Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have done a very good thing by creating the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation. The parents-to-be hosted a surprise baby shower for dozens of disadvantaged mothers-to-be at the Los Angeles Free Clinic, marking the official launch of the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation (RMCF). With their first child due in January, the couple announced the Foundation during their own baby shower on November 18, where attendees were encouraged to give to the Foundation in lieu of gifts.

Richie and Madden recently toured the Hollywood-based Free Clinic and were inspired by its mission and impact. “We’ve had opportunities and know that we’re very blessed,” said Madden. “With the launch of the Foundation and today’s event, we’re just trying to help out some other young couples, and the Los Angeles Free Clinic – which provides healthcare, pre-natal care and job opportunities for free – is the most amazing place I’ve ever seen.”

“We want our child to grow up with the value of sharing and to inspire generosity in others,” said Richie. “We hope our access to the media will help us change focus from the trivialities of our lives to more meaningful issues.”

For the Foundation’s maiden event, 100 “Mom-to-Be” kits were created for expectant mothers in attendance. They consisted of such new products as cribs, monitors, strollers, blankets, bottles, high chairs, tubs, diapers, diaper bags, creams, bouncers, baby carriers/slings, car seats, apparel, books, organic cleaning products and more. Over $150,000 in gift items were donated by event sponsor BabyCenter™ and other sponsors including Aden + Anais, Baby Bjorn, Baby2Baby, Bella B Natural Bodycare, Bon Bebe, Boppy, BurpCatcher, Dorel Juvenile Group USA, Fisher-Price, FunTastic Media, Graco, Happy Baby Video, Jakebaby, JC Penney, Kee-Ka, Kiddopotamus, LA Diaper Drive, Mini Boden, Nature’s, Baby Organics, Nature’s Baby Organics, Nesting.com, Oopa Baby, Sandra Magsamen, Shaklee, Simmons Kids, The Bumble Collection, Ubi Baby and Wilshire Limousine.

The Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation is dedicated to bringing meaningful opportunities to children in all corners of the globe, while also striving to bring light and laughter into their lives through unique entertainment and special events. The Foundation, which will create and will seek support through corporate philanthropy and other fundraising efforts. While providing direct assistance to those in need, its broader mission is to raise awareness of systemic issues such as health care, nutrition and education as they impact disadvantaged children and families in the U.S. and worldwide.

The Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation was established as a donor-advised fund under the umbrella of the Tides Foundation.