by Marc A. Pitman | Mar 13, 2014 | 2. Engage, 4. Love (Stewardship), Odd, Unassuming Philanthropists
Today The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported about Lotta Fields. According to the New York Times, Ms. Fields was an avid reader and a regular donor to the New York Public Library. Her regular gifts were only described as “modest.” But when she died, she...
by Marc A. Pitman | Dec 19, 2013 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, Odd, Unassuming Philanthropists
Did you hear the latest story about an unassuming millionaire? According to Foster’s Daily Democrat, Ron Newell was a quiet truck driver in Dover, NH. He liked kids and animals, especially dogs. Last August, Mr. Newell passed away at the age of 78. Last week,...
by Marc A. Pitman | Mar 26, 2013 | 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Odd, Unassuming Philanthropists
This man, Albert Lexie, shines shoes at a hospital in Pittsburgh. Over the last 30 years, he’s given all his tips to the charity care fund at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. That’s added up to $200,000 so far! From a shoe shine guy! All that...
by Marc A. Pitman | May 16, 2011 | 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Odd, Unassuming Philanthropists
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported of a couple of $4 million gifts give to surprised nonprofits. According to the story, a Pasadena couple, Robert and Adrienne Westerbeck, gave $4 million to each of their alma maters. As is typical in stories like this (and...
by Marc A. Pitman | Sep 22, 2009 | 2. Engage, 3. Ask, Fundraising Secrets, Odd, Samples & Tools, Unassuming Philanthropists
Do you remember Jean Preston, the unassuming librarian who’d amassed an $8 million estate? Or Helene Whitlock Alley, the $100 donor that bequethed $7.3 million to a diabetes group. Well here’s another entry in the never underestimate anyone category:...
