Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, flew Makayla and her mom to New York, where they stayed at the luxurious Genesse Grand Hotel. On the day of her wish, Makayla and her mom were chauffeured to the set of Sid is Dead, the new movie Jack Griffo is filming. As soon as Makayla arrived, she began to cry tears of joy. “My favorite part was seeing Makayla’s initial reaction,” said Makayla’s mom Candace.

Once on set Makayla met all the stars of the movie, and spent time with Jack Griffo, Joey Bragg, Audrey Whitby, and Genevieve Hannelius. Makayla was welcomed by the cast who made her feel completely at ease. Makayla talked with them for hours about the movie and their lives as actors.

Makayla suffers from retinitis pigmentosa and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Because of her conditions, Makayla is completely night and color blind and lacks peripheral vision. Makayla’s conditions also cause her to gain weight and impedes her speaking ability.

Makayla loved her wish and enjoyed every second she spent with Jack Griffo and the rest of the crew. She received a signed letter from her idol, thanking her for coming and telling her how much he enjoyed spending time with her and told her that she should be the best that she can be. Makayla took plenty of photos and got a special T-shirt signed by the entire cast to take home. She can’t wait until the movie is complete so she can see the final product.

After her amazing day with Jack Griffo, Makayla and her mom had a delicious meal at The Cheesecake Factory.

“We are incredibly grateful to Jack Griffo and all the actors and crew that made Makayla’s wish so amazing,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai.

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.

This article originally appeared on Kare 11.

The post Apple Valley Girl Battling Illness Spends Day on the Movie Set of Her Favorite Actor appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

Peoples has worked for Sherwood Forest Elementary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for two years, and in that short time, he has become a “superhero” to the students, parents, and staffers.

“He’s just extraordinary,” one student told WXII. “He helps all of us and keeps us safe, and we all love him.”

Last month, Peoples was unable to come into work because his car broke down. On top of that, the school community discovered that Peoples had spent Christmas Eve in the hospital. Having noticed his absence and heard about his misfortune, school parent Sloane Johnson took to Facebook to find him some help.

The response was immediate. “Within a span of two hours, we had $800 raised and a car donated by another parent,” Johnson remarked.

That very same week, Peoples was taken by surprise when a group of parents and students greeted him with signs, cheers, applause, and a donated SUV.  As if this wasn’t enough, they included a check for $2,500.

“…they showed me so much love,” Peoples tearfully told the news outlet. “And I don’t take it lightly…”

As he starts his new car with a smile, it’s clear that Peoples will be arriving on time for a job he loves in order to ensure the safety of those who love him too.

(WATCH the video below) — Photo by WXII

This article originally appeared on Good News Network.

The post After He Spent Christmas Eve in the Hospital, Watch Families Open Their Hearts to Crossing Guard appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The chimps are now one step closer to retirement thanks to the multi-million donation which was made to Chimp Haven, the national chimpanzee sanctuary in Louisiana.

The gift was made at the end of the year by an anonymous supporter who is committed to supporting Chimp Haven’s “Welcome Them Home” campaign, a concerted effort to build more habitats and expand veterinary care suites to accommodate the chimps’ transitions from research facilities.

Chimp Haven is a private, nonprofit refuge on 200 acres of forested land in Northwest Louisiana. It’s home to more than 260 chimps already retired from biomedical research. While federal funds cover a crucial portion of the lifetime care of these government-owned chimps, the organization relies entirely on the generosity of donors to cover the construction necessary to welcome even more retirees into Chimp Haven’s care.

The campaign-driven expansion, which includes new forested habitats and open-air enclosures, will enrich the lives of retirees with new spaces to play, explore and interact. Additionally, it provides ample space for Chimp Haven to accommodate chimpanzees still waiting for sanctuary retirement.

“It’s very exciting to begin 2019 with such a generous contribution to chimpanzee wellbeing,” said Rana Smith, president and chief executive officer of Chimp Haven. “Donors like this make it clear that people are deeply committed to the retirement of former research chimpanzees. This national effort is as important as ever, which is why we’re working diligently to expand our habitats and give these chimps the sanctuary retirement they deserve.”

This article originally appeared on Good News Network.

The post Anonymous $2 Million Gift for Sanctuary Will Help Retire Hundreds of Chimps From Research Facilities appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

There was a big smile on Sarah Salazar’s face as she posed alongside the Grammy winner from her hospital bed.

