By Maxine Tatlonghari on
Look To the Stars’ Hollywood Insider Maxine Tatlonghari had the pleasure of hearing from one of her favorite Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – the multi-talented Adrienne Maloof-Nassif – after the WE CAN Community-wide Food Drive benefiting the Burbank Temporary Aid Center co-hosted by Ali Landry and Yum! Brands.
How did you get involved with the WE CAN Community-wide Food Drive?
I was invited by a friend of mine who was planning the event. We’d been talking about how I wanted to be more active specifically with charities where I could involve my sons, because I think it’s so important for them to have a socially conscious perspective of the world around them. Being able to bring them to this event, and to show them how impactful a lending hand can be was truly meaningful for my family. It’s a true reminder of how easily we can give back to our communities if we just stop and pay attention to the needs of those around us.
What are your Thanksgiving plans?
The most important thing for me is to be with family. I wish I could say I was one of those people who cooked the best meal in town, but I couldn’t claim that with a straight face. The house will already be decorated for the holidays, so Thanksgiving weekend gives me a few days to just bunker down with my boys and snuggle in bed with some movies.
What other charities/causes do you support?
I sponsor Camp Kindness, which is a really innovative program run by the Sacramento SPCA. It’s a humane education program for both children and animals – two of my great passions. We also serve a multitude of charities through our family businesses that span all areas of need.
How important do you think it is for celebrities to get involved in philanthropy?
I think it is absolutely, positively crucial for a few reasons. The first is obviously that as a notable name, celebrities have a unique ability to draw attention to a specific cause, and to create a media presence for the charity that spurs both educational awareness and charitable giving. The second is that when you live a life of privilege, there has to be a responsibility to give back, and to set that example for others. For me personally, I know that working for charities keeps me very grounded. It’s impossible to lose your head or lose perspective if you have a really solid grasp on the reality of the world around you.
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