Another Opportunity or Exploitation for Kids?

Celebs including Nicole Richie, Joel Madden, Kate Bosworth and Jared Leto attended the Art of Elysium’s annual black tie gala in L.A

E.ly’.si.um: a place or condition of ideal happiness .

http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/01/the_art_of_the_elysium_live_st.php

Mission: The Art of Elysium, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1997, encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. We provide artistic workshops in the following disciplines: acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and creative writing.

The GOALS

• Create The Art of Elysium Center, a place where children can learn and artists can showcase their work. During the day, the center will be open for children in need to be taught acting, art processes, comedy and music. In the evening, the facility will be used for participating artists to present their creative work.

• Provide musical instruments, compact discs, videotape, art supplies and makeup for various pediatric facilities we serve.

• Fulfill special requests for medically challenged youth, including but not limited to providing individual, continuing lessons in the arts after discharge from the hospital.

• Open New York and Memphis branches of The Art of Elysium.

This looks like a worthwhile cause and many celebrities support this cause, which is especially important now with all the budget cuts.

It would be nice to have celebrities support a worthy cause without getting publicity and a free meal in return.