Salazar’s mother, Sonia Lopez-Puentes, told E! News her daughter is awaiting shoulder replacement surgery and has to have her jaw wired for six weeks.
According to a GoFundMe page set up for Salazar by her aunt, the student’s shoulder was shattered and her mandible and several ribs were fractured after she was shot “from the neck down to her thigh.” Per the page, she was intubated and will require several surgeries. Initially, she was sent into emergency surgery and was in the intensive care unit.

So far, people have donated $21,327 of their $60,000 goal in nine days.

Timberlake, who is currently on a headlining tour for his latest studio album, Man of the Woods, had a show in Houston when he paid a visit to Salazar.

Meanwhile, the high school will reopen to students on Tuesday for the first time since the deadly shooting on May 18.

17-year-old suspect Dimitrios Pagourtzis has been accused of capital murder of multiple people and aggravated assault on a public servant.

This article originally appeared on E News.

The post Justin Timberlake Visits Santa Fe High School Shooting Survivor in the Hospital appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

Rideshare service Lyft and the country music superstar have partnered to introduce Lyft’s newest addition to the Round Up & Donate family, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, where courageous kids and their families were given the surprise of a lifetime — a meet and greet with Eldredge!

“I am so thankful to St. Jude for the opportunity to meet these incredible kids,” “The Long Way” singer, 31, tells PEOPLE. “The courage and zest for life that they have is something that will inspire me forever. Now everyone can help make an impact with Lyft’s Round Up & Donate. I hope that everyone can see how powerful and simple it is to help by donating.”

Eldredge treated his young fans to their dream experience, including exclusive backstage access to his sold-out holiday show in Nashville. And Lyft passengers now, too, have the chance to impact the lives of courageous kids fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases by simply choosing to round up each fare on the app.

Lyft’s Round Up & Donate has raised $4 million dollars for various causes in just eight months.

“Let’s give these children the life that they deserve,” says Eldredge.

This article originally appeared on People.

The post Brett Eldredge Surprises St. Jude Kids with a Show appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

In a social media post created by a Twitter user named Bakoon, people are being called to share their positive experiences of dealing with famous people in real life.

“If anyone has any nice allegations against a celebrity, that would be great too,” says Bakoon. “Does a famous actor give good Christmas presents?”

While some of the stories are as simple as celebrities leaving hefty tips for their servers and baristas, others are way more heartwarming.

One of the first tweets to get the ball rolling was from Mara Wilson, the actress who starred in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, vouching for the kindness of her film co-star Danny Devito.

And the stories just get better and better.

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman let me stay with them when my mom was in the hospital for cancer surgeries

— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) November 10, 2017

Danny DeVito tipped $120 to have two cases of wine one delivered one block to his apartment.

— Kristaps Johnson (@megaclang) November 9, 2017

i was an extra in a movie with Michael Keaton. He played frisbee with us, took pictures, and signed my friend’s Batman DVD

— Bean to Barter Economy (@McLeemz) November 9, 2017

I accidentally walked into Waka Flocka so hard my head clunked on his chest and he was so scared I’d deeply injured myself

— donate to my indiegogo please (@rachelmillman) November 10, 2017

My husband sat next to him at a film festival event in SF a couple years ago. When it was over, Keanu stayed and picked up other people’s trash.

— Susie Cagle (@susie_c) November 11, 2017

David Tennant not only graciously accepted an academic paper from a random fan in the Richard II stage door line but actually read it and sent me an appreciative note about it

— the cold genius (@angevin2) November 9, 2017

robin williams was the nicest, most compassionate celebrity I ever had the pleasure of knowing in person. personally saw him threaten to beat the hell out of some rando harassing a homeless person in the ocean district six or so years ago

— A Sense of Pride and Accomplishment (@caylenb) November 9, 2017

I was crying quietly to myself after my Mom died in a cafe, Robin Williams noticed me and paid my check. He whispered things usually get better.

— catherine (@pantone7605) November 11, 2017

LeVar Burton stopped in the middle of an interview to thank the bar staff by name for being so attentive.

— Richard Whittaker (@YorkshireTX) November 10, 2017

Jason Alexander made me snacks while I paired his palm pilot to his prius

— Egadsden (@itspronounced48) November 9, 2017

My mom’s friend met Anthony Hopkins @ a hotel & they had breakfast 3-4 days in a row to talk about the meaning of life instead of themselves

— LP (@lleightonpaull) November 10, 2017

This article originally appeared in Good News Network.

