Exclusive: Allison Janney on the National Memorial Day Concert “The West Wing” helped get me involved in issues and take part of events like this.”

By Heather Newgen

Whether they fought on the beaches of Normandy, battled in the jungles of Vietnam, stormed the sands of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan or the harsh Korean terrain, Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause and recognize all of the men and women who selflessly sacrificed for our freedom. For the last 29 years, the PBS’ award-winning National Memorial Day Concert has paid special tribute to American’s veterans, and has become the favorite annual tradition for locals to attend and millions to watch.

The Voluntourist was at the patriotic event, that’s held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., and experienced the incredible way the free show highlights stories of real life American heroes who bravely defended our nation’s national security and inspired countless others with their fearless actions.

Every branch of the military was beautifully honored with their armed service songs played by the National Symphony Orchestra led by Jack Everly.

In addition, this year marked the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and the concert paid tribute to the contributions of women in our military throughout history, including the story of Silver Star recipient Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman to receive the honor for combat.

Tony-nominated actress Mary McCormack told the story of how Hester helped save her fellow soldiers in an ambush attack and the segment concluded by honoring women representing generations of service since WWII from the five branches of the military on stage. Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress Allison Janney  proudly introduced the ladies.

“It’s wonderful to be here to support the men and women who served for our country and who sacrificed the ultimate and honor the families that have lost people in service. It’s the least we can do to be here for them,” Janney told The Voluntourist backstage at the show.

The “I, Tonya” actress revealed it was her time on “The West Wing” that made her more interested in social issues.

“I think it got me more involved with people who were involved with things like this because I wasn’t doing any public service. I think definitely “The West Wing” helped get me involved in issues and take part of events like this.”

And her former co-star Mary McCormack, who asked Janney to be at the show this year, agreed.

“I think being on “West Wing” does make you more politically minded, but one of my favorite things about this concert actually is that it’s nonpartisan. It’s nice because our soldiers, who also vote a certain way, when they do their job and make that sacrifice they don’t think about politics. They honor every administration and honor every American, no matter what politics, and this concert is completely bipartisan and I think it’s one of the most special things about it.”

Nashville star Charles Esten, who opened the show with “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus, told The Voluntourist, “I grew up here right across the river in Alexandra, Arlington, so I knew what this concert was. When you live near Washington D.C. you see the tomb of the unknown solider and you want to keep remembering them. So one year when I was in high school I went to a local florist. They were super busy delivering to Arlington Cemetery in the days leading up to Memorial Day–people buy flowers and have them delivered.

I asked if they needed help and they hired me. That was my sole duty for that weekend and nothing brought home what it all means like that did as you’re laying these flowers on the graves.”

This year’s event was once again hosted by longtime friends Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna who told The Voluntourist why the event is so significant to them.

“This is the most important holiday that this country celebrates. It’s the one holiday that allows us to have all the other holidays, meaning without the recognition we make for those who sacrificed for us to live in this country, there’s certainly no reason to have 4th of July or Labor Day, or any other day,” Mantegna said.

He added, “I had five uncles who I was very, very close to and were huge figures in my life because my father spent most of his life ill, disabled. All five of them were World War II veterans and when I think of them, that’s enough incentive right there. They’re all gone now, but one of them I must have brought to the concert 10 times. He was like a fixture here and represented all give of my uncles.”

The “Criminal Minds” star has now hosted the show 17 times and it was at his suggestion Sinise get involved.

“I said, ‘Hey bring Gary and his band in to be part of the talent, which they did. I think it was my third year with the concert. Gary came in with the band and performed and he was as taken as I was my first year. He loved the experience and said, ‘I would do this ever year if you wanted me to,’ and I said well, ‘You can co-host it with me every year. How about that?’ He jumped right on board and it’s been great ever since.”

“We’ve known each other since back in Chicago from the early 70s. Our friendship is well over 40 years. It’s serendipitous that he and I would gravitate towards a similar kind of passion about the military–him in a huge way. In terms of dedication to our military, I walk in his shadow. He does so much for the military all year round,” he continued.

Sinise, who has been involved with the National Memorial Day Concert since 2005, explained why he advocates so much for the military.

“Both “CSI: NY” and “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” put me in this place where I’m financial secure and I can devote some of those resources to building this service mission, which is something I’m very devoted to. I have a lot of veterans in my family, I’ve been around our wounded veterans going back to the “Forrest Gump” days, and supported Vietnam veterans going back into the 80s. After September 11th, I just felt called to a mission of service,” he said.

