Current:Home > MyShe asked 50 strangers to figure out how she should spend her $27 million inheritance. Here's what they came up with.-LoTradeCoin
She asked 50 strangers to figure out how she should spend her $27 million inheritance. Here's what they came up with.
lotradecoin referral View Date:2024-12-25 12:45:50
Last year, heiress Marlene Engelhorn presented a question to her fellow Austrians: "How should I spend my 25 million euro inheritance?" Engelhorn, who comes from a European business dynasty, said she would choose 50 strangers from different demographics to brainstorm ways for her to use her money – and now, their spending plan has been released.
Englehorn sent invitations to 10,000 randomly-selected Austrians, asking them to complete a survey. She narrowed the survey participants to 50 council members and tasked them with distributing 25 million euros — more than $27 million — to those who need it, since Austria doesn't impose taxes on wealth and inheritance.
The diverse council included people from different ages, incomes, education levels and even attitudes on wealth distribution. They were moderated by a team of eight and were also advised by academics and experts.
After meeting over six weekends, the team of 50 people, called "Guter Rat" or Good Council, decided to distribute the inheritance to 77 initiatives, including Tax Justice Network, Attac Austria, the Momentum Institute and the World Inequality Lab.
They decided to use the money to fight against poverty-related illness as well as protect women from violence. "Poor makes you sick and sick makes you poor," said council member Dietmar Feurstein, quoting from the council's deliberations.
They are donating some of Englehorn's inheritance to women's shelters, the deaf association and inclusive soccer clubs.
Another area of focus – housing, integration and education – was brought to the table by 17-year-old council member Kyrillos Gadall. They chose to donate to organizations that work to obtain affordable housing for those in need.
They also wanted to focus on migrants and refugees by supporting language and other educational courses as well as organizations that advocate for better access to health care and working conditions.
"In summary, the result is as diverse as the council itself," said project manager Alexandra Wang. "Initiatives that directly support those affected or tackle the causes of the problem were supported. Both small and large organizations were considered, as well as young initiatives and long-established organizations."
She said all the decisions had one thing in common: "They want a fairer society. They want everyone to live well together. And they want to support those who are discriminated against."
Caitlin O'KaneCaitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.
veryGood! (63)
Related
- Luigi Mangione's Lawyer Speaks Out in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case
- HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge to leave Biden administration
- See Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval Face Off in Uncomfortable Preview
- Proof Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright's Marriage Was Imploding Months Before Separation
- Drew Barrymore Addresses Criticism Over Her Touchiness With Talk Show Guests
- Oscars’ strikes tributes highlight solidarity, and the possible labor struggles to come
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, TMI
- Don Julio 1942 was the unofficial beverage of the 2024 Oscars, here's where to get it
- Beyoncé's BeyGood charity donates $100K to Houston law center amid Jay
- Scott Peterson appears virtually in California court as LA Innocence Project takes up murder case
Ranking
- Luigi Mangione merchandise raises controversy, claims of glorifying violence
- Colleges give athletes a pass on sex crimes committed as minors
- Oscars 2024 report 4-year ratings high, but viewership was lower than in 2020
- Trump seeks delay of New York hush money trial as Supreme Court weighs presidential immunity
- Mystery drones are swarming New Jersey skies, but can you shoot them down?
- Avalanche forecaster killed by avalanche he triggered while skiing in Oregon
- Man fatally shoots girlfriend and her adult daughters during a domestic incident, deputies say
- Viral video of Biden effigy beating prompts calls for top Kansas Republican leaders to resign
Recommendation
-
How to watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for free: Special date, streaming info
-
West Virginia GOP County Commissioners arrested over skipping meetings in protest
-
Caitlin Clark, Iowa set conference tournament viewership record after beating Nebraska
-
Robert Hur defends special counsel report at tense House hearing on Biden documents probe
-
Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze
-
Married Idaho couple identified as victims of deadly Oregon small plane crash
-
A new generation of readers embraces bell hooks’ ‘All About Love’
-
Purple Ohio? Parties in the former bellwether state take lessons from 2023 abortion, marijuana votes