Todd's commitment to philanthropy didn't stop there; he expanded his influence by launching a radio show that connected him with celebrities to discuss their favorite causes. His passion for making a difference culminated in a foundation which aimed to provide music programs for Syrian refugee children in Jordan, as well as the impactful t-shirt campaign for Lebanon in the wake of the Beirut explosion.
Todd emphasizes the importance of using influence for good, whether it's through celebrity involvement, high-net-worth individuals, or corporations. He discusses the challenges of choosing causes to support and his role in helping people identify meaningful charitable endeavors.
AM: What inspired you to transition from a career in law to one in philanthropy?
Todd Krim: I began my career as a healthcare attorney in California. After five or six years, I started to feel bored and wanted to contribute more to the community. I began volunteering at charity events and eventually started organizing my own, which I named "Parties with a Purpose." These events were cocktail receptions hosted by celebrities, with proceeds going to different charities.
AM: What set your charity events apart from others?
Todd Krim: They stood out from traditional galas. I aimed to create enjoyable, three-hour cocktail parties at different venues, showcasing lesser-known charities that could benefit from more exposure. I also made it a point to have a celebrity host at each event to enhance its appeal.
AM: And how did you go about expanding your connections within the entertainment industry?
Todd Krim: I launched a radio show where I interviewed celebrities about their favorite charities and causes. This initiative allowed me to forge relationships with numerous celebrities and broaden my network within the entertainment industry.
AM: Can you explain the Day Dream Foundation project?
Todd Krim: The Day Dream Foundation was established to create a music program and recording studio for Syrian refugee children in a camp in Jordan. The inspiration for this project came from a trip I made to Jordan, where I discovered the absence of formal music programs for refugee children. We invited Ellie Goulding to Jordan to lend her support to the camp and the initiative and the kids really enjoyed her presence..
AM: Could you describe the t-shirt campaign you organized for Lebanon in 2020?
Todd Krim: I partnered with designer Zuhair Murad to launch a t-shirt campaign aimed at supporting Lebanon following the Beirut explosion in August 2020. We reached out to celebrities who admired Murad's work. The campaign resulted in the sale of over 20,000 t-shirts and initially raised over $300,000, eventually exceeding a total of one million dollars.
AM: Let's talk about your prominent client, Make-A-Wish…
Todd Krim: Make-A-Wish International is included in my portfolio, and I have also collaborated with Make-A-Wish America and Make-A-Wish Los Angeles. Last summer, I assisted in organizing a charity event for Make-A-Wish International at the Monte Carlo Television Festival.
AM: What is your current business focus?
Todd Krim: I operate a creative consulting agency where I represent charities, brands, high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and anyone with a platform capable of making a difference. My role is to assist them in identifying ways to create a positive impact, frequently by connecting them with charities or organizing charitable trips.
AM: Finally, what would you say to those who have the means to help but often wonder if their contribution will make a difference?
Todd Krim: First and foremost, don't give up. Secondly, let's sit down and have a conversation. We can discuss what you're passionate about and explore how we can work together to demonstrate the impact your donation will make. Instead of just writing a check, let's engage in the work together. I refer to my approach as experiential philanthropy; I aim to immerse people in the experience. For instance, I built a recording studio that allows me to bring people back for tours where they can interact with the kids and perform with them. This way, they can see firsthand where their contributions are going.
Photos by Adam Amouri.