The Mexican telecommunications billionaire Carlos Slim Helú does not seem to like appearing in public, but he apparently could not resist an invitation from the Colombian pop star Shakira and about a dozen other Latin music stars. Mr. Slim was on hand in Mexico City for the announcement of two free rock concerts to raise awareness of ALAS, a foundation started byShakira and other musicians. The concerts were scheduled to be held on Saturday in Mexico City and Buenos Aires.The goal of ALAS, which means “wings” in Spanish, is to press business leaders and governments to finance early-childhood development programs in Latin America. The foundation claimed a major success on Thursday: Mr. Slim pledged $110 million to children’s programs. Mr. Slim sat stiffly in a leather chair during the press conference last week, but he appeared to loosen up backstage when Shakira planted a kiss on his cheek. Also in attendance was Howard Buffett (son of the billionaire Warren E. Buffett), who pledged $85 million to existing Latin American projects. “When Shakira calls, you show up, so here I am,” said Mr. Buffett, who noted that he did not usually publicize his philanthropy.
news source : http://www.nytimes.com/
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