished." - Paul Walker, Reach Out WorldWide Founder

If you google Paul Walker you’ll find endless links to Fast & Furious updates, beach-bod photos and endless biographies that give you only a glimpse of a man described as selfless, humble, and loyal.

The most gracious and admirable side of this beloved man was best seen in his effort as founder of Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW) to assist worldly disasters.

ROWW is a network of professionals with first responder skill-sets who augment local expertise when natural disasters strike in order to accelerate relief efforts.

There are numerous inspiring stories of Paul’s selflessness and the tragedy of his passing makes me even more inclined and inspired to share this humanitarian side. Watch the short video (ABOVE) for a snapshot of all the good Paul started on his ROWW journey.

Be inspired to join their team or PLEASE spread the word so that others who can provide their skill-set can take part in this noble mission.

Original Pic from Entertainment Weekly

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The Generous Ellen DeGeneres

She’s sincere, she’s a dance-a-holic and she’s got jokes. Who doesn’t laugh at Ellen DeGeneres’ sarcastic humor? Her high-profile status has exploded since the launch of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, but what’s most humbling is Ellen’s generosity, which is consistently in the limelight. Google Ellen DeGeneres charity and you will find pages and pages of news coverage gawking at Ellen’s sponsorship of Susan G. Koman, Stand Up to Cancer, Toys for Tots, Reach Out World Wide, One and more! The list is endless.   

Of all the charities it is rumored that Ellen’s top favorites are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Humane Society of the United States. Both have an overwhelming amount of celebrity support and do remarkable work aiding their distressed groups. St. Jude focuses on the so desperately needed research and treatment of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The Humane Society is known as the ‘nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization,’ providing rescue & care and addressing both federal and state legislations to protect all animal rights.

Ellen’s face is a charitable brand. Without giving it a second thought and for the sake of taking a selfie with the multi-celebrity crowd at this year’s Oscars, Ellen raised $3M for both of these charities. That’s just ONE picture taken with HER friends. The donation was made by Samsung (the brand of Ellen’s phone used to capture the memorable moment) and one dollar was donated for each subsequent retweet of the photo and assigned to the charities of Ellen’s choice.

Behind the spotlights, laughs, and superstar pals is a hard-working woman who’s proud of her roots, remembers how far she’s come and never lets anyone forget to lend a helping hand.

Learn, give, share –

Click here for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital       

Click here for The Humane Society of the United States

*original pic from Buzzfeed.com

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Jenna Dewan Tatum Brewing Charity from “the East”

There are many, many women AND men envious of Jenna Dewan Tatum’s talent, beauty and shared life with hubby Channing Tatum (I mean, who isn’t?!). Earlier this year she added another reason for the world to be green with envy – her charitable heart.  Jenna has been linked to organizations that protect the environment and wildlife but recently she collaborated with Birchbox to create her On the Go pouch to benefit Baby Buggy.

An organization founded in 2001 by Jessica Seinfeld, Baby Buggy is focused on providing families in need with essential gear, clothing, products and services for children 0 through 12 with the goal of improving their safety, health and well-being. Their motto is “Love. Recycled.” as they accept fairly new, slightly used donations like cribs, strollers and furniture.

As a protective and devoted mother herself Jenna understands how much a child really needs the essentials. For $22 a new mom can get her On the Go pouch while helping other moms. Baby Buggy has donated over 6 million items thus far and in 2013 served an average of 5,500 children each month.

For more Baby Buggy details, volunteer opps and events, click here.

To purchase Jenna’s On the Go pouch, click here.

*original pic from gettyimages.com

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Elle Fanning's Magical Playgrounds

If you’re looking for a reason to give, look no further than Shane’s Inspiration, a nonprofit that created the largest and first Universally Accessible Playground in the Western US at Griffith Park, Los Angeles. The Williams family developed the organization after losing their son Shane Alexander to Spinal Muscular Atrophy only a few weeks after his birth. Their vision is to foster a world that is accessible to children with disabilities, focusing on inclusive playgrounds nationwide.  