“I’ve met extraordinary people over the years who have inspired me and motivated me and I’ve learned so much from a lot of different people. I saw on that terrible day that we all faced as a nation in response to that, part of that was young men and women signing up to deploy to the war zones. They started getting hurt and they started getting killed. Having Vietnam veterans in my family and remembering what it was like for them to deploy to a war zone and come home to a nation that didn’t treat them very well and turn their back on them. It troubled me to think we would face this terrible attack on our country and our defenders would not be taken care of. I wanted them to know that I supported them,” Sinise continued.

Also participating in the event are the U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus and Army Voices, The Soldiers Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.

The concert will also be live-streamed on PBS, YouTube, Facebook and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and available as Video on Demand, May 28 to June 10, 2018.

Raw Sugar Living is Donating 1 Million Bars of Soap to those in Need and Celebrated by Giving Back to Union Rescue Mission in DTLA

Since its inception four years ago Raw Sugar Living has not only created an affordable personal care brand that uses pure wholesome and natural ingredients, but the company has also been a driving force in making a positive social impact globally. With every product purchased, one bar of soap is given to someone in need.

“We do this out of love. We believe that everyone deserves the right to feel good in their skin. Everyone should have access to clean healthy living,” co-founder Ronnie Shugar told The Voluntourist.

Raw Sugar Living has already donated 500,000 thousands bars of soap, but this year is donating another 1 million to underserved communities through Direct Relief . To mark the occasion, the skin care company celebrated with a rooftop party in Skid Row at the Union Rescue Mission for people living at the shelter.

“I’ve never seen the homeless problem this bad. It’s a disgrace what’s going on in the city of Los Angeles,” Shugar said.

He added, “Over the last 40 years my family has donated to the mission,” so now he’s doing his part.

The majority living in the shelter are women and their children who escaped domestic violence and have nowhere to go. So Raw Sugar wanted to honor the moms who weren’t recognized on Mother’s Day.

Guests were treated to a gift bag full of products like toothbrushes, dental floss, lotions and many other useful items, as well as lunch, a candy station, face painting for the kids and a great DJ.

“Raw Sugar is about transforming lives and reminding people that nobody gets anywhere in life alone, Shugar’s fiancée and co-founder Donda Mullis said addressing the crowd of people before revealing her personal story.

“I grew up in a family with limited resources and utter dysfunction.  My father died of alcoholism at an early age, my mother suffered at the hands of child abuse most of her youth. I’m the youngest of five siblings, most of whom are still dealing with the emotional aftermath of drug addition, alcohol addiction and mental illness. I consider myself the lucky one and lifting them up throughout my life, which I felt was my personal responsibility, I lifted myself and cemented my truth that helping others is the way we help ourselves.”

Mullis has dedicated her life to giving back as a result and continues to make great contributions to numerous , alongside Shugar.

“I wanted to have a voice that would help inspire and encourage others to feel beautiful and love the skin that we’re in because we’re all equal,” she said.

The couple, who reunited after several years apart, are committed to fulfilling the needs of others and hope this event is just one of many.

“We’d like to do this every month and go to different cities and make an impact wherever we can. We want to inspire other people to do the same thing,” Shugar stated.

Raw Sugar Living is exclusively sold at Target and for more information about the company click here.

Corporations and businesses are welcomed and encouraged to hosts parties at the Union Rescue Mission. Please contact CEO Andy Bales.

World Vision – Why I do the 40 Hour Famine with World Vision to Help South Sudan and Syrian Refugees
By Kimberley Crossman

Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War eight years ago, more than 5. 6 million people have escaped the dangers of their country according to World Vision and thousands made their way to Jordan where many still reside today in refugee camps.

But they’re not the only ones seeking safety and basic human needs and rights. The South Sudan violent conflict began in 2013, and more than 2 million people have been displaced CNN reports. Thousands also fled to Jordan, as well as to Uganda.

While we can’t rewind the past, we can help restart their future.

Every year since I was in middle school I have taken part in the 40 Hour Famine, run by World Vision. The idea is that you go without something (usually food) for 40 hours and you collect sponsorship from friends and family who will support your efforts. The goal is to gain some perspective of what it is like for people of the same age to go without and how difficult it is. Over the years, the famine itself has developed and changed but the idea remains the same.

For the past two years, the funds raised were to support children who had been affected by the war in Syria. I went to Jordan and visited the refugee camps on the Syrian boarder where World Vision was very active and worked with the team there.

Talking with women and families who had to flee their country and the terror that they encountered was challenging to hear about, let alone live through. Many women had to drug their children to keep them quiet in order to not be found by rebels. Many had to walk through the night, carrying their elders and children who were struggling to walk the long distances. Families were split up or parents shot in front of their children who were then left to find their own way to safety.

While I was there, I saw the refugee camps up close and although they were impressive in their organization and layout, they were far from a comfortable place to live or potentially exist for the foreseeable future.

