8 Great Celebrity Causes ...

The Red Cross is about more than just helping people and communities recover from disasters — they’re dedicated to keeping people safe, and helping them prepare for emergencies. Morgan Freeman has long seen the importance of the Red Cross’ mission, and has donated his time and energy to promoting awareness, especially after the recent earthquakes in Haiti.

Angelina Jolie’s dedication to the cause of refugees isn’t fleeting, or just about photo ops. She’s been deeply involved since 2001, and has traveled the world, visiting refugee camps in the most remote, war-torn areas, raising awareness, demanding action, giving hope, and speaking out.

All over the world, Operation Smile helps bring beautiful, happy smiles to children with various facial deformities, like cleft palates and cleft lips. The support they give these children and their families isn’t just about appearances — some of these deformities are so severe, they can impact a child’s ability to live. Jessica Simpson and her family have been involved with Operation Smile since 2003, helping to raise awareness and no doubt, spending a lot of time and money with the organization.

*7 Great Animal Charities …

Sarah Jessica Parker, along with other celebrities, like Whoppi Goldberg, is a very vocal, visible supporter of UNICEF, which is an advocate for children all over the world. They support child survival, not a frivolous cause, and SJP is very serious and vocal in her support of their efforts.

While come may argue that animal rights aren’t as important as other charities, it is still a very worthy cause, and Betty White has long been a supporter of various animal charities. She may not sing in that heart-wrenching ASPCA commercial with Sarah McLaughlin, but she’s spent decades making her point, and fighting for the humane treatment of animals.

Founded in 1994 at Princeton, the NAAR was the first national non-profit in support of autism research, and hopefully someday, a cure. Phil Simms has been a loyal supporter of autism research, and in particular, the NAAR, for years.

The musicians and music of New Orleans have inspired generations of other musicians, including the Dave Matthews Band. That’s why they’re dedicated to building and maintaining the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Musicians' Village, which is creating a vibrant, safe community to keep the culture and music of New Orleans alive.

Living with this debilitating, progressive, chronic disease has inspired actor Michael J. Fox to devote himself, and his foundation, to finding a cure, and therapies, within this decade. It’s not just about science — this foundation is also about hope.

These are just a few celebrities and the causes they support, but there are so many more that have causes they believe in. What is your favorite celebrity cause? Are there charities you support because of a celebrity endorsement? Please let me know!