This year, Adam Lambert decided he didn’t need any gifts for his birthday. Instead of making his 31st a traditional celebration where people fawn and bestow unnecessary gifts, the birthday boy is asking that anyone wanting to wish him a happy birthday instead donate to the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF).
Lambert is exercising his philanthropy bone by encouraging his fans to donate $31 to WAFF in exchange for which they will be able to record a short birthday greeting to send to him. Those donating less than $31 will be included as well, and will get to sign the “world’s biggest” birthday card.
It would seem that so far, Lambert’s proposal has paid off—the foundation has already received over $16,000 in donations for his birthday. Apparently fans just need to be encouraged a little bit to be more charitable. It also helps that WAFF is a heartwarming organization on a powerful mission.
WAFF is a nonprofit “dedicated to the vision of a global family by creating and supporting programs that inspire and educate the next generation about respect, understanding and cultural diversity—while striving to solve some of our biggest global problems at the same time.”
The foundation strives to bring peace to people of all cultures, and to connect us together by reminding us of our common bond of humanity. Lambert will be honored at the WAFF 2012 Celebration Gala with the Unity Award. The Gala will be hosted by Rosie Perez and Toure and will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York on Thursday, January 31st. He is also set to perform with Nile Rodgers at the gala.