Seems like I’ve been hearing more in the news about the world’s wealthy offering a monetary hand to the needy. So much so that it appears to be, for lack of a better description, “in style”. Perhaps the most noteable recent event is that of Bill Gates stepping down from Microsoft to take a “hands on” role in doling out money through his charitable Gates Foundation. Maybe nothing has changed except that those that are becoming involved are more visible on the public radar. Not to discount long-time philanthropists like Warren Buffett or Rockefeller but it seems there has been an upsurge in recent years in philanthropy, especially in the tech industry. Besides Gates, some of the top givers are Gordon Moore (Intel co-founder), Michael Dell (Dell Computers), Pierre Omidyar (eBay founder).
You can see an entire list of last years top 50 givers here: http://www.businessweek.com/pdfs/2005/0548_philsco.pdf
In a related topic, one of my favorite people (musically and humanitarian-wise), Bono, is involved in a new project that just rolled out called Project (Red). He has worked tirelessy and been a long time advocate for various causes and relief efforts in Africa. This latest one aims at paying for needed Aids medications by consumer spending. Partners include The Gap, Motorola and Apple. So now giving can truly be a stylish effort! 
Anyway, I applaud the effort of these and other people who don’t just sit on their piles of money (and time) and are giving when its needed…right now.