The 2013 Do Something Awards are happening on July 31 — and some pretty big names are set to receive big honors.
The attendee list at the 2013 Do Something Awards reads like a who’s who list of Hollywood, but these celebs aren’t being honored for their work on the stage or screen. Instead, DoSomething.org uses the award show to honor those people (both famous and mortal) for working to make the world a better place.
“If you are skeptical about the power of young people, tune in on July 31st to have your mind blown. You’ll see incredible, young social-changers who are fighting to improve key social issues in their community, the US and abroad.” DoSomething.org CEO Nancy Lublin said in a statement. “We’ll also be honoring amazing celebrities who are using their voice for social good: Patrick Dempsey, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jennifer Hudson, LL Cool J and Kelly Osbourne.”
Each celeb will be honored for their work doing everything from raising money for ovarian cancer research (Dempsey) to organizing a sports summer camp for inner-city youth (LL Cool J).
However, the biggest honorees are the everyday activists working hard to make a difference in the world.
Sasha Fisher — New York
Sasha Fisher founded Spark MicroGrants, a non-profit that provides grants to rural communities in Rwanda to help them build schools, water wells and health centers.
Daniel Maree — New York
Daniel Maree started the Million Hoodies Movement for Justice to bring national attention to the Trayvon Martin case.
Jillian Mourning — Charlotte, North Carolina
Jillian Mourning founded All We Want is LOVE (Liberation of Victims Everywhere) to help bring awareness to sex trafficking. She’s also working to help sex trafficking victims.
Lorella Praeli — New Haven, Connecticut
Lorella Praeli will be honored for her work with United We Dream, an organization dedicated to getting rights for the 11 million DREAM Act students living in the United States.
Ben Simon — Takoma Park, Maryland
Ben Simon started the Food Recovery Network at the University of Maryland to provide leftover dorm food to local soup kitchens and shelters.
Each honoree will receive a $10,000 grant to use toward their missions. In addition, viewers will also vote to determine which of the five finalists should receive a $100,000 grant for their organization.
“Presenting the Do Something Awards on VH1 is my favorite night of the year. You literally see how one person can change the world. As the future of social change continues to grow and evolve, so does our show with a new format, venue and exciting honorees,” Tom Calderone, President, VH1, said.
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