George Clooney Lends Star Power to Earthquake-Damaged City

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20290545,00.html

George Clooney's next project will allow him to be an actor and humanitarian at the same time.

On Thursday, the Oscar-winning star visited L'Aquila, Italy – a city hit by an earthquake in April that killed more than 300 people – and told reporters he plans to help boost the region's economy by shooting a movie there and "draw[ing] attention to this tragedy."

"We'll shoot a film here at the end of September, in which I will act," he said, though he didn't name the film. "I think this is the best way to lend a hand and boost the economy."

Clooney, who owns a home near Lake Como in northern Italy, also opened a small cultural center inside a tent used by people who lost their homes in the earthquake, according to Reuters.

The actor isn't the only celebrity coming to the aid of L'Aquila. Jennifer Aniston, Madonna and Demi Moore auctioned off autographed Ferragamo handbags to benefit GlobalGiving's Italy Earthquake Relief and Recover Fund in June.