"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. "
Martin Luther King Jr.
Giving is becoming increasingly integrated into the way we live, work, and connect with the world around us. Today’s giving culture embraces the full spectrum of impact—from acts of service to ethical purchasing, from community involvement to everyday kindness. Today, giving means showing up—with your time, your voice, your choices, and your heart.
Giving isn’t reserved for a select few—it belongs to all of us.
It’s about weaving generosity into the fabric of everyday life. Not just giving when it's easy—but choosing to care, to act, to make a difference. Every single day. This is living charitably.
Living charitably, above all else, means living fully. When you infuse compassion, kindness, and purpose in all you do, you have the ability to inspire others.
And when you live charitably, you help build a better world—not just for today, but for the generations to come. And that kind of impact starts with one simple decision: to give what you can, when you can, however you can.
Examples of living charitably
-
![Modern wooden house with large glass window, surrounded by grassy terrain and mountains in the background.]()
Jared Isaacman proves that the sky isn’t the limit for generosity.
Jared’s story is one of purpose meeting possibility. A billionaire entrepreneur and pilot, he used his SpaceX mission, Inspiration4, to raise over $250 million for St. Jude.
But he didn’t stop there. Jared also funded Starlink terminals for humanitarian use, personally visited the St. Jude clinic in the Philippines, and donated to help build a housing facility for patients and families there.
From the streets to the stars, Jared shows us that bold ventures can be rooted in deep compassion.
-
![]()
My brother Tom turned success into service—and never looked back.
My brother Tom Shadyac, a Hollywood writer, director and producer, could've chosen the spotlight, but he preferred staying out of the limelight and lifting others up. He built Memphis Rox, a nonprofit climbing gym in Soulsville, an underserved community in Memphis, Tennessee, where no one is turned away for lack of funds. He also founded a homeless shelter on the mall in Charlottesville, Virginia. From helping kids with tuition, medical needs, and families with funeral costs, to quietly covering rent for those in need, Tom reminds us: you don't need attention to make an impact. Just a heart filled with love and compassion.
-
![Chip Gaines St. Jude Contribution Charity]()
Our friend Chip Gaines asks the right question: “What good can I do today?”
Chip and Joanna have always put purpose first, leading with kindness and compassion.
For his 50th birthday, Chip committed to a $50,000 donation to St. Jude, and inspired others to jump in and contribute to our mission of finding cures and saving children, worldwide.
-
![A young graduate in a black cap and gown shaking hands with a man in a suit during a graduation ceremony outdoors in the rain. A woman holding an umbrella is in the background.]()
Rob Hale gave each of the 1,200 graduates at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $1,000...
…but with a caveat: The recipients had to give half away to a charity of their choice.
He said, “If they get to feel that joy themselves, then maybe it becomes something they want to do again, and make part of their own lives.”
Sounds like the epitome of living charitably, doesn’t it? -
![]()
Domino’s and Russell Weiner feed possibility.
Domino's and CEO Russell Weiner live charitably daily by delivering a difference to the communities in which they live and serve and by feeding the Power of Possible across the US and abroad. Domino's made the largest single commitment ever made to a children's hospital, $300 million by 2034 to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Domino's has already raised over $143 million for St. Jude including $18 million in 2024 alone. Domino's also raises critical awareness for the St. Jude mission. Russell and Domino's also lend their intellectual capital by volunteering to serve on boards and councils and by advising ALSAC/St. Jude executives. Other Domino's employees also give back through volunteerism in their communities.
Domino's is also passionate about Hunger Relief Support and partners with No Kids Hungry committing $1 million to the cause and GENYOUTH's 2024 Super School Meals Program to End Student Hunger. Domino's also empowers Dairy Farmers through a collaborative with the Nature Conservancy.
-
![]()
Adam’s Army marches with purpose.
Adam was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014, just before his junior year of High School. During his cancer treatment he reached out to me as the CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude, with a business plan (yes, a business plan which he presented to me by PowerPoint) to raise $1 million for St. Jude to thank them for saving his life. I remember Adam presenting this plan to me while in a chair receiving chemotherapy. Adam completed treatment in 2012 and has been running, walking, volunteering and speaking for St. Jude ever since. Adam says," If you cannot run with me, I ask you to donate. If you cannot donate, I ask you to simply share my message, Any action helps this to save lives." What great advice on how to live charitably.
-
![]()
Hollis Belger empowers young people to give back.
Hollis is now a student at Stanford University. When she was just 9, she decided to use her soccer juggling skills to help others by supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Through a combination of soccer juggling, and appearances at special events, Hollis has raised more than $830,000 for St. Jude as thousands have joined her cause. Hollis has also become an advocate for youth in philanthropy and the development of purpose in teens, speaking and writing about how young people can take a passion and turn it into a way to give back. What a great example of living charitably by doing what you love. I can't wait to see what else Hollis accomplishes.
