Darin Brooks And The Tag The World Project

1 The Honolulu Star-Bulletin had an interesting story on DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Darin Brooks today. Much like his on-screen character, Brooks has taken to saving the world -- one dog tag at a time. He aligned himself with the Tag the World project, promoting the sale of dog-tag necklaces to support five causes: animals, cancer, children, global green efforts and Africa. "It's a new, sexy and trendy way to support charities," said Brooks, who was born and raised in Hawaii. "Each cause has several charities listed so you can find something that is particular to you." Each necklace costs $80; engraving names or initials is additional. They'll be available online after Thursday, following a celebrity basketball fundraiser in Long Beach, Calif. As a member of the organization's honorary board of advisers, Brooks is already spreading the word. After receiving his Daytime Emmy nomination in June, he held a pre-celebration party with Tag the World as a sponsor. Now, when Brooks wears his tags on the red carpet, he's able to represent an array of charities near and dear to his heart. "I really believe in this organization wholeheartedly. It's not just helping one charity in specific." Brooks attended Kaiser High School, where he was quarterback of the football team and dabbled in drama, starring as Rapunzel's Prince in the school's production of "Into the Woods." He also won roles as an extra when Blue Crush and The Big Bounce filmed on Oahu. He visits every few months to get his fix of surfing and local grinds. At age 24, Brooks has become a familiar face to soap fans. Most recently, his meatier story lines have delved into a relationship with an abusive father who abandoned him as a child, and a reunion with a sister he never knew he had. And, he recently managed to remove himself from the suspect list in the murder of his father. All this while balancing his love affair with Stephanie Johnson (played by Shelley Hennig) and helping to maintain the Brady Pub. Brooks hopes the dog tags spark conversations and play into the organization's "Tag You're It!" slogan. When a friend admires a dog tag and starts asking about it, it's like playing tag, he explained. "I can't tell you how many people come up to me and say, 'That's a nice necklace. Where'd you get it?' Hopefully, they will buy their own tags and support the charity of their choice. It's a great little campaign." Robert Parks Valletta founded the nonprofit organization after spending time trying to create awareness for his brother, who has Dis George syndrome. "When I was putting everything together, I realized it wasn't just about him. It was about kids who have multiple diseases." Thus, the "children" category was born. The sterling-silver tags were designed by Michael Barin, antiqued in a finish that emphasizes the handcrafted design. The project uses fashion to achieve goals, with the pieces intended to represent a lifestyle dedicated to making the world a better place, Valletta explained. "It's about a world of problems ... and a world fixing these problems. You don't just support a cause ... you wear your story."