As great as volunteering is, sometimes a little selfish motivation is needed to kick start our do-gooder efforts. The chance to brush elbows with a who's who list of famous New Yorkers may be all the incentive you need to finally start those weekly soup kitchen visits you promised yourself you'd do in 2013. To make your philanthropic efforts easier, we've rounded up our favorite, celebrity-endorsed, NYC charities, as well as tips on how you can start getting involved. With a star-studded list and straightforward steps to getting started, there is no excuse not to start giving back this spring.

Attention New Yorkers, it's time to whip out your spring social calendar as gala season is fast approaching. Soon, there will be more fêtes than you can shake a Chanel at. So which galas should you attend? We've done the work for you, profiling the top ten stomping grounds of the city’s most well-heeled philanthropists. Whether you’re fighting for the arts, a cure for cancer, a greener New York, or the life of a child, you can raise money for the causes you love and have a fabulous time doing so!

Want to feel a little less guilty about your next fashion splurge? Well, know you can rest assured knowing that the money you're shelling out for your new designer bag or super-trendy jewelry is going to a good cause with these fashion charity partnerships. Many of this season's hottest designers are affiliated with worthy organizations that you can support while treating yourself. Look through for the bracelets, rings, necklaces, t-shirts and shoes that will upgrade your style while giving your conscience a boost as well. More»

Want to own Emma Roberts' custom Escada Met Ball gown? Ever wish you could take home a piece from The Manrepeller's own bag collection? Well, thanks to some of your favorite famous New Yorkers, now you can. Over 50 celebrities have joined in to help Sandy relief efforts by participating in RE/CREATE New York, an eBay auction for one-of-a-kind, unique, personal items. The proceeds will go to the largest volunteering organization in New York, New York Cares. Click through to see what they're auctioning! More»

Talk about a win-win situation. Giving to charity is now as easy as buying a cute accessory. If you've been thinking about buying a new scarf for the winter or a new tote to carry groceries, why not buy ones that help people around the world. Here are a few great products that you can feel good about buying. Shopping and charity... the best combination since peanut butter and jelly. More»

Giving back to others may not be the first thing that comes to mind for New Yorkers. But instead of lounging around on the weekend with a moral hangover, why don't you get out there and check out the charities around the city. We've rounded up a list of some of our favorite charities in NYC. More»

Not attending the Christie's Green Auction tomorrow? Well Graydon Carter, Salma Hayek, François-Henri Pinault, Stella McCartney, and Robert Redford, are just a few of the notables among the many that will be. The crazy and extravagant items they'll be bidding on are available online through charitybuzz.com, so we dug through the hundreds of listings to find some of the top picks.

[Last year's auction, Nicki Minaj and Michelle Harper feelin' green. Photo via] More»

When New Yorkers do charity, we do it in style. Soon there'll be more fetes than you can shake a Chanel at. So which galas to attend? We've done the work for you, profiling the top ten stomping grounds of the city’s most well-heeled philanthropists. Whether you’re fighting for the arts, a cure for cancer, a greener New York, or the life of a child, here’s a chance to raise money for the causes you love and have a fabulous time doing it! MORE>>

The holiday season is at last behind us, leaving a trail of Kindles, iProducts, and New Year's resolutions, all to be broken. But here’s one promise we can keep—to sustain the spirit of giving. And when New Yorkers do charity, we do it in style. Soon there'll be more fetes than you can shake a Chanel at. So which galas to attend? We've done the work for you, profiling the top ten stomping grounds of the city’s most well-heeled philanthropists. Whether you’re fighting for the arts, a cure for cancer, a greener New York, or the life of a child, here’s a chance to raise money for the causes you love and have a fabulous time doing it! More»

Living in NYC, it's easy to get caught up in the whole "bright lights, big city" lifestyle.  Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that life is about more than models & bottles.  Instead of spending your Sunday nursing a hangover, why not get out and do some social good?  Here we've rounded up a list of amazing NYC Charities and Volunteer Programs, so do yourself a favor by getting out and doing a favor for others!