Salesforce summit reinforces message: Share it
A-list execs, product pitches, schmooze opportunities and bands a little past their prime.
They'll hear from Haiti's prime minister about how they can donate time and money to aid the country in its recovery from the catastrophic earthquake in 2010.
When he founded the online business software company in 1999, Benioff instituted the 1/1/1 program, a pledge to donate 1 percent of equity, 1 percent of employees' time and 1 percent of the firm's products to charity.
Last month, they announced a $2.7 million grant to San Francisco's middle schools, along with a promise to provide more once the school district maps out a plan for putting it to best use.
The tech industry is filled with young men and women singularly focused on building products and companies.
Charity often isn't top of mind even after they make fortunes from IPOs or acquisitions, said Mark Laret, CEO of UCSF Medical Center.
"Nothing makes you feel better than philanthropy," he said at the Full Circle Fund annual benefit in the city last week.
When he founded Salesforce three years later, Benioff was determined to integrate philanthropy as a core tenant, ensuring that giving would scale up along with the business.