Shaquille O’Neal’s $1 Million Gift Once Inspired a $156.4 Billion Company Chairman and Bill Gates to Open up Computer Clubs

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the nicest people in the world. A dominant force that scared many a defense on the court, and off it, Shaq was a man who always looked to put smiles on faces. Big Diesel is quite a philanthropist, and his generosity has inspired many. In fact, a donation of $1 million he made inspired AOL, a $156.4 billion company, and Bill Gates to make sizeable donations of their own.

The Boys and Girls Club of America is a national organization with several chapters nationwide, known for providing after-school activities for kids. It is quite a reputable organization with some equally admirable donors and ambassadors. One of whom is O’Neal. In 2000, the four-time NBA Champion made a charitable donation of $1 million to the organization. A gesture that embodies the values he learned from his father Sgt. Phillip Harrison, a military man. And, it is his big heart that has inspired many to follow in his footsteps.

Shaquille O’Neal made a $1 million donation that inspired both Bill Gates and Steve Case

There can be no denying that Shaquille O’Neal is an inspiration to many. The big man is a Hall of Famer, four-time NBA Champion, successful businessman, DJ, and an NBA analyst. A role model through and through.

However, it’s not just young men and women that Shaq inspired. He has had an effect on some of the world’s richest men including Bill Gates and Steve Case. Gates and Case, known for their stints with Microsoft and AOL respectively were greatly influenced by The Big Aristotle’s philanthropy.

In 2000, Sports Illustrated writer Rick Reilly wrote a piece praising Shaq for a variety of reasons. One of them being his great generosity. And, it is in this section of the article that he thanks the former center for his $1 million donation to the Boys and Girls Club of America. A donation that inspired Bill Gates to donate enough for 30 new clubs, and Steve Case to donate 30,000 computers and internet accounts.

“Thanks for being big-time generous. You gave $1 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which inspired Bill Gates to pony up enough for 30 new clubs, which sparked AOL chairman Steve Case to provide 30,000 computers and 30,000 Internet accounts for Boys and Girls Clubs around the country. And they say one person can’t make a difference.”

A lot of money can go a long way. But, that isn’t the only way Shaq has won the hearts of many. He is even willing to dress up in some of the most ridiculous outfits just to brighten up someone’s day.

Shaq has won over many with his ridiculous get-ups including Shaq-a-Claus and Shaq-a-Bunny

A $1 million donation isn’t the only way Shaquille O’Neal has showcased his wonderful personality. The 19-year veteran has proven time and time again that he is willing to do anything for those who look up to him. That includes dressing up in some of the most ridiculous costumes on planet Earth.

Whether it’s Shaq-a-Bunny or Shaq-a-Claus, the big man’s generosity, and kindness knows no limits.

He truly is one of the greatest of all time, both on the court and off it. There will likely never be anyone as loving and caring as the Big Diesel.