Mackenzie Scott donates $39 million to Greater Cincinnati charities
Share
Updated: 12:20 PM EST Dec 20, 2020
WLWT Digital Staff
.
TRACKING THE COVID-19 VACCINE
Share
Updated: 12:20 PM EST Dec 20, 2020
WLWT Digital Staff
WLWT Digital Staff
As part of a plan to donate a majority of her fortune, Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, made "transformational" contributions to charities in Cincinnati.The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati announced they received a $10 million donation gift from Scott. The money will help address emergent needs in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, officials said.The donation is just one of the 384 Scott made to nonprofits nationwide. “We are humbled by this level of investment in our local community.” said YMCA of Greater Cincinnati President and CEO Jorge Perez. “The support of our local donors and members, along with the work our staff and volunteers do every day, put us in the right place at the right time to be able to accept this amazing gift.”The nonprofit plans to use the money on academic support services for vulnerable students through Cradle to Career Cincinnati. It will also help with child care, virtual learning, food distribution and senior wellness. “When transformational donors make investments in local communities, the impact is tremendous both here at home and beyond.” Perez continued. “What we learn locally as a result of this investment will influence regional and national initiatives throughout the YMCA network.” Scott also gave $25 million to the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.The donation will help the nonprofit influence change focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. Leaders said 2020 gave them a new perspective on inequities in the community and they want to use the donation to provide more opportunities to the people impacted."It could not have come at a better time. COVID-19 brought heartbreak and horror to our community. United Way and its partners responded quickly and strongly to the challenges of COVID-19, bringing optimism and commitment to recovery and revitalization. This significant investment not only brings a psychological lift, but it provides the opportunity to build upon, grow and accelerate United Way’s work rebuilding and strengthening systems of care," Moira Weir President/CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, said. Scott also donated $4 million to Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY, the region’s largest Meals on Wheels provider.The nonprofit said the donation will help Meals on Wheels reach even more seniors so they can stay safe, healthy and independent in their homes.