Plot Synopsis

Each year at the AMERICAN GIVING AWARDS, celebrities pay tribute to five U.S. charities, which receive a total of $2 million in grants. These five featured charitable organizations were selected from a list of 25 previous Chase Community Giving (CCG) grant recipients -- with the help of Chase's online customers and CCG Facebook fans, who vote for the most deserving charities. The organization with the most votes receives a $1 million grant, the runner-up is granted $500,000, a third organization receives a $250,000 grant and two are each given $125,000 grants. The charities represent one of five categories: "Educators & Mentors," who empower our communities through education; "Heroes & Leaders," who provide outstanding contributions to human rights and social services in our communities; "Champions of Health & Wellness," who improve people's health and well-being in our communities; "Community Builders," who have served our communities with excellent and dedicated service; and "Youth Developers," who have inspired and nurtured our youth, building stronger communities. Plus, one celebrity is honored each year with the AGA Leadership Award, recognizing that star's charitable work. AGA Leadership Award recipients include: Colin Farrell (2011) for his ongoing support of several causes, including combating homophobia, Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation and raising awareness of Angelman Syndrome; Glenn Close (2012) for her steadfast work to end the stigma and prejudice around mental illness, including her work with BringChange2Mind, a not-for-profit organization she co-founded. The inaugural event, hosted by Bob Costas, was held at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA, featuring performances by will.i.am, LeAnn Rimes, Taio Cruz, Rodney Atkins, and Jackie Evancho. The 2nd Annual AMERICAN GIVING AWARDS, hosted by THE SOUP and COMMUNITY's Joel McHale, was held Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA and broadcast by NBC on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 8pm ET/PT. The 2012 event featured musical performances by Randy Travis, Darius Rucker, Lifehouse with Natasha Bedingfield, and Colbie Caillat. Plus, celebrity presenters included Sarah Hyland, Allyson Felix, Gary Sinise, Jenna Elfman, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Jenna Fischer and Anthony Anderson.