Official Masiela Lusha Foundation

It is a soul tied to our time—the aged
And taught soul that cradles our youths.
The soul that rides deep through our veins,
Our red rivers, and smiles.
This darling soul, as endearing
As dead poets and countries.
This restless soul that neighbors our hearts.
A perfect torch that guides our flames
To immortality.

Charity is a family. A blonde family.
Indian. Ancient. Now. Charity is us.
Found in us, bred by us. Fed,
Nurtured, played and formed
By the mills of friendship
And their flowing seekers.

Charity is a constant dream
Dwelling among the living,
Pouring oceans of wisdom
Inside the walking measures
Of truth and sincerity.
Charity befriends the children—
From us, through us, in us.

Behind this door,
Charity waits. Alone. Tolerant.
With a smile as deep as your core.

- Masiela

The Masiela Lusha Foundation

As human beings, I believe it is our inherent duty to the community and our selves, to give back to the less fortunate. I formed the The Masiela Lusha Foundation to help children and their families. When I visited the Balkans while filming "Time of the Comet," I saw the heartbreaking conditions of many orphans, some as young as five years old. These children were begging for food, homeless, and deprived of decent clothing. I felt that these children were robbed of their human right to be loved, and receive the opportunities that society can provide. This is when I came up with the idea of establishing a foundation to help children in need.

The Masiela Lusha Foundation aims to provide homeless parents and their children, food, clothing, and a home. The foundation's live-in life coaches will also provide counseling to help the parents and children cope with their circumstance and find ways to improve their situation.

I feel blessed to live in a society where goodwill is encouraged at an early age. While participating in various community service activities through my school, I learned that I could have a blast doing good things for the community. When I first arrived in California, I immediately began working at a nearby soup kitchen line during the weekends. I enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life. Seeing them smile despite their heartbreaks was a profound experience.

I spent my most formative years at the ABC network. There I became involved in community service on a national scale. Being ABC's spokesperson for The Great American Bake Sale at 16, fed the fire inside me. Life is just too precious—we need to share. Once life is offered to another person, whether it is through a smile, or through opportunity and shelter, our society as a whole is fundamentally stronger.

The Masiela Lusha Foundation is still in its infancy, but we are working very hard to get it up and running. In the meantime, you can read the Philosophy and Mission of the foundation. You can post your questions and comments in the "Ask Masiela" section of my site. I will gladly answer all of your questions.