TIS THE SEASON
Happy Fall, everyone!
Like most of you, this season continues to get busier and busier for me as the days roll by. The hustle and bustle of the holidays has begun, but I'm happy to report that I've been witnessing some really positve, inspiring examples of giving as of late.
Last week I was invited to the USA Today Hollywood Hero Gala at Montage Beverly Hills. The beautiful and talented Ashley Judd was honored for her years of dedication to the organization YouthAids. Not only did I get to hear her speak about her passion and efforts in Africa, but also heard inspirational talks from Morgan Freeman, Magic Johnson, Debra Messing, and the exceptional Ellen Burstyn. What a night! I am so amazed and inspired by celebrities who not only use their name to make quantifiable change, but who make it their life's purpose to serve human kind. Remarkable! For more on Youth Aids... and to read about what Ashley's done... go to www.youthaids.org. I got to get all dolled up for the event (rocking one of my favorite glamorous Bebe frocks).
Now... onto my brother, Sal Masekela. If you haven't heard about his mentoring organization Stoked, you really MUST Get Familiar! Not only did Sal co-create this organization to assist at-risk kids... introducing them to action sports i.e. skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, etc...but he just completed running the New York City Marathon!!! His body took the absolute worst beating, and he did it all for the little people. He has raised almost $100,000 for these kids but could still use your help! Witness his inspirational, self-less efforts by going to www.runsalrun.com. You can also learn more about Stoked and the celebrities he's gotten on board (Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy) by following him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/imsalmasekela.
Lastly, another dear friend who is coincidentally a co-worker, the darling Jason Kennedy, invited me to join him and a group of friends at The Dream Center yesterday. Wow! What an experience! It was like church meets rock show meets political stage (yep, even the LA mayor showed up!). What impressed me most about this place was the focus on serving those in need. The Dream Center goes beyond just community "outreach"... it really makes it its mission to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Yesterday's "word" talked a lot about second chances. I was moved. Thank you, Jason, for always extending a hand not to just your friends, but to those who need it most. I looked down the row at you and the 8 people you drug to church on a Sunday morning and thought: His Mama should be proud. I hope I can instill those same values in my two sons. I am certainly trying. :) Jason's always up to good things. Follow him www.twitter.com/jasonkennedy1 and check out The Dream Center at www.dreamcenter.org.
So, in close... Happy Monday. Happy November 16th. Happy Day. Happy Life. Happy Giving. Happy Sharing. Happy Loving.
XX,
Catt
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