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 6 of 6)

Bill Sep 22nd 2008 2:38AM

Why would it be a surprise that Hugh Hefner gives alot to charity?

Andre Sep 22nd 2008 2:37AM

I think it's great that these celebrities are giving of themselves and of their money. It's great to see celebrities helping those less fortunate and realizing they are so fortunate - all the more success to them.

Star P Sep 22nd 2008 2:47AM

How can Rosie give donation, she doesn't have a job.

nancy williams Sep 22nd 2008 3:02AM

How can so many of you people be so stupid. Obama is NOT a muslim (notice correct spelling). And he DID place his hand on a bible. It seems that so many of you are just jealous that black Americans can be rich and successful. I don't watch Oprah because she is so boring.

lyn Sep 22nd 2008 4:15AM

iT IS GREAT FOR ALL OF US TO GIVE TO CHARITIES PROVIDING THAT MOST MONIES GO TO THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT. aS FAR AS OPRAH IS CONCERNED. i FEEL SHE ENTICES US TO GIVE WITH HER SO IT IS NOT JUST HER MONIES THAT IS SENT YET SHE GETS ALL THE CREDIT i E HER CHILDRENS NETWORK . tHE MONEY SHE GOT WAS FROM HERAUDIENCES AS WELL. aNY TIME SHE GIVES HER AUDIENCE GIFTS IT IS FROM THE COMPANY WHO SHE ALLOWS A FREE ADVERTISING ON HER SHOW. MONEY BEGETS MONEY AND THAT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTRY THE RICH GET RICHER.i PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE AL GORE BECOME OUR PRESIDENT AS HE IS THEONLY ONE FIGHTING FOR OUR PLANET.IF WE ALL DO NOT GET THIS MESSAGE OUR WORLD WILL NOT EXIST AND ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WE HAVE WILL NOT BE OF ANY IMPORTANCE IF HUMANS CANNOT OCCUPY THE PLANET BECAUSE OF ITS NON EXISTENCE. i BELIEVE WE ARE B ECOMING A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY OURSELVES BECAUSE OF LACK OF EDUCATION AND GENERAL APATHY OF OUR PEOPLE. G AMENOD HELP US ALL

nia Sep 22nd 2008 4:21AM

i read these comments and they are so nasty and pathetically a typical sign of the arrogant, egotistical attitude of americans. what is wrong with giving to others who have so much less than you? who have almost no hope at all? the truth is the ones who make these nasty comments are probably racist, prejudiced, and nationalistic themselves to the point they believe that "americans" somehow are more important than others. humanity consists of people and they are everywhere. countries and their borders are artificial when it comes to the needs and sufferings of humans which we all can relate.

Len Sep 22nd 2008 4:38AM

Instead of telling folks how much these very rich ppl gave - how about telling us what percentage of their income and/or total worth that they gave.

Those big bucks may only be 5% of a wealthy person's income, whereas many regular ppl give 15% of their income to charity.

It isn't the amount that matters - it's the percentage.

$1000. may be 10% of a reg. person's income

ralph Sep 22nd 2008 4:24AM

I'm really beginning to think americans have become the sickest, greedy people. How the hell do americans need more??? In this country of so much food it's gross, in this country of so much goods and opportunity and on and on. Even if it's not perfect, there is way more to go around than is even necessary. Even a freaking homeless person doesn't have to go hungry, without shelter or even medical care if they choose to. You self-centered pigs need to wake up and realize you are just hoarding. dumb idiots. americans go on more diets than anyone in the world. did you ever consider that "dieting" isn't even normal???!! also, your educational system is screwed not because of lack of money, it's because of the selfish, bratty parents teaching lack of respect to their children and they don't even apply themselves but act up all the time. geesh!

ralph Sep 22nd 2008 4:35AM

I'm really beginning to think americans have become the sickest,
greedy people. How the hell do americans need more??? In this
country of so much food it's gross, in this country of so much goods
and opportunity and on and on. Even if it's not perfect, there is
way more to go around than is even necessary. Even a freaking
homeless person doesn't have to go hungry, without shelter or even
medical care if they choose to. You self-centered pigs need to wake
up and realize you are just hoarding. dumb idiots. americans go on
more diets than anyone in the world. did you ever consider that
"dieting" isn't even normal???!! also, your educational system is
screwed not because of lack of money, it's because of the selfish,
bratty parents teaching lack of respect to their children and they
don't even apply themselves but act up all the time, wanting more, being persnickety assholes just like their parents, discontented, blah blah *retch*. geesh!

