Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Bethenny Frankel has carved out a unique path in philanthropy.
While the entrepreneur may be previously known for her Skinnygirl cocktails and other entrepreneurial endeavors, Frankel's dedication to disaster relief through her B Strong initiative reveals a different side of the TV personality.
Amid the California wildfires –– which have been raging through the Los Angeles area since Tuesday, January 7 –– Frankel, mobilized B Strong with swiftness.
"We are immediate responders," she told Newsweek, discussing her commitment to delivering aid while the crisis is still unfolding, "We arrive while the disaster is still occurring and quickly assess where aid is most needed... We provide crisis boxes with everything a victim needs at phase zero when they have nothing. This includes water bottles, hydration packets, hygiene kits, toiletries, laundry wipes, socks, children's needs, first aid, gloves, and other essentials." Frankel also revealed that B Strong "distributes cash cards" in certain communities to maintain victims' dignity, allowing them to purchase whatever goods they need.
But Frankel also recognizes the need for long-term support. "We receive housing grants, we relocate, we rebuild, and we restore faith in humanity," she stated, emphasizing that B Strong's commitment extends far beyond immediate relief.
Her partnership with Michael Capponi from Global Empowerment Mission further enhances B Strong's effectiveness. Capponi's logistical expertise complements Frankel's strategic vision, creating a powerful force in the world of disaster relief, "I created all the models and systems... Michael is an excellent operator who executes my vision to perfection." Frankel mentioned how her commitment to transparency and accountability cruicial. "Dignity, transparency, and clarity in charity is critical," she proclaimed. "We are first to arrive, last to leave, we are lean and efficient, and simply put, no one has ever done or does what we do."
Frankel has little patience for bureaucratic red tape. "We deliver aid directly," she asserted. "We run our own game and give aid and money directly to the people — no marketing, no events, no waste," she noted, which allows B Strong to operate with remarkable efficiency.
Her partnership with Michael Capponi from Global Empowerment Mission further enhances B Strong's effectiveness. "Michael is an excellent operator who executes my vision to perfection," she said. Frankel's commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering. "Dignity, transparency, and clarity in charity is critical," she proclaims. "We are first to arrive, last to leave, we are lean and efficient, and simply put, no one has ever done or does what we do."
This dedication to doing good has earned Frankel respect and admiration from those who witnessed her work firsthand. But beyond the logistics, there's a deeper motivation driving the RHONY star's philanthropic endeavors. "The mental health issue will be debilitating for victims and firefighters if not handled head-on," she observed.
Frankel's personal journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, has undoubtedly shaped her approach to helping others. "It's the entire thing," she reflected about her entrepreneurial background. "This is a business just not for profit. I never waste money or time and have always been a machine. I'm unstoppable and untouchable in this space. I have an extraordinary work ethic and discipline," she lamented. "My partner Michael at Global Empowerment Mission is a machine as well. We are a force together with entirely different and equally valuable skill sets. It's the most successful marriage I've ever had," she said of her business partner. "This is a model that I envisioned and am the architect of and Michael is the General contractor."
Frankel's vision extends beyond simply providing aid, as she is determined to empower disaster victims to become their own advocates. "We create communities and connectivity between victims so they have a network," she shared. "We teach them to advocate for themselves and to realize that there is strength and pride in asking for help."
B Strong and its partnership with Global Empowerment Mission recently hit over $408 million in aid raised, and an additional $24 million raised in donations and cash since the California wildfires began.
English (US) ·