Years ago, I had the pleasure of working alongside of MTV's very talented Public Affairs team as part of a strategic partnership I created between the infamous channel and the national, Americorps program, City Year. When I tell you, it was some of the most fun that I had in my career - I am being modest.

These are tough times for everyone, especially non-profit organizations that are trying to meet fundraising goals. Traditional plans for gathering donations just don't cut it anymore. To respond, smart NPOs are going above and beyond typical means. Some are even using their areas of expertise to help drive business. Enter, Do Something.

I love Oprah. You love Oprah. The Smithsonian loves Oprah...and they have 12 million plus reasons to do so.

For the past few days, I have been taking in news stories that feature glossy and celebrity packed images of Beyonce, her Boo and her buddies for the Sounds of Change concert to benefit the Chime for Change initiative. Not one of the stories has gone beyond the glitz to really explain what all of the chiming is about.