Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, announced On Friday, Eva Longoria and Admiral Bill McRaven were this year's winners of the annual Bezos Courage and Civility Award.
The price, which was established in 2021, RECOGNIZES those who “aim high, pursue solutions with courage and always do so with civility”. Longoria and McRaven each received $50 million to give to causes of their choice.
(L-R) Lili Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Ana Navarro, William H. McRaven and Eva Longoria attend the 2024 Bezos Courage and Civility Awards on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for the Bezos Courage and Civility Awards)
Longoria, an actress, film producer and entrepreneur, received the award for her efforts to strengthen education and entrepreneurship in the Latino community. Longoria founded one FOUNDATION in 2012 with one MISSION of “unlocking the full potential of Latinos.”
Longoria told CNN she will use the award to continue investing in the Latino community.
Connected: Jeff Bezos still uses one of Amazon's famous “door desks” from the 90s – Here's why
“Latinos in the U.S. are a rapidly growing group with tremendous potential, but we disproportionately lack the infrastructure opportunities we need, and I'm excited to invest in this opportunity,” Longoria added.
Admiral Bill McRaven, a retired four-star US Navy admiral and former special operations commanderwas recognized for it ongoing working to support veterans and their children.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award from Lauren and Jeff,” McRaven said in a press release. “Their generous gift will truly change the lives of countless veterans and their families. Nothing is more inspiring to those who serve than to know that their sacrifice is recognized and truly appreciated.”
McRaven said in a statement to CNN that he wants to direct the $50 million award into three areas of focus: educating children of deceased veterans, veterans' mental health and helping to educate future military leaders.
Connected: Jeff Bezos plans to give most of his fortune, a new $100 million grant to Dolly Parton
Longoria and McRaven join the ranks of previous award winners, including Van Jones, José Andrés and Dolly Parton.
Bezos said CNN in 2022 that he intends to give away most of his fortune during his lifetime.
Bezos is the second-richest person in the world as of press time, according to The Bloomberg Billionaires Indexwith a net worth of $201 billion.