Gates Talks Innovation, Philanthropy and Post-Retirement Plans

Microsoft frontman Bill Gates spoke to students at Stanford earlier this month, praising young people for their innovation, and raising awareness for philanthropic work.
The talk began with a spoof video, during which Gates detailed his post-retirement plans. After retiring from his job at Microsoft later this year, Gates has a goal to break into the music industry. But, in the video, Jay-Z doesn’t have the heart to tell him that his chances are slim. And Bono tells him there is no chance of replacing The Edge as U2’s guitarist.

Gates then discussed his plans to work full-time with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, stating that his focal point is curing diseases, particularly life-threatening diseases in the Third World. He pointed out that there is a ratio of about 50 to 1 in the spending on finding a cure for baldness vs. finding a cure for malaria.
The foundation was famously pledged $37 billion by Warren Buffett in 2006, having already made grants totalling $10.5bn in the previous 12 years. Commenting on Buffett’s donation to the fund, Bill Gates said, “It is a big challenge to make sure this money gets used in the right way, but it is one we are thrilled about.” And soon, Gates will be dedicating his entire working day to doing just that. (look to the stars)

Black Eyed Peas Rock The Peapod Party

The Black Eyed Peas held their fourth annual charity concert at the Avalon in Hollywood last week, with a plethora of celebrity friends turning up to raise money for charity.
And even before the concert started, front woman Fergie was eager to spread the love.
“Travelling around the world and seeing disease and poverty, for me it’s about giving back,” she said.
The Peas’ concert was to benefit their Peapod Foundation, which provides aid to underprivileged children while also introducing them to new musical and technological programs.

Model Home Project

2008 PROJECTS

Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, bringing 30 or more male models from around the world to build a home for a family. This will be an unprecedented event, marking one of the largest collaborations of individuals and organizations to ever come out of the fashion industry.
They are also partnering with Habitat for Humanity in New York City, incorporating 50 or more male models and agents to fund and build a home in Habitat’s new, completely green, Atlantic Avenue Residence project in Brooklyn.

Fashion Cares Returns October 2008

Since 1987, Fashion Cares has raised nearly $10 million dollars for the AIDS Committee of Toronto. As this annual event enters its third decade, expect plenty of new fashion, new faces and a fascinating new location. With more drama, more fabulous fashion and even more exceptional entertainment, this year's gala promises to be bigger and better than ever

Ireland Sends A Lucky Star To India

The Irish are out to save the children of India, and Hollywood actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers is at the forefront of the campaign. He has just been named as an ambassador for the Hope Foundation, a charity formed in his native Ireland.

Madonna’s Charity Still Not Registered

If the charity Madonna is pushing Gucci to raise money for next week is actually registered anywhere in the United States, it’s still not showing up on any official Web sites.

Raising Malawi, which has been in business for two years, still does not turn up on the Web sites of Guide Star, Charity Navigator or the state of California.

Kristin Cavallari Will Host Make-A-Wish Fashion Show

Who- Kristen Cavallari and Make-A-Wish Foundation
What- Make a Wish Fashion Show
Where- The Beverly Hills Women's Club
When- Wednesday March 5, 12pm

To purchase tickets, or for more information, call The Beverly Hills Women’s Club at (310)367-8982.

Bono's Charity Auction Raises $42.6m for (RED)

Are you seeing Red yet? I think Sothebys was after Bono organized a Valentines Day auction of 60 pieces of artwork from Damien Hirst which took in a cool $42.6m for Bono’s (RED) charity

Do it like Mike! Michael Jordan donates $500,000 to Boys and Girls Club

Michael Jordan donated $500,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana’s Slidell Unit to get the program back on its feet.
“The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America has been a visible contributor to the families and children of New Orleans, during and post Hurricane Katrina,” said Jordan. “Slidell is a community that has been somewhat overlooked in recovery efforts, and we are proud to aid with its rebuilding and leave a lasting legacy for the community.”

BIG CHARITY EVENTS

OSCARS are right around the corner, February 24th. Heres a look at some events leading up to the big night.

Wednesday, February 20, will see the Fifth Annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party at the Avalon in Hollywood. The party, to be held at the Avalon in Hollywood, will feature performances by Damien Rice and Michelle Branch, as well as Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the stars of Oscar-nominated musical, Once.

Tickets to the party, available from the Global Green website, cost $250 for general admission and $5,000 for “green carpet” access .

FEBRUARY 24th Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party, to be held at the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood.

GET CREATIVE IN MARKET STRATEGY

Did you know non profit executives can make up to $300,000 per year?(http://www.give.org/) . As long as 80 percent( the percent to maintain reputable) of the money raised goes to programs and the mission , the other 20 percent usually goes to operating expenses. Now, keep in mind some salaries are way higher or significantly lower. So how do these big organizations do it? The market is saturated, and alot of key donors have been tapd. Its those organizations that angle there market strategy creatively that will win donors over.

A couple of my favorite organizations with a great creative presence and strategy are http://www.charitywater.org/, http://www.tuesdayschildren.org/ , http://www.modelhomeproject.org/

Before you Donate

I'm invited to tons of events to "raise money". I could only imagine what people face with large bank accounts. There are so many great causes out there but so many scams as well. Non profits are the new black. I'm not kidding. Everyone has one. So, before you give do some research. Go to www.give.org . Here you will find charity reports and rankings where you can evaluate each organizations structure, programs and expenditures to choose the right cause for you and ensure your money will be appropriately used!

Charity Talk

My name is Kenny Goodwin Jr. Post graduation (May 07) I have been modeling and working to launch my own charity called Dare to Care USA. It raises awareness of hatred, prejudice and ignorance in America through education, programs and advocacy. I hope by raising awareness we can inspire and motivate people in America to embrace diversity and tear down the walls that separate them. The main initiative is to bring a positive social change.

Along the way I thought to create this blog to connect individuals from all places who are interested, passionate or involved in the nonprofit community.

I will post my thoughts, strategies and news on here as frequently as I can.

Welcome!

Kenny Goodwin Jr.