Being or being associated with a celebrity philanthropist has both advantages and drawbacks when attracting attention to social causes

Celebrities as magnets

Although there is no shortage of cynics who categorically dismiss celebrities as only in it for the publicity, or having no impact on social causes whatsoever, I have been fascinated by celebrity activists and philanthropists ever since I witnessed their enormous convening power. Whenever I’ve struggled to get people to attend a philanthropy event, I have learned that getting a boldface name celebrity to show up often works wonders in getting other people to do so.

Leonardo Di Caprio Foundation gala raised $40 million in one night. Photo: Leonardo Di Caprio Foundation.