Giving Fund Named for ‘Simpsons’ Co-Creator, Palisadian Sam Simon

For the first time in 20 years, Palisadian Sam Simon conducted an interview without a cigar in his mouth.

“I’ve got to keep an eye on my health,” he told the Post.

Last year the nine-time Emmy Award-winning co-creator of “The Simpsons” announced that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and would be giving away his wealth to his favorite charitable causes, including Save the Children, PETA, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and more.

“I have traveled the world with Save the Children and seen their programs firsthand. They support children in the most dire need all over the world and that’s why I’m so thrilled that they have created the Simon Society,” he said. “I’ve lasted 18 months longer than I was supposed to and I am honored that the things I do impact the lives of strangers. I am just trying to ring as much out of my life as I can and it means a lot to me when people tell me that it’s meaningful.”

While Simon has long outlived his prognosis, his generosity has not slowed.

Most recently, a new global philanthropic community called the “Simon Society,” has been named for the long-time benefactor of Save the Children.

“Sam is incredibly compassionate and caring about children,” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children. “In his own understated way, he has made a world of difference for many children over the years through his philosophy of giving back to those in need.  We are honored to name our new giving society after him.”

For nearly three decades, acclaimed writer, producer and director, Simon has been a loyal advocate for children by supporting Save the Children’s top mission priorities, and traveling the world to see the charity’s work up close.

He met former child soldiers in the mountains of Nepal returning to their communities; farmers in coffee-growing areas of Guatemala learning how to grow healthier food for their families; and children in quake-ravaged Haiti returning to school in a newly built safe classroom.

“When you’re traveling to the poorest places in the world you get to see people who, in spite of the lack of material happiness, are smiling. It does teach you something,” Simon said. “When I was watching the World Cup and their coverage of the science behind the balls they use, I was thinking of those kids who are still going to play with balls made of rags and wire and newspaper and still find joy from the game.”

The Simon Society recognizes generous supporters and emphasizes the importance of giving to the agency’s mission by making an unrestricted gift at various contribution levels.

Unrestricted gifts give Save the Children the flexibility to apply the donation to help children wherever and whenever the need is greatest.

Through their donations, Society members will follow in the footsteps of Simon.

“In my 30 years of giving to Save the Children, I’ve never put a restriction on my donation,” said Simon. “I’ve always said, ‘What do I know about this?’ The people that actually run Save the Children would know better than me about what to do with the money. Every time there’s a Save the Children victory, you know you’re helping the lives of children most in need all over the world.”

Simon Society members who donate $10,000 or more will be recognized for their generosity, and will get to enjoy exclusive activities like visiting a Save the Children field program, meeting with senior Save the Children staff or attending a VIP reception at a Save the Children event.  To learn more, or to join the Simon Society, go to www.savethechildren.org/SimonSociety.