In the wake of Ted Turner’s pledge of $1 billion to fund the United Nations humanitarian programs, charity donations are back in the spotlight. Turner himself called on other high wage-earners to give more a particularly interesting challenge in Los Angeles, which is notorious for its lack of philanthropic spirit. The Business Journal Forum asks:

Do you think people in L.A. will follow Turner’s challenge and donate money to charity?

Eduardo Ochao

Dean

College of Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona

“I think Ted Turner’s gift will increase pressure on wealthy individuals like Bill Gates to give to charities. How and when they respond to that pressure remains to be seen. Otherwise, probably not. Companies make their decisions based on overall company strategy and their responsibility to shareholders.

Rebecca Shehee

Senior Development Officer

Good Samaritan Hospital

“In a best-case scenario, Ted Turner’s action will set the stage for corporations and individuals to follow his lead. Anytime such a generous gift is given it highlights the importance of philanthropy. However, we haven’t yet noticed any increase in contributions, but we are optimistic.

Wallace Steiner

Vice President,

southwest region

Tiffany and Co.

“I think that this will be a very individual decision for L.A. companies. It is a nice partnership when businesses give back to the community, whether it is $1,000 or $1 billion, and I hope to see some companies donate money to charities. But there is a dollar reality that will probably moderate good intentions.

Kathryn Bishop

Executive Producer

Shadowrock Productions

“Yes, I do. Ted Turner is respected as a businessman and as a creative person, and people in the community and companies are likely to follow his lead. Also, charity donations offer good tax advantages, great P.R. and, of course, emotional satisfaction.

Joe Haggerty

President,

United Way

“I hope so. Ted Turner has been preaching that people who can afford it should start giving to charities, and he set the benchmark. Maybe now people will see that the time to begin giving is while you’re alive.”

Charlotte Lazar-Morrison

Principal Director, human resources

Aerospace Corp.

“We’ll see a greater emphasis on giving. But I think we’ll see a greater donation of time and manpower through volunteer work than hard money.”