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Kate Blake

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$500 Billion - can this solve the big problems?

A solution to that quandary of how to solve the Big Problems?

Bill and Melinda Gates set up a philanthropic venture/idea called "Give it Away" where more than a hundred billionaires have already pledged half their wealth. They have set up various research and charities to tackle malaria, polio, hunger, etc and these people will also lend their expertise to source further solutions.

An Australian billionaire has just pledged five billion with his families consent. These people are reporting how well they feel after donating, and id like to know if their health improves also as recent research indicates that helping others increases all the good things in our body and decreases things like cholesterol, etc?

this is a very substantial way to seriously address those big problems that other conversations are discussing.  Just really wanted to share this good news and welcome your comments and hopefully more postings of Good News! 


Please Share how you personally are making our world a better place, or your ideas and congratulations that this is actually happening?

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Closing Statement from Kate Blake

Great participation, thanks everyone, and TED for the venue!

The most impressive part of this discussion was some sharing how they help others in order to make our world a better place.  This is the best we can do, our own personal contribution in our own localities.  What are you doing?

Was quite surprised by the number of people who were doubtful about the ability of more than a hundred billionaires to manage their funds!  Wonder how they became billionaires?

Some offered interesting projects with questionable costs, but again I would imagine that this group would have their research, projects and organisation well under control.

It would be great if we could all really rejoice that they are making such a huge effort and contributing so much expertise as well as funds - that this could happen within our life!  Well done "Give it Away" and all those involved!

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    Feb 24 2013: Kate, I am in favor of it as long as we teach them to fish so they can eat for a life time. To often we throw money at a problem with no long term goals. These people are not giving their money up to something that does not have a plan and expected desired outcomes.

    I wish you well. Bob.
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      Feb 24 2013: Thanks Bob, can't imagine these people will waste their wealth ... Read my response to Pabitra below?

      You don't mention how you are contributing to make our world a better place?
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        Feb 24 2013: Kate, I am a simple person. I do what I can with what I have. I am a volunteer at our school, and coach football, basketball, and track. I am on the board at school and the local orphanage. I write a newspaper column. I am a CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocate), A man tracker for law enforcement Search and Resuce Team. Also a CERT ( Civil Emergency Response Team) which is a first response element. You get the idea ... the list goes on.

        In my spare time I am writing a book ... A project that has been on going for two years already.

        To me money is not always the answer ... but being involved is a force for good.

        Years later kids have came back to town and when we meet they have told me that I was a influence in their lives. That means more to me than a gold bar.

        I wish you well. Bob.
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          Feb 24 2013: That's very impressive, much thanks for sharing Bob!

          You are so right in saying if we have sincerely touched another's life that is far more rewarding than all the gold bullion in the world!

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