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 2 of 6)

Bec Sep 21st 2008 9:15PM

Why doesn't she support her own country. With all the money she has she could help solve a lot of problems here in the US... who cares how much money she gives overseas.. AND this amount is probably not even 10% of her earnings!

son Herr Sep 21st 2008 9:22PM

Even if your comments about Oprah is true that she gives to more black causes. so what? How much more is given to predominately white causes by white philantrophist. what is wrong with rich blacks helping black causes? How is that racist. It is her money and she can do whatever she chooses. It is a good thing for people, when able to help their own. Besides, in all fairness, Oprah seems generous overall to many causes. Have you not seen her show?

judy, nyc Sep 21st 2008 11:26PM

i think it is an excellent idea for rich blacks to give to black causes, but it should be delivered through philanthropic agencies dedicated to black causes. indeed, it is long past time for this responsibility. as for ms. winfrey's money being her own, actually most of it isn't. it is our money, that comes from advertisers whose products we buy that support ms. winfrey's various productions. that is where the bulk of her money comes from.

ever Sep 21st 2008 9:25PM

Why is it that everything is either political or racial in America?

luke Sep 21st 2008 9:36PM

These people are the UNEDUCATED! JEALOUS!
and CYNICAL! Oh! and no life!!!!

Elizabeth Sep 21st 2008 9:23PM

ALL THE YEARS AND ALL THE DUMMIES WHO DONATED TO OPRAH - WHO JUST GAVE 1% TO AFRICA AND NOTHING BACK TO THE USA - GREED AND STUPIDITY - I REFUSE TO WATCH HER SHOW OR BUY ANYTHING SHE PROMOTES ... SHE IS A RACIST ...

Yellowlab1002 Sep 21st 2008 9:31PM

It's either donate the money or pay taxes - next case.

aaron Sep 22nd 2008 2:55AM

I was talking about yellow lab

Lin Sep 21st 2008 10:39PM

M, your comment about giving to other countries is out of line. People in other countries, especially children, need as much, if not MORE, help than people here, and, if you are referring to Angelina and Brad, they have given a huge amt. of money into helping Katrina victims. Who cares that you're a teacher. Your comment that "not a single celebrity helps Americans" is WRONG! You need to do your homework on this one and you have not!

Deb Sep 21st 2008 9:31PM

in EVERY article i've seen on this list of givers - they all fail to mention (which figures - bias aholes) that rounding out the top ten givers no less is RUSH LIMBAUGH IN THE TOP TEN BUT GOD FORBID THEY'D WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THAT- NOW U DO!!!!!!!

Aaron Sep 22nd 2008 2:50AM

You are exactly right, they aren't giving their money away out of the goodness of their hearts.

Diana Sep 21st 2008 9:32PM

I agree with LaDell. I'd like to know what percentage of their income these high-paid celebreties donate. I think we'd all be surprised, disappointed and outraged. I also think that each should take on a personal project - a family, a community or social service program such as an after school program in desperate need of money or a soup kitchen. When I hear that programs must shut down due to lack of federal or state funds - programs that can make such a difference - and think that some celebrities spend that much money on a birthday party or something equally frivolous , I become extremely angry.

Elaine Sep 21st 2008 10:52PM

You are so right. I also want to add that even if they give only 10% of their salaries/income, they make such a huge amount that they don't even feel it. 10% of MY income (and I'm a married nurse) would hurt. Their are millions of people who couldn't give 10% because they live paycheck to paycheck. So...who cares if they give 10% or 50%, right? Awww...they gave millions away, but they have millions left...and a couple of chalets and beach houses. What a pity. Hey, I pay cash for my son's college...no hand outs for us. And if I donate $5 here and a bag of groceries there, then I'm fine with that. That's the best I can do. And nobody pats me on the back for doing my best. What about you?

patty Sep 22nd 2008 1:12AM

We will probably never know just how much and how many celebrities donate....some just do it...I, however, do think that if they make an outrageous amount that if they don't donate...shame on them. It would be to their benefit anyway...as they just have to pay high taxes on it all...look at Bill Gates...what a wonderful person...

Kaci Sep 21st 2008 9:32PM

Can't anyone in America be grateful? They gave...did you?" Thank you donors for all the money you gave, you didn't have too and we appreciate it!

Deb Sep 21st 2008 9:39PM

in EVERY article i've seen on this list of givers - they all fail to
mention (which figures - bias aholes) that rounding out the top ten
givers no less is RUSH LIMBAUGH IN THE TOP TEN BUT GOD FORBID THEY'D
WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THAT- NOW U DO!!!!!!!

LOOSERS Sep 21st 2008 9:35PM

America is defenitaly a country of LOOSERS at least on this commentary site. These people are needed for
there charity, be glad they are giving, are you?
All you know is BASH in America and be full of ENVIE and HATE. No wonder nobody likes you in the world
you get what you give out which is NOTHING.