According to Wikipedia,the meaning of philanthropy . is the act of donating money, goods, time, or effort to support a charitable cause, usually over an extended period of time and in regard to a defined objective. ...

Giving satisfies a basic human purpose. Who wouldn't want to improve the condition of mankind?

The meaning of philanthropy can be described many ways. It is caring and sharing. It is giving and serving. It is our individual response to the human need. Your opportunity to get involved.

The use of this word is defined differently by different people. The origin of the word is Greek and means love for mankind or love of mankind. I like that.

Today, this act of doing can include many concepts but basically is the voluntary giving by an individual or group to promote the common good.

Philanthropy statistics state that 2007 showed record breaking giving and 2008 is predicted to be a big year of big giving.

The big guns, the millionaire and billionaire philanthropists have taking HUGE strides in AIDS research and care, heart disease, disaster victims, global warming, cancer, stem cell research, poverty, healthcare and education.

I personally do things on a slightly smaller scale. I like person to person giving. One on one charity. I like to make an immediate change in someone’s life by helping them pay a medical bill and alleviate that stress or buy diapers for their new baby. Just recently I helped two families bring Christmas to their kids. That's what brings me joy in my philanthropy... that immediate feeling that I helped someone. That is how I mostly choose to show my love for mankind.

Don't get me wrong, I still try and give to the big guys too. One of my favorites is the American Diabetes Association. I hope one day insulin dependent diabetes will be a thing of the past.

The point is, your choices are endless. Find a cause near and dear to your heart, give with joy and feel the power of giving.

Ahhhh, the billionaires. The billionaire philanthropists have been VERY busy and VERY generous. The numbers are staggering and the generosity inconceivable. Here are a few of my favorites. Let's give it up for the billionaire philanthropists!

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Richard Branson - With extreme wealth comes extreme responsibility.

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Oprah Winfrey - Her giving spirit and charitable heart never stop.

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Bill Gates turns money into hope for others.

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Although not billionaires, other famous philanthropists have earned their own gold stars over the years. Famous philanthropists including the likes of Bill Cosby, Richard Gere, Angelina Jolie, Michael J. Fox, Sharon Stone, Christopher Reeve and on and on. By way of sports philanthropy you have philanthropists like Cal Ripken, Jackie Robinson and Tiger Woods. They have changed the course and the meaning of philanthropy over the years.

Celebrities and philanthropy work. Putting a famous name or face to cause can and does bring world wide attention.

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