The desire to give: Philanthropy makes an impact and it begins with you!

By Academy News Guest Contributor Amerian D. Sones DMD, MS, FACP, FAO; AO past president

The word philanthropy traces its origins to the Latin word philanthropia and the Greek word philanthropia, which mean love or kindness to mankind.

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Philanthropy involves charitable giving to worthy causes, but it is much more than just a dharitable donation. Philanthropy is an effort an individual or organization undertakes basedon an altruistic desire to improve human welfare with often a personal naming opportunity to facilitate their philanthropic efforts.

1630, John Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony lectured to Puritan settlers that the rich should care for the poor, those who could not care for themselves. Them in 1638, John Harvard provided the foundations for Harvard University after bequeathing half of this estate to found Harvard University. Modern and notable philanthropists include Mother Teresa and Norman D. Rockefeller. In the 21^st century, philanthropic generosity includes individuals like Warren Buffet, Melinda Gates, and Dolly Parton.

Nonprofit organizations (AO and the Osseointegration Foundation) are organizations developed to support a variety of academic causes, such as educational, health, scientific, and public safety.

• Philanthropy refers to charitable acts that help others or society as a whole;
• Philanthropy can include donating money to a worthy cause or volunteering time, effort, or other forms of altruism;
• Roughly $326.87 billion in donations by individuals;
• More than $456 billion through bequests, which are made through trusts and wills.

There are many benefits to being a philanthropist which include improving one’s emotional and even physical well-being, and philanthropists have the satisfaction of knowing they have contributed to the greater good. Some studies show that philanthropists have less depression, higher self-esteem, lower blood pressure, and may even live longer than those who don’t give. Sounds good to me!!