People: Inspired, Madonna gives back to hometown
Madonna, who was “inspired” during a recent visit to Detroit, is donating money toward the construction of a new youth boxing gym and buying iPods, iPads and other supplies for students at a charter school in her hometown, according to a news release issued by the music icon’s publicist Monday.
The statement said Madonna’s donations to three Detroit organizations represent “the first phase of a long-term commitment to” the city.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will provide funding for a new facility for the Downtown Youth Boxing Gym, which provides free after-school boxing and educational mentoring to dozens of children; buy new equipment, art and music supplies for the Detroit Achievement Academy; and help out The Empowerment Plan, a nonprofit that employs homeless women who sew garments that are distributed to the homeless.
“I was deeply inspired by the efforts of so many people who I met who have dedicated themselves to helping the kids and adults in Detroit elevate themselves from the cycle of poverty. … It was obvious to me that I had to get involved and be part of the solution to help Detroit recover,” Madonna said in the written statement, referencing the city’s efforts to emerge from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
“A piece of my heart will always be in Detroit, and I’m humbled to be able to give back to my community,” she said.
The statement does not say how much Madonna is contributing.
Robert Downey’s junior arrested
Actor Robert Downey Jr. thanked authorities Monday for arresting his 20-year-old son on suspicion of cocaine possession and said the family was determined to get him the help he needs.
Indio Falconer Downey was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon after a car he was riding in was pulled over in West Hollywood, authorities said.
“Unfortunately, there’s a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it,” Robert Downey Jr., who had a series of high-profile drug-related arrests in the late 1990s, said in a statement. “We’re grateful to the Sheriff’s Department for their intervention, and believe Indio can be another recovery success story instead of a cautionary tale.”
Indio Downey was booked on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, believed to be cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Valentine said.
He was later released after posting $10,250 bail. A court date was set for Aug. 29.
Birthday bunch
Actress Olivia de Havilland is 98. Actor Jamie Farr is 80. Singer Deborah Harry of Blondie is 69. Singer Fred Schneider of The B-52’s is 63. Actor Dan Aykroyd is 62. Country singer Michelle Wright is 53. Actor Andre Braugher is 52. Actress Pamela Anderson is 47. Rapper Missy Elliott is 43. Actress Liv Tyler is 37. Actress Hilarie Burton (“One Tree Hill”) is 32. Actors Steven and Andrew Cavarno (“Party of Five”) are 22.