Nominate Someone
Do you know someone who's trying to make the world a better place? Are they always helping others, the planet, or both? Here's your chance to shed some much deserved spotlight on them.
Fig Family
A network of people with a common purpose- making the world a better place.
Michael Zabrek
Whole Planet Foundation - Tampa, FL
When Michael Zabrek isn't collecting musical instruments, composing music, and touring with his band Worldwide Zoo, he's busy making a world of a difference at his local Whole Foods Market. There he's not only an employee, but also a prominent fundraiser for the Whole Foods Market's Whole Planet Foundation. The Whole Planet Foundation empowers entrepreneurs through microcredit in global communities where WFM sources products. So far, Whole Foods Market team members have donated $1,812,548 through their paychecks, equaling 10,069 small loans at the current developing world average of $180, in 24 countries around the globe, and empowering over 50,000 individuals to lift themselves out of poverty.
In 2009, in terms of percentage of store sales, Michael raised the most amount of money for the organization through customer donations. Then, in 2010 he raised the most funds company-wide of all cashiers at Whole Foods Market, collecting $8,690. An avid world traveler, Michael won a trip to Guatemala in 2009, as a result of his success in fundraising, where he was able to experience first-hand the lifestyle of the people Whole Planet Foundation assists. There he witnessed 10 people living in an 8'x12' mud walled door-less structure with only an open fire to keep them warm. His experience fueled his passion for the cause. Michael credits his fundraising success to his ability to convey to the customer, by way of his own experiences, just how much these people need help and the absolute difference a donation to Whole Planet Foundation makes, as a little bit of money goes a very long way and 100% of donations go to fund microlending programs. As humble as he is devoted to this cause, Michael is a clear cut example of how one person can truly change the lives of millions of people.
