Positive Role Model: Mr. Beast

A role model is someone who is worthy of imitation.

In my 60-plus years of life, outside of my parents and siblings, I have not seen or felt that there are any positive role models in America. In the world of wealthy people, you do not often see them doing much good with their money. If you look at Jeff Bezos, you will see a person with a lot of money that does nothing for anyone but himself. Elon Musk, similarly, seems to prioritize personal profit. Even Bill Gates, who has done commendable work with his foundation, does not engage in philanthropy without a focus on profitability. Meanwhile, around the world, real problems persist that these men could easily help solve: clean water, housing, and food.

These three primary needs—food, proper homes, and clean drinking water—are essential for human survival. Today, millions around the globe are starving, drinking and dying from contaminated water, and living without shelter. Imagine if every human had these basic necessities; they could then channel their energy into improving the world rather than merely surviving.

Now, envision a person who has amassed a vast amount of money and decides to use it to address these critical issues directly. Imagine someone drilling water wells in remote villages, building homes, and funding these projects out of their own pocket, all while inspiring a global community to join in their efforts. If such a person existed, I would call them a “Positive Role Model.” But surely, such a person does not exist. An American with millions of dollars, a community of 100 million friends and fans, who goes out of their way to build homes and provide clean water? 

That seems too good to be true.

Yet, I am thrilled to introduce you to a young man from North Carolina who has done precisely this. He goes by the name of Mr. Beast.

Mr. Beast, born Jimmy Donaldson, made his fortune by entertaining millions on YouTube and other social media platforms. With his charisma, creativity, and genuine generosity, he has built a global fanbase of over 100 million subscribers. Unlike many wealthy individuals who keep their wealth to themselves, Mr. Beast has chosen a different path. He is using his influence and resources to make a tangible difference in the world.

One of the most significant aspects of Mr. Beast’s philanthropy is its transparency and hands-on approach. Through his website, Beast Philanthropy, you can see the incredible work he and his team are doing. They are addressing problems that no government or NGO has been able to solve in the past 100 years.

Mr. Beast’s rise to fame began with his unconventional and entertaining videos. He first gained attention by creating videos featuring stunts, challenges, and acts of kindness that captured the imagination of viewers. One of his earliest viral videos involved counting to 100,000, which took him 40 hours to complete. This dedication to pushing boundaries and creating engaging content quickly earned him a massive following.

As his popularity grew, so did his ambitions. Mr. Beast started using his platform to give back in increasingly significant ways. He began by giving away large sums of money to strangers, friends, and family. These acts of kindness ranged from tipping waitresses thousands of dollars to surprising people with new cars. His generosity not only provided immediate relief to the recipients but also inspired his audience to be more compassionate and giving.

Recognizing the potential of his influence, Mr. Beast launched several large-scale philanthropic initiatives. One of his most notable projects is Team Trees, a collaborative fundraising campaign that aimed to plant 20 million trees by the end of 2020. Partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation and other creators, Mr. Beast successfully raised over $20 million, resulting in the planting of millions of trees worldwide.

Mr. Beast’s philanthropic efforts didn’t stop with environmental causes. In 2021, he launched Beast Philanthropy, a charity dedicated to addressing critical issues such as hunger, homelessness, and access to clean water. Through this organization, Mr. Beast and his team have undertaken projects that have transformed countless lives.

One remarkable project involved building 100 homes for families in need. This initiative didn’t just provide shelter; it offered a fresh start and hope for a better future. By documenting the process on his YouTube channel, Mr. Beast highlighted the importance of community and the impact that collective efforts can have.

Another significant initiative was drilling water wells in remote villages. Clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions still lack access to it. Mr. Beast’s efforts to provide clean water have saved lives and improved the health and well-being of entire communities.

Mr. Beast’s philanthropy is not just about giving money; it’s about inspiring others to join the cause. His videos showcase the power of community and encourage viewers to get involved in making a difference. By leveraging his platform and influence, Mr. Beast has created a ripple effect of kindness and generosity that extends far beyond his individual efforts.

What sets Mr. Beast apart from other wealthy individuals is his genuine commitment to using his resources for good. He doesn’t just write checks; he actively participates in the projects he funds. Whether it’s personally handing out meals to the homeless or traveling to remote locations to oversee water well installations, Mr. Beast is hands-on in his approach to philanthropy.

His transparency and authenticity have earned him the trust and admiration of millions. People see Mr. Beast not just as a content creator, but as a role model who demonstrates that wealth and influence can be used to create positive change.

In conclusion, Mr. Beast is a beacon of hope in a world where positive role models are hard to find.

His rise to fame and his commitment to philanthropy offers a powerful example of how one person can make a difference. By using his wealth and influence to address critical issues such as hunger, homelessness, and access to clean water, Mr. Beast is proving that true wealth lies in the ability to uplift others. He is not just a YouTube sensation; he is a positive role model for the next generation, showing that kindness, generosity, and community can change the world.