To the extraordinarily wealthy, a few million dollars is not much. To a world in dire need of cures for diseases, new energy sources, and a way to nourish and educate our poorest and most vulnerable citizens, a few million dollars is literally a world of difference.

About a year ago, a group of billionaires that included Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey and David Rockefeller met in New York for a confidential dinner.

An editor at Fortune magazine wrote that the guest list “would make any charity – or any conspiracy theorist – swoon.”

At the time, they refused to tell the press what they were up to but they’ve now broken their silence. As it turns out, the two richest men in America, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, are on a mission to get every billionaire in America to pledge – (seriously, pledge - they have a list) at least 50% of their wealth to charity.

If they succeed in getting the current 400 wealthiest Americans to join them, that’s $600 billion for charity! The UN says that it would take $30 billion a year to launch the necessary agricultural programs that would end world hunger.

According to Warren Buffett, extremely wealthy people like himself can easily afford to step up the roughly 10-12% average that they’re currently giving without the increase having any effect on them. He’s personally pledged to give 99% of his wealth, saying that just 1% is more than enough.

“Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day… The dollars these people drop into a collection plate or give to United Way mean forgone movies, dinners out, or other personal pleasures. In contrast, my family and I will give up nothing we need or want by fulfilling this 99% pledge… Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse, and long-standing friends.”

Buffett claims that his wealth can be attributed to “a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest” and believes that it’s only right to give what he doesn’t need to those who were not as lucky in what he calls “the ovarian lottery.”

Buffett, who still lives in the same 3 bedroom house he bought with his late wife 50 years ago, wanted to be clear that he is not driven by guilt, "but rather gratitude.” He's encouraging all wealthy Americans to keep what they need for themselves and their families, but to use the rest to benefit all of society.

In 1889, Andrew Carnegie wrote "The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced." Do you agree? Tell us in the comments.

The rest of us might not have billions in the bank but we can make a difference too! Choose the cause that’s important to you and let SocialVibe help you earn free donations.

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