There is so much news coverage of famous people's lives - much of it none of our business, and none of it of any interest to me personally, that it is refreshing to read that someone who has made a substantial amount of money (hundreds of millions of dollars), doing something positive to help others.
Mr. Pitt visited New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina and was so shocked by what he saw he resolved to do whatever he could to help them rebuild. Mr. Pitt founded the Make It Right (MIR) organization (http://www.makeitrightnola.org/) to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina, specifically in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, LA. The project offers residents the opportunity to rebuild affordable duplexes while striving to to recreate and nurture the unique culture and spirit of the Lower 9th Ward which symbolizes the soul of New Orleans; Mr. Pitt understood the importance of the Lower 9th Ward to the city of New Orleans. Mr. Pitt chose to work with Global Green to sponsor an archtecture competition to generate ideas about rebuilding sustainably. Mr. Pitt has put his money, time and energy on the line to help rebuild the Lower 9th Ward in a manner that restores its spirit, energy and culture.
Mr. Pitt is not "A Developer"; he is a "regular" (wealthy, heart-throb) guy that brought the resources (including his own money) together to make a positive impact on a community, a city and a state. However, that is not all he has done; he has set an example that we as a people, a nation, and a culture can develop and redevelop houses, buildings and cities in a maner that is not devoid of local culture, style and flair. We do not have to develop these homogenized "Lifestyle Centers", residential developments, and shopping malls, that have the same "feel" no matter where they are located.
It is a shame that there are not more "regular" people in Hollywood willing to dedicate some money, time and effort to make such a positive impact.
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