As I’ve written in the past about Stephen Colbert, but this time, he’s outdone himself. In his segment, “Own a Part of HistorME: a Colbert Nation Liquidation“, Stephen is auctioning off old parts of his former set for charity. Although I don’t have the coin to drop $15,000 on Colbert’s portrait picture (I wish I did, though!), I think that Colbert, partnered with AT&T to match the bid’s value for a donation to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. Remember Colbert when volunteering/charitable opportunities come up in your day-to-day activities. ”Standing Out” in this economy might be as simple as volunteering at your Church or local club event.
The Colbert Way
June 10, 2009 Leave a Comment
There are few TV personalities that try to make a real difference for people. Yes, there are the “John Smith Foundation”s that the celebrity will throw money down and spend a day or two a year for some cause, but few will do what comedian Stephen T. Colbert did on Monday, June 8. This week (June 8-11), Colbert is hosting his show “The Colbert Report” (11:30pm on Comedy Central) in Iraq for his USO Tour. On the show, Colbert did a bit that included him going to boot camp with a genuine Drill Sergeant, a complete stand-up routine geared to the troops, and of course, a full camouflage suit. Monday’s program also included a video of Sen. John McCain giving military advice to the troops (“clean your musket” from his time at Valley Forge) and President Obama had a video conversing with Colbert with his interview with Gen. Ray Odierno, giving an order, as the commander-in-chief for Odierno to shave Colbert’s hair. In the days where celebrities, talking heads, and “reality” game show contestants care more about how they look than the people they entertain, Colbert shaved his head for the troops.
But this isn’t the first time Colbert has shown support for the troops, Colbert has had several fundraisers on his show to raise money for the Yellow Ribbon Fund including his famous Wrist Strong Bracelet (see video below), which has raised over $200,000, and selling his celebrity-clad signed cast from his wrist injury for over $17,000, all going to the YRF.
Wrist Strong
| The Colbert Report | Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The WristStrong Saga | ||||
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What is special about Colbert is not that he just donates the money, but that he incorporates the philanthropy into his show, raising awareness and money for our Veterans. I think corporations and students can learn from Colbert’s lead and not just give a sum of money to an charity/cause/organization, but actually immerse yourself in the philanthropy. Not only can get a good name for yourself, but develop some organizational skills and most importantly, make a difference in society.
