Ferrells Beat Illiteracy Through Emergency Financial Assistance

Will Ferrell and his wife, Viveca Paulin-Ferrell, held an emergency financial assistance fundraiser at their home in the Hollywood Hills to benefit the charity organization Room to Read, a non-profit designed to help people worldwide beat illiteracy by providing schools, libraries and books to children that may not have access to the materials otherwise.

Will Ferrell took the stage as Viveca served as the evening’s auctioneer.  Room to Read founder and co-chair John Wood was also on hand.  The event, and the auction, raised nearly $300,000 to support the construction of four schools, nine libraries and 10,000 young adult books that will provide as much as 256 years of education.  Celebrities participating in the auction include Jack Black, Molly Shannon and Fred Savage.

Ongoing Events to Raise Money for Financial Assistance

The founders and supporters of Room to Read along with committee members, plan to make the fundraiser an annual event with the hopes of raising awareness for the program and its goals.  The organization’s goals include gender equality through education and developing literacy skills for children to help them succeed in their secondary education careers.  Since its inception in 2000, Room to Read has helped to impact more than five million people in Africa and Asia.  The goal of the charity organization is to continue to help people and provide emergency financial assistance to as many as ten million people by 2015.

Liam Gallagher Offers Emergency Financial Assistance to Japan

Liam Gallagher, former Oasis band member, has announced a performance that will offer emergency financial assistance to the victims of the tsunami that occurred in Japan earlier this month.  Gallagher and his new band, Beady Eye, will appear at a special charity performance in London on April 3^rd at the Brixton O2 Academy.  Tickets go on sale on March 25^th.

Joining Beady Eye on stage will be Primal Scream, Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft and Graham Coxon, formerly of Blur.  Coxon’s former band mate, Damon Albarn, is expected to perform but the rumors have not yet been confirmed.  Primal Scream fans will get a special treat as Sex Pistols legend Glen Matlock takes to the stage during their segment.

“Liam has been shocked by the footage of the devastation in Japan” read a report from the Sun newspaper.  ”Oasis were, and still are, hugely popular out there.  The band have always been treated like kings so he wants to do his bit.”

The newspaper went on to add “Graham has mentioned the gig to Damon Albarn.  It could be the end of one of the most famous British rock ‘n’ roll feuds ever if he shows up.”

Ongoing Emergency Financial Assistance

The victims of the tsunami have been receiving a great deal of emergency financial help from various micro charity websites ever since the disaster struck, however, the extremely high death toll and vast destruction has proven to be much larger in scope than originally estimated.

People that wish to donate online may do so via the Salvation Army or American Red Cross, proceeds of which will go toward providing emergency financial assistance.

Lou Reed Among Music Legends Supporting Charity Crowdfunding Sites

Crowdfunding Sites News: Music legends Yoko Ono and Lou Reed are just two of the celebrities that have stepped up to help the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  On March 27th, Ono and Reed will be joined by the likes of Sean Lennon, Sonic Youth, Mike Patton, Aleph Trio, Cibo Matto, Uri Caine, Mephista, John Zorn and Marc Ribot at the Benefit Concert taking place at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre.

“The tragedy and devastation is really overwhelming,” says John Zorn, the evening’s organizer and host.  “I’ve always felt a strong personal connection to Japan, and I’m just glad to be able to do my part to help.  It should be an amazing night.”

Proceeds from the shows will help in providing emergency financial assistance for the victims and their families, many of whom have lost everything.  Thousands of people remain in shelters and water is extremely scarce.  In fact, the Miller Theatre and the performers are donating their services to earmark 100% of proceeds for the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund.

In a similar effort, Lou Reed will act as the headliner at a 12-hour show to be held on April 9th at New York’s Japan Society headquarters.  Also appearing with Reed are Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson.

Crowdfunding Sites

Organizations such as Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and similar relief organizations are acting as crowdfunding sites to help support those that have been affected by the tragedy; people may choose to donate online to any of the organizations and their donations will be joined with others to make a substantial difference. Help crowdfunding sites make a difference today.

George Michael: Emergency Financial Assistance Through Comic Relief

It is fortunate that charitable organizations and donors provide emergency financial assistance to those in need in times of crisis. For example, the earthquakes victims in Christchurch will need a great deal of assistance to get through the devastation and put their lives right again. Comic Relief, a UK-based charity, has been helping poor people throughout the world since the 1980s.

Like many disaster relief organizations, Comic Relief is one of many charities that offer emergency financial aid to those in need, particularly in impoverished and developing areas. One long time supporter of Comic Relief, George Michael, has found a new way to contribute to Comic Relief by donating the proceeds of his new single ‘True Faith’. The song was originally released in 1987 by New Order.

How Will Emergency Financial Aid Be Received?

The song is bound to be a smash hit among Michael’s many fans and those who support the global efforts of Comic Relief. The more singles that are sold or downloaded means more profit and more proceeds for the cause.

