George Clooney, MTV snubbed by top charity

George Clooney, MTV snubbed by top charity

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LOS ANGELES, USA – While George Clooney helped raise over $60 million for Haiti in 2010, it would seem the highly respected dosomething.org Top 20 list has ignored or forgotten his achievements.

Despite the great activism on display from the likes of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Sandra Bullock and others, it’s hard to believe that Clooney can’t even make the top 20 with his efforts to unite the entertainment industry to raise money for Haiti.

Not only did Clooney achieve tremendous success in bringing together every major name including Matt Damon for the launch of MTV’s ‘Hope for Haiti’ telethon, but also over $6 million from that event went towards the UNICEF mission. This money helped protect children in the aftermath of the disaster.

What adds to the controversy of this top 20 most charitable list, is recognition for Betty White, who posed for a calendar and was entered at 12th place. Her efforts had no international impact on the scale of Oprah or Clooney’s efforts and feels out of place.

Whilst the dosomething.org efforts to bring youth together are notable and highly regarded, we have to question its decision to omit George Clooney’s work especially as he raised, with MTV, more money than anyone on this top 20 list. Sean Penn was also nowhere to be seen, someone who went far and beyond the commitment of most to help people directly on the ground along with the Fuller Center for Housing Foundation.

The devastating earthquake in Haiti that struck in January was the biggest news story since the 2004 Asian Tsunami and touched the lives of millions around the world. The efforts by Clooney and other entertainment figures have created a new era of activism, which is becoming popular thanks to that event.
George Clooney raises money for UNICEF

“The “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon featured 24 performers in Los Angeles, New York and London, as well as over 100 celebrity participants answering phones and taking donations. “Hope for Haiti Now” was produced by Joel Gallen and Tenth Planet Productions, in collaboration with Viacom’s MTV Networks and George Clooney. EIF, MTV Networks and George Clooney, the telethon’s principal organizer, are committed to ensuring that the donated funds are quickly and effectively put to use in Haiti.” – UNICEFUSA.org
MTV Hope for Haiti Telethon

George Clooney speaking with MTV about how people can donate: “I would say, ‘Get involved, whatever you do. This is about compassion. There are times in our lives when people are really without help and in real danger, and this is one of those times. So whatever they can do — give money to one of the organizations that they like the best.”
Dosomething.org

Although we may not agree with the top 20 most Charitable celebrities of 2010, the Do Something Campaign is a vital organization that helps push volunteerism in America. Its ability to captivate and push young people to work within their communities is well regarded. To find out how you can get involved please visit their website: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]