A Conversation with Mitzi Perdue: Service, Storytelling, and Using Innovation to Heal a World in Crisis
About The Episode
In this inspiring and deeply moving episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Mitzi Perdue, author, humanitarian, philanthropist, and war correspondent, to discuss a lifetime devoted to service. Drawing on lessons from her parents, the co-founder of the Sheraton Hotel chain and a family deeply committed to philanthropy, Mitzi shares how generosity became a guiding principle from an early age. Today, at 84 years old, she continues to live those values through her humanitarian work in Ukraine, her reporting on war crimes, and her efforts to bring mental health support to millions of people affected by conflict.
Throughout the conversation, Mitzi reflects on the lessons that shaped her understanding of happiness, purpose, and giving. She recalls her father's belief that "the greatest pleasure that all my money has ever given me is in giving it away" and her mother's reminder that when you have the opportunity to do something good for someone else, act on it quickly. These values became the foundation of a life focused not on accumulating wealth, but on creating impact. Mitzi explains that in both the Henderson and Perdue families, people were valued not for what they owned, but for how much they served others.
A major focus of the discussion centers on Mitzi's work in Ukraine. As a war correspondent with hundreds of published articles, she shares firsthand accounts of the suffering endured by civilians during the ongoing conflict. Yet rather than focusing solely on tragedy, Mitzi highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of telling stories that might otherwise go unheard. She believes storytelling is a form of service, one that preserves truth, honors survivors, and helps the world understand the human cost of war.
The conversation also explores an innovative initiative that combines philanthropy and technology. Recognizing the severe shortage of mental health professionals in Ukraine, Mitzi is helping support the development of an artificial intelligence-based counseling platform designed specifically for Ukrainian citizens experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Available 24 hours a day through smartphones, the tool is intended to provide immediate support when traditional resources are unavailable. What began as a solution for Ukraine may eventually become a model for serving vulnerable populations around the world.
Ultimately, Mitzi's message is both timeless and urgent: a meaningful life is measured not by what we accumulate, but by how we help others. Whether through philanthropy, storytelling, innovation, or simple acts of kindness, every person has the ability to reduce suffering and create hope. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that generosity is not simply an action, it is a way of seeing the world and our responsibility to one another.
Key Takeaways:
- True happiness often comes from giving rather than receiving.
- Storytelling can be a powerful form of service and advocacy.
- Small acts of generosity can create meaningful impact.
- Innovation and technology can help address large-scale humanitarian challenges.
- Mental health support is a critical but often overlooked need in conflict zones.
- Legacy is built through service, compassion, and the lives we touch.
About The Podcast
I'm Rick Peck, also known as "The Philanthropy Guy.” Let's talk about: 1) How nonprofits can most effectively showcase their mission and vision; 2) How donors and potential donors can make the greatest impact possible in the world; and 3) how professional advisors, including philanthropic advisors, can offer the most up-to-date information and services to their clients. After spending almost 20 years in the charitable giving world, I realized it's time to help more nonprofits thrive rather than just survive, while also helping those who have MONEY TO GIVE find top organizations that are deserving of their donations. So join us here for more of that giving feeling!
About Mitzi Perdue
Mitzi Perdue has spent a lifetime proving that generosity is about far more than money. An author, humanitarian, philanthropist, and war correspondent, Mitzi brings a unique perspective shaped by a family legacy of giving and a personal commitment to serving others. In her conversation with Rick on Money to Give, she shares how the values instilled by her parents and reinforced throughout her life continue to guide her work today, from reporting on the war in Ukraine to helping develop innovative solutions for mental health support in conflict zones.
One of the most powerful themes in the conversation is the idea that true fulfillment comes from helping others. Mitzi recalls a lesson from her father, co-founder of the Sheraton Hotel chain, who told her, "The greatest pleasure that all my money has ever given me is in giving it away." Her mother reinforced a similar philosophy, encouraging her children to "put back in the bucket" and to act quickly when they felt inspired to do something kind or generous. Those lessons became the foundation of a life measured not by accumulation, but by contribution.
Today, Mitzi channels those values into her work as a war correspondent in Ukraine. Through hundreds of published articles, she documents stories of resilience, courage, and survival that might otherwise go untold. She believes storytelling itself is an act of service; one that helps people understand suffering, preserves truth, and inspires action. Reflecting on her family's values, she noted that people were never admired for what they owned, but for how much they served others. That perspective continues to shape her approach to philanthropy and humanitarian work.
The conversation also explored an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing the mental health crisis created by war. Recognizing that millions of Ukrainians lack access to counseling and support, Mitzi is helping advance an artificial intelligence-based platform designed to provide culturally relevant mental health assistance through smartphones. While she readily acknowledges that technology cannot replace trained professionals, she views it as a compassionate and scalable solution where traditional resources are scarce. At its heart, the project reflects a simple but profound belief: when people are suffering, we have a responsibility to use every tool available to help.
Mitzi's story reminds us that generosity can take many forms, sharing resources, telling stories, supporting innovation, or simply choosing to care about someone else's struggle. Her life offers a compelling example of how purpose-driven service can create lasting impact across generations and across borders. If philanthropy is ultimately about improving the lives of others, Mitzi demonstrates that there are countless ways to answer that call.