Empire season 2 just had its mid-season finale, but that doesn’t mean fans will have nothing to occupy them until the show returns on March 30, 2016. And the same thing goes for the hit series’ cast, who are sure to have other projects lined up as they wait to begin the promotional tour once more. But being an A-class celebrity isn’t just about what you do for people in front of a camera, but what you do away from it. The cool thing about Empire, though, is that the show actually has its own charity!
Taraji P. Henson, who played Loretha “Cookie” Lyon brilliantly in Empire season 2, recently took to Instagram to show a very cool incentive for helping the less fortunate. “Check out my first ever limited-edition charity tee,” Henson wrote in the post, adding, “Proceeds benefit Behind the Beat, #Empire’s initiative to build music studios for youth across the country. Please support at represent.com/cookie and link in bio!”
The shirt in question features Henson’s character with the words, “No Nookie From Cookie,” overlaid in a very sharp font. Beneath the image reads, “Get Behind The Beat,” so that those generous enough to donate can show off their love for helping others—or, at the very least, their love for Empire.
Closing in on a million likes, it’s a safe bet that more than a few people jumped on the chance to donate and get this limited-edition shirt. Fans also showed support with their words as well as their wallets; “love the shirt” was an often repeated comment, as were notes of congratulations. Many fans also noted the rather bare Christmas tree behind Taraji P. Henson in the photo, saying it looked, “Cut but thin,” and that it looks “like it’s on a Jenny Craig Diet.” Perhaps the tree could use some of Empire’s charity as well!
While the cast waits for Empire season 2 to recommence in March, they’ll also have their hands full with awards season. The critically-acclaimed series has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: best television series in the drama category and best performance by a female star in a television drama (for Taraji P. Henson, of course.)
