“The First International Bank of Bob: Adventures in Global Microfinance” will be the topic of a presentation on Saturday, September 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Claudia Boettcher Theatre at The Masters School. The presentation, which is free of charge and open to the public, features guest speaker Bob Harris, a global microfinance guru, who is also an author, comedian, TV writer, New York Times contributor, quiz show champ, and former AP award-winning syndicated radio commentator.
Bob’s adventures in global microfinance began in 2008, when he was hired by Forbes Traveler to circle the globe while helping to compile the magazine’s annual list of the finest accommodations on earth. Instead, he was overwhelmed by the contrast between rich and poor. As a result, he lent every dime of his Forbes paychecks in small amounts to more than 1,500 entrepreneurs in 52 countries on five continents via the online lending platforms Kiva.org, Babyloan.org, and Rangde.org. He then lent the money out a second time once the first round of loans was repaid. To date, every single loan has been paid back.
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Come and hear Bob describe his travels across five continents to follow the online loan process from his desk to the ultimate recipients and learn what a difference a microloan can make in changing lives. As he notes on his website, “Because the loans are organized across communities, traditional collateral isn’t necessary. Personal accountability and the community’s need for future loans are sufficient to drive repayment rates above 98 percent—a figure commercial lenders can only dream of.”
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Admission and parking are free of charge for this presentation. For additional information, please contact Gillian Crane at gillian.crane@mastersny.org
The Masters School (www.mastersny.org) is a coed day and boarding school that engages fifth-twelfth grade students in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Located on a majestic 96-acre suburban campus, the 135-year-old school is just 35 minutes from New York City.
