Airbnb co-founder offers $2.1 million in stock to graduates of his alma mater Gwinnett – WSB-TV Channel 2

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Feb 2, 2023

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The graduates of Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County are now a bit richer after a gift from their graduation speaker.

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, a graduate of Brookwood High School in 2000, was the keynote speaker at the school’s opening Wednesday night.

During her speech, Gebbia offered the 890 graduates 22 Airbnb shares each.

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As of Wednesday’s market close, Airbnb shares were sold for $110.40 apiece, meaning the 22 shares each student received totaled about $2,428.80. For the 890 students, that would bring Gebbia’s total donation to about $2.1 million.

“It comes with a small request. When you have doubts about yourself, your dreams, or your ability to achieve them, say to yourself, ‘Yes, I can,’” Gebbia told graduates.

He also suggested that they invest the money from these stocks in their dreams.

“When you see these stocks years from now, please invest them in your dreams. Don’t spend it all on crypto,” he joked.

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Earlier this school year, Gebbia created a $700,000 endowment at Brookwood High School. $500,000 of this endowment will go to the Visual and Creative Arts program. The remaining $200,000 will support the school’s track and provide running shoes for the cross-country team for the next five years.

“To have someone like Mr. Gebbia come back and give back in a very deliberate way is very, very special,” said Brookwood manager Bo Ford.

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