What better way to start a Blog about Philanthropy in and around Chicago, than the week of the final airing of the Oprah Winfrey Show. Chicago is known as the City of Big Shoulders, and as I have dubbed it—the City of Bigger Hearts! So it is incredibly appropriate to spend some time acknowledging and thanking the “Queen of Talk” who has also proven herself to be the “Queen of Big Hearts!”
It’s reported that more than 70 organizations in Chicago alone have been the beneficiaries of Oprah’s philanthropic gifts. We only have to look through her twenty-five years of national television prominence to also see her impact on individual philanthropy, and on non-profit organizations around the country and the world. Her own personal gifts to education and social service organizations border on the magnitude of the “Genius Awards” presented annually by another Chicago philanthropic stalwart—The John D. & Catherine T. Mac Arthur Foundation. An organization or individual activist surprised by windfall support from Oprah, her Angel Tree Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, or other Oprah charities, are usually never the same again. And, her support usually provides the catalyst for much-needed growth and expansion of services, and opens the doors for new support from others who may have been sitting on the sidelines.
Oprah is on an elite list of philanthropists that I have had the unparalleled opportunity to meet or work with in my philanthropic career who are on my list of “dream donors” or supporters. She possesses the magic LIA formula—Linkage—Interest—and, Ability!
As a keenly private person, it is sometimes difficult to establish a linkage to her, and often when it happens, the recipient has had nothing to do with the relationship—other than simply doing an extraordinary job at whatever they do, and calling attention to themselves only because it’s hard not to notice great works! And, if not Oprah, someone from her team or inner-circle of confidants has noticed these good works! It makes me remember the admonishment my Mom used to tell my sister and me, “be careful what you do, you never know who is observing!”
It only takes watching the Oprah Show over a short period of time to know that she is CLEARLY interested in education, empowerment for women and girls, youth, and health—to name a few! And so it is not surprising the more than 65,000 people have received an education due directly to her largesse, and a number of schools have received gifts from her and/or her charities.
Her interest in empowering women and girls is legendary—most especially via her untiring commitment to building and supporting the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. She has also been the turning point to success for many women-owned businesses or projects serving women or girls.
Health issues—both physical and mental—have always been on Oprah’s list of interests. She has regularly featured medical professionals on her shows, and she provided the launching pad for Dr. Phil, and Dr. Oz, both of whom host popular television shows.
Obviously, a woman who is the architect of a billion dollar empire has the ability necessary to make philanthropic contributions that can have life-changing effects on organizations and the individuals served by them. And, Oprah has made her impact clear, and I know it will be long-lasting to millions of people world-wide.
Finally what is perhaps most important to note about Oprah’s philanthropy is the fact that she has inspired so many others to move beyond being “on-lookers to life” to transform themselves to being catalysts, activists, and philanthropists in their schools, communities, and in society—helping others just like Oprah has. So, her philanthropic legacy is also the inspired philanthropy that occurred because of her!
When she hosted her renowned Legends Ball several years ago, many acknowledged that Oprah herself is a legend…and indeed she is—as a talk show host—as an accomplished business woman—and as a philanthropist! You know you’re a legend when you are instantly known simply by your first name...or in her case, first initial!
Thanks Lady O! I already miss you and I know Chicago will miss the “O-effect!”
Renae Brantley
©Renae Brantley
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