The post Twitter Users Share Sweet Stories About Their Celebrity Encounters appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The Patriots Day star posed for photos and chatted with members of Jett Foundation as they celebrated World Duchenne Awareness Day at the Fenway Park location of the restaurant.

Located in Kingston, Massachusetts, Jett Foundation is a nonprofit organization which strives to increase awareness and raise funds for research in the hopes of finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

According to the organization’s website, approximately 1 in every 3,500 males are born with Duchenne and there are roughly 15,000 diagnosed patients living today in the United States.

“Jett Foundation is so grateful for the entire Wahlberg family’s support for and dedication to the Duchenne community,” the organization posted on Facebook.

Mark not only posed with members of Jett but found a new pal in Destinee, a child currently battling the disease.

Ten percent of all sales on September 7 from three Massachusetts locations of Wahlburgers went towards Jett Foundation.

Positive stories like this are what make us tick! We’re always looking for partners that feel the same way about good news!

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good! And don’t miss our exclusive interviews, all right here on our YouTube page.

(Photo Credit: Facebook/@jettfoundation)

The post Mark Wahlberg Lends Support to Jett Foundation During World Duchenne Awareness Day appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The Oscar winners each donated $1 million toward emergency and recovery efforts in Texas with DiCaprio shelling out for the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund and Bullock sending financial support to the American Red Cross.

“I’m just grateful I can do it,” said Bullock, who has a home in Austin. “We all have to do our part.”

Bullock also related the humanitarian efforts to the current political divide in the country. “There are no politics in eight feet of water. There are human beings in eight feet of water,” she said in a statement.

Vice president of communications for the Red Cross, Elizabeth Penniman, expressed her gratitude toward Bullock and other celebrities for giving back.

“Massive disasters like Hurricane Harvey create many critical and immediate needs, so we are heartened by donations like this — which allow us to provide immediate shelter, food and comfort to thousands in need,” she said. “The entertainment community has been so supportive to the Red Cross in response to this devastating disaster, and we are so grateful.”

DiCaprio didn’t comment on his donation but United Way Worldwide president and CEO Brian Gallagher did send his thanks.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Leonardo DiCaprio and his foundation,” said Gallagher. “Responding to Hurricane Harvey requires the best of all of us — and that’s what this gift represents.”

Help Houston and all those affected by Hurricane #Harvey by giving through the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund. https://t.co/qtpWx8u8wt

— United Way (@UnitedWay) August 30, 2017

The Titanic star also tweeted on Monday about supporting the Red Cross, though he did not reveal his financial donation.

Flooding has forced thousands in Texas & Louisiana from their homes. Join me in supporting the @RedCross: https://t.co/MoTyKAw8bU

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) August 28, 2017

Kevin Hart previously laid out a challenge to his celebrity friends to donate $25,000, among them Dwayne Johnson, who accepted in an Instagram post and shared his story of surviving Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Stay strong Houston and hold onto faith. Me and my family know what you’re going thru. We survived the eye of Andrew and became stronger – so will you. All my love and strength. * Link in my bio in you can donate a buck or two to our Houston families in need.

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Aug 28, 2017 at 4:27pm PDT

Other celebrities also giving back include the Kardashians, Nicki Minaj, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jennifer Lopez, and the major sports teams and athletes in Houston, such as JJ Watt who started a fund through You Caring, which as of this writing, has raised over $10 million.

The Texans star shared his gratitude to big time donor, Ellen DeGeneres on Twitter.

Massive thank you to @TheEllenShow for the $1 Million donation.
We’re now over $8.5 Million.
Let’s keep going!https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/LRhVLzxFZj

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 31, 2017

Not to be lost in the news of celebrity donations is the work being done by volunteers and citizens like this anonymous Texas City resident who took his boat out to help save lives.

‘GOING TO SAVE SOME LIVES’

Heroes converging in #Houston#houstonflood #HurricaneHarvey pic.twitter.com/052ObBBrpx

— Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) August 27, 2017

Positive stories like this are what make us tick! We’re always looking for partners that feel the same way about good news!

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good! And don’t miss our exclusive interviews, all right here on our YouTube page.

