Look To The Stars News: Ludacris Foundation

Ludacris Calls For Community Philanthropy

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Multi-platinum-selling artist and actor Ludacris (real name Chris Bridges) will make a call for individuals to take an active role in community philanthropy at a National Press Club luncheon on Friday, October 23, 2009.

The entertainer created the Ludacris Foundation in 2001 to increase leadership through education, healthy lifestyles and community engagement. The luncheon precedes the Foundation’s annual Benefit Dinner, to be held for the first time in the nation’s capital on October 24 at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center.

Ludacris previewed the topic of his speech by saying, “In today’s world we have new issues and new challenges. The old way of looking at these issues and challenges have not rendered the outcomes we want. Logical thinking, while necessary is not sufficient – we need lateral thinking (thinking outside our current frame of reference). We need a new type of leadership.”

Ludacris, 27, was discovered as a young rapper by industry giants Jermaine Dupri and Timberland. In the fall of 2000, he signed a deal with Russell Simmons’ Def Jam Records and built his own label and production company, Disturbing the Peace. He has translated his success in the music industry to projects in movies and fashion. Ludacris starred as “Taj” in the feature film 2Fast 2Furious and “Anthony” in the Oscar-winning film Crash. He is currently developing a clothing line.

In December 2001, Ludacris founded the Atlanta-based The Ludacris Foundation, dedicated to advocating for youth and giving both time and money back to the community. Since its founding, the organization has donated more than $500,000 to support grassroots organizations that work to help the nation’s youth and has invested more than 3,500 hours in devoted service to young people around the country.   The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Ludacris’ remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made by telephoning (202) 662-7501. Cost of the luncheon is $17 for National Press Club members, $28 for guests of members, and $35 general admission.

The National Press Club is located at 14th and F. Streets, NW, one block west of Metro Center. More information about the Club and its programs is found on its Internet website: www.press.org .

Ludacris Gives Away Cars To The Needy

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rapper Ludacris and his Ludacris Foundation gave away 20 used vehicles to several deserving Metro Atlanta area residents during his LudaDay weekend last week.

The rapper wanted those people struggling to make ends meet to write a 300 word essay on his website, and over 4,000 people took up the challenge. The winning essays included those from the homeless and even a Sudanese refugee: “That’s one of those stories that really had me like, man, I thought I had faced some adversities in life. But I’ve not faced adversities at all compared to what he’s been through. I cannot imagine going through what he’s gone through and still be that strong.”

A video of the event can be viewed here

“My foundation’s LudaCares Initiative is dedicated to supporting youth and families in need”, said Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges.

“Our major focus is youth and supporting the family structure” stated Roberta Shields, President of The Ludacris Foundation. “The Foundation helps people year around through our LudaCares Program. This year we want to do something to help youth and families manage during these tough economic times. Having a vehicle to get back and forth to work and daycare can make the difference in getting and keeping a job.”

A list of winners can be found here.

Ludacris To Reunite With Tommy Lee For Charity

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Motley Crue drummer and former husband of Pamela Anderson, Tommy Lee, and rapper Ludacris will reunite this Saturday, August 29, for a special culinary charity event.

The event will be held at Ludacris’ restaurant, Straits, in Atlanta for a fund-raiser benefiting his Ludacris Foundation. The Foundation was created to inspire youth to take responsibility for their future, build stronger families and foster community economic development in the community. The Ludacris Foundation is committed to helping youth help themselves.

There will even be an after-party for the event, which will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. after Lee’s final encore with Motley Crue at the Aarons Amphitheater at Lakewood.

Ludacris and Tommy Lee first collaborated as part of Discovery Network’s Planet Green popular “Battleground Earth” eco-centric series.

Tickets are available here.

Ludacris Gives Children A LudaCrismas

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rapper Ludacris spread some Christmas cheer last week when he helped the American Civil Rights Educational Society hold their annual Christmas Lunch.

The event was in doubt this year after the ACRES building in New York was broken into and severely damaged by fire earlier this month. But Ludacris and his Ludacris Foundation stepped in and made sure the event went on as planned. The star even made a personal appearance and handed out gifts to disadvantaged children.

Ludacris set up the Ludacris Foundation to inspire youth to take responsibility for their future, build stronger families and foster community economic development in the community. The rapper and the Foundation has just spent the month visiting Chicago, New York, Miami, and Atlanta area children in an initiative called LudaCrismas in Toyland. The events treated disadvantaged children to games, entertainment, food, and Santa.

“The Christmas season is all about giving of yourself – that’s the true meaning of Christmas,” said Ludacris. “Helping those that are less fortunate than ourselves – that’s what this time of year is all about. During the holidays there is no better time to turn back, reach back, and give back.”

Over 1000 children benefited from the events.

“I love this time of year and can’t wait to see the wonderment in the eyes and the smiles of joy on the faces of the children as they make it through LudaCrismas in Toyland” said Roberta Shields, President of the Ludacris Foundation. “We know the importance of helping others and giving back and we understand that the little things we do can sometimes have a huge effect on these children for years to come.”

Look To The Stars News: Ludacris Foundation

Ludacris Calls For Community Philanthropy

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