Hero Of The Week: Bill Gates

Bill Gates is here today because he was named the richest man in the world by Forbes magazine this week. I recognize him at this time not because of his wealth, but because the story brought him to my attention.

Those that know me know that one of the most important aspects of my life is volunteering and giving. Oh, I'm such a giver! I get so much enjoyment out of it. Really, I do. When I was making lots of money, the thing that was most important is that it allowed me to give more. I love writing those checks. Whether it's to Oprah's Angel Network, or to Red Feather Development Group that constructs straw-bale buildings on poor Native American reservations, I'm a sucker for worthy charities.

Now that my income stream is practically non-existent, I give my time instead of money. I still spend a large amount of time and ability for the GLBT Political Action Committee where I am on the Board of Directors. I also spend a lot of time purchasing items for a local chairty — going so far as to set up a mini-group called "Brunswick Cares" where my neighbors and family chip in. We take advantage of great deals and buy stuff on the cheap and donate it to Unity House that serves the underserved and disadvantaged. I write a quarterly post on this and I'm getting ready for another next week so watch for that. [We are currently running at 10:1 ratio where we bought $10 worth of goods for every $1 given.]

So that brings me back to Bill Gates. I admire him for his philanthropic endeavors. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation manages $33 billion, donates to causes aimed at bringing financial tools to the poor, speeding up the development of vaccines (for AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis), and bettering America's lagging high schools.

Sure, he makes a ton so he can give a ton. But how many that make a ton actually give a ton? And how many throw themselves personally into the process of giving? I also give him credit for persuading Warren Buffet to leave his billions to the charity.

Besides, Bill Gates just seems so grounded and normal. Nerdy, but normal.

Bill Gates is my Hero of the Week.
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