News Releases

 9/7/06

Heir Tracy Gary to Talk about the Joy of Giving Away Money

Tracy Gary -- best known for creating nonprofits, inspiring others to donate and giving away her own wealth -- will be the keynote speaker at Women Philanthropist for KU's fall luncheon Friday, Sept. 8.


The event is scheduled for noon at KU's K.S. "Boots" Adams Alumni Center.


Gary will speak on the topic: "Women as Changemakers: How KU Women and Their Families are Making a Difference."


A philanthropist for more than 25 years, Gary is a member of the Pillsbury family. Her paternal grandfather also invented the dial telephone. After giving away much of her inheritance, Gary now lives on about $35,000 to $45,000 a year.


Gary told the San Francisco Chronicle last year that she was 25 when she decided to give away "all of my money by the time I turned 35."


"I decided I would also try to inspire other families who were thinking about giving their money away to become social-change donors," Gary told the Chornicle.


She defines philanthropy as being "about volunteering your money and time for the public good."


Gary works to support and educate donors, family foundations, financial service organizations and nonprofits about the stewardship of money, leadership, and philanthropy through Community Consulting Services, which she founded.


She has also founded or help create 17 nonprofits, including Resourceful Women; the Women's Foundation of San Francisco; the International Donor Dialogue Network, The Women Donors Network and the Changemakers Fund.


Tracy has served on 30 boards of directors including the Human Rights Foundation, the International Development Exchange, The Women's Philanthropy Institute and The Older Women's League.


Women Philanthropists for KU is an initiative of KU Endowment that encourages women to support the University through their philanthropy and leadership. Guided by a 33-member advisory board, the effort also explores ways to address the interests of women donors through KU Endowment.


KU Endowment is an independent, non-profit organization serving as the official fund-raising and fund-management organization for the University of Kansas. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

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