Silent Giver
Most of the rich and the elite few would like to have their philanthropic endeavors be trumpeted in a loud fashion, and for obvious and quite understandable reasons. But no matter how important fame and popularity are to these members of the highest caste of society, such prevalence does not affect Mr. Charles Feeny. Known as Chuck, Feeny is described as one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, and an anonymous one at that.
Feeney started from the ground up, selling liquors to sailors in the ports of Europe. He eventually founded the Duty Free Retail Stores, the world’s largest duty-free chain stores. But his fortune did not blind him to acquire the luxuries other billionaires typically have. He rides the cab or the subway train to get around. He prefers to rent apartments rather than live in a mansion. He does not even fly first-class to travel the world.
The head of Atlantic Philanthropies, Feeney has given away $4 billion since 1982, totally under the radar. But after a long time of giving without people knowing, Feeney finally surfaced and braved the uncertainty of revealing himself as a big shot giver. People may argue that Feeney feels the burden of social responsibility thrust to him. But then, he is entitled to do anything he wants with his money. It is, after all, his for the spending.
Courtney Sale Ross was interviewed by Charlie Rose.
Courtney Ross was profiled on the Forbes 400 list.
