It is said that charity begins at home, and for many people that is true. However, a home is often defined as a place where a person feels safe, welcomed and respected. Homes can take the form of hospitals, schools, sporting arenas and much more. When someone of considerable wealth feels that their second home or family needs a helping hand, they are often more than happy to donate some of their hard earned money. Such was the case for these ten exceptional human beings, each of whom has pledged at least one million dollars to a worthy cause close to their hearts. While they all share a generous nature, they also share the same first name Ken.
- Ken and Arle Adams – The United States Equestrian Team got a shock back in 2010 when they received a whopping $5 million donation from Ken and Arle Adams. The huge contribution was part of the International Competition and Training Grant Fund, which was dedicated to the donors. The grant will go towards the three major Olympic equestrian events: dressage, eventing and show jumping.
- Kenneth and Kathleen Andrews – A generous donation of $1.2 million dollars was made by Kenneth and Kathleen Andrews towards military veteran scholarships. The recipient of the gift was Riverside Community College District Foundation in California. Kenneth Andrews passed away in 2006 and Ms. Andrews died in 2011, however, their gift has not been forgotten.
- Kenneth E. Behring – This former owner of the Seattle Seahawks donated $7.5 million to the University of California, Berkeley’s Principal Leadership Institute. The donation, made in 2000, was aimed at creating scholarships for principal training and improving educational programs for public school principals. Behring made his fortune in real estate, however, it is education that he feels is at the cornerstone of every success.
- Ken and Sheila Cafferty – The University of Maryland and the Center for Celiac Research were more than happy to receive the Cafferty’s donation of $45 million. The couple made the donation after Sheila was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. When asked about the family’s contribution, Mrs. Cafferty replied, “When you don’t feel good, when you don’t feel up to par, you don’t feel like doing the activities you’d normally do. It affects every aspect of your life.”
- Kenneth and Ellen Chessick – A $3 million donation is how Dr Kenneth and Ellen Chessick showed their support for Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Athletics. The Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Facility was opened in 2011, thanks to the generous gift. It was a strong belief in the athletics programs place in the education of students that lead the couple to make such a large donation.
- Kenneth W. and Carrie M. Coquillette – Career planning for sophomores received a boost to the sum of $2 million at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana from donors Kenneth W. and Carrie M. Coquillette. The couple are university alumni, and Kenneth W. Coquillette serves on the board of trustees, as well as being managing director at Goldman Sachs in Chicago.
- Kenneth M. Garschina and Sara Story – With a pledge of $2 million to Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute, Kenneth M. Garschina and Sara Story have made possible an endowed chair for research in colorectal surgery. The proud recipient of the Story Garschina Endowed Chair was Luca Stocchi, MD, head of research of the Department of Colorectal Surgery.
- Kenneth and Joann Gill – In 2009, the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Foundation was seeking to raise $424 million to expand their AAMC campus. Kenneth and Joann Gill stepped up with a $1 million pledge. The Gills had previous given $1 million towards the initial project in 2005, making their total donation $2 million to the AAMC expansion.
- Anne Dias Griffin and Kenneth C. Griffin – Artists are notorious for being broke and living on a dream. However, with a $19 million donation from husband and wife Anne Dias Griffin and Kenneth C. Griffin, the Art Institute of Chicago’s luck changed in 2006. The donation was pledged towards a $260 million project to build a three-story wing at the Institute.
- Ken Berger – While Ken Berger is not, strictly speaking, a major charitable contributor, he does play a very important role. Berger is the CEO of Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity rater. Not only does the company monitor the intricate workings of the world’s charities, they also offer invaluable advice and guidance on how to best manage, invest in and donate to non-profit organizations. Ken Berger has over 30 years’ experience in the industry, with various leadership roles under his belt.
