17 families including Airbnb Cofounders joins Giving Pledge
Today the Giving Pledge announced the addition of 17 families including Airbnb Cofounders joins Giving Pledge. It brings the current total of signatories to 154 from 16 countries.
On June 1, three Airbnb co-founders — Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk — announced that they’ll donate the majority of their wealth to the Giving Pledge. A philanthropic initiative started by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates.
To join the pledge, members must commit to giving away more than 50% of their fortunes. Either during their lifetimes or in their wills.
“By joining the Giving Pledge, we reaffirm our commitment to the health and education of our children. Pledging to dedicate the majority of our wealth to philanthropy,” wrote Benioff and his wife, Lynne, in a letter.
“The pledge has encouraged a rise in personal philanthropic leadership in the United States. By joining, we hope to continue to encourage others to create an impact in the communities where they live and work.”
The Benioffs’s focuses on causes related to health and education. Chesky said that his philanthropy would focus on young people.
“You can have a lot of impact on someone just by showing them what is possible,” he said. “If you were never exposed to something, you cannot dream of becoming it.”
“I want to devote my resources to bring the moment of instantiation. When someone who has an idea sees it become real, to as many people as I can. It can unlock the understanding that they can make things happen. They can shape the world around them. I want to enable as many people as possible. Especially in underprivileged communities, to experience this magic firsthand.” said Joe Gebbia- Co -Founder, Airbnb.
Warren Buffett and Bill Gates initiated the pledge to encourage other billionaires to commit to giving their wealth away. Other signatories include Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison.
Originally published at meshrepublic.com on June 1, 2016.
