News 24 reports that 40 of America’s billionaires and their families have pledged to give more than half of their fortune to charity in a drive organised by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
The group includes CNN founder Ted Turner, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Hollywood director George Lucas, as well as Microsoft mogul Gates and investment guru Buffett.
“The pledge is a moral commitment to give, not a legal contract,” a statement released on Wednesday by the drive spearheaded by Buffett and Gates said.
Just started
“We’ve really just started, but already we’ve had a terrific response,” Buffett, the chief executive of the investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, said. “At its core, the Giving Pledge is about asking wealthy families to have important conversations about their wealth and how it will be used.”
Bill and Melinda Gates have so far given more than $28 billion to their foundation. Since the foundation began in 1994 it has given away more than $22 billion for health improvements in poor countries and to improve access for Americans to opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.
Sources: Media 24
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what a great story! it’s nice to hear the big wallets have big hearts too