Philanthropy Trip - June 18, New York City
I am leading a group of 11 who are entrepreneurs from China.
They are here to observe and learn how philanthropy is done in the US.
Everything in China happens faster than the rest of world. It is the same for
the wealth creation. This group of entrepreneurs made their fortune
through hard work and following their inspiring vision during the past 10
years. While the country and individuals' wealth is increasing, it's time to
think about how to wisely use it.
Clarie Gaudiani, who wrote the book The Greater Good,
served as the group’s first speaker. Clarie shared stories of how philanthropy
drives the American economy and can save capitalism. Clarie is a wonderful
speaker and really inspired the group to re-identify what philanthropy is.
In the afternoon, we visited Rockefeller Philanthropy
Advisors, whose President, Melissa Berman, asked the group to consider the following
questions when they start their philanthropic journey:
1. Why are you giving?
2. What do you want to achieve？
3. How do you think change will
happen?
4. How will you assess your progress?
My take away was: The steps are not only a road map for
philanthropy, but also good for other things in life.
June 19, New York City
The traffic in the morning is terrible. Plus our driver
messed up the address, so we were late for our meeting at Synergos. It's
nice to see both Peggy Dulany and Bob Dunn again. Synergos is trying to build a
network for philanthropists around the world, so they can share their thoughts
and knowledge about philanthropy.
The world philanthropy comes from Greek, meaning Love for Human. Peggy told us
she was so stressed by work at one time so she went up a mountain. The
nature restored her energy; she suddenly felt inner peace. Philanthropy not
only means giving money, but also your heart, your brain and the whole of yourself.
Peggy is a fourth generation member of the Rockefeller
family. How wealth should be passed down is the homework question for the group
to think about. Do you have any of your own thoughts on the matter?
June 20, Philadelphia
It's great to be back to Philadelphia and great to see my
colleagues at SP2! Although the weather is 95 degree!
Judy Wicks is the founder of White Dog Cafe, she shared with
us her story. Judy started her restaurant in her living room. She pays a living
wage to her employees; she purchases locally produced organic meat and veggies;
she was the first one to use 100% recycle products and clean energy in
Pennsylvania. She doesn't want to maximize her profit by lowering the cost,
but her unique approach becomes her competitive advantage. After
ten years, the annual revenue of the restaurant is about 5 million
dollars.
Judy emphasized the four kinds of relationships: with her
customers, with her employees, with the community, and with the environment. If
every company had White Dog Café’s mind set, no doubt the world would be a
better one.
One of Judy’s waitresses is now a world advocator for the
local economy and environmental sustainable development. We admire Judy's
courage, her wisdom, and her big heart, which she has for all the world.
Tianxue Qui is a graduate of the NonprofitLeadership Program and currently lives and works in Beijing, China. After
graduation from the NPL Program, Tianxue was tapped by Dean Gelles to be an SP2
employee to assist the school in its efforts to engage Chinese SP2 alumni and
contacts with other higher education partners on building China’s philanthropic
efforts. She also was a liaison in SP2’s efforts to forge new academic
relationships with several Chinese universities.
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