A B O U T I A N
Model, actor, producer, and celebrity activist, Ian Joseph Somerhalder was born on December 8, 1978 in Covington, Louisiana. Ian Somerhalder, the son of Robert (a building contractor) and Edna (a massage therapist), grew up alongside his older brother, Bob (a professional cyclist), and his younger sister, Robyn (a broadcast journalist). In his younger years, Ian enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycles, archery, boats, football, cycling, and riflery. Growing up he participated in varsity soccer and basketball. Ian’s ancestry is of French, English, Irish, and Choctaw descent. The last name, Somerhalder, stems from his adoptive great-grandfather. Ian’s biological great grandfather was a wealthy, English, land owner named Hull. When Mr. Hull got one of his Mistresses pregnant, he paid his immigrant worker to marry the woman and they gave the baby the name, Somerhalder. Raised as a Catholic, Ian attended St. Paul’s Private school in his hometown of Covington. Louisiana.
With the support of his mother, Ian began his modeling career at age of 10, often traveling to New York in the summertime where he had signed a three year deal with Ford Modeling Agency. When an opportunity to model in Europe had presented itself, he immediately took it and went on to travel, work and study in cities such as Paris, Milan and London. Ian modeled for top-notch companies including: Guess, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana.
At the time of his parent’s divorce, Ian was 13 years old and had remained residing with his mother, whom he has described as “very spiritual.” She, who was raised on a pig farm in Mississippi, brought him up on eastern medicine and organic foods allowing only German chocolate cake once per year on his birthday. Sugar and any white-flour products were out of the question as far as Ian’s routine diet was concerned. He, in fact, admitted to falling ill after trading his grilled vegetable sandwich for peanut butter and jelly during his Catholic school days. As an adult, Ian continues to avoid fast food and eat organic.
At age 17, Ian had caught the acting bug and moved to New York City to pursue his dream of being an actor. By 19 years old, Ian was committed to the art, working with big league, acting coach, William Esper. His fate was sealed when a talent manager had spotted Ian in a crowd of 400 ‘Extra’s’ during a club scene for the feature film Black & White (1999). He was immediately signed for representation.
Ian went on to work in television and landed roles for Now & Again, Young Americans, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CSI: Miami, Smallville, and many more. Additionally, Ian has landed many roles in film. You can view all of Ian’s work courtesy of Wikipedia (link below). His most notable role was for the portrayal of Boone on the popular T.V. series, “Lost.” Although Boone was killed off during season one, Ian’s character remained recurring as he came back during flashbacks and dream sequences. Filming for Lost began in 2004 and ran through 2010.
Tragedy struck in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit. Ian and his family were deeply affected and have yet to fully recover from the damages. Focusing his energy on something more positive, Ian also spent this year bulking up his slim frame, to become more fit for leading man type roles.
In 2009, he was cast as Mystic Falls’ badass vampire on the supernatural drama, “The Vampire Diaries.” Currently heading into season three, the show quickly became a success as the highest rated series on the CW Network. Ian’s character, Damon Salvatore, was voted by fans as Entertainment Weekly’s Ultimate Sexy Beast.
During The Vampire Diaries first summer hiatus, Ian devoted his time, lending a helping hand to the disaster-stricken areas affected by the BP Oil Spill. Growing up in the Louisiana marshes, he was always taught to appreciate nature and its creatures. The BP calamity had left him with a “really uneasy feeling” for two months. He was personally invited by Larry King to participate along with other celebrities in the two hour telethon:”Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help,” which raised nearly $2 million. Motivated to visualize the bigger picture, Ian gave birth to the IS Foundation, which launched on his birthday in 2010. The foundation focuses on raising awareness, revenue and voices for the environment, habitat, energy and animals.
Currently, Ian continues to work as Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries. A majority of his spare time is dedicated to the foundation and its purpose. He is rapidly inspiring activism among his fans on twitter as well. Whenever Ian gets a little time to play, he enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with his loved ones.
Model, actor, producer, and celebrity activist, Ian Joseph Somerhalder was born on December 8, 1978 in Covington, Louisiana. Ian Somerhalder, the son of Robert (a building contractor) and Edna (a massage therapist), grew up alongside his older brother, Bob (a professional cyclist), and his younger sister, Robyn (a broadcast journalist). In his younger years, Ian enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycles, archery, boats, football, cycling, and riflery. Growing up he participated in varsity soccer and basketball. Ian’s ancestry is of French, English, Irish, and Choctaw descent. The last name, Somerhalder, stems from his adoptive great-grandfather. Ian’s biological great grandfather was a wealthy, English, land owner named Hull. When Mr. Hull got one of his Mistresses pregnant, he paid his immigrant worker to marry the woman and they gave the baby the name, Somerhalder. Raised as a Catholic, Ian attended St. Paul’s Private school in his hometown of Covington. Louisiana.
