Two weeks ago Amos Winbush III, CEO and founder of CyberSynchs, was on a show on ABC called “Secret Millionaire” (see above if you missed it). Secret Millionaire follows a successful business person for one week as they leave their lavish lifestyles, conceal their true identities, and go to live and volunteer in a poverty stricken neighborhood in America. Their mission is to discover deserving individuals who continually sacrifice everything to help those in need and encourage others to do the same. On the final day the business person reveals their true identities and gives a large amount of their own money which usually changes their lives forever.
In this episode, Winbush, a Shreveport native, spends a week in News Orleans visiting individuals and community organizations using a secret identity. During his visit, he helped at several organizations that touched and moved him in amazing ways, including: St. Paul’s Homecoming Center, a non-profit that’s dedicated to restoring and rebuilding the homes of displaced residents; Hope United Church & Community Center; and A’s and Aces, a program that works with children and focuses on improving literacy, teaching positive behavior and citizenship all while promoting healthy living through the game of tennis. Winbush also meets some strong and determined local residents who change his life in numerous ways. In the end he gives his own money to everyone he interacted with on the show.
While I enjoy the concept of the show it makes you wonder why don’t we give back? Why does it take a show to track you down and TELL you to give back. Winbush commented on his expensive ties and dinners yet when Katrina hit he never mentioned volunteering money or effort and he was effected (his cousins lived in a Katrina hit area)! Let’s reflect this Labor Day, we work so hard to achieve what? Fame, wealth, a great lifestyle? All this is fine but you should NEVER forget there are people in this world/community that needs help. Let’s start taking time to help our communities whether it be via service or money.
How are you giving back to YOUR community?
Deena McKay 