Mel Gibson
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couldn't get me to rehab. But because of Mel, two drug people ran off to have a cheeseburger with him because he's Mel, and then Warren [Boyd] (her drug minder) could get me into rehab."
Gibson donated $500,000 to the El Mirador Basin Project to protect the last tract of virgin rain forest in Central America and to fund archeological excavations in the "cradle of Mayan civilization." In July 2007, Gibson again visited Central America to make arrangements for donations to the indigenous population. Gibson met with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias to discuss how to "channel the funds." During the same month, Gibson pledged to give financial assistance to a Malaysian company named Green Rubber Global for a tire recycling factory located in Gallup, New Mexico. While on a business trip to Singapore in September 2007, Gibson donated to a local charity
for children with chronic and terminal illnesses. In September 2008, the Gibsons donated $50,000 to the Kidney Foundation of Fiji. The check was delivered by son Milo, who stated he loved Fiji and his family was grateful to be able to help the organization.
Filmography and awards
Other awards and accomplishments
* People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1990, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003)
* ShoWest Award: Male Star of the Year (1993)
* American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: American Cinematheque Award (1995)
* Hasty Pudding Theatricals: Man of the Year (1997)
* Australian Film Institute: Global Achievement Award (2002)
* Honorary Doctorate Recipient and Undergraduate Commencement Speaker, Loyola Marymount University (2003)
* World's most powerful celebrity by US business magazine Forbes (2004)
* Hollywood Reporter Innovator of the Year (2004)
* Honorary fellowship in Performing Arts by Limkokwing University (2007)
* Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards (2008)