Chase's Phillie Philanthropy

via PETA

He may have lost the World Series, but Chase Utley is a winner when it comes to doing good. The Philadelphia Phillie’s second-baseman is a huge advocate for animals, and he and his wife have helped organize Save a Pet at the Park, a day that brings adoptable animals to the ballpark on gameday. Chase's foundation, Utley’s All-Star Animals, has raised more than $200,000 for the Pennsylvania SPCA, and he’s also involved in lots of community-based mentoring programs. Chase even won the 2006 Phillies Community Service Award for his all his great work.

Baseball season may be over, but there are still plenty of chances for you to follow Chase’s lead and do some good in your community. First, check out our wrap-up of each team’s volunteer efforts. Then, plan an animal shelter fundraiser to help out cats and dogs in need. And next time you’re looking for a pet, don’t shop, adopt!

Quote of the day: Mariah Carey

via People

"Abuse has several categories. Emotionally, mentally, in other ways. I just think you get into a situation and you feel locked in — if your situation is similar to one of the situations I've been in."

- Mariah Carey is opening up about her history of abusive relationships after seeing Rihanna's new interview. Make sure you're well-versed on violence against women by reading our terms you should know.

Nicole's charitable travels

via Babble

It was just a few weeks ago that Nicole Kidman was in Washington, D.C. to talk to lawmakers about violence against women. Now Nicole, who’s an ambassador for the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) is turning her talk in to action by making a trip to Kenya. The Australian actress will tour the country, visiting a hospital and school, to see first-hand the work being done by UNIFEM while also raising awareness and bringing attention to the plight of women worldwide. Nicole says that African women “need and deserve our support. Not with a box of band-aids, but with a comprehensive, well-funded approach that acknowledges that women’s rights are human rights.”

Okay so maybe you can’t travel the world to help your cause – there’s still tons you can do. First, take the Harvard Implicit Bias test – it’s designed to uncover some gender biases you might not even know you have! Then, check out our huge page of action guides so you can do something for women’s rights.

Tony skates for good

via Babble

Skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk will do some good in Sin City. On Saturday, November 7th, Tony will host Stand Up For Skateparks at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, to benefit his Tony Hawk Foundation. The event will feature games, music, auctions, a raffle, and, of course, skateboarding and BMX. Money raised will go to the Tony Hawk Foundation, which brings free, high-quality public skateparks to low-income areas in the U.S. Among the celebs joining Tony are Diddy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Travis Barker.

Can't make it to the event? Check out the Stand Up For Skateparks website, or visit Stoked.org for more info on how extreme sports can help out kids in need.

Rihanna breaks her silence

via E! Online

As we previously covered, Rihanna has given her first interview since being assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown back in February. Now, the entire Diane Sawyer interview with the pop superstar has been released, and Rihanna goes in to detail about what happened that night. She says that Chris held her in a headlock and bit her on her ear and fingers, and that she didn’t fight back, saying: “I just wanted it to stop. I was not interested in hurting him back.” Chris was sentenced to five years of probation, one year of domestic violence counseling, and six months of community service for the assault that night.

Rihanna spends a lot of the interview apologizing to her fans, saying that going back to Chris after the incident was a mistake since she is a role model to so many young women. She says: “When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result in some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part… even if Chris never hit me again, who is to say that their boyfriend won't? Who's to say that they won't kill these girls? These are young girls and I just didn't realize how much of an impact I had on these girls' lives until that happened."

A half-hour interview with Chris Brown will air tonight at 6 on MTV, and although it’s not his first since the assault, Chris will discuss his life and career since the incident.

What do you think of Rihanna’s statements? Should she share so many details of what happened? Is it fair that the media has made her a role model for other young girls in her situation? Be sure to read our info on dating abuse to learn more about this issue and what you can do to stop it.

Quote of the day: Tyra Banks

via Just Jared

“It’s not about being skinny, it’s about getting in the best shape that you can be.”

- Tyra Banks. Today, the model's talk show tackles health and fitness. Before you tune in to the show, check out our background on fitness to learn why it's so important.

Selena's awesome auction

via AOL Music

Halloween may be over, but CGG superstar Selena Gomez is still in the spooky spirit. The UNICEF ambassador is hosting a charity auction to benefit Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, that famous orange box program. The auction has items like clothes, signed shoes, and even a meeting with the Disney star herself. Selena’s been Tweeting up a storm during the auction’s last week, asking fans to spend some cash for her favorite cause. UNICEF helps out kids around the world, providing food, education, and shelter for underprivileged kids in developing nations.

Check out the auction here. Don’t have big bucks to bid? Don’t worry! You can still do like Selena and help out kids around the world – check out our massive list of global poverty action guides.

Jerry and Jessica get serious for good

via Hollywood Gossip

Funnyman Jerry Seinfeld and wife Jessica want you to help out deserving families by dusting off and donating unused baby gear. From December 3rd – 5th, the comedic couple will host an NYC event for their organization Baby Buggy. Called the Love, Recycled Critical Gear Drive, they’ll collect donations of new and gently used strollers, high chairs, and other baby gear, which will then go to help NYC families who otherwise couldn’t afford these essential items.

If you’re in the NYC area be sure to ask your parents to dig up that old baby gear and donate it to this worthwhile cause - check out the Baby Buggy website for the details. Not in NYC? You can still help out – organize your own baby gear drive at your school or community center, then donate the items you collect to your local family shelter.

Kim Kardashian - boxer?

via Splash News

Would you fight your favorite star for charity? Some fans got to do just that, when they boxed against reality TV star Kim Kardashian, little brother Rob, and stepdad Bruce Jenner. The boxing matches, held at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California, were part of a charity auction to benefit the Dream Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to adults who are battling life-threatening illnesses. Auction winners got to square off against the famous family, with the rest of the Kardashians cheering on from ring-side. Before the event Kim Tweeted: “About to start boxing! In my physical! I’m sooo scared!!!!” Despite her cute pink outfit, Kim went down after a few punches.

We love a creative idea that raises some cash for a cause. Browse through our Projects Page for more great ideas that will inspire you to act too.

Celebs carol for their cause

via iMusic Daily

Some big-name stars are singing for their cause. Friend of CGG Sean Kingston, Miley Cyrus, Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams, American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler, and Ashley Tisdale are just some of the big names who will sing classic Christmas tunes on A Very Special Christmas 7. Out on November 23, the album will raise money for the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics is an event held every two years that lets kids and adults with intellectual disabilities train and compete in 30 Olympic sports.

We love the idea of artists collaborating for good! So make like Miley and host a concert or an art show, and then donate the proceeds to the Special Olympics. And while you’re at it, read up on the terms you should know about disabilities. And of course, be sure to buy the album when it comes out! It would make a great gift.