Since we still have the Emmy's on the brain, I thought a great pick for this week's New Blog Find would be Emmy winner, Mariska Hargitay's blog, simply titled, "Mariska's blog", which is tied into her regular website where you can learn more about this amazing woman.
I love Law & Order SVU, and have been a faithful since the beginning. The show has personally helped me in my own challenge coping with rape (part 1 here. part II here). The stories on SVU are wonderfully written, and the main characters, Olivia Benson and Elliott Stabler give hope to those who are afraid of reporting sexual assault, incest, or rape. More than half of rapes that occur in the U.S. are not reported, and of the rapes that are reported almost 50% of the victims knew their attacker. It's not always strangers you have to be concerned about.
Along with catching perps and perverts on SVU, Mariska also is an advocate for the program Turn Beauty Inside Out (TBIO) which helps promote healthy body image and increased self-esteem for young girls. I first learned of TBIO from Audrey Brashich whom I interviewed back on August 11. Audrey consequently is a guest blogger on Mariska's blog.
Mariska also founded a non-profit called the Joyful Heart Foundation:
"The Joyful Heart Foundation (JHF) is committed to the total healing and recovery of survivors of sexual assault by introducing unique programs centered on dolphin-human interaction in the wild as a way of stimulating a survivors healing journey."
To raise money for The JHF, Mariska has donated some outfits for public auction which she has worn to awards show like the Emmys and the SAG awards. The auctions are done through the Clothes Off our Back Foundation a non-profit that hosts charity auctions showcasing celebrity attire with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle") and Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing").
Some of Mariska's items for auction include:
Carolina Herrera Emmy Gown worn at 2005's Emmy awards
Carolina Herrera Gown worn at the 2006 SAG awards
Amanda Wakeley Gown worn at NBC's 75th Anniversary event in 2002
Emporio Armani Beaded Dress
There are more items to chose from. The dresses are beautiful, and the profits are going to a good cause, so pony up the cash if you can spare it.
Please take a gander at Mariska's blog. She is an inspirational role model, and I wish that more of the younger starlets would follow in her example; class, grace, and giving. The design of both Mariska's website and the The Joyful Heart Foundation was designed by the talented folks at Romeo and Julie design. The illustrations are fabulous and fun. Check it out!
