Making an Impact Now

Give While You Live

Percy Ross gave away $30 million during his lifetime. His motto: “He who gives while he lives also knows where it goes…I’m having a ball, the time of my life.”

Percy didn’t come from money. He grew up poor in the copper country surrounding Laurium, Michigan. He made—and lost—fortunes devising one get-rich-quick-scheme after another.  Eventually, he went from bust to boom with plastic bags and paper boxes—and promptly vowed to give it all away.

At first, Percy’s giving strategy was a bit random.  Once, while riding in the 1978 Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, he tossed $16,500 worth of silver dollars from the back seat of a convertible into the crowd.  Another time, he gave new bikes to 1,050 poor Minneapolis kids. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey told Percy, “…it was the greatest act of kindness I’ve ever seen. You should be writing a newspaper column, like Dear Abby and Ann Landers, and people should know you’re available…Joy, joy, joy, and thanks a million for being such a nice guy.”

Flash forward seven years.  Percy found a way to structure his giving by starting a column for the Register Tribune Syndicate called “Thanks a Million.” The advice and cash giveaway column ran in more than 800 newspapers from 1983-1999 and eventually inspired a companion radio show. Over the years, Percy funded all sorts of requests: a high school science project, repairs to a leaky roof, and even the replacement of a stolen artificial arm. He also rallied support for projects like the Marquette Michigan YMCA.  By appealing to his readers to send $1 each, he helped raise $3.5 million for its construction. The YMCA received over $50,000 in $1 bills.

Once, he told his readers and beneficiaries, “You have given me so much over the years.  In many respects, I’m far richer today than when I started.”

Let’s face it.  Giving feels good. And it’s so rewarding to see the impact of your giving during your lifetime. Partnering with the Foundation gives you advantages. You can consolidate/simplify your annual giving, create a more complex plan utilizing giving strategies, and tap into our community knowledge to inform/increase the impact your plan. As the hub of the philanthropic network on Cape Cod, we are highly experienced in all aspects of philanthropy and knowledgeable about community challenges, resources, opportunities, and nonprofit programs and initiatives. We are an objective, impartial, and constant resource for Cape Cod.