Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Good News Fri-Yay

~ John W. Howell

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

By

Good News Network

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?

65 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Good News Fri-Yay”

  1. 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.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. 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.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. 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!

    Liked by 3 people

  7. 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. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. 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

      Like

  17. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. 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.”

    Liked by 1 person

  23. 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

    Like

    1. 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.

      Liked by 1 person

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