TO DONATE THE MAJORITY OF THE $ 4.05 BILLION FROM THE SALE OF LUCAS FILMS
Can you see it? Mickey Mouse becomes a Jedi and Luke Skywalker befriends a new hero?
By now, we all know, two worlds have merged, thanks to George Lucas and Disney CEO Bob Iger. In this surprising transaction, Disney executives have announced that they have come to an agreement to acquire Lucasfilm LTD. Even more surprising, they are planning on releasing the feature film Star Wars: Episode 7 in 2015, followed by more Star Wars films.
“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, chairman and CEO of Lucasfilm. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”
“You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you.” - George LucasGeorge Lucas gets a windfall from Lucasfilm. According to CNN Money, Disney is paying for the company with $2 billion in cash and around 40 million shares of its stock. Lucas plans to put the proceeds into his philanthropic passion.
“I am dedicating the majority of my wealth to improving education. It is the key to the survival of the human race," Lucas said in a statement. "We have to plan for our collective future—and the first step begins with social, emotional, and intellectual tools we provide to our children. As humans, our greatest tool for survival is our ability to think and to adapt—as educators, storytellers, and communicators, our responsibility is to continue to do so.”
More specifically, his efforts to improving education included participating in The Giving Pledge. He explained in a letter dated July 2010 that his belief in growing and developing young minds was the reason why he created the organizations Edutopia and the George Lucas Educational Foundation, the latter of which focuses on innovations in the field.
“For 41 years, the majority of my time and money has been put into the company,” Lucas said. “It is gratifying that I have the opportunity to devote more time and resources to philanthropy."
This is the season of reflection, sharing, giving and celebrating. What have you brought into your life this year? What have you shared with others? What do you intend to create in 2013? What vision do you hold for yourself, for your family, and for humanity?
Let’s think big this New Year and merge our ideas -- May the Force be With YOU!