In the old days when much of the wealth in society was under the control of kings, nobles and robber baron businessmen,  the majority of charitable work was done by religious groups. That all changed when steel magnate Andrew Carnegie who spent the first half of his life accumulating a vast fortune, and spent the second half of his life giving it away. Mr. Carnegie’s charitable contributions helped to double the number of libraries in the United States and he set an example of measuring one’s significance not by what you have, but by what you give away to worthy causes. Andrew Carnegie inspired many others to start giving on a massive scale, including oil industry giant John D. Rockefeller, whose grand scale giving to medical and scientific advancements were instrumental in the eradication of yellow fever and hookworm.

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Thankfully, the charitable roads paved by such titans like Mr. Carnegie and Mr. Rockefeller have continued to extend their reach to those in need through the impact of magnanimous giving. Media mogul Ted Turner, who founded CNN and pledged and paid 1 billion dollars to the United Nations Foundation, which has helped fund solar powered irrigation systems and the delivery of health care to third world nations has demonstrably improved the human condition for thousands. Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Warren Buffet helped create the “Giving Pledge” which is a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy and over 120 billionaires have signed up, with more continuing to join their ranks. Oprah Winfrey donates millions of her dollars every year to help people in under-served communities increase their educational opportunities, fulfill basic human needs, eradicate poverty and regain their human dignity. Bono and other influential musicians have lead charity benefit performances all over the world to help combat poverty, starvation and disease.

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Of course you don’t have to be a billionaire or rock star to make a difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate. Those who donate modest sums, as well as those who give of their time and talent make a difference every day in the lives of people who need a kind and effective helping hand to get back up on their feet. Sometimes all it takes is someone to show up in the life of another to make a lasting and significant difference for the betterment of their future. We all have the ability to be that person that can make a difference and send the elevator back down to pick up someone on the ground floor and help bring them up to a higher level. Through the use of technology and the internet, we are all connected closer than ever and can do more good faster and to a greater degree than any time in history. To date, our debt relief foundation has helped 85 people in Massachusetts alone, receive a legal discharge of their debts, completely free of charge, and have many more applying for this life-changing program. Let’s make history together to help eradicate poverty and help those who are burdened with bills they can never pay overcome debt with dignity.  Please consider making a donation so we can work together to transform lives for the better.