Along with Ron Artest’s name change comes great responsibility. One can’t have a name such as Metta World Peace and not live up to it.
However, The former Dancing With The Stars contestant is proving he is worthy of the new name by donating $285,000 to mental health charities across the country.
“When I was a kid, I did see a counselor,” he said. “My mom helped me out, she realized I was having problems when I was 13 years old. She realized I was going through a lot.” (LA Times)
“We have a big problem right here in America with mental health, from little boys not understanding what it takes to be a good dad or be a good older brother or a role model — to violence.” (LA Times)
Various organizations received checks from World Peace:
$65,000 to Steinway Child and Family Services in Queens, N.Y.; $55,000 to Child Center of New York; $50,000 to Centers for Youth and Famillies in Little Rock, Ark.; $37,500 to Cleveland Christian Home in Cleveland; $37,500 to Centerstone of Central Tennessee in Nashville; and $40,000 to Indiana Community Health Network in Indianapolis. (LA Times)
Kudos to World Peace.