With the support of his mother, Ian began his modeling career at age of 10, often traveling to New York in the summertime where he had signed a three year deal with Ford Modeling Agency. When an opportunity to model in Europe had presented itself, he immediately took it and went on to travel, work and study in cities such as Paris, Milan and London. Ian modeled for top-notch companies including: Guess, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana.
At the time of his parent’s divorce, Ian was 13 years old and had remained residing with his mother, whom he has described as “very spiritual.” She, who was raised on a pig farm in Mississippi, brought him up on eastern medicine and organic foods allowing only German chocolate cake once per year on his birthday. Sugar and any white-flour products were out of the question as far as Ian’s routine diet was concerned. He, in fact, admitted to falling ill after trading his grilled vegetable sandwich for peanut butter and jelly during his Catholic school days. As an adult, Ian continues to avoid fast food and eat organic.
At age 17, Ian had caught the acting bug and moved to New York City to pursue his dream of being an actor. By 19 years old, Ian was committed to the art, working with big league, acting coach, William Esper. His fate was sealed when a talent manager had spotted Ian in a crowd of 400 ‘Extra’s’ during a club scene for the feature film Black & White (1999). He was immediately signed for representation.
Ian went on to work in television and landed roles for Now & Again, Young Americans, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CSI: Miami, Smallville, and many more. Additionally, Ian has landed many roles in film. You can view all of Ian’s work courtesy of Wikipedia (link below). His most notable role was for the portrayal of Boone on the popular T.V. series, “Lost.” Although Boone was killed off during season one, Ian’s character remained recurring as he came back during flashbacks and dream sequences. Filming for Lost began in 2004 and ran through 2010.
Tragedy struck in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit. Ian and his family were deeply affected and have yet to fully recover from the damages. Focusing his energy on something more positive, Ian also spent this year bulking up his slim frame, to become more fit for leading man type roles.
In 2009, he was cast as Mystic Falls’ badass vampire on the supernatural drama, “The Vampire Diaries.” Currently heading into season three, the show quickly became a success as the highest rated series on the CW Network. Ian’s character, Damon Salvatore, was voted by fans as Entertainment Weekly’s Ultimate Sexy Beast.
During The Vampire Diaries first summer hiatus, Ian devoted his time, lending a helping hand to the disaster-stricken areas affected by the BP Oil Spill. Growing up in the Louisiana marshes, he was always taught to appreciate nature and its creatures. The BP calamity had left him with a “really uneasy feeling” for two months. He was personally invited by Larry King to participate along with other celebrities in the two hour telethon:”Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help,” which raised nearly $2 million. Motivated to visualize the bigger picture, Ian gave birth to the IS Foundation, which launched on his birthday in 2010. The foundation focuses on raising awareness, revenue and voices for the environment, habitat, energy and animals.
Currently, Ian continues to work as Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries. A majority of his spare time is dedicated to the foundation and its purpose. He is rapidly inspiring activism among his fans on twitter as well. Whenever Ian gets a little time to play, he enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with his loved ones.
VOL
CONNECT WITH I.S.F
VOLUNTEER
EMAIL YOUR NAME, AGE, INTEREST, & SKILLS TO: GETINVOLVED@ISFOUNDATION.COM
GIVE
CLICK THE DONATION LINK PROVIDED ON THE IS FOUNDATION WEBSITE AND SHARE.
NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL. PLEASE NOTE: ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
JOIN FACEBOOK
LIKE THE IS FOUNDATION ON FACEBOOK
TO KEEP UP WITH WHAT THEIR DOING. FIND FRIENDS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND GET TO WORK!
FUNDRAISE
CREATE RELATIVE FUND RAISING PROJECTS WITH PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE IS FOUNDATION.
YOUTH CATALYST
INTERESTED IN CREATING PROJECTS THAT POSITIVELY EFFECT ANIMALS, HABITAT OR ENERGY? E-MAIL: YOUTHCATALYST@ISFOUNDATION.COM
SHARE IDEAS
SEND YOUR THOUGHTS & PROJECT IDEA'S
TO IDEA-PROJECT@ISFOUNDATION.COM
CONNECT WITH I.S.F
VOLUNTEER
EMAIL YOUR NAME, AGE, INTEREST, & SKILLS TO: GETINVOLVED@ISFOUNDATION.COM
GIVE
CLICK THE DONATION LINK PROVIDED ON THE IS FOUNDATION WEBSITE AND SHARE.
NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL. PLEASE NOTE: ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
JOIN FACEBOOK
LIKE THE IS FOUNDATION ON FACEBOOK
TO KEEP UP WITH WHAT THEIR DOING. FIND FRIENDS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND GET TO WORK!
