$72 million in a single month

Nov 5, 2007 07:56 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has managed to reach this year a new standard in its charitable endeavors. Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer was joined by former U.S. president Bill Clinton for the closing ceremony of the company's 2007 annual giving campaign. The two applauded a new giving record that raised the bar to no less than $72 million this October. The active involvement of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates via the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation into philanthropic work is well known, but the Redmond company is sharing a similar culture focused on giving. For example, the donation campaign in October has been a tradition over at Microsoft for 25 years.

"You've done a good thing with this giving, because it is inconceivable that we can adequately address these challenges without a strong economy, an effective government and a more viable civil society. "People have to step into the breach. Benjamin Franklin understood that 40 years before the Declaration of Independence when he organized America's first volunteer fire department. When you gave all this money - over $70 million this year - you were the 21st century's great volunteer fire department, and I thank you", Clinton commented.

The giving campaign involves contributions from Microsoft employee, be them monetary donations or volunteering. The Redmond company then matches the contributions dollar for dollar. This is how in October, Microsoft announced a new giving record of $72 billion, up from the $63 billion of 2006. In the 2007 fiscal year, the Redmond company's donations amounted to $68 million in cash and $331 million in software worldwide.

"Microsoft's mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. One way we fulfill our mission is by developing innovative software that transforms the way people learn, work and communicate. Another way is by using our resources and expertise to help expand social and economic opportunities in communities around the world. Our employees share those values, and this year's giving effort was just phenomenal", Ballmer added.

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Former President Bill Clinton
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and former president Bill Clinton
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