honeybunny Sep 22nd 2008 5:33AM

I agree that it is Oprah.s money to do with as she pleases, but she does owe to this country where she made her money. True she gives on her show. But did you know that ever thing she gives is donated to her. One day she gave every one a new car. Whoopee. The Chevrolette people had given those cars to her for advertisement ads. She paid nothing, but took the glory. The people who got those cars could not pay the taxes on them or the entitlement. The Chevrolette people paid both for the people who won them. Oprah did not. She truly is a raciest and proved it with Obama. She wants the glory of every thing she does NOT do for the people on her show or any place else. . If you want to be fooled by Oprah, go ahead and be fooled. She has gone Hollywood and wants to be like a young starlet. Never happen. Her money and greed will keep her fat forever. So let her die in her own making. She is no hero to me. I am sure she wants to be at the head table if Obama is elected. Do not forget if Obama is elected he will have a lot of pay back to the people who gave him money. Some of them are not very nice and that includes Oprah. She is not a giver but a taker. Any thing she does comes off of her taxes. Get a good look at Oprah and you miight see her for what she is. A racist. Of course she wants her own color to win. GOD help us all if this Muslim does and he is half Muslim. At least McCain served his country. Obama did nothing but smoke pot and waste his time on drugs and he wants to be our president ? Ask your self WHY ? He has done nothing to earn that honor. A good talker does not make for a good president. All he does is talk but has no experience. Use your heads when you vote this year. Our future depends on it. How dare he go to Iraq and ignor the troops and secretly talk to the heads of state in Iraq behind our back to put a stop in this settling of this war untill the election is over. He thinks he is the president already and should be made to step down right now for doing this. He was not authorised to talk to any one about this war or politics. What will he do next that is against the policy of this country ? Think about that one before you vote for this anti American false candidate. Think real good.

Mary Jones Sep 22nd 2008 5:56AM

Oprah is nothing but a racist and you can bet that the millions she gave away went to only blacks. She is such a phony. All that stuff that she gives away on her show is paid for by her sponsors. The only people that watch her show are housewives that don't work and black women. I would not waste by time watching her show on TV or watching her anywhere.

SON Sep 23rd 2008 8:02PM

You are an ignoant moron! You make rude and racist statements yourself based on what? How pathetic. When was the last time you gave anything to charity or tried to help anyone else? Or are you jealous because you need a handout and no one would help you.

Elisa D Sep 25th 2008 5:27PM

I agree and disagree with some!
Those stars who donate are donating to their own causes ,instead of the less fortunate of this country!
Both white and black kids are starving and without medical care right in Kentucky hills USA and the lower income communities of NY and california and chicago to. Charity begins at home PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!
Granted its their money but dont get on a 30 top list and others are assuminning that your spending it here in the USA! Afica is poor because they dont stand up and fight for themselves to improve the quality of life! How long has it been that all these donations are flowing in ? for many years now!!!People wake up!
I am not a raist,But Obama is not the answer ! I welcome a new fresh face and goverment But Obama is simply not the right Black or new fresh face we need!!! Where the hell is all the real Americans who love this country and would be the right canidate for the job?

Kay Sep 22nd 2008 6:29AM

O has changed and since a black man is running for president, I have noticed in her, Whoopie and alot of the black actors are or seem to be abit racist. About her donations, with billions, that's like $10.00 to someone like me! My family has lived in this one valley in Tennessee since the 1700's. I have a deed dated 1824 before the civil war. We never believed in slaves or owned anyone! My family built churches and worked hard farming & for the railroad. I wish I had money to help poor people in the United States and in my own state where there are no good jobs anymore!

bill Sep 22nd 2008 7:50AM

most of the money oprah gives away on her show is not hers its the networks and sponsers money

DeShauna Sep 22nd 2008 9:02AM

In the late 80's we were trying to raise money for a Chicago Public School that is about 5 blocks from Harpo Studio in Chicago. The school had birth to 5 year old handicapped children and was a parent/infant education program and there was a special education program with children with multiple handicaps (both blind/and Learning disabled, etc.) We contacted many organizations in Chicago to help. Michael Jordan gave us an autographed basketballs/jerseys and lots of Chicago Bulls memorabilia. Oprah's people called us and wanted to know the racial breakdown of the children in the school. We never heard from Oprah again. You be the judge.

witta Sep 22nd 2008 1:56PM

Carol...I would care less if he were mormon, or any other religion...that was the point of my post.

JDubrasky Sep 22nd 2008 3:44PM

I agree. They seem to be donating way to much to overseas causes when we are in dire need right here in th USA. I worked all my life. Hard/ The I became disabled through no fault of my own. Social Security pays me 648. a month adn tommorow I send my cat to be put to sleep because their are no funds for anyone that keeps them alive to care for her and I can't anymore. I have no money to feed her and cannot clean her box. This is my problem, not anyone elses but there are so many in trouble through no fault of their pwm. I don't even overspend. No fancy things no dvd player No FOOD most of the time. I saved but thats all gone. Im only 53 aand I have been this way sonce Christmas 97 when a drunk driver got me. I don't (can't) leeave my house.
This isnt meant for pity as I need none. I trust in God that there is a reason and he will bring me home soon. I am so fed up withmost our charity going overseas. Their are so many Americans that need help......

kenny17995 Sep 22nd 2008 8:13PM

i am not surprised to see Oprah at the top. she is a very giving person. i like to see celebrities use their money and fame for good.

visit my website at: http://www.homesoftherich.net

Laura Sep 23rd 2008 4:40PM

I guess you are not an Amercan. Sure, I am glad I live here and am grateful to live in a country where anyone can say what they please--even against our presidents and not get shot for it. If I lived anywhere else, I would be jealous too. You said we are the "typical sign of the arrogant, egotistical attitude of americans". We all mostly immigrants from other countries who want a better life. If that makes us arrogant, so what.
Here, even the media and the entertainment world can voice their opinions even if they are totally wrong. The only ones they hurt are their careers--not their former fans.

So, if we want to say what we please--it is not your job to tell us not to. I am so sorry for those who hate Americans because we happen to like where we live and who we are--proud Americans.

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