Over 100 programs on the major networks and cable will spotlight the idea of giving back in their story lines or public service announcements this week (beginning Oct. 19 and lasting for 7 days). This is the centerpiece of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)’s iParticipate initiative aimed to mobilize the entertainment community to inspire a new era of service and volunteerism. The iParticipate initiative, a multi-year campaign, hopes to make service a part of who we are as Americans and show what we can achieve when we all pull together. …

Could you “Imagine This!”?

Volunteer travel may soon have the attention of national television networks. Imagine This! is a new television show that will take their team of volunteers to different parts of the world to complete real sustainability projects to deserving communities. With the help of those who join the website, Imagine This! hopes to gain enough interest for the show to eventually be on major networks. They have already been named to Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List”. The website is a social network engine where members …

Television is a good barometer of society. With a rising social conscience and the call to do good by the likes of President Obama and celebrities like Bono, there inevitably will be a show on this topic. “The Philanthropist” premiered Wednesday night on NBC. It’s not about some rich guy sitting around a conference table listening to different charity requests and doling out checks. It’s 21st century philanthropy — giving by getting involved, not by giving from afar.
Teddy Rist, the wealthy businessman hero of “The Philanthropist” confided that he didn’t …