She's just 19, but actress Liz Gillies understands the importance of giving back. The "Victorious" star reveals one of the great perks of being a celebrity is being able to pay it forward.
She's lending her talents to an upcoming charity event in the Hamptons to raise money for women's cancer research. Liz will perform and meet and greet her young fans at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine's Family Day, which typically raises $350,000.
PLAY IT NOW: Astrid McGuire's 15-Minute Bikini Bootcamp Workout
"It's a really excellent organization. When they reached out and asked me to be a part of it, I immediately said yes. The event, Family Day, raises money to fund breakthrough studies targeting women's health and cancers. Having witnessed so many of my close friends' mothers go through cancer, it's a cause that's very close to my heart. I'm fortunate to get to be involved," reveals Liz to Healthy Hollywood.
Plus, taking charitable action is simply good for your health - both physically and mentally. Study after study shows that being charitable will increase happiness, lessen stress, and even make our hearts healthier.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Teen Choice Awards 2012: Young Hollywood Rules!
Liz is also teaching others about healthy eating. She's a vegan, not by choice but because she's allergic to gluten.
"In the beginning it was hard, now I'm pretty used to it. I still constantly crave burgers, cheese and all the foods I can't have, but I've learned to live without them," adds Liz.
And, for others thinking going vegan, Liz has this advice, "Don't cut everything out at once. Gradually eliminate foods out of your diet, and see how you feel. Make sure to find ways to balance out your diet so that you're getting all the nutrients you need."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Carly Rae Jepsen -- Call Her... A Superstar!
For more information on the 23rd Annual Einstein Hampton Family Day, which is happening on August 5th, click here.
-- Terri MacLeod
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth: Young Hollywood's Hot Power Couple
Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.