The Philanthropy of the Beastie Boys, Zuckerberg and Bieber
This week’s round up of philanthropy stories includes high-profile headlines featuring the likes of Facebook, Justin Bieber and the Beastie Boys. Read on to find out how they all have a common tie in philanthropy. For more high-profile celebrity goodness, check out the items we have up for auction benefitting the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
Will Facebook’s Zuckerberg be the next Bill Gates of philanthropy?
The Washington Post calls Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg a “tech titan trying to use his reach and wealth to do good.” The compliment follows Facebook’s recent announcement that it would allow users to share their organ donor status in order to create broader awareness around the issue. Zuckerberg is no stranger to philanthropy and has donated $100 million to set up a foundation to help the Newark schools and has pledged to give away a large share of his wealth to charity.
Late Beastie Boy MCA's Legacy Extends Beyond Music
Nonprofit Quarterly ran a piece remembering Adam Yauch, otherwise known as The Beastie Boys MCA, who passed away after losing his battle with cancer last week. Yauch was much more than a musician – he was also the driving force behind the Tibetan Freedom Concerts where bands performed in support of Tibetan social justice. The first concert alone raised $800,000 back in 1996. Yauch was once quoted as saying “…the only thing that brings us lasting happiness, that really makes us happy, is when we do things to benefit other people.”
New Justin Bieber Song to Benefit Moms in Need
Just in time for Mother’s Day Huffington Post Impact reports that Justin Bieber is releasing his new song with the proceeds benefitting Moms in need. Bieber made the announcement via twitter: “Think im gonna release #TurnToYOU for my mom this friday for mother’s day weekend. The proceeds will go to help other single moms. thanks.” Now that’s using your star power to do good!
Give to charity at a cash machine
The UK’s Telegraph is reporting on a new, convenient way to make charitable donations – via ATM. Beginning this summer, people will be able to make charitable donations at the same time as withdrawing money from thousands of cash machines across the UK. Each participating bank will select the charities involved. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) cash machines and those owned by independent operator Bank Machine will be the first to pilot the program. We can’t wait for this concept to hit the U.S. – we’ll be the first ones in line!