FUNDRAISE
CREATE RELATIVE FUND RAISING PROJECTS WITH PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE IS FOUNDATION.
YOUTH CATALYST
INTERESTED IN CREATING PROJECTS THAT POSITIVELY EFFECT ANIMALS, HABITAT OR ENERGY? E-MAIL: YOUTHCATALYST@ISFOUNDATION.COM
SHARE IDEAS
SEND YOUR THOUGHTS & PROJECT IDEA'S
TO IDEA-PROJECT@ISFOUNDATION.COM
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SIMPLE TIPS
FROM OUR GIRLS
Christine: Purchase a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic water bottles. Reusable water bottles help to conserve waste and they even come in fashionable designs!
Ash: Always shut off the faucet while brushing your teeth. The average person wastes approximately two gallons of water each day by not doing so. That's 684 gallons a year per person!
Christine: If you see a stray dog on the road, don't just pass by thinking someone else will help. See if you can drop the dog off at a local shelter. Keep the number to your local shelter on hand in case you find yourself in this situation. Don't let the dog pass you by, take action!
Ash: Annually, 5-7 million animals enter shelters. Up to 50% of dogs and 70% of cats are euthanized each year simply because no one is willing to adopt them. Most pet stores earn revenue on the account of puppy mills. Despite the harsh conditions, many uneducated buyers will continue to purchase their pets from these unethical environments. Please consider saving a life by adopting from your local shelter. The less we "buy," the less ammunition is provided for these mills.
SIMPLE TIPS
FROM OUR GIRLS
Christine: Take
your old computer or other old electronics to a local electronics
recycling center. Reusing and recycling these will help to reduce waste
and pollution.
Ash: Looking to adopt a new pet? Always be sure to carefully research and explore all the options available. According to the ASPCA, "more than 20% of people who leave dogs in a shelter adopted them from a shelter." Selecting the wrong breed or temperament type for your lifestyle could potentially result in an unfortunate future for your furry friend.
Ash: Looking to adopt a new pet? Always be sure to carefully research and explore all the options available. According to the ASPCA, "more than 20% of people who leave dogs in a shelter adopted them from a shelter." Selecting the wrong breed or temperament type for your lifestyle could potentially result in an unfortunate future for your furry friend.
Christine: Purchase a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic water bottles. Reusable water bottles help to conserve waste and they even come in fashionable designs!
Ash: Always shut off the faucet while brushing your teeth. The average person wastes approximately two gallons of water each day by not doing so. That's 684 gallons a year per person!
Christine: If you see a stray dog on the road, don't just pass by thinking someone else will help. See if you can drop the dog off at a local shelter. Keep the number to your local shelter on hand in case you find yourself in this situation. Don't let the dog pass you by, take action!
Ash: Annually, 5-7 million animals enter shelters. Up to 50% of dogs and 70% of cats are euthanized each year simply because no one is willing to adopt them. Most pet stores earn revenue on the account of puppy mills. Despite the harsh conditions, many uneducated buyers will continue to purchase their pets from these unethical environments. Please consider saving a life by adopting from your local shelter. The less we "buy," the less ammunition is provided for these mills.
T H E
FOUNDATION
Growing up in the Louisiana marshes, Ian Somerhalder was surrounded by the beautiful scenery of life. Taught by his parents to always appreciate nature, Ian took his fame to another level when he added environmentalist and animal activist to his resume and began the IS Foundation, launched on December 8, 2010.
Astonished by the negative impact it had on his childhood home, the notorious tragedy of the BP Oil Spill is what triggered Ian’s motivation behind the foundation. Ian took immediate action encouraging his fans to help and people throughout the world banded together to support his efforts of aiding this disaster.
When visiting Louisiana, Ian often takes the time out to visit furry friends in need of a home at the St. Tammany Humane Society. In honor of his thirty second birthday in December 2010, Ian took to his twitter asking fans to make donations in lieu of sending gifts.
Yet again, Ian triggered a tremendous response from his fan base. One particular fan, Natalie, a Canadian animal lover who runs Blood Falls, a website dedicated to The Vampire Diaries TV series, had been in search of a birthday gift for Ian. When she came across the St. Tammany Humane Society, she knew it was exactly what she was looking for. St. Tammany Humane Society is a no-kill animal rescue shelter in Covington, Louisiana where Ian has been adopting pets for over twenty five years. Natalie contacted the shelter for consent and went on to create projects for Ian’s fandom to take part in. Exactly $11,100 in proceeds were raised by Natalie and her team of contributors. The quantity was presented to Ian, as a birthday gift from fans, at the Unleashed: Bash on the Bayou fundraiser. Natalie continues to support St. Tammany Humane Society. In late 2010 she established, Paws 4 A Cause, the annual Ian Somerhalder birthday project. Paws 4 A Cause is now officially partnered with the IS Foundation.
