DoSomething.org Announces Jane Lynch as Host of the 2010 VH1 Do Something Awards and Reveals the Final Five Grant Winners

NEW YORK, May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- During their annual event at the Apollo Theater last night, DoSomething.org announced comedic actress and star of "Glee", Jane Lynch as host of their star-studded "Do Something Awards" live telecast on VH1 on July 19, 2010 at 9PM EDT.  The final five nominees and grant recipients to be honored during the show were also announced.  Each nominee is honored for their commitment to service and social change with a community grant of $10,000. Of these five nominees, a grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 grant for their cause during the live broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation's best young world-changers, 25 and under. The Do Something Award is the premier national award for community service, and nominees and winners represent the pivotal "do-ers" in their field, cause, or issue.

"As an org, we have always celebrated young people making a difference," said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org. "What's been really amazing recently is seeing that same passion reflected back through the pop culture that teens love!  Whether you're a kid from a small town or the hottest pop star today, their mission has been the same and we couldn't be happier to bring all these amazing world-changers together to rock the VH1 stage!"

A comedic genius for over twenty years, Jane Lynch recently used her talent for this weekend's box office smash Shrek Forever After. This year, Lynch earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role of Sue Sylvester, the aggressive cheerleading coach in Fox's Golden Globe winning series, "Glee." When taking a break from her busy schedule, Lynch gives back to a number of charities nationwide.

DoSomething.org also announced the 2010 celebrity categories, honoring the entertainment industry for its continued dedication to activism and charity projects. All voting for these categories, including influential celebrities, musicians, comedians, and athletes, inspiring films and television shows, and social media initiatives can be done by the public at DoSomething.VH1.com.

"These five outstanding nominees and their compelling stories and accomplishments, along with the incredibly talented Jane Lynch as host, guarantee that our Do Something Awards live telecast will be inspiring and entertaining," said Tom Calderone, President, VH1.  "We're also looking forward to having viewers help us produce our telecast by voting now on the celebrities, athletes, films and shows that they think are creating the most positive impact on critical issues today."  

The 2010 DoSomething.org $10,000 Grant Winners are:

1. Micaela Connery, 23, Hartford, CT- Unified Theater
2. Jacqueline Murekatete, 25, New York, NY- Human Rights Corner
3. Wilfredo Perez Jr., 23, Providence, RI- Public Health Program for Haitian Youth
4. Jessica Posner, 23, Middletown, CT- The Kibera School for Girls and Shining Hope Community Center
5. Mark Rembert, 25, Wilmington, OH- Energize Clinton County

The 2010 DoSomething.org Celebrity Nominees include:

1. DO SOMETHING MOVIE STAR

• Matt Damon
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• Jessica Biel
• Salma Hayek
• Natalie Portman

2. DO SOMETHING TV SHOW

• American idol
• Glee
• Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
• Buried Life
• Whale Wars

3. DO SOMETHING MUSIC ARTIST

• Lady Gaga
• Jonas Brothers
• Pete Wentz
• Christina Aguleria
• Shakira

4. DO SOMETHING ATHLETE

• Reggie Bush
• Ryan Scheckler
• Hannah Teter
• Steve Nash
• Derek Jeter

5. DO SOMETHING COMEDIAN

• Eddie Izzard
• Ellen Degeneres
• Ben Stiller
• Stephen Colbert
• Kathy Griffin

6. DO SOMETHING WITH STYLE

• Nigel Barker
• Tyra Banks
• Christy Turlington
• Donatella Versace
• Victoria Beckham

7. DO SOMETHING ON FACEBOOK

• Chase Community Giving On Facebook
• Facebook Group Reunited Band for Charity
• Children of the Bali Orphanage
• Summit on the Summit
• Causes

8. DO SOMETHING CITY

• Portland, OR – Farm Fresh Food
• Greensburg, KS – Green City
• Boston, MA – Education
• Austin, TX – Public Transportation
• Salt Lake City, UT– Volunteerism

9. DO SOMETHING DOCU STYLE

• I Am Because We Are – Madonna Re: Malawi
• Food Inc
• The Cove
• Ten9Eight
• Oceans

Additional announcements regarding celebrity attendees will be forthcoming. The 2010 VH1 Do Something Awards 2010 is executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Nancy Lublin and Jonathan Schilit for DoSomething.org.

ABOUT DOSOMETHING.ORG

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers:  teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

ABOUT VH1

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1.com and VH1 Mobile. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1