A film legend's legacy of amazing generosity
Today, I take inspiration from the life of the Hollywood legendPaul Newman (photo shows him with Robert Redford, left, in the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ) who died over the weekend after a long battle with cancer. He was 83. I admit to know little of this man and his movies until he ended up in the headlines last Sunday, as tributes poured in from all over the world not only for his contribution to world cinema, but more so for his amazing legacy of generosity.
Celebrity causes are so hyped up these days that you'd wonder if the intention is really genuine or is it for PR purposes. But here's a man in publicity-crazy Hollywood, who was silently selfless, giving all the profits of his multi-billion food business to charities worldwide. From that company alone, he donated more than 250 million dollars, which also helped over 135,000 severely ill children across the globe. If that's not amazing generosity, I don't know what is.
Interestingly, this generosity is coupled by his extreme dislike for the Hollywood lifestyle. He opted to live in a faraway farmhouse with his wife of over 50 years and five daughters. Celebrities these days like to initiate or headline fundraisers (here in the country, they get lots of help by joining in singing reality searches--you know half of the prize goes to them, half goes to charity kind of set-up), but how much are they really willing to give out from their own pockets?
Today, I take inspiration from the life of the Hollywood legend
Celebrity causes are so hyped up these days that you'd wonder if the intention is really genuine or is it for PR purposes. But here's a man in publicity-crazy Hollywood, who was silently selfless, giving all the profits of his multi-billion food business to charities worldwide. From that company alone, he donated more than 250 million dollars, which also helped over 135,000 severely ill children across the globe. If that's not amazing generosity, I don't know what is.
Interestingly, this generosity is coupled by his extreme dislike for the Hollywood lifestyle. He opted to live in a faraway farmhouse with his wife of over 50 years and five daughters. Celebrities these days like to initiate or headline fundraisers (here in the country, they get lots of help by joining in singing reality searches--you know half of the prize goes to them, half goes to charity kind of set-up), but how much are they really willing to give out from their own pockets?
This brings to mind Paris Hilton, who after serving some jailtime for DUI, vowed to renew her life and devote her time and resources for Africa. Many months later, it has remained lip service.
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