This is the section where I get to talk about all the things I enjoy: people, books, films – all of which have to do with either travel or philanthropy – my two biggest pleasures in the world! It’s also the place where you get to tell me about your favorites. I share mine, you share yours. So, here’re “MY” lists for what really impresses and inspires me.  

Philanthropic People
I’m a sucker for a guy who gives. Who isn’t? Also many of my friends hail from the nonprofit world and I so admire their dedication to a cause they believe in. Here’re just 3 fabulous philanthropic people:

Roger Federer: I’m a HUGE tennis fan and a die-hard Roger fanatic. Seriously, the best tennis player ever, incredibly gracious winning or losing, dedicated to his girlfriend (or appears to be on TV), and runs a foundation helping children around the world. Quite possibly the perfect man! Check out Roger Ferderer Foundation.

Atuki Turner: Atuki is the founder of an organization called Mifumi. She is one amazing woman, who is not just challenging, but actually changing, the landscape for women and girls in Uganda.

Mifumi’s mission is to support the needs of and protect women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse, as well as bride price violations. They are so worthy of our support. Check them out at www.mifumi.org and make a donation today!

I worked with Atuki and her senior management team for 2 days in Tororo, Uganda, on the country’s eastern border by Kenya. It was one of the most fabulous experiences I’ve ever had.

Ethan from Survivor: I don’t know him but my friend Sam does. Apparently she (Sam is a girl) and her boyfriend at the time were talking with Ethan about what he was going to do with his life. He had finally decided: He was going to enter and win this reality competition, Survivor, then use the money to start a citizen sector organization in Africa.

And that’s what Ethan did. His org, Grass Roots Soccer, helps kids learn HIV/AIDS life skills by playing soccer. I’m not entirely sure of the veracity of this story, but I’d love it if this was his outlandish plan and he made it happen. Rock on!

Let me add a bit of disclosure here. While I don’t watch Survivor, I did try out for it. My friend Tammy called me the morning of try-outs (back in 1990?) and told me to get to Chrissy Field for the taped interviews. So I rolled out of bed, jumped in my pick-up and headed over.

I managed to brush my teeth, but that was all the preparation I had. (Read: no make-up, no cute outfit, no prepared monologue. I obviously didn’t fully understand what I was getting into.)

And I’m pretty sure I flunked the Survivor test that morning too. I didn’t know who the players were the season before, didn’t have a “favorite” cast away. I listed my favorite TV show as Antique’s Roadshow, which I’m pretty sure wasn’t the right answer. Denied.

Who do you know who’s doing incredible important work?

 

Read on for other faves:

Favorite reads for the traveler and armchair traveler

Favorite flicks of adventure, bravery and heart

Other faves…