| Notes |
Charity
Main article: Absolute Return for Kids
Busson is a proponent of "venture philanthropy",[17] which seeks to multiply the effectiveness of charitable pursuits by applying to them the same management practices which are used in business ventures.
He is a founding trustee of the children's charity ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) and serves as chairman of its board of directors.[18] Busson held the post of Chairman since the charity's inception. He stepped down from that position in 2009 but remains a member of the Board as founding chairman, and as chairman of ARK US. ARK raises charitable contributions from the hedge fund industry for children who are victims of abuse, disability, illness and poverty.[citation needed] ARK finances and manages projects aimed at transforming the lives of children in Eastern Europe, South Africa and the UK through education and healthcare.[19]
The annual Ark Dinner hosted by Busson sees a range of high-profile individuals attend the event to raise money for the charity. Previous years have seen the likes of Bill Clinton (2006),[20] Queen Rania of Jordan (2010)[21] and in 2011 the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took the limelight as Prince William announced a joint venture by the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and the Ark charity.[22]
Its activities include funding treatment for AIDS victims in Africa, taking children out of care in Bulgaria and Romania and developing educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in India.[23] It also operates eight academies, six of which are in London, through its subsidiary charity ARK Academies.[24]
Busson says of ARK, "If we can apply the entrepreneurial principles we have brought to business to charity, we have a shot at having a really strong impact, to be able to transform the lives of children."[4]
He is a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation[25] and a founding member of Theodora Children's Trust,[26] a charity which brings music, magic and laughter to children in hospital through visits from performers known as "Giggle Doctors". |