One of their largest supporters is the young, talented and recently-coronated Disney princess, Elle Fanning. Seems like this 16-year-old has more in common with her selfless co-star Angelina Jolie beyond residing in the same kingdom. For the past five years Elle has devoted her focus on children with disabilities and this March she served on the Honorary Committee at the Spring gala benefiting Shane’s Inspiration.

To learn more about all the famous and generous names attached to Shane’s Inspiration and what you can do to help create an environment in your neighborhood accessible to ALL, click here.

More about Angelina Jolie’s charitable work can be found here.

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McGinley, ‘Spreading the Word’ from the ‘Ground Floor’

I have to admit I have a little crush on John C. McGinley. Maybe it’s the thick-skinned, smart-mouth, witty and highly confident characters he plays. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s his sincere presence and admirable contribution to advocating for people with down syndrome that has me sighing at this muscular, blue-eyed man.

Since the birth of his son Max, who has down syndrome, John turned the spotlight on serving as a celebrity ambassador, board member, international spokesperson, and more for organizations such as the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. In 2011, the foundation awarded John with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for his support to those with developmental disabilities. 

The Special Olympics Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign is one that John keeps close to his heart and fights strongly to put an end and educate others on the ramifications of using the “R” word:

“An individual’s dignity is not only an entitlement; it is a fundamental quality that distinguishes each of us and lends an informed significance to everything that we do. And anytime a person’s dignity is stomped on, it is wrong. Make no mistake about it. Words do hurt. And when we pepper our speech with retard and retarded, we are spreading the hurt. So stop it.”

Be inspired by John’s journey and learn how you can get involved.

More on John C. McGinley’s, Spread the Word to End the Word found here.

*original pic from theateradvisoryblog

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Garner-ing Support for Children

Save the Children protects children from disaster, famine and war. Their mission is to provide children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.

Selfless celebrity, mother and activist Jennifer Garner has taken on the role of Artist Ambassador for Save the Children for quite sometime now. She has spoken to Congress about the importance of early education beginning as early as 4-years-old. Her heart goes out to low-income families that simply can’t afford the cost of preschool.

“…Early education opportunities are out of reach for so many families in this country. As a result, children enter school already behind and at risk of never catching up” - Garner

Garner has traveled near and far personally reading to children everywhere to spark the movement and promote awareness for the cause.

Watch the video below as Garner visits Save the Children programs across California. http://youtu.be/reJOdksQkxY

Learn more about what you can do, even retweeting or signing petitions can go a long way!

*original pic from collider.com

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Seth Rogen's 'Hilarity' Pays Off

Established in 2011, Hilarity for Charity dances, makes jokes, plays tunes and yes, even talks to Congress to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s. Some of the most wonderful celebrities have connected with the nonprofit such as Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Mindy Kaling, Bruno Mars, Patton Oswalt, and dare I say it, the Backstreet Boys.

'Americans whisper the word Alzheimer's because their government whispers the word Alzheimer's.' - Rogen

Please take a few minutes to watch (even if just the beginning) Seth Rogen’s testimony to Congress last month as he stresses the need for Alzheimer’s funding. His plea is touching, humorous and eye opening.

Watch here: http://youtu.be/UHqx3-mfHAY

For more about this organization and their amazing efforts click here.

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Leonardo DiCaprio Protecting The Wolf on 'Wall Street’ and Beyond

As moviegoers we’ve been dazzled for years while Leonardo DiCaprio broke hearts as our 'Romeo,' thrilled us by not knowing whether the FBI could 'Catch' him (or even if they could), and mesmerized by his ‘Wolf’-like tenacity on Wall Street. But what many have not seen is the REAL Leonardo DiCaprio- the one without makeup or spotlights- the one behind the curtain, who is 100% committed to building a sustainable relationship between humankind and the environment.

For the last 16 years the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, LDF, has focused on preserving Earth’s last wild places through grant making, campaigning and media projects.  Last week in an effort to protect the world’s oceans LDF awarded Oceana with a $3 Million grant!

Other recent LDF efforts include: protecting tigers from extinction, safeguarding the last rainforests and Antarctica, saving sharks, and providing access to clean water.

Check out all the latest and greatest happenings by the LDF led by one of our favorite leading men!

original image from mail.com

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'Breaking Bad'-ass Aaron Paul shows KINDness

If you’re a fan of this blue-eyed, Emmy-award winner who knows how to play a tragic character that pulls at your heartstrings like no one else can, you’ll be even more impressed at his efforts to bring awareness to the Kind Campaign. The Kind Campaign is an internationally recognized movement, documentary and school program based upon the powerful belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl “crime.” The school program and documentary has been showcased hundreds of times across America since it’s launch in 2009. 

Even more interesting is this anti-bullying movement was ignited by Aaron Paul’s wife, Lauren Parsekian and her university classmate Molly Thompson. For the Breaking Bad finale Aaron used the show’s incredible popularity to do good and raised over $1.8 million by raffling off the deal of a lifetime for a true fan- one lucky winner and a friend were personally picked up by Aaron himself at LAX, attended a cookout with the entire cast and later partied together at a private, celebrity-packed after party!

Aaron Paul continues to show support to the movement to end girl-against-girl brutality - will you? Click here to send a Kind Card, shop the Kind Store or watch the documentary and join the movement!

*Original image of Huffingtonpost.com

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Gisele Bundchen Makes It Easy Being Green

It’s official. Gisele Bundchen is a green goddess. This month she was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for The Rainforest Alliance. And no, sustainability isn’t something she JUST stumbled upon. Since 2008 her focus has been aimed at preserving South American rainforests, environmental sustainability and clean water access.  In 2009 she was named Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and in 2011 Harvard University named her their Global Environmental Citizen of the year.

“As a Rainforest Alliance board member I look forward to calling upon my experience not only as an international spokesperson but as an entrepreneur and global citizen…” – Gisele

This long-legged, blue-eyed, Brazilian beauty has her heart set on environmental stewardship while of course simultaneously being a devoted mother, savvy entrepreneur and high-profile model- you know, no biggie.

Be inspired by her efforts and learn what easy lifestyle changes you too can make to preserve our Mother Earth.

First step, shop “the frog.” Click here to learn how!

*original image of Gisele Bundchen from Google+

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Matt Damon’s Water.org is ‘Crystal’ Clear

pic by theguardian.com

Oscar winner. Golden Globe winner. And now, this year’s World Economic Forum’s Crystal recipient for significant contributions to improving the state of the world goes to…Matt Damon! And the crowd (specifically the 5 million folks he’s helped through Water.org) goes wild! "Every 20 seconds a kid dies because they lack access to clean water and sanitation." - Matt Damon Last night at The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Matt Damon was honored for his efforts as co-founder of Water.org. He aimed his speech to world leaders before him, ensuring them that they can, in fact, provide safe drinking water for the world’s poor as long as they envision the needy as customers and citizens of the world. Estimations suggest that the nonprofit organization could provide water to 100 million people by 2020. Be inspired from his efforts and get informed here

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Be inspired.

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$10 for 1 Night with George Clooney

pic by Today.com

You read that right! One $10 donation to his Satellite Sentinel Project, which aims to eliminate genocide and war crimes against humanity in Sudan will get you up close and personal with this handsome humanitarian. Details about this one-on-one experience can be found at Hit the Town with George Clooney which includes a red carpet appearance and limo ride to The Monuments Men premiere, backstage at Letterman, and did I mention, flight and hotel for TWO?! Yes, $10 gets you AND a friend in! So get to donating and be one step away from not only meeting the dreamy and talented activist but also knowing that your efforts are contributing to something meaningful!

The world is watching because you are watching.

The Satellite Sentinel Project, (SSP) conducts monitoring of the border between Sudan and South Sudan to assess the human security situation, identify potential threats to civilians, and detect, deter and document war crimes and crimes against humanity. Find out more about SSP and their efforts here.

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Here's to the new places we will go in 2014!

Pic by natureconservancy