Halle's big bid

via Teen Vogue

Halle Berry dropped some big bucks for her cause - $40,000 to be exact! Halle, who made history as the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, was at a Keep-A-Child-Alive charity event in NYC. During the auction, she spotted a necklace from Alicia Keys’ jewelry line and had to have it. She even got in to a bidding war with another guest before winning the necklace. John Mayer, Queen Latifah, and Bill Clinton were also at the event, which raised $2.5 million to provide medicine and support for children and families living with HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

Don't have 40 grand to drop for good? Don't worry, you don’t need big cash to make a difference. First, learn about HIV/AIDS, which afflicts 27.7 million people in Africa alone. Then hold a candle-light vigil to honor victims and raise awareness about the disease.

Join Jordin

Jordin Sparks wants you to come to her sleepover. The American Idol winner has joined forces with beinggirl.com to host “America’s Biggest Sleepover.” On November 7th, you can connect with other girls across the country to share a night of online fun while also raising some cash for the Protecting Futures program – for everyone that signs up for the sleepover, they’ll donate $1 to help girls in developing regions stay in school. Signing up on beinggirl.com also means you get to see exclusive performances by Jordin Sparks, a Q&A and a Truth-or-Dare game with Jordin and other beinggirl.com members, and tips for having a great sleepover.

We think a sleepover is the perfect chance for you and your friends to get together for a cause! So be sure to check out the Being Girl website for more info on the sleepover, and read up on the Protecting Futures program and what they’re doing to help girls stay in school.

Olivia's wild about her cause

via Ask Men

One of our favorite eco-friendly celebs is at it again. Olivia Wilde has written an article for USA Today on the importance of giving back. The House and Year One star also shouts out her favorite cause, Power Up Gambia - started by DS Award Winner Kathryn Cunningham!

We've already covered Olivia's charity work and how much she loves Power Up Gambia, an organization that funds and installs eco-friendly solar panels for hospitals in Gambia. Believe it or not, the hospitals don't have electricity or running water before Power Up Gambia helps out. There's a lot you can do to support Olivia's cause. Read her article, check out the Power Up Gambia website, and learn more about the environment and what you can do to protect it.

Sienna's new doc

via People

Blond British bombshell Sienna Miller got serious on The Late Show with David Letterman when she talked about her recent trip to the Congo. The actress went with International Medical Corps, an organization that offers health training and medical care to impoverished people. During her trip, Sienna made a short documentary where she talked with women who had been the victims of rape by soldiers.

Since 1998, over 5.5 million Congolese citizens have been killed in violent conflicts, and rape is regularly used as a weapon of war. To watch Sienna’s documentary, visit takepart.org. The site also has info on what you can do to help stop the war in the Congo.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin at Sports Legends Dinner

Mike Piazza at Sports Legends Dinner

NFL great Troy Aikman at Sports Legends Dinner

Sports Legends come together to end paralysis

CGG just attended the 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. The dinner honored all-star athletes Troy Aikman, Clyde Drexler, Mike Piazza, Ivan Lendl, Rusty Wallace, Brett Hull, Dara Torres, Pat Day and Chris Waddell, all who have helped to raise millions for spinal cord injury research. NBC Announcer Bob Costas served as Master of Cermonies, entertaining 1,300 guests, including Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The dinner raked in an incredible $6.3 million, which will go to the Miami Project to aid in finding a cure for paralysis.

The Miami Project was founded by NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and his wife in response to their son’s paralyzing college football injury. Since then, the organization has honored 253 athletes and has received support from many more.

Stay tuned to CGG as we bring you exclusive interviews with the sports legends who attended.

Quote of the day: Matt Damon

via People

"When your great-great-grandkids study history, don’t you want them to be proud that you were part of the solution?"

Matt Damon wrote a piece for Parade Magazine where he talks about why it's so important for everyone to give back. Read the whole article, then find your cause.

Idol Gives Back is back

via ET Online

American Idol producers just announced the return of Idol Gives Back, the televised event that raises awareness and funds for various charities around the world. Viewers can make donations during and after the show, which will also be an AI results show, and one of the finalists will be sent home.

The last time the show aired, in late 2008, it raised an incredible $67 million, and this year the money will be donated to the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children, and the United Nations Foundation . Last year’s show featured appearances and performances by Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, and tons of other celebs. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama even appeared in pre-taped messages. The show will be on in April - are you planning to donate to Idol Gives Back? Or will you just be watching?