Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and Fiancée Lauren Sánchez Announce $100 Million Donation
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez have committed to giving away $100 million as part of Bezos’ annual prize to individuals who make significant contributions to society. This year’s recipients, Eva Longoria and Bill McRaven, will each receive $50 million.
The Bezos Courage and Civility Award
The Bezos Courage and Civility Award is bestowed upon individuals who strive to find solutions to complicated problems, unite people, and encourage civility.
Previous Recipients
The first recipients of the prize were Van Jones, a lawyer and CNN commentator, and chef José Andrés, each receiving $100 million in 2021. Entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton was honored in 2022 as the awardee. However, in 2023, no award was granted.
Bill McRaven’s Focus
Bill McRaven, a retired Navy admiral and former chancellor of the University of Texas System, aims to utilize the $50 million gift to concentrate on three significant areas. These include educating the children of deceased veterans, particularly in the special operations community, addressing the mental health and brain performance of veterans, and aiding in the development of future military leaders through education.
Eva Longoria’s Commitment
Eva Longoria, renowned for her role as Gabrielle Solis in ABC’s drama Desperate Housewives, has a dedicated focus on education and entrepreneurship within Latino communities. The Eva Longoria Foundation strives to connect Latinos and Latinas in lower-income areas with peer mentors and offers a start-up fund for Latino-owned small businesses. Expressing her excitement, Longoria shared her belief in investing in the strength and potential of the Latino community in the U.S., acknowledging the need for infrastructure and opportunity.
