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George Clooney moved to LA at the age of 21 to pursue a career in acting after failing the tryouts for Cincinnati Reds. After working minor roles in television shows, his breakthrough role came with ER's drama show, where he played Dr. Doug Ross. To concentrate on his movie career, the actor left the show in 1999. Within the next five years, he worked in critical and commercially successful movies that earned him several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar. Along with a successful acting career, he is also a skilled director, screenwriter, and businessman who has amassed a $500 million fortune over the years. Along with making lavish purchases, he is known for his philanthropic ventures that have helped communities around him.
From starting his foundation to helping non-profits and making generous donations worth millions to show his love and appreciation for the people close to him, George Clooney has made hefty donations to aid people in need.
Donating Through Clooney Foundation Of Justice
George and Amal Clooney co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016, a non-profit that works towards advancing classrooms, communities, and courtrooms worldwide. As mentioned by Deadline, the couple donated $1 million in grant money to increase the power of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, to fight against the hate group in America run by white supremacists. Their donation came in response to the deadly attacks that occurred during a rally in the city which met with reluctance from then-President Donald Trump.
Helping 3,000 Syrian Refugees
Since World War II, Syrian refugees have struggled with violent acts for many years, one of the most significant humanitarian emergencies. In 2018 after the refugees suffered intense attacks in parts around the country, the Clooney Foundation for Justice partnered with UNICEF for $3.25 million with contributions from various companies, including Google and $1 million worth of technology from HP. The grant supported eight public schools with approximately 3,000 refugee students.
Paying Back Friends Who Helped Him
George Clooney has never taken his struggling years in Hollywood for granted. Aware of the times his friends have helped him by letting him take residence at their place, loaning him money, and supporting him through the ups and downs, the actor has always stepped forward to help them when in need. In 2013, he paid them back, literally, via cash. The actor invited 14 of his closest friends on the same date and handed each person a Tumi suitcase with $1 million cash inside, as reported by CNBC. He distributed $14 million within a night.
Giving Tequila Earnings To A Non-Profit
The actor launched his tequila brand Casamigos in 2013 with two of his friends, and it quickly became one of the most popular celebrity ventures in Hollywood. In June 2017, the trio sold the company to drinks maker Diageo for $1 billion. They received $700 million upfront, while the remaining $300 million will be given over ten years. During the time, Clooney declared that he would donate $21 million from his portion of profits to charity. The actor gifted $20 million to his foundation Clooney Foundation for Justice, to fight hate and bigotry.
Aiding Lebanese Charities
When a massive amount of ammonium nitrate exploded on the Port of Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon suffered devastating consequences. Within a few days of the explosion, Clooney shared a statement to offer his help. According to Variety, through the released statement, he announced that he donated $100,000 to Lebanese Red Cross, Impact Lebanon, and Baytna Baytak. These organizations were providing relief to the people on the ground.
Donation To Migrant Children
Under the Trump Administration in 2018, 2,000 migrant children were separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border due to illegal entries. The zero-tolerance policy, which introduced, detained children back to their home country while the parents were getting charged with a crime. George and Amal Clooney donated $100,000 to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, a human-rights group that advocated for the children through the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
Supporting The Survivors Of Parkland Shooting
Amidst the high school shooting that occurred in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, 17 people got killed, creating devastating consequences for the people in the city. Students from across the country gathered in Washington on March 24 to join the March For Our Lives Movement to put an end to school shootings and gun violence. The Clooneys shared a joint statement that they would donate $500,000 to the cause and be present on the date to march with the country's young generation, as stated by Harper’s Bazaar.
Coronavirus Relief Efforts
To support organizations helping people during the 2020 pandemic, George and Amal Clooney donated upwards of $1 million to show their support in six areas of great need. $250,000 each given to The Motion Picture And Television Home and SAG-AFTRA Fund, respectively. The couple also provided an additional $300,000 to three international charities, Lombardo Italy Region, Lebanese Food Bank, and the NHS.
George Clooney has aided various organizations and charities through his foundation to offer relief and support to people during times of need. Along with his advocate wife Amal, Clooney has always supported justice and helped people who struggled due to the lack of proper courtrooms, communities, and classrooms.
Sources: Deadline, CNBC, Variety, Harper’s Bazaar