George Lucas Donates His 4 Billion Dollar Disney Money To Charity
Everyone, fanboy or not, now knows about the big deal that Star Wars creator and Lucasfilm Ltd. founder George Lucas made with Disney. Numerous fanboys and fangirls (is that even a term), have expressed dislike on this big move. But today, Lucas announced that he is donating the 4 billion dollars from the Disney deal to charity.
From The Hollywood Reporter:
“George Lucas has expressed his intention, in the event the deal closes, to donate the majority of the proceeds to his philanthropic endeavors.”
It's not yet clear which foundation will get the proceeds. Lucas is currently the chairman of Edutopia, which is part of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He could put money into that or create a new foundation which would be funded from the sale.
The Foundation was the vehicle Lucas used to make a $175 million donation to his alma mater USC in 2006. He has also given to many other causes over the years including the Film Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“For 41 years, the majority of my time and money has been put into the company,” Lucas said in a statement Wednesday. “As I start a new chapter in my life, it is gratifying that I have the opportunity to devote more time and resources to philanthropy.”
I think this is a nice move on behalf of Mr. Lucas. It shows that he just didn't do it to cash out. Like he really needs to anyway. For more on this story, read at thehollywoodreporter.com.