When I see news stories or ads I usually question what angle it was written from or who was behind the ad or story. Such was the case after seeing a number of ads with the, “Foundation for a Better Life”, tag line. Although, I admit, it was one ad in particular that made me suspicious. It was the, “You can let go now”, video. A father in a hospital bed with his daughter thinking about all the great times they had spent together while the song plays, “You can let go now, Daddy.” I first noticed this ad during the healthcare debate about rationing healthcare and the possibilities of ‘death panels’. I was expecting to find Kathleen Sebelius and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services behind this particular ad.
It may have been just a coincidence that I noticed this ad during the healthcare debate. I had never paid attention to the tag line on that commercial before and then I realized there were quite a few ads from “The Foundation for a Better Life”. You’ve probably seen a commercial like one below or a billboard or heard a radio spot with an inspirational message produced by the Foundation for a Better Life. You may not have given it another thought.
So I did some research about ‘The Foundation for a Better Life’: “The Foundation for a Better Life began as a simple idea to promote positive values. We believe that people are basically good and just need a reminder. And that the values we live by are worth more when we pass them on.” Wikipedia has the following: “The Foundation for a Better Life is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000 to promote positive behavioral values; it is entirely funded by Philip Anschutz, a conservative Evangelical Christian. The Foundation creates public service campaigns to communicate its values, such as honesty, caring, optimism, hard work, and helping others, in an attempt to make a difference in communities. Viewers are encouraged to step up to a higher level and to pass on positive values, with the rationale that these seemingly small examples of individuals living values-based lives may not change the world, but collectively they make a difference. The Foundation communicates its message through television, outdoor advertising, theatre, radio, and the Internet.”
One man, Philip Anschutz, is behind the entire foundation. His foundation does not take or give any donations. Philip Anschutz is one of top 40 wealthiest individuals in the United States. According to the Forbes article by Christopher Helman, “The Man Behind the Curtain”, he made his fortune in oil, railroads, telecom and entertainment. I cannot help but wonder why Helman made no reference to Anschutz’ charitable contributions in his Forbes article. (Being the inquisitive individual that I am, I did try to contact Mr. Anschutz at his offices in Colorado for an interview for my show but was unsuccessful as he does not grant interviews.)
Mr. Anschutz’ Walden Media is also behind, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia series’, and ‘Waiting for Superman‘, as well as numerous other media and entertainment ventures.
Mr. Anschutz wants you to know, one person CAN make a difference. Through the Foundation for a Better Life at Values.com and also through another of his foundations “Random Acts of Kindness”, he tries to spread that message. You can find the Foundation for a Better Life on Facebook and Twitter too.
This Christmas season, and everyday throughout the coming year; remember – you can make a difference.
Merry Christmas, Pass it on!
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