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Undercover millionaire makes a difference

Original post made on Jul 10, 2012

When Danville resident Hilary DeCesare set out to ensure online safety for children with a website, she didn't expect to change lives. But an appearance on ABC's reality series, "Secret Millionaire," which premiered July 8, changed DeCesare's life and business.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, July 9, 2012, 3:33 PM

Comments (12)

Posted by Caesar
a resident of Blackhawk
on Jul 10, 2012 at 7:10 am

Hilary and her story are very impressive but I'm guessing one part is incorrect.

Everloop is not why she is a millionaire- It is a Internet startup, with little funding.

I'm speculating her husband, Michael, is the source of their high net worth. He is highly compensated as co president of Mcafee, wholly owned by Intel, ran sales before it was bought by Intel, previously was at EMC through the acquisition of Documentum where he was a pre IPO executive, following early career in sales at Oracle. (His moves from Documentum-EMC-Mcafee-Intel all followed his boss Dave Dewalt.)

Sorry to drag this up but since the story claims she is a "self made" millionaire due to her ceo role at startup everloop, it is fair game.


Posted by Mom
a resident of Alamo
on Jul 10, 2012 at 11:19 am

Thanks for the info Debbie Downer!


Posted by Pleasanton Dad
a resident of another community
on Jul 10, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Having watched the episode of Secret Millionaire that featured DeCesare, I was impressed with the degree to which the writer of this story captured her personality. I could really feel and hear her through Ms. Altman's prose.

I appreciate Caesar filling in the picture (I wondered if she had a husband), but the fact that DeCesare might not actually be a self-made millionaire is not terribly relevant, in my view. She is a woman from means and affluence who chose to leave her comfortable environment and seek those deserving of a break in life. That is what makes for compelling television and an engaging story, which Altman tells well.


Posted by social eye
a resident of Danville
on Jul 10, 2012 at 1:34 pm

I watched that episode and was touched by Hilary's obvious caring and how she was affected by the people she met. While the source of her giving is irrelevant, but that she gave is more important, facts are facts, and they should be correct. Otherwise, she should have simply gone out on her own and donated anonymously, without all the attention that was put upon her before potential millions of viewers. If what she did does cause others with accurate stories to come and 'pay it forward', then her efforts outweigh any questions about the nebulous background of her financial source.


Posted by Nancy
a resident of Danville
on Jul 10, 2012 at 9:19 pm

El crocko of stuff..Hillary is NOT self made ..She married the bucks..


Posted by Alamo resident
a resident of Alamo
on Jul 11, 2012 at 7:02 am

The source of Hilary DeCesare's funds are unimportant to me. Buried in the story, is that she attends Community Presbyterian Church, as we do. I don't know HIlary personally, but as a CPC member, we are encouraged to reach out into our communities and to make a difference in helping others. She stepped out of her comfort zone and shared her many financial blessings with strangers. You don't have to be a Millionaire to go onto cpcgoodworks.org and check out the many opportunities to help others.

I was moved and touched by Hilary's effort and story. Our President continues to polarize our country and you don't have to be a member of the 1% 'to reach out with a grateful heart to help others. In my book, God Bless Hilary and thank you for the positive changes she has made in many people's lives.


Posted by Julie Krommenhoek
a resident of Danville
on Jul 11, 2012 at 10:08 am

I do know Hilary and I've worked with her on school projects and she is incredibly bright, efficient and easy to work with, and definitely capable of earning millions, and whether she has or not is unimportant. What she has done, with both Everloop and Secret Millionaire, is wonderful. If more people used whatever skills or funds they have in the manner that she has used hers, the world would be a better place.

I encourage you all to use our Alamo resident's advice and go on cpcgoodworks.org or find another way to use your resources to help those in need as well. We are very fortunate around here and I appreciate Hilary showing people that we can make a difference with whatever we have.


Posted by Marie
a resident of Diablo
on Jul 11, 2012 at 5:56 pm

I have this on DVR and can’t wait to see it. I think it is pretty cool to have someone from our “backyard” doing something to help make a difference in a positive way.


Posted by Jean
a resident of Danville
on Jul 16, 2012 at 7:42 am

I don't care that Hilary married into money, I don't care if she did it in front of millions or privately. I doubt the people that received the money to continued in their helping of others care either. The publicity didn’t just show off Hilary, it also helped show the world that there are good people that care for others. There is enough negative in this world, let's look at the positive and appreciate her caring and generosity.


Posted by Gina
a resident of Diablo
on Jul 16, 2012 at 5:14 pm

I know Hilary and have for a long long time. It matters not where the money came from. What does matter is that she shared it with some very worthy people.
Hilary comes from a very nice family and her generosity is heartfelt.
What did you want to accomplish Caesar with your information? And why do you feel you needed to post that? Totally rude and only makes YOU look bad, not Hilary.
A tad jealous perhaps??


Posted by Lisa
a resident of Danville
on Jul 18, 2012 at 8:13 am

Hilary demonstrated selflessness and service to help others in need. It is what we are all called upon to do and I respect and appreciate her for doing so. How much better this world would be if we all followed her example! I hope that any negative comments fall by the wayside. I am proud to have you as a neighbor, Hilary. You go girl!


Posted by Name hidden
a resident of Monte Vista High School

on Jun 2, 2017 at 1:26 am

Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?


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