Matt Damon Honored By Save The Children For Charity Work

Actor Matt Damon received Save the Children's Leadership Award at the annual Celebration of Hope event in Greenwich on Friday, May 21.

Damon was honored for his steadfast commitment to mothers and children in the poorest regions of the world. The benefit, which raised funds for Save the Children’s newborn and child survival programs, was hosted by Ann Curry, NBC’s Today Show and Dateline anchor. Other NBC attendees included Brian Williams, Meredith Vieira, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.

“I have bumped into Save the Children staff members around the world and think they are some of the most incredible people I have ever met,” said Damon. “They are professional and passionate about protecting children in some of the most difficult and impoverished places.”



Almost 9 million children die every year before their fifth birthday from preventable and treatable illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and newborn complications. Funds raised at the benefit will support Save the Children’s global effort to significantly reduce these numbers through proven, low-cost interventions like vaccinations, better newborn care practices and antibiotic treatment.

“These problems are very simple and identifiable,” said Damon, “and so are the solutions.”

Philip H. Geier, Jr., Save the Children Trustee, author and philanthropist, also received the Leadership Award.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States.

Madonna Calls For Support Of Equal Rights In Malawi

Madonna – founder of Raising Malawi – is asking her fans to join her in support of equal rights and the freedom to love in the African country following the jailing of two men for 14 years for the “crime” of homosexuality.

“I am shocked and saddened by the decision made this week by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison,” says the singer. "As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.

“This week, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved.

“I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi—and around the world—to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all.”

Simon Cowell Awarded For Charity Work

Simon Cowell was honored with Variety - The Children's Charity's prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Variety World Conference at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa on May 23.

Since 1938, Variety International’s Humanitarian Award has annually been awarded to a person who has shown incredible dedication in the support of humankind.

Variety International recognize Simon Cowell has utilized his position in the entertainment industry, in business and his international profile as a fundraising tool to support many charities and individuals around the world and has helped transform many lives of those in need.

As Creator and Judge of the biggest selling TV entertainment formats The X Factor and Got Talent, and through his TV and record company Syco, Simon has raised many millions of dollars for numerous causes worldwide in both collaborative and personal projects.

In recent months, Simon initiated the release of a star-studded version of ‘Everybody Hurts’ in direct response to the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti. The single became the fastest selling charity single of the century benefiting the 12 charities supported by the Disasters Emergency Committee and Helping Haiti for UNICEF.

The annual charity single released by The X Factor’s twelve finalists has raised over $4 million in recent years for the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and the Help For Heroes campaign.


As Patron of Children’s Hospices UK, Simon dedicates time and support to raising money for thousands of life limited children and their families. Amongst many other charities supported by Simon, some include the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Centre for Environmental Education and the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund.

In addition, animal welfare charities including PETA, WSPA, ARK and the Battersea Dogs Home, all benefit from his continued generosity and passion for protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.

In his capacity as a judge on American Idol, Simon has contributed to helping raised over $140 million for charities through ‘Idol Gives Back’, including the Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children and the United Nations Foundation.