The Giving Back Fund Releases Top 30 Celebrity Donors for 2007

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed)
Sep 17th 2008 at 9:03AM

Each year a list of the top thirty celebrity donors is compiled through public records and released. No big surprise as to the top donor -- Oprah Winfrey -- who last year donated over $50 million largely in support of health care and education. The list includes such giving regulars as Paul Newman, Angelina and Brad, and Lance Armstrong and other lesser-known philanthropists including David and Valerie Robinson, Isabel Allende, and Hugh Hefner?! The amount of dollars donated ranges from $50,200,000 to $724,825. Its good to see where some of those big earners spend their money and which causes are getting the celebrity attention.

Tags: expire-images2009-9-16, giving back 30, giving back 30 2007, giving back fund, GivingBack30, GivingBack302007, GivingBackFund, oprah, oprah winfrey, OprahWinfrey

Filed under: Big Givers

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)

M Sep 21st 2008 8:30PM

It's wonderful that they are donating to a cause that will help someone. I have an issue with celebrities not helping AMERICANS!!!!! I'm a teacher and I can tell you, not a single celebrity cares about "these parts of the woods". Most or some mentioned in this blog donate to other countries instead of the nation that makes them famous. It bothers me only because I'm not rich and I can't help the kids in our community. I'm glad they found something they can believe in and donate towards, if not politics. Best wishes to all.

Annyia Sep 21st 2008 9:42PM

I totally agree with the teacher....and others who know that in America where most of them have made their monies, they send it to other interest and not that of America...namely Oprah Winfrey...what other causes she takes up are seemingly political...

bellangelique Sep 21st 2008 10:44PM

that is their money, they can do as they wish. just like you do as you wish with your hard earned dollars.

todsmod Sep 21st 2008 11:29PM

not giving to americans??? maybe because those they are giving to are more appreciative....those people live day to day, not knowing what comes next. like like many lazy americans....who sit back and wait for their hand-out!! really can't blame them for giving it to others...who really appreciate it, and not expect it.

KR Sep 22nd 2008 1:04AM

Yes, I do watch the Oprah show....well, at least I DID watch it. Who can stand it anymore? She IS a racist and I think you must be blind if you can't see that. Open your eyes and you will see. I am sure you would be surprised to see where some of the celebs spend their money. Both sides here have good points. Americans need to get off their lazy butts and get a job! Stop waiting for a hand out! As for those of you who waste your comments defending Obama....WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!! What does it take to show you that he is NOT pro-America!!!

MaryLou Michelin Sep 21st 2008 8:41PM

Oprah donated to her own school. Big deal!
Paul Newman has been giving all his life and I bet will do so afterwards.

Nita Sep 21st 2008 9:48PM

Oprah gave to her own school...Big deal? Oprah is not attending the school and others are benefiting from her generosity. Use some intelligence. She could have kept her money to herself and never open the school. I guess you give a lot away too and have a school in your name.

Annee Sep 21st 2008 8:49PM

And I don't see any of the 5 top overpaid actors on this list.

Funny how all these rich bozos flock to Obama.

Nan Sep 21st 2008 10:36PM

You can't beat people up who don't agree with you.....it just doesn't work.

vERN Sep 21st 2008 11:55PM

I agree with Annee!!! I haven't seen or heard of Oprah backing any political pre office holder other than a african american. I do not have a problem with an african american in office, but I have a major problem with a muslem in America's highest office. I am a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran and I love my country dearly. Being a muslem and with only 143 days in office as a senator and 0 days with any work experience or any military experience, I refuse to vote for Obama. Anyone who refuses to put their hand on a bible to be sworn in office or refuses to place their hand over their heart during The National Anthem has no place running my country built and backed with the blood of the brave. Obama is an educated idiot with 0 feelings for this country. If Obama is voted in office as president, I will sell my property and leave the country that I hold so dear to my heart. MAY GOD HELP AND BLESS THIS COUNTRY.
(An American Verteran)

LaDell Harris Sep 21st 2008 8:52PM

I think it is great that some of the celebraties are giving back, but there are many people out there that give way more comparable to thier salaries. I think they sould give it directely to hurting people and leave out the middle people who get a large part of it for salaries. Some make lots of money doing this.

sasham Sep 21st 2008 8:54PM

Sure Oprah donates alot....Alot to children in Africa. What about the white and black children here in the U.S. Oprah?! She is and will always be anti-white!

patty Sep 21st 2008 11:08PM

Well...it IS her money and she can give it to anyone she wishes...she has a right to help her own people...and she also does it to all people...do you ever watch the oprah show? She is FAR from being anti white. I see nothing wrong with this

Kelly Sep 22nd 2008 1:06AM

I agree 100% - Oprah only cares about blacks, period. Whenever she "gives back" it's usually to a black family, or a black individual. She's too dumb and racist to do anything else....

Shan Sep 22nd 2008 2:29AM

You are quite ignorant. There is nothing about Oprah that is anti-white. People like who complain that she gives to black people would also complain if she did NOTHING For black people. And just so you know, Oprah's school is intergrated. YOu are SO ignorant.

Vic Sep 21st 2008 8:59PM

I Agree M ...

The children in the USA really need assistance!
Alton Brown from Good Eats/Foodnetwork gives:
"To the children in the USA!"
Duff from Ace of Cakes/Foodnetwork gives:
"To the children in the USA!" (bake-offs)

Teachers rock! Specially the ones who think out of the box!