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Katherine McPhee is a popular American singer who launched her career with winning runner up during the American Idol competition in 2006.

McPhee was born on March 25, 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Patricia Burch McPhee is an accomplished cabaret singer and vocal coach and has been instrumental to McPhee's singing since she was two years old. Her father, Daniel McPhee, is a television producer while her older sister Adriana Burch McPhee is also an aspiring producer.

As a young girl, McPhee was also athletic having been a swimmer at the Notre Dame High School. She was also a thespian at the same school and together with her older sister Adriana, were Homecoming princess nominees during their senior year.

She attended the prestigious Boston Conservatory to further hone her singing skills. Having decided to focus full time on singing and at the suggestion of her manager, she left college to audition for television within Los Angeles.

But life was not always easy for McPhee. In an article she revealed that of the 200 auditions, she had been rejected 195 times.

Despite her family's inclination towards show business, it was her boyfriend that led her toward greater stardom in her life. Nick Goras, McPhee's boyfriend, persuaded her to audition for American Idol in San Francisco. Her audition piece, a Billie Holiday original song called "God Bless the Child" was highly raved by Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.

Although she did not bag the grand prize of the American Idol which was won by Taylor Hicks, she was signed into the recording company of Simon Fuller and Sony BMG's RCA Records in June 6, 2006. A few days later in June 27, her debut single "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny" was released and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" peaked at number 12 while "My Destiny" was number 60 on Billboard Hot 100. This gained the record as the second highest best selling single of 2006.

McPhee was picked up to tour with Andrea Bocelli during his United States concert series from June 9 through June 11, 2006.

With the thespian still in her McPhee is co-producing a play Red Herring along with Angelina Bruno, Jeff Kasal and Robert Hawk. The play will be also be held during the 10th Annual New York International Fringe Festival.

In 2007, McPhee's self titled debut album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 116,000 copies during the first week. "Over It", the album's first single has consistently topped the charts and music video hit.

McPhee is slated to appear in upcoming movie projects. One movie is an indie production entitled "The Last Caller". In another movie, she will co-star with Anna Faris under the direction of Fred Wolf. This will be produced by Columbia Pictures and Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Production. Although having confessed to have suffered from bulimia in the past, McPhee today is an image of confidence and beauty and will certainly shine some more in the years to come.

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When we think about giving from our wealth, most of us think of giving financially. However, there are other ways of giving from our wealth. Some of those ways are right in front of us every day. The following are some examples to consider:

1. Clothing. Clean out your closets and drawers of all clothing that is either too small or too large to fit you. Also, get out any clothing that you have not worn for a long time. Donate those clothes to a charity or church that will reuse the clothes or sell them to raise funds.

2. Books/Toys. Don't stop with cleaning out your unused clothing. Go through all of your books and any toys that might be in your home as well. If they don't get used, put them to good use by donating them.

3. Cellular Phones. It seems that many people are getting their cellular phones replaced every couple of years. What do you do with the old phone? There is an organization that redistributes those phones to people that might need one for emergency situations but can't afford it. Contact the Charitable Recycling Program at 1-800-527-4700 x301 for more information. They have collection sites across the United States.

4. Cars. Are you about ready to purchase a newer car? What are you going to do with the one you are currently driving? Many charities accept donations of used cars. Most of them sell the cars in an auction to raise funds for their cause. Checking with your favorite charity or doing a search on the Internet for "auto donation" will give you some options if you are considering this.

5. Eyeglasses. Don't throw out your old glasses or let them collect dust somewhere in your home. The Lions Club International has been collecting eyeglasses for approximately 80 years. They will put them to good use in developing nations.

6. Food. Every year the Boy Scouts in my area collect canned goods to donate to churches and shelters to help feed those who need the help. You can help by giving food to your local churches and shelters. Check in advance for rules on what they can and cannot accept.

7. Furniture/Appliances. If you are remodeling or have household appliances you are no longer using, consider donating them as well. Furniture and appliances may be accepted as donations at charities such as Goodwill Industries International, Inc. Call ahead to make sure they are accepting them at your location.

Not only will making these donations help others, but it will also give you some additional space and a great feeling. You may even be able to use your donations to reduce your taxes.

What are you waiting for? Start opening your closets, drawers and cupboards now and donate your unused items to help others. You may be wealthier than you realize.

Roger Carr is the founder of Everyday Giving. His life purpose is to help people help others. To learn more ways to give, sign up for the free Everyday Giving ezine at http://www.everydaygiving.com.