Richard Maize: How Do We Decide Which Charity, How Much?

Richard Maize: How Do We Decide Which Charity, How Much?

Los Angeles ---- December 15 ...... "There are so many worthwhile charities. Where does one start and one end in their time and of course in donating their charitable funds," asks Richard Maize.

 

"First off, you need to recognize that you are a "giver".  For me, we have established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation that was set created as a vehicle to give to a wide variety of charities.  Our foundation, which is simply a family foundation with a limited amount of funds".

"Here are the reasons and charities we look at," says Richard Maize.

 

"Family and friends are involved - I would say almost all charities are worthwhile and for my circle of friends to be involved, the only thing I can do is to support and applaud their efforts.  Charities are a selfless job and I am grateful that my friends and family are not only involved financially, many of them are very involved with their time and effort.  I just don't say no.  For example, this last weekend, I went to a function for ORT." 

 

"Charities that are in desperate need of funds only to keep their lights on that have a deep meaning."

 

Maize adds: "Some are religious oriented. The Jewish Federation, Vista del Mar, YLDI, Chabad of BelAir, JVN, US Committee for Sports in Israel (Maccabiah Games / Jewish Olympics) and many others."

 

"Non generic in nature - Cedar Sinai hospital (board of governors), feeding the homeless (I supply much needed clothing and hand them out myself).   this is one of my favorites.  USO - it gets no better than supporting our service men and women.  Helping those in catastrophe both in Katrina and Haiti of recent events." 

"The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is mandated by the income the founders make from year to year.  There are no grants nor outside contributors," says Maize.  "A minimum of 15% of the yearly gross income is forwarded to the Foundation."

 

"As to why and how much to give each charity is predicated on what each charity stands for and our belief.  I also make sure that the a majority of the actual dollars get through to the cause that you are giving.  There are charities that have such big salaries to the workers and the politics of the individual charities are such, that only a very small percentage of the actual dollars given are used toward the cause," says Maize.

"I have no problem with this young man of 26 years of age - Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook - giving a great amount of his sudden wealth to charities," says Maize.   "The question is why?  A simple and good answer would be that I simply don't need that much money to live a lavish lifestyle and while I am young and still earning more than I will ever need, I want a needy organization to be helped and for that much money, it can actually make a big difference." 

 

Richard Maize concludes: "I was recently asked if I made a one billion dollars, what would I do with it?  The answer I had was I would be able to give more away.  For one, it avoids the income tax on those gross dollars so that the government is participating.  And second, I couldn't do anything more with a billion dollars than I could with 200 million (other than buying completely unnecessary toys).  I could live where I wanted and drive any car I chose.  Vacations would be lavish and so would the clothes on our back.  At the same time, a big contribution would bring a big welcome smile on needy people or medical research.  That would make me the happiest."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives. 

Richard Maize has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid and Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.
 

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of the American Cancer Society, among many other organizations, and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to community and global causes by supporting programs focusing on art, culture, family services, and healthcare. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation’s efforts also help people with cancer and those who care for them lead live more fulfilling lives.