Charitable Boldface Names of the Week
Celebrities and politicians dominate the news this time of year. With awards season underway and the Republican presidential campaigns in full swing, we thought we’d take a look at what some of the boldface names in Hollywood and in D.C. are up to in the world of philanthropy for our weekly round up.
Mitt Romney
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney released his tax returns this week to much fanfare. While much focus was placed on his income level and tax rate, TIME magazine’s Dan Kadlec takes pause noting that Romney’s “charitable giving is extraordinary.” Kadlec believes, and argues in his new book, A New Purpose, that tax payments and charitable giving are closely related. He says, “With tax dollars, the government decides who and how to help. With charitable dollars, you decide. But it’s all for the greater good.” Romney donated roughly 15% of his income to charity last year. We may not all be able to follow suit and match his percentage, but giving within your own means is a message that resonates broadly.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt landed on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter this week promoting his upcoming Make It Right charity event being held in New Orleans on March 10. The event will raise funds to “build sustainable, affordable homes for New Orleans’ families who lost everything to Hurricane Katrina.” Make it Right also works to provide sustainable housing in Newark, NJ and Kansas City, MO for disabled veterans and disadvantaged communities. The star-studded gala will be hosted by Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres with performances by Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, the Neville Brothers and Seal. Guests include Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Spike Lee, Blake Lively, Bennett Miller and Djimon Hounsou.
Kim Kardashian
Kim K is making headlines in a good way this week for her $50,000 donation to The Trevor Project, a LGBT suicide prevention program. The Huffington Post notes Kardashian has been very generous lately auctioning off personal items online and donating some of the proceeds to charity. Back in November following the end of her short-lived marriage, Kardashian donated the value of her wedding gifts (reportedly $200,000) to the Dream Foundation, which grants wishes to adults facing life-threatening illnesses.
What other boldface name charitable endeavors have you seen in the headlines this week?
For more on celebrities and their good work, check out our friends at Look to the Stars.