Gates', Bono Top Time's List
Published
Time Magazine named U2's Bono, and Bill and Melinda Gates as the 2005 "Persons of the Year."
The three were chosen for their individual efforts to eradicate disease and poverty in Africa. The Gates Foundation funds projects that focus on public health -- vaccinations, and development of new drugs -- as well as educational projects in the U.S. and around the world.
Bono, who's met with everyone from the Pope to Senator Jesse Helms this year, is well-known for his participation in raising global awareness through concerts like this year's Live 8, which he spearheaded with musicion Bob Geldof. Two things make Bono, "Bono": his outspokenness on global poverty and his signature sunglasses.
According to Forbes, Bill Gates' net worth is around $46.5 billion dollars. As a whole, U2's net worth is estimated to be around $700 million. So it's safe to say it takes money to be generous, but the world is certainly a better place because of it.
Time also named former presidential rivals, Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr., as "Partners of the Year" for their humanitarian efforst after the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.
It's amazing how friendships can develop when there are no special prosecutors in the room.
Time's "Persons of the Year" issue is out on newsstands today.