MPTF’s retirement community: Where film professionals go to retire

The entertainment industry is a tough road to traverse. The immensity of the demands, the pressure, and the loads placed on those who work in the field are so great that many might plead out before they get to see retirement. But for those who endure the exacting profession, what’s in store for them?

Image Source: blog.accredited-online-colleges.com

Through the magnanimity of art patrons such as Alex von Furstenberg, the Motion Picture and Television Fund has built a residential community to provide for the retirement needs of the countless people who have invested much of their youth’s strength in regaling people. The residential community is exclusively dedicated to entertainment industry retirees and their spouses, offering a distinctive environment geared to slake the unique wants of this special group.

Image Source: dailynews.com

More than providing independent and assisted living accommodations, the MPTF residential also boasts of first-rate campus amenities and varied to recreational and social programs, ensuring that not a dull moment passes by. MPTF is also cognizant of the degenerative diseases that plague people in this developmental stage, and provides for the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Image Source: zimbio.com

These people regarded entertainment more than the industry that it is—they took it on as a way of life. They’ve helped tickle the fancies of many an audience for their whole life. And now they have time to enjoy what remains of it.

More of Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropy can be found at this website.

Private investment in public equity: Access to elusive capital

While many small companies struggle to raise money, some have reaped the benefits of investing in private investment in public equity (PIPE). When done for the right reasons, investing in PIPEs helps small companies gain access to capital at a low cost, increase institutional investment, and improve the public float of securities.

Image Source: privateinvestments.com

A PIPE deal happens when there’s a financial agreement between companies—one issues public securities privately (issuer) and the other one invests (investor) in those securities at a lower market value. This is done with the intention of helping the issuer raise capital. While the deal is done privately, the company's securities are traded publicly. The securities may be in a form of stock, equity, or company bonds.

Image Source: microcapconsultants.com

Benefits of PIPEs

There are a number of reasons why PIPE is a strong option for accessing capital. The US Securities and Exchange Commission cites the following reasons:

• A PIPE transaction can be done quickly and efficiently.

• It’s cheaper than a registered public offering.

• Although the issuers file a registration statement covering the shares issuable in the deal, they are not required to incur that expense without receipt of the investment proceeds.

The SEC explains, however, that PIPEs don’t come without risks. When not done properly, bad situations may arise. So it’s vital that issuers understand the market and know the reputations of the business players to avoid situations getting out of hand.

Image Source: supercfo.typepad.com

Alex von Furstenberg served as the co-managing member and chief investment officer of Arrow Capital Management LLC, a private investment firm focusing on global public equities. Access this Twitter page for more information.

AIDS Community Research Initiative of America: Staying hopeful amid the epidemic

Image Source: webmd.com

When AIDS first hit the country in the 1980s, it was like hitting on death’s head. The AIDS epidemic was considered as one of the most serious health-related events of the 20th century. It created a stir on the financial, social, and healthcare sectors in their struggle of coping with the epidemic. The development of antiretroviral drugs in the following years has somewhat raised hope to AIDS victims and their families. However, the high cost of these drugs makes them almost inaccessible to many.

As several states suffer the pangs of AIDS, community-based organizations, like the New York-based AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA), have heeded to the battle cry of AIDS/HIV patients.

Image Source: californiareport.org

First known as the Community Research Initiative on AIDS (CRIA), ACRIA is composed of a group of physicians, activists, and HIV victims who are frustrated by the slow pace of government and academic AIDS research. The dynamic group of AIDS physicians and researchers, like Drs. Joseph Sonnabend, Mathilde Krim, and Michael Callen, engaged in an aggressive approach to the study of new treatments for HIV and AIDS. Since ACRIA’s inception in 1991, it has been contributing to the development of medications to combat the disease. As stated by the organization, “We have contributed to the development of more than a dozen medications that have received FDA approval, helping countless thousands of HIV-positive people live longer, healthier lives.”

Video Source: youtube.com

Philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg is one of the benefactors of ACRIA. This Facebook page provides more updates on his humanitarian initiatives.

Investing in areas yet unexplored by for-profits and the government

Like investment expert and philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg, Bill Gates is a strong believer of philanthropic efforts from businesses to bring about necessary changes in society.

Image Source: voaky.org

Businesses are driven by aims for profit. Where there are free markets, there are also exchanges of ideas and products that bring about a better quality of life for consumers. The problem in this setup is that businesses that are concerned with profit alone tend to miss out on the needs of those that cannot pay.

The area that is commonly overlooked by for-profit organizations is where the government steps in and plays a significant role. With government investment in fields that serve the common good, like in medical research, aid and benefits can reach the people that need support the most.

Still, in spite of the business community and the government working on their own agendas, Bill Gates has shared that there still exists an area for innovations that can be ultimately rewarding for all. That space is what he calls the area for “catalytic philanthropy.”



Video Source: forbes.com


By reaching beyond market forces and investing in areas that are missed by government funding, society moves toward solving some long standing ills even when there is no apparent benefit to the initiators.

Profit may not come in the form of monetary gains for the companies that drive investments toward solutions for overlooked problems of society and the world at large. It may actually just come in the form of improvements in the status of society and in the form of benefits which may be enjoyed by all.

Image Source: shatil.org.il

Visit this blog for more stories on philanthropic ventures.

Boosting philanthropic efforts with limited resources

With the slow growth of the economy and with various industries striving to recover from the recession, many companies have also stepped up their efforts in order to keep up their philanthropic projects in spite of having scarce resources to spare.

Image Source: money.cnn.com

Certainly, the general opinion on donating one’s time and resources is that it is an integral part of a sustainable business strategy. It is something that must be included in business plans regardless if a business is booming or is experiencing financial difficulty, like the current situation faced by many.