Still in its beginning stages, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation has already made a huge impact, not only on the nationwide aspects they strive to protect and nourish, but on people around the world who want to make a difference.
Devon Haas, a seven year old aspiring actress, donated her tooth fairy money to the foundation and went on to create the ISF Kids Army, which stands to encourage all children with a voice to get involved and speak up for the things that matter most.
There is no age limit, there is no amount to small, and there are a variety of ways to get involved.
The IS Foundation is officially partnered with the following organizations: Natural Resources Defense Council, St. Tammany Humane Society, Paws 4 A Cause, Scream for A Dream, Mystic Falls Tours, and The Chopra Foundation.
FOUNDATION
Astonished by the negative impact it had on his childhood home, the notorious tragedy of the BP Oil Spill is what triggered Ian’s motivation behind the foundation. Ian took immediate action encouraging his fans to help and people throughout the world banded together to support his efforts of aiding this disaster.
When visiting Louisiana, Ian often takes the time out to visit furry friends in need of a home at the St. Tammany Humane Society. In honor of his thirty second birthday in December 2010, Ian took to his twitter asking fans to make donations in lieu of sending gifts.
Yet again, Ian triggered a tremendous response from his fan base. One particular fan, Natalie, a Canadian animal lover who runs Blood Falls, a website dedicated to The Vampire Diaries TV series, had been in search of a birthday gift for Ian. When she came across the St. Tammany Humane Society, she knew it was exactly what she was looking for. St. Tammany Humane Society is a no-kill animal rescue shelter in Covington, Louisiana where Ian has been adopting pets for over twenty five years. Natalie contacted the shelter for consent and went on to create projects for Ian’s fandom to take part in. Exactly $11,100 in proceeds were raised by Natalie and her team of contributors. The quantity was presented to Ian, as a birthday gift from fans, at the Unleashed: Bash on the Bayou fundraiser. Natalie continues to support St. Tammany Humane Society. In late 2010 she established, Paws 4 A Cause, the annual Ian Somerhalder birthday project. Paws 4 A Cause is now officially partnered with the IS Foundation.
Still in its beginning stages, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation has already made a huge impact, not only on the nationwide aspects they strive to protect and nourish, but on people around the world who want to make a difference.
Devon Haas, a seven year old aspiring actress, donated her tooth fairy money to the foundation and went on to create the ISF Kids Army, which stands to encourage all children with a voice to get involved and speak up for the things that matter most.
There is no age limit, there is no amount to small, and there are a variety of ways to get involved.
The IS Foundation is officially partnered with the following organizations: Natural Resources Defense Council, St. Tammany Humane Society, Paws 4 A Cause, Scream for A Dream, Mystic Falls Tours, and The Chopra Foundation.
OUR WAY OF GIVING BACK
As avid fans of The Vampire Diaries, we have grown to adore Ian Somerhalder in his role as bad-ass vampire turned caring towns-person, Damon Salvatore. More importantly, however, we have been enlightened by the beauty and intelligence that takes place behind his character and inside the real man himself. While we support and encourage all of the cast members charitable efforts, Ian's is one that is near and dear to our hearts as it reflects our everyday life and those of our future generations, including our furry friends.
The Ian Movement is our place in which we can give back. With such a large following we are sure this concept will be a great addition to I.S.F contribution on behalf of our fansite. Operated by three of our teams most effective ladies: Ash, Christine & Liza; fans can discuss environmental and animal related issues that are effecting our world today & brainstorm ways in which we can help to turn negative problems into positive solutions. We will encourage all to involve themselves with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation through inspiring and educational discussion, projects, and fundraising efforts.
You can get join the discussion & support our efforts by following:
Additionally, visit our announcements page
to keep up with all the latest I.S.F updates.
As avid fans of The Vampire Diaries, we have grown to adore Ian Somerhalder in his role as bad-ass vampire turned caring towns-person, Damon Salvatore. More importantly, however, we have been enlightened by the beauty and intelligence that takes place behind his character and inside the real man himself. While we support and encourage all of the cast members charitable efforts, Ian's is one that is near and dear to our hearts as it reflects our everyday life and those of our future generations, including our furry friends.
The Ian Movement is our place in which we can give back. With such a large following we are sure this concept will be a great addition to I.S.F contribution on behalf of our fansite. Operated by three of our teams most effective ladies: Ash, Christine & Liza; fans can discuss environmental and animal related issues that are effecting our world today & brainstorm ways in which we can help to turn negative problems into positive solutions. We will encourage all to involve themselves with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation through inspiring and educational discussion, projects, and fundraising efforts.
You can get join the discussion & support our efforts by following:
Additionally, visit our announcements page
to keep up with all the latest I.S.F updates.
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questions at the very first ISF Event, Empoweresque.
