In tough economic times like the ones currently in America, it might seem a bit much asking people to give away half of their incomes to those less fortunate. However, the most powerful financial figures in the country are doing just that.
Billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill Gates started a movement this summer where they are asking the 40 richest people in America to give at least half of their income to charity. The charity pledge, as it’s unofficially titled, is an unprecedented move of charitable giving never seen before in the United States. Buffett, the billionaire investing guru and CEO of holding conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, has stated that he himself plans on donating more than 99 percent of his $47 billion fortune to charity, in particular the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to improve healthcare, reduce extreme poverty, and improve the public school system in the U.S.
So far, Buffett and Gates have gotten some big names to join them in this mission. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined the pledge in June. Eli Broad, former CEO of SunAmerica and founder of KB Homes, stated that he and his wife will give at least 75 percent of their fortune away to a variety of philanthropic causes. Other major names joining in the pledge include David Rockefeller, Ronald Perelman, Larry Ellison, Sanford Weill, Ted Turner and Paul Allen.
Though giving away millions or billions is unrealistic to the vast majority of Americans, giving back to the community in some way, shape or form is not. Mobile technology makes it easier than ever to give back to a variety of causes. For as low as $10, people can donate to Haiti Relief, the Gulf Oil Spill Relief, fundraising efforts for New Jersey Public School art programs, or many other causes. It’s simple to do and requires only a mobile phone.
Everyone can do their part in taking the Buffett and Gates charity pledge. Even in uncertain times like these, one mobile phone and $10 can go a long way to making the world a better place for everyone.
