Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.
Jeff Bezos presents Dolly Parton with the Courage and Civility Award – Twitter
Jeff Bezos Just Gave $100 Million to Dolly Parton for Her Charity as the 3rd Winner of His ‘Courage & Civility Award’ Prize
At a recent event, Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos named Dolly Parton as the latest winner of his Courage and Civility Award.
The award recognizes leaders who “aim high, find solutions, and always do it with civility.” Each awardee receives 100 million dollars to invest in the charities of their choice.
In Dolly’s case, the mega-donation could be invested in her Imagination Library, which two months ago hit the milestone of 190 million free books gifted to children.
“(She) embodies these ideals so thoroughly,” said Bezos, who stepped down from CEO of his company last year to focus on philanthropy.
“She gives with her heart. What she’s done for kids and literacy, and so many other things, is just incredible.”
In her acceptance remarks, Dolly said, “When people are in the position to help, you should help.” She thanked Bezos and said she believes he gives from the heart too.
The 58-year-old tech billionaire is the world’s fourth richest person. He told CNN last week that he was setting up the foundations for the ability to give away the vast majority of his $124 billion fortune during his lifetime.
A year ago, Bezos pledged $10 billion over 10 years to the Bezos Earth Fund to expand and monitor protected areas and conservation. That was on top of the ten thousand million he’d already devoted towards combating climate change.
In 2021, he awarded the first two Courage and Civility Awards, accompanied by the same amount of money. The first winner was José Andrés, who feeds masses of people after humanitarian disasters with his nonprofit World Central Kitchen—with some of those millions going to help war-torn Ukrainians.
Van Jones, whose work in the nonprofit world, mainly in the sphere of criminal justice reform, received the second.
In 2018, Bezos topped the Philanthropy 50 list, ranking as the US’s biggest donor, compiled by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
His former wife and partner of 23 years, MacKenzie Scott, has given away close to $4 billion, donating to 465 organizations in less than a year.
The good news here is the fourth richest man in the world feels a responsibility to pay his good fortune forward. Today’s JohnKu talks about responsibility. I hope you have a super week
Giving by John W. Howell © 2022
He has committed,
Billions to improve the world . . .
Do we want to help?
Fiction Favorites 
Good for Jeff Bezos, and good for the world.
As for Dolly, what a beautiful soul she is and she is still kicking it with grace and love. So really, this story is a two-fer.
Nicely done Boss.
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I agree It is a twofer, Marc.😁
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It sure is. A keeper.
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I’m with Marc on this comment because they are both doing what seems to come naturally to them. To share what they have with those who have not.
Beautiful way to start the weekend, John.
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Thank you, Dale. 😁
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🙂
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😊
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So refreshing to see people with means sharing with others and trying to make the world a better place. These days there are so many who seem to focus on themselves…a potent reminder that we can do, and be, better. Love this John!
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Thank you , Lori. You are so right about doing better. 😊
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Such a wonderful couple of folks! I have family and friends who receive (or have) received books from Dolly. What a way to support literacy and build a healthier future for this world.
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I agree, Annette. Thanks for sharing.
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That’s a duo I never thought I’d see in the same article.
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Yes. But there they are. 😁
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Nice to see people with so much giving to those who don’t have it. Thanks for this post, John! 🙂
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I felt pretty good when I read it, Tim. Thanks for your comment. 😁
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Wonderful post, John. I don’t have billions like Bezos or millions like some, but I give what I can to veteran organizations and locally to a food bank and shelter, and of course, to church. It’s a way of life, and you’ve captured that beautifully. ❤️
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There are so many folks wanting to take from those who have a lot. I think this story shows that some thought should go into the overall effect of spreading the wealth. Thanks, Gwen
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Kind of restores a little faith in humanity.
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A certain segment of humanity for sure. Thanks, Craig.
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It’s nice to see people give back. I never would have thought it about Bezos. Dolly is a wonderful soul.
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I have always admired his giving nature. Yeah some hate Amazon but it is hard to argue with the fact that he is the number one donor in the US.
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I have a love/hate relationship with Amazon. I get aggravated with them sometimes, but it’s my go to place for shopping.
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I understand how you feel. 😊
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I love what Dolly’s doing to support children’s literacy.
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I do too, Liz. I also like what Bezos is trying to do.
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Yes, I agree.
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It is heartwarming to see the wealthy do good with what they have. And you were right John. We should help.
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Thanks, Pamela. 😊
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I was so heartened to see this in the news. Yep, we definitely want to help! Thanks for sharing the good vibes, John. 💕🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. Hugs.
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Great news, John! Dolly is one of those special people who give back all the time. My grandson is the beneficiary of her Imagination Library and the books are wonderful.
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What a great connection, Noelle. Thanks for sharing. 😊
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Thanks for sharing this good news. The fact that they both do so much good for others is wonderful.
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It is Lauren. Thanks for the comment.
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I adore Dolly Parton and love that her charity focuses on literacy. Great Fri-Yay post, John. Have a great weekend.
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Thank you, Staci. Have a super weekend.
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Dolly has such a huge heart and has been known to give to charities regularly. It’s good to see Bezos doing the same and to a great person who really does do some good in the world.
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I think $100 million would do a lot of good.
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It is always refreshing when you see the “one-percenters” giving to worthwhile causes, spending time raising more money, etc. I hear of Dolly doing this all the time – kudos to her for all the work she has done. I do agree with her thought if you can help, you should help. I wish all of the planet’s billionaires felt that way!
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It would be nice if everyone gave what they could.
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Glad to see successful people giving back 🙂
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Me too, Denise.
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I love Dolly Parton, and she has a huge giving heart. I know she is a big advocate for literacy and the donation will go a long way toward helping with that. Kudos to Mr. Bezos!
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I agree, Jan. Thanks.
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As others have mentioned, I commend those who try and make positive differences in the world with their wealth and status. Good on both, as some celebrities give nothing back to their community.
I share the same philosophy as Dolly. “When people are in the position to help, you should help.”
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Dolly is a smart person for sure. Thanks, Pete.
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What a wonderful way to end the week, John — reading a story about those with the means to share, who actually do. Thanks for passing it along!
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My pleasure, Debbie. Thanks for the comment.
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This is wonderful. And I agree with Dolly – if people are in a position to help, they should. Thanks for sharing this, John!
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My pleasure. Thanks for reading, Teri.
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I have different thoughts.
Why didn’t he pay his workers more and create better conditions for them?
He got rich off their backs, and now he’s the big generous guy?
I like Dolly. She’s done a lot for humanity.
I know she will use the money for good.
Besos – a lot of questions to be answered.
Still, even if it is for personal glory and a better image, it’s a lot of money for those who need it.
I’d like to see him give all his workers, past and present a $ gift of thanks.
Your JohnKu is well received.
ox ox ox
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I know your feeling about Amazon so I won’t attempt to talk you out of them. I will say Amazon is raising wages to the tune of a Billion a year so maybe there is some of what you suggest in store.
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Goody!!!
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😁😁😁💋
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💋💋💋
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💋💋💋💋💋💋
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💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks, Michael.
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Good news, but i think also a tax shortening gift. Best wishes, Michael
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Well there is that, Michael. Tax shortening or not it still does some good.
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I was hoping you would feature this story, John. Dolly is the real deal, and she will donate that money wisely. Hooray!
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Books are so important for kids. That’s great.
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Yes indeed.
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