Jeff Bezos Commits $2 Billion to Help Homeless and Launch Preschools, Surprises Us With His Incredible Generosity
Jeff Bezos is the richest man in the world, with a net worth estimated at about $150 billion.
With that kind of money, one could pretty much do anything they want -- from stocking up a garage full of Lamborghinis to changing the lives of those in need.
Bezos, however, has often been criticized for not doing the latter to the same extent as fellow tech billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates or Warren Buffet.
Sen. Bernie Sanders is no stranger to pointing out the fact that Bezos could be doing more with his wealth.
“Thousands of Amazon workers have to rely on food stamps, Medicaid and public housing to survive. That is what a rigged economy looks like,” Sanders tweeted.
However, it seems as though Bezos has had a change or heart, to the tune of $2 billion. On Thursday, Bezos wrote that he would be creating a “Day 1 Family Fund” that would “issue annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families."
He’ll also work on an “Day 1 Academies Fund” which would operate as “a network of high-quality, full-scholarship, Montessori-inspired preschools in underserved communities.”
The vision statement, he explains, comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside.
Last year, Bezos had asked twitter to submit ideas for how he should use his fortune to help. He wrote that he wanted to help “people in the here and now — short term — at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact.”
“Where is the good in the world, and how can we spread it? Where are the opportunities to make things better? These are exciting questions.” he wrote.
He ends Thursday’s tweet by thanking everyone who sent him suggestions and for the “inspiring examples of innovation” he sees everyday.
“It fills me with gratitude and optimism to be part of a species so bent on self-improvement.”
It sounds like Bezos really has had a change of heart. Earlier this week, he made an elusive appearance on Instagram, where he posted a photo of himself sporting pajamas at an Amazon board meeting.
He goes on to explain that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and that each year Amazon partners with American Childhood Cancer Org -- the largest childhood cancer organization in the U.S. -- to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
Who knew Bezos had such a soft side?
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.