The Wildcatter’s Benevolence Network
Philanthropy is a very important part of the world we live in today; its first known use was circa 1623. The word originates from the Greek word “philanthropos”. Phil means “loving” and anthropo means people, so it literally means “love of mankind”. Put simply, philanthropy is people helping people. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller come to mind when we think of great philanthropists. But we can all do our part to donate our skills, services, or money to our local communities, or even to the world, to help the greater good. While all philanthropy is good philanthropy, it is important to do your research and know where your money is going. The Wildcatters Network has a few organizations that we both trust and admire when it comes to our philanthropic giving.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: “Finding Cures. Saving Children.”
Founded in 1962, St. Jude is a nonprofit hospital dedicated to the research and treatment of children’s catastrophic diseases. Famous comedian, Danny Thomas, founded the hospital after making a promise to St. Jude Thaddeus: “help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.” Soon enough, major success followed over the years, making Thomas believe in the power of prayer. He thought, “no child should die in the dawn of life” and built St. Jude Hospital to honor his promise to the saint. Their research focuses on advancing cures as well as means of prevention. What really makes them special is that treatment is completely free to families. 81 cents of every dollar donated to St. Jude is used for research and treatment.
MD Anderson Cancer Center: “Making Cancer History.”
A cancer treatment and research center as well as an academic institution. U.S. News & World Report ranked it #1 for cancer care in the “Best Hospitals” report in 2016. Located in Houston, Texas where around 135,000 people sought care in 2015. You can choose from six options where your donation goes or you can even write in a specific choice.
Smile Train
An international children’s charity providing free cleft lip and palate surgery in 87 developing countries. In addition, providing training, funding, and resources to local doctors to create a long-term, sustainable system of care. With the help of donors, they have given over 1 million children new smiles.
Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach
WOGO’s mission is to, “Provide free life-altering orthopaedic surgery that eliminates debilitating arthritis and restores disabled joints so that women can reclaim their ability to care for themselves, their families and communities.” They travel to developing countries around the world to empower, educate and engage women and their communities.