After installing sanitation, World Vision’s goal was to focus on education and safe spaces for children to be… children. This for me was that moment when I realized that every dollar raised was being used, and so needed. Injecting some form of hope and care in to these little lives that had already seen so much destruction is so important. I made a promise to do everything I can to help these children.

This year the 40 Hour Famine is supporting the refugees of South Sudan in Northern Uganda. Every day hundreds of refugees fleeing terrible violence and drought in South Sudan arrive in Uganda in desperate need. They need food assistance, clean water, health care and education and this is what the 40 Hour Famine will be fundraising for.

If we each play a part in helping, we can make a difference. We stand untied for the children of South Sudan.

It would mean a lot to me and the children in South Sudan if you were able to support my efforts in this year’s 40 Hour Famine and help those who need it the most.

Top 10 The Voice Contestants Volunteer and Give Back – The Voluntourist

Top 10 The Voice Contestants Volunteer – While the top 10 contestants of The Voice are battling it out for the grand prize, there’s something else the evolving artists are doing–giving back. Long before the singers made it onto the Emmy-winning reality show, they were volunteering with various charitable organizations and local communities, and they’re now able to highlight those efforts with their new platform.

The Voluntourist talked to the remaining finalists about the inspiring ways they give back, which causes are important to them and why.

TEAM ADAM

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416B — Pictured: (l-r) Jackie Verna, Adam Levine, Rayshun Lamarr — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416B — Pictured: (l-r) Jackie Verna, Adam Levine, Rayshun Lamarr — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Rayshun LaMarr

Age: 33

Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC–resides in Fort Washington, MD

Cause: Cancer research and Duke Ellington School of the Arts

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Rayshun Lamarr — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Rayshun Lamarr — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

“I would love to do work with St. Jude and anything to do with cancer research.  I just want to help people because I went through that and I know how it feels to try to wonder when you’re next or if you’re going to have enough money to pay for your medical bills. I was super shocked when I was told I had cancer. Cancer runs in my family. I didn’t know what my lifespan was. I was 25 when I was diagnosed and I had lymphoma cancer. I was rushed to the hospital and I get up to move rooms and I my legs gave out and my vision gave out. I blacked out and woke up in the ER room. My mom was at the edge of the bed and the doctor said, “you have to call your family because he’s probably not going to make it over night.” So if I can be a positive influence to anyone, call me and I’ll be there. I want to give so much support to whoever I can. In addition, I want to give back to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts because they’ve been a huge influence in my career and gave me the right schooling and basics I needed.”

Jackie Verna 

Age: 23

Hometown: Sickleville, NJ–resides in Westchester, PA

Cause: Cancer fundraising

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Jackie Verna — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Jackie Verna — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

“I’m a Penn State student and we have Thon, which is something we do every year. It’s a fundraiser for kids with cancer all year-long. At the end of the school year, there’s this huge 48 hour-long dance party that we dance to raise money. You raise money the entire year, but it’s this is a 48 hour event and they have big performers come in. You’re dancing for 48 hours raising money. You meet families throughout the entire year and they get to come to Thon and it’s a really magical experience. Basically everyone in the entire school takes part in it.”

TEAM ALICIA

THE VOICE — “Live Top 12” Episode 1415B — Pictured: (l-r) Jackie Foster, Britton Buchanan, Alicia Keys, Christiana Danielle — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)THE VOICE

Britton Buchanan

Age: 18

Hometown: Sanford, NC

Cause: Vietnam Vets and Red

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Britton Buchanan — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

“One of my favorite [charities] is Red, Bono led Red. It’s for AIDS research and to find a cure to help people with this terrible disease. I’m also big into the 60s culture, so I feel like the Vietnam War was a big tragedy in our country. Not only was it a tragedy, but it was a tragedy how people were treated when they came back. Most people didn’t want to go and for good reason. I’ve organized benefit concerts for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and it means a lot to me. A lot of my favorite musicians grew up during this time period. Bruce Springsteen is my all-time favorite and he writes a lot about the Vietnam War. The drummer from his first band was killed in action in Vietnam. He was almost drafted but failed his physical because of prior injuries he had in his motorcycle accident. He was talking about in his book recently how he did everything he could do dodge the draft, but he wondered who went in his place. People were my age when they were getting sent off. There’s a guy who was killed in action in Vietnam who is buried two minutes from my house and he was 18. Plus we live in a very tumultuous time and I couldn’t imagine being drafted. It scares me.”

Christiana Danielle

Age: 23

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Cause: Charis House

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Christiana Danielle — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Christiana Danielle — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

“I’m a social worker and I volunteer at Charis House, it’s a rescue mission in Fort Wayne. It’s a women’s shelter and every Friday you lead worship and throughout the week you do devotion and just hang out with the women. I was a case manager there. I love the ladies from the Charis House so much! They’re near and dear to my heart. It’s the first place I worked at as a social worker. It’s homeless women and children and it’s a Christian organization. It ties in all the things I love– helping people, charity and the word of God.”