“Over the years, George has been the most tremendous supporter of Comic Relief,” said Richard Curtis, Co-founder of Comic Relief. “Out of the blue one year he gave us all the cash from the release of ‘As’, his single with Mary J. Blige.”

Those interested in donating to Comic Relief can do so via the charity’s website, or by purchasing George Michael’s new single. For other emergency financial assistance opportunities, visit Microgiving and donate online today.

Celebrities Call for Online Charity Donation to Help Haiti

Several notable stars have banded together to help Haiti through an online charity donation program. On February 11, a group of famous philanthropists will gather together to celebrate the efforts of humanitarian Sean Penn and raise awareness about the dire situation in Haiti. The Toast to Celebrate and Help Haiti Event will be held at New York’s Urban Zen Center. On the guest list are Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Russell Simmons, Donna Karan, Brett Ratner, Andres Balazs and Andre Harrell. The proceeds raised by the event will be split between Sean Penn’s J/P Haitian Relief Organization and Ben Stiller’s Stillerstrong Foundation.

Making an Online Donation to Charity

Those wishing to make an online donation may do so through either charity’s website. Stiller also works with Save the Children, an organization devoted to creating permanent change in the lives of children in need.

Donations will support the ongoing effort to build classrooms, hire teachers and provide school supplies. The funds will also support the efforts of local farmers and to establish a clean water supply.

The J/P Haitian Relief Organization works in a similar way, although it tends to focus more on emergency financial assistance. The organization was founded to help support hospitals and community organizations. Like Stillerstrong, J/P HRO also works with government bodies as well as other disaster relief organizations.

Those willing to donate can be assured that their contributions go directly to the people in need. In order to make an online charity donation, go to the charities website or click on the supplied link.

Elton John Tops Emergency Financial Assistance

When it comes to emergency financial assistance and charity organizations, Sir Elton John is at the top. The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has been in action for almost twenty years and has raised millions of dollars for the AIDS/HIV cause. The EJAF has just confirmed that its Awards Viewing Party will be held for the 19^th year, and this year’s hosts will be Elton John and David Furnish. The event will take place on February 27, 2011, at Los Angeles’ Pacific Design Center, and festivities will begin with a cocktail hour at 4:00 PM, followed by an elaborate dinner and then the main event: the Oscars. This year’s meal will be prepared by James Beard Foundation winner Chef Ludo Lefebvre.

Online donations are gratefully accepted by EJAF and will serve to work toward a cure for HIV/AIDS. Sir Elton said he would hold the event every year until a cure was found for the deadly disease. Sir Elton has held up his end of the deal and is routinely supported by the biggest stars in the world, including many Hollywood legends.

Over $125 Million Raised for Emergency Assistance

Since Sir Elton founded the organization in 1993, EJAF has managed to raise over $125 million. The monies have been used to educate and help people living with HIV/AIDS and to eliminate prejudice throughout 55 countries.

“2011 marks the 30th year since the disease we have come to know as HIV/AIDS was first observed by physicians in American patients,” said Sir Elton.

EJAF has proven itself to be one of the largest and most successful charity organizations providing emergency financial assistance on the planet.

Grandparents in Need of Emergency Financial Assistance

Grandparents are in need of emergency financial assistance, according to the Pew Research Center. Across the US, one in ten children live with a grandparent. Of those children identified, 41% live permanently with a grandparent. Texas is a state that appears to be following the national trend.

Texas in Need of Emergency Financial Assistance for Grandparents

In fact, Texas is leading all other states. Over the past five years, the number of children in Texas living with a grandparent as their primary guardian has risen to 356,410. Of these families, 34% have lived below the poverty level at some point. Patricia Daniels is one such grandparent.

Ms. Daniels home-schools her grandson; she has cared for him since birth. But these are times of intense financial hardship for guardians like Ms. Daniels. Rather than focus on the negative, Ms. Daniels uses these moments to teach her grandchild how to prioritize needs versus wants. Her attitude is obviously infectious to her grandson, who knows how to joke, play and enjoy life.

According to experts at the AARP, situations affecting grandparents like Ms. Daniels are on the increase – a result of the rise in single parent homes, the poor economy, increasing substance abuse and incarceration. For a myriad of reasons, grandparents are facing second parenthoods and experiencing financial hardship as they struggle to both provide for their grandchild and make ends meet.

Grandparents throughout the nation who are currently in this situation should remember that they may qualify for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). If so, they may receive a monthly stipend to help with the care of their grandchild. In addition, the children may be eligible for Medicaid or one of several Children’s Health Insurance Programs. For help with food, grandparents may also visit the local food pantries and apply for food stamps.

Microgiving applauds those grandparents providing primary care for their grandchildren, who are on a fixed budget and very often unable to work. If you can help provide emergency financial assistance as a donor – or you might benefit from our assistance as a recipient, please visit our website.