Mary J Blige

Mary J Blige has always been passionate about her campaign against domestic abuse, but now she's stepping up to the plate and opening a refuge for women in New York.

The R&B queen, who experienced domestic abuse growing up, has always been a huge supporter of women's charities and set up the Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN) with record executive Steve Stoute in 2008.

Her charity organization teamed up with Gucci creative director Frida Giannini and several other New York-based organizations and they funded the opening of a new domestic abuse center for women in Yonkers, New York.

She tells CNN.com, "All age ranges will be able to come to this centre. Women from all walks of life, not just women from poverty-stricken areas. Whatever it is, they'll be able to come here. There are gonna be psychologists here, doctors here, day care centers here. Anything that you need or they need to be able to better themselves is here for them."

Blige admits that she has her star power to thank for the opening of this center. She said, "That's why I think as celebrities we're given this job. We're not given this job to just hold onto this stuff and die with it. We're given this job to be able to touch someone and say, 'me, too,' because they look up to us and look to us for help and guidance and want to be able to relate to us."

Blige grew up with an abusive father who would relentlessly beat her mother before walking out on the family, so she has first hand experience about what it's like coming from a broken home. If this center can help save just one woman's life, then it'll be the biggest success.

Under normal circumstances, no one messes with Madonna, but when a super diva like Jennifer Lopez has a birthday, everyone abides by the rules.

Madonna was just one of many A-listers who had her cell phone confiscated at J.Lo's 40th birthday bash this past weekend in New York City.

Madonna and other celebrity guests, including Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys and Mary J Blige, were forced to hand over their mobile phones and any cameras before they were allowed into New York's Hotel Griffou to celebrate with Jennifer last Friday.

Oh to be a fly on the wall of that hotel! We can only imagine what went down.

 Image by wenn.com

Once in a while you hear stories about celebrities and their generosity that makes you adore them that much more--this is one of those stories.

While shopping at the Diane von Furstenberg store in the Meatpacking District, Mary J. Blige overheard a girl at the register having problems with the bill.

A spy said, "The girl had a dress on hold that she loved, and the bill was $900. She thought it was only $500, and she couldn't afford it." Blige told the saleswoman, "Go get the girl. I want to pay for the balance on the dress."

At first the surprised customer declined her generous offer but Blige insisted saying, "I know what it's like to want something and not be able to have it. I insist." The customer offered to send her a check for the remaining balance, but Blige said, "Just enjoy it. I'm blessed, so let me do this."

How awesome is that? Not only did she make that customers week/month/year, she probably felt really great being able to help someone out like that. It's safe to say Mary J gained a fan for life.