Proactive celebrities such as Nelly Furtado and Backstreet Boys Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson were on hand Tuesday night at L.A.'s House of Blues to honor Dave Matthews and Destiny's Child, this year's recpients of the Rock the Vote Patrick Lippert Award.
Tom Green and the Goo Goo Dolls were also at the ceremony, which recognizes those in the entertainment industry who help to promote activism and political and global awareness in young people.
"We can tell kids about how important voting is and how their vote can make a huge difference," said honoree Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child.
"I think it's very important to be involved," her groupmate Beyoncé Knowles added. "Destiny's Child tries to watch the news and know what's going on in the world. If we could help other kids be aware, then we're here for that."
"I'm up for anything that encourages activism," said Furtado, who performed "I'm Like a Bird" at the event.
"I'm glad to see the youth taking a stance," Dorough said. "I think our youth is where the future is. As musicians, it's our part to help out in whatever causes we can support."
Everyone's sentiments resonated with Dave Matthews, who told attendees, "All we can do is not enough, but we should do it."
The awards are named for former Rock the Vote president Patrick Lippert, who led a youth-voter registration drive in 1992 and died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993. Previous recipients include the Beastie Boys, R.E.M., Bono, Pearl Jam, Queen Latifah, Carlos Santana and Mary J. Blige.
Aaron Sorkin, the creator and executive producer of "The West Wing," received the 2002 Rock the Nation Award, while National Association of Recording Merchandisers President Pam Horovitz was given the 2002 Rock the Vote Founders honor.
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