Celebrity Samaritan

Every once in a while, a nugget of positive celebrity news wedges its way between the stories of trivial relationship gossip continuously flooding our senses. It's doesn't happen nearly often enough, but as it is, we are reminded that some celebrities use their powers for good instead of solely personal gain. We live in a world where fame often correlates to value, and the regular people we put on a pedestal to idolize don't have to do anything other than parrot words and look attractive to justify that superior standing. It's disheartening to think that a glorified parrot might be more celebrated and well-paid than surgeons or teachers but when faced with stories like these, the sting isn't so bad. 

Here are some celebrities you might not realize use their fame and fortune for incredible humanitarian work:

Richard Gere is so outspoken in his quest for Tibetan independence that he is banned from both China and ever presenting at the Oscars. He is also vocal in spreading awareness towards AIDS as well as land rights of Indigenous cultures. 

Jackie Chan supports hundreds of charities including UNICEF, Operation Smile, and his own Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. He's been known to donate supplies to schools in China, raise money for drought or natural disaster relief, and help WildAid in the preservation of tigers. In the first 8 months of 2010 alone, he raised $36 million dollars for natural disaster relief for people across the world, and once he dies he wants half of his assets given to charity. 

Bette Midler founded the New York Restoration Project, which works to improve or create NYC parks in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. She's also worked with organizations like STOMP Out Bullying, Smile Train, and the Worldwide Orphans Foundation.

Sean Penn founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization and is very outspoken in continuing relief efforts there, going so far as to deliver a passionate and colorful speech at the Cannes Film Festival of 2012, angry at people for "forgetting" about Haiti.  

These are few of many great things that often aren't reported. Whether from a desire of the contributing celebrity to remain anonymous, or due to the reporting bias of trash entertainment, it is hard to tell, but a stroll through http://www.looktothestars.org/ (a website about celebrity humanitarian work) might help lighten your day regardless.