Dr. Mercola October 11 2007 132,299 views
In 1988, Forbes Magazine listed Chuck Feeney as the 23rd richest American, valued at $1.3 billion (more than both Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump).What they did not know was that Feeney had actually given most of his money away to charitable foundations years earlier, and continues to do so.Feeney is one of the world’s biggest philanthropists, and he’s been giving his money away in secrecy until now.Living by the motto, “I set out to work hard, not to get rich,” Feeney lives a frugal life (he does not own a house nor a car, flies economy class, and wears a $15 watch) according to the upbringing of his blue-collar Irish-American family.Feeney made his fortune by co-founding Duty Free Shoppers (DFS), the world’s largest duty-free retail chain, but used its profits for the good of others."I had one idea that never changed in my mind -- that you should use your wealth to help people,” Feeney said.And so he has, donating more than $4 billion, in 25 years, to fund schools, hospitals, universities, medical research, and human rights in the United States, Vietnam, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and Cuba. Feeney is now in his mid 70s, and he plans to donate the rest of the fortune to The Atlantic Philanthropies, which he co-founded, in his lifetime."There are no pockets in a shroud,” he says.This is an incredibly inspirational story that is a perfect example of how every person has the ability to change the world and contribute to the causes they believe in (even if it is on a much smaller scale). We can all lead by example and give our time, money, and other resources to the things that really matter.If you want to know more about the moving story of Chuck Feeney, check out the new book on his life written by journalist Conor O’Clery, The Billionaire Who Wasn‘t: How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune.
MSNBC September 19, 2007
I do not understand this man at all, why do such a hateful thing to your investers?
How was giving away HIS SHARE hateful to anyone? He spent his lifetime amassing it, it was his to do with as he wished. He could have squandered it during his lifetime on fancy houses, yachts and thousand dollar shower curtains and no one would bat an eye. Now, he's chosen to give away to colleges and universities and medical research facilities what HE EARNED because he never had a desire for a fancy lifestyle and you think he's done a hateful thing??? Give me a break!!!
All things in moderation. Paul advised Timothy to have a little wine to help his stomach problems. It probably did. No one is qualified to judge another, and what we do will return to us in one way or another.
How about: Whatever our circumstances; if we see a need, and it is within the power of our hands to provide that assistance; we just do it. No fanfare, no publicity; just do it. Believe me, it does make one content to know that we have rendered needed aid to another creature, human or animal.
Well said Dee B.
Blessings
Dr. Trudy
Wish I knew how to get ahold of him. A disabled vet facing foreclosure would probably be something he would be interested in.
Mr Feeney made his fortune and gave most away to help others
can any of us say that?
?????
We can be so bitter towards those who crawl out of the crab basket.
I agree...why such a bitter and divided mind? Mr. Feeney may have had a change of heart. one does not know what exatly may have prompted such action(s), nevertheless he is making a difference in various lives of need.
I'm not so sure that we are in a position to analize and judge a genuinely helping heart? How he made his money in the past may well have influenced his decision(s)of the present.
"We can be so bitter toward those who crawl out of the crab basket."
What an excellent way of stating it!!! Mr. Feeney found the secret of true wealth. It sounds like he discovered it early in life.