Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Oprah, Gates & Bloomberg
What do these three iconic (and extremely rich) folks have in common? All three were amongst the most charitable in 2004. The Chronicle of Philanthropy came out with their annual listing of the 60 top donors last year, and Bill and Melinda Gates once again led the pack. The Microsoft gagillionaires decided to donate all of the income from their company's historic dividend payment last year, $3.35 billion worth, to their foundation.
The late Susan T. Buffett, the wife of investment oracle, Warren Buffett, passed all of $2.6 billion of her estate as a bequest upon her death last year. Ms. Buffett was listed second on the list.
New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as we all now, had a job before taking office in 2002. As founder of the Bloomberg media conglomerate he made (and continues to make) a decent living as a private citizen. Well, in 2004 he continued his charitable ways by giving away $138 milion, placing him 10th on the Chronicle's list.
Oprah landed in the #24 spot by giving away $50 million.
The point of all this? NICE feels it is extremely important for all of us to give back, as we are able. I, for instance, don't have a fortune. So I try to give back by publishing this and other publications that help inspire a better world. You too can do something this year to help the greater good. I don't believe those on the Chronicle list deserve more or less applaud for their efforts than you and me. Really and truly, it's the thought that counts.
D. Robert -- New York, NY
The late Susan T. Buffett, the wife of investment oracle, Warren Buffett, passed all of $2.6 billion of her estate as a bequest upon her death last year. Ms. Buffett was listed second on the list.
New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as we all now, had a job before taking office in 2002. As founder of the Bloomberg media conglomerate he made (and continues to make) a decent living as a private citizen. Well, in 2004 he continued his charitable ways by giving away $138 milion, placing him 10th on the Chronicle's list.
Oprah landed in the #24 spot by giving away $50 million.
The point of all this? NICE feels it is extremely important for all of us to give back, as we are able. I, for instance, don't have a fortune. So I try to give back by publishing this and other publications that help inspire a better world. You too can do something this year to help the greater good. I don't believe those on the Chronicle list deserve more or less applaud for their efforts than you and me. Really and truly, it's the thought that counts.
D. Robert -- New York, NY
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Hey D. Robert, as a fellow development officer for a non-profit, do you think it is fair that the Gateses and Buffets should be credited for their giving to their own charity? I think there should be an '*' behind their total.
Jason, I totally agree. It's a fact that does get lost in these kinds of stories. Maybe I should follow-up with a quick tutorial on exactly how those with foundations are giving money away, and how that money doesn't necessarily go to help anyone right away.
Good point.
D.
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Good point.
D.
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