When she’s not rocking her acting skills on the small screen hit Scorpion, Katharine McPhee lends her time and talents to charity.
The American Idol runner-up is an avid philanthropist who not only runs her own foundation, but also works tirelessly to fight Malaria in Africa.
Education
In December, the talented actress/singer once again joined forces with the charity buildOn to raise money and awareness for education in Burkina Faso, which is one of the world’s poorest countries.
“Let’s give the gift of education to Burkina Faso. Help build a school for children in need & I’ll match ur donation,” McPhee tweeted on December 17.
Katherine is matching donations for the cause up to $30,000. She released a statement that read, “Investing in education and opportunity for young people is a major priority in our lives, and we are thrilled that with the help of buildOn we can maintain our ongoing commitment to improving education for the children of Burkina Faso.”
Interested donors can head over to buildOn’s website to share their goodwill.
Malaria Cure Awareness
Keeping her good deeds close to her heart, McPhee continued to work in Africa with Malaria No More’s Power of One campaign last year. The Smash star first teamed up with the cause in 2011 and became an influential spokesperson for the organization.
During an interview with USA Today, McPhee explained she was inspired by a friend to get involved in the region. She helped fund a preschool in Africa and after connecting with the school’s headmaster, McPhee learned about the troubling outbreaks of malaria, and she decided to join the cause to defeat the treatable disease.
“One dollar, one life, it’s so simple,” she said. “We’re hoping we can create a malaria-free zone.”
Breast Cancer Prevention Awareness
In October 2015, McPhee teamed up with Ford Cares to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and research. The brunette beauty stars in a PSA for The Circle of Strength t-shirt. Katharine announced that 100 percent of the net proceeds from the shirt go to one of four charities, which consumers choose at checkout.
Mental Health Awareness
Staying close to the set of her hit CBS series, McPhee filmed a PSA in collaboration with CBS Cares and Active Minds. The announcement focuses on mental health awareness, especially in children and teens. It airs during CBS’ prime time.
Active Minds encourages students to openly discuss mental health concerns to promote education and assistance.
In 2006, the 31-year-old actress founded her self-titled organization to raise resources to assist other charities.
One of the first organizations McPhee helped was the Lollipop Theatre Network. Her team provided music outreach to sick children in Southern California hospitals for its “Rhythm of Hope” campaign.