Celebrity Philanthropy

Justin McKeating, the purveyor of Chicken Yoghurt, writes with pithy disdain for the celebrity rockstars who have signed on to participate in the upcoming Live 8 Concert. He points out that multi-millionaires like Elton John and Paul McCartney could accomplish more for the cause by staying home and sending cash.

Justin, you are exactly right. But celebrities involved in fundraising campaigns are never told the truth by their recruiters. Instead, they are told, and readily come to believe, that their involvment on any level has such great value to the organization, cause or project that they needn't make an actual financial contribution. And, frequently in addition to "their great big back-slap" for their "uncompensated" participation, celebrity philanthropists receive lavish expense reinmbursements and other in-kind payments artfully negotiated by their agents.

For a delicious serving of Chicken Yoghurt go to
http://chickyog.blogspot.com/2005/06/live-8-point-being-what-exactly.html