Go Daddy CEO's Humanitarian Mission to Haiti Packed with Surprises

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 9, 2011) - Go Daddy is known for doing things a little differently, so it should be no shock that its CEO and Founder Bob Parsons went to Haiti to deliver medical supplies and see how Go Daddy's donations totaling $1-million were being used … then suddenly decided he wanted to do even more.

While in Haiti in late April, Parsons spontaneously promised to match every donation made by customers who participate in Go Daddy's "Round Up for Charity" initiative aimed at helping Haiti because every penny counts. The program, quietly launched in early April, offers customers the chance to "Round Up" to the nearest dollar on their purchases with money going to help Haiti. So far, generous Go Daddy customers have stepped up to generate $20,000 dollars, meaning Hope for Haiti will get $40,000 including the matching funds ... and counting.

Parsons visited Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes, Haiti with his wife Renee, who heads up Go Daddy Cares, the company's charity division. The couple transported much needed medical supplies. They were hosted by Hope for Haiti, an organization that has worked to help Haitians for 21 years, a Go Daddy partner focused on improving education and healthcare.

Go Daddy wrote a $500,000 check to Hope for Haiti immediately following last year's earthquake and donated an additional $500,000 in late February of this year.

Bob rejects any suggestion the trip was designed to negate recent condemnation over his March visit to Africa. "The idea that I did this to counter any criticism is nonsense," Parsons declared. "This trip was planned months ago, our donations were delivered well before my Zimbabwe trip and the people who know me will tell you, I don't really care what people think about me … I do care about using what success I've had to help those less fortunate."

While on the four-day Haiti tour, Bob and Renee helped pack First Aid kits for primary and secondary schools and sponsored public health education training for rural community leaders. Bob and Renee also walked through a government-run hospital and the Hope for Haiti health clinic, both in Les Cayes. Go Daddy donations helped double the capacity of the clinic, a building transformed from a slaughterhouse into an infirmary.

They also visited with children at a rural elementary school, a local family and students at the Jeunes de Monde School for "Restavek" children, who are essentially indentured servants. One of the most inspiring stops was the Missionaries of Charity, which is an orphanage and health center run by the Mother Theresa order.

"We have worked closely with the sisters for years," said Tiffany Kuehner, President of Hope for Haiti, whose grandmother, JoAnne M. Kuehner D.M., first started working in Haiti in 1989 and founded the organization. "Bob and Renee were able to play with the children and to see, first-hand, all the amazing work being done at the Missionaries of Charity. It provided a viewpoint you just can't explain in words. It's an emotional experience for anyone, but for an American business leader of Bob's caliber to take so much time, to see and listen to the stories of our partners' means a lot. We hope Go Daddy can help attract more attention to this important cause."

Bob recorded segments for his video blog at most every stop on the tour. "We were impressed with how quickly Bob processed the information from the Haitian people and translated it for his viewers," said Elizabeth Davison, Hope for Haiti Executive Director. "We believe getting the word out through Bob's blog will help drive more and more donations. Every little bit counts!"

Go Daddy selected Hope for Haiti right after last year's earthquake precisely because of the way the money is distributed. "When we saw that 95 percent of Hope for Haiti donations go to help the people of Haiti, we knew we had the kind of partner we wanted," Renee pointed out.

During the trip, Bob and Renee spoke through interpreters. Bob repeatedly probed to identify the top priority when it comes to helping Haiti. Most answered, "A better economy." Bob grew pensive at times and pointed out how all people are capable of amazing accomplishments, given the right opportunities. "Education is the key. Teaching people the basics will lead to innovation, adaptation and eventually a better economy - I have no doubt about that," Bob said.

It was in that moment, at the Fre`re Unis de Ravine Sable School, tucked away in the Haitian jungle, where Bob decided he wanted to do more for the Go Daddy-supported school. Bob committed Go Daddy to fund a community survey required for school expansion. It will allow for each person in the area to be questioned about the individual family education needs. The ultimate goal is for the elementary school to expand into the equivalent of a high school.

In addition to the survey, the "Round Up" program matching and the $1-million donation, Bob also stepped up to purchase a vehicle that will transport the Ravine Sable School Director to work each day. After learning Director Rode Petit-Fre`re's "moto" had broken down; Bob secretly arranged to have a new motorcycle purchased in Port-au-Prince delivered to the village. Parsons, an avid motorcyclist, didn't get to see the reaction, but heard it was a magic moment.

"I can tell you Director Rode is the kind of man I want to stand next to - he's making a tremendous difference with the children of Haiti, the future of Haiti. And you know what? At Go Daddy, we are all about making a difference."

Go Daddy Cares donated more than $3-million within the first three months of 2011. Its philanthropic work primarily supports women and children.

For photos or video from the Go Daddy humanitarian mission, please contact PR@GoDaddy.com.

To watch Bob Parsons' video about the Haiti trip, visit www.BobParsons.me.

To learn more about Go Daddy Cares, visit www.GoDaddyCares.com.

To see more about the Round Up for Charity program, visit www.GoDaddy.com/RoundUp.