Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 31)

The Power of Good While most of us are well aware of Depp’s critically acclaimed acting chops (and let’s not forget his enviable mane and heart-stopping good looks) from movies like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Ed Wood and Benny & Joon, few people realize that the actor has been an advocate for children’s charities for years. As a father—he has two children, LilyRose, 13, and John “Jack,” 10, with his ex-girlfriend, actress Vanessa Paradis— Depp knows the joy children can bring. Throughout his career, he has chosen iconic roles that have earned him the respect of critics and the adoration of his fans—all while making meaningful contributions to the lives of children. Here, we give you an inside look at Johnny’s do-gooding ways along with tips for doing the same. GivinG To imPorTanT Causes Depp’s recent roles, including the legendary Jack Sparrow in four Pirates of the Caribbean movies, have earned the talented actor top dollar—he has reportedly earned more than $300 million for the film series so far. And he’s using some of that fortune for good. Most notably, the actor donated $2 million to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in 2008 as a thank-you after his then-8-year-old daughter Lily-Rose’s one-month stay for an E. coli infection that caused her to go into kidney failure. “To say it was the darkest moment, that’s nothing,” he told Entertainment Weekly of his oldest child’s brush with death. “It doesn’t come close to describing it. Words are so small.” “People are often motivated to give when they are inspired by something in their own life that makes them want to help or advocate for change,” says Azim Jamal, co-author of The Power of Giving. “But what few people expect is how giving will change them for the better.” Depp has financially supported other children’s healthcare organizations as well, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc. But you don’t have to have Depp’s millions to make a donation—or a difference. “Major donors, like Johnny Depp, can be transformational and profound for the organizations they support,” says Bill McGinly, president of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. “But smaller givers can have a tremendous impact, too, especially when they are added together with other modest gifts or when individuals give consistently over time.” photography by armando gallo, rEtna inc. “People are often motivated to give when they are inspired by something in their own life ...” 31 Vim & Vigor • Wi nter 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Bundles of Joy
A Sigh of Relief
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Contact Us!
Take Control of Your Diabetes
Life After a Loss
Taking Flight
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi