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Marion Anderson
The True Mother of Philanthropy
By: Mimi Makabi

As a child, she had typical aspirations—to grow up and become a ballerina, a doctor, or a singer. But unbeknown to her, Anderson’s true life passion and purpose lied deeper than she could have ever imagined.  “Charity work was my calling. I am very passionate about it. It means different things to me at different times. It all boils down to helping someone who is in need. You know, you said we all have a purpose, and I think that’s part of the reason of ‘being’—it is to be able to help other people.”
Throughout the years, Anderson has devoted much of her time and money to numerous charities and organizations. As I reviewed her extensive list, I was truly taken back by all the greatness this one woman has done—and is still doing! She has joined boards of various organizations including: The National Art Association, ARCS Foundation, Diadames of the Child Care League, Blue Ribbon at The Music Center, Phoenix House, and Claremont McKenna College.

For Anderson, there is much more to philanthropy than just writing large checks. It’s about getting involved—it’s about pouring emotion into an organization and getting a chance to see the outcome of contributions.She explained,“Philanthropy doesn’t have to be just about money. No matter how much or how little—get involved! When you do, you really begin to understand the meaning of what philanthropy is—of what caring is. You get so much back! I can’t explain this to people because they think, ‘well…you know, it’s just talk’. It’s not talk. You have to do it, to realize the importance of it.”

About five years ago, Anderson and other Board of Trustees of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles launched the ‘Living Proof Campaign’, in efforts to raise funds for new facilities, endowment, program and annual support.  They not only reached their goal to raise $500 million, they successfully exceeded it, raising more than $600 million—a milestone that is believed to be unprecedented among freestanding children’s hospitals in the United States.

Recently, Anderson and her husband, generously donated $6.5 million, and had ‘The Gateway Building’ at the hospital named in their honor. As the Co-Chair of the hospital, she has used her position, vision and energy, towards making it one of the world’s top pediatric facilities available today. “We treat the sickest of sick children. When other hospitals are unable to continue to care for them, they send them to us. We more than likely either cure them, or send them home to live as normal of a life as possible. And when you think of that, it is pretty tremendous. We don’t turn anybody away. It is so amazing and so rewarding to feel that you are a part of something so significant—not only to the community, but to the world.”
 
Regardless of the diverse list of causes she has been associated with, it is evident that Anderson’s underlying philanthropic motivation has always been her true passion for children. She explains, “Right now, my main focus and passion is The Childrens Hospital. I am just so honored and so pleased, to be able to be a part of this incredible institution. When you see the work that is being done there, by these incredible doctors and nurses, who care so much about what they are doing—it is truly wonderful. It’s a business of saving lives—and what is more important than saving the lives of children. They are our future. They’re our tomorrow.”
 
After years of making a career of giving, it’s no surprise that Anderson has not only mastered the art, but finds true joy and satisfaction in it. With a big, sweet smile she said, “I feel very blessed that we are in a position to be able to do something. I think everybody should be involved. It’s amazing how many people you talk to, who are of means, that just are not ready to give. It’s just not an easy thing for people to do. But I think, as we learn, as we do, and as we give, we realize how wonderful it is. You know, the corny cliché: ‘The more you give, the more you receive’? The saying is not corny—it is true. The feeling of being able to do this, that’s truly powerful!”

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