TVSquad

Here's a twist on the awards show formula - honor people who actually deserve a little recognition. The Brick Awards, to be broadcast by The CW on April 12th, are organized by Do Something, the non-profit internet company devoted to helping young people make positive "world changes." While the Bricks have been distributed for the past 11 years, this is the first time the ceremony will be broadcast.

Twelve young adults and four celebrities will be honored for their service in four areas: public health; community building; education and environment; and global impact. Award recipients, who range in age from 11 to 25, will receive a check for the charitable organization of their choice and a framed brick trophy - intended to symbolize a "building block" and be the antithesis of "shiny, perfect" Oscar-like trophies.

Non-profit advocacy group People for the American Way are hosting a ten-day charity auction that includes some mighty tempting television-related items. If you've got the cash, TV-loving friends and an altruistic spirit, consider your holiday shopping complete. Up for grabs are set visits to Desperate Housewives and CSI: Miami, tours of South Park Studios and the Playboy Mansion, signed scripts from Family Guy and Oz, signed books by Al Franken and James Carville, lunch with Elvira at the Magic Castle and an invite to a table read with the cast of Family Guy.

How did a Washington-based advocacy group get so connected to the Left Coast? One of the organization's founders is none other than Norman Lear, the man who created The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude and All in the Family.