The post Sandra Bullock and Leonardo DiCaprio Among Big Celeb Donors to Hurricane Harvey Relief appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

However, in true good celebrity form, the two actors (who share a 4-year-old son, Jack) took the high road, putting family first in a joint announcement on social media on August 6.

pic.twitter.com/EgNb4Thv44

— Anna Faris (@AnnaKFaris) August 7, 2017

On Sunday, August 13, Pratt made his first public appearance since the split, accepting a Teen Choice Award for Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actor for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He didn’t touch on his marriage though he did show that he’s in a good place by thanking someone else.

“I would not be here with the ease and grace I have in my heart without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said.

It should come as no surprise that Pratt invoked Christ in his acceptance speech. He’s never been shy about sharing his faith on social media and in 2014 he revealed to People how the birth of his son reaffirmed his hope in a higher power.

“It restored my faith in God, not that it needed to be restored, but it really redefined it,” Pratt said. “The baby was so beautiful to us, and I look back at the photos of him and it must have been jarring for other people to come in and see him, but to us he was so beautiful and perfect.”

Faris made her first post-split remarks on her podcast, Anna Faris is Unqualified. Like Pratt, she didn’t reference her spouse but did express her adoration to her fans.

“I just want to thank you all so much for all the love I’ve been receiving, and I truly love you,” she said.

Later in the episode she shed a little more light on the separation, in a response to a caller’s question about their relationship.

“Life is too short to be in relationships where you feel this isn’t fully right or somebody doesn’t have your back, or somebody doesn’t fully value you,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to feel your independence if things aren’t right.”

“I made that mistake, I think, a little bit, like ‘I’m checking my relationship off the list,’” she continued. “If that would be the final piece of advice I could give you, that would be, ‘Know your worth, know your independence.’”

While we’re sad to see the Pratt-Faris union dissolve, it’s great to know that Jack will continue to be loved by parents who clearly still respect and love one another and find solace in faith.

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good! And don’t miss our exclusive interviews, all right here on our YouTube page.

(Photo Credit: Twitter/@prattprattpratt)

The post Chris Pratt Thanks Jesus in First Public Appearance Since Split From Anna Faris appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

Following her victory in a court case against a disc jockey who groped her in 2013, the “Blank Space” singer is making good on a promise to donate money to help victims of sexual assault.

Among the organizations benefitting from Swift’s generosity is actress Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation.

“Taylor is aware of the Joyful Heart Foundation and follows our work,” Joyful Heart’s CEO Maile M. Zambuto told The Huffington Post. “Her team got in touch with me, and we talked a lot about her commitment, all along throughout this ordeal, to wanting to be of service to survivors.”

“I think it was really important to see someone like Taylor to stand up to her abuser so publicly because there’s so much secrecy and shame associated with sexual assault,” Zambuto added. “Taylor had a choice to do this quietly– to risk less — and instead, she took this path as a survivor and as a symbol of strength and a source for so many survivors who feel really alone.”

We are grateful to @taylorswift13 for her courage and generosity & thank all those who commit to a world where we boldly #SupportSurvivors.

— Joyful Heart (@TheJHF) August 16, 2017

On Monday, August 14, Swift was awarded $1 after a jury ruled in her favor in a countersuit against DJ David Mueller, who claims he was falsely accused of groping the singer. He sued Swift after the incident, claiming he was wrongfully fired because of it.

Swift issued a statement after her victory, announcing plans for charitable donations.

“I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this,” she said.

“My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.”

It should come as no surprise that Hargitay’s charity is one of the first to benefit from Swift’s donations, as the Law & Order star previously worked with Taylor in her “Bad Blood” music video.

“The experience of sexual assault and domestic violence can be extremely isolating,” said Hargitay, who founded the organization in 2004. “One of the most important points we make to survivors is this: you are not alone.”

“I hope that Taylor’s very public experience ― and her decision to speak out ― not only helps empower other victims to speak up and take action, but offers them solidarity,” Hargitay told The Huffington Post. “I’m honored by her dedication and commitment to these issues, and I’m deeply grateful for her support of the Joyful Heart Foundation.”

The amount of Taylor’s donation was not revealed, but Zambuto did say it was an “extremely generous financial investment in the movement to end sexual violence.”

Positive stories like this are what make us tick! We’re always looking for partners that feel the same way about good news!

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the breaking celebrity news headlines and stories about people doing good! And don’t miss our exclusive interviews, all right here on our YouTube page.

(Photo Credit: Instagram)

The post Taylor Swift Donates to Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation for Sexual Assault Victims appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.