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Businessman's Life Goal Is to Give Away His Fortune

At 84, Tom White has almost achieved his life's goal—to give away his entire fortune. White is a Boston businessman who has given away $75 million. When people ask him "why," he responds with "give me three reasons I shouldn't," and then proceeds to give three reasons he should: "I can't take it with me, my kids are okay, and my wife's taken care of." He'll also tell you, "I'm motivated a lot by what Jesus wants me to do…and I think he wants me to help make the world a better place."

Tom White has been on the boards of Harvard Divinity School, Boston College, the JFK Library, and the New England Patriots (his company built Foxboro Stadium). But his proudest relationship is with the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, Haiti. He's involved in health and justice projects there. When his alma mater, Harvard University, calls for a donation, he says, "For God's sake, you've got $15 billion over there, and I've got people over here starving to death. You tell me what should I do." Then with a chuckle he adds, "I still give $1,000 a year so my classmates will talk to me."

Tom White's one regret? "I'm sorry I don't have more money to give away."

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