Oprah Winfrey Giving to Charities

The media coverage of Oprah Winfrey giving to charities has been expansive over the years. She is by far one of the highest profile celebrity givers in recent years, and her donations have gone far beyond what you hear about on the news. From fundraiser auctions to opening her own school in South Africa, Oprah’s humanitarianism has made a major impact on the world.

Oprah Winfrey was born in impoverished rural Mississippi to a teenage mother. She was raped at age nine and became pregnant at age 14 – but instead of hardening her heart and closing herself off to society, Oprah worked her way to the top without ever forgetting about her tough and humble beginnings. Today she is one of the most philanthropic individuals in Hollywood, much of her charity work promoted on her show.

Winfrey’s main charity, Oprah’s Angel Network, was founded in 1998. Its main goal is to encourage and enable people across the country and around the world to positively impact the lives of those less fortunate. The Angel Network provides grants to nonprofits and supports multiple charity projects found both stateside and overseas. At a recent count, Oprah’s Angel Network has raised over $51 million and Oprah pays administrative costs herself so that all of the fundraised money goes directly to philanthropy.

Oprah’s Angel Network is regularly featured on her daily talk show, and she has dedicated special episodes solely focusing on the organization.

Personally, Oprah gives away more money behind the scenes. She has been recognized as one of America’s Top 50 Most Generous Philanthropists by Business Week magazine, and it is reported she has given as much as $303 million over the years. She has also found unique ways to help others, starting a gift registry for Hurricane Katrina victims and giving college scholarships to young African-Americans. She received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in 2002, and continues to give to those struggling in life.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa was founded in 2007 and is located near Johannesburg. It is an all-girls boarding school, and accepts gifted young ladies who come from poor families. The goal is to encourage and refine the leadership abilities of these young women and then help them make a difference in the world around them. The school is supported by such humanitarian heavyweights as Nelson Mandela. The academy regularly gives back to their community, taking part in activities such as Habitat for Humanity building projects, breast cancer awareness, and growing food at a local school which provides the students’ meals. Through the academy, Oprah is instilling the importance of philanthropy in young women and regenerating her own passions for helping others.

Beyond the above mentioned examples, Oprah has contributed to many other groups. She once gave each member of her studio audience $1000 to give to the charity of their choice, and she often autographs items for charity auctions including the Mississippi Animal Rescue League. Other charities she has given to include:

• Free the Children
• Project Cuddle
• Women for Women International
• Charlize Theron African Outreach Prohect
• Heifer International

Most of her charity work focuses on female empowerment and child welfare, with much emphasis also focused on animal rights. Oprah Winfrey continues to give generously to multiple projects and groups working to make the world a better place.

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