Photo: (VH1)
Last night's Do Something Awards honored young people and celebrities who are devoted to making a positive difference in the world. This years celebrity honorees were Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kelly Osbourne, LL Cool J, and Patrick Dempsey, whose inspiring acceptance speeches motivated us to get up and Do Something good today!
Jennifer Hudson was honored for her work with the
Julian D. King Gift Foundation, which she created in the memory of her late nephew. Every August, the organization hosts Hatch Day, an event that provides 5,000 underprivileged Chicago youth with backpacks full of supplies for the upcoming school year. It is Jennifer's hope to someday expand the organization globally. "It's one thing to be a celebrity," she said during her tearful acceptance speech. "But it means nothing if you can't help somebody -- if you can't make a difference or a change."
Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his (hawt) hubby Justin Mikita founded
Tie The Knot -- a collection of snazzy bow ties from which proceeds go towards organizations fighting for marriage equality. "Our country will never be perfect, said Jesse during his acceptance speech. "But it's so important that we continue to challenge our leaders. We owe that to ourselves and our country, and everyone is capable of change and growth." Including Jesse's father, who was once adamantly against marriage equality, but recently danced at Jesse's wedding!
Kelly Osbourne was honored for her work with
Race To Erase MS. She grew passionate about the cause, and curing multiple sclerosis, after her brother Jack was
diagnosed with the disease. "I want to thank my brother Jack," said Kelly while accepting her award. "He is the real hero. He is the one that should be getting this award tonight, but he always reminds me that it's not about him, it's about the 2.1 million people who are living with MS that is diagnosed today."
LL Cool J was honored for founding Jump & Ball, an annual basketball tournament and supper sports camp for kids in Queens, New York. "Jump & Ball is everything I wish I had growing up," said LL. "To whom much is given, much is required, and reaching out to others who may need helping hands -- it may not change just their lives, but it can change ours as well."
Patrick Dempsey was so moved by his mother's battle with ovarian cancer that he founded the
Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing -- a cost-free center for those with the disease. "Compassion and altruism is a remarkable thing. When you start getting people to do that, it can create a lot of change," said Patrick. "It just takes an idea and one step forward, and things can happen."