The previous year, 2012, was a year of many difficulties for many companies. Philanthropic ventures have consequently suffered, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy has found that financial aid and donations from organizations in 2012 were significantly lower than in 2007, which is the period before the recession.

Still, financial difficulties have not stopped many companies and wealthy individuals from giving back to society. In the same way that they have let their companies to prosper in spite of several challenges along the way, many able business people have found ways to continue with their altruistic projects in spite of limited resources.

Image Source: advisorone.com

Due to the economic downturn and the slow recovery, companies have become more focused in their charitable efforts.

Some have chosen to support fewer causes in a bigger way. Companies may emulate such a strategy by selecting and contributing only to a few causes. They can make their choices based on corporate values and the company’s image.

Employee engagement programs are also a wise choice to boost a company’s charitable ventures. Companies can match donations and encourage volunteerism among its ranks, a move which furthers the company’s philanthropic goals and may also be seen as an employee benefit.

Image Source: richardzahnzmgconstruction.net

Check out on this Alex von Furstenberg blog for more stories on philanthropic ventures from around the nation.

A business' moral compass and its use in the for-profit setting

In spite of indications of recovery, forecasts from industry key opinion leaders and analysts point to the fact that economic growth will remain slow for a time. With corporations, small businesses, and individual consumers reeling from the effects of a stunted economy, it is understandable how philanthropic projects have also suffered.

Image source: Leansixsigmasource.com

The Philanthropy News Digest recently featured a report by the Chronicle of Philanthropy that made comparisons of donation highs reached before the recession and in 2012. The Chronicle found that donations in 2012 were significantly lower than in 2007.

Given that businesses are still striving for profit amid unfavorable conditions, it becomes necessary to ask if philanthropic efforts are still worth investing in.

Image source: Blogs.vancouversun.com

Seasoned business leaders maintain that philanthropic ventures will always be important. While companies may need to invest and sacrifice a little for a project that fits its corporate image and goals to serve as its moral compass, the act of giving back can create advantages in a world driven by profits. Proving oneself to be a good corporate citizen builds trust and good will that may be advantageous in the future.

The challenge to businesses remains. In a less than ideal economic condition, there are still many ways for businesses to give back without spending too much of what little funds it has. Most of the time, business leaders can find good solutions for this conundrum merely by building a more sustainable business strategy.  

Image source: Resumark.com

Find more links to articles and discussions on philanthropy by following this Alex von Furstenberg Twitter page.

Self-fulfillment: Why the rich really give

In a time filled with news about an unstable economy, unemployment, and terrorism, it is refreshing to see the following headlines: “Alex von Furstenberg supports American Tall Ship Institute,” “Warren Buffett and Bill Gates' ‘giving pledge’ gets 11 more billionaires to pledge half of wealth,” and “Former NFL team owner champions controversial causes.” Such good news reminds people that there is still something good happening amidst the chaos, and this includes the wealthy helping the less fortunate.

Image Source: elitedaily.com

But why do the rich support charity? The Wall Street Journal states that the rich may have an altogether different reason behind why they give.

A philanthropy study conducted by the Center on Philanthropy and Bank of America found that 46 percent of respondents said that giving to charitable institutions had a “greater impact on their own personal fulfillment” than on those who received the donations; only 20 percent believe that their contributions make a major impact on organizations they support, and only 6 percent believe that their contributions are going to help improve society.

Image Source: realsimple.com

To make things simple, these people actually do not believe that their contributions will make a significant impact to the world; however, they still continue with their philanthropic efforts because it makes them feel good. The article notes that philanthropists are aware that “changing the world through charity can often be an illusion since the problems they’re trying to solve are so vast and complex” but they “feel better for trying, and charity makes them better people.”

Image Source: keysforthelessfortunate.org

The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFF) serves as the headquarters for Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropic efforts. Visit this website for a list of the organizations DVFF supports.

Kiteboarding: Why riding the wind attracts the rich and powerful

Kitesurfing, simply put, is an extreme sport wherein "by using a large, powerful kite for propulsion, and standing or sitting on some form of transportation [usually a board similar to ones used in wakeboarding], the kitesurfer is able to reach high speeds and perform amazing and exhilarating stunts" (WiseGeek.com). It is a sport like no other, and it attracts a plethora of people, including the rich and famous.

Imgage Source: miamikiteboarding.com

Why the rich and famous?

Kiteboarding is an expensive sport, with boards ranging from $499 to $1,200, and kites ranging from $499 to $1,500. A typical kiteboarding gear is worth around $1,500 to $3,000. Kiteboarding lesson costs are also factored in, as the sport is very difficult to learn without help from a pro.

Another reason is that kitesurfing requires extensive traveling, as kiteboarding locations are usually in exotic, remote locales around the world.  Offshore Odysseys lists the following as the best locations for the sport: the Marshall Islands, Cargados Shoals in Mauritius, Pohnpei and Kosrae in Micronesia, Anakao in Madagascar, and Raivavae in French Polynesia. These places are so remote that most are only accessible by yacht.

Image Source: surfertoday.com

But the best reason why kiteboarding attracts the rich and powerful is that it gives them a taste of the things that only they are familiar with—risk, high stakes, and flux.

For technology tycoons, like Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and noted business leaders and investors, like Sir Richard Branson and Alex von Furstenberg, kitesurfing is a sport for those who are willing to take risks and challenge the elements.

Image Source: wsj.com

Alex von Furstenberg is the founder and chief investment officer of Ranger Global Advisors, a family office focused on opportunistic value-based investing. The firm’s website offers more information about him.