I realize that this isn’t library related — but I think its very cool. A few weeks ago, Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, makes the announcement that he will step down and continue to spend his vast fortune through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (which does help libraries). Well today, Warren Buffet announced that he will be giving away 37 of his 40 billion dollar fortune (37 billion dollars — 37 billion dollars!) and this could be worth more when you consider that this is 37 billion dollars of his fortunes current value (which is tied up in stock). He will be splitting this gift five ways, with the Gates foundation getting ~30 billion dollars — giving the foundation some 60-70 billion dollars to tackle social issues.
I think this is very cool. I hope many other wealthy folks will follow the example of these two and look to use their vast fortunes to help move society forward.
[update]
Forgot to include the URL: http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/25/magazines/fortune/charity1.fortune/index.htm?cnn=yes
–tr