Photos: (Getty)
Amy Poehler, Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington were among the many remarkable female celebs honored at Variety's Power of Women luncheon last Friday. Check out all of the inspiring things they do and have to say to you.
+ Amy Poehler Works With Orphans
+ Watch Amy Poehler Discuss Working With Worldwide Orphans.
"SNL" alum Amy Poehler's speech about her work with Worldwide Orphans moved the comedienne, and like everyone else with a heart, to tears. "I ask you to open your eyes, and to realize that there are so many children in the world who have nothing. They have nothing," said Poehler with water in her eyes and a big lump in her throat. "They have no one who lights up when they walk into a room, and they have no clothes, and safety and food. And so who are we to be in this room, and to be living this life without helping them?" It's especially moving to see Amy get so serious, as she's usually so hilar. She then stressed that giving back isn't just for the needy. It feels damn good to be on the giving side as well! "People don't talk enough about how good it feels to be of service. It really selfishly makes you feel really good. It's good for your ego," she said. "Giving to charity is good for your skin," she added, "and it makes your (butt) smaller." You heard it here first!
+ Charlize Theron Combats HIV/AIDS
+ Watch Charlize Theron Discuss Supporting HIV/AIDS Efforts.
Charlize Theron is anything but the wicked witch she plays in "Snow White and the Huntsman." The South Africa native was honored for her efforts to end HIV and AIDS through her Africa Outreach Project, but insisted on giving her award to someone else. "It's impossible for me to accept this award because there's someone here so much more powerful than me," Theron said onstage. "I hope you're OK with me giving this award to my mom," she continued. "That b-tch was building roads in Africa when no woman was doing that. I thank you, Mom, for teaching me by your actions how to be a strong woman."
Although Charlize's amazing project focuses AIDS in Africa, it's important to stay safe and educated no matter where you live. According to MTV's Get Yourself Tested, one in five American people living with HIV doesn't know they have it!
+ Kerry Washington Protects The Arts
+ Watch Kerry Washington Discuss Supporting The Arts
"Scandal" star Kerry Washington was honored for her years of work with the President's Committee On The Arts And Humanities."It's really an honor to serve for the Obama administration in this capacity, because I get to help protect the arts and bring the arts into the lives of young people that need it the most," she said. VH1 Save The Music is another great organization keeping music and musical instruments in the hands of American youth. Organizations like this are essential to keeping the arts alive in the U.S., as creative programs are usually the first to get snipped during budget cuts.
Kerry, Charlize and Amy set such an amazing example for their peers and fans alike. Are you watching, Miley Cyrus? Click the Action Links below to get involved, get inspired and make these good women proud!
