A Touch of Stardom and Philanthropy
On April 30, a virtual benefit left audiences buzzing, as TV icon Jimmy Kimmel and NASA’s very own Mark Rober co-hosted a star-studded event raising more than $3 million for NEXT for AUTISM. This charity works to enhance the lives of individuals with autism and their families across the U.S. Who knew a night of entertainment could pack such a punch for a worthy cause?
A Lineup to Remember
The livestream was a veritable who’s who of entertainment, featuring the comedic talents of Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock, and Adam Sandler, with the dazzling Charlize Theron making an appearance. If that sounds like a party, well, it was! They made raising funds an absolute joy, proving once again that laughter can be truly philanthropic.
Crypto for Charity: The New Frontier
Turning heads even further, the event embraced modern technology by allowing crypto donations. Thanks to crypto lender Nexo and The Giving Block, viewers could donate not just dollars but diverse cryptocurrencies! Along with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), the platform accepted a slew of altcoins, including Dai (DAI) and Zcash (ZEC). Talk about making charity as trendy as the latest TikTok dance!
A Mixed Reaction from the Autism Community
While the lineup was impressive and donations flowed in, not all feedback was positive. A number of autism advocates expressed their discontent towards NEXT for AUTISM, raising concerns about the organization’s engagement with autistic-led groups. An open letter signaled the frustrations of activists who worry that their voices weren’t being heard. Additionally, the relationship between NEXT and the controversial Center for Autism and the Developing Brain only added fuel to the fire. Some describe the center’s research as eugenicist. Wow, that’s a heavy accusation to throw at a charity event!
Hope for Dialogue
On a hopeful note, Mark Rober has been receptive to the criticisms, engaging in dialogues with the activists. While these discussions have been termed ‘in good faith,’ some community members feel that further engagement is needed to fully address their concerns. Meanwhile, the hashtag #FinanceTheSpectrum is being circulated, emphasizing issues like the chronic unemployment faced by autistic individuals.
The Future of Crypto Philanthropy
The Giving Block continues to pave the way for crypto donations, recently launching the “Crypto Giving Pledge,” encouraging investors to donate 1% of their holdings yearly. If successful, this small gesture could unlock a $20 billion charitable tidal wave! Imagine if every crypto enthusiast pocketed a little less for themselves and a little more for charity; that’s the kind of generous spirit that makes everyone smile!
+ There are no comments
Add yours