"There are so many worthwhile charities to donate too on Christmas and Hanukkah. Where does one start and one end in their time and efforts in donating to charitable funds," asks Richard Maize.
"First off, you need to recognize that you are a 'giver,'" says Richard Maize. "For me, my wife Rochelle and I have established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation, http://www.richardmaizefoundation.com, that was established as a vehicle to give to a wide variety of both local LA and global charities. Our foun women's jackets dation 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. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation would say that almost all charities are worthwhile and for our associates to be involved, the only thing we 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. We just don't say no. For example, this last weekend, the Foundation supported a function for ORT," says Richard Maize.
"The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation are especially supportive of humanitarian causes and charities that are in desperate need of funds if only just to keep their lights on for Christmas and Hanukkah - throughout the year."
Richard 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."
"Among those that are non generic in nature are Cedar Sinai hospital (Board of Governors), feeding the homeless. And USO - it gets no better than supporting our service men and women. And helping those in catastrophe such as in Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake 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 Richard Maize.
"A minimum of 15% of the yearly gross income is forwarded to the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation."
"As to why and how much to give to each charity is predicated on what each charity stands for and our belief in it. Also make sure that the majority of actual dollars donated gets through to the cause that you are giving. There are charities that have such big salaries to the executive staff and the politics of the individual charities are of such, that only a very small percentage of the actual dollars given are used toward the cause," says Richard Maize.
"We 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 Richard Maize.
"The question is why?"
"A simple and good answer would be that Mark Zuckerberg simply doesn't need that much money to live a lavish lifestyle and while being young and still earning more than he will ever need. Zuckerberg may want to help a variety of needy organizations and for that much money can actually make a very 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."
Richard Maize adds: "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 backs. At the same time, a big contribution would bring a big welcome smile to needy people and 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, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, http://www.richardmaizerealestate.com, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, 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.
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