Jackie Foster

Age: 22

Hometown: Poway, CA– resides in Boston, Mass

Cause: Anti-bullying and Relay for Life

THE VOICE — “Live Playoffs” Episode 1415A — Pictured: Jackie Foster — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

“I unfortunately was a victim of bullying–very, very severe bullying. Because I’ve decided to be outspoken about my experiences, which are horrible and I wish they never happened to me, I got in contact with my middle school and we started an organization called Soul Effects. Soul Effects is an organization that’s in all middle schools in San Diego County. Just having a resource for students in middle school to be able to have a safe place to go, to talk, to be with friends [and] talk to other people that are experiencing. I think the biggest epidemic with people who are bullied is that they don’t talk about it. It took me four years to talk about it [because I was so traumatized] and I wish I had spoken up sooner. It probably would have saved me a lot of heartache and a lot of horrible thoughts. Soul Effects is an organization that I’m proud to be a part of, proud to. be a founder of. Another [organization] I love is Relay for Life. My dad is a cancer survivor and every single year when I have the opportunity to, I go and I sing at the Relay for Life events because it’s amazing to uplift people who are either still surviving cancer or getting through it or in remission.”

TEAM BLAKE

THE VOICE — “Live Top 12” Episode 1415B — Pictured: (l-r) Spensha Baker, Blake Shelton, Pryor Baird, Kyla Jade — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

Pryor Baird

Age: 35

Hometown: Old Orcutt–resides in Nashville, TN

Cause: Wounded Warrior Project and Keeping the Blues Alive

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Pryor Baird — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

“From the very beginning I made sure that any sort of proceeds from whatever happens, I give it all to the Wounded Warrior Project as well as Keeping the Blues Alive, which is a foundation for kids and schools to make sure the blues and music is still kept alive. I had it in school and it was a lot of fun to listen to. [For Wounded Warrior Project] we live in the greatest country in the world [and] the reason we get to do that is because people put their life on the line every single day. It doesn’t matter what side of the fence you’re on–we wake up free. We’re all sitting here right now and able to do this and have a peaceful conservation with no problems. All of the proceeds from my merchandise and iTunes and anything goes to them.

Spensha Baker

Hometown: San Antonio, TX–resides in Boerne, TX

Cause: The military

THE VOICE — “Live Playoffs” Episode 1414B — Pictured: Spensha Baker — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

“I have a huge heart for the military. My father just retired after 30 years and my mom was in for 13 years. I have a huge heart for the military and I think that’s pretty evident in country music too. So I think now that I’ve reemerged into music and have a platform like this, it’s definitely something I want to get into.”

Kyla Jade

Age: 33

Hometown: Topeka, KS–resides in Nashville, TN

Cause: Ministries

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Kyla Jade — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

“My focus is always on African American women and single mothers. I do a lot of work with young girls and I work primarily with my church. I volunteer a lot with my ministries there. Then I’m looking to start a couple of things when I go back to Nashville. I work at Cathedral Praise in Nashville and do a lot of charity work around the city. We feed the homeless, there is a food bank and clothing bank at my church every week and we have summer programs that are free for students to come after school. It’s very important that the community knows that’s what the church is for and that the community knows it’s available to them.”

TEAM KELLY 

THE VOICE — “Live Top 12” Episode 1415B — Pictured: (l-r) Kaleb Lee, Kelly Clarkson, Brynn Cartelli — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Brynn Cartelli

Age: 15

Hometown: Long Meadow, MA

Cause: Children’s Hospital

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Brynn Cartelli — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

“When I was home I visited the children’s hospital and it was really great because they knew who I was because they were watching me. I’ve been there and I’m an athlete and I get injured, so it was cool to go back there and talk to people. It was really touching that I had this opportunity to reach so many people who have been going through a lot.”

Kaleb Lee

Age: 32

Hometown: Benton, KY–resides in Ormond Beach, FL

Cause: Adoption/Foster Care

THE VOICE — “Live Top 11” Episode 1416A — Pictured: Kaleb Lee — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

“I’m really involved in our church and my wife and I adopted as well. I would love to continue to raise awareness for those adoptions close to us. I would love to see more kids find a home. I’m partially adopted. My biological mother married, who is now my dad, when I was 4. I never met my biological dad. I was blessed to some degree because I wasn’t completely abandoned like so many kids are today, but you get a taste of a parent not being there, or never meeting a parent. For me it was always something I was lucky to have family to help me get through it, but I always really connected with other kids that don’t have parents. It’s a terrible thing and I would love to see whether it’s biological parents or adoptive parents, it’s having parents that love them and take care of them and prepare them for the world. It’